The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has revealed the critical work of its Negotiation Operations Team, a unit of highly-trained specialists deployed both domestically and internationally to manage critical incidents involving Australian citizens. These operations range from hostage situations and kidnappings overseas to a spectrum of high-risk situations within Australia.
For the first time, details have emerged about the team’s involvement in over a hundred serious incidents across Australia in the past year alone. Their operational scope includes managing negotiated surrenders, suicide interventions, extortion, sieges, barricaded offenders, mental health crises, kidnappings, public order events, and cybersecurity threats.
The Negotiation Operations Team is renowned for its ability to deploy at a moment’s notice, providing essential assistance and protection to Australians both at home and in some of the world’s most perilous regions, including Afghanistan and Somalia. Their work extends to responding to high-profile international incidents as well as managing lower-profile situations globally over the past two years.
A significant highlight of their recent operations includes the intervention in the alleged kidnapping of an Australian pilot and two others in Papua New Guinea in February 2024. The team’s swift action led to the resolution of the crisis within five hours. This is in addition to their support in the successful rescue of an Australian resident and New Zealand citizen kidnapped in Papua New Guinea’s jungle in February 2023.
The presence of AFP negotiators has consistently proven to reduce police attendance times at incidents, minimize the need for force, and ensure the safety of both AFP personnel and the public. In the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), since February 2023, 98% of incidents requiring negotiator intervention were resolved without any escalation of force.
These specialists are tasked with managing some of the most high-stakes situations, often involving suicidal individuals, with data showing that such emergencies are generally resolved within 30 minutes. The team’s expertise is not only recognized within Australia but is also sought after internationally, with the AFP delivering training workshops to law enforcement agencies across Asia and the Pacific.
Sergeant Victor Yanes, a lead negotiator with the AFP, emphasized the team’s role in responding to crises and dangerous situations anywhere in the world.
“We turn up on someone’s worst day,” he stated, highlighting the negotiators’ vital role in managing communications with affected individuals and their families, ensuring safety, and, in many cases, saving lives.
AFP negotiators undergo rigorous and continuous training to refine their skills, ensuring they are prepared to address a wide range of emergencies with strategic and effective communication. The diversity within the team enhances its ability to devise innovative strategies and solutions for various critical incidents, underlining the AFP’s commitment to maintaining a world-leading negotiation capability.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Image: Alleged Chinese criminal gang (Source: AFP)
Four members of an alleged Chinese criminal gang, accused of laundering more than $39 million dollars in illicit cash, have been charged as part of a joint law enforcement investigation in Melbourne.
Image: Alleged Chinese criminal gang (Source: AFP)
AFP Detective Superintendent Simone Butcher said the investigation had disrupted the alleged illicit activities of a Transnational Serious Organised Crime syndicate operating in Australia and overseas.
“These arrests serve as another reminder to criminal syndicates both in Australia and offshore that the AFP, together with our law enforcement partners will not tolerate offenders operating their illicit enterprises in our community.”
Det. Supt Butcher added:
“We allege that the amount of illicit wealth – a staggering $39 million dollars – was laundered by this criminal group in just one month and is more than most hardworking individuals would earn in multiple lifetimes.”
In January 2023, AFP investigators attached to Taskforce Avarus – a multi-agency operation combatting criminal networks laundering money in Australia and overseas – commenced targeting a Chinese criminal syndicate involved in laundering millions of dollars of proceeds of crime.
Image: Alleged Chinese criminal gang (Source: AFP)
Codenamed AVARUS-SINAI, the operation also involved assistance from Victoria Police and AUSTRAC.
AUSTRAC Director Intelligence, Markus Erikson said the expertise of AUSTRAC’s financial intelligence analysts was instrumental in disrupting this criminal operation.
“We’re proud to be able to assist our law enforcement partners with specialised financial crime support, helping them uncover the complex money laundering methodologies used by these criminals.”
Mr Erikson further observed:
“As Australia’s financial intelligence agency, AUSTRAC is uniquely placed to follow the money, by analysing our intelligence holdings to identify suspicious money movements and build a financial picture of a criminal operation. This result is a reminder of the impact of our financial intelligence expertise, regulatory powers, and the effect of our partnerships with law enforcement and industry.”
Authorities will allege the Chinese criminal syndicate is responsible for laundering $39,527,935 in illicit cash collections and remittance funds to individuals in China using a sophisticated network of criminal associates in Melbourne between July and August 2022.
Image: Alleged Chinese criminal gang (Source: AFP)
On Monday 25 March, 2024, AFP arrested and charged a South Yarra man, 23, over his alleged role in collecting illicit cash on behalf of the criminal syndicate.
He is expected to face the Melbourne Magistrates Court today (Thursday 28 March, 2024), charged with dealing with money or property, believed to be proceeds of general crime, worth $1,000,000 or more contrary to section 400.3(1B) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth).
A 32-year-old Chinese national, currently on remand and awaiting trial, was charged last week (Tuesday 19 March, 2024) for allegedly directing the Australian-based criminal syndicate’s money laundering activities.
The man was previously charged with drug import offences, allegedly linked to the attempted import of a commercial quantity of methamphetamine concealed inside a shipment of rubber mats sent from South Africa to Australia in September, 2022.
In February, 2024 police arrested a Doncaster East man, 42, who is accused of allegedly facilitating illicit cash and remittance fund transactions on behalf of the Chinese organised criminal group.
In March, a Box Hill man, 37, was charged for allegedly remitting around $20,000,000 (of the total amount) in illicit cash collections to China during the same period.
The registration of the remittance business has since been suspended by AUSTRAC.
The accused syndicate members from Box Hill, Doncaster East and Chinese national, have been charged with one count each of dealing with money or property, believed to be the proceeds of general crime, worth $10,000,000 or more, contrary to section 400.2B(2) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth).
Image: Alleged Chinese criminal gang (Source: AFP)
The AFP-led investigation has received significant support from AUSTRAC and Victoria Police who provided assistance with intelligence and resources used to support the investigation.
During the operation, police executed search warrants in the Melbourne suburbs of Doncaster East, Box Hill and the CBD, seizing three gel blasters, replica firearms, multiple phones, electronic devices, designer watches, documents and other luxury items, along with more than $212,000 dollars in cash.
They are all scheduled to reappear at the Melbourne Magistrates court on 1 July, 2024.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
A strange and eclectic range of activities takes place across these few weeks of the year. Some enjoy the season of hot cross buns and egg-shaped chocolates; others forgo such luxuries during daylight hours due to their Ramadan fast. Jews have recently celebrated Purim and remembered the bravery of Esther; meanwhile, the Hindu festival of Holi begins.
Elsewhere, hordes in their colours flock to the footy; others get involved in the Good Friday Appeal; and certain Christians enact a medieval tradition of walking the way of the cross around the streets of Melbourne.
So what is it, and why is it still performed?
To enter into the Stations or Way of the Cross ritual is to enter into the last hours of Jesus before he was crucified, just outside Jerusalem around the year 33 CE.
Those last hours included a meal with his friends, prayer in a garden, his arrest and a trial that ends in the sentence of death by crucifixion. His body was then stripped and flogged, the cross placed on his shoulders to carry to the execution place. He stumbled under the weight of the cross, then was put on the cross to which he was nailed through his hands and feet before speaking his last words, and then dying. The last two stations, usually only visited on Easter morning, celebrate his resurrection from death.
The Stations of the Cross is a devotional and contemplative exercise, as pilgrims stop and pray, hear scripture, and ponder in silence the significance of each station, getting closer to the moment of Jesus’ death each time.
The practice of memento mori (remembering death) is found in a wide variety of religious and philosophical traditions. But Jesus’ death is a bit different – at least for Christians. At one level, Jesus died in a typical manner of execution for lower class people in the Roman Empire. As gruesome as it was, it was not unique or special.
But Christians quickly imbued this particular death with much more meaning. Jesus was believed to be the incarnation of God (that is, God in human form) and to have been raised from the dead three days later. And so his death and resurrection was interpreted as an event that brought salvation, forgiveness, and a new way of life into the world. It is this mystery Christians continue to celebrate all these years later.
The Stations of the Cross has its roots in early Christian pilgrims visiting Jerusalem to walk in the final footsteps of Jesus. While the origins are unclear, it became popular in the late medieval period and was common across Europe by the 16th century.
The Melbourne city version of these stations include 14 bronze reliefs located at a wide variety of churches in and around the CBD. Individuals can walk these themselves or join the city churches at 10am on Good Friday, starting at St Francis’ Church. Pre-COVID, this walking in the way of Jesus attracted up to 3,000 people each Good Friday.
This public expression of faith can seem unusual in a contemporary Australian city like Melbourne. Australian culture sometimes encourages people to keep their faith private. Our religious tolerance strains at its limits when religion spills out of homes, synagogues, temples, churches, or mosques and into the public sphere. People walking around the city stopping to reflect on a violent death that took place more than 2,000 years ago can seem awkward, even embarrassing to those looking on. Others watch with interest.
This raises the question of the kind of secular society we want to live in. One version of secularism says that religion should be kept well out of the public sphere, practised in private, and should not inform a person’s participation in public life. France often tends in this direction (see, for example, repeated attempts to ban the hijab in public).
But another version of secularism says that while the state should not favour any particular religious or non-religious tradition, we are a stronger and richer society if we encourage all faiths and cultures to express themselves in public. Rather than hiding our deepest beliefs away, we should share them with each other.
On Good Friday afternoon, another tradition comes to life, as thousands gather to scream, yell and sing tribal songs as their teams fight it out on a football oval. To a non-AFL fan like myself, that gathering is equally strange. Yet, I can recognise the emotion and fervour as something familiar, something joyful, something that taps into our deepest desires and brings us together across cultural and social divides.
When footy games were first scheduled on this holy day for Christians, it was not without controversy. Headlines cried “religion versus sport” and genuine questions about consumerism and work were raised.
For me, there is a certain delight in living in a society where not everyone is religious and even if they are, they are not religious in the same way. I’m glad to live in a society where such activities occur side by side, be they footy, Purim, Ramadan, Holi, or Easter. I am glad to live in a society where some yell at the footy and some pray in a city street – and some do both.
The Stations of the Cross is one more visible sign of our multicultural, multifaith society at work. We can be proud to live in a society where rituals that seem strange to some are nonetheless tolerated and even welcomed. This is something everyone can celebrate, whether religious or not.
Robyn J. Whitaker, Director of the Wesley Centre for Theology, Ethics, and Public Policy & Associate Professor, New Testament, Pilgrim Theological College
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
The Hindu Council of Australia recently organised Holi celebrations in Sydney. Among those enjoying the celebrations at the Holi Mela at Holroyd Gardens, Merrylands were NSW Premier Chris Minss, Parliamentary Friends of India Chair Dr Andrew Charlton and Consul General of India in Sydney Dr S. Janakiraman.
Holi also known as the Festival of Colours is a Spring festival and a festival symbolising love and harmony. It is one of the most popular and significant festivals in Hinduism. This ancient tradition marks the end of winter and honours the triumph of good over evil. Celebrants’ light bonfires, throw colourful powder called gulal, eat sweets, and dance to traditional folk music.
We bring you pictures from the celebrations.
Holi was also celebrated across various Australian cities this year including at the NSW Parliament for the very first time.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Meta’s Instagram and Threads apps are “slowly” rolling out a change that will no longer recommend political content by default. The company defines political content broadly as being “potentially related to things like laws, elections, or social topics”.
Users who follow accounts that post political content will still see such content in the normal, algorithmically sorted ways. But by default, users will not see any political content in their feeds, stories or other places where new content is recommended to them.
For users who want political recommendations to remain, Instagram has a new setting where users can turn it back on, making this an “opt-in” feature.
This change not only signals Meta’s retreat from politics and news more broadly but also challenges any sense of these platforms being good for democracy at all. It’s also likely to have a chilling effect, stopping content creators from engaging politically altogether.
NO News on Meta Apps; Image Source @Canva-3
Politics: dislike
Meta has long had a problem with politics, but that wasn’t always the case.
In 2008 and 2012, political campaigning embraced social media, and Facebook was seen as especially important in Barack Obama’s success. The Arab Spring was painted as a social-media-led “Facebook Revolution”, although Facebook’s role in these events was widely overstated,
However, since then the spectre of political manipulation in the wake of the 2018 Cambridge Analytica scandal has soured social media users toward politics on platforms.
Increasingly polarised politics, vastly increased mis- and disinformation online, and Donald Trump’s preference for social media over policy, or truth, have all taken a toll. In that context, Meta has already been reducing political content recommendations on their main Facebook platform since 2021.
Instagram and Threads hadn’t been limited in the same way but also ran into problems. Most recently, Human Rights Watch accused Instagram in December last year of systematically censoring pro-Palestinian content. With the new content recommendation change, Meta’s response to that accusation today would likely be that it is applying its political content policies consistently.
How the change will play out in Australia
Notably, many Australians, especially in younger age groups, find news on Instagram and other social media platforms. Sometimes they are specifically seeking out news, but often not.
Not all news is political. But now, on Instagram by default, no news recommendations will be political. The serendipity of discovering political stories that motivate people to think or act will be lost.
Combined with Meta recently stating they will no longer pay to support the Australian news and journalism shared on their platforms, it’s fair to say Meta is seeking to be as apolitical as possible.
But with Meta positioning Threads as a potential new town square, while Twitter/X burns down, it’s hard to see what a town square looks like without politics.
The lack of political news, combined with a lack of any news on Facebook, may well mean young people see even less news than before and have less chance to engage politically.
Politics and hard news are important, I don’t want to imply otherwise. But my take is, from a platform’s perspective, any incremental engagement or revenue they might drive is not at all worth the scrutiny, negativity (let’s be honest), or integrity risks that come along with them.
Like for Facebook, for Instagram and Threads politics is just too hard. The political process and democracy can be pretty hard, but it’s now clear that’s not Meta’s problem.
A chilling effect on creators
Instagram’s announcement also reminded content creators their accounts may no longer be recommended due to posting political content.
If political posts were preventing recommendations, creators could see the exact posts and choose to remove them. Content creators live or die by the platform’s recommendations, so the implication is clear: avoid politics.
Creators already spend considerable time trying to interpret what content platforms prefer, building algorithmicfolklore about which posts do best.
While that folklore is sometimes flawed, Meta couldn’t be clearer on this one: political posts will prevent audience growth, and thus make an already precarious living harder. That’s the definition of a political chilling effect.
For the audiences who turn to creators, because they are perceived to be relatable and authentic, the absence of political posts or positions will likely stifle political issues, discussion and thus ultimately democracy.
How do I opt back in?
For Instagram and Threads users who want these platforms to still share political content recommendations, follow these steps:
go to your Instagram profile and click the three lines to access your settings.
click on Suggested Content (or Content Preferences for some).
click on Political content, and then select “Don’t limit political content from people that you don’t follow”.
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
India has emerged at third spot in the list of the world’s richest people, with 271 billionaires, as per the Hurun Global Rich List 2024.
Top 10 nations in terms of number of billionaires
China
United States
India
United Kingdom
Germany
Switzerland
Russia
Italy
France
Brazil
The report said:
“India has had a super strong year, adding almost 100 billionaires. Confidence in the economy grew to record levels. Mumbai overtook Beijing to become Asia’s billionaire capital (for the first time in the history of Hurun list) and Top 3 cities globally.”
In addition, Mumbai has emerged as Asia’s billionaire capital, with Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani occupying the 10th spot in the global ranking.
India’s national capital, New Delhi, also emerged in the top 10 cities for billionaires for the first time.
Top 10 cities in terms of number of billionaires
New York (US)
London (UK)
Mumbai (India)
Beijing (China)
Shanghai (China)
Shenzhen (China)
Hong Kong (China)
Moscow (Russia)
New Delhi (India)
San Francisco (US)
The Hurun Global Rich List 2024 found that there are 3,279 billionaires in the world today, with 167 of them added in the previous year.
China has the most number of billionaires (814), followed by the United States (800) and India.
The US and India added 109 and 84 billionaires respectively compared to the previous year, China’s number has decreased by 155.
Elon Musk is the wealthiest man in the world, joined in the list by Mark Zuckerberg, Larry Page, and Taylor Swift.
Top 10 billionaires in the world
Elon Musk – Tesla – US
Jeff Bezos – Amazon – US
Bernard Arnault – LVMH – France
Mark Zuckerberg – Meta – US
Larry Ellison – Oracle – US
Warren Buffet – Berkshire Hathaway – US
Steve Ballmer – Microsoft – US
Bill Gates – Microsoft – US
Larry Page – Alphabet – US
Mukesh Ambani – Reliance Industries – India
The report notes that the “concentration of wealth is reaching unprecedented heights.”
“There are now 13 individuals with more than US$100bn, with only the first member of this ‘10-zeroclub’ coming in 2018. At this rate, expect to see the world’s first trillionaires by 2030.”
The Hurun Global Rich List 2024 is an annual report that ranks the US dollar billionaires in the world. This year’s wealth calculations are a snapshot of January 15, 2024, it said. The report is compiled by the Hurun Research Institute.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Image: RMIT’s Distinguished Prof. Suresh Bhargava AM (Source: LinkedIn)
RMIT’s Distinguished Prof. Suresh Bhargava AM has been awarded the prestigious SASTRA-CNR Rao Award 2024.
This award is a tribute to the renowned Indian Chemist Prof. CNR Rao who was celebrated for his ground-breaking contributions to the field.
On receiving this award, Prof. Bhargava said:
“I am humbled to receive this recognition in honour of my mentor and the father of Indian nanotechnology, Professor CNR Rao.”
He added that it’s a lifelong commitment to connecting India and Australia:
“Connecting Australia and India through Science and Technology is my ongoing passion and service over the past 30 years and will continue for the rest of my life.”
The award presented on National Science Day in India (28 February) highlights influential and outstanding scientists in the field of Chemistry and Materials Science.
Presented by India’s SASTRA UNIVERSITY, the award includes a citation and a cash prize of INR 5 lakh (AUD10,000 approx) celebrating the significant impact of the recipients’ ground-breaking work.
In 2018, he developed the award-winning global PhD cotutelle collaboration, the RMIT-AcSIR Joint Research Program, connecting RMIT with39 national CSIR research laboratories of India, providing a platform for equipping PhD students with real-world skills through collaborative research and international engagement.
