In The News September Week 1
ABORIGINAL PEOPLES
Indigenous weather knowledge helps us understand
''We call it arretherre. It's the bad wind. People get irritable and cranky because of the west wind."
Northern Territory intervention violates international law, Gillian Triggs says
Former human rights commissioner throws her support behind statement prepared with Indigenous elders that calls for the law to be repealed
Resources call for dugong management
A TRADITIONAL owner says indigenous groups should keep stock of how many sea turtles and dugongs are taken from the wild, but they need more resources to do it.
Dementia risk higher for abused Indigenous Australians
Land councils ‘in need of role’
Indigenous land councils are formulating new roles as the native title claims era comes to an end.
Calls for more indigenous tourism ventures
AUSTRALIA’S oldest culture is poised to become our newest tourism steamroller, as a call is made for more businesses to sell our indigenous culture.
Peak Body Demands Action to Stop NDIS Leaving Aboriginal People Behind
The NSW peak body for Aboriginal children and families is advocating for urgent action to stop Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people “being left behind” by the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Parasitic worm endangering Indigenous communities across the north
A potentially fatal parasitic worm could be infecting up to 60 per cent of adults in Indigenous communities in northern Australia, but its true prevalence remains unknown because there is not enough screening for it.
Kids ‘hooked on drugs and grog’
Children as young as eight were abusing cannabis and alcohol at remote Aboriginal communities, an inquest was told.
Legacy of language, land rights
Roebourne will this weekend celebrate the life of Mavis Pat, the mother of John who died in police custody.
Namatjira's family keeps copyright issue in the spotlight
The family of Indigenous artist Albert Namatjira are continuing their fight to have the copyright of his works returned to them after a film of their plight hit cinemas in Australia.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-09-07/fight-for-copyright-continues-from-namatjiras-family/8881474
Why do Victoria's Aboriginal people want a treaty and what difference will it make?
It's been more than a year since talks began between the Victorian Government and the state's Aboriginal people about a treaty. So where are they at and where to from here?
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-09-08/treaty-what-is-it-and-why-victoria-working-on/8779050
Language centre fights to save Aboriginal language
A language centre in Kununurra has produced an English-Miriwoong dictionary to try and help save the ancient language.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-09-07/language-centre-fights-to-save-aboriginal-language/8883758
Aboriginal community given $7 million in the WA budget for a pool they don't want
The Kalumburu Aboriginal community is allocated $7 million for a swimming pool in the WA State Budget but, if consulted, they would have asked for a cheaper water park, and spent the difference on domestic violence prevention.
Alternative to work-for-the-dole scheme launched in NT
Aboriginal organisations from across the Northern Territory launch their own remote employment scheme, saying it should replace the Federal Government's "racially discriminatory" work-for-the-dole program.
Breaking the Cycle of Disadvantage
Bethany Simmonds
Aboriginal people are the most marginalised, excluded and disadvantaged group of people living in Australia today, and transport disadvantage simply adds to their morass of problems and their capacity to solve them
https://probonoaustralia.com.au/news/2017/09/breaking-cycle-disadvantage/
Shifting Australia Day is a distraction from writing an honest national story
Peter Lewis
Just when the public gets behind a more progressive agenda in other areas, the campaign to change the date of Australia Day will split them all over again
If we are to recognise heroes, where are the stories of Aboriginal courage?
Tony Birch
At present, bronzed heroes stand unchallenged, representing either a fictional history of terra nullius or the passive conquest of the land. Such histories don’t venture beyond myth
ASYLUM SEEKERS
Employment Organisation Reaches Out to Asylum Seekers Caught in the Crackdown
Asylum seekers who have lost their welfare and accommodation in the recent government crackdown are being offered a job interview and a chance to put their culinary skills to use.
Anglican church leader says cuts to asylum seeker welfare support 'callous'
Philip Freier says decision by the immigration minister, Peter Dutton, puts ‘vulnerable people in even more exposed conditions’
Manus Island detainees say $70m payout 'not enough'
Refugees and asylum seekers who will receive compensation for being illegally detained on Manus Island say they are unhappy with the $70 million settlement and fear they will not be able to access the money.
