https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser en-au Podomatic RSS Generator Fri, 10 Jan 2025 18:01:25 +0000 News,Sydney Copyright 2025 2ser Current Affairs from Radio 2SER-FM 107.3 episodic false no https://assets.podomatic.net/ts/2a/6e/f6/2ser/1400x1400_611621.jpg https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser 2ser Selected reports from "Razors Edge" - a weekly news program on Radio 2SER FM. (Sat 1-2pm) To contact 2SER visit www.2ser.com https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-12-15T04_40_27-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-12-15T04_40_27-08_00 Sat, 15 Dec 2012 12:40:27 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-12-15T04_40_27-08_00 2ser news 343 false Australian’s love a swim at the beach and the lifeguards in Sydney are considered among the best in the world. In fact many of us would be hesitant to go swimming at the beach and would have serious second thoughts about letting our children swim if there wasn't any lifeguards on-hand to protect us. But what many of you might not know is that some of Sydney’s most popular beaches, Bronte and Tamarama are not patrolled over the Winter months from the beginning of June until mid-September. During this time, many rescues go on by local surfers, or off-duty lifeguards. Many of these locals feel it will take a catastrophe before lifeguards are employed full-time at these beaches. Matt Hogan has the story. Australian’s love a swim at the beach and the lifeguards in Sydney are considered among the bes... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-12-15T02_37_29-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-12-15T02_37_29-08_00 Sat, 15 Dec 2012 10:37:29 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-12-15T02_37_29-08_00 2ser news 457 false The New South Wales/A.C.T. Alcohol Policy Alliance have released a report which claims that based on patterns from previous years, there will be around 300 deaths and 12 000 hospitalisations from heavy drinking this Summer. One of the recommendations of the report is that Sydney venues follow the model employed in Newcastle that was set-up to counter the violence there and has been moderately successful. The Newcastle model includes measures like earlier closing times, a 1am lock-out and no shots or strong drinks after 10pm. 2ser’s Matt Hogan spoke to Michael Thorn, the Chief Executive from the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education. The New South Wales/A.C.T. Alcohol Policy Alliance have released a report which claims that b... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-12-14T22_29_54-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-12-14T22_29_54-08_00 Sat, 15 Dec 2012 06:29:54 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-12-14T22_29_54-08_00 2ser news 409 false The Peace and Conflict Studies Centre at Sydney University has vowed to continue its support for the international boycott of the Israeli government, despite more than a week of negative coverage in the Murdoch press. The Australian newspaper has run ten straight days of critical coverage of the centre and its Director, Associate Professor JAKE LYNCH. Lynch declined to assist an Israeli academic with an education exchange application, saying he supports the international BDS movement, which stands for boycotts, sanctions and divestment. Despite immense pressure Lynch says he won’t back down to bullying and is sticking with the campaign. He told 2SER’s Mark Robinson that international opinion is turning against Israel’s occupation of Palestinian land. The Peace and Conflict Studies Centre at Sydney University has vowed to continue its support for ... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-12-08T06_27_21-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-12-08T06_27_21-08_00 Sat, 08 Dec 2012 14:27:21 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-12-08T06_27_21-08_00 2ser news 243 false The Randwick City Council has announced a campaign to stop back-packers setting up in popular beach-side car-parks this Summer. The campaign focuses on dawn patrols by Police to enforce the no-camping policy in areas such as the Clovely beach car-park and at Coogee. Randwick Mayor, Tony Bowen, said that back-packers were disturbing the areas with excessive littering, loud noise and even leaving toilet waste near where they stay. Mayor Bowen says this is unacceptable and that rate payers should not have to pick up the cleaning bill. However, moving back-packers out of one area might just be creating a problem for another area. 2ser’s Matt Hogan spoke to Bondi resident, Prue Clarke about the issue The Randwick City Council has announced a campaign to stop back-packers setting up in popular... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-12-08T06_12_32-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-12-08T06_12_32-08_00 Sat, 08 Dec 2012 14:12:32 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-12-08T06_12_32-08_00 2ser news 290 false As the Doha round of negotiations on Climate Change continue, the CIA have released a report on the likely impacts a warming climate will have on the world. The report, based on a variety of sources including the most comprehensive study of ice core samples ever conducted, found that during the last century the planet heated up faster than at any other time in the earth’s history and that trend is set to continue. The report states that international governments are ill-prepared to deal with the catastrophic weather patterns and as such Climate Change is set to become one of the leading threats to national security and world peace in the 21st century. 2ser’s Rory O’Gorman spoke to the author of the CIA report John D Stienbrenner director of the centre for international security studies at the University of Maryland. As the Doha round of negotiations on Climate Change continue, the CIA have released a report ... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-12-07T22_55_16-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-12-07T22_55_16-08_00 Sat, 08 Dec 2012 06:55:16 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-12-07T22_55_16-08_00 2ser news 323 false The internet has become as much a part of our daily lives as driving and eating. But who actually controls the internet? The International Telecommunications Union or the ITU is the United Nations agency responsible for information and communication technologies. Recently the ITU hosted the World Conference on International Communication where 178 countries met to update a treaty on internet security originally signed in 1988. However, many people have voiced their concern that this conference was just an opportunity for powerful nations and multi-national corporations to seize control of the internet. 2SER’s Joel Moss spoke to Associate Law Professor, Melissa de Zwart, from the University of Adelaide, about the World Conference and the fight for internet control. The internet has become as much a part of our daily lives as driving and eating. But who a... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-12-07T22_37_56-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-12-07T22_37_56-08_00 Sat, 08 Dec 2012 06:37:56 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-12-07T22_37_56-08_00 2ser news,israel 382 false Relations between Australia and Israel remain tense after the Foreign Minister Bob Carr called in Israel’s ambassador on Tuesday, to convey strong concern over plans to expand settlements on Palestinian land. Carr told the ambassador that building new settlements threatens the viability of a two-state solution. Israel announced the plan just a day after the historic vote to give Palestinians observer status at the UN. In that vote, Australia abstained, which was viewed as a shift away from always supporting Israel on the international stage. So why is the Gillard government taking a different approach to Israel and will it have any lasting impact? 2SER’s Mark Robinson spoke with journalist and author Antony Loewenstein. Relations between Australia and Israel remain tense after the Foreign Minister Bob Carr called ... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-12-07T22_31_35-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-12-07T22_31_35-08_00 Sat, 08 Dec 2012 06:31:35 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-12-07T22_31_35-08_00 2ser news 303 false Washington has become the first US state to legalise the recreational use of Marijuana. Those over the age of 21 are now able to possess and use up to 28 grams of the drug in private areas. Although some US states do allow cannabis use for medicinal purposes, Washington is the first to legalise it for entertainment. 2SER’s Sam Buckingham-Jones spoke with Professor Alison Ritter, Director of the Drug Policy Modelling Program at the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre. Washington has become the first US state to legalise the recreational use of Marijuana. ... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-12-01T06_04_45-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-12-01T06_04_45-08_00 Sat, 01 Dec 2012 14:04:45 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-12-01T06_04_45-08_00 2ser news 352 false A Senate inquiry into the adequacy of unemployment benefits has decided not to recommend an increase, despite general agreement that the payment is too low to live on. At just $245 a week the Newstart allowance is well below the official poverty line and has been criticised by unions, charities and leading business groups. The two Labor MP’s on the committee did push for a rise, as did the Greens, but they were out voted by Coalition members. The Saint Vincent De Paul Society has bitterly attacked the outcome saying it humiliates the unemployed. Chief Executive Dr John Falzon spoke with 2ser’s Mark Robinson. A Senate inquiry into the adequacy of unemployment benefits has decided not to recommend an i... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-12-01T02_18_41-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-12-01T02_18_41-08_00 Sat, 01 Dec 2012 10:18:41 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-12-01T02_18_41-08_00 2ser news 428 false This week the federal government lifted its ban on the pesticide Diuron after the federal pesticides authority cleared it for use at what they called reduced levels. However conservationists say the decision by Australia's chemical regulator to allow the continued use of the toxic weed killer could kill the Great Barrier Reef. Diuron is classified by the US Environmental Protection Agency as a likely carcinogen and research has linked it to coral bleaching and the death of seagrass on the Great Barrier Reef. Nick Heath from the World Wildlife Fund spoke with 2ser’s Rory O’Gorman. This week the federal government lifted its ban on the pesticide Diuron after the federal pes... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-12-01T02_13_26-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-12-01T02_13_26-08_00 Sat, 01 Dec 2012 10:13:26 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-12-01T02_13_26-08_00 2ser news 369 false The Federal Government finally passed poker machine reforms through the Lower House after two years of political debate and public campaigning. Pubs and clubs will need voluntary pre-commitment technology on their machines, though the first venues will not switch it on until 2018. Clubs Australia and the Australian Hotels Association have welcomed the reforms but some say they haven’t gone far enough and won’t stop problem gamblers from losing their money. Matt Hogan spoke to Federal Independent Senator for South Australia, Nick Xenephon. The Federal Government finally passed poker machine reforms through the Lower House after two yea... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-11-30T20_55_55-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-11-30T20_55_55-08_00 Sat, 01 Dec 2012 04:55:55 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-11-30T20_55_55-08_00 2ser news 295 false The state government this week announced changes to BAIL LAWS, in an effort to reduce the large numbers of people who are refused bail, while waiting for a trial. More than a quarter of adult prisoners in NSW have not been convicted. The Attorney General Greg Smith has put forward a new “case by case” system, designed to ease the burden on prisons and give those charged a fairer deal. But he declined to follow the recommendations of the Law Reform Commission which suggested a general presumption in favour of bail. Legal observers say it’s a step in the right direction but may not be enough. MAX TAYLOR is a retired magistrate and the convenor of the Bail Reform Alliance – and he spoke with 2SER’s Mark Robinson. The state government this week announced changes to BAIL LAWS, in an effort to reduce the lar... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-11-30T20_51_05-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-11-30T20_51_05-08_00 Sat, 01 Dec 2012 04:51:05 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-11-30T20_51_05-08_00 2ser news 221 false Since being elected into office in 2011, Premier Barry O’Farrell has made many changes to environment laws resulting in the reduction of wildlife protections. Many environment groups and politicians have raised concerns over the approval of amatuer hunting in national parks, and a rally was held on Wednesday to tell Barry O’Farrell that they’re not happy. Katie Hale reports. Since being elected into office in 2011, Premier Barry O’Farrell has made many changes to e... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-11-30T20_43_30-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-11-30T20_43_30-08_00 Sat, 01 Dec 2012 04:43:30 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-11-30T20_43_30-08_00 2ser news 428 false The Leveson inquiry has recommended that an independent self-regulatory body and governed by an independent board be created to keep the powerful British press in check. Lord Justice Brian Leveson’s 2,000 page report was handed down yesterday morning following a 17-month investigation into breaches of press culture and ethics, including the phone hacking scandal and allegations of corruption. 2SER’s Sam Buckingham-Jones spoke with Andrea Carson, Journalist and PhD Researcher at the University of Melbourne, about reactions to the Report. The Leveson inquiry has recommended that an independent self-regulatory body and governed by ... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-11-24T02_09_46-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-11-24T02_09_46-08_00 Sat, 24 Nov 2012 10:09:46 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-11-24T02_09_46-08_00 2ser news 368 false In August this year NASA’s $2.5 billion dollar Curiosity rover landed inside Mars' huge Gale Crater where its mission is to determine if Mars has ever been capable of supporting microbial life. This week NASA announced that Curiosity had discovered something in one of its soil samples however the space agency would need to double check its data before making an official announcement. Since the initial announcement was made earlier this week people have been speculating on what NASA might have found and whether they will announce the discovery of alien life on mars. 2ser’s Rory O’Gorman spoke with Kerry Dougherty curator of space research at the powerhouse museum in Sydney for her thoughts on what NASA may be set to announce. In August this year NASA’s $2.5 billion dollar Curiosity rover landed inside Mars' huge Gale ... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-11-24T01_39_40-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-11-24T01_39_40-08_00 Sat, 24 Nov 2012 09:39:40 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-11-24T01_39_40-08_00 2ser news 381 false Having access to comprehensive public education is something most people take for granted. However, concern is growing in the community about the lack of public secondary school options within the NSW seat of Sydney. Susan Cheong spoke to Skye Molyneux, a Redfern resident and a mother of two. Having access to comprehensive public education is something most people take for granted... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-11-23T21_18_43-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-11-23T21_18_43-08_00 Sat, 24 Nov 2012 05:18:43 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-11-23T21_18_43-08_00 2ser news 289 false The Australian Rugby League Commission has accepted a recommendation to outlaw the shoulder-charge from all competitions from 2013. The report stated that the increased size of athletes was creating a situation where the shoulder-charge could lead to an unacceptable injury risk. The response from most of the players and coaches was one of dismay and most have been very vocal in opposing the ban. So is banning the shoulder charge, taking away a key ingredient of the game or a necessary step to protect players in a “tough guy sport” from their own fearlessness? 2SER's Matt Hogan spoke to Nathan McGuirk, General Manager of Operations for the NRL. The Australian Rugby League Commission has accepted a recommendation to outlaw the shoulder-c... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-11-23T21_13_26-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-11-23T21_13_26-08_00 Sat, 24 Nov 2012 05:13:26 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-11-23T21_13_26-08_00 2ser news 388 false Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire this week. As part of the deal brokered by Egypt Israel has agreed to end all military operations in the Gaza strip area while Hamas will stop its rocket attacks against Israel. But Pro Palestinian groups aren’t satisfied and feel the agreement is a temporary solution to Israeli aggression. Political analyst and human rights advocate, Samah Sabawi, spoke at a Melbourne protest rally last night in support of the Palestinian cause. 2ser’s Joel Moss spoke to Sabawi about the ceasefire and the need for a certain level of compromise from both sides in order to stop the violence between Israel and Palestine. Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire this week. As part of the deal brokered by Egypt Is... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-11-23T21_06_50-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-11-23T21_06_50-08_00 Sat, 24 Nov 2012 05:06:50 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-11-23T21_06_50-08_00 2ser news 274 false The Federal Government has come under fire for its policy of processing asylum seekers on Nauru and Manus Island. The Refugee Action Coalition has denounced what it calls a “pointless” and “short-sighted” practice. In a protest outside Health Minister Tanya Plibersek’s Sydney office yesterday, demonstrators called on the government to change its approach. They say re-opening the two offshore processing centres is not a humane solution to people smuggling. 2SER’s Sam Buckingham-Jones filed this report. The Federal Government has come under fire for its policy of processing asylum seekers on Nauru... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-11-17T06_00_53-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-11-17T06_00_53-08_00 Sat, 17 Nov 2012 14:00:53 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-11-17T06_00_53-08_00 2ser news 322 false Last month Julia Gillard made waves globally with her highly emotional speech against misogyny in Canberra. The Australian population responded favourably to the Prime Minister’s comments, but would her stand against misogyny have fared as well in other countries, such as Britain? A recent article in The Guardian has argued that Australian culture is much more mature when it comes to accepting an equal standing between men and women. But is this really the case? 2SER’s Oliver Crossan reports. Last month Julia Gillard made waves globally with her highly emotional speech against misog... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-11-17T02_46_07-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-11-17T02_46_07-08_00 Sat, 17 Nov 2012 10:46:07 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-11-17T02_46_07-08_00 2ser cuba news 263 false In Cuba last week, 37 nonviolent protesters, among them journalists and intellectuals, were arrested by authorities in Cuba for lobbying the government to ratify United Nations Human Rights protocols. John Suarez, a human rights activist based in Miami, Florida, has for the past four years run a blog called “Notes from the Cuban Exile Quarter”. Having previously worked with the UN Human Rights Council, he is passionate about highlighting the human rights issues in his country of descent, from which he has been barred from entering since he was a child. Reporter Eliza Goetze spoke to him about the recent arrests, the international climate and the current situation in Cuba. In Cuba last week, 37 nonviolent protesters, among them journalists and intellectuals, were arr... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-11-17T02_34_58-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-11-17T02_34_58-08_00 Sat, 17 Nov 2012 10:34:58 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-11-17T02_34_58-08_00 2ser news 304 false The staff of the ABC are about to get their own representative on the broadcasters board of Directors. After a six year campaign to have the position of “staff elected director” reinstated, the Gillard government has now passed the legislation and an election will be held early next year. The elected staff position was introduced in 1975, but it was abolished by the Howard government in 2006. Veteran ABC presenter and journalist Quentin Dempster previously held the position and was keen to stand again, but due to a technicality in the law, he is now not eligible. But another leading ABC reporter is planning to stand for election and has Dempster’s backing. Matt Peacock has worked at the national broadcaster for over 30 years and his book on James Hardie was recently made into the TV drama, “Devils Dust” He spoke with 2ser’s Mark Robinson. The staff of the ABC are about to get their own representative on the broadcasters board ... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-11-16T20_57_12-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-11-16T20_57_12-08_00 Sat, 17 Nov 2012 04:57:12 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-11-16T20_57_12-08_00 2ser news 336 false The practice of “confession” is under scrutiny following the announcement of a Royal Commission into institutional responses to child sexual abuse. A number of State and Federal MPs have come out against absolute secrecy when dealing with confessions – an idea Priests are calling “inviolable”. The centuries old practice requires the congregation to tell their sins to their Priest in absolute confidentiality in order to be absolved. 2SER’s Sam Buckingham-Jones spoke with Professor Sarah Joseph, Director of the Castan Centre for Human Rights Law at Monash University, about the legal obligations of confession. The practice of “confession” is under scrutiny following the announcement of a Royal Commissi... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-11-16T20_51_42-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-11-16T20_51_42-08_00 Sat, 17 Nov 2012 04:51:42 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-11-16T20_51_42-08_00 2ser news 303 false There are fears the violence in Gaza will escalate with Israel mobilising up to 30 000 military reserves. The latest aggression escalated after Palestinian Islamist group, Hamas, fired rockets at Tel Aviv killing three Israelis. The rockets were launched in response to Israel killing top Hamas military commander, Ahmed Jabaari, in Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces tweeted the video of the assassination and it was watched by 640 000 people on You Tube before it was taken down. The assassination was part of Operation Pillar of Defence in retaliation to months of Palestinian rockets pounding south Israel. Lecturer in Middle East studies at Deakin University, Matt Hardy, called the hostilities another sad exchange of munitions of no benefit for anyone. 2ser’s Joel Moss spoke to Matt Hardy about the cycle of violence and asked why Israel decided to use social media to publicise the assassination. There are fears the violence in Gaza will escalate with Israel mobilising up to 30 000 military... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-11-10T04_24_46-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-11-10T04_24_46-08_00 Sat, 10 Nov 2012 12:24:46 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-11-10T04_24_46-08_00 2ser news 189 false Every day six Australians take their own lives, making deaths by suicide higher than the national road toll. To raise awareness about suicide, The Salavation Army started a Memory Quilts project in 2009. The quilts weave together the photos of those who have died by suicide, and tell personal stories of the family and friends they leave behind. This year, five state-based quilts have been made – with the first of them launched last week in Sydney. 2SER’s Yash Pandya attended the launch and spoke to Alan Staines, head of The Salavation Army’s Suicide Prevention and Bereavement Support Service. Every day six Australians take their own lives, making deaths by suicide higher than the nati... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-11-10T02_31_22-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-11-10T02_31_22-08_00 Sat, 10 Nov 2012 10:31:22 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-11-10T02_31_22-08_00 2ser 663 Despite all their success, Australia’s female sports stars receive little recognition. But why is this? After all while our men have been struggling recently Aussie women have dominating and achieving global success in a variety of sports. There's our Olympians, Sally Pearson and Anna Meares who won gold at the London Olympics, 4-time world surf champion Steph Gilmore, Tennis superstar Sam Stosur as well as the women who just won the cricket world cup. Last month at the Asia-Pacific World Sport and Women Conference, Sports Minister Kate Lundy addressed gender inequality in the sporting world saying Australian female athletes are competing against men who have hundreds of years of history on their side. However, it seems things are slowly changing. For instance, in 2008 national competitions for woman’s soccer and netball were launched. But while women's sports are drastically improving, there is still a long way to go, especially in regards to media coverage. Ask people about women and sports and you will get hundreds of responses. 2sers Joel Moss reports Despite all their success, Australia’s female sports stars receive little recognition. But ... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-11-10T01_52_19-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-11-10T01_52_19-08_00 Sat, 10 Nov 2012 09:52:19 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-11-10T01_52_19-08_00 2ser news 200 false The Federal Government this week launched a new initiative to get more women on public and private boards. Despite some gains in recent years there are very few women serving as directors in senior roles in Australia. But the new plan, entitled “Board Links”, has already come under fire. Feminist and UTS academic Eva Cox, says BoardLinks doesn’t address masculine board culture. Amy Rathbone reports. The Federal Government this week launched a new initiative to get more women on public and ... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-11-09T22_29_25-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-11-09T22_29_25-08_00 Sat, 10 Nov 2012 06:29:25 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-11-09T22_29_25-08_00 2ser news 297 false For over five years the Federal government has been promoting its plan for a mandatory internet filter, but yesterday it backed out the scheme saying it was too broad. Instead, Communications Minster Stephen Conroy said he’s come to an agreement with internet service providers to block a small number of child abuse sites. Most observers say the move was a massive backflip, while some Christian groups said they were disappointed. Free speech group “Electronic Frontiers Australia” welcomed the back down. Mark Robinson asked the group’s executive officer, Jon Lawrence, if he was surprised by the change of heart. For over five years the Federal government has been promoting its plan for a mandatory inte... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-11-09T22_25_02-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-11-09T22_25_02-08_00 Sat, 10 Nov 2012 06:25:02 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-11-09T22_25_02-08_00 2ser news 375 false This week the Communist Party of China assembled it’s congress for a week-long meeting at which the party officials will decide on a new leader for the country. The Party Congress will nominate and select people to fill some of the country's top political and military positions for the next 10 years. The six-day meeting began on Thursday but it is expected to be at least another week before China's new cabinet will be revealed to the world. Professor John Lee from Sydney University’s Centre for International Security Studies joined 2ser’s Rory O’Gorman to discuss what some of the implications of China’s leadership change might be. This week the Communist Party of China assembled it’s congress for a week-long meeting at which... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-11-08T18_50_16-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-11-08T18_50_16-08_00 Fri, 09 Nov 2012 02:50:16 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-11-08T18_50_16-08_00 2ser news 451 false A recent paper has predicted the final collapse of Arctic sea ice may be a mere four years away. Author of the paper, Professor Peter Wadhams of Cambridge University is one of the world's leading experts on climate change and Artic sea ice. His paper explains that a global disaster is now unfolding in northern latitudes of the planet as the sea area that freezes and melts each year shrinks to its lowest extent ever recorded. He warns that climate change is no longer something we can aim to conquer in a few decades' time. His paper raises the importance of not only reducing CO2 emissions, but of the need to consider new approaches to tackling global warming. Professor Wadhams spoke with 2ser’s Rory O’Gorman A recent paper has predicted the final collapse of Arctic sea ice may be a mere four years aw... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-11-03T03_00_04-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-11-03T03_00_04-07_00 Sat, 03 Nov 2012 10:00:04 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-11-03T03_00_04-07_00 2ser news 275 false There’s a growing domestic and international interest in eco tourism, especially in Australian national parks. The Victorian Government is now the last Australian state to catch on, having decided in August to open parks to private development. But their plans are causing rancour among critics who say our national parks will be loved to death. Amy Rathbone reports… There’s a growing domestic and international interest in eco tourism, especially in Austr... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-11-02T21_59_04-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-11-02T21_59_04-07_00 Sat, 03 Nov 2012 04:59:04 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-11-02T21_59_04-07_00 2ser news 191 false A recent BBC survey shows that President Obama has widespread support outside of the United States. Of the 21 countries surveyed, Obama had an average approval rating of 50%, while Romney’s was just 9%. Romney’s approval rating surpassed Obama’s in only one country, and that was Pakistan. Furthermore, support for President Obama from key US allies like France, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and even Australia, is twice and even three times as high as Romney’s. But what will the support of populations outside the United States mean for the election, and what will it mean for the next four years? Josh Nicholas spoke to Jonathan Tasini from Essential Media Communications. A recent BBC survey shows that President Obama has widespread support outside of the United S... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-11-02T21_52_17-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-11-02T21_52_17-07_00 Sat, 03 Nov 2012 04:52:17 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-11-02T21_52_17-07_00 2ser news,drones 338 false The UNITED NATIONS has decided to set up an official investigation into the American use of unmanned, predator drones, to target and bomb alleged insurgents. In the last 4 years the Obama administration has dramatically increased the use of remote controlled drones in Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia, and in the process, hundreds of civilians have been killed. Two senior UN officials will now investigate the legality of the program which some claim is a clear breach of international law. The drone program has bipartisan support in the US as part of the so called “war on terror”, but a number of legal experts say the “targeted killings” are actually illegal assassinations. Dr Alison Pert, is an expert on International Law and the use of Armed Force at the University of Sydney – and she spoke earlier with 2ser’s Mark Robinson. The UNITED NATIONS has decided to set up an official investigation into the American use ... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-11-02T21_47_25-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-11-02T21_47_25-07_00 Sat, 03 Nov 2012 04:47:25 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-11-02T21_47_25-07_00 2ser news 309 false Hundreds of homeless teenagers are turned away from refuges every year in NSW, due to a lack of beds. Welfare groups say despite the Federal Government plan to halve homelessness by 2020, insufficient resources, means “roughing it” is the only option for some older children. In a trend that is worrying youth advocates, more and more are being told to find another place to stay. 2SER’s Sam Buckingham-Jones reports. Hundreds of homeless teenagers are turned away from refuges every year in NSW, due to a lac... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-10-26T22_14_38-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-10-26T22_14_38-07_00 Sat, 27 Oct 2012 05:14:38 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-10-26T22_14_38-07_00 2ser news 341 false The Federal Government has pledged more than $1.7 billion dollars to help return the Murray-Darling River system to health. The plan, announced yesterday, adds an additional 450 gigalitres to the 2,750 already promised for the Murray. Irrigators are concerned smaller communities along the rivers will be detrimentally impacted by the change. But environmental groups say it’s a step in the right direction. 2SER’s Sam Buckingham-Jones spoke with the Australian Conservation Foundation’s Dr Paul Sinclair about the Murray-Darling plan. The Federal Government has pledged more than $1.7 billion dollars to help return the Murray-Dar... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-10-26T22_06_14-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-10-26T22_06_14-07_00 Sat, 27 Oct 2012 05:06:14 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-10-26T22_06_14-07_00 2ser news 323 false The alarming level of violence by guards against prisoners in NSW, has been revealed this week, with the release of several secret reports. Fairfax media obtained the documents under FOI laws, which show that the corrective services department has covered up the problem for over a decade. More than 1000 violent incidents occur each year but very few are being investigated and even fewer result in discipline or charges against guards. Recommendations by the Ombudsman to tackle the problem have been shelved over several years. The legal lobby group Justice Action says prisoners who are abused have almost no recourse. Coordinator Brett Collins spoke with 2ser’s Mark Robinson. The alarming level of violence by guards against prisoners in NSW, has been revealed this w... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-10-26T22_01_22-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-10-26T22_01_22-07_00 Sat, 27 Oct 2012 05:01:22 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-10-26T22_01_22-07_00 2ser casino,news 327 false The New South Wales Government has given a preliminary tick of approval this week for James Packer’s casino-hotel proposal for Barangaroo first outlined by him in February. Premier Barry O’Farrell has offered his support for the project, and says his cabinet will consider the plan under its new "unsolicited proposals" policy. NSW Shadow Minister for Infrastructure Luke Foley has also endorsed the proposal, although with a condition there are no poker machines. The Greens, however, oppose the project warning of an increasing government reliance on gambling revenue and more problems resulting from gambling addiction. Wendy Bacon - a contributing editor with independent online media journal New Matilda - has been following this story closely. She spoke with 2SER’s Rory O’Gorman. The New South Wales Government has given a preliminary tick of approval this week for James P... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-10-20T02_23_56-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-10-20T02_23_56-07_00 Sat, 20 Oct 2012 09:23:56 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-10-20T02_23_56-07_00 2ser news 250 false Gender equality is a heated discussion in Australia at the moment. It came to a climax last week when Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s fiery speech in parliament accusing Opposition leader Tony Abbot of being a misogynist set the world ablaze. In response, the Macquarie Dictionary changed the definition of misogyny from hatred of women to now include “entrenched prejudice against women with his sexist views”. But this doesn’t solve the issue of sexism in society and sport is a symbolic representation of gender inequality in Australia, where there is little, if any, media publicity for women’s sports. 2ser’s Joel Moss spoke to president of the Australian Women Sport and Recreation Association, Janice Crosswhite, about whether the lack of publicity is a reflection of sexism. Gender equality is a heated discussion in Australia at the moment. It came to a climax last... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-10-20T02_18_49-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-10-20T02_18_49-07_00 Sat, 20 Oct 2012 09:18:49 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-10-20T02_18_49-07_00 2ser news 325 false The Cricket Twenty 20 World Cup was recently held in Sri Lanka, and the fifth is set to be hosted by Bangladesh in 2014. Like any major sporting event, the World Cup is expensive to run. Security, transport, accommodation and other facilities must be provided to 12 men’s teams and 8 Women’s teams, and a host of volunteers. However, the economies of both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are doing it tough. The most recent World Bank report has Sri Lanka’s poverty level at 8.9% of its population, and Bangladesh’s poverty level at 31.5% But could hosting such an expensive tournament be a positive for a developing country? 2ser’s Josh Nicholas spoke to Dileep Mudadeniya, Director for the Volunteer Program at the 2012 Twenty 20 World Cup. The Cricket Twenty 20 World Cup was recently held in Sri Lanka, and the fifth is set to be ho... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-10-19T22_24_28-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-10-19T22_24_28-07_00 Sat, 20 Oct 2012 05:24:28 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-10-19T22_24_28-07_00 2ser news 338 false In an Australian first, the W.A. government this week launched a controversial new website, which allows people to access photos and information about pedophiles and sex offenders. The state government says the project will reduce sexual abuse but legal bodies say the website will probably have no effect and might prompt vigilante violence. The site cost almost $3 million dollars to set up and will publish information that is currently only available to police and government agencies. The Criminal Law Association of WA says the site could cause more problems than it solves. President LINDA BLACK spoke with 2ser’s Mark Robinson. In an Australian first, the W.A. government this week launched a controversial new website, w... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-10-19T22_18_14-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-10-19T22_18_14-07_00 Sat, 20 Oct 2012 05:18:14 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-10-19T22_18_14-07_00 2ser news 399 false The New South Wales Law reform commission has released a report this week highlighting inconsistencies in the state’s penalty system for bad behavior and a lack of guidelines to ensure against inequity. For example, it’ illegal to swear in public but the punishment varies depending on where you are. Using offensive language on a train attracts a $400 fine but on a bus or ferry, the penalty is $300. And if you’re in Parramatta Park, the fine is $100. And some vulnerable groups, including young people, the homeless and those with mental health issues are more likely to receive a notice and less likely to be able to pay. 2ser’s Rory O’Gorman spoke with Greens MLC David Shoebridge. The New South Wales Law reform commission has released a report this week highlighting inconsis... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-10-13T03_24_42-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-10-13T03_24_42-07_00 Sat, 13 Oct 2012 10:24:42 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-10-13T03_24_42-07_00 2ser news 240 false Friday marked the 10th anniversary of the Bali Bombings. A decade ago, bombs tore through the two nightclubs in the tourist district of Kuta, Indonesia. Leaving 202 dead, including 88 Australians, it remains the deadliest attack in the history of Australia and Indonesia. A moving memorial has been held at Jimbaran to mark the occasion. 2SER’s Sam Buckingham-Jones reports. Friday marked the 10th anniversary of the Bali Bombings. A decade ago, bombs tore through ... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-10-13T03_20_31-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-10-13T03_20_31-07_00 Sat, 13 Oct 2012 10:20:31 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-10-13T03_20_31-07_00 2ser greece 341 false Tens of thousands of furious protesters welcomed German chancellor, Angela Merkel, to Greece this week. Merkel was subjected to violent protests including several taunts of Nazism as people demonstrated their anger over the government’s expenditure cuts and increases in taxes for the country’s population. Many people in Greece blame Merkel for forcing painful cuts on Greece in exchange for two EU-IMF bailout packages worth 240 billion euros- the biggest debt write-down in history. Merkel declared that the worst of Greece’s financial crisis is over but there is a fear that Greece is falling into social meltdown. While there is a very strong possibility of financial default, Professor Timothy Devinney believes political stability is vital for Greece’s livelihood. 2ser’s Joel Moss spoke to Professor Devinney who was in the Czech Republic. Tens of thousands of furious protesters welcomed German chancellor, Angela Merkel, to Greece this... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-10-13T00_08_12-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-10-13T00_08_12-07_00 Sat, 13 Oct 2012 07:08:12 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-10-13T00_08_12-07_00 2ser news 363 false The RSPCA was criticised this week over the large number of pets it puts down each year, with some animal welfare groups saying the rate is far too high. In NSW the RSPCA killed nearly 5000 dogs last year which is about 40% of the total it took in. Nationwide, around a quarter of a million animals are euthanized each year, due to a lack of suitable homes and an oversupply of pets from breeders. Some animal rescue community groups say not enough is being done to reduce the kill rate, although some pounds have cut their rates down to 12 percent. 2ser’s Mark Robinson spoke with Christina Vesk from the Cat Protection Society. She says says the problem is complex and it’s too easy to point the finger at the RSPCA. The RSPCA was criticised this week over the large number of pets it puts down each year, with s... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-10-13T00_04_07-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-10-13T00_04_07-07_00 Sat, 13 Oct 2012 07:04:07 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-10-13T00_04_07-07_00 2ser news 373 false As civil war continues to claim lives in Syria tensions with its neighbours continue to escalate. After recent rockets crossing the border into Turkey the government is now moving heavy weaponry to its southern border while its air force has just recently forced down a domestic flight bound for Syria. For the latest in the situation Miles Martignoni spoke to Dr John Bruni, Director of SAGE International and asked him how the Turkish airforce justified forcing the plane to land… As civil war continues to claim lives in Syria tensions with its neighbours continue to escalat... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-10-06T03_31_47-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-10-06T03_31_47-07_00 Sat, 06 Oct 2012 10:31:47 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-10-06T03_31_47-07_00 2ser iran,news 344 false Experts say the prospect of Israel launching a military strike against Iran is still a strong possibility, although it is unlikely to occur before the U.S. elections. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the UN showing a crude diagram of a bomb and claiming that Iran was close to having its own nuclear weapon. He said the international community must stop the Iranian regime at all costs and has been pressuring the Americans to back his strong rhetoric. Many observers say Israel’s threats are not empty and an attack is possible soon. So can such a catastrophe be avoided or is another serious conflict really on the cards? Professor Felix Patrikeeff is a Middle East Expert at the University of Adelaide, and he spoke earlier with 2ser’s Mark Robinson. Experts say the prospect of Israel launching a military strike against Iran is still a stro... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-10-06T03_22_18-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-10-06T03_22_18-07_00 Sat, 06 Oct 2012 10:22:18 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-10-06T03_22_18-07_00 2ser news 306 false A two-year French study has found rats fed genetically-modified corn consequently developed tumours and liver and kidney damage. The French government has ordered its health regulator to conduct an urgent review and anti-GMO campaigners in Australia are urging our government to follow Paris' lead. Genetically-modified canola and cotton seed is grown across Australia and eaten as oil. Trials of GM wheat are underway and should be available by 2015 for use in bread, pasta, cereals and noodles. 90-day feeding studies are currently required to assess GMOs and pesticide safety but campaigners now want the Australian government to mandate two-year feeding studies. Stacey Malkan is a US based environmental health advocate and campaigner and she is speaking here with 2ser’s Rory O’Gorman. A two-year French study has found rats fed genetically-modified corn consequently developed t... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-10-05T23_18_26-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-10-05T23_18_26-07_00 Sat, 06 Oct 2012 06:18:26 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-10-05T23_18_26-07_00 2ser news 327 false A study by the University of Sydney finds that one in five preschool aged children are overweight or obese. A large number have a television in their bedroom. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the obesity rate for children aged 5-17 years increased over 2.5% in over a decade. It is predicted that 65 per cent of young Australians will be overweight or obese by 2020. Radio 2SER’s Joel Moss spoke to the lead author of the study, Doctor Louise Hardy, to ask why kids are allowed to have a television in their own room and whether turning off the TV will solve the problem. A study by the University of Sydney finds that one in five preschool aged children are overweig... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-10-05T23_09_15-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-10-05T23_09_15-07_00 Sat, 06 Oct 2012 06:09:15 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-10-05T23_09_15-07_00 2ser news 357 false Infrastructure New South Wales has released a transport plan for Sydney consisting of more motorways and toll-roads. The 30 billion dollar proposal has been criticised for not investing more in public transport. It requires 20 billion dollars in government funding overs 20 years plus another 10 billion from tolls. The organisation’s Chairman and former premier, Nick Greiner, says the report is independent. But the Greens has accused Infrastructure NSW of being a motorway consortium front group promoting tollways for private sector profiteering. 2ser’s Rory O’Gorman spoke with Gavin Gatenby from EcoTransit Sydney about the plan. Infrastructure New South Wales has released a transport plan for Sydney consisting of more mo... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-09-29T22_04_01-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-09-29T22_04_01-07_00 Sun, 30 Sep 2012 05:04:01 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-09-29T22_04_01-07_00 2ser news 319 false After decades of campaigning against overfishing and exploitation in the Pacific Ocean, Greenpeace have decided to bring their famous “Rainbow Warrior” to the Indian Ocean. The group has launched the tour to document and expose overfishing and illegal fishing in the region. Greenpeace is aiming to assist the enforcement of fishing zones, and encourage local fishermen to adopt more sustainable fishing options. 2ser’s Josh Nicholas spoke with Nathaniel Pelle, Oceans Campaigner from Greenpeace Australia Pacific. After decades of campaigning against overfishing and exploitation in the Pacific Ocean, G... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-09-29T04_21_55-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-09-29T04_21_55-07_00 Sat, 29 Sep 2012 11:21:55 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-09-29T04_21_55-07_00 2ser news 230 false With a euthanasia bill recently being voted down in South Australia, Tasmania looks like the next state in line to have a vote on the issue. A discussion paper on the legalisation of voluntary euthanasia is soon to be released with co-sponsorship by the Premier and the Greens and could see Tasmania become the first Australian state to legalise euthanasia since the Northern Territory’s Rights of the Terminally Ill Bill was repealed in 1997. 2ser's Will Mumford reports. With a euthanasia bill recently being voted down in South Australia, Tasmania looks like the next... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-09-28T23_20_51-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-09-28T23_20_51-07_00 Sat, 29 Sep 2012 06:20:51 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-09-28T23_20_51-07_00 2ser news 317 false The Newman government in Queensland has been accused of trying to censor community groups by imposing strict new rules on public advocacy. Under revised contracts, non government organisations, who receive government funding, will no longer be allowed to push for legislative change. In particular health based NGO’s say they will no longer be able to lobby for reform on behalf of health consumers. The Public Health Association and the Queensland Council of Unions have attacked the policy, calling it outrageous. The government says it wants to fund outcomes rather than advocacy but a leading health expert says the move is a scandal. Mike Daube is a Professor of health policy at Curtain University in Perth and he’s speaking here with 2ser’s Mark Robinson. The Newman government in Queensland has been accused of trying to censor community groups b... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-09-28T23_14_27-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-09-28T23_14_27-07_00 Sat, 29 Sep 2012 06:14:27 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-09-28T23_14_27-07_00 2ser news 268 false There are concerns the public shaming of a man charged by Police for the rape and murder of Jillian Meagher could prevent a fair trial. Following the disappearance of the ABC employee last weekend, thousands were tuned in to every update on the case. Now that a suspect has been detained, media experts are warning against their public condemnation before the trial. 2SER’s Sam Buckingham-Jones has more. There are concerns the public shaming of a man charged by Police for the rape and murder of J... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-09-28T19_41_16-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-09-28T19_41_16-07_00 Sat, 29 Sep 2012 02:41:16 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-09-28T19_41_16-07_00 2ser news 271 false Imagine falling off a roof, being electrocuted or having heavy machinery collapse on you without anyone knowing for hours. These are the dangers young people risk when they are employed illegally. New research commissioned by the Victorian Trades Hall Council and Australian Council of Trade Unions shows 1 in 4 youth workers are being paid cash-in-hand by employers dodging the tax system. The minimum wage for 20 year olds is $15.59 and for 18 year olds, its $10.90. Now imagine you have finished year ten and working full time for $7.55 an hour – why would you declare paying tax? 2SER’s Joel Moss spoke to Australia Institute’s Executive Director, Dr. Richard Denniss, about the current situation of cash-in-hand employment and the many dangers it holds for young people. Imagine falling off a roof, being electrocuted or having heavy machinery collapse on you withou... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-09-28T19_38_36-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-09-28T19_38_36-07_00 Sat, 29 Sep 2012 02:38:36 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-09-28T19_38_36-07_00 2ser news 217 false Australian volunteers collectively are worth more than the combined revenue of the mining, agriculture and retail sector a new report has revealed. That’s more than $200 billion dollars a year. There are roughly 6.4 million people who volunteer their time in Australia – double the figure in 1995 and it’s only set to rise with the retirement of the first wave of baby boomers. Tawar Razaghi spoke to the author of the report Dr Lisel O’Dwyer, Senior Research Associate at the University of Adelaide. Australian volunteers collectively are worth more than the combined revenue of the mining, ag... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-09-28T19_08_15-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-09-28T19_08_15-07_00 Sat, 29 Sep 2012 02:08:15 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-09-28T19_08_15-07_00 2ser wikileaks 418 false This week the Sydney Morning Herald published papers which reveal that the US military has designated Julian Assange and WikiLeaks as enemies of the United States - the same legal category as the al-Qaeda terrorist network and the Taliban insurgency. The declassified US Air Force counter-intelligence documents, released under freedom-of-information laws, reveal that military personnel who contact WikiLeaks or WikiLeaks supporters may be at risk of being charged with "communicating with the enemy", a military crime that carries a maximum sentence of death. Assange who this week addressed the UN via video link called on the US to cease its persecution of wikileaks and called directly on President Barak Obama to uphold the American tradition of free speech. Kellie Tranter is a Lawyer and human rights activist who recently spoke at a public forum on Wikileaks at state parliament. She spoke with 2ser’s Rory O’Gorman. This week the Sydney Morning Herald published papers which reveal that the US military has de... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-09-23T00_45_46-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-09-23T00_45_46-07_00 Sun, 23 Sep 2012 07:45:46 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-09-23T00_45_46-07_00 2ser 165 September’s a big month for suicide prevention making it easy to overlook the work of home-grown programs where it’s needed most – in rural Australia. People living outside our major cities are sixty-six per cent more likely to die from suicide according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. But the efforts of the Community Response to Eliminating Suicide program are picking up steam. The program’s leaders are training medicine students and community members in twenty-four rural communities across Australia. Amy Rathbone reports. September’s a big month for suicide prevention making it easy to overlook the work of home-... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-09-23T00_42_42-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-09-23T00_42_42-07_00 Sun, 23 Sep 2012 07:42:42 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-09-23T00_42_42-07_00 2ser news 298 false NSW Parliament has made a formal apology to mothers who had their new-born babies forcibly taken from them. In a practice that continued well into the 70s, young, single women had their children ‘forcibly adopted’ by another family. On Thursday, the road to reconciliation began, as members from both sides of the House said sorry. 2SER’s Sam Buckingham-Jones reports. NSW Parliament has made a formal apology to mothers who had their new-born babies forcibly ta... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-09-22T06_06_01-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-09-22T06_06_01-07_00 Sat, 22 Sep 2012 13:06:01 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-09-22T06_06_01-07_00 2ser news 281 false Designs for a new Afghan National Museum were unveiled this week following a decade of work. Culture and trade have been central to Afghanistan throughout its history but not for the past twenty years. A civil war led to the pillaging and destruction of the previous National Museum in the early 1990’s. And later under Taliban rule, more artifacts were lost or destroyed and cultural expression was repressed. There are hopes the new cultural centre will foster unity and identity within Afghanistan and teach younger Afghans about their heritage. 2ser's Josh Nicholas reports. Designs for a new Afghan National Museum were unveiled this week following a decade of work... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-09-22T05_16_51-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-09-22T05_16_51-07_00 Sat, 22 Sep 2012 12:16:51 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-09-22T05_16_51-07_00 2ser news 361 false As an independent MP, CLOVER MOORE has outlasted seven Premiers over 24 years, but on Thursday she resigned from Parliament. In an historic final speech to the chamber she expressed anger at being forced out of parliament because of a new law brought in by Barry O’Farrell. The law stipulates that MP’s cannot be local government councilors and MP’s at the same time. So is the O’Farrell legislation fair or is it really, as some people call it, the “get clover” bill – and how will the upcoming by-election in Moore’s seat pan out? In a moment 2ser’s Mark Robinson will speak with Josephine Tovey, a state politics reporter with The Sydney Morning Herald – but first here’s part of Clover Moore’s speech on Thursday. As an independent MP, CLOVER MOORE has outlasted seven Premiers over 24 years, but on T... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-09-22T00_59_27-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-09-22T00_59_27-07_00 Sat, 22 Sep 2012 07:59:27 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-09-22T00_59_27-07_00 2ser news 346 false The NSW police are expanding their sniffer dog program across NSW. The expansion will see more drug sniffer dogs on the Sydney, Illawarra and the Hunter rail network’s as well more dogs on the streets of the CBD and kings cross. In the first nine months of 2011 police publicly searched more than 14,000 people for drugs following positive indications by police dogs, however more than 11,000 of those people were found with no drugs in their possession. According to Greens MP David Shoebridge the sniffer dog program is exposing people to ritual humiliation in the form of intrusive public searches, only to find no drugs and no criminal offense. David spoke with 2ser’s Rory O’Gorman. The NSW police are expanding their sniffer dog program across NSW. The expansion will se... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-09-22T00_53_55-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-09-22T00_53_55-07_00 Sat, 22 Sep 2012 07:53:55 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-09-22T00_53_55-07_00 2ser news 308 false Indigenous Australians will have to continue waiting for recognition in the Constitution after the government decided earlier this week to break its promise and delay a referendum. At the last election the Gillard government made a deal with the Greens and Independents to hold a national poll on Indigenous recognition before the 2013 election. A lack of community support is being blamed for the postponement, with the government saying a vote now could lead to its defeat. But some observers have criticised both sides of politics for failing to fulfill their word and act on Indigenous issues. Professor Andrew Lynch, Director at the Gilbert and Tobin Centre of Public Law at the University of New South Wales spoke to 2SER’s Anthony Sonego. Indigenous Australians will have to continue waiting for recognition in the Constitution afte... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-09-22T00_49_47-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-09-22T00_49_47-07_00 Sat, 22 Sep 2012 07:49:47 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-09-22T00_49_47-07_00 2ser news 277 false Music may keep the world going around but there is bad news for those of us who hate listening to Justin Bieber or Taylor Swift- Universal Music Australia is in the process of taking over music label EMI. Independent music brands fear they will be driven out by the powerful label leading to higher prices and less choice for consumers. This means we may be stuck listening to kiddie pop. The Australian Independent Record Labels Association expressed “extreme disappointment” over the ACCC’s claim the takeover will not reduce competition. 2SER’s Joel Moss spoke to music journalist, Christie Eliezer, about the ACCC’s decision in allowing the buyout. Music may keep the world going around but there is bad news for those of us who hate listening to... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-09-15T05_28_29-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-09-15T05_28_29-07_00 Sat, 15 Sep 2012 12:28:29 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-09-15T05_28_29-07_00 2ser news 240 false Yesterday Australians went bare to raise awareness on women’s poverty overseas. The Go-Bare campaign, a joint effort from Marie Stopes International Australia, CARE Australia and AusAID, asked Australians to go without items that were important to them, from coffee and computers, to make-up and jewellery. More than 350,000 deaths occur each year from pregnancy-related causes in developing countries and almost 50 per cent of the world’s out-of-school girls are in Sub Saharan Africa. Julia Newton-Howes, CEO of CARE Australia, a Go-Bare partner, spoke with 2SER’s Anthony Sonego. Yesterday Australians went bare to raise awareness on women’s poverty overseas. The Go-B... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-09-15T05_11_19-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-09-15T05_11_19-07_00 Sat, 15 Sep 2012 12:11:19 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-09-15T05_11_19-07_00 2ser 315 On average, 2300 Australians suicide each year, with another 65000 attempting to end their own life. Suicide is the biggest killer of Australians aged 15 to 34, and the national suicide awareness day – R U OK? Day – is trying to change that. R U OK Day was held on Thursday and at least one in five Australians took part by asking those around them if they are ok. The campaign is about starting a conversation with someone you care about to help encourage those struggling to speak up. 2SER’s Katie Hale spoke to R U OK? Day CEO Janine Nearn. On average, 2300 Australians suicide each year, with another 65000 attempting to end their ow... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-09-15T00_10_49-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-09-15T00_10_49-07_00 Sat, 15 Sep 2012 07:10:49 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-09-15T00_10_49-07_00 2ser tafe 372 false An elite Indonesian counter-terrorism unit trained and supplied by Australia is being accused of acting as a "death squad" in Indonesia's troubled West Papua province. The group, known as Detachment 88, receives training, supplies and extensive operational support from the Australian Federal Police. However, today there is growing evidence that the squad is involved in torture and killings as parts of efforts by the Indonesian authorities to crush the separatist movement in West Papua. 2ser’s Rory O’Gorman spoke with Peter King from the West Papua project at Sydney University. An elite Indonesian counter-terrorism unit trained and supplied by Australia is being accused... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-09-14T23_47_29-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-09-14T23_47_29-07_00 Sat, 15 Sep 2012 06:47:29 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-09-14T23_47_29-07_00 2ser news,&,politics 378 false The trend in state funding cuts hasn’t left any stone unturned, with the announcement the state of NSW joins Victoria, with its massive cuts in TAFE education funding. The NSW state government announcement that up to 800 jobs are set to go, fees will rise by 10 percent and concession fees will double. Advanced diplomas will now cost in the thousands per year. 2SER’s Annamarie Reyes caught up with Victoria Division Secretary COLIN LONG, from the National Tertiary Education Union. Mr Long says with NSW now the third state facing major cuts, it could mean a serious threat to the future of public and affordable education for all. The trend in state funding cuts hasn’t left any stone unturned, with the announcement the state... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-09-14T19_32_23-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-09-14T19_32_23-07_00 Sat, 15 Sep 2012 02:32:23 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-09-14T19_32_23-07_00 2ser news 246 false US Ambassador Christopher Stevens was killed in an attack in Benghazi, Libya earlier this week, on the 11th anniversary of September 11. A US diplomat and two former Navy SEALs were also killed en route to a safe house, when they were evacuated from the US Consulate which was attacked by militants. But the motives behind the attack are still unclear. In the last 48 hours other western embassies have also been targeted. Anthony Sonego reports. US Ambassador Christopher Stevens was killed in an attack in Benghazi, Libya earlier this wee... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-09-14T19_19_44-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-09-14T19_19_44-07_00 Sat, 15 Sep 2012 02:19:44 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-09-14T19_19_44-07_00 2ser news 340 false The Pacific Solution mark 2 is now in full swing with the first 30 asylum seekers transferred to the notorious Nauru detention centre this week. The tiny pacific nation, several thousand miles from Australia, was used as a detention centre during the Howard years. This time both the major parties are behind the plan and say the prospect of being sent there will deter other asylum seekers trying to come to Australia. But human rights groups are horrified - on Wednesday Amnesty International said its worst fears were coming true. It called on Australians to challenge the plan by writing to their local MP. The Refugee Action Coalition started a series of protests yesterday and the groups coordinator Ian Rintoul spoke with 2ser’s Mark Robinson. The Pacific Solution mark 2 is now in full swing with the first 30 asylum seekers transferred... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-09-01T23_20_58-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-09-01T23_20_58-07_00 Sun, 02 Sep 2012 06:20:58 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-09-01T23_20_58-07_00 2ser news 189 false The Media Entertainment Arts Alliance will discuss changes that could see all full time elected officials of the union replaced by appointed directors. Under this proposal, none of the union’s full time employees will be elected. Regional and national directors and a CEO will all be appointed to run the unions operation. Ben Schneiders is a Senior reporter for The Age and President of The Age House Committee. He says Members have not been consulted about the change, with little being done to even inform them of the proposal. 2SER’s Katie Hale reports. The Media Entertainment Arts Alliance will discuss changes that could see all full time elected o... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-09-01T23_15_15-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-09-01T23_15_15-07_00 Sun, 02 Sep 2012 06:15:15 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-09-01T23_15_15-07_00 2ser news 394 false People gathered around the world yesterday to mark International Drug Overdose Awareness Day and remember victims of overdose. Thousands of Australians including children are hospitalized every year after overdosing on illicit or legal drugs, including alcohol. And it’s estimated that at least one Australian dies every day from an opioid overdose. For that reason, drug policy advocates want the opioid reversing drug naloxone, commonly known as narcan, to be more widely available. The global event began in Melbourne in 2001 is now run locally by drug policy organization ANEX. 2ser’s Natasha Egan spoke to ANEX CEO John Ryan. International Drug Overdose Awareness Day People gathered around the world yesterday to mark International Drug Overdose Awareness Day ... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-08-31T23_25_26-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-08-31T23_25_26-07_00 Sat, 01 Sep 2012 06:25:26 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-08-31T23_25_26-07_00 2ser news,gun,control 366 false In 1996 the Port Arthur massacre shocked the nation and the world. It was Australia’s 13th mass shooting in 15 years and in response the then Prime Minister John Howard, along the State’s leaders, agreed to radically reform gun laws. In the 16 years since the reforms were introduced there have been no mass shootings in Australia and the statistical evidence suggests that these reforms have led to an overall reduction in gun deaths across the nation. Yet despite the successful legacy of the reforms, and in the face of opposition from the police, both the NSW and QLD state governments are in the process of reversing many of the Howard gun law reforms. In NSW the state government recently passed legislation allowing hunters to hunt with military style weapons in the state’s national parks while in QLD the government is working with the firearms industry to develop laws that will make it easier for residents to obtain guns. NSW Greens MLC David Shoebridge has been working to oppose any changes to current gun laws and he spoke with 2SER’s Rory O’Gorman. In 1996 the Port Arthur massacre shocked the nation and the world. It was Australia’s 13t... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-08-30T15_19_08-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-08-30T15_19_08-07_00 Thu, 30 Aug 2012 22:19:08 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-08-30T15_19_08-07_00 2ser newstart,news 317 false The Gillard government is resisting growing pressure to take serious action on poverty, saying it’s not prepared to boost unemployment benefits. The peak welfare body ACOSS says the dole has been frozen in real terms for 18 years, and is now dangerously low, at $249 per week. Even the conservative Business Council of Australia has called on the government to increase the allowance, warning against entrenched poverty. The employment minister Bill Shorten didn’t help the government’s position this week, when he said, even he was having trouble making ends meet. Mr. Shorten is paid 330 thousand dollars a year. Chris Middendorp is a welfare worker with the Sacred Heart Mission in Melbourne. He says the current level of poverty is Australia is scandalous – He spoke with 2SER’s Mark Robinson. The Gillard government is resisting growing pressure to take serious action on poverty,... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-08-30T02_10_42-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-08-30T02_10_42-07_00 Thu, 30 Aug 2012 09:10:42 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-08-30T02_10_42-07_00 2ser 2ser 355 false Earlier this week, the Federal Government scrapped the floor price of the carbon pricing scheme, instead choosing to link the carbon market with that of the European Union. It makes the market the largest in the world, adding Australia’s population to the 500 million people living under the scheme in Europe. Starting from July 2015, there’ll be a three year trial period in which Australian businesses will be able to buy European carbon credits. The Federal Opposition has come out firing, labeling the move a “cruel hoax” and stating that electricity prices will continue to rise. But what does it mean for Australians, and our economy? 