He has been a recipient of international prestigious awards, including the Queens Birthday Honours recognition of the Member of the Order of Australia (2022), the KIA Laureate Award (2016), the ‘CHEMECA medal’ (2015) and most recently, he is the first RMIT researcher to ever receive the RMIT University Vice-Chancellor’s Research Excellence Award three times, having been awarded the Vice Chancellor Research Excellence Award for Graduate Supervision (2023).
Prof. Bhargava has pledged to donate the cash prize to a charity in India, exemplifying a spirit of generosity and compassion.
WATCH: Prof. Suresh Bhargava’s acceptance and lecture, National Science Day of India (28 February).
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Fair Work Inspectors are on the ground this week visiting about 20 farms, orchards and vineyards. The inspected farms grow a range of produce including apples, pears, stone fruits, citrus and tomatoes. Viticulture businesses are also being inspected.
Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth said continuing to boost compliance among agriculture sector employers remained a priority for the agency.
“These inspections are focused on holding employers to account if they are not meeting their obligations. We will take enforcement action where appropriate. We also act to help employers understand their legal responsibilities, including record-keeping – the bedrock of compliance – and the minimum wage guarantee for pieceworkers.”
Ms Booth added:
“This sector commonly employs vulnerable workers such as backpackers and other migrants, who may have limited English skills, be unaware of their rights, or be unwilling to speak up. Visa holders should remember they have the same workplace rights as all other workers.”
Businesses were selected to be assessed for compliance with workplace laws based on intelligence such as anonymous reports indicating potential worker underpayments in the region’s agriculture sector, or because they employ visa holder workers who can be vulnerable.
Inspectors are speaking with growers, labour hire operators, managers and employees on the ground, and are requesting records.
They are on alert for low rates of pay that breach the Horticulture or the Wine Industry Award (where applicable), including with regard to piece rates; unauthorised deductions from wages; potential non-payment of overtime and inadequate breaks; payslip and record-keeping breaches and more.
Ms Booth observed:
“Employers who need assistance meeting their obligations should contact the FWO directly for free advice. We also urge workers with concerns about their wages and entitlements to reach out to us, including via an anonymous report if they prefer.”
Investigations continue and results will be published at a later date.
The inspections are part of the regulator’s Agriculture Strategy which began in December 2021. Under the strategy, the FWO is targeting more than 450 businesses in 15 ‘hot spot’ regions of Australia where there are identified high risks of non-compliance.
Where breaches warrant court action, a court can order penalties of up to $18,780 per contravention for an individual and $93,900 per contravention for companies.
Companies that are not small businesses could face penalties of up to $469,500 per contravention for certain breaches.
Maximum penalties are 10-times higher if a court determines breaches were serious contraventions under the Fair Work Act.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), MAHE, Manipal, has launched a Dual Degree Program in collaboration with Deakin University; Image Source @Supplied
The Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), a key constituent of the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Deakin University, introducing a dual-degree program designed to redefine engineering education.
This collaboration aims to merge the best of Indian and Australian educational standards, fostering a new era of international academic excellence.
The innovative program offers students an unparalleled opportunity to achieve two distinct undergraduate degrees in engineering over four years, focusing on Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics Engineering. This dual-degree venture is set to empower students with a holistic education, blending rigorous academic theory with practical, industry-relevant skills.
Commencing with two years at MIT, students will delve into a comprehensive BTech program, laying a solid foundation in engineering principles. The journey continues at Deakin University for the following two years, where participants will complete their Bachelor of Engineering (Honors), further enhancing their ability to tackle complex engineering challenges with creative and effective solutions.
Cdr. (Dr.) Anil Rana, Director of MIT, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “This collaboration with Deakin University represents a bridge between continents, cultures, and knowledge spheres.”
“It reflects our commitment to global educational excellence, where learning knows no borders, and innovation thrives.”
The program not only aims to bolster students’ career prospects in the highly competitive global engineering and technology sectors but also offers the chance to experience diverse cultures and academic environments in both India and Australia.
Eligible MIT students could also benefit from the Deakin International Merit Scholarship (South Asia), which offers a significant tuition fee waiver of up to 25%.
Key features of the program include seamless credit transfer between the institutions, a comprehensive curriculum tailored to the demands of the international job market, and the unique opportunity to experience student life across two continents.
While this helps save majorly on costs, on completion students will be awarded two degrees, a BTech from MAHE Manipal and a Bachelor of Engineering (Honors) at Deakin University, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and international exposure necessary to excel in their careers.
This dual-degree program marks a significant milestone in international educational collaboration, promising a bright future for engineering students at both MIT and Deakin University.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
World Test Championship final between Australia and India; Image Source: Cricket Australia
Australia has released details of the schedule for their upcoming home summer, which includes the visit of India for the five-match Test series with Perth to host the opening Test.
The five-match Test series against Rohit Sharma’s side will commence in Perth on November 22, with further Tests to be held in Adelaide (day-night), Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney right up until the start of the New Year.
India’s Shubhman Gill and Rohit Sharma running between the wickets on the second day of the Third Test Match at Sydney Cricket Ground, in Sydney on Friday. (Photo Courtesy: ICC Twitter)
It will be the first time since the summer of 1991/92 that Australia and India have played a five-match series as part of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which will provide both teams with a good opportunity to further cement their place in next year’s ICC World Test Championship final.
Australia claimed bragging rights when winning the most recent World Test Championship final at The Oval last year, but India has held the coveted Border-Gavaskar trophy since 2017 on the back of consecutive series triumphs away from home.
Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley is looking forward to welcoming India to Australian shores later this year and is predicting a tight contest between the evenly-matched sides.
“This is one of the most highly anticipated summers of cricket in memory with the eyes of the cricket world focused on the extended Border-Gavaskar Trophy series and the multi-format Women’s Ashes,”
Hockley said as quoted by ICC.
“Fittingly, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has been put on the same footing as The Ashes with a five-match Test Series for the first time since 1991-92 and we’re confident the schedule will maximise viewership and attendance and there will be a tremendous atmosphere in stadiums across the country.”
The visit of Pakistan will commence Australia’s home summer, with the Asian side to play three ODIs and three T20Is at the start of November, before the action hots up even further with the Test series against India.
India’s women’s side will be in Australia at the same time as their male counterparts, with three ODI matches planned to take place at the start of December as part of the women’s schedule also announced by Cricket Australia on Tuesday.
Australia will take on New Zealand in three ODIs in September following the Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh, before three games against India in Brisbane and Perth on December 5.
Australia’s attention will then turn to the multi-format Women’s Ashes series against England, which consists of three ODIs, three T20Is and a historic day-night Test match at the MCG at the end of January.
Australia vs India Test schedule: First Test: November 22-26, Perth Second Test: December 6-10, Adelaide (d/n) Third Test: December 14-18, Brisbane Fourth Test: December 26-30, Melbourne Fifth Test: January 3-7, Sydney
Men’s Australia v Pakistan white-ball schedule: First ODI: November 4, Melbourne Second ODI: November 8, Adelaide Third ODI: November 10, Perth First T20I: November 14, Brisbane Second T20I: November 16, Sydney Third T20I: November 18, Hobart
Women’s Australia vs New Zealand, T20I series First T20I: September 19, Mackay Second T20I: September 22, Mackay Third T20I: September 24, Brisbane
Australia vs India, ODI series First ODI: December 5, Brisbane Second ODI: December 8, Brisbane Third ODI: December 11, Perth
Australia vs England ODI series First ODI: January 12, Sydney Second ODI: January 14, Melbourne Third ODI: January 17, Hobart
Australia vs England T20I series First T20I: January 20, Sydney Second T20I: January 23, Canberra Third T20I: January 25, Adelaide
Australia vs England Test Only Test: January 30-February 2, Melbourne (d/n)
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
The government is seeking to rush legislation through parliament to crack down on non-citizens who refuse to cooperate with attempts to remove them.
The bill, introduced by Immigration Minister Andrew Giles just after noon on Tuesday, also allows a minister to designate a country as a “removal concern country” when it won’t cooperate with the return of its citizens.
Andrew Giles speaking at Parliament of Australia; Image Source @Screenshot
This would mean that, apart from certain exceptions, nationals of that country who are outside Australia could not apply for a visa to come here. Exemptions would be for close family members of Australian citizens and permanent residents as well as applications for refugee and humanitarian visas.
Giles said: “This legislation sends a strong signal about the government’s expectations of cooperation with removal efforts, by non-citizens who are on a removal pathway, and by other countries where it is appropriate for them to accept their nationals on removal from Australia”.
The government wants the legislation, which has gone through the House of Representatives, passed by the Senate on Tuesday night, or Wednesday at the latest. Parliament adjourns on Wednesday until the budget on May 14.
The government allowed minimum opportunity for debate in the House. It said there were time factors requiring the legislation to be passed quickly.
The opposition demanded a brief Senate inquiry to be held late on Tuesday so it could question officials. The government agreed to it.
Crossbenchers were outraged at the lack of time to consider the bill.
In the last parliament, Labor screamed blue murder when the Morrison Government rushed through bad legislation. Today, we have been given so little time to properly consider and amend immigration law – no due diligence on such an important issue.
The government’s action is driven by a looming High Court decision next month that, if it went against the Commonwealth, could prompt the release of another group of people from immigration detention.
The case is about an Iranian citizen who has been in immigration detention for a decade. He has refused to cooperate with efforts to send him back to Iran, saying he fears for his life. Iran won’t take back involuntary removals.
The government believes it is more likely to win this case than an earlier High Court one when its defeat led to the release of 152 people from immigration detention. But it wants to bolster its defences.
Giles said people who refused to cooperate with their removal would face penalties of a mandatory minimum sentence of one year in jail and a maximum of five years.
Andrew Giles at Parliament of Australia; Image Source @Screenshot
Giles told parliament: “Unfortunately, examples of non-cooperation with the government’s removal efforts have been going on for far too long. Against the expectations of the Australian community. And undermining the integrity of our migration laws.”
The measures “will make clear that a non-citizen who is on a removal pathway is expected to voluntarily leave Australia. And must cooperate with steps taken to arrange their lawful removal from Australia.
“The removal pathway direction provides a positive duty on the non‑citizen to cooperate with removal efforts,” Giles said.
An example of the cooperation required from those subject to removal is completing, signing and submitting an application for a passport or other foreign travel document to facilitate their removal.
“When this legislation is enacted, it will make clear that the parliament expects foreign countries to cooperate with Australia to facilitate the lawful removal of their citizens from Australia,” Giles said.
Briefing crossbenchers, Giles named Iran and Iraq as countries that did not take back involuntary returns but indicated there could be a number of others potentially affected by the legislation. Government sources in other countries could be Zimbabwe and South Sudan.
He told parliament the legislation would apply to various categories of non-citizens who are on “removal pathways”.
He stressed: “these amendments are targeted at non-citizens who have come to the end of any visa application processes.
“These individuals may be unlawful non-citizens who have exhausted their visa processing options. And who are being held in immigration detention
“Or they may be in the community on a bridging visa that is issued for removal purposes.”
In a range of safeguards in the legislation, the minister may not give a direction
“if the non-citizen has applied for a protection visa and the application is not yet finally determined
to take an action in relation to a country from which the individual is owed protection
directly to children under 18 (but can make a direction to that child’s parents to take certain actions)
to take actions related to making or withdrawing an Australian visa application, or in regards to court or tribunal proceedings.”
Greens senator David Shoebridge accused Labor of “trying to outflank the Coalition to the right by coming up with new and novel ways to be cruel, particularly to refugees and asylum seekers”.
The opposition spokesman on home affairs, James Paterson, said: “It feels like groundhog day. Another day, another rushed, patch-up job from a panicked government when it comes to border protection, national security and community safety.
“This is now the fourth piece of legislation that the Albanese government has dropped on the opposition and the cross-bench in the parliament and asked us to pass in as little as 36 hours to deal with the rolling crisis of immigration detention.”
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
In an operation against the importation of illicit vaping products, the Australian Border Force (ABF) has intercepted a massive consignment of disposable vapes valued at approximately $540,000, preventing them from reaching the streets of Sydney.
The seizure, made on Friday, 15 March 2024, involved over two and a half tonnes of vaping products, equivalent to around 18,000 disposable vapes, concealed within an air cargo consignment initially declared as small clothing items.
This operation marks a major victory in the ABF’s efforts to curb the illegal vape market, which has seen about 350,000 vapes seized nationwide between 1 January and 29 February 2024, in collaboration with the Therapeutic Goods Administration and state health departments.
The crackdown on disposable vapes follows new regulations that came into effect on 1 January 2024, banning the importation of such products with limited exceptions. The prohibition was extended from 1 March 2024 to include all non-therapeutic vapes, regardless of nicotine content or therapeutic claims.
ABF Aviation Goods Superintendent Asha Patwardhan emphasised the increasing awareness and compliance among individuals regarding Australia’s stance on illicit vaping products.
Supt Patwardhan stated,
“People were starting to get the message and understand Australia is not open for business when it comes to importing illicit vaping products.”
The ABF’s expertise in intercepting a variety of illicit goods has enabled swift adaptation and effective response to this emerging challenge.
In addition to the enforcement actions, the ABF has observed a positive trend of individuals voluntarily surrendering disposable vapes at the border, utilising surrender bins provided to dispose of such items before seizure.
Supt Patwardhan encourages travellers in Australia to continue this practice, highlighting the broader societal issues associated with vaping, including health, education, and environmental concerns.
The seized vapes are scheduled for destruction in the coming weeks as investigations into the consignment’s origin and intended recipients progress. This operation underscores the ABF’s commitment to safeguarding Australian communities from the harms associated with illicit vaping products and the multi-faceted approach required to tackle the issue comprehensively.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
As the Fair Work Commission embarks on its annual wage review, the possibility of a wage increase for Australians on minimum and award wages has sparked concern among business groups, with the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) cautioning that such moves could lead to small business closures.
The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) is advocating for a five per cent wage increase, arguing that inflation has significantly eroded the real incomes of workers on award wages, leaving them over $5,000 worse off over the past three years. In contrast, the ACCI suggests a more conservative increase of no more than two per cent, citing moderating inflation and the economic generosity extended in previous wage decisions by the industrial umpire.
Andrew McKellar, Chief Executive of ACCI, emphasized the challenges facing businesses, including investment stagnation and a growing pessimism within the business community. “Labour demand is also starting to drop away, making it much harder for businesses to employ people,” McKellar stated, stressing the importance of job retention over wage increases in the current economic climate.
The debate over wage increases comes at a time when Nationals Deputy Leader Bridget McKenzie and others warn that inflationary pressures could negate any benefits of wage rises, putting jobs in small businesses at risk unless government action is taken to curb spending and boost productivity.
While the federal government has not recommended a specific percentage increase, it has highlighted the importance of preventing a decline in real wages for Australia’s low-paid workers amid rising living costs. Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth voiced support for ensuring wages keep pace with the cost of living.
Inflation, which peaked in late 2022, showed signs of moderation, with a 4.1 per cent increase in the 12 months leading up to December 2023. The Fair Work Commission is tasked with considering various economic factors in its wage setting, including cost-of-living pressures and their impact on households, while also being cautious of triggering a wage-price spiral.
ACTU Secretary Sally McManus argued that the lowest-paid workers have been the most affected by inflation and that businesses are in a position to absorb the proposed five per cent wage increase. McManus also contended that such an increase would not be inflationary, referencing the moderation of consumer prices following the commission’s substantial minimum wage hike in 2023.
As the wage review process unfolds, employer groups and unions are set to present their cases, with the outcomes poised to affect roughly a quarter of Australian employees. The decision will have widespread implications, not only for those directly receiving award wages or the minimum wage but also for the broader economic landscape, small businesses, and employment rates across the nation.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
If you visit southern Greece or Tunisia, you might notice lots of white rooftops and white buildings to reflect the intense heat and keep residents cooler.
It’s very different in Australia. New housing estates in the hottest areas around Sydney and Melbourne are dominated by dark rooftops, black roads and minimal tree cover. Dark colours trap and hold heat rather than reflect it. That might be useful in winters in Tasmania, but not where heat is an issue.
Suburban roof tops; Image Source: @Canva
A dark roof means you’ll pay considerably more to keep your house cool in summer. Last year, the average household in New South Wales paid A$1827 in electricity. But those with a lighter-coloured cool roof can pay up to $694 less due to lower cooling electricity needs. Put another way, a dark roof in Sydney drives up your power bill by 38%.
When suburbs are full of dark-coloured roofs, the whole area heats up. And up. And up. This is part of the urban heat island effect. In January 2020, Penrith in Western Sydney was the hottest place on Earth.
Cool roofs have many benefits. They slash how much heat gets into your house from the sun, keep the air surrounding your home cooler, boost your aircon efficiency, and make your solar panels work more efficiently.
State governments could, at a stroke, penalise dark roofs and give incentives for light-coloured roofs. Scaled up, it would help keep our cities cooler as the world heats up. But outside South Australia, it’s just not happening.
Why won’t state governments act?
To date, our leaders show no interest in encouraging us to shift away from dark roofs.
In New South Wales, plans to ban dark roofs were axed abruptly in 2022 after pushback from developers.
The current NSW planning minister, Paul Scully, has now paused upgrades to the state’s sustainability building standards which would have encouraged light-coloured roofs. Other Australian states and territories have also paused the rollout of new, more ambitious building sustainability standards.
This is short-sighted for several reasons:
it costs the same for a light- or dark-coloured roof
owners will pay substantially higher electricity bills to keep their houses cool for decades
keeping the building status quo makes it harder to reach emission targets
dark roofs cut how much power you get from your rooftop solar, especially when it’s hot. This is doubly bad, as blackouts are most likely during the heat.
At present, South Australia is the only state or territory acting on the issue. Early this year, Housing Minister Nick Champion announced dark roofs would be banned from a large new housing development in the north of Adelaide.
Suburban rooftops; Image Source: @Canva
What’s at stake?
At present, the world’s cities account for 75% of all energy-related carbon dioxide emissions. It’s vitally important we understand what makes cities hotter or cooler.
Brick, concrete, tarmac and tiles can store more heat than grass and tree-covered earth can, and release it slowly over time. This keeps the air warmer, even overnight.
Built-up areas also block wind, which cuts cooling. Then there’s transport, manufacturing and air-conditioning, all of which increase heat.
Before aircon, the main way people had to keep cool was through how they designed their homes. In hot countries, buildings are often painted white, as well as having small windows and thick stone walls.
The classic Queenslander house was lifted off the ground to catch breezes and had a deeply shaded veranda all around, to reduce heat.
But after aircon arrived, we gradually abandoned those simple cooling principles for our homes, like cross-ventilation or shade awnings. We just turned on air conditioning instead.