Victoria to help asylum seekers facing homelessness
CHARITY AND WELFARE
Dollars to charities up but donor numbers down: report
Cash donations to Australian charities are rising but the number of us giving is on the decline.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-09-05/fewer-australians-giving-to-charity-report-reveals/8872930
Australia Drops in World Giving Index
Australia has fallen out of the top five most generous countries for the first time – falling three places to sixth, behind Myanmar, Indonesia, Kenya, New Zealand and the USA, according to the latest global giving index.
https://probonoaustralia.com.au/news/2017/09/australia-drops-world-giving-index/
Coalition should proceed with plan to drug test welfare recipients, inquiry says
Labor and Greens say bill should not be passed as it will contribute to growing inequality and disadvantage the vulnerable
Barnaby Joyce says charitable status helping green groups destroy the economy
Deputy prime minister tells Minerals Council that environmental groups need to be taken ‘head on’
Australians Urged to Give a Gift to Charities in Their Will
A coalition of almost 100 charities will be teaming up next week, to encourage more Australians to leave a gift in their will.
https://probonoaustralia.com.au/news/2017/09/australians-urged-give-gift-charities-will/
Cashless debit card trial evaluation: final evaluation report
Department of Social Services (Australia)
This report presents the final findings of the evaluation into the trial of a Cashless Debit Card (CDC) for income support payments (ISPs) in two remote communities.
https://www.apo.org.au/node/104916
Drug testing welfare recipients a 'tick a box' exercise that can never work
Sally Whyte
Welfare Needs a Radical Restructuring
Eva Cox
Australia needs reforms that address the “inadequacy of victim blaming models” and far fewer secure paid jobs
https://probonoaustralia.com.au/news/2017/09/welfare-needs-radical-restructuring/
Much of the data used to justify the welfare card is flawed
Eva Cox
The drastic and expensive changes to welfare policy are not reasonable because they are based on questionable research
CHILD ABUSE
Survey finds adults are unaware of child abuse signs or how to report it
A study has found one third of Australians surveyed would not immediately tell someone if they thought a ...
Australian government urged to ban orphanage tourism immediately
Liberal-led committee to recommend Australia’s involvement in ‘aiding traffickers’ be dealt with as a priority without waiting for a modern slavery act
Child protection job seekers face intrusive sex-related questions
In the wake of serious failings in child protection in South Australia, the Premier says he makes no apologies for job applicants now being asked about their sexual experiences, fidelity and even one-night stands.
Victorian MP tells of anguish after finding husband's child pornography
The Australian Conservatives' Rachel Carling-Jenkins tells Parliament she reported her husband and ended their marriage after discovering his child pornography collection, and he is now refusing to sign divorce papers.
Sexual abuse victim re-traumatised by Catholic church compensation process
The woman’s ‘extremely difficult’ 13-month ordeal to receive a payout adds weight to calls for an independent redress scheme, says her lawyer
On the trail of monsters
Terry Sweetman
The number of children who are subject to internet sexual exploitation is horrific. Interpol identified five children every day last year.
Virtual child pornography could both help and hinder law enforcement
Hadeel Al-Alosi, Western Sydney University
It's increasingly difficult to tell virtually-created images from those of real children.
The 'no' vote says Australia cares about kids. But does it?
Lisa Bryant
To hear the "no" vote messages you would think that Australia is a country that cares deeply about children and their protection. But is it?
Test of religious freedom
Gerard Henderson
The royal commission’s recommendation has little to do with curbing child abuse.
CRIME AND PUNISHMENT
Police podcast tackles sexual assault
A GROUNDBREAKING podcast by Victoria Police will help encourage women to report sexual assault and bust some of the myths around sex crime.
When it's against the law to swear
Thousands of Australians are criminally penalised for language offences each year. Should the system be reformed?
Naming and shaming NT kids a breach of human rights, children's commissioner says
The Northern Territory is the only jurisdiction where the personal details of under-18s can be made public, and former police officer Colleen Gwynne said the practice is harmful, makes children more likely to reoffend, and that it has to stop.
More stringent rape laws reduce chances a country will face civil war, study finds
Countries that have longer punitive sentences for rape crimes are less likely to have civil war and strife, according to a new study led by a University of Kansas researcher.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-09/uok-msr090617.php
Nearly 26,000 guns surrendered in national firearms amnesty
Australians have surrendered on average more than 400 firearms per day as part of the first national gun amnesty since the Port Arthur massacre, new figures show.
DEATH AND DYING
While the majority of patients die 'well', some do suffer in the end
Tara Nipe
Assisted dying is a way – the only way – to halt purposeless, unbearable suffering that cannot be otherwise alleviated.