2SER’s Sam Buckingham-Jones spoke with Dr Frank Jotzo, Director of the Centre for Climate Economics and Policy at the Australian National University, about the move. Earlier this week, the Federal Government scrapped the floor price of the carbon pricing sche... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-08-30T02_05_16-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-08-30T02_05_16-07_00 Thu, 30 Aug 2012 09:05:16 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-08-30T02_05_16-07_00 2ser news 253 false Children and low-income households are considered the winners in the Federal Government’s new dental care reform announced on Wednesday. The $4 billion reform will see funding for children aged 2 to 17, as well as further funding for regional and rural areas. The reform comes after a recent report which shows that wealthier suburbs have a higher concentration of dental services. But the reform will see the end to previous dental schemes like the Chronic Disease Dental Scheme, which some observers say will have a negative impact. Anthony Sonego reports Children and low-income households are considered the winners in the Federal Government’s n... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-08-18T00_12_11-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-08-18T00_12_11-07_00 Sat, 18 Aug 2012 07:12:11 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-08-18T00_12_11-07_00 2ser 289 The London Games came to a close early Monday morning with many observers calling it the best games ever. Our Olympians didn’t get the same glowing review, with several sports analysts saying they underperformed. But others blame the media and lack of funding for our worst result since Barcelona, 20 years ago. Are Australians placing unrealistic expectations on our athletes? Martin Doulton, Director of Monash Sport speaks with 2SER’s Anthony Sonego. The London Games came to a close early Monday morning with many observers calling it the be... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-08-17T23_57_45-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-08-17T23_57_45-07_00 Sat, 18 Aug 2012 06:57:45 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-08-17T23_57_45-07_00 2ser dementia 281 false The over-prescription of anti-psychotic medications to Australian aged care residents with dementia is causing premature deaths. University of Sydney Professor David Le Couteur told ABC’s Lateline thousands of patients are dying prematurely every year as a result of over-use. It’s suggested the drugs are given to people with dementia and behavioral problems to make life easier for health workers. Alzheimer’s Australia CEO Glenn Rees says over use of such medication is a known problem here and overseas. He spoke to 2ser’s Natasha Egan. The over-prescription of anti-psychotic medications to Australian aged care residents with ... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-08-17T19_09_47-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-08-17T19_09_47-07_00 Sat, 18 Aug 2012 02:09:47 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-08-17T19_09_47-07_00 2ser news 294 false The caution recited to accused criminals by Police is set change in October after Premier Barry O’Farrell this week announced changes to the Evidence Act. The proposed changes affect the Right to Silence caution. Under the new plan a person’s defence in court could be harmed if they chose to remain silent during Police questioning. Premier O’Farrell says that the changes are reflecting similar ones made in the United Kingdom, however, many are concerned that the new laws will result in self-incrimination and false convictions. 2SER’s Katie Hale reports. The caution recited to accused criminals by Police is set change in October after Premier Bar... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-08-16T23_31_03-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-08-16T23_31_03-07_00 Fri, 17 Aug 2012 06:31:03 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-08-16T23_31_03-07_00 2ser assange 383 false Ecuador this week granted Wikileaks founder Julian Assange political asylum, but Britain remains determined to extradite him to Sweden. In a move that has rattled the international community; the UK allegedly threatened to remove the embassy’s diplomatic status under the British Diplomatic and Consular Premises Act of 1987. Ecuador condemned the move, calling it ‘unacceptable’. The British Foreign Minister, William Hague, says diplomatic asylum is a ‘far from universally accepted concept’, and the UK has no plans to enter the internationally protected premises. 2SER’s Sam Buckingham-Jones spoke with Ben Saul, Professor of International Law at the Sydney Law School, about the British threat. Ecuador this week granted Wikileaks founder Julian Assange political asylum, but Britain rema... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-08-16T22_54_08-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-08-16T22_54_08-07_00 Fri, 17 Aug 2012 05:54:08 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-08-16T22_54_08-07_00 2ser 168 Former Prime Minister, Malcom Fraser, has led a push this week for an independent inquiry into the decisions leading to Australia’s involvement in the US-led war on Iraq in 2003. The call for an inquiry is backed by a group of leading academics and former senior diplomats. But current and ex-defence ministers, Stephen Smith and Robert Hill, say it is unwarranted. A US-led coalition, including Australia, invaded Iraq in March 2003 having received evidence of the country hosting weapons of mass destruction which is now known to have been fabricated. There have been various credible estimates of the numbers of people killed in the conflict – ranging from 100 thousand to more than half a million. Amy Rathbone spoke to Dr Rodger Shanahan, a non-resident fellow at the Lowy Institute for International Policy and ex-army officer. Former Prime Minister, Malcom Fraser, has led a push this week for an independent inquiry i... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-08-16T22_40_21-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-08-16T22_40_21-07_00 Fri, 17 Aug 2012 05:40:21 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-08-16T22_40_21-07_00 2ser 295 Indigenous students at the University of Technology, Sydney launched a campaign this week called “Indigenous and Visible” to challenge the stereotypes of Aboriginality. The debate over who is and who isn’t Aboriginal was thrown into the spotlight when Andrew Bolt wrote a series of articles arguing that fair-skinned Indigenous Australians only identified as Indigenous to reap various benefits. The indigenous students want to raise awareness among the student population of the Indigenous presence despite having fair-skin, going to uni and living in the city. 2ser's Tawar Razaghi reports. Indigenous students at the University of Technology, Sydney launched a campaign this week cal... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-08-16T17_55_27-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-08-16T17_55_27-07_00 Fri, 17 Aug 2012 00:55:27 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-08-16T17_55_27-07_00 2ser 242 Cigarettes will be sold in plain olive packaging and feature graphic images on the front from December 1. The High Court ruled in favour of the government after dismissing the case put forward by tobacco companies. Many observers praise the new law saying it will help prevent young people from taking up smoking. But others say the law will be ineffective. Anthony Sonego reports. Cigarettes will be sold in plain olive packaging and feature graphic images on the front from D... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-08-16T04_42_59-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-08-16T04_42_59-07_00 Thu, 16 Aug 2012 11:42:59 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-08-16T04_42_59-07_00 2ser 156 Women could soon be asking men if they are on the pill. American scientists have reported a male contraceptive breakthrough. The new pill is said to make men infertile without impacting on their hormone levels. Scientific testing on male mice demonstrated that the pill had no effect on future reproduction. Radio 2ser’s Tawar Razaghi spoke to Professor Moira O’Bryan of the Medicine and Health Sciences faculty at Monash University about the new pill. Women could soon be asking men if they are on the pill. American scientists have reported a ma... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-08-11T23_56_19-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-08-11T23_56_19-07_00 Sun, 12 Aug 2012 06:56:19 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-08-11T23_56_19-07_00 2ser 299 At 3:32PM Sydney time on August 6, NASA’s Mars Rover Curiosity touched down on the red planet. The size of a small car, its 204 million kilometre journey came to a conclusion in a few heart-stopping minutes. After 254 days in transit, the 900 kilogram rover landed safely in the Gale Crater, on the equator of Mars. Armed with 10 different scientific instruments, ‘Curiosity’ will, as its name suggests, explore the arid, dusty surface for signs of life. Costing more than $2 billion, it’s an expensive experiment. 2SER’s Sam Buckingham-Jones spoke with Kerrie Doherty, Curator of Space at the Powerhouse Museum, about the historic mission. At 3:32PM Sydney time on August 6, NASA’s Mars Rover Curiosity touched down on the red planet... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-08-11T04_45_00-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-08-11T04_45_00-07_00 Sat, 11 Aug 2012 11:45:00 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-08-11T04_45_00-07_00 2ser assange 312 false A majority of Australians believe Julian Assange should not be prosecuted for the Wikileaks' release of US cables. The new national poll also found that most Australians believe he would not receive a fair trial if extradited to the United States. These findings come despite the poll showing that most Australians don't actually like Assange, with just 40 per cent having a favorable view of him. John Utting from UMR research which conducted the poll said the results seem to highlight Australia’s historic empathy for the underdog. He spoke with 2ser’s Rory O’Gorman. A majority of Australians believe Julian Assange should not be prosecuted for the Wikileaks... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-08-10T07_57_49-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-08-10T07_57_49-07_00 Fri, 10 Aug 2012 14:57:49 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-08-10T07_57_49-07_00 2ser 250 Tasmania could be the first stop for Australians seeking the right to same-sex marriage. Tasmania Premier Lara Giddings has spoken proudly in support of a change in legislation, sparking a similar stand in the ACT. Marriage equality advocates have shown overwhelming support for the progressive response, marking the huge changes Tasmania has seen since 1997, when it was the last state to decriminalise homosexuality. Recent polling conducted by the advocacy group, Australian Marriage Equality has shown Australian support for same-sex marriage is up to nearly 65%. Reporting a 2% increase from the last poll taken only in March this year. Premier Giddings’ declaration comes without support from the Tasmanian opposition, but she says she won’t be deterred. 2SER’s LUCY CORMACK reports. Tasmania could be the first stop for Australians seeking the right to same-sex marriage. T... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-08-09T20_09_35-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-08-09T20_09_35-07_00 Fri, 10 Aug 2012 03:09:35 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-08-09T20_09_35-07_00 2ser 325 A senior Coles manager has called for video cameras to be installed on Australian cattle and sheep farms. Policy and quality manager for supermarkets, Jackie Healing, told ABC Radio that consumers are demanding more information about the food they eat. She says animal abuse is an issue shoppers take seriously when they choose the meat they eat. 2SER’s Sam Buckingham-Jones reports. A senior Coles manager has called for video cameras to be installed on Australian cattle and ... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-08-04T00_00_47-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-08-04T00_00_47-07_00 Sat, 04 Aug 2012 07:00:47 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-08-04T00_00_47-07_00 2ser 2ser 387 false Universities have been lacking in funds and resources to meet the demands of the burgeoning tertiary sector for several years. And Australia’s eight leading unis have banded together again in the push for deregulation of undergraduate students fees despite the government’s warning against the move. The so called Group of Eight say fees for some courses must rise because direct government funding of higher education is inadequate. But the federal government says the move would see a sharp increase in fees that would limit access to university to those from lower socio-economic groups. 2ser’s Tawar Razaghi spoke to Simon Marginson, Professor of Higher Education at University of Melbourne. Universities have been lacking in funds and resources to meet the demands of the burgeoning t... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-08-03T19_39_40-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-08-03T19_39_40-07_00 Sat, 04 Aug 2012 02:39:40 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-08-03T19_39_40-07_00 2ser news 289 false Wayne Swan received a lot of attention this week with his reference to American rock star Bruce Springsteen. The Deputy Prime Minister quoted lyrics from a Springsteen song in his attack on mining giants Clive Palmer and Gina Reinhart. Swan said that Springsteen had been a big influence on him because of his working-class origins. 2SER’s Anthony Sonego reports. Wayne Swan received a lot of attention this week with his reference to American rock star Bru... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-08-03T00_53_56-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-08-03T00_53_56-07_00 Fri, 03 Aug 2012 07:53:56 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-08-03T00_53_56-07_00 2ser news 307 false News coverage and social media are having a field day predicting Australian gold only to tear the athletes down when they don’t live up to the hype. Nowhere has this been seen more than in the pool, where Olympians Emily Seebohm and James Magnussen were left “shattered” having achieved only second best in their main events. Michael Mullins coached James Magnussen in Port Macquarie for ten years until he was picked up as an Olympic hopeful in 2010. He spoke to 2SER’s Amy Rathbone about the hard work athletes put into Olympic sport only to have it compromised by the media and public’s great expectations. News coverage and social media are having a field day predicting Australian gold only to tear... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-07-28T05_48_40-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-07-28T05_48_40-07_00 Sat, 28 Jul 2012 12:48:40 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-07-28T05_48_40-07_00 2ser news,&,politics 250 false Drugs such as Ritalin and Adderall are mostly designed to treat ADHD, but increasingly they are being mis-used, to help people study or work for extended periods. And while the level of abuse appears to be on the rise in Australia, there is very little hard evidence. Authorities are still unaware of the long term affects of these drugs and how they are accessed. This has become the current goal of health professionals such as Bradley Partridge, a research fellow in public Health at the University of Queensland. James Jooste reports. Drugs such as Ritalin and Adderall are mostly designed to treat ADHD, but increasingly they are... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-07-27T23_46_58-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-07-27T23_46_58-07_00 Sat, 28 Jul 2012 06:46:58 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-07-27T23_46_58-07_00 2ser 360 This week Tamil asylum seeker Dayan Anthony was deported back to Sri Lanka by Australian authorities - despite a last-minute appeal from the United Nations that he not be returned for fear of persecution. Dayan fled Sri Lanka after he had been arrested by the army and tortured due to alleged links with the Tamil Tigers. He had been in Australia seeking asylum since 2010 but he was deported on Wednesday after the Federal Government rejected his application. Sue Bolton from the Refugee Action Collective says that upon his arrival in Sri Lanka Dayan was detained police for almost 20 hours. During this time he was threatened and forced under duress to recant his asylum claim. Sue spoke with 2ser’s Rory O’Gorman.. This week Tamil asylum seeker Dayan Anthony was deported back to Sri Lanka by Australian au... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-07-21T02_40_18-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-07-21T02_40_18-07_00 Sat, 21 Jul 2012 09:40:18 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-07-21T02_40_18-07_00 2ser news 291 false Farmers jump on social media A farmers’ conference talking about apps, tweets and hash tags is far from accepted stereotypes about working on the land. The Partners in Grain Tech Expo is pushing for farmers to take on digital technology or risk widening the divide between rural and urban communities. A growing number of farmers have got the message and are taking to Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and blogs to connect with consumers and have their say. 2ser's Amy Rathbone reports. Farmers jump on social media A farmers’ conference talking about apps, tweets and hash tags ... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-07-20T23_27_54-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-07-20T23_27_54-07_00 Sat, 21 Jul 2012 06:27:54 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-07-20T23_27_54-07_00 2ser news 390 false Charlie Foster, a 21 year old man from Inverell on New South Wales’ North Coast has been jailed for “consorting” with his housemates in the first conviction under controversial new laws in New South Wales. The offence of consorting makes it a crime to communicate with criminals. And Mr Foster, who was born with an intellectual disability, was sentenced to between nine and 12 months' jail for a series of shopping trips and walks with three friends who have prior convictions. Anti-consorting laws fell into disuse because of criticism police used it to target individuals, but was reintroduced in April explicitly to target bikie and organised crime gangs. Bikie lawyer Wayne Baffsky, who will represent Mr Foster, says the charges against him show just how easily the new anti-consorting laws can be misused. He spoke with 2ser’s Rory O’Gorman. Charlie Foster, a 21 year old man from Inverell on New South Wales’ North Coast has been jailed... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-07-20T23_21_33-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-07-20T23_21_33-07_00 Sat, 21 Jul 2012 06:21:33 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-07-20T23_21_33-07_00 2ser news 291 false Six high profile officials in the Assad regime were killed in a suicide bombing earlier this week. The attack on Assad’s inner-circle has heightened tension in Syria, with the Free Syrian Army rebels gaining control of parts of the Turkish and Iraqi borders. But unlike in Libya, there are many rebel groups fighting against Assad’s government, which has raised questions over which rebels carried out the bombing. Who was in charge of this latest attack? Mat Hardy, Lecturer in Middle East Studies at Deakin University spoke with 2SER’s Anthony Sonego. Six high profile officials in the Assad regime were killed in a suicide bombing earlier this... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-07-14T03_37_43-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-07-14T03_37_43-07_00 Sat, 14 Jul 2012 10:37:43 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-07-14T03_37_43-07_00 2ser news 321 false New research has shown that social media could be used to improve health. In a paper published in the journal SCIENCE, researchers from the UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA say identifying ‘opinion leaders’ in social groups can help to spread a far more effective message than any advertising. Citing substance abuse, smoking and alcoholism as examples, the report says public health issues, especially those confronting teenagers, can be fought on the frontline of social media. 2SER’s SAM BUCKINGHAM-JONES spoke to DR TOM VALENTE, Director of the UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA’S PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAM and the author of the report, about the implications for health and privacy. New research has shown that social media could be used to improve health. In a paper pub... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-07-13T22_59_36-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-07-13T22_59_36-07_00 Sat, 14 Jul 2012 05:59:36 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-07-13T22_59_36-07_00 2ser 298 A NSW parliamentary inquiry has been successfully launched into the law of provocation. Providing a partial defence to the charge of murder, the law of provocation allows for a lesser charge of manslaughter. The actions of the accused will be deemed to have been committed under provocation.... where the crime has been committed due to a loss of self-control, or where the actions of the accused can be considered .....as rational for any ordinary person. But as criticisms towards the law have mounted, a greater need for an inquiry has become apparent. Shadow Attorney General and Shadow Minister for Justice, Paul Lynch spoke with 2SER’s Lucy Cormack. A NSW parliamentary inquiry has been successfully launched into the law of provocation. Pr... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-07-13T22_54_54-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-07-13T22_54_54-07_00 Sat, 14 Jul 2012 05:54:54 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-07-13T22_54_54-07_00 2ser 321 The Attorney-General's Department unveiled proposals for a massive expansion of the surveillance powers of Australia’s intelligence-gathering agencies, this week. The proposed powers include mandatory online data retention, the surveillance of Twitter accounts, and forcing people to give up computer passwords. It gives ASIO stop-and-search powers and ability to plant or destroy information on computers. The powers will allow government authority to direct telecommunications companies about infrastructure. Greens Senator Scott Ludlam cautions against the growing ‘surveillance culture' in Australia. He speaks with 2ser’s Rory O’Gorman. The Attorney-General's Department unveiled proposals for a massive expansion of the surveilla... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-07-07T08_18_22-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-07-07T08_18_22-07_00 Sat, 07 Jul 2012 15:18:22 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-07-07T08_18_22-07_00 2ser 399 This week the O’Farrell government closed the NSW youth drug court. The court was set up 12 years ago on the recommendation of the drug summit and had grown to become one of the most successful rehabilitation programs in the state’s criminal justice system. But this week the axe has fallen on the court without warning. Former head of the court Hillary Hannam has slammed the decision saying the youth drug court is a lot cheaper than the alternative - long term imprisonment. During her three and a half years running the court she saw scores of young offenders successfully rehabilitated and work productively in the community. Now Chief Magistrate of the Northern Territory, Hillary Hannam spoke with 2ser’s Rory O’Gorman. This week the O’Farrell government closed the NSW youth drug court. The court was set u... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-07-07T03_44_37-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-07-07T03_44_37-07_00 Sat, 07 Jul 2012 10:44:37 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-07-07T03_44_37-07_00 2ser 249 South Korea will begin hunting whales under the guise of scientific research. The move became public during a meeting of the International Whaling Commission in Panama earlier this week. The announcement has caused international backlash from anti-whaling activists, with many claiming that the loopholes in the IWC’s convention need to be fixed. 2SER’s Anthony Sonego reports. South Korea will begin hunting whales under the guise of scientific research. The move b... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-07-07T03_40_34-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-07-07T03_40_34-07_00 Sat, 07 Jul 2012 10:40:34 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-07-07T03_40_34-07_00 2ser 301 The ABC’s Four Corners this week questioned the Catholic Church’s response to child sex abuse cases, asking if it has truly done all in its power to bring abusers to justice. Four Corners examined the direct actions of the church over many years, and through the voices of a number of victims and their families, told of the shocking abuse suffered by victims. Broken Rites Australia is an executive committee of volunteers who have suffered from church-related sexual abuse. The not for profit group has worked closely with victims of church-related sexual abuse and has been involved in assisting with a number of Australian court cases. 2SER’s Lucy Cormack spoke with Dr Bernard Barrett who has worked within the group since its birth in 1992. The ABC’s Four Corners this week questioned the Catholic Church’s response to child sex abuse... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-07-07T03_36_46-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-07-07T03_36_46-07_00 Sat, 07 Jul 2012 10:36:46 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-07-07T03_36_46-07_00 2ser 224 At the speed of light protons clash meters under the border of Switzerland and France, the missing piece in the search for matter was found. The existence of a particle similar to the Higgs boson, known as the God particle, was discovered by physicists including 13 staff from the University of Sydney, announced by scientists in Melbourne and Geneva on Wednesday. The boson was the last undiscovered particle predicted to exist by physicist Peter Higgs in 1964 and will be used as the basis for proof in all the matter we can see, feel and touch. But with 80 precent of the universe still classified as dark matter, what the latest discovery also proves is that the search for the ultimate meaning of life is still a long way away. James Jooste reports. At the speed of light protons clash meters under the border of Switzerland and France, the ... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-07-06T13_35_15-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-07-06T13_35_15-07_00 Fri, 06 Jul 2012 20:35:15 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-07-06T13_35_15-07_00 2ser 172 Poker machines generate over ten billion dollars a year, and according to some experts, problem gamblers account for forty per cent of that. Labour, The Greens and the Independents have all put forward varying policies to address the issue of gambling addiction. But grassroots organisation GetUp have taken matters into their own hands by forcing Woolworths, to have an extraordinary general meeting to discuss with shareholders, limiting the maximum bet on pokies to $1. Woolworths is the largest owner of poker machines in the country, with around 12 thousand nationwide. But Woolworths took GetUp to the Federal Court to delay the special shareholder meeting and although Woolworths persuaded the court to delay the EGM, GetUp is still claiming a win. 2ser’s Tawar Razaghi spoke to GetUp’s campaign organiser Erin McCallum. Poker machines generate over ten billion dollars a year, and according to some experts, probl... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-06-23T04_02_42-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-06-23T04_02_42-07_00 Sat, 23 Jun 2012 11:02:42 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-06-23T04_02_42-07_00 2ser 387 Australians are generally healthy, but obesity, diabetes and mental disorders are all on the rise, according to a report released on Thursday. The country’s biennial scorecard, entitled Australia’s Health 2012, has found that in many areas, Australia is well above the OECD average. But the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, the producers of the report, warns that there are major lifestyle changes needed. 1 in 4 adults, and 1 in 12 children are obese – totalling more than three million people – and this number is rising. 2SER’s Sam Buckingham-Jones spoke to Australian Institute of Health and Welfare CEO David Kalisch Australians are generally healthy, but obesity, diabetes and mental disorders are all on th... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-06-23T03_39_04-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-06-23T03_39_04-07_00 Sat, 23 Jun 2012 10:39:04 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-06-23T03_39_04-07_00 2ser 183 Australia is about to be hit by a controversial study in the Journal of Seismology attributing seismic activity such as the 1989 earthquake in Newcastle to mining. Australia sits in the middle of the Indo-Australia plate, escaping any exposure to naturally occurring earthquakes, but the nation is also in the middle of a massive mining boom that the recent study suggests may have been responsible for the earthquake in Newcastle that claimed 13 lives. With 180 mining sites located in Victoria was Tuesday’s earthquake yet another example of these man made tremors. 2SER’s James Jooste Spoke with Professor Mike Hall of the Monash School for Geoscience. Australia is about to be hit by a controversial study in the Journal of Seismology attributin... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-06-23T03_35_27-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-06-23T03_35_27-07_00 Sat, 23 Jun 2012 10:35:27 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-06-23T03_35_27-07_00 2ser 348 This week, the Australia Prime Minister JULIA GILLARD was appointed co-chair of a special United Nations forum designed to reduce poverty in developing nations. The UN Millennium Development goal of 2000 was to halve global poverty by 2015. But with the ongoing economic crisis in Europe, International charity Caritas, is concerned the issue of serious poverty has been neglected by countries addressing their own problems. 2SER’s Joel Moss spoke to Caritas Australia CEO, Jack de Groot. This week, the Australia Prime Minister JULIA GILLARD was appointed co-chair of a special Uni... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-06-22T23_13_50-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-06-22T23_13_50-07_00 Sat, 23 Jun 2012 06:13:50 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-06-22T23_13_50-07_00 2ser 298 A freeze on new liquor licenses in Sydney’s nightclub district has been extended for six months until a study on the link between liquor license density and antisocial behaviour is completed It was announced on Wednesday that no new liquor licenses would be granted in Kings Cross, Darlinghurst and the southern central business district. The decision also extends to the expansion of venue trading hours. The Australian Hotels Association says with alcohol-related violence at its lowest level in 10 years, the freeze’s extension contradicts the government’s desire to make Sydney more attractive. 2SER’s Amy Rathbone spoke to Sydney MP and lord mayor, Clover Moore, who says drinking is a bad habit in Sydney and the freeze’s extension frees space to better cultural attractions. A freeze on new liquor licenses in Sydney’s nightclub district has been extended for six mont... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-06-16T23_49_28-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-06-16T23_49_28-07_00 Sun, 17 Jun 2012 06:49:28 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-06-16T23_49_28-07_00 2ser 317 Friday was Global Wind Day and to mark the occasion, the Clean Energy Council of Australia launched a report on wind energy in Australia. Australians have always been interested in generating wind, and more than 4 billion dollars have been invested locally in wind farming. Australia has committed to the Kyoto Protocol by promising a target of 20% renewable power by 2020. The report details the economic and environmental benefits of wind farming. 2SER’s Joel Moss spoke to the Policy Director of the Clean Energy Council, Russell Marsh. Friday was Global Wind Day and to mark the occasion, the Clean Energy Council of Australia launch... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-06-16T23_28_04-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-06-16T23_28_04-07_00 Sun, 17 Jun 2012 06:28:04 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-06-16T23_28_04-07_00 2ser 270 Thousands of workers from across the state were out in the streets this week to protest against the O’Farrell Government’s changes to the WorkCover scheme which will dramatically reduce entitlements. The government’s changes include workers losing protection on their way to and from work, capping of medical expenses and compensation being cut off after two-and-a-half years, regardless of the condition of the victim. This week a parliamentary committee reviewing the WorkCover scheme recommended that all the proposed changes be adopted by the government. The secretary of the Fire Fighters Union, Jim Casey, said the recommended changes are the biggest attack on workers compensation benefits in more than 100 years. He spoke with 2ser’s Rory O’Gorman. Thousands of workers from across the state were out in the streets this week to protest a... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-06-16T06_58_28-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-06-16T06_58_28-07_00 Sat, 16 Jun 2012 13:58:28 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-06-16T06_58_28-07_00 2ser 380 The death certificate of AZARIA CHAMBERLAIN now says that the nine-week-old baby was ‘attacked and taken by a dingo’. In the fourth coronial inquest earlier this week, an emotional coroner announced to a packed court room that there was sufficient evidence to conclude that, on the 17th of August 1980, a dingo killed baby AZARIA. It has been a landmark case in Australian legal history. Spanning more than 30 years, it has divided public opinion since the beginning. The mental stress has taken its toll on Lindy Chamberlain, now Lindy Chamberlain-Creighton; and Michael Chamberlain, Azaria’s parents. 2SER’s Sam Buckingham-Jones spoke with Tony Eastley, ABC’s AM Presenter, who has been covering the Azaria case since it occurred more than three decades ago and was present in Darwin for the inquest earlier this week. The death certificate of AZARIA CHAMBERLAIN now says that the nine-week-old baby was ‘attacke... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-06-16T03_18_53-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-06-16T03_18_53-07_00 Sat, 16 Jun 2012 10:18:53 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-06-16T03_18_53-07_00 2ser 255 Libraries and museums are not known as popular night time spots for Sydney residents but are part of a twenty year plan to energise Sydney’s night life. Worth about 12 Billion Dollars in 2009, Lord Mayor Clover Moore says the city has not kept pace with the towns “booming night time economy”. The City Council is now looking to cash in on this early morning market by extending trading hours for the cities retail and services stores and have a night time district operating by 2030. After extensive community consultation the council says a 24 hour city is what residents want, but are still investigating ways to safely guide the city between night and day. James Jooste Reports. Libraries and museums are not known as popular night time spots for Sydney residents but ... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-06-15T23_41_33-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-06-15T23_41_33-07_00 Sat, 16 Jun 2012 06:41:33 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-06-15T23_41_33-07_00 2ser 312 Everyone is feeling the effect of rising housing costs - even the disadvantaged. Public housing tenants living in NSW will soon have to pay higher weekly rent. NSW Housing Minister, Pru Goward, has blamed the Federal Goverment’s carbon tax for the rise. The Federal government will provide compensation to offset the costs associated with the carbon tax. However, the increase in public housing rent will severely impact single parents, veterans, the elderly and people with disabilities. 