Except, of course, the heat doesn’t go away. Air conditioning works by exchanging heat, taking the heat out of the air inside our house and putting it outside.
As climate change intensifies, it makes hot cities even hotter. Heatwaves are projected to be more frequent, including in spring and autumn, while overnight temperatures will also increase.
As cities grow, suburbs can push into hotter areas. The 2.5 million residents of Western Sydney live at least 50km from the sea, which means cooling sea breezes don’t reach them.
Sweltering cities aren’t just uncomfortable. They are dangerous. Extreme heat kills more people in Australia than all other natural disasters combined.
How can we cool our cities?
We don’t have to swelter. It’s a choice. Light roofs, light roads and better tree cover would make a real difference.
There’s a very practical reason Australians prize “leafy” suburbs. If your street has established large trees, you will experience less than half the number of days with extreme heat compared on residents on treeless streets. If you live in a leafy street, your home is also worth more.
Suburban roof tops; Image Source: @Canva
Black top roads are a surprisingly large source of heat. In summer, they can get up to 75°C. Our research shows reflective sealants can cut the temperatures up to 13°C. Some councils have experimented with lighter roads, but to date, uptake has been minimal.
Cool roofs markedly reduce how much energy you need to cool a house. When used at scale, they lower the air temperatures of entire suburbs.
The simplest way to get a cool roof is to choose one with as light a colour as possible. There are also high-tech options able to reflect even more heat.
Soon, we’ll see even higher performance options available in the form of daytime radiative coolers – exceptional cooling materials able to reflect still more heat away from your house and cut glare.
Until we choose to change, homeowners and whole communities will keep paying dearly for the luxury of a dark roof through power bill pain and sweltering suburbs.
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Samara Dulvin (Blue) and Hasrat Gill (Red)selected for Australian women's U19 squad; Image Source: Cricket Victoria
Hasrat Gill and Samara Dulvin are among the 15 players selected for the Australian women’s U19 squad, which will embark on a tour to Sri Lanka for a tri-nation tournament.
During this tour, Australia will compete in four T20 matches, with the first scheduled for March 28, followed by two One-Day matches in April.
The squad was selected following the Lanning versus Perry Series and the Under-19 National Championships last year, aiming to provide players with valuable experience in preparation for the 2025 ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Malaysia.
Sonya Thompson, Head of National Development at Cricket Australia, stated,
“The tri-series in Sri Lanka gives our under-19 squad a great development opportunity as part of our preparation for the T20 World Cup next year.”
She added, “The T20 matches will provide the squad with a great development opportunity ahead of the Under-19 T20 World Cup and we’re also excited about the 50-over matches.”
Thompson also mentioned,
“We are also looking to give players a chance to develop their leadership skills across the series.”
Australian U19 Women’s Squad: 1. Amy Hunter (ACT / Atherton Cricket Club) 2. Amy Smith (TAS / New Town Cricket Club) 3. Bonnie Berry (QLD / Emerald Brothers Cricket Club) 4. Eleanor Larosa (SA / Glenelg District Cricket Club) 5. Grace Lyons (ACT / Weston Creek Molonglo Cricket Club) 6. Hasrat Gill (VIC / Melbourne Cricket Club) 7. Ines McKeon (WA / Midland Guildford Cricket Club) 8. Juliette Morton (NSW / St George Sutherland Cricket Club) 9. Kate Pelle (NSW / Parramatta Cricket Club) 10. Lucy Finn (NSW / St George Sutherland Cricket Club) 11. Lucy Hamilton (QLD / Sunshine Coast Cricket Club) 12. Maggie Clark (SA / West Torrens District Cricket Club) 13. Samara Dulvin (VIC / Ringwood Cricket Club) 14. Sienna Eve (NSW / Newcastle Cricket Club) 15. Tegan Williamson (WA / Wanneroo District Cricket Club) Coach: Kristen Beams. (ANI)
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Overseas Friends of BJP' Australia Launches "Modi for 2024" Campaign Across Major Cities; Image Source: Supplied
The ‘Overseas Friends of BJP’ in Australia have embarked on a campaign titled “Modi for 2024,” aimed at galvanising support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in anticipation of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in India.
This campaign spans across seven key cities in Australia, showcasing the diaspora’s robust support from iconic landmarks such as Sydney Harbour Bridge, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Perth Optus Stadium, Brisbane GABBA, Surfers Paradise in Gold Coast, Mt Ainslie in Canberra, and Naval Memorial Garden in Adelaide.
Overseas Friends of BJP’ Australia Launches “Modi for 2024” Campaign Across Major Cities; Image Source: SuppliedOverseas Friends of BJP’ Australia Launches “Modi for 2024” Campaign Across Major Cities; Image Source: Supplied
An official post on the ‘Overseas Friends of BJP’ Australia’s X handle highlighted the campaign’s kick-off, indicating a widespread mobilisation of Modi’s overseas supporters. Respondents in various Australian cities have expressed their support to “Modi ka Parivaar,” signalling a unified front in favour of the Prime Minister’s governance and development-oriented policies.
Overseas Friends of BJP Australia has launched massive campaign from iconic locations like Sydney Harbour Bridge, Melbourne Cricket Ground , Perth Optus stadium , Brisbane GABBA, Surfers Paradise in Gold Coast, Mt Ainslie in Canberra and Naval Memorial Garden in Adelaide. pic.twitter.com/J6AGe9XmHM
— OFBJP Australia( Modi ka Parivaar) (@OFBJPAus) March 24, 2024
The campaign, which is poised to cover enthusiastic teams from these cities, has adopted the slogan “Abki Baar 400 Paar” (beyond 400 seats next time), reflecting a confident push for a substantial victory in the forthcoming general elections. This movement underscores the dedication and support of the Indian diaspora for the BJP’s vision and leadership under Modi.
Overseas Friends of BJP’ Australia Launches “Modi for 2024” Campaign Across Major Cities; Image Source: Supplied
This initiative follows a similar expression of support in the UK, where ‘Overseas Friends of BJP’ organised a car rally in London, demonstrating “unwavering support” for PM Modi.
Overseas Friends of BJP’ Australia Launches “Modi for 2024” Campaign Across Major Cities; Image Source: Supplied
The rally saw participation from over 250 cars, with members of the Indian diaspora waving the Indian Tricolour and BJP flags, as per a press release by the organisation.
Bob Blackman, a UK Parliamentarian and recipient of the Padmashri, referred to the general elections in India as the “biggest exercise of democracy” worldwide. Blackman predicted a substantial victory for the BJP, foreseeing a majority with “400-plus” seats. He also noted the strengthening friendship between India and the United Kingdom, attributing it to the governance of the BJP in India.
Overseas Friends of BJP’ Australia Launches “Modi for 2024” Campaign Across Major Cities; Image Source: Supplied
The announcement of the general elections, set to unfold in seven phases starting April 19 with the vote count on June 4, as informed by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, marks the beginning of a pivotal period in Indian politics.
The ‘Overseas Friends of BJP’ Australia’s campaign is a showcase of the global Indian community’s engagement and interest in the democratic processes of their homeland, aiming to understand and educate others about the outcome from thousands of miles away.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
The Federal Budget; PM Anthony Albanese, Tresurer Jim Chalmers; Image Source: Supplied
The most recent Newspoll results have indicated a slight shift in political preferences among Australian voters, with the Federal Labor party experiencing a dip in its primary vote and the Coalition seeing a marginal increase. Despite these changes, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese continues to hold a significant lead over Opposition Leader Peter Dutton in the preferred prime minister rankings.
Conducted for The Australian, the poll reveals a one-point drop in Labor’s primary vote to 32%, while the Coalition’s vote has improved by a point, reaching 37%. Consequently, Labor’s lead over the Coalition on a two-party-preferred basis has narrowed to 51-49%, down from the 52.1% to 47.9% victory margin in the last federal election.
Newly Elected MP of Aston Mary Doyle woth PM Anthony Albanese; Image Source: Victorian Labor
The poll also underscores a growing trend of voter disaffection with the major parties, with a combined 31% of respondents indicating their support for neither Labor nor the Coalition. This sentiment has contributed to a consolidated support rate of 69% for the two major parties, highlighting the continuing drift towards minor parties and independents.
In terms of minor parties, the Greens have seen a one-point increase to 13%, and Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party has also gained a point, reaching 7%. Meanwhile, support for other minor parties and independents, including the teal independents, has decreased by two points to 11%.
Image source: Peter Dutton (Source: Twitter)
The leadership approval ratings presented by Newspoll suggest stability over the past month, with minimal fluctuations. Albanese’s approval rating marginally increased by one point to 44%, with his dissatisfaction rating holding steady at 51%, resulting in a net approval rating of minus seven. Dutton’s approval rating remained unchanged at 37%, though his disapproval rating edged up by one point to 52%, leaving him with a net approval rating of minus fifteen.
In the direct comparison of leadership, Albanese has strengthened his position as the preferred prime minister, gaining a point to reach 48%, whereas Dutton has slightly declined by a point to 34%. With 18% of voters undecided, it appears that while the contest for preferred prime minister remains relatively unchanged, the overall political landscape is shifting subtly.
This Newspoll, surveying 1,223 voters nationally from March 18 to 22, captures a snapshot of Australian electoral sentiment, signalling a competitive political environment as parties and leaders vie for public support.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Image: South Australia's Minister for Trade and Investment Nick Champion and Zoho's regional manager Rakesh Prabhakar (Source:: Nick Champion / X)
India’s business solutions software, Zoho, has opened its new office in Adelaide, South Australia.
The company has currently employed 18 staff members – 12 working in the Adelaide office and 6 remotely from home.
It is reported that Zoho is recruiting more staff and aims to create 50 jobs in Adelaide over the next three years.
Image: South Australia’s Minister for Trade and Investment Nick Champion at Zoho’s Adelaide office (Source: Nick Champion / X)
In November 2023, South Australia’s Minister for Trade and Investment Nick Champion had met with Zoho representatives in India during a trade mission.
Mr Champion saw the enormous impact of India’s global tech company and observed:
“South Australia’s hi-tech ecosystem is well-placed to provide business opportunities for Zoho to grow here. South Australia has made a name for itself around the world within the creative and critical technologies sectors, which is evident by the numbers of companies attracted to the state over the last few years.”
We want to extend our gratitude to the Honourable @NickChampionMP, Minister of Trade and Investment, Minister of Housing and Urban Development and Minister of Planning, for joining us at the opening of our new office in Adelaide. Here's a glimpse of our special day!🌟 pic.twitter.com/oHfnCTqCHy
— Zoho Australia & New Zealand (@Zoho_ANZ) March 21, 2024
Zoho looked at Sydney and Melbourne as potential Australian office locations before deciding on Adelaide.
Zoho’s regional manager for Australia and New Zealand Rakesh Prabhakar told InDaily that opening a new office in Adelaide was a conscious decision.
“When we were small what we realised was it’s difficult to go out and hire and retain employees in larger cities. It made a lot of sense for us to go to smaller cities, wherein people are leaving such cities where…there are amazing educational institutions, there is amazing infrastructure, but then they are leaving these cities and moving to the larger cities only for employment.”
Prabhakar added:
“What we realised was employees are happier when they stay closer to their families, so this gave us validation that happy employees stay longer with us. The longer an employee stays [and] the happier the employee is, it helps the business immensely because the knowledge pool that an employee builds goes a long, long way.”
Image: South Australia’s Minister for Trade and Investment Nick Champion at Zoho’s Adelaide office (Source: Nick Champion / X)
Mr Prabhakar said that Zoho is established in the Australian market and is growing rapidly.
“We are at a sweet point where we provide a lot of value to our customers. In the current market quite a few of our customers are moving away from competitors such as Microsoft or Salesforce and are looking at us as an alternative.”
Founded in Chennai, India, Zoho’s business solutions software is used by more than 700,000 businesses across 150 countries. it employs over 15,000 people around the world and has more than 100 million users of its applications.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Image: Elon Musk smoking during an appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience show 2018 (Source: Joe Rogan)
By Julaine Allan
X owner Elon Musk recently described using small amounts of ketamine “once every other week” to manage the “chemical tides” that cause his depression. He says it’s helpful to get out of a “negative frame of mind”.
This has caused a range of reactions in the media, including on X (formerly Twitter), from strong support for Musk’s choice of treatment, to allegations he has a drug problem.
But what exactly is ketamine? And what is its role in the treatment of depression?
Elon Musk explains why he uses Ketamine:
"There are times when I have a negative chemical state in my brain, like depression, I guess. Ketamine is helpful for getting one out of a negative frame of mind.” pic.twitter.com/PUTzdkRWkQ
At certain doses, people are awake but are disconnected from their bodies. This makes it useful for paramedics, for example, who can continue to talk to injured patients while the drug blocks pain but without affecting the person’s breathing or blood flow.
Ketamine is also used to sedate animals in veterinary practice.
Ketamine is a mixture of two molecules, usually referred to a S-Ketamine and R-Ketamine.
S-Ketamine, or esketamine, is stronger than R-Ketamine and was approved in 2019 in the United States under the drug name Spravato for serious and long-term depression that has not responded to at least two other types of treatments.
Ketamine is thought to change chemicals in the brain that affect mood. While the exact way ketamine works on the brain is not known, scientists think it changes the amount of the neurotransmitter glutamate and therefore changes symptoms of depression.
How was it developed?
Ketamine was first synthesised by chemists at the Parke Davis pharmaceutical company in Michigan in the United States as an anaesthetic. It was tested on a group of prisoners at Jackson Prison in Michigan in 1964 and found to be fast acting with few side effects.
The US Food and Drug Administration approved ketamine as a general anaesthetic in 1970. It is now on the World Health Organization’s core list of essential medicines for health systems worldwide as an anaesthetic drug.
In 1994, following patient reports of improved depression symptoms after surgery where ketamine was used as the anaesthetic, researchers began studying the effects of low doses of ketamine on depression.
The first clinical trial results were published in 2000. In the trial, seven people were given either intravenous ketamine or a salt solution over two days. Like the earlier case studies, ketamine was found to reduce symptoms of depression quickly, often within hours and the effects lasted up to seven days.
One study in a community clinic providing ketamine intravenous therapy for depression and anxiety found the majority of patients reported improved depression symptoms eight weeks after starting regular treatment.
While this might sound like a lot of research, it’s not. A recent review of randomised controlled trials conducted up to April 2023 looking at the effects of ketamine for treating depression found only 49 studies involving a total of 3,299 patients worldwide. In comparison, in 2021 alone, there were 1,489 studies being conducted on cancer drugs.
Is ketamine prescribed in Australia?
Even though the research results on ketamine’s effectiveness are encouraging, scientists still don’t really know how it works. That’s why it’s not readily available from GPs in Australia as a standard depression treatment. Instead, ketamine is mostly used in specialised clinics and research centres.
However, the clinical use of ketamine is increasing. Spravato nasal spray was approved by the Australian Therapuetic Goods Administration (TGA) in 2021. It must be administered under the direct supervision of a health-care professional, usually a psychiatrist.
Spravato dosage and frequency varies for each person. People usually start with three to six doses over several weeks to see how it works, moving to fortnightly treatment as a maintenance dose. The nasal spray costsbetween A$600 and $900 per dose, which will significantly limit many people’s access to the drug.
Ketamine can be prescribed “off-label” by GPs in Australia who can prescribe schedule 8 drugs. This means it is up to the GP to assess the person and their medication needs. But experts in the drug recommend caution because of the lack of research into negative side-effects and longer-term effects.
What about its illicit use?
Concern about use and misuse of ketamine is heightened by highly publicised deaths connected to the drug.
Ketamine has been used as a recreational drug since the 1970s. People report it makes them feel euphoric, trance-like, floating and dreamy. However, the amounts used recreationally are typically higher than those used to treat depression.
Depression is the third leading cause of disability worldwide and effective treatments are needed.
Seeking medical advice about treatment for depression is wiser than taking Musk’s advice on which drugs to use.
However, Musk’s public discussion of his mental health challenges and experiences of treatment has the potential to reduce stigma around depression and help-seeking for mental health conditions.
Clarification: this article previously referred to a systematic review looking at oral ketamine to treat depression. The article has been updated to instead cite a review that encompasses other routes of administration as well, such as intravenous and intranasal ketamine.
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Image: The first batch of 13 Pakistani Hindus granted Indian citizenship under CAA (Source: X)
ByOmer Ghazi
The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) does not concern Indian citizens and, by logical progression, does not impact the citizenship of Indian Muslims in any way or form. Even though this has been reiterated and re-assured ad nauseam by the government as well as political analysts alike, those opposing CAA have not seemed to fully register this simple statement.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also jumped the bandwagon with those spreading misinformation about the act that is on its way to give dignity of life to those fleeing persecution. He not only raised questions about the legality of the act, which anyway has been proven, he also launched scathing attacks on the victims, saying that the cases of theft, robbery and rape would increase if people from the neighbouring countries are given shelter in India.
Earlier, when the ruling party had presented the first draft of the bill in the parliament, he had, in all seriousness, commented that its intention is to settle “crores of people” from the neighbouring countries and this would put a pressure on the healthcare and employment conditions in India. This was back in 2020. Now, one would imagine that an interval of four years would be enough for someone to go through the draft of the act which is only a few pages long. Turns out, it was not. The Aam Aadmi Party supremo doubled down on his comments about the “infiltrators” stealing the jobs meant for Indian youth. Needless to say, it led to condemnation, widespread uproar and a protest outside his residence.
The reasons why Arvind Kejriwal is so adamant against giving basic human rights to the refugees are best known to him, but this is not about Arvind Kejriwal, this is about a certain ecosystem spreading misinformation and propaganda about an act which should not have been controversial to begin with, and the Delhi Chief Minister is just a cog in the wheel.
Even though the Citizenship Amendment Act is finding itself at the very core of the Indian political scene at the moment, its very nature is not political at all. Just like poverty is not political, rape is not political; similarly, Citizenship Amendment Act is not an issue of politics but one of human rights. The biggest evidence that the CAA is beyond politics is that it was a promise made by India under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru and it is delivered by India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
At the time of Independence, a large section of the Muslims of the subcontinent demanded a separate nation severed from the Indian landmass on the basis of religion. The demand resulted in a bloodied and hasty partition that displaced 15 million people and resulted in almost 2 million deaths. Those commenting on the “communal” nature of the CAA should notice that the very nature of the partition was communal, it was an assault on the dignity of this landmass and its soul, and its echoes were to be heard for decades, if not centuries, to come.
Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Pakistan Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan signed a bilateral agreement, the Nehru-Liaquat pact, in order to provide a framework for the treatment of minorities in the two countries; this pact provides the legal foundation for the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). A simple look at the statistics can provide an insight into the status of minorities in the two countries over last 7 decades.
Farahnaz Ispahani, media advisor to the president of Pakistan from 2008 to 2012, writes in her book Purifying the Land of the Pure: Pakistan’s Religious Minorities that from 23% in 1947, Pakistan’s minorities today constitute a mere 3-4% of the population, calling it a slow genocide. In Bangladesh, earlier East Pakistan, similarly, the Hindu, Buddhist population has been reduced to about 8% from 29%. Over the years, the Hindu and Sikh populations in Afghanistan have also experienced a consistent decline. In the 1970s, it is estimated that there were approximately 700,000 Hindus and Sikhs in the country. By 1992, this number had dropped to around 220,000, and by the end of 2021, it had plummeted to just about 150, compared to 400 at the beginning of the same year.
On the other hand, the demographic ratio of India shows an increase in Muslim population from 9.8% in 1951 to 14.2% in 2011, when the last Census was conducted. One does not need to have a degree in statistics to conclude which nation has been more accommodative of its minorities.
If one argues that the non-Muslim population in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan is declining owing to the willful and consensual conversion to the Islamic faith in large numbers, then it begs the question, why is that not the case in India. Moreover, anyone not living under a rock for the past few decades would be aware of the plight of the non-Muslim minorities in the aforesaid countries. As per a Human Right Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) report, around 1,000 girls belonging to Hindu and Christian religion are abducted, forcefully converted and married to Muslim men in Pakistan alone. If that statistic, by itself, is not a solid foundation for the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) then nothing else is.
An additional objection to the legislation is that India, as a secular nation, cannot pass a law rooted in religion, which could potentially violate Article 15 of the constitution. Article 15 prohibits discrimination based on various factors including religion, race, caste, sex, and place of birth. It explicitly states that “the State shall not discriminate against any citizen on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth or any of them.” However, it’s important to note that Article 15 cannot be used to challenge the constitutional validity of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) because it specifically pertains to Indian citizens. The language of Article 15 clearly indicates that it applies solely to citizens of India.
Moreover, it is not India’s fault that its three neighbouring countries decided to become an Islamic theocracy demeaning the rights of their non-Muslim citizens. This is no rocket science that if the persecution is happening on the basis of religion, then the refuge would be given on the basis of religion as well. And if Muslims are also feeling persecuted in Pakistan and Bangladesh and they want refuge back in India, then what was the point of creating Pakistan in the first place? In simpler terms, a Muslim cannot be persecuted for being Muslim in an Islamic state. The internecine sectarian conflicts between Shias and Sunnis are not India’s problems to solve, but still, if one feels that Ahmediyyas need to be allowed to seek refuge, then the current form of CAA does not restrict them either. They can still apply for Indian citizenship, and it can be considered on a case-to-case basis.
This is not the first Indian legislation addressing religion either. India has not adopted the French brand of secularism, which advocates equal distance from all religions, the Indian Constitution, instead, promotes a policy of principled distance. This approach allows for state intervention in religious affairs when such intervention is requested from within the religion itself. In essence, our Constitution allows for the enactment of laws that are not neutral towards religion, provided there is reasonable justification for them. Social reform laws serve as prime examples of this principle in action. There is no scope of snatching anyone’s citizenship through this act either, the notion of discarding the citizenship of Indian Muslims in completely unfounded.
India is a nation that tolerates bodies like All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), hands out religion-based quotas and reservations, gives minority character to educational institutions, runs minority welfare schemes, taxes temples but gives salaries to mosque imams and so on. If there has to be a conversation on religion-based legislations, it cannot start at the Citizenship Amendment Act.
The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) is India’s moral and legal responsibility, a promise to the people wronged and aggrieved by the historical blunder of partition, facing the brunt of a decision they did not make in the first place.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Australia’s eSafety commissioner has sent legal notices to Google, Meta, Telegram, WhatsApp, Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) asking them to show what they’re doing to protect Australians from online extremism. The six companies have 49 days to respond.
The notice comes at a time when governments are increasingly cracking down on major tech companies to address online harms like child sexual abuse material or bullying.
Combating online extremism presents unique challenges different from other content moderation problems. Regulators wanting to establish effective and meaningful change must take into account what research has shown us about extremism and terrorism.
Extremists are everywhere
Online extremism and terrorism have been pressing concerns for some time. A stand-out example was the 2019 Christchurch terrorist attack on two mosques in Aotearoa New Zealand, which was live streamed on Facebook. It led to the “Christchurch Call” to action, aimed at countering extremism through collaborations between countries and tech companies.
But despite such efforts, extremists still use online platforms for networking and coordination, recruitment and radicalisation, knowledge transfer, financing and mobilisation to action.
In fact, extremists use the same online infrastructure as everyday users: marketplaces, dating platforms, gaming sites, music streaming sites and social networks. Therefore, all regulation to counter extremism needs to consider the rights of regular users, as well.
The rise of ‘swarmcasting’
Tech companies have responded with initiatives like the Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism. It shares information on terrorist online content among its members (such as Facebook, Microsoft, YouTube, X and others) so they can take it down on their platforms. These approaches aim to automatically identify and remove terrorist or extremist content.
However, a moderation policy focused on individual pieces of content on individual platforms fails to capture much of what’s out there.
Swarmcasting involves using “beacons” on major platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Telegram to direct people to locations with terrorist material. This beacon can be a hyperlink to a blog post on a website like WordPress or Tumblr that then contains further links to the content, perhaps hosted on Google Drive, JustPaste.It, BitChute and other places where users can download it.
So, while extremist content may be flagged and removed from social media, it remains accessible online thanks to swarmcasting.
Putting up filters isn’t enough
The process of identifying and removing extremist content is far from simple. For example, at a recent US Supreme Court hearing over internet regulations, a lawyer argued platforms could moderate terrorist content by simply removing anything that mentioned “al Qaeda”.
However, internationally recognised terrorist organisations, their members and supporters do not solely distribute policy-violating extremist content. Some may be discussing non-terrorist activities, such as those who engage in humanitarian efforts.
Other times their content is borderline (awful but lawful), such as misogynistic dog whistles, or even “hidden” in a different format, such as memes.
Accordingly, platforms can’t always cite policy violations and are compelled to use other methods to counter such content. They report using various content moderation techniques such as redirecting users, pre-bunking misinformation, promoting counterspeech and offering warnings, or implementing shadow bans. Despite these efforts, online extremism continues to persist.
What is extremism, anyway?
All these problems are further compounded by the fact we lack a commonly accepted definition for terrorism or extremism. All definitions currently in place are contentious.
extremism itself is context-dependent in the sense that it is an inherently relative term that describes a deviation from something that is (more) ‘ordinary’, ‘mainstream’ or ‘normal’.
However, what is something we can accept as a universal normal? Democracy is not the global norm, nor are equal rights. Not even our understanding of central tenets of human rights is globally established.
What should regulators do, then?
As the eSafety commissioner attempts to shed light on how major platforms counter terrorism, we offer several recommendations for the commissioner to consider.
1. Extremists rely on more than just the major platforms to disseminate information. This highlights the importance of expanding the current inquiries beyond just the major tech players.
2. Regulators need to consider the differences between platforms that resist compliance, those that comply halfheartedly, and those that struggle to comply, such as small content storage providers. Each type of platform requires different regulatory approaches or assistance.
3. Future regulations should encourage platforms to transparently collaborate with academia. The global research community is well positioned to address these challenges, such as by developing actionable definitions of extremism and novel countermeasures.
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
IndiGo, India’s largest low-cost domestic airline, and Qantas Airways have announced 11 new connections under its extended codeshare agreement starting from March 31, 2024.
With the extended partnership, IndiGo customers will be able to fly across major tourist and economic hubs in Australia.
Image: IndiGo (Source: website)
Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales, IndiGo, said in a statement:
“We are thrilled to introduce these new connections within Australia, in partnership with Qantas. Under this codeshare, our passengers can not only travel to Melbourne, Sydney, Perth & Brisbane via Singapore, but also onwards to Adelaide, Canberra & the Gold Coast.”
He added:
“The Indian aviation industry is on a path of transformational growth and as India’s leading carrier, this partnership will also enhance our international presence via Qantas’ unmatched reach. IndiGo remains committed to delivering on the promise of affordable, on time, courteous, and hassle-free travel experience across an unparalleled network.”
In 2022, Qantas and IndiGo had finalized a codeshare partnership enabling Qantas customers flying on non-stop flights between Australia and India to connect to 21 destinations in India on IndiGo.
In November 2023, IndiGo had announced connections to Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Brisbane in Australia, under the ongoing codeshare partnership with Qantas Airways.
Image: Qantas (Source: website)
With these new codeshare connections, customers will be able to continue their journey within Australia on Qantas-operated domestic flights to three additional cities— Adelaide, Canberra, and Gold Coast.
This will provide Indian tourists as well as business and leisure travellers with more options to explore destinations across Australia, especially during the upcoming summer season.
IndiGo currently offers travel options to Singapore and seamless connectivity to Qantas’ flights between Singapore and Australia.
The two airlines are the market leaders in their respective countries and this agreement is a testament to the strengthening ties between the two countries, as a part of Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Powerhouse Castle Hill - J Store entrance - credit Rory Gardiner
How do you clean a clock the size of a small car, and why are lights kept down low when dealing with some of Australia’s most iconic objects? These are just some of the questions that will be answered when Powerhouse Castle Hill opens its doors to visitors for a magical behind-the scenes tour at the unveiling of the museum’s new $44m state-of-the-art storage facility on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 March.
From historic buses and planes to the controversial Sydney monorail and test girders from the Sydney Harbour Bridge, close to 100 of the museum’s Very Large Objects will be on display. Powerhouse curators will share stories about the significance of thousands of collection objects during talks and tours throughout the opening weekend.
Powerhouse Castle Hill J Store – Image 2 – credit Rory Gardiner
Members of the public are invited to join NSW Arts and Tourism Minister John Graham, Dharug Aunty Rhiannon Wright, Powerhouse Trust President Peter Collins AM KC and Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah when they officially open the new building with a Welcome to Country at 10am on March 23.
Over two days from 10am – 4pm, visitors can enjoy free, family-friendly workshops, artist talks, architectural tours and performances by musicians, DJs and dancers including First Nations group Jannawi Dance Clan, Sydney Youth Orchestra and one of Australia’s oldest lion and dragon dancing troupes, Jin Wu Koon.
Jannawi Dance Clan (Image: Supplied)
The opening weekend will also premiere the first major exhibition in the new building, Alchemy, presenting commissions by First Nations female artists from across Australia who specialise in natural dyeing techniques.
Designed by Lahznimmo Architects and built by construction company Taylor, Powerhouse Castle Hill is the new home for the display, storage and conservation of more than 500,000 objects in the Powerhouse collection. This is the first time in the museum’s 140-year history that the entire collection will be stored in one location and co-located alongside conservation, curatorial and collection management staff.
At more than 8,000sqm, Powerhouse Castle Hill is significantly larger than the basement storage that was previously used by the museum in the Harwood building in Ultimo.
The building boasts a “visible store,” a six-metre high and 20m long window allowing public viewing into the 3,000 sqm Very Large Object storage area that includes planes, trains and automobiles.
Powerhouse Object no 2007-143-1 Genairco biplane
One of the southern hemisphere’s largest cycloramas is also installed and operational on site, measuring 10m by 9m by 5m high, with a 4.8m turntable that can carry up to 4 tonnes. This device features a fixed gantry allowing objects in the museum’s collection to be photographed and filmed from directly overhead, signalling another stage of public access and display for the museum’s internationally renowned collection.
The new building will also provide public access for education programs, workshops, talks, exhibitions and other public events as well as working spaces for academic researchers, scientists and industry partners.
The design of Powerhouse Castle Hill has already earned Lahznimmo Architects a nomination in the Australian Institute of Architects 2024 New South Wales Architecture Awards in the category of Public Architecture.
The opening of the building is the latest evolution of the site, which was originally a botanical research station for the museum after staff planted many Eucalypts and Melaleuca trees in the 1940s. These trees were used for Eucalyptus oil experiments and distillation in the early days of the Powerhouse Museum.
From the late 1970s, the Powerhouse started storing some of its collection at Castle Hill. In recent years, this facility became shared storage known as the Museums Discovery Centre for collection objects from the Powerhouse as well as the Australian Museum and Museums of History NSW. The new Powerhouse Castle Hill building sits alongside the Museums Discovery Centre, and both are open every weekend.
The expansion of Castle Hill is an integral component of the $1.2 billion renewal of the Powerhouse which includes the new flagship museum currently under construction, Powerhouse Parramatta. Designed by Paris-based architects Moreau Kusunoki with Australian architects Genton, Powerhouse Parramatta is the largest cultural infrastructure development since the Sydney Opera House and is located 10 kilometres from the new collection storage at Castle Hill.
Powerhouse Chief Executive, Lisa Havilah said, ‘We have over 500,000 objects in our collection across the applied arts and applied sciences. One of the really transformative things we have been able to achieve with the development of this new building is to consolidate for the first time the whole collection and co-locate our collection with our exceptional collections management team.
‘Powerhouse Castle Hill will feature exhibition spaces, open storage and learning spaces, and it will be a catalyst for communities to see and engage with the collection in new ways.’
Regular shuttle buses between Hills Showground Metro Station and Powerhouse Castle Hill will be running throughout the weekend. This service is free and delivered by Castle Hill local business Craig’s Mini Buses. Parking is also available in the main TAFE NSW car park, entrance via Green Rd.
For more information about the program and to register to attend visit: ph.au/43dGq8x
About Powerhouse
Located in Sydney, Powerhouse Museum is the largest museum group in Australia. It sits at the intersection of the arts, design, science, and technology, and plays a critical role in engaging communities with contemporary ideas and issues.
Powerhouse Parramatta is the future flagship site of the museum and is one of the world’s most significant new museum projects. Community, industry and collection will intersect to create a dynamic culturally engaged program that will redefine museums. As the first NSW State Cultural Institution to be based in Western Sydney, Powerhouse Parramatta will be a transformational cultural precinct in the fastest and largest growing city in Australia. It will be the largest museum in NSW with over 18,000 sqm of exhibition and public space, attracting 2 million visitors a year.
Support our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
According to STA, the Australian economy would be $100 billion bigger and boosted by 42,000 new jobs if investment in research and development (R&D) was increased to 3% of GDP.
Prof. Sriram observed:
“What’s really holding us back? The shortest answer is a lack of strategy and bold investment. What all these stories highlight is the need for deep long-term and sustained funding strategy with boldness so that Australia can nurture and benefit from the next wave of breakthroughs.”
He added:
“Low investment in R&D is holding our country back it’s leading to our best ideas going overseas to our international competitors and when we give up our ideas – our intellectual property – it’s never coming back. We just going to pay more for the same products pay more for the same Services. We need to realise that our IP is like gold dust and like these small shiny particles, they will slip through our hands if we don’t grab on tightly.”
Australia’s spending on R&D as a percentage of GDP has been on the decline for more than a decade to below 2%.
By contrast, the US spends more than double Australia’s investment, and South Korea almost triple.
Prof. Sriram said:
“If we were investing that 3%of GDP in R&D right now, the economy would be $100 billion and 42,000 jobs better off. And this is a conservative estimate. To maintain our standard of living, Australia must increase R&D expenditure to 3% of GDP as fast as we can.”
Prof. Sriram is a commercialisation expert at RMIT University and his work connecting industry and researchers has created more than $9 million in commercial partnerships for the university.
He said:
“I’ve personally ridden the bumpy journey to turn these ideas into products and solutions. There are many of you running startup businesses with enormous potential. They to have high hopes, facing high hurdles, so I know what they’re going through.”
Prof. Sriram argued that the way forward is a connected innovation ecosystem that takes great Australian ideas, turns them into products and services, and draws maximum value for society.
“Unless we become a smarter country, we’re doomed to become a poorer one.”
STA is Australia’s peak body that represents more than 225,000 scientists and technologists working across all scientific disciplines and is an influential contributor to public policy.
WATCH: Professor Sharath Sriram’s Address to the National Press Club of Australia
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
In 1978, he arrived in Bombay (now Mumbai) to get a work permit for Muscat.
In Mumbai, it is reported, Bob Christo was introduced to Bollywood actress Parveen Babi who enabled him his first steps into the world of Hindi cinema.
Bob Christo’s Hindi film career started with actor-producer Sanjay Khan’s ‘Abdullah’ (1980) and he went on to act in over 200 Hindi films, including the blockbusters ‘Qurbani’ (1980), ‘Kaalia’ (1981), ‘Nastik’ (1983), ‘Mard’ (1985), ‘Mr India’ (1987), ‘Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja’ (1993) and ‘Gumraah’ (1993).
He also appeared in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada films.
Image: Bob Christo with Mithun Chakravorty (Source: film screenshot)
Appearing mostly as a quintessential gora (white guy) – a gangster, a brutal henchman of the main villain, a British or foreign army General, or a foreign smuggler ready to loot India’s historic treasures – Bob Christo became a cult figure for millions of Hindi film fans with a whole website dedicated to his work (Planet BollyBob).
No doubt, given his physique, the big, bad and bald ‘gora’ Bob Christo was Australia’s ‘scariest’ export to India!
Raj N Sippy, who directed him in Mr Bond, observed:
“He looked scary. He was also the only guy around who could pop open a bottle with his thumb.”
image: Bob Christo with his wife Nargis, son Darius, son Sunil, and daughter-in-law, Mona (Source: Bollywooddirect – Facebook).
Bob Christo loved Mumbai and Hindi films, and decided to call India his home where he had. a second marriage with Parsi lady Nargis.
Bob Christo took Nargis’ son, Sunil, as his own and the couple also had another boy, Darius.
In the early 2000s, taking retirement from Bollywood, Bob Christo started teaching at institutes in India and the US.
Later, he ventured into the hotel business by relocating to Bangalore (now Bengaluru) where he started taking yoga and meditation classes. In 2006, as spinal stenosis took hold, Bob Christo could no longer teach yoga.
In 2011, the 72-year-old civil engineer-actor-yoga instructor was preparing to launch his autobiography, Flashback: My Times in Bollywood and Beyond – spread over five continents and ten countries.