Assisted dying laws pose a grave risk to the vulnerable
Joel Hodge
Is it possible for a state to create safeguards to mediate a complex human situation, and avoid pressure, coercion and abuse?
Can it be right to pray for someone to die? Yes, say the Psalms
Chris Webb
DISABILITY
'Canberra just the beginning': People with high needs shut out of respite care under NDIS
Increase to Medicare Levy Must Not Become A Political Football
The Australian Council of Social Services has urged Parliament to “quickly resolve” funding to the National Disability Insurance Scheme, as the Senate gets set to choose whether or not to boost the Medicare levy to pay for the scheme.
NDIS respite care concerns the canary in the coal mine
Canberra Times editorial
Concerns that respite care for ACT families has been compromised by the introduction of the NDIS are timely.
DIVERSE SEXUALITY
'Pretty much the same': Irish voters offer lessons for Australia's same-sex marriage debate
It's been more than two years since Ireland voted Yes to same-sex marriage. Voters from both sides of the campaign say Australians can learn from their experiences.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-09-02/same-sex-marriage-lessons-from-ireland/8858320
The gay couple who oppose same-sex marriage
Ben Rogers and Mark Poidevin are committed to preserving traditional marriage and say the postal survey could be a "Brexit or Trump moment for Australia".
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-09-04/the-gay-couple-who-oppose-same-sex-marriage/8871118
Study shows transgender students are at significant risk for suicidal thoughts
Evidence indicates that school-based mental health services are urgently needed to protect against suicidal thoughts among transgender students
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-09/e-sst090517.php
These religious leaders are putting dogma aside to support same-sex marriage
If you met two priests, a rabbi and an imam, would you presume that because of their religious beliefs they would oppose same-sex marriage? Well, think again.
I will never give up fighting for a more free and joyful world
Roz Ward
I’ve been accused of plotting the downfall of civilisation. Even my mum, who thinks I’m doing an awesome job, knows my powers of destruction are more limited, writes Safe Schools co-founder Roz Ward
This survey is about much more than same-sex marriage
Aubrey Perry
How would a 'yes' vote affect Father's Day?
SMH editorial
As most prepare to vote on the issue which our politicians seem unable to resolve themselves, it is right to ask how a "yes" vote would impact on family life.
Making false connections is fighting dirty
Karen Brooks.
MARRIAGE equality has zero to do with Safe Schools or kids. Making these false connections is a lazy and unethical way to argue a case
Seven common myths in the marriage equality debate
Ron Levy
I now feel I've heard it all – all the arguments against marriage equality. And I feel very confident at this point saying that none of the arguments against marriage equality holds up in the light of logic.
Conservative case for voting yes
Janet Albrechtsen
Granting gay couples the legal right to marry is a recognition of liberty
The five worst arguments for a No vote on same-sex marriage
Dom Knight
Here are some of the more ridiculous arguments made against same-sex marriage by MPs and other prominent figures
Without proper protections, same-sex marriage will discriminate against conscientious objectors
Greg Walsh, University of Notre Dame Australia
Conscience protections for those opposed to same-sex marriage should not be seen as excusing bigotry. Rather, it is a legitimate means of best promoting everyone’s welfare.
Same-sex marriage: Why we love our gay neighbours, but say they shouldn't marry
Kanishka Raffel
FactCheck: are children ‘better off’ with a mother and father than with same-sex parents?
Jennifer Power
The Legal Maze of the Marriage Equality Survey
Imogen Crump
As Australians prepare to have their say on same-sex marriage, the legitimacy of the Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey is being challenged in the High Court.
https://probonoaustralia.com.au/news/2017/09/legal-maze-marriage-equality-survey/
Is it really a win for queer rights if we exclude our most vulnerable to achieve it?
Allison Gallagher
The right have made trans bodies a target in the same-sex marriage debate. We need marriage equality campaigners to stick up for us, not ignore us
Bigotry, Meet Racism. Racism, Meet Bigotry.
Anisha Gautam
The fight for marriage equality is important. But there’s no room in it for racism
https://newmatilda.com/2017/09/08/bigotry-meet-racism-racism-meet-bigotry/
Conflict, religion and dignity
Michael Quinlan, Pauline Wright
Two leading NSW legal voices explore some of the key judicial arguments for and against same-sex marriage.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
'With deep shame': Anglican Church offers formal apology to domestic violence victims
The Anglican Church of Australia has for the first time apologised to victims of domestic violence — many of whom, it says, have been let down by Church leaders and teachings.