2SER’s Joel Moss spoke to Shadow Minister for Housing, Adam Searle, about the current situation regarding public housing. Everyone is feeling the effect of rising housing costs - even the disadvantaged. Public housin... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-06-15T23_30_49-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-06-15T23_30_49-07_00 Sat, 16 Jun 2012 06:30:49 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-06-15T23_30_49-07_00 2ser 277 Next month The United Nations will meet to discuss whether to implement an Arms Trade Treaty. The Treaty would regulate the trade in arms to prevent dictators, war criminals and other militia groups from obtaining weapons. But with the five permanent members on the UN Security Council large players in the 4 billion dollar industry, many question whether the treaty will come into effect. 2SER’s Anthony Sonego reports. Next month The United Nations will meet to discuss whether to implement an Arms Trade Treaty. ... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-06-09T07_27_13-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-06-09T07_27_13-07_00 Sat, 09 Jun 2012 14:27:13 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-06-09T07_27_13-07_00 2ser 326 Norrie May-Welby made international headlines in 2010 after being issued with a birth certificate labeled “X”, meaning, neither male nor female. Norrie was born a male. At age 23 Norrie underwent sex change surgery but since then has stopped taking female hormone therapy. Following a tabloid media storm the NSW government revoked the unique birth certificate and now a legal challenge is being planned. In 2009 a Human Rights Commission report entitled the ‘Sex Files’, recommended that certain individuals be granted “sex not specified” legal documents. 2ser’s Kate Horowitz reports. Norrie May-Welby made international headlines in 2010 after being issued with a birth certifica... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-06-08T23_35_05-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-06-08T23_35_05-07_00 Sat, 09 Jun 2012 06:35:05 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-06-08T23_35_05-07_00 2ser 303 Annual reports for the financial performances of the state’s universities have just been released. The reports highlighted the enormous pay packages some of the state’s vice-chancellors are receiving. The head of Macquarie University, Steven Schwartz, was Australia's highest paid vice-chancellor last year, taking home $1.1 million dollars. While Sydney University’s Michael Spence took home $905,000 and UNSW’s Fred Hilmer was paid $875,000. Macquarie and the University of Sydney have just announced major staff cuts for 2012, as have many universities across Australia. Genevieve Kelly of the National Tertiary Education Union spoke with 2ser’s Rory O’Gorman. Annual reports for the financial performances of the state’s universities have just been rele... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-06-02T05_32_36-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-06-02T05_32_36-07_00 Sat, 02 Jun 2012 12:32:36 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-06-02T05_32_36-07_00 2ser 266 A new national standard for power assisted bicycles was announced this week by MP Catherine King, Secretary for Infrastructure and Transport. The news means that power assisted bicycles are now permitted to go up to 250watts, with a maximum speed of 25kms. The bikes have been criticised for their noise, and there have been questions surrounding the need for registration. Peter Bourke General Manager for Bicycle Industries Australia spoke with 2SER’s Anthony Sonego. A new national standard for power assisted bicycles was announced this week by MP Catherine... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-06-02T00_27_19-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-06-02T00_27_19-07_00 Sat, 02 Jun 2012 07:27:19 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-06-02T00_27_19-07_00 2ser 245 This week the Australian Electoral Commission launched its ‘Count Me In’ Campaign - a nationwide hunt to find an estimated 1.5 million voters Australian voters who are missing from the electoral rolls. The aim of the campaign is to prompt Australians to enroll to vote and to keep their address details up to date so they’re ready to be counted in upcoming state and federal elections. The Australian Electoral Commission’s Bernadette O’Mara spoke to 2ser’s Rory O’Gorman. This week the Australian Electoral Commission launched its ‘Count Me In’ Campaign - a n... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-06-01T19_11_54-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-06-01T19_11_54-07_00 Sat, 02 Jun 2012 02:11:54 +0000 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-06-01T19_11_54-07_00 2ser 197 The O’Farrell Government has struck a deal with the Shooters and Fishers Party to allow recreational hunting in national parks to ensure the electricity privatisation bill is passed. The government reneged on its promise to ban recreational hunting by courting the Shooters party votes it needed, to push through the three billion dollar power sale. Many have criticised the trade and are concerned about safety issues of recreational shooting in national parks. 2ser’s Tawar Razaghi reports. The O’Farrell Government has struck a deal with the Shooters and Fishers Party to allow recre... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-05-27T04_15_38-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-05-27T04_15_38-07_00 Sun, 27 May 2012 11:15:38 +0000 2013-12-10 2013-12-10 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-05-27T04_15_38-07_00 2ser 241 Greenpeace has accused the fast food giant K-F-C of trashing tropical rainforests in Asia. This week, the environmental campaign group released a report called “How KFC is Junking the Jungle.” It claims the company’s packaging is sourced from timber in Indonesian rainforests, pushing endangered animals like the Sumatran Tiger towards extinction. 2SER’s Joel Moss spoke to Greenpeace Communications Manager, James Lorenz about the report’s findings. * KFC Australia declined to be interviewed, but in a statement they said they were committed to ensuring the sustainability of the environment, and that all their packaging is made from sustainable timbers - none of which is sourced from Asian Pulp and Paper. Greenpeace has accused the fast food giant K-F-C of trashing tropical rainforests in Asia. ... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-05-26T18_49_50-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-05-26T18_49_50-07_00 Sun, 27 May 2012 01:49:50 +0000 2013-12-10 2013-12-10 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-05-26T18_49_50-07_00 2ser 256 ASIO seeks to increase their powers to spy on Australian Citizens Attorney-general Nicola Roxon is pushing for new powers that would make it easier for ASIO to spy on the digital information and communications of Australian citizens. Current laws require ASIO to apply for separate warrants for each form of communication and source of information it wishes to monitor. These warrants currently expire after 90 days and if ASIO wish them to be reissued then they must provide evidence to prove the warrants continuance is justified. The new proposed powers would allow ASIO to use a single “super warrant” to tap phones, computers, programs, tablets and even video games for up to six months without renewal. National director of the Australian Lawyers Alliance Greg Barnes says that these new powers for ASIO are dangerous and potentially involve a major erosion of the civil liberties of Australian citizens. He spoke with 2ser’s Rory O’Gorman. ASIO seeks to increase their powers to spy on Australian Citizens Attorney-general Nicola Ro... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-05-18T23_06_44-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-05-18T23_06_44-07_00 Sat, 19 May 2012 06:06:44 +0000 2013-12-10 2013-12-10 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-05-18T23_06_44-07_00 2ser 321 Australia is the seventh biggest polluter in the world, according to a recent report by the World Wildlife Fund. The WWF’s 2012 Living Planet Report ranked the world’s biggest ecological footprints per capita, putting Australia behind countries like Qatar, Kuwait and the United States. The findings also show that collectively, we are consuming more than 1.5 planets worth of the world’s natural resources. Dermot O’Gorman, Chief Executive of WWF Australia spoke with 2SER’s Anthony Sonego. Australia is the seventh biggest polluter in the world, according to a recent report by the... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-05-13T00_02_52-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-05-13T00_02_52-07_00 Sun, 13 May 2012 07:02:52 +0000 2013-12-10 2013-12-10 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-05-13T00_02_52-07_00 2ser 301 Even after death, some people remain environmentally concerned. Natural burials are becoming increasingly popular in Australia. The method is said to be more environmentally sustainable with bodies laid to rest in a shroud or biodegradable coffin and without toxic chemicals in preparing the body. In addition, headstones are often replaced with native trees and plants. At the moment natural funerals aren’t recognised throughout Australia. But the South Australian Government has drafted new laws that would create a register of all graves in the state. 2SER’s Joel Moss spoke to President of the Australasian Cemeteries and Crematoria Association, Bryan Elliot. Even after death, some people remain environmentally concerned. Natural burials are becomi... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-05-12T02_49_30-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-05-12T02_49_30-07_00 Sat, 12 May 2012 09:49:30 +0000 2014-02-02 2014-02-02 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-05-12T02_49_30-07_00 2ser 259 President Obama announced his support for same-sex marriage in an interview this week. The US President revoked the controversial ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell Policy’ in the US Military last year, but hadn’t supported same-sex marriage until now. As well as causing a stir in the media in the US, Barack Obama’s comments have also reignited debate about same sex-marriage issues in Australia. 2SER’s Anthony Sonego reports. President Obama announced his support for same-sex marriage in an interview this week. The... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-05-12T02_42_37-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-05-12T02_42_37-07_00 Sat, 12 May 2012 09:42:37 +0000 2013-12-10 2013-12-10 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-05-12T02_42_37-07_00 2ser 282 This week students protesting staff cuts at the University of Sydney squared off with police in a series of confrontations. Police have been accused of using excessive force during their clashes with protesters. On Monday about 1000 students and staff peacefully marched through the campus. But police claim a small contingent of protesters broke off from the main group and attempted to storm the building where the University’s governing body was meeting. Scuffles then broke out eventually leading to three arrests and one female police officer suffering a broken arm. Michael Thomson, President of the Sydney branch of the National Tertiary Education Union has been coordinating the protests at Sydney University. He spoke with 2SER’s Rory O’Gorman. This week students protesting staff cuts at the University of Sydney squared off with pol... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-04-27T23_17_24-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-04-27T23_17_24-07_00 Sat, 28 Apr 2012 06:17:24 +0000 2013-12-10 2013-12-10 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-04-27T23_17_24-07_00 2ser 298 After a ten year stint in the top job, NSW Prisons Commissioner Ron Woodham is on the way out, with the Attorney General Greg Smith announcing this week that his contract will not be renewed. There is a lot of debate about whether the Woodham was removed or if he happily stood down. Some commentators view this decision as Greg Smith’s first successful move in his bid to reform the harsh, old school prison system. And there are some very mixed reviews of the Woodham era, with the Daily Telegraph calling him “the best ever” prisons boss, while others say his regime was harsh and did little to rehabilitate offenders. 2ser Tawar Razaghi spoke to Brett Collins from the prisoners’ rights group Justice Action. After a ten year stint in the top job, NSW Prisons Commissioner Ron Woodham is on the way out, ... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-04-21T23_39_55-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-04-21T23_39_55-07_00 Sun, 22 Apr 2012 06:39:55 +0000 2013-12-10 2013-12-10 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-04-21T23_39_55-07_00 2ser 249 Pay Justice Action Union members are being urged to be more active in fighting for greater security in the work place. A recent report by the Australian Council of Trade Unions has found that 40 per cent of workers are in insecure jobs. These jobs are defined by the A-C-T-U as casual and fixed term employment and seasonal and contract work. Pay Justice Action, a group set up to campaign for greater security in the workplace, believe that female workers are most vulnerable under this system and should be more active in campaigning for better work place agreements. James Jooste spoke to Anthea Stutter, a campaigner and spokesperson for Pay Justice Action. Pay Justice Action Union members are being urged to be more active in fighting for greater sec... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-04-21T03_36_54-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-04-21T03_36_54-07_00 Sat, 21 Apr 2012 10:36:54 +0000 2013-12-10 2013-12-10 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-04-21T03_36_54-07_00 2ser 284 New data released by a tenant’s rights group shows that the unemployment benefit is so low, it either just meets or fails to meet median rent prices in Australia’s capital cities. The figures from the Tenants Union of Victoria found that in Sydney, for example, the average Newstart and rent assistance income of 315-dollars per week falls far short of the 420-dollars per week median rent on a one-bedroom flat. Even when the cost of rent is reduced by sharing accommodation, there’s little left to cover basic needs like food, clothing and utility bills. Toby Archer from the Tenants Union says many Australians looking for work are living below the poverty line because rent takes up such a large part of their income. He spoke with 2SER’s Rory O’Gorman. New data released by a tenant’s rights group shows that the unemployment benefit is so low,... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-04-14T05_04_37-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-04-14T05_04_37-07_00 Sat, 14 Apr 2012 12:04:37 +0000 2013-12-10 2013-12-10 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-04-14T05_04_37-07_00 2ser 285 Reports confirm that environmental activists are being spied on by ASIO. This comes after Martin Ferguson’s department of Resources and Energy denied releasing briefings because they contained “intelligence information.” For many environmental groups this does not come as a surprise as it only confirms long running suspicions. One anti-coal activist received a surprise visit by two alleged intelligence officers. 2ser’s Tawar Razaghi reports. Reports confirm that environmental activists are being spied on by ASIO. This comes af... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-04-13T23_17_30-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-04-13T23_17_30-07_00 Sat, 14 Apr 2012 06:17:30 +0000 2013-12-10 2013-12-10 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-04-13T23_17_30-07_00 2ser 361 The search for Sydney’s second airport is now in its fourth decade with the issue turning into one of the state’s biggest political hazards. The Federal government has raised the matter again but there are many disagreements over where the airport could be built. A new study says Badgerys Creek in Sydney’s far west is the best site. But the Federal government has its eye on Wilton in the city’s South West while the NSW government wants a new airport in Canberra. James Jooste reports. The search for Sydney’s second airport is now in its fourth decade with the issue turning into on... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-04-13T22_58_43-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-04-13T22_58_43-07_00 Sat, 14 Apr 2012 05:58:43 +0000 2013-12-10 2013-12-10 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-04-13T22_58_43-07_00 2ser 384 false Yesterday the Australian Greens leader Bob Brown shocked many with his sudden resignation. Often one to cause controversy, Senator Brown transformed the Greens from a small environmental party into a legitimate third force in Australia. But his departure has raised questions about tensions within the party and its future. 2SER’s Anthony Sonego reports. Yesterday the Australian Greens leader Bob Brown shocked many with his sudden resignation. ... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-03-30T21_46_36-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-03-30T21_46_36-07_00 Sat, 31 Mar 2012 04:46:36 +0000 2013-12-10 2013-12-10 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-03-30T21_46_36-07_00 2ser news,child,support,2ser 311 false Parents are neglecting the care of their children as unpaid child support in Australia has now reached a staggering $1.2 billion. Previous attempts by Government to ensure child support have included surveillance and seizing assets of those who avoid payments. In its latest response, the federal Government plans to train its Child Support Agency workers in “assertive debt conversations” in an attempt to force payments. 2SER’s Joel Moss spoke with Kathleen Swinbourne from The Sole Parents Union about the origins of the $1.2 billion amount in unpaid child support. Parents are neglecting the care of their children as unpaid child support in Australia has now ... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-03-03T03_45_01-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-03-03T03_45_01-08_00 Sat, 03 Mar 2012 11:45:01 +0000 2013-12-09 2013-12-09 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-03-03T03_45_01-08_00 2ser 297 Confidential emails obtained from a private intelligence agency Stratfor, have uncovered an American plan to extradite Wikileaks founder Jullian Assange to the US to face espionage or conspiracy charges. The secret plan was revealed by Wikileaks itself, in its latest mass release of confidential emails and documents. Several Greens members and human right lawyers have criticised the Australian government’s handling of the situation and say the Gillard government must know about the plan. But Senator Chris Evans said that the Australian government had not received any information from the US government. 2SER’s Anthony Sonego spoke with Emeritus Professor Stuart Rees, Director of the Sydney Peace Foundation and asked him if he thought the Australian government had knowledge prior to this week’s leak. Confidential emails obtained from a private intelligence agency Stratfor, have uncovered an Ameri... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-02-25T00_36_35-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-02-25T00_36_35-08_00 Sat, 25 Feb 2012 08:36:35 +0000 2013-12-09 2013-12-09 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-02-25T00_36_35-08_00 2ser 299 A group of animal rights activists have taken over the Geelong animal shelter in Victoria, in a bid to decrease the number of cats and dogs euthanized every year. Their No Kill Policy aims to reduce the 250,000 national kills to zero, challenging “old-school” management ideas. The group has already decreased this number to 2% of dogs and are now working on ways to avoid killing wild and feral cats. New South Wales pounds and shelters kill almost 60,000 each year. The group says that there are simple ways to reduce this number and every shelter has a responsibility to do so. Belinda Russo, Manager of the Geelong Animal Welfare Society, spoke to 2ser’s Lily Ray. A group of animal rights activists have taken over the Geelong animal shelter in Victoria, ... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-02-18T01_58_08-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-02-18T01_58_08-08_00 Sat, 18 Feb 2012 09:58:08 +0000 2013-12-09 2013-12-09 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-02-18T01_58_08-08_00 2ser 347 Occupy Sydney Claim Police Harassment The Occupy Sydney movement claims that the NSW Police force are harassing activists with regular raids on their Martin Place base and numerous arrests for trivial matters. The group says Police visit their site up to three times a day, confiscate property and try to charge people with minor offences. In the latest incident six occupy activists were arrested following a protest outside the Greek embassy on Wednesday. Four of them were held for 10 to 12 hours each, then released without charge. Occupy Sydney spokesperson Wenny Theresia believes the Police actions are infringing upon the right to peacefully protest – a claim the Police deny. She spoke with 2ser’s Mark Robinson. Occupy Sydney Claim Police Harassment The Occupy Sydney movement claims that the NSW Police ... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-02-04T02_58_47-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-02-04T02_58_47-08_00 Sat, 04 Feb 2012 10:58:47 +0000 2013-12-09 2013-12-09 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-02-04T02_58_47-08_00 2ser 281 Premier Barry O’Farrell had promised to ban UNLEADED petrol in NSW so that more ETHANOL fuel was used. Ethanol is made from sugar cane and grain crops and is viewed by many as a greener alternative to drilling for oil. But this week O'Farrell did a back flip and decided against the ban. Instead he says 6% of all fuel sold must be an ethanol blend. Greens MP, John Kaye says there is conflicting evidence about the environmental benefits of biofuels like Ethanol. He spoke to 2ser’s Lily Ray. Premier Barry O’Farrell had promised to ban UNLEADED petrol in NSW so that more ETHANO... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-02-03T20_59_34-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-02-03T20_59_34-08_00 Sat, 04 Feb 2012 04:59:34 +0000 2013-12-09 2013-12-09 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-02-03T20_59_34-08_00 2ser 338 Last week Razors Edge played a story by Sam Buckingham-Jones addressing calls for Alternative Medicine to be axed from Tertiary education. This week were continuing the debate talking to Professor Marcello Costa from the Friends of Science in Medicine. The group is on the campaign trail to pressure Universities to abolish alternative medicine courses. He believes that teaching alternative practices in medicine erodes the reputation of Australian Universities and poses a public health risk by giving alternative practitioners the more authority James Jooste reports. Last week Razors Edge played a story by Sam Buckingham-Jones addressing calls for Alter... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-01-28T21_46_14-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-01-28T21_46_14-08_00 Sun, 29 Jan 2012 05:46:14 +0000 2013-12-07 2013-12-07 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-01-28T21_46_14-08_00 2ser 379 A group of experts is calling for Australian universities to stop offering accreditations in alternative medicine. Made up of more than 400 of Australia’s top scientists, doctors and researchers - Friends of Science in Medicine has written to universities across the country urging an end to courses such as homeopathy and aromatherapy. They describe the practices as quackery and say they have no basis in science. Around a third of Australian universities currently offer alternative medicine courses, and the lobby says this undermines their reputation as bastions for scientific rigour. 2SER’s Sam Buckingham-Jones spoke to Dr John Wardle, Lecturer at the University of Queensland and Practitioner of Complementary and Alternative Medicine. A group of experts is calling for Australian universities to stop offering accreditations in ... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2012-01-27T21_17_25-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-01-27T21_17_25-08_00 Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:17:25 +0000 2013-12-07 2013-12-07 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2012-01-27T21_17_25-08_00 2ser 298 Over 700 prominent Australians, including several former prime ministers, this week signed a statement calling for a Nuclear Weapons Convention. The convention would provide a mechanism for the total removal of all weapons of mass destruction. It would also go further than the current non proliferation treaty, by taking much stronger action to dismantle existing arsenals. 2ser’s Lily Ray spoke with Tim Wright from the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons. http://nuclearweaponsconvention.org.au/ Over 700 prominent Australians, including several former prime ministers, this week signed a ... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2011-07-29T23_21_37-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2011-07-29T23_21_37-07_00 Sat, 30 Jul 2011 06:21:37 +0000 2013-12-06 2013-12-06 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2011-07-29T23_21_37-07_00 2ser 324 Julia Gillard might've been chuffed after Tony Blair gave her carbon tax campaign the thumbs up, but not everyone is happy to see the former British prime minister in Australia. Mr Blair has been on a speaking tour of the country, in part to promote his new book of memoirs. But the Stop the War Coalition accuses Mr Blair of committing war crimes in Iraq and say by selling his book he's profiting from proceeds of crime. To voice their concerns, the group staged a mock trial down at Sydney's Darling Harbour. 2SER's Jennifer Lush was there. Julia Gillard might've been chuffed after Tony Blair gave her carbon tax campaign the thumb... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2011-07-15T19_38_40-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2011-07-15T19_38_40-07_00 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 02:38:40 +0000 2013-12-06 2013-12-06 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2011-07-15T19_38_40-07_00 2ser 245 The Church of Scientology has threatened to sue a volunteer organisation that supports people harmed by cults. The Cult Information Service criticized Scientology in a brochure which quoted Senator Nick Xenophon. The document described the church as an “abusive and destructive group” that “psychologically manipulates persons under coercive controlling circumstances.” 2ser’s Kate Aubusson filed this report. The Church of Scientology has threatened to sue a volunteer organisation that supports people... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2011-04-16T06_19_06-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2011-04-16T06_19_06-07_00 Sat, 16 Apr 2011 13:19:06 +0000 2013-12-06 2013-12-06 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2011-04-16T06_19_06-07_00 2ser 244 Last week on the program we interviewed the Manager of a controversial Darwin community radio station, Territory FM. Peter Perrin hit back at criticism of his stations decision to re-broadcast Alan Jones and several other commercial radio programs. A student at the Charles Darwin University, which owns the station had complained to Mediawatch, saying the very commercial format was not in line with community radio standards. Mr Perrin rejected the criticism saying the station had good ratings and that the student was an "agitator" who was "known to the station". Well we tracked down the person who complained to Mediawatch and asked him to comment. Tom, who prefers not to give his surname, says Territory FM is a pseudo commercial station and that the local community is not getting enough access. He says in addition to Alan Jones, the main local talk presenter is a former conservative politician, Daryl Manzie, so there is little balance in the stations coverage. Tom spoke to 2SER's Mark Robinson. Last week on the program we interviewed the Manager of a controversial Darwin community rad... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2011-04-09T00_23_04-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2011-04-09T00_23_04-07_00 Sat, 09 Apr 2011 07:23:04 +0000 2013-12-06 2013-12-06 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2011-04-09T00_23_04-07_00 2ser 311 Community stations are supposed to run content created by the local community right? Well, not always. One Darwin community station is broadcasting syndicated content from Alice Cooper, Channel Nine and, wait for it, Alan Jones. Despite apparently contradicting everything community radio stands for - Territory FM is not in breach of its community license. But one student attending Charles Darwin University, the uni that owns the station, has complained to Media Watch about the stations very commercial programming. 2SER’s Jennifer Lush filed this report. Community stations are supposed to run content created by the local community right? Well, no... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2010-12-17T21_34_06-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2010-12-17T21_34_06-08_00 Sat, 18 Dec 2010 05:34:06 +0000 2013-12-06 2013-12-06 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2010-12-17T21_34_06-08_00 2ser 351 Marrickville has become the first local council in Australia to join the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaign against Israel. This week the Council voted 10 to 2 for the motion to support the BDS -- an international campaign designed to stop trade and investment in companies, sporting teams and other institutions with ties to Israel. It aims to coerce Israel to restore human rights and return occupied land to Palestinians. The United Nations and Australian Federal and State Governments have refused to support the BDS. But the NSW Greens are backing the campaign. 2SER’s Elise Scott spoke with Green’s Marrickville Councilor Cathy Peters, who put forward the motion this week. Marrickville has become the first local council in Australia to join the Boycott, Divestm... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2010-09-25T05_51_54-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2010-09-25T05_51_54-07_00 Sat, 25 Sep 2010 12:51:54 +0000 2013-12-06 2013-12-06 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2010-09-25T05_51_54-07_00 2ser 339 A study released this week by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics shows prison sentences don't do much to stop criminals re-offending. Researchers matched up 96 pairs of convicted burglars and 406 pairs of offenders charged with non-aggravated assault, for the study. They discovered that inmates serving time on the inside were more likely to re-offend than those serving a non-custodial sentence outside. NSW Shadow Minister for Justice, Greg Smith, says the study's findings were no surprise. He spoke to 2ser's Natalie Muller. A study released this week by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics shows prison sentences do... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2009-05-23T00_09_33-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2009-05-23T00_09_33-07_00 Sat, 23 May 2009 07:09:33 +0000 2013-12-05 2013-12-05 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2009-05-23T00_09_33-07_00 2ser 307 false Reports have emerged that some aid workers in Papua New Guinea can earn more in a year than Kevin Rudd. These consultants are paid for by Australian taxpayers through the government’s overseas aid agency, AusAID. They can earn up to 360, 000 dollars a year. Experts say that aid money often finds its way back to Australia in the form of consultancy fees or company profits. AusAID says the rates paid to consultants in PNG are comparable to rates paid for the same kind of work around the world. Tim Anderson is a senior politics lecturer at Sydney University and a member of the board of Aid Watch, an independent organisation that monitors aid and trade issues. 2ser’s Tim Roxburgh asked him whether AusAID follows any guidelines when deciding how to pay consultants. Reports have emerged that some aid workers in Papua New Guinea can earn more in a year th... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2008-03-25T04_06_39-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2008-03-25T04_06_39-07_00 Tue, 25 Mar 2008 11:06:39 +0000 2013-12-05 2013-12-05 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2008-03-25T04_06_39-07_00 2ser 294 false As the world focuses its attention on the crack down in Tibet , similar actions are taking place much closer to home. The Australia West Papua Association says that 11 men have recently been jailed, simply for carrying the national flag, the Morning Star. Since the Indonesian government took control of West Papua in 1969 under the so-called “Act of Free Choice”, any calls for independence have been brutally oppressed. Today in Canberra the Association and its supporters gathered at the Indonesian Embassy - to call for a referendum for West Papua and an end to the Indonesian military occupation. Featured in story: Herman Wainggai, West Papuan refugee and Dr Meredith Burgmann, former Labor MP and patron of the West Papua Project at Sydney University. The report was produced by Shevonne Hunt. As the world focuses its attention on the crack down in Tibet , similar actions are taking pl... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2007-08-05T20_28_48-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2007-08-05T20_28_48-07_00 Mon, 06 Aug 2007 03:28:48 +0000 2013-12-05 2013-12-05 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2007-08-05T20_28_48-07_00 2ser 256 false Snub the politicians. That’s what the Combined Pensioners and Supperannuants Association is telling its members. In front of the trailing media pack, John Howard was embarrassed this week by a pensioner at a Tassie shopping centre. She refused to shake his hand for the obligatory media meet and greet and instead told him the pension was too low. At present about ONE MILLION single pensioners have to live on less than 14 thousand dollars per year. 2ser's Andrew Lee spoke to Paul Versteege from the CPSA .. Snub the politicians. That’s what the Combined Pensioners and Supperannuants Association is te... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2007-06-30T07_52_35-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2007-06-30T07_52_35-07_00 Sat, 30 Jun 2007 14:52:35 +0000 2013-12-05 2013-12-05 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2007-06-30T07_52_35-07_00 2ser 274 false What is with Australian men? Are they slow, uncaring, ignorant or lazy. Or is it something else? According to the latest census, Australian men do an average of 5 hours of housework per week. Which doesn’t sound too bad until you hear that women average between 5 and 14 hours per week. Of course, these are averages and not all men are bludging but the stats are not exactly a good look. And while men of retirement age eventually share the load equally, its scary to think that teenage men are doing no more chores now than they were over 30 years ago. Andrew Lee spoke to Sarah Madison from the Womens Electoral Lobby . What is with Australian men? Are they slow, uncaring, ignorant or lazy. Or is it something el... https://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/2007-02-04T02_01_55-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2007-02-04T02_01_55-08_00 Sun, 04 Feb 2007 10:01:55 +0000 2013-12-05 2013-12-05 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/2ser/episodes/2007-02-04T02_01_55-08_00 2ser news 312 false The One Laptop Per Child, or OLPC program, aims to provide each child in the developing world with a simple computer of their own. Incorporating an original interface, and currently costing just 150 U-S- dollars, its US creator, MIT Media Lab, says this technology will revolutionise children's education. Shipments are already being prepared for countries like Rwanda and Brazil, and now the program is coming to Australia. Trials are planned for remote communities in the Northern Territory, and the University of Technology, Sydney's engineering students will incorporate OLPC projects into their degrees. Dr Tim Aubrey from UTS spoke to 2SER's Anna Vidot. (Duration: 5.12, Original broadcast: 27 Jan 07 on "Razors Edge") .. The One Laptop Per Child, or OLPC program, aims to provide each child in the developing world wit...