Shekhar Kapur, who directed Bob Christo as Mr Wolcott in ‘Mr India’ with the famous dialogue “Indian god marta hai”, said that in his role he caricatured himself:
“He was strange in the way that he was always drifting. It was a very Australian thing—to travel everywhere and then find a reason to settle down in one place.”
The much-loved man from Australia died of rupture of the left ventricle valve at the Jayadeva Institute of Cardiology in Bangalore on 20 March 2011. He was brought to a hospital after he complained of chest pain and suffered a massive heart attack.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Image: Group photo with Martina at NAW Mariokart challenge (Source: AFP)
This Neurodiversity Awareness Week, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) is shining a light on one of its brightest neurodiverse minds, Matt Crowley, a trainee from the AFP’s Dandelion Program.
The Dandelion Program connects talented neurodivergent people, specifically Autistic individuals, with meaningful employment opportunities while combatting skill shortages and creating more inclusive workplaces.
The two-year traineeship program is managed by DXC Technology with Untapped Talent, who oversees the selection, recruitment and support of trainees for AFP roles.
The AFP’s Covert and Technical Operations (CTO) branch brought on six trainees, including Matt, under the Program in July last year as a way to boost the technical capabilities of the agency and harness the unique talents of neurodiverse individuals.
Prior to commencing the program, Matt had struggled to find meaningful work which challenged him and allowed him to pursue his passion for IT.
Matt said the program was all about unlocking ‘untapped talent’, which meant finding people who had talent that wasn’t being used because they were unable to network themselves into the appropriate roles.
“One of the great parts about the program is that during the recruitment process, I was assessed on my aptitude for IT, which is completely unlike other jobs in the industry which rule you out immediately if you don’t have a relevant qualification.”
In nine short months, Matt’s dedication and willingness to learn has led him to become a valuable software developer to the CTO branch.
Image: Dandelion Group Shot Landscape – Matt centre shot (Source: AFP)
“I came in with only a little bit of experience in programming and software which I learnt through school, but I’ve learnt the majority of my skills through on the job training. This job has also allowed me to prove to myself just how capable I really am.”
Matt adds: “In my last job, I was working eight hours a week and thought that I didn’t have it in me to take on any additional hours. I’m now up to working 30 hours a week, and while it can still be tiring at times, coming into work is so worth it and I feel motivated each day to come in.
“My team has been so supportive and understanding and technical trainer used to be in the Dandelion Program, so it’s been great to have a mentor with lived experience that can relate to me on a deeper level.
“Beyond the team, AFP has been such a welcoming environment and has allowed us to just be us.
“This week for Neurodiversity Awareness Week we held a week-long Mario Kart challenge where we invited people from across the agency to come and compete with us.
“It was a great way to meet new people and show other members what we’re all about.”
As part of the Program, the trainees also have a dedicated Neurodiversity Consultant, Martina, who assists them with relevant skills to help them adapt to the work environment.
“Having Martina around has made a real difference to us and she’s really helped us through some major challenges, which may have otherwise been overlooked by people.”
“For example, fragranced soap really bothers me, Martina took the initiative to get this changed noting the negative impact it was having on my work life.
“While it might seem like a tiny issue to most, the effort that she went to to get this changed for me made such a big difference to me and really highlighted how supported and cared for in the program.
The AFP plans to open the Dandelion Program to more commands across the AFP later this year.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Australia’s school principals have collective responsibility for nearly 3 million students and staff. But who takes responsibility for them?
Since 2011, we have been surveying Australian school leaders – principals and other leadership staff such as deputy principals and heads of junior or senior schools – about what is happening in their jobs.
Every year we have surveyed between 2,300 and 2,500 participants and it is now the longest running survey of its type in the world.
Previous surveys have shown school principals face unsustainably high workloads, high levels of stress and unacceptable rates of violence and abuse from parents and students.
Our 2023 survey unfortunately finds the work levels, stress and abuse continue. But on top of this, school leaders are experiencing significant levels of mental illness and around half are considering leaving the profession.
Too much work and stress
In the 2023 survey we looked at responses by career stages to get better insights into Australia’s principals.
School leaders vary widely in leadership experience, ranging from early career (up to five years) to more than 20 years in the job. However, across all levels of experience, there are similar levels of high workload (an average of 56 hours per week).
No matter what stage of their career, all told us how the the sheer quantity of work and a lack of time to focus on teaching and learning were the top two sources of stress.
Other top concerns were the mental health of students and of staff.
Record levels of violence
Disturbingly, principals also reported the highest levels of violence, bullying and threats of violence since the survey began in 2011:
53.9% reported experiencing threats of violence, up from 44.8% in 2022. When asked “from whom”, 65.6% of respondents said parents and 79.7% said students
48.2% reported experiencing violence, up from 44% in 2022. When asked “from whom”, 19.7% said parents and 96.3% said students
53.7% reported being subjected to gossip and slander. When asked “from whom”, 65.1% said parents and 18.2% said students.
As one school leader told us:
Whilst I am more than aware that you can’t please all of the people, all of the time, I have been ground down by the almost constant negativity, nastiness and violence within our community.
Levels of mental illness are high
We also examined the rates of mental illness among school leaders.
Almost 19% of those surveyed reported moderate-to-severe levels of anxiety. About 18% said they had moderate-to-severe depression. Early-career school leaders were most likely to report higher levels of anxiety and depression.
As one respondent told us:
I did not work in Term 2 as I reached burn out.
Many are thinking about quitting
Unsurprisingly, given the workload, abuse and mental health issues, the survey found significant numbers of school leaders are rethinking their career options.
More than half (56%) of school leaders surveyed agreed or strongly agreed that “I often seriously consider leaving my current job”. Those with six to ten years of experience were most likely to say they were thinking about quitting.
As one survey respondent with a decade of experience as a principal noted:
I don’t feel ready for retirement but can no longer sustain my work as a principal.
Another respondent told us:
Most nights when I am awake I will count how much longer I have to work before I retire or think about what else I could do instead of this job.
There is some good news
We also looked at principals’ resilience, or their ability to bounce back from adverse experiences. Despite all these challenges, principals recorded a moderate increase in their resilience scores. On a 1–5 scale, the average score was over 3.82.
There has been an increase every year since we started tracking resilience in 2017, when the average was 3.58. This is testimony to principals’ dedication to their jobs and passion for education.
As one principal said:
Being a principal is a tough, lonely job with not much appreciation but I continue to do it because the students need us and I love to see the kids challenged, engaged, cared for and learning […] hopefully to set them up for a great life.
However, we found those with lower resilience scores were more likely to say they intended to quit. This further highlights the importance of supporting school leaders’ health and wellbeing.
We also found principals’ job satisfaction levels were stable, having declined last year for the first time since the survey commenced. From a high of 74.84 in 2020, it had dropped to 70.01 by 2022. It is encouraging to note it has risen slightly to 70.23 for 2023.
What needs to happen now
The challenge from this year’s report is stark and immediate: an exodus is potentially on the horizon.
But greater urgency is needed in current policy responses.
We cannot assume resilience levels will continue to hold up. The signs are unambiguous. If these school leaders really do quit, they will take years of experience with them and cripple the ability of Australian schools to realise their aspirations.
This is why we need the next education ministers meeting to respond to our report. All federal and state education ministers are expected to meet around April and must make support for principals’ wellbeing and safety a top priority.
As our survey shows, the patience of Australian school leaders is running out.
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
In a major crackdown on ‘ghost colleges’ and international students who are not serious about studies, the Australian government has started implementing changes to fix the rort in the higher education industry.
Following a migration review, the federal government has reduced the number of student visa approvals, increased English language requirements for student and graduate visas, and introduced a new “genuine student” test.
Image: Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil (Source: X)
Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil said the government’s push to bring down net migration would likely not yet be captured by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data.
“Since September, the government’s actions have led to substantial declines in migration levels, with recent international student visa grants down by 35 per cent on the previous year.”
The minimum score required for a Temporary Graduate Visa has been increased from IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 (or equivalent), with a minimum score of 5.5 for each component of the test (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening).
The test validity window for all Temporary Graduate Visa applications has been decreased from three years to one year.
Here is an overview of the English language requirement changes:
Temporary Graduate visa will increase from IELTS (or equivalent) 6.0 to 6.5
Student visa will increase from IELTS (or equivalent) 5.5 to 6.0
ELICOS will increase from IELTS (or equivalent) 4.5 to 5.0
University foundation or pathway programs that deliver English language training will be an IELTS (or equivalent) 5.5
With changes in rules, all applicants must provide evidence that they have completed an English language test no more than one year immediately before the date of the visa application.
This “genuine student” test is expected to crack down on international students coming to Australia primarily to work rather than study.
The government will also have enhanced powers to suspend high-risk education providers, “ghost colleges” or “international student visa factories”, from recruiting international students.
Image: Skills and Training Minister Brendan O’Connor (Source: X)
Skills and Training Minister Brendan O’Connor said there was no place for dodgy providers:
“We put a premium on ensuring students — international and domestic — feel safe and welcome while they learn skills in our high-quality VET sector. Increased powers for the regulator and tougher penalties will deter dodgy providers who currently see fines as a risk worth taking or merely a ‘cost of doing business.'”
The government is aiming to establish a clear pathway for temporary visa holders, decrease the number of non-genuine students, and ensure that international students contribute to addressing Australia’s skills shortages.
These changes will apply to all Student and Temporary Graduate visa applications lodged on and after 23 March 2024.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Sumaira Khan was awarded the Shah Rukh Khan La Trobe University PhD Scholarship in New Delhi Image Source Supplied
India Australia’s importance of education relationship in fostering positive change got a new boot as Sumaira Khan was awarded the Shah Rukh Khan La Trobe University PhD Scholarship during a Gala Dinner in New Delhi.
The scholarship, valued at over $225,000, is in recognition of Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan’s contributions to humanitarian and social justice efforts. La Trobe University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Theo Farrell, presented the scholarship to Khan, who was selected from a competitive pool of candidates across India.
Professor Theo Farrell highlighted the scholarship’s alignment with La Trobe’s mission to inspire change through education and solve pressing global challenges.
“This ongoing scholarship is a testament to the strong relationship and shared vision La Trobe has with Mr Khan to inspire positive change through education and find solutions for some of the most challenging issues facing the world,”
Professor Farrell said.
“We are delighted to welcome Sumaira to La Trobe.”
Image Source: Supplied
Sumaira Khan expressed her gratitude for the life-changing opportunity, stating,
“It’s life-changing for me and my family, and I’m excited to interact with La Trobe’s global community of researchers.”
“So grateful to the panel of Professors and Seniors at La Trobe University who considered my application worthy of receiving this award, and to the Baad-Shah, our dear SRK – for making it happen!” she said.
The four-year scholarship aims to support aspiring female Indian researchers like Sumaira, who is passionate about improving health outcomes for vulnerable communities. Her research at La Trobe University in Melbourne will focus on healthcare improvements for South Asian migrant women in Australia at risk of Type 2 diabetes. Under the guidance of medical anthropologists Dr. Tarryn Phillips and Dr. Catherine Trundle, Sumaira’s study will explore self-care practices and strategies for enhancing healthcare access and equity.
Shah Rukh Khan, whose philanthropic work includes establishing the Meer Foundation to aid women survivors of acid attacks in India, shared his delight in supporting Indian women’s development through this scholarship.
“Sumaira’s passion to improve health outcomes for vulnerable communities is inspiring,”
said Shahrukh Khan, emphasizing the scholarship’s role in addressing broader global issues.
The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne Director, Mitu Bhowmick, also acknowledged La Trobe’s continued support in enhancing educational opportunities for Indian women.
“I am delighted our festival has been able to bring together SRK and La Trobe University for this scholarship, which provides life-changing opportunities for young Indian female students and inspires future generations,” she said.
La Trobe University PhD Scholarship recipient Sumaira Khan; Image Source: Supplied
Sumaira Khan’s journey to this scholarship began with her personal experiences navigating healthcare for her brother with severe autism, leading to her passion for public health. A recent Master of Public Health graduate from Mumbai’s Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Khan has engaged in various research projects focusing on healthcare system strengthening and early childhood development.
The first recipient of the Shah Rukh Khan La Trobe University PhD Scholarship, Gopika Kottantharayil Bhasi, is currently advancing her research on honeybee virus diagnostics and therapies, showcasing the scholarship’s impact on addressing critical environmental and health issues.
The university’s commitment to Indian culture and education is evident through its significant contributions and the success of initiatives like the Shah Rukh Khan La Trobe University PhD Scholarship.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Image: Launch of NSW Parliamentary Friends of India (Source: Jodi McKay - LInkedIn)
The vibrant Indian festival of colours, Holi, has made a splash in the NSW Parliament for the very first time with special recognition at the floor of the house.
‘Holi in the House’ was hosted by the Australia India Business Council (AIBC) to celebrate the launch of the ‘NSW Parliamentary Friends of India’ on 20th March 2024. Holi is a Hindu spring festival and is celebrated on the full moon day of the Falgun month (last month in the Hindu calender) which falls on 25th march this year.
Image: Launch of NSW Parliamentary Friends of India (Source: Jodi McKay – LinkedIn)
NSW MPs Gurmesh Singh (Member from Coffs Harbour, Shadow Minister for Tourism, Emergency Services and the North Coast, Nationals) and Warren Kirby (Member from Riverstone, Labor) are co-chairs of the NSW Parliamentary Friends of India and among the key forces behind the establishment of this group.
Image: Launch of NSW Parliamentary Friends of India (Source: Jodi McKay – LinkedIn)
Jodi Mckay, Director of the Australia-India CEO Forum and National Chair of the Australia India Business Council (AIBC), said:
“We tried when I was an MP and were unsuccessful, but this week we launched the NSW Parliamentary Friends of India thanks to the persistence of MPs Warren Kirby and Gurmesh Singh.”
Image: Premier Kristina Keneally (Source: Indian Down Under)
In 2010, Premier Kristina Keneally had announced that the NSW Government was working to establish the ‘Parliamentary Friends of India’ to foster strong links between India, the Indian community, and NSW Members of Parliament.
“The NSW Government’s move to establish the Parliamentary Friends of India sends a clear message about the important role the Indian community plays in the professional, philanthropic, business and cultural life of NSW.”
Premier Keneally has then also written to the Opposition Leader seeking bipartisan support for the plan. However, this group couldn’t be established then due to various reasons.
Image: Launch of NSW Parliamentary Friends of India (Source: Jodi McKay – LinkedIn)
Ms McKay added that the recent launch of NSW Parliamentary Friends of India is a great achievement:
“Such a great achievement by all Members of Parliament who participated in the launch by Australia India Business Council and are now members of this important political bridge between Australia and India.”
Image: Launch of NSW Parliamentary Friends of India (Source: Jodi McKay – LinkedIn)
“Holi in the House” was hosted by the AIBC in the presence of Minister of Multicultural Steve Kamper, NSW Deputy Premier Prue Car MP, Charishma Kaliyanda MP and other dignitaries.
Image: Launch of NSW Parliamentary Friends of India (Source: Warren Kirby MP – Facebook)
AIBC, established in 1986 by the governments of Australia and India, is the leading business council dedicated to promoting the bilateral trade and investment relationship between Australia and India.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Image: Smriti M Krishna being sworn in as a chaplain captain of the Australian Defence Force (Source: Supplied)
Indian-origin Dr Smriti Murali Krishna has created history by being sworn in as the Chaplain Captain of the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
Smriti, a senior biomedical researcher and project manager, is the first Hindu Indian woman ever to grace the post after she was sworn in on Tuesday in Melbourne by ADF Director General Gary Pope.
Image: Smriti M Krishna being sworn in as a chaplain captain of the Australian Defence Force (Source: Supplied)
Smriti says that her role as a Chaplain Captain entails providing spiritual and religious provision to soldiers.
“I’m getting an opportunity to serve those who serve.”
Smriti is confident that being able to meet Australian soldiers, she will be able to help in their emotional well-being by providing spiritual support.
Image: Dr Smriti Murali Krishna presenting at a conference (Source: X)
Smriti has joined the ADF and has been appointed as an officer in the Australian Army Reserve. She will be doing the Chaplain Captain’s job part-time as she will continue with her research on stem-cell treatment.
Her first posting as Chaplain Captain is with the 4th Prince of Wales’ Light Horse Regiment at Simpson Barracks in Greensborough.
“I will have to go for training to both Canberra and Syndey with a one year in probation. But since I am in a reserve position, I can be in Victoria.”
Image: Smriti M Krishna being sworn in as a chaplain captain of the Australian Defence Force (Source: Supplied)
Smriti, originally from Kerala in India, is the daughter of former forensic director Murali Krishna and Shantha Devi.
In 2006, Smriti came to Australia after completing her PhD in cancer biology at the Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram.
To become a Chaplain Captain, she underwent a series of examinations, rigorous physical tests and interviews, while doing her research on regenerative therapies and pathological changes underlying cardiovascular diseases.
Image: Smriti M Krishna being sworn in as a chaplain captain of the Australian Defence Force (Source: Supplied)
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Smriti’s mother Shantha and her friend Dr Priya Sivadas, a paediatrician based in Sydney.
Smriti’s twin daughters Rishika Nair and Nikhitha Nair could not make it to the event as they are studying dentistry at James Cook University in Cairns, Queensland.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
The Consulate General of India, Sydney is organizing a one-day Consular Camp on Sunday, 24 March 2024 in Adelaide, South Australia.
All applicants who are interested in getting the consular services may please note the following:
Foreign Nationals of Indian Origin, who are in the process of applying OCI Card, Emergency Visa and Renunciation of Indian nationality, may bring in their applications with the supporting documents to the Consular Camp, for verification and further submission at VFS Counters in the Consular Camp.
Indian passport holders who are in the process of applying for renewal of their Indian passport, EC, PoA & PCC may also bring in their applications with the supporting documents to the Consular Camp for verification and further submission at VFS Counters in Consular Camp.
Miscellaneous Services to Indian Passport holders including Life Certificate, will also be provided at the Consulate Camp subject to fulfillment of documentation process as per check list mentioned in CGI Sydney and VFS site.
Please note:
No Passport Renewal/VISA/OCI/PoA/PCC/Renunciation is issued on the spot.
Applications will be processed on a first come first served basis.
Applicants must bring complete applications with all supporting documents in person. Only applications complete in all aspect will be accepted at the Camp.
Applicants must bring all required original documents for necessary verification purposes.