Threats to core domestic violence services
Government-led changes to the operation of a domestic violence hotline are placing vulnerable women at even greater risk.
DRUGS
Apparent alcohol consumption up first time in 9 years
Apparent consumption of alcohol per person has increased for the first time in nine years, according to data released by the Australia Bureau of Statistics (ABS) today.
Study: Alcohol labelling branded ineffective
Warnings on alcoholic drinks do little to change the behaviour of younger drinkers, an Australian study has found.
Enquiry into the provision of alcohol and drug rehabilitation services following contact with the criminal justice system
Victorian Ombudsman
This report confirms that access to rehabilitation services remains the dominant concern for prisoners and former prisoners struggling with addiction.
https://apo.org.au/node/105816
Buying rounds is deeply engrained in Aussie culture but widely disliked
Caitlin Fitzsimmons
There seems to be an inverse logic to buying drinks for your mates: the people who come under most pressure to take part in rounds are those that can least afford it.
Hedonism not only leads to binge drinking, it’s part of the solution
Rebekah Russell-Bennett, Queensland University of Technology and Ryan McAndrew, Queensland University of Technology
https://theconversation.com/hedonism-not-only-leads-to-binge-drinking-its-part-of-the-solution-81751
A medically supervised injection facility matters for Victoria – and for more inclusive mental health support
Ben O'Mara, Swinburne University of Technology and Anthony McCosker, Swinburne University of Technology
The parliamentary inquiry into establishing an injecting room in Victoria has failed to make any recommendations. This is despite finding drug use is at crisis levels in the area.
Alcohol increases cancer risk, but don’t trust the booze industry to give you the facts straight
Terry Slevin
ENVIRONMENT
Consumers 'betrayed' over sustainability of world’s biggest tuna fishery.
Consumers of tuna from the world’s biggest fishery are are being “betrayed” over its sustainability, according to a coalition of scientists, retailers, politicians and campaigners, including Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.
https://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/t/-6766923627212648958
"Zero-waste" stores put consumers on frontline in fight against packaging.
According to researchers, humans have produced more than 8 billion tons of plastic since the 1950s, with most of it discarded in landfills or the wider environment, hurting ecosystems and human health.
https://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/t/-6766923627212644493
More than 5,000 buildings in Victoria 'may contain non-compliant cladding'
Planning and fire experts say there may be more than 5,000 buildings in Victoria that contain non-compliant cladding, similar to that used on the Grenfell tower in London.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-09-05/cladding-experts-say-5000-buildings-non-compliant/8870546
Diverse Landscapes Are More Productive and Adapt better to Climate Change
https://www.enn.com/ecosystems/article/52369
Plastic bags banned in Queensland
SINGLE use plastic bags will be banned in Queensland and money will be refunded to recycle drink containers after State Parliament unanimously passed new laws.
The cities of the 21st century will be defined by water.
“If we only respond to the past, we will only get answers that fit the past,” says Dutch water expert Henk Ovink.
https://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/t/-6766923627212643469
Study links fish farms to spread of antibiotic resistance.
New research that finds a possible link between fish farms and the spread of antibiotic resistance doesn’t surprise marine biologist Inka Milewski
https://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/t/-6766923627212644474
Here’s what happens when you try to replicate climate contrarian papers
A new paper finds common errors among the 3% of climate papers that reject the global warming consensus
Voters blame energy companies – and PM – for sky-high power prices
More than four times as many people blame Malcolm Turnbull for sky-high power prices than renewable energy companies.
https://reneweconomy.com.au/voters-blame-energy-companies-pm-sky-high-power-prices-87361/
Plastic fibres found in tap water around the world, study reveals.
Microplastic contamination has been found in tap water in countries around the world, leading to calls from scientists for urgent research on the implications for health.
https://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/t/-6766923627212642019
Due to climate change, one-third of animal parasites may be extinct by 2070
Museum collection of more than 20 million parasites offers scientists data needed to understand conservation risks
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-09/s-dtc090117.php
How to solve the environmental information divide.
A recent report from the World Resources Institute examines what happens when water quality data is inaccessible to local communities.
https://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/t/-6766923627212641994
We are living on a plastic planet. What does it mean for our health?