Please visit Consulate’s website for Attestation Services and Life Certificate requirements: https://www.cgisydney.gov.in/pages/Mg
For detailed instructions on application forms filling/list of documents/applicable fees, please visit VFS Global website: https://services.vfsglobal.com/aus/en/ind
The camp will run from 1 pm to 5 pm at IAASA Community Centre, 6 Blamey Avenue, Broadview.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
How do you manage your emails? Are you an “inbox zero” kind of person, or do you just leave thousands of them unread?
Our new study, published today in the journal Information Research, suggests that leaving all your emails in the inbox is likely to leave you dissatisfied with your personal records management.
In an exploratory survey, we asked participants how they dealt with their personal records such as bills, online subscriptions and similar items. Many of these arrive by email.
We found that most respondents left their electronic records in their email. Only half saved items such as bills and other documents to other locations, like their computer or the cloud. But having a disorganised inbox also led to problems, including missing bills and losing track of important correspondence.
The risk of losing track of your emails
Receiving bills, insurance renewals and other household documents by email saves time and money, and reduces unnecessary paper use.
However, there are risks involved if you don’t stay on top of your electronic records. Respondents in our research reported issues such as lapsed vehicle registration, failing to cancel unwanted subscriptions, and overlooking tax deductions because it was too much trouble finding the receipts.
This suggests late fines and other email oversights could be costing people hundreds of dollars each year.
In addition to the financial costs, research suggests that not sorting and managing electronic records makes it more difficult to put together the information needed at tax time, or for other high-stakes situations, such as loan applications.
What did we find?
We surveyed over 300 diverse respondents on their personal electronic records management. Most of them were from Australia, but we also received responses from other countries, such as the United Kingdom, United States, Switzerland, Portugal and elsewhere.
Two-thirds of the respondents used their email to manage personal records, such as bills, receipts, subscriptions and more. Of those, we found that once respondents had dealt with their email, about half of them would sort the emails into folders, while the other half would leave everything in the inbox.
While most sorted their workplace email into folders, they were much less likely to sort their personal email in the same way.
The results also showed that only half (52%) of respondents who left all their email in the inbox were satisfied with their records management, compared to 71% of respondents who sorted their email into folders.
Of the respondents who saved their paperwork in the cloud (Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox and similar), 83% reported being satisfied with their home records management.
The study was exploratory, so further research will be needed to see if our findings apply more universally. However, our statistical analysis did reveal practices associated with more satisfactory outcomes, and ones that might be better to avoid.
What can go wrong with an inbox-only approach?
Based on the responses, we have identified three main problems with leaving all your email in the inbox.
First, users can lose track of the tasks that need to be done. For example, a bill that needs to be paid could slip down the line unnoticed, drowned by other emails.
Second, relying on search to re-find emails means you need to know exactly what you’re looking for. For example, at tax time searching for charity donation receipts depends on remembering what to search for, as well as the exact wording in the email containing the receipt.
Third, many bills and statements are not sent as attachments to emails, but rather as hyperlinks. If you change your bank or another service provider, those hyperlinks may not be accessible at a later date. Not being able to access missing payslips from a former employer can also cause issues, as shown by the Robodebt scandal or the recent case of the Australian Tax Office reviving old debts.
4 tips for better records management
When we asked respondents to nominate a preferred location for keeping their personal records, they tended to choose a more organised format than their current behaviour. Ideally, only 8% of the respondents would leave everything in their email inbox, unsorted.
Our findings suggest a set of practices that can help you get on top of your electronic records and prevent stress or financial losses:
sort your email into category folders, or save records in folders in the cloud or on a computer
download documents that are not attached to emails or sent to you – such as utility bills and all your payslips
put important renewals in your calendar as reminders, and
delete junk mail and unsubscribe, so that your inbox can be turned into a to-do list.
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
In a night that has shaken the Tarneit community, three Indian Australian men were injured in what police believe was a targeted shooting stemming from an altercation between two groups.
The Armed Crime Squad is currently investigating the incident, which unfolded in various locations across Tarneit late last night and early this morning.
The sequence of events began shortly before 11:50 p.m. on Tuesday, 19 March, when police were alerted to gunshots in Friendship Place, Tarneit.
Two people have been taken to hospital after reports of gunfire in a Melbourne McDonald’s carpark in Tarneit. (9News)
Despite an extensive search of the area, no victims were initially found. The situation escalated when, a short time later, a 23-year-old man from Truganina was discovered with suspected gunshot wounds to his upper body at a business on Derrimut Road. He was rushed to the hospital with injuries deemed non-life-threatening.
The violence did not stop there. Just after 1:00 a.m., emergency services were summoned to Tarneit Road, where a 25-year-old local man received treatment for a hand injury before being taken to the hospital.
In a related event, a 28-year-old man from Tarneit self-presented to a Melbourne hospital around 3:00 a.m. with an arm injury. Police have linked both men to the initial shooting on Friendship Place.
Police on the scene. Credit: 7NEWS
Detectives are piecing together the circumstances of the altercation, treating the incident as targeted with all parties involved known to each other. The McDonald’s carpark on Derrimut Road became a focal point of the investigation, locked down overnight as officers examined a damaged Mercedes and collected evidence.
As of now, no arrests have been made, and no weapon has been recovered. Victoria Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant dash-cam footage to come forward.
Police on the scene. Credit: 7NEWS
This incident has prompted a broader discussion about community safety and the need for vigilance. The police are determined to uncover the exact sequence of events and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
The investigation continues, with the hope that further information from the public will shed light on this concerning series of events. Information can be shared anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Chaithanya 'Swetha' Madhagani Image Source; The Australia Today
Days after the grim finding of Chaithanya Madhagani’s body in a wheelie bin near Geelong, a burglary occurred at her Point Cook residence, Victoria Police reports.
The incident, which saw a vehicle stolen, is not believed to be linked to the investigation into the 35-year-old mother and food safety compliance expert’s death.
In the wake of this unsettling discovery on March 9, a man and a woman allegedly broke into Madhagani’s home, leading to the arrest of both individuals from Kiely Avenue, Werribee.
A 32-year-old Werribee man faces charges of burglary and motor vehicle theft, with a court appearance scheduled for next month. Although a 32-year-old Werribee woman was also arrested, she has been released as the investigation continues.
The Australia Today understands that the car (Red Mini Cooper) allegedly stolen during the burglary has since been recovered.
This event has sent shockwaves through the quiet suburban neighbourhood, known for its close-knit community atmosphere. Residents have expressed their dismay over the act, considering the family’s recent tragic loss.
One of the close friends of Swetha told The Australia Today, that, it is very difficult to cope with all the details of her murder.
“This shameless act just broke my heart, I feel these people have killed her again by their cowardly act.”
Ashok Raj Varikuppala and Chaithanya ‘Swetha’ Madhagani Image Source; The Australia Today
Police have reassured the public that the burglary does not appear to affect the ongoing homicide investigation, emphasising that the two incidents seem unrelated.
The Homicide Squad remains focused on unravelling the circumstances surrounding Madhagani’s death. Initial evidence gathering included the removal of a vehicle from the victim’s garage, an action captured by news outlets.
Ashok Raj Varikuppala and Chaithanya ‘Swetha’ Madhagani Image Source; The Australia Today
Speculation about the case has been rampant, especially following reports that Madhagani’s husband, Ashok Raj Varikuppala, might be involved. Varikuppala, reportedly in India, has been identified by Madhagani’s father as confessing to an accidental role in her death.
Victoria Police have been cautious in their statements, stressing the importance of not compromising the integrity of their investigation. They’ve acknowledged the complexity of the case, including international aspects and the coordination with the victim’s family.
Ashok Raj Varikuppala and Chaithanya ‘Swetha’ Madhagani Image Source; The Australia Today
In a show of community support, a candlelight vigil is planned for this Friday night in Point Cook to honour Madhagani, affectionately known by friends as “Swetha.”
The event aims to provide a space for mourning and remembrance for those who knew her, emphasising the collective grief and shock that has impacted the community.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
A reward of $1 million has been paid out in full to people who offered up crucial information that led to the arrest of the alleged murderer 38-year-old Rajwinder Singh from India.
Queensland Police has confirmed to media that last week the entire $1 million award has been paid out to those who offered up crucial information that led to his arrest.
A Queensland Police Service spokesperson said in a statement:
“We appreciate the significant public interest in this matter, however information provided on the process is limited as it is obtained on a confidential basis. As such we will not reveal specifics of the reward only to advise it has been paid in full to a number of claimants.”
Image: Toyah Cordingley (Source: Facebook)
On 21 October 2018, Toyah Cordingley, 24 years old, was allegedly murdered while walking her dog on Wangetti Beach near Cairns in Queensland.
Toyah’s father discovered her lifeless body while searching the beach and her murder shocked Australia.
Indian-Australian nurse Rajwinder Singh quickly became the main person of interest in Toyah’s alleged murder.
Image: Murder suspect Rajwinder Singh arrested by Indian authorities in New Delhi (Source: Delhi Police)
Queensland Police Acting Superintendent Kevin Goan revealed that Rajwinder Singh’s DNA and phone evidence were allegedly linked to the killing.
“Investigators are relying upon DNA evidence, which links Mr Singh to her homicide. There is some other evidence, including a telephone evidence, which suggests the movement of her mobile phone with Mr Singh’s phone, in proximity, that travelled to the western side of Cairns. As a result of that, other investigations were conducted and an arrest warrant was issued for him.”
However, the Queensland Police officials were unable to speak with Rajwinder Singh as he boarded a flight to India the following day.
On 23 October 2018, in leaving Australia in a hurry, it was reported that Rajwinder Singh even left his wife and children behind.
Queensland Police allege that Rajwinder Singh has avoided apprehension in the Punjab region since travelling to India.
“Like many other Queenslanders, I am sickened by this heinous crime and I commend the Queensland Police Service for their tireless efforts in the pursuit of justice for Toyah and her family.”
Within a month of the announcement of the award, Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers arrested Rajwinder Singh from Delhi and promptly extradited him back to Queensland.
Detective Inspector Sonia Smith said Australian authorities worked closely with their Indian counterparts.
“Together with other Australian agencies we have continued to work closely and respectfully with Indian authorities to pursue justice for Toyah and her family.”
Rajwinder Singh arrived in Melbourne after being officially handed from Indian police to Queensland police at the International Airport in Delhi.
On hearing Rajwinder’s arrest and extradition, Toyah’s mother, Vanessa Gardiner, thanked police and the community in a statement.
“We thank the community for their ongoing love and support throughout these difficult times.”
Queensland Police has paid such a huge award for information for the first time.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Jason Behrendorff; Image Source Banglore Royal Challengers
In a blow to the Mumbai Indians and Australian cricket, fast bowler Jason Behrendorff has been sidelined from the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season due to a leg injury sustained in a training accident at the WACA.
The 33-year-old cricketer fractured his left fibula after being struck by a ball just above the ankle while batting in the nets. Despite the severity of the injury, surgery is not required, according to reports from ESPNCricinfo.
The accident, which Behrendorff described on Instagram as a “freak accident,” occurred last week, leaving the player and his team in dismay.
“It wasn’t anyone’s fault, just a very unlucky incident,” Behrendorff expressed, sharing his disappointment over missing the IPL season despite his excitement to be part of the Mumbai Indians, with whom he had signed an AU$135,000 contract.
As a pivotal member of the Mumbai Indians, Behrendorff’s absence is a setback for the team as they prepare to kick off their campaign for their sixth IPL title this weekend. English left-arm pacer Luke Wood has been announced as his replacement.
Behrendorff celebrated as Australia’s men’s T20I player of the year, played a crucial role in the 2023 IPL campaign as Mumbai’s second-leading wicket-taker, claiming 14 wickets at an average of 27.64. Additionally, his performance in the recent Big Bash League season was notable, securing 16 wickets at 15.87 for the Perth Scorchers and finishing as the club’s top wicket-taker.
This injury not only sidelines Behrendorff for the IPL but also impacts his aspirations for the T20 World Cup selection. The player had hoped to use the IPL season as a platform to showcase his skills and make a strong case for inclusion in Australia’s squad for the prestigious tournament.
Chief selector George Bailey has mentioned that performances in the IPL would be taken into consideration for World Cup squad selections, making this injury a significant blow to Behrendorff’s chances.
The Mumbai Indians are set to face the Gujarat Titans at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on Monday morning, with fans eagerly anticipating the start of the 2024 IPL season. As the cricketing community wishes Behrendorff a speedy recovery, the focus now shifts to how the Mumbai Indians will adjust their strategy in light of his absence.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
The Victorian Government has taken a significant step to streamline the school enrolment process for Victorian families by updating the school zones for 2025 on the “Find My School” website.
This update is designed to provide families with certainty as they embark on the process of enrolling their children in government schools for the upcoming academic year.
In anticipation of the new academic year, 25 school zones will change to enhance accessibility and integrate six newly established schools set to open their doors. This initiative aims to accommodate the growing demand for quality education within the community and ensure that every student has access to a great local school.
Education Minister Ben Carroll expressed enthusiasm about the website’s update, stating,
“This year’s update to the Find my School website gives families all the information they need to find a fantastic local school at their fingertips.”
He further emphasized the government’s goal of building 100 new schools by 2026, a target that aligns with the vision of enabling more Victorian students to thrive in top-tier educational facilities.
The “Find My School” website is a user-friendly platform that offers families the ability to identify their designated neighbourhood government school as well as explore other nearby government educational institutions.
By entering a residential address or searching by school name or type—whether it be primary, secondary, or specialist—parents and guardians can make informed decisions about their children’s education with ease.
For those making enrollment decisions for the 2024 school year, the 2024 school zones remain accessible on the website and should be utilized accordingly.
Since 2019, 75 new schools have been opened across Victoria under the education infrastructure initiative. This push towards expanding educational opportunities is part of a broader commitment to investing over $14.9 billion in the state’s education sector. The construction of these new schools not only provides students with access to high-quality learning environments but also generates over 21,200 job opportunities in construction and related industries.
This initiative underscores that education remains accessible and that families are well-supported in finding the right schools for their children, paving the way for a brighter future for the next generation.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Since 2018-19, the AFP has received 178 reports relating to forced labour and exploitation – crimes that are forms of human trafficking.
AFP Commander Helen Schneider said unfortunately migrant workers had been vulnerable to exploitation due to factors such as visa status, limited understanding of Australian worker rights, cultural barriers and social isolation.
“Criminals may use deceptive methods to target vulnerable individuals looking for seasonal or temporary work in Australia before exploiting them into forced labour.”
Commander Schneider added.
“In a recent investigation, the AFP charged a man who is alleged to have recruited workers via online job advertisements and threatened to have them deported to prevent them from seeking help.”
Forced labour is when people are coerced, threatened or deceived into working against their will because they do not consider they are free to stop work, or leave their place of employment.
Signs a person may be a victim include acts of physical and psychological abuse, poor working conditions and being in debt bondage – when a victim believes they have a large debt owing to their employer and must work to pay it off.
The below can be indicators of human trafficking, slavery and slavery-like practices, which are comprehensively criminalised under Divisions 270 and 271 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth):
Workers live in places unsuitable for living, such as in agricultural or industrial buildings or in overcrowded or unsafe accommodation.
Lack of protective work equipment.
No access to earnings or savings.
No labour contract.
Forced to work excessively long hours.
No choice of accommodation.
Never leave work premises without being escorted by their employer.
Unable to move freely.
Disciplined through fines.
Subjected to insults, abuse, threats or violence.
Employer doesn’t provide basic training.
Information is provided in languages other than the local language around the workplace.
No health and safety notices.
Employer or manager being unable to show the documents required for employing workers from other countries.
Employer or manager being unable to show records of wages paid to workers.
Health and safety equipment being of poor quality or missing.
Work equipment being designed or modified so that it can be operated by children.
Evidence that labour laws are being breached.
Evidence that workers must pay for tools or that costs for food or accommodation are being unlawfully deducted from their wages.
Australia is a migration corridor for temporary workers, especially from the Asia-Pacific region.
The investigation identified the business owner had promised the victim he would help him secure a visa to remain in Australia, while also making threats to report the victim and his family to the authorities for working illegally.
The man allegedly used an online job board to advertise for deckhands and coxswains to work on his fishing boat from August to December last year.
The victims alleged they were forced to work without pay, were provided with little food and water and held on the man’s fishing vessel against their will.
One victim was allegedly so desperate to escape that they jumped from the vessel in the middle of the night into crocodile-infested waters and swam to shore.
The AFP is urging any victims who worked on the fishing boat in the past 20 years to please come forward and contact the AFP on 131 237 or use the AFP’s confidential online form.
Commander Schneider said individuals hired for seasonal or temporary work in the agriculture, construction, hospitality and manufacturing sectors were most at risk of forced labour and exploitation.
“Seasonal work in Australia includes a range of legitimate jobs such as deckhands, fruit pickers and packers, farmhands, laborers, and vineyard workers.”
Cmdr Schneider further observed:
“Unfortunately, criminals do take advantage and exploit workers looking for temporary work. As demand for seasonal and casual workers increases during the warmer months, we urge individuals to be aware of the indicators of forced labour and ask their employers to provide appropriate documentation and contracts before accepting job offers.”
Commander Schneider said reporting forced labour was an important step that ensured the safety of victims and protected them from further abuse and exploitation.
Cmdr Schneider said@
“Some victims of forced labour may view their new working conditions as preferable to those in their country of origin – even though the conditions are extremely exploitative. This means some victims may feel unwilling or unable to report crimes out of fear of retribution by perpetrators, social isolation and financial dependence on offenders.”
He added:
“However, all workers in Australia are entitled to a minimum wage and certain conditions. The AFP will continue to work collaboratively with state and territory law enforcement agencies and non-government organisations to combat forced labour and protect vulnerable communities from being subjected to exploitative working conditions.”
*Reports of forced labour and exploitation received by the AFP between 2018 to 2023 (financial years)
2018/19 FY
2019/20 FY
2020/21FY
2021/22 FY
2022/23 FY
TOTAL
29
29
35
42
43
178
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Representative image: Teenagers watching film (Source: CANVA)
By Michael Flood, Kelsey Adams, and Maree Crabbe
Four in five young men and two in three young women have been exposed to pornography by the time they turn 20, according to the first nationally representative survey on this issue in Australia.
Boys and young men are exposed earlier to pornography than girls and young women, and far more likely to be frequent users.
Among young people who had seen pornography, the average age of first exposure was 13.2 years for males and 14.1 years for females.
Exposure to pornography is likely to shape children’s and young people’s developing sexual and relationship attitudes and behaviours, with potentially significant health consequences.