New studies reveal that tiny plastic fibres are everywhere, not just in our oceans but on land too. Now we urgently need to find out how they enter our food, air and tap water and what the effects are on all of us.
https://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/t/-6766923627212641007
Increasing Effective Decision-Making for Coastal Marine Ecosystems
Marine restoration, rather than protection, might be the most cost-effective solution for coastal marine ecosystems suffering from human activities, a new study has found
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/09/170907102341.htm
240-year-old nautical maps show coral loss is much worse than we knew.
Half of the coral reefs recorded in the 1770s have disappeared.
https://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/t/-4057999804430504525
Unprecedented levels of nitrogen could pose risks to Earth's environment
Human production of fixed nitrogen, used mostly to fertilize crops, now accounts for about half of the total fixed nitrogen added to the Earth both on land and in the oceans.
https://www.enn.com/ecosystems/article/52407
Unnatural surveillance: How online data is putting species at risk.
The rapid growth of digital data has been a boon to researchers and conservationists. But experts are warning of a dark side: Poachers can use computers and smartphones to pinpoint the locations of rare and endangered species and then go nab them.
https://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/t/-4057999804430504502
Extreme weather has limited effect on attitudes toward climate policies
People who recently experienced severe weather events such as floods, storms and drought are more likely to support policies to adapt to the effects of climate change, according to a new study co-authored by an Indiana University researcher.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-09/iu-ewh090717.php
New research disputes claims that climate change helped spark the Syrian civil war
A new study, published today in the journal Political Geography, shows that there is no sound evidence that global climate change was a factor in causing the Syrian civil war.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-09/uos-nrd090717.php
Record drop in electricity emissions cancelled out by rises in other sectors
Australia’s overall greenhouse gas emissions last financial year were the highest since 2011, despite the closure of the Hazelwood coal-fired power plant
What can urban households do to help protect vulnerable native animals?
Backyard gardens and keeping pets under control are important ways to help protect vulnerable native species, a conservation organisation says.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-09-07/backyard-gardens-can-help-threatened-species-survive/8878292
We shouldn’t HAVE to shop around for utilities
Terry Sweetman
THE government has washed its hands of responsibility for ensuring utility companies give us the best deal
How we cope with the end of nature.
Stephen Marche Nautilus
As our environment crumbles, we seek solace in animatronic moose
https://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/t/-6766923627212640012
At last! The world’s first ethical guidelines for driverless cars
David Tuffley, Griffith University
The first set of ethical rules on how self-driving cars should operate have been adopted by the German government.
https://theconversation.com/at-last-the-worlds-first-ethical-guidelines-for-driverless-cars-83227
Australia's hidden environmental crisis
Nick Rodway
The east coast of the continent is considered one of the worst deforestation areas in the world today.
https://www.crikey.com.au/2017/09/04/australias-hidden-environmental-crisis/
How a tiny portion of the world's oceans could help meet global seafood demand.
Halley Froehlich, Rebecca Gentry
We know that aquaculture will grow in the coming decades, but where and how this growth will happen depends on good governance, sustainable investment and rock-solid science.
https://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/t/-6766923627212640998
This is why we cannot rely on cities alone to tackle climate change
Brendan F.D. Barrett, RMIT University and Andrew DeWit, Rikkyo University
It's a good thing that cities aspire to lead the way in acting on climate change in the absence of stronger national action. But a closer look reveals the limitations of current city-based efforts.
I drive a hybrid, eat vegetarian but am not doing enough to combat climate change.
Sarah Mosko Los Angeles Times
I fancy myself an environmentalist. I recycle, backyard compost, have rooftop solar, rarely use AC, drive a hybrid, don’t have a lawn and eat vegetarian. Yet, I am as responsible for climate change as the next guy.
https://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/t/-6766923627212648948
Not just nice to have: nature in the workplace makes employees happier and healthier
Libby Sander
Bringing nature into the workplace can lead to a number of benefits, including reduced stress and increased creativity.
A bunch of reasons to be optimistic about clean energy in Australia
Ketan Joshi
Renewable energy is increasingly profitable without subsidies, and coal has become uninvestable without government intervention – this used to be the opposite.
https://reneweconomy.com.au/bunch-reasons-optimistic-clean-energy-australia-66679/
Just ten MPs represent more than 600 threatened species in their electorate
James Watson et al
Australia is rapidly losing its world-famous biodiversity. More than 90 species have gone extinct since European colonisation (including three in just the past decade), and more than 1,700 species are now formally recognised as being in danger of extinction.
FAMILY
The shame of elder abuse
Advocacy Tasmania says unintentional neglect is still elder abuse
https://www.examiner.com.au/story/4897442/the-shame-of-elder-abuse/?cs=95
To be better dads, men need parental leave and flexible working. And a culture change
Libby Lyons
Many men say they would like to be more involved in their child’s life. But even when generous leave options are available, fewer men take them
It’s time to underline the importance of fathers
Peter West
Boys grew up expecting to become a father, breadwinner, head of the family and husband of a loving wife.
https://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=19259
Adults’ perversions are warping our kids
David Penberthy
OUR all-pervasive online porn culture is twisting the sexual behaviour of kids and it’s the people who are meant to be adults letting them down
Too-fat-to-adopt ban discriminatory
Courier Mail editorial
Our story today on how some Australians are being denied the opportunity to adopt children because they are too fat is not only disturbing but discriminatory.
The postal survey is both bizarre and typical in the history of Western marriage
Timothy W. Jones
The voluntary postal survey is unique and bizarre, in that no government has yet conducted such a statistically unreliable exercise in gauging public opinion on a contentious social issue. Yet it is typical, in that political responses to social change in areas of sex and morality are usually slow, fiercely contested, ideologically confused, but nonetheless important.
FINANCE AND INEQUALITY
Corporate tax cuts to drive CEO windfalls, not jobs
Bernard Keane
https://www.crikey.com.au/2017/09/04/corporate-tax-cuts-to-drive-ceo-windfalls-not-jobs/
'More women living in cars': unequal pay a super problem
Sally Loane
How the Turnbull Government, big business and the ABC fool the gullible
Alan Austin
The mainstream media – including the ABC – are in lock step with the Government in misreporting most economic developments.
GAMBLING
Pre-commitment systems for electronic gambling machines: preventing harm and improving consumer protection
Australian Gambling Research Centre
This paper argues that well-designed electronic pre-commitment system can prevent and reduce harm from Electronic Gambling Machines (EGM) use.
https://www.apo.org.au/node/105516
Politicians must get real about gambling reform
Michael Bird
As someone who grew up in the chaos, hardship and violence created by gambling addiction, I plead with our political leaders to get real about gambling reform.
by
HOUSING AND HOMELESS
What it takes to pay off a mortgage on a typical Sydney home
Rapid Housing Project Proves A Success for Vulnerable Rough Sleepers
Rapid housing and support using a collective impact model was the key to addressing the complex needs of vulnerable rough sleepers, according to a new study.
Young people 'ending up homeless' at 18 as foster care ends
Support organisations and carers want extended support for foster children beyond the age of 18, arguing many care-leavers of this age end up homeless.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-09-04/call-for-foster-care-to-extend-beyond-the-age-of-18/8869498
Home owners find a way to avoid a house-hunting nightmare
New report shows how much people in Brisbane are spending on their mortgages
Policies failing the homeless
A lack of government investment and a managerial culture among non-government organisations may be failing the homeless, says Sydney’s de facto mayor of the streets.
https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/2017/09/09/policies-failing-the-homeless/15048792005184
We Live Here: how do residents feel about public housing redevelopment?
Dallas Rogers et al
Residents of two high-rise public housing blocks are being given 'mood lights' to express how they feel based on their experience of the process of redeveloping their neighbourhood.
Extreme weather makes homelessness even worse. Here’s how we can help
Danielle Every
Optimistic Borrowers: How We Got Into A Housing Bubble (Part 2)
Ian McAuley
Banks and governments have certainly been inflating the housing bubble, but a combination of factors has meant that borrowers too are contributing to the problem,…
https://newmatilda.com/2017/09/08/optimistic-borrowers-how-we-got-into-a-housing-bubble-part-2/
HUMAN RIGHTS
NT Government considers anti-vilification laws for race, sexual orientation, disability
The NT Government considers making changes to laws which allow discrimination to take place against certain groups without justification.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-09-04/nt-government-considers-introducing-anti-vilifia/8869174
Can we design safe cities that don't look like forts?
The incidence of terror motivated vehicle attacks means that Australian cities need to increase security. But how do we do this without creating spaces that feel locked down and unwelcoming?