We summarise the findings here, drawing on the survey among 1,985 young people aged 15-20 conducted by leading violence prevention organisation Our Watch, as well as Maree Crabbe’s interviews with young Australians.
Exposure is common
Most young people aged 15-20 have seen pornography, whether intentionally or accidentally. Over four-fifths (86%) of young men, and over two-thirds (69%) of young women, have encountered pornography.
While the average age of first exposure to pornography among those who have seen it is 13 for boys and 14 for girls, some children’s first exposure is considerably earlier. As Lizzie commented,
I was maybe 8 or 9 years old when I first saw porn. I had an older brother and I think one day he left a porn site open, and it just sparked my curiosity after that.
How young people were unintentionally exposed to porn
Young people see pornography two to three years before their first sexual experience with a partner. As Nathan commented,
there was a group of boys who would spend the entire time at the back of the classroom just having fun, laughing and watching pornography together. And this was well and truly before any of us were sexually active.
Deliberate and accidental exposure
First exposure is about equally likely to be deliberate or accidental. Among young people who had seen pornography, 50.1% of young men and 40.3% of young women reported deliberately seeking pornography the first time they viewed it, while 46.2% of young men and 55.7% of young women reported that their first exposure was unintentional.
Among the children and young people who had deliberately sought out pornography the first time they saw it, the most common motivation was curiosity. Other motivations included looking for sexual stimulation, because friends were watching it, and wanting to learn more about sex.
For young people whose first exposure was unintentional, most had accidentally encountered pornography via an internet pop-up or web search. Other common means included being shown by someone else and coming across it on social media.
Emma’s story is typical:
I accidentally clicked on just one of the many pop-ups that are around and it took me to a porn site.
As Mohammad explained:
Even when you’re not looking for it you find it on the internet.
Cumulative percentage of young people who have seen porn, by age
There is a strong gender contrast in the frequency of pornography use among young people. Many young men are frequent users, with over half (54.4%) using pornography at least weekly and one in six (16%) doing so daily. On the other hand, only about one in seven young women (14.3%) use pornography weekly and only one in 70 (1.4%) do so daily.
Pornography use is both widespread and normalised among young men, as Crabbe’s interviews corroborate. “It was just assumed that boys our age were watching it,” reports Tash. “Every guy I know uses it, girls not so much”, said Hannah.
One-fifth of young people have not seen pornography, including one-tenth (10.5%) of young men and over one-quarter (28.7%) of young women. Compared to boys and young men, girls and young women are less interested in and more critical of pornography.
Lack of interest was the most common reason for not having seen pornography, reported by 59% of men and 87% of women. Other common reasons included concerns that it is disgusting or gross (20% men, 40% women) and that they would not like its depictions of relationships (10% men, 39% women).
Second, parents should be equipped with the tools to talk to their children about pornography, helping them to avoid or reject content that is sexist or celebrates violence that can be found in much pornography.
Third, we need social marketing and communication campaigns intended to undermine the influence of sexist and harmful content in pornography, and instead foster more gender-equitable and inclusive social norms.
Fourth, the federal government should support regulatory strategies to reduce minors’ exposure to pornography, such as age verification for adult websites, labelling and warning systems, mandated filtering by internet service providers with options for adult opt-in, and other measures.
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has decided to keep the interest rate unchanged at 4.35% for the third consecutive meeting, in line with expectations amid signs of cooling inflation, yet levels still exceed the target range.
This decision was reached after a thorough two-day review of the economic conditions and inflationary trends, marking a cautious yet hopeful stance towards achieving inflation targets.
In a notable shift in communication, the RBA has omitted direct references to potential future interest rate hikes, adopting a stance of openness to various future actions.
The RBA emphasised its commitment to closely monitor global economic developments, domestic demand trends, and the labor market outlook.
“The path of interest rates that will best ensure that inflation returns to target in a reasonable time frame remains uncertain, and the board is not ruling anything in or out,”
The series of 13 rate hikes since May 2022 has significantly impacted economic growth and demand, contributing to a softening in inflation, which recorded a faster-than-expected decline to 4.1% in the December quarter.
Despite the lack of explicit mention of rate cuts in the RBA’s recent statements, there is a general consensus among economists that the direction of the next rate adjustment will likely be downward, with timing being the main uncertainty.
The RBA’s latest statement highlighted the observable signs of moderating inflation, aligning with its projections. However, it also noted the persisting economic uncertainties. Economic growth has slowed, with particularly weak household consumption growth, although there is an expectation that recovering real incomes may bolster consumption growth later in the year.
Unit labor costs have remained high, albeit showing slight moderation as productivity growth has picked up in recent quarters. The sustainability of this trend is still uncertain. The RBA’s central forecast anticipates inflation returning to the 2-3% target range by 2025, with a gradual decline in services price inflation as demand moderates and cost growth eases.
The economic outlook is fraught with uncertainties, including the effects of global inflation trends, the impact of the Chinese economy, and ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. Domestically, the response of firms’ pricing decisions and wage adjustments to the economic slowdown remains a key area of uncertainty, particularly against the backdrop of a tight labor market.
The RBA has reiterated its top priority of returning inflation to the target range in a reasonable time frame, emphasising the need for confidence that inflation is sustainably moving towards this goal. The board has pledged to remain adaptable, basing future decisions on incoming data and an evolving assessment of risks, with a steadfast resolution to guide inflation back to its target range.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Image: 2024 WA Multicultural Award winners (Source: Facebook)
The Indian Society of WA (ISWA) and Jay Emmanuel have been announced as the winner the 2024 WA Multicultural Award in the ‘Community Service and Support Award / CaLD Community Association’ and ‘Arts’ categories respectively.
Thesee Awards recognise individuals and organisations for their outstanding contributions to multiculturalism and culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) communities in Western Australia (WA).
Image: Dr Tony Buti, Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister (Source: Facebook)
Presenting the awards, Dr Tony Buti, Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister, said:
“The awards pay tribute to the pioneers of multiculturalism in WA, salute our current leaders, and recognise the emerging voices that will shape our multicultural landscape.”
Image: Jay Emmanuel – 2024 WA Multicultural Award winners (Source: Facebook)
Jay Emmanuel migrated to Australia from India in 2009. He is an internationally acclaimed performer, writer, and director. He is currently the Artistic Director of Encounter Theatre.
Mr Emmanuel is the writer-director of ‘Children of the Sea,’ a theatre production shedding light on the poignant journey of young refugees who arrived in Australia by boat, drawing inspiration from true stories. Recently, he also starred in the 8-hour production of ‘The Mahabharata’ at the Barbican Theatre in London.
The judges noted that Mr Emmanuel is an exciting, emerging talent in the Western Australian arts scene.
Image: ISWA – 2024 WA Multicultural Award winners (Source: Facebook)
The Indian Society of Western Australia (ISWA) is the peak body of 117 Indian origin associations in Western Australia. ISWA functions to celebrate, support, advocate and promote the aspirations of the Western Australian Indian community.
ISWA has a large array of CaLD-focused initiatives around supporting seniors, people living with disabilities, international students, and women.
On winning the prestigious award, ISWA said:
“This award recognises the enormous and trend-setting work this MC has put in. … Working inclusively, transparently and serving the community with respect and integrity is always acknowledged.”
ISWA’s members regularly engage with local, state and federal government agencies to highlight the needs of the community and promote multiculturalism.
Major festivals and events that ISWA produce annually include Naari, Holi, Sangam and Diwali.
Additionally, ISWA also supports and advocates for Indian communities in the areas of skill capacity development, health promotion, international student support, family and domestic violence education and support and bereavement and crisis support.
Image: 2024 WA Multicultural Award winners (Source: Facebook)
The 2024 WA Multicultural Awards also marked the beginning of Harmony Week, which runs from 15 to 21 March and encourages everyone to experience, explore and appreciate WA’s remarkable wealth of cultural, religious and linguistic diversity.
Twelve individuals and organisations were recognised in these awards that celebrates the passion and dedication of residents in advancing multiculturalism in Western Australia.
The winners have contributed to the state of WA through advocacy work, promoting, intercultural understanding, or breaking down barriers.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Image: signing of the Direct Funding Arrangement between the Australian Government and the Fiji Government (Source: X)
Australia has signed the Direct Funding Arrangement to bolster Fiji’s Colonial War Memorial Hospital Redevelopment Project.
Yesterday, we marked a significant milestone for healthcare transformation in Fiji. 🇦🇺 and 🇫🇯 have signed a funding agreement of FJ$14.7 million to deliver an infrastructure master plan for the Colonial War Memorial (CWM) Hospital. pic.twitter.com/j0FPBFbGSr
At the signing, Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Prof. Biman Prasad highlighted that the direct funding arrangement is for AUD $10 million (FJD $14 million).
This funding would strengthen Fiji’s endeavours to implement a comprehensive infrastructure master plan for the Colonial War Memorial Hospital.
The Direct Funding Arrangement that will be signed today, with a total funding support of AUD $10 million (close to FJD $14 million) will bolster Fiji’s efforts to deliver a comprehensive infrastructure master plan for Colonial War Memorial Hospital. pic.twitter.com/mqLtf0FTY7
— Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka (@slrabuka) March 15, 2024
Fiji’s Minister for Health, Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Prof. Biman Prasad, and the Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, Ewen McDonald, were present at the signing.
Image: DPM Prof. Prasad (Source: Fiji Government – Facebook)
“Over the years, we have strengthened our bilateral relationship with Australia in the areas of security and defence, healthcare, education, climate change, trade and economic cooperation.”
“The CWM Redevelopment project will be delivered in a structured way that ensures the multilateral partners like the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank can join later to provide financing support towards the implementation of the master plan.”
Image: Fiji’s Prime Minister S. Rabuka with Australian High Commissioner Ewen McDonald (Source: Fiji Government – Facebook)
Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, Ewen McDonald, highlighted that this agreement marks a significant milestone for healthcare in Fiji.
Congratulations to six CWM staff who recently graduated with an Australian certificate in the ‘Foundations of Infection Prevention and Control’. Vinaka Vakalevu to all the staff at CWM who work tirelessly to deliver patient care. pic.twitter.com/IJvIGXNUHB
Mr McDonald commended the new Fiji Government’s commitment to ensure quality health services for all Fijians through an increase in health expenditure and a focus on redeveloping infrastructure.
Image: DPM Prof. Prasad with CWM staff (Source: Fiji Government – Facebook)
Prof. Prasad further informed that Fiji had also secured USD 50 million (FJD 117.0 million) financing from the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP).
This amount is for investment projects relating to road renewal and re-sealing, bridge replacement, climate change adaptation and flood mitigation.
Image: CWM staff (Source: Fiji Government – Facebook)
On the occasion of the document signing, Australia and Fiji also took the opportunity to recognise CWM staff who have recently graduated with an Australian certificate in the ‘Foundations of Infection Prevention and Control.’
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
TATA WPL: Royal Challengers Bangalore being crowned as Champions-Queens; Image Source; x:Twitter @WPLt20
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) secured their first-ever Women’s Premier League (WPL) title at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday, defeating Delhi Capitals by eight wickets.
Led by Ellyse Perry’s stellar performance and backed by effective bowling from Shreyanka Patil and Sophie Molineux, RCB showcased an all-round mastery in the game to also mark their first T20 title across both WPL and IPL domains.
Image Source: X/Twitter @WPLt20
The chase for RCB began cautiously with openers Smriti Mandhana and Sophie Devine laying a solid foundation without taking significant risks, amassing 18 runs in the initial four overs. The duo managed a decent powerplay, bringing the score to 25/0 after six overs. The momentum picked up with Devine’s aggressive batting in the seventh over, boosting the score significantly.
Despite a brief slowdown, RCB’s chase was re-energised with key boundaries by Mandhana and Perry. The partnership between Mandhana and Perry played a crucial role, with Perry bringing experience and calm to the crease. The strategic play saw RCB needing just 31 runs in the final five overs, a target they approached with measured aggression.
Image Source: X/Twitter @WPLt20
With the game nearing its end, RCB required just five runs in the final over, a goal they achieved comfortably, finishing at 115/2 in 19.3 overs. Perry and Richa Ghosh remained unbeaten, sealing the victory and the title for RCB.
The Sintex Sixes of the Season 2024 goes to Shafali Verma; Image Source: X/Twitter @WPLt20
The win was set up by RCB’s spinners who effectively dismantled the DC batting lineup. Starting strong, DC openers Meg Lanning and Shefali Verma initially looked threatening but were quickly countered by RCB’s disciplined bowling.
Shreyanka Patil emerged as a key player for RCB, claiming four wickets and significantly restricting DC’s scoring potential. Sophie Molineux and Asha Sobhana also contributed crucial wickets, wrapping up DC for 113 all out.
This victory not only marks RCB’s triumphant entry into the WPL championship records but also signals a strong team performance that overcame expectations and past performances. The win is a testament to RCB’s balanced team strength and strategic gameplay, setting a high benchmark for future tournaments.
𝘿𝙊 𝙉𝙊𝙏 𝙈𝙄𝙎𝙎!
Celebrating the triumphant TATA WPL campaign, ft. Royal Challengers Bangalore 🙌 🏆
Of creating memories, winning the title & more 👏 👏 – By @RajalArora
Brief Score: Delhi Capitals 113 all out (Shefali Verma 44, Meg Lanning 23, Shreyanka Patil 4/12) vs Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
BY Jason Nassios, James Giesecke and Xianglong Locky Liu
Australian state and federal governments spend money in many ways to ease rental stress and get more Australians into home ownership. Four of the most prominent are:
Our team at Victoria University’s Centre of Policy Studies has modelled the economic impact of each of them in a way that allows their outcomes to be compared.
The bad news is that we’ve found none of the four can simultaneously lift affordability for renters, lift affordability for owners, get more Australians into home ownership, and boost economic efficiency.
Housing affordability crisis; Image Source @Canva
The good news is we’ve found a mix that could work well.
We used Victoria University’s regional economic model to compare the effect of spending an extra A$500 million on the variant of each of the programs presently available in Victoria.
To better assess the economic impact, we assumed the extra $500 million was paid for by an increase in taxation.
Grants and shared equity
We found first homeowner grants improve affordability for owners, slightly improve affordability for renters, and slightly increase homeownership rates, but come with a heavy economic cost.
The cost to economic efficiency amounts to about 20 cents for every dollar spent. Economic efficiency measures the extent to which inputs such as labour, land and capital are allocated to their most valuable uses.
Importantly, that 20 cents in the dollar cost is the economic cost of the spending, not the cost of raising the revenue to fund it.
With the average economic cost of state government taxation in the vicinity of 30 cents per dollar raised, that means every extra dollar raised to be spent on a first home buyer grant has an economic cost of about 50 cents, making it an economically expensive way to get people into homes.
Housing affordability crisis; Image Source @Canva
Shared equity schemes in which the government part-owns a home with a buyer have similar costs, but are better at getting people into their own homes.
Stamp duty discounts
Our modelling finds that stamp duty discounts for first-home buyers have an economic benefit. This is because stamp duty is an extraordinarily inefficient tax that makes it harder for people to move.
Unfortunately, the model also finds stamp duty discounts will make home ownership even less affordable by pushing up property prices and making it only slightly easier for the first homeowners able to get the discounts.
Rent assistance
Rent assistance is delivered by the Commonwealth rather than states to Australians in receipt of Commonwealth benefits.
Our study finds its economic costs are low, just 5 cents for every dollar spent, meaning that raising extra tax and spending it on rent assistance should have a total economic cost of about 35 cents for each dollar raised and spent.
We find it has a significant effect in making rent more affordable, but causes home-ownership rates to fall because it tips the balance for financially strained households in favour of renting rather than buying.
Housing affordability crisis; Image Source @Canva
What works best
If making shelter more affordable for low-income earners is the number one priority, by far the best way to do it is to boost rent assistance.
While the benefits come at the expense of home ownership, for the renters receiving them, they are worth having.
But rent assistance is federally administered. For a state government, the best way to help both owners and renters at the lowest economic cost appears to be a mix of two-thirds first-home buyer grants and one-third stamp duty discounts.
Our modelling suggests such a blend would have a negligible impact on economic efficiency and home affordability, while allowing more owners to rent and, as a result, make renting more affordable.
However, it would be costly. From a national perspective, the same improvement in rental affordability could be achieved for less than one-tenth the financial cost if the Commonwealth were to fund additional rent assistance.
If nothing else, our modelling proves these decisions are difficult.
No single tool is perfect, but using the right mix of them can help – all the more so if the states and Commonwealth can work together. Our estimates can help.
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Image: Ambulance at Apollo Bay (Source: ABC News screenshot)
An Indian-Australian man is dead and other two have been hospitalised in a critical condition after being pulled from the water near Apollo Bay in Victoria’s southwest.
Victoria Police said that on Sunday (17 March 2024) the trio were swimming at Marengo when they got into trouble just after 1 pm.
One man has died, and two others are critical after being pulled from the water near Apollo Bay this afternoon.
A female swimmer, 33-year-old Brianna Hurst, was able to bring all three men, who were unconscious in the water, to shore and immediately began CPR.
Despite her efforts to save the man’s life, the 26-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.
The other two men men were airlifted to hospital.
A man aged in his 20s was airlifted to the Alfred Hospital in a critical condition.
Another man, aged 23, was taken in an ambulance to Barwon Health in Geelong in a critical condition.
It is being reported that the men are residents of the Western suburbs.
Image: Ambulance at Apollo Bay (Source: ABC News screenshot)
Executive adviser of Life Saving Victoria Paul Shannon told ABC:
“All waterways are dangerous at anytime. If you don’t have the swimming capability or the knowledge to understand where risk is, you’re really putting yourself in danger.”
Police are still investigating why the men found themselves in trouble in the water.
“It doesn’t appear that there was a strong rip or a strong tide but we’re still working through that as to the exact cause.”
A report is being prepared for the coroner in the case of this tragic drowning death.
There have been 27 drowning deaths in Victoria since December 1.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Me
Labor Suffers Setback in Queensland By-Elections; Image Source X @StevenMiles
In a turn of events that could foreshadow challenges for the upcoming October state election, the Labor Party faced significant defeats in the recent Queensland by-elections.
Queensland Premier Steven Miles has candidly expressed the outcomes as “very bad” for Labor, highlighting a clear demand from voters for governmental improvement.
The by-elections, which took place in Inala and Ipswich West, concluded with disappointing results for Labor, exceeding the already low expectations. Ipswich West, previously considered a safe Labor seat, was claimed by the Liberal-National Party’s (LNP) Darren Zanow, who secured a substantial 39.6% of the primary vote, marking a 17.9% swing in his favour.
Meanwhile, Inala saw Labor’s Margie Nightingale retain the seat but not without a significant 19.3% swing towards the LNP.
The losses come in the wake of Annastacia Palaszczuk’s resignation in Inala and Jim Madden’s departure for council elections in Ipswich West, triggering the by-elections. Darren Zanow, the new MP for Ipswich West, attributed his victory in part to the electorate’s response to local issues, notably the murder of grandmother Vyleen White, underscoring a demand for action on housing, health, and crime.
Both Premier Miles and Opposition Leader David Crisafulli interpreted the election results as a cry for change from Queenslanders. Miles acknowledged the message from voters, committing to address key concerns such as cost of living and community safety.
However, he recognized the challenges ahead, questioning whether the seven months leading to the state election would suffice to regain public confidence.
On the other hand, Crisafulli viewed the significant swings as indicative of a loss of trust in the current government, emphasizing the LNP’s opportunity to present themselves as a viable alternative capable of addressing Queensland’s pressing issues.
With an opinion poll indicating a preference for the LNP over Labor, the by-election results have sent ripples through the political landscape. Federal Nationals leader David Littleproud reflected on the outcomes as a stark rebuke to the Labor government, signalling potential repercussions for Labor’s performance in the forthcoming state election.
As Queensland gears up for October, the Labor Party faces the task of rebuilding trust and addressing the electorate’s concerns, while the LNP sees an opportunity to capitalize on the momentum from the by-election victories.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
The Australian-Indian Sports Educational & Cultural Society (AISECS) is organising an event for international students in NSW in collaboration with the Consulate General of India in Sydney and Study NSW on 21st March 2024.
According to AISECS, the primary objectives of this event are to empower students by providing valuable insights into securing employment opportunities, networking with government representatives and fellow students, understanding workplace rights and responsibilities, exploring support services offered by the NSW police and Surf Live Saving, recognizing the importance of Health Insurance and its role in emergency care.
(Image: Supplied)
Consul General of India in Sydney Dr S. Janakiraman, University of Wollongong Vice Chancellor, Prof. Patricia M. Davidson and University of New South Wales Deputy VC Global, Prof. Colin B. Grant will be speaking at the event.
Other notable speakers include Commander, Superintendent Martin Fileman from NSW Police, Mike Anderson from Surf Life Saving, Study NSW Director Toshi Kawaguchi and well-known former ICC Umpire Simon Taufel.
Indian-Australian Gurnam Singh is the Founder of AISECS. He told The Australia Today,
I came to Australia as a student myself and know the challenges international students face everyday. Hence AISECS took this initiative so students could gain access to information that was not easily available
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Australian Hindus Stand Up Against ABC's Alleged 'Hinduphobia and Biased Reporting'; Image Source: The Australia Today
In a demonstration rooted in Gandhian principles, members of the Australian Hindu community gathered outside the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) office in Southbank, Melbourne, voicing their concerns over what they describe as persistent ‘Hinduphobic and Indophobic’ reporting by the national broadcaster.
The peaceful protest aimed to highlight the community’s plea for more balanced and respectful coverage, with participants bringing flowers and greeting cards as symbols of their goodwill and a constructive call for change.
The gathering, marked by the message “Get well soon ABC,” saw protesters donning masks and holding placards to assert their presence and resistance against perceived racial biases.
Australian Hindus Stand Up Against ABC’s Alleged ‘Hinduphobia and Biased Reporting’; Image Source: The Australia Today
The symbolic gesture of wearing masks served to underscore the community’s feeling of being rendered invisible and marginalised by mainstream media narratives, while also standing in solidarity against the spread of racism and discrimination.
Community spokespersons articulated a desire for the ABC to reevaluate its editorial approach, urging the broadcaster to move beyond what they perceive as a “colonial white lens” that unfavourably portrays Hindus and India.
Dharmendra Dadhe told The Australia Today, I really want ABC to get well soon as they are in the last stages of their illness OCDD.
“They have shown signs of Diahorrea – shitting everywhere their rants of poorly researched Diaspora reports, which are toxic for society and allowing the growth of cancerous cells that is shepherding the peace-loving population of today’s world.”
“I wish them to get well soon as the world doesn’t deserve this kind of illness to spread especially after the recent pandemic,” he further added.
By presenting flowers and cards, the Hindu community aimed to engage in a dialogue of healing and understanding, inviting ABC journalists and administrators to reconsider their perspectives and embrace a more inclusive and accurate portrayal of diverse cultures.
Australian Hindus Stand Up Against ABC’s Alleged ‘Hinduphobia and Biased Reporting’; Image Source: The Australia Today
The protest reflects broader concerns among Australian Hindus regarding media representation and the impact of negative stereotyping on social cohesion and mutual respect. It also highlights the community’s commitment to peaceful protest and constructive criticism, drawing on the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of non-violence and reconciliation.
The ABC, as a public broadcaster, holds a pivotal role in shaping public discourse and perceptions. This event underscores the importance of media accountability and the need for ongoing dialogue between media institutions and the communities they serve, to foster a media landscape that reflects Australia’s multicultural reality accurately and sensitively.
Note: The Australia Today has contacted ABC, as soon as we receive their response the news article will be updated.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Australia’s visual communication platform Canva has announced its partnership with India’s Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to introduce visual communication to educators.
The programme, ‘Canva for Education’, is aimed at enhancing digital creativity skills amongst principals and teachers and is expected to benefit over 840,000 teachers and over 25 million students across CBSE schools in India.
Jason Wilmot, Head of Education at Canva, said in a statement:
“Today’s industry needs an evolved pedagogy that nurtures creativity and design literacy early amongst students and helps enhance their employability factor. Canva will help empower teachers and students to integrate visual communication into their classrooms.”
Canva for Education is a tool designed to enhance the learning experience for teachers, students, and staff alike.
Organize your creativity with #CanvaEDU! You can create custom element collections for any project or lesson. 🎨📚 It’s easy to curate visuals that inspire and engage, making lesson planning a breeze! pic.twitter.com/g1MlGGAzmN
With over 70,000 educational templates, this platform offers a wide range of features that make it easy for educators to create visually engaging content for their lessons, presentations, and school materials.
The collaboration between Canva and CBSE will involve a comprehensive series of workshops to demonstrate the full potential of Canva for educators.
Dr Biswajit Saha, Director (Skilling), CBSE, added:
“Providing such access to our educators will help them save time on design tasks and inspire our students towards a new era of creativity and design.”
Canva will help enable classroom design thinking and enhance lesson plans to refining educational materials and fostering meaningful engagement in the classroom.
The first phase of the training series will begin with nearly 30,000 teachers undergoing orientation and workshops aimed at learning about innovative teaching methodologies.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
A Newcastle man has been sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment by Downing Centre District Court on 15 March 2024 for his role in a conspiracy to import about 500kg of methamphetamine into Australia and for dealing with more than $100,000 of criminal proceeds.
The man, 40-year-old, was a key member of a transnational criminal syndicate – with links to the Lone Wolf Outlaw Motorcycle Gang – which imported commercial quantities of methamphetamine into NSW hidden in construction equipment.
AFP Detective Superintendent Kristie Cressy said Operation Ironside enabled law enforcement to monitor serious organised crime syndicates and disrupt their illegal endeavours.
“The information collected during this AFP-led investigation alone stopped the importation of more than 500kg of methamphetamine, which would have caused significant harm to Australian families and communities. This investigation demonstrates the importance of the collaboration between the AFP and our law enforcement partners to disrupt attempts by organised crime to import illicit drugs.”
The criminal syndicate was dismantled in a joint operation involving the AFP, NSW Police Force and Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) in May 2021, as a result of intelligence gained during the AFP-led Operation Ironside.
The Newcastle man was the director of a company which was being used as a front for drug importations as part of the conspiracy.
He communicated with other syndicate members via the encrypted app AN0M and made efforts to present the company as legitimate, including providing an associate with more than $100,000 in criminal proceeds to be deposited into the company’s bank account as paid invoices.
The man pleaded guilty in February, 2024 to:
Conspire to import a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, contrary to section 307.1(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth);
Dealing in proceeds of crime, money or property worth $100,000 or more, contrary to section 400.1(1A) of the Criminal Code (Cth).
The man received a sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment with a non-parole period of eight years and six months.
Across Australia, as per the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report, 27 people on average were admitted to hospital every day in 2021-22 for methamphetamine-related issues. That has an impact on the health system that can negatively affect the entire community.
Operation Ironside was a three-year, covert investigation into significant organised crime syndicates using the dedicated encrypted communications device, named AN0M, to traffic illicit drugs and weapons to Australia.
The global sting was enabled by the AFP and FBI. The FBI secretly controlled AN0M, which was distributed and used only by transnational serious organised crime, or those facilitating crime for them. AFP technical expertise allowed law enforcement to obtain and read the encrypted messages in real time.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
New Delhi, Mar 16 (ANI): Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar addresses the press conference announcing the dates for the Lok Sabha polls, which will be held in 7 phases from 19th April to 1st June, in New Delhi on Saturday. Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Gyanesh Kumar are also seen. (ANI Photo/Shrikant Singh)
The great Indian general election for 543 Lok Sabha (lower house) seats will be held in seven phases from April 19, Chief Election Commissioner of India Rajiv Kumar announced on Saturday. The counting will be held on June 4.
Along with announcing Lok Sabha elections, CEC Rajiv Kumar also outlined the schedule of Assembly polls in four states – Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Odisha.
New Delhi, Mar 16 (ANI): Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar addresses the press conference announcing the dates for the Lok Sabha polls, which will be held in 7 phases from 19th April to 1st June, in New Delhi on Saturday. Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Gyanesh Kumar are also seen. (ANI Photo/Shrikant Singh)
Assembly elections will be held in Andhra Pradesh on May 13, in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim on April 19.
Bypolls on 26 Assembly seats will also be held along with the Lok Sabha polls. Nearly 96.8 crore people are eligible to cast their votes in the upcoming polls at over 12 lakh polling stations.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the dates for Lok Sabha and four state Assembly elections.
Phase 1 elections will be held on April 19, and the last date for making nominations is March 27. Polls will be held in 21 States and Union Territories.
Phase 2 elections will be held from April 26, and the last date for nominations for candidates is April 4. The second phase will cover 12 States and Union Territories.
Phase 3 elections will be held on May 7, and the last date for nominations for candidates is April 19. The third phase will cover 12 States and Union Territories.
Phase 4 elections will be held on May 13, and the last date for nominations for candidates is April 25. The fourth phase will cover 10 States and Union Territories.
Phase 5 elections will be held on May 20, and the last date for nominations for candidates is May 3. The fifth phase will cover 8 States and Union Territories.
Phase 6 elections will be held on May 25, the last date for nominations for candidates is May 6. The sixth phase will cover 7 States and Union territories.
Phase 7 elections will be held on June 1, and the last date for nominations for candidates is May 14. The seventh phase will cover 8 States and Union Territories.
New Delhi, Mar 16 (ANI): Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar addresses the press conference announcing the dates for the Lok Sabha polls, which will be held in 7 phases from 19th April to 1st June, in New Delhi on Saturday. (ANI Photo/Shrikant Singh)
Phase 1 elections will be held in 102 constituencies, and a total of 89 constituencies will undergo phase 2.
In Phase 3, polling will be held in 94 constituencies.
96 constituencies will undergo polling in Phase 4, and 49 constituencies will undergo polling in Phase 5.
In Phase 6, polls will be held in 57 constituencies and also in Phase 7, 57 constituencies will undergo polls.
The assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha will be held on May 13. while the Assembly polls in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim are on April 19; votes will be counted on Jun 4.
New Delhi, Mar 16 (ANI): Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar with Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Gyanesh Kumar during the press conference announcing the dates for the Lok Sabha polls, which will be held in 7 phases from 19th April to 1st June, in New Delhi on Saturday. (ANI Photo/Shrikant Singh)
Nearly 97 crore voters will be eligible to vote for 543 Lok Sabha constituencies across the country. The moral code of conduct comes into force immediately with the announcement of dates.
CEC Rajiv Kumar said that strict directions have been given to District Magistrates and Superintendent of Police to ensure a level playing field. CRPF is to be deployed adequately & assisted by Integrated control rooms in each district. Check posts & drones to ensure vigil.
Ensuring voters’ trust is paramount. Violence in elections is unacceptable. Impersonators are to be swiftly punished. Transparency in permissions to parties/candidates through the SUVIDHA portal.
New Delhi, Mar 16 (ANI): Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar addresses the press conference announcing the dates for the Lok Sabha polls, which will be held in 7 phases from 19th April to 1st June, in New Delhi on Saturday. Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Gyanesh Kumar are also seen. (ANI Photo/Shrikant Singh)
ECI has offered 27 apps and portals for all stakeholders.
cVigil empowers citizens to report MCC violations and assures action within 100 mts. KYC app facilitates informed voting. A revamped results portal to enhance the experience on results day.
He further mentioned that the poll body is sensitive to environmentally sustainable elections.
“We are making efforts to minimise single-use plastic and encourage eco-friendly practices in the election process,”
he said.
CEC Kumar informed that to curb the flow of illicit money, the poll body has held extensive reviews with enforcement agencies.
“Cash movement worth around Rs 3,400 crore was restricted in the last 11 state assembly elections in Rajasthan, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat and Tripura,”
CEC Kumar said.
“Measures like ESMs portal, and coordination between agencies resulted in an exponential increase in seizures in the last 11 elections,” he added.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said that there is no place for bloodbaths and violence in the elections.
“From wherever we will receive the information of violence, we will take action against them,”
he said.
On the misinformation being spread in the current era, CEC Kumar said, “We have put certain measures in place to ensure misinformation is nipped in the bud. We’re proactive in debunking fake news. Originators of fake news to be dealt with severely as per extant laws.”
“Verify Before You Amplify” is the mantra to combat fake news. Let’s rely on authoritative sources to ensure accurate information prevails. Stay vigilant and help us maintain the integrity of the electoral process,”
he added.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar’s mentioned a Shayari advising voters to not forward fake news and unverified information.
“Jhuth ke bazaar mein raunak to bahut hai, Goya bulbule jaisi turant hi fat jati hai.. Pakad bhi loge to kya hasil hoga siwaye dhokhe ke,” he said.
New Delhi, Mar 16 (ANI): Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar addresses the press conference announcing the dates for the Lok Sabha polls, which will be held in 7 phases from 19th April to 1st June, in New Delhi on Saturday. Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Gyanesh Kumar are also seen. (ANI Photo/Shrikant Singh)
The Model Code of Conduct (MCC)
MCC has come into effect from Saturday after the Election Commission of India announced the dates for elections to the Lok Sabha and four state assemblies, with Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar asking all political parties and their leaders to strictly adhere to the poll code.
According to the set of guidelines issued by the EC (Election Commission), no party or candidate shall indulge in any activity that may aggravate existing differences or create mutual hatred or cause tension between different castes and communities, religious or linguistic.
It lists out the dos and don’ts regarding general conduct, meetings, processions, conduct of parties and their candidates on polling day, polling booth, observers, party in power and guidelines on election manifestos.
According to the guidelines, all parties and candidates shall avoid scrupulously all activities that are “corrupt practices” and offences under the election law, such as bribing of voters, intimidation of voters, impersonation of voters, canvassing within 100 meters of polling stations, holding public meetings during 48 hours ending with the hour fixed for the close of the poll, and the transport and conveyance of voters to and from the polling station.
The poll body said that organising demonstrations or picketing before the houses of individuals by way of protesting against their opinions or activities shall not be resorted to under any circumstances.
No political party or candidate shall permit its or his followers to make use of any individual’s land, building, compound wall etc., without his permission for erecting flag-staffs, suspending banners, pasting notices, writing slogans etc.
Political parties and candidates shall ensure that their supporters do not create obstructions in or break up meetings and processions organised by other parties. Workers or sympathisers of one political party shall not create disturbances at public meetings organised by another political party by asking questions orally or in writing or by distributing leaflets of their party.
Processions shall not be taken out by one party along places at which meetings are held by another party. Posters issued by one party shall not be removed by workers of another party.
New Delhi, Mar 16 (ANI): Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar addresses the press conference announcing the dates for the Lok Sabha polls, which will be held in 7 phases from 19th April to 1st June, in New Delhi on Saturday. Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Gyanesh Kumar are also seen. (ANI Photo/Shrikant Singh)
As soon as the poll code comes into effect, the party in power be it at the Centre or in the State or states concerned, shall ensure that no cause is given for any complaint that it has used its official position for its election campaign.
According to the Model Code of Conduct, Ministers shall not combine their official visit with electioneering work and shall not also make use of official machinery or personnel during the electioneering work. Also, Government transport including official aircraft, vehicles, machinery and personnel shall not be used for furtherance of the interest of the party in power.
Ministers and other authorities shall not sanction grants or payments out of discretionary funds from the time elections are announced by the Commission; and from the time elections are announced by Commission, Ministers and other authorities shall not announce any financial grants in any form or promises thereof; or (except civil servants) lay foundation stones etc. of projects or schemes of any kind; or make any promise of construction of roads, provision of drinking water facilities etc. or make any ad-hoc appointments in Government, Public Undertakings etc. which may have the effect of influencing the voters in favour of the party in power.
Ministers of Central or State Government shall not enter any polling station or place of counting except in their capacity as a candidate or voter or authorised agent.
The party in power will have to ensure that public places such as maidens etc., for holding election meetings, and the use of helipads for air flights in connection with elections shall not be monopolised by itself. Other parties and candidates shall be allowed the use of such places and facilities on the same terms and conditions on which they are used by the party in power, according to the poll guidelines.
The issue of advertisements at the cost of public exchequer in newspapers and other media and the misuse of official mass media during the election period for partisan coverage of political news and publicity regarding achievements to further the prospects of the party in power shall be scrupulously avoided.
The Election Commission, to ensure a level playing field between the contesting parties and candidates in elections and also to see that the purity of the election process does not get vitiated, as in past been issuing instructions under the Model Code of Conduct.
According to the guidelines, criticism of other political parties, when made, shall be confined to their policies and programmes, records and work. Parties and Candidates shall refrain from criticism of all aspects of private life, not connected with the public activities of the leaders or workers of other parties. Criticism of other parties or their workers based on unverified allegations or distortion shall be avoided.
There shall be no appeal to caste or communal feelings for securing votes with mosques, churches, temples or other places of worship shall not