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-09-04/can-we-design-safe-cities-that-arent-locked-down/8855344
Don't be duped by 'orphan tourism'
Age editorial
As long as well-meaning people from prosperous places like Australia continue to finance the orphanages, children will be enslaved in them as bait for all those hugs and selfies.
Sexual consent: yes, no, maybe
Bettina Arndt
These are the cases highlighted by media promoting the feminist position that all sexual activity involving an intoxicated woman is sexual assault as she cannot give consent.
https://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=19275
IMMIGRATION AND MULTICULTURALISM
'Exploitation': The little-known alternative to 457 visas
Documents reveal reality of living under White Australia Policy
The Museum of Australian Democracy is transcribing the personal stories of people affected by the White Australia Policy — and they need your help.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-09-04/white-australia-policy-project-transcribes-history/8868680
Reni Eddo-Lodge stakes a claim for honesty in race debates
Daniel Browning
Racist behaviour on the train or the bus is easy enough to identify. But if you want to dismantle racism, Reni Eddo-Lodge argues that you need to go deeper.
What does it mean to belong in Australia?
Kumi Taguchi
As federal politicians have their right to belong in Parliament deliberated on by the High Court, Kumi Taguchi, whose father immigrated to Australia and whose childhood was enriched with Japanese culture, explores the power of belonging.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-09-09/what-does-it-mean-to-belong-in-australia/8886964
INTERNATIONAL AID
'This is far larger than Sandy': Harvey damage could climb to $225b, Texas Governor warns
Texas Governor Greg Abbott estimates the damage from Hurricane Harvey will reach up to $225 billion, calling it more costly than epic hurricanes Katrina or Sandy while fuelling a debate over how to pay for the disaster.
For India, toilets are a (mostly) serious issue.
A new movie, Toilet, a Love Story, has charmed audiences at a time when the government is trying to bring plumbing to the half a billion Indians without it.
https://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/t/-6766923627212644480
Why poor countries often stay poor – and how they can get rich
Developing countries often struggle to boost their economies even with the help of foreign aid. But there might be a way to escape this poverty trap
https://www.newscientist.com/article/2146297/
Even poorest can be shielded from drought, say UN chiefs in Ethiopia.
It is possible to protect the world's poorest from the worst impacts of drought, even in Ethiopia where back-to-back droughts have left 8.5 million people in need of food aid, heads of U.N. food agencies said after a tour of the country.
https://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/t/-6766923627212641978
Donors Offered Close Up Experience of International Aid
Australian Red Cross has launched a digital fundraising initiative that it says will allow donors to experience life as an international aid worker.
https://probonoaustralia.com.au/news/2017/09/donors-offered-close-experience-international-aid/
Disease fears as floods destroy 100,000 houses in Bangladesh
Aid agencies warn about the heavy toll severe flooding is taking on Bangladesh, saying an estimated 100,000 houses have been destroyed and millions of hectares of crops wiped out.
It’s a hard rain in India
Mari Marcel Thekaekara
Indian governments have done nothing in 70 years of Independence to prevent what they know will happen every monsoon.
https://newint.org/blog/2017/09/01/india-floods
MIND
Three ideas about time that will bend your mind
According to some of the latest physics, time isn't exactly what we think it is. In fact, it may not even exist at all! When our best scientific theories sound crazy, can philosophers help science make better sense of time?
We ignore what doesn’t fit with our biases – even if it costs us
We can’t help but be more welcoming of information that confirms our biases than facts that challenge them. Now an experiment has shown that we do this even when it means losing out financially.
Liar, liar, pants on fire! Groups lie more than individuals, according to new research
Something as simple as communication within groups, even if each group member has previously behaved honestly, can be the key to triggering collaborative, dishonest behavior.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-09/ifor-llp090617.php
Yoga and meditation improve brain function and energy levels
Practicing brief sessions of Hatha yoga and mindfulness meditation can significantly improve brain function and energy levels, according to a new study from the University of Waterloo.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-09/uow-yam090517.php
Antisocial teens can't read faces: study
Children with conduct disorder have more difficulties in recognising emotional expressions compared with their peers, UK scientists say.
When too much choice is no choice at all - the unexpected drag of too many options
Simon Castles
Are you part of a social group? Making sure you are will improve your health
Alexander Saer et al
Social connectedness is at least as good for your health as quitting smoking or exercise. So what is it and how can you get some of it?
The midlife low: how happiness varies with age
Matt Wade
PRIVACY
Poisoned water holes: the legal dangers of dark web policing
Ian Warren, Deakin University; Adam Molnar, Deakin University, and Monique Mann, Queensland University of Technology
Without proper checks, police could have significantly expanded scope to search homes and computers around the world.
https://theconversation.com/poisoned-water-holes-the-legal-dangers-of-dark-web-policing-82833
Police want to read encrypted messages, but they already have significant power to access our data
Michael Wilson, Monique Mann
The Australian government wants new powers to access encrypted communications, but do they need them?
RELIGION
Massive collapse in number of Anglicans in Britain, new survey shows
Christianity in Iraq: Here are some signs of hope
Signs of hope are emerging for Christians in Iraq after they were forced to flee by the ISIS invasion.
https://www.christiantoday.com/article/christianity.in.iraq.here.are.some.signs.of.hope/113337.htm
White Christians in America are a declining and ageing minority, new survey finds
White Christians in the US are in the minority and declining, amid increasing ethnic diversity and growing numbers of people who identify as religiously unaffiliated, according to a new survey.
Rites v rights: the Catholic Church's triple challenge
The Catholic Church is struggling to maintain its moral authority in the face of sex-abuse scandals and a ...
https://www.examiner.com.au/story/4896503/rites-v-rights-the-catholic-churchs-triple-challenge/?cs=7
Watching a Muslim rom-com is nearly a radical act
Ruby Hamad
We don't see enough of Muslim Australia past immigration bans, burqa stunts and alarmism over "homegrown terrorism"
Explaining the Muslim pilgrimage of hajj
Ken Chitwood
https://theconversation.com/explaining-the-muslim-pilgrimage-of-hajj-83284
In spite of their differences, Jews, Christians and Muslims worship the same God
Philip Almond, The University of Queensland
The founder of Islam, Muhammad, saw himself as the last in a line of prophets that reached back through Jesus to Moses, Abraham and Noah. But while the three religions worship the same God, he divides as much as he unites.
If we’re teasing you, it’s a sign of acceptance
Tom Elliott
THE new lamb ad pokes fun at religion but outraged Hindus are missing a vital point about Aussie humour
TRANSPARENCY
Jobs for the boys and girls: nine out of 15 defeated Liberal MPs win cushy government jobs
Nine of the fifteen Liberal MPs who lost their seats at the 2016 election have since been handed well-paid government jobs.
Where opinions beat fact: A guide to navigating life in the post-truth age
Susannah Bishop
In the post-truth age, opinions are truer than fact. Here's a guide to this brave new world.
WORK
Almost half of all female engineers report gender discrimination
How we will work in the year 2030
IN just over a decade’s time, uni degrees will be old school, work hours will be shorter and personal reputations will require their own staff. This is the future of work.
Government Suspends Payments for 1300 Young Job Seekers Not in PaTH Program
Young unemployed people have had their welfare benefits suspended, for failing to take part in the federal government’s controversial PaTH internship program.
Does being religious or spiritual make you more ethical at work?
Subramaniam Ananthram, Curtin University and Christopher Chan,York University, Canada
What is the impact of religiosity and spirituality on ethical decision-making at work? India has a rich experience of such behaviours.
https://theconversation.com/does-being-religious-or-spiritual-make-you-more-ethical-at-work-80754
Six fixes for the gender pay gap
Sally Loane
The fastest growing group of homeless Australians are women over 55. Recently, on Jenny Brockie's excellent Insight on SBS program, we met several of them. Middle class, articulate, smartly dressed and calm, they could have been anyone's mothers or aunts or sisters.
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/opinion/six-fixes-for-the-gender-pay-gap-20170901-gy8phv.html
The costs of a casual job are now outweighing any pay benefits
Joshua Healy, University of Melbourne and Daniel Nicholson,University of Melbourne
The costs of casual work are now outweighing the slim benefits in wages (and even those are not as much as they used to be).
https://theconversation.com/the-costs-of-a-casual-job-are-now-outweighing-any-pay-benefits-82207
The most arrogant people in Australia are business people and we're sick of them
Ross Gittins
How the worm – and the world – turns. When the Abbott government came to power just four years ago, it claimed its arrival signalled the "end of the age of entitlement". Don't laugh, it's happening – but in the opposite way to what treasurer Joe Hockey had in mind.
Govt hypocrisy on display again in the Fair Work Commission
John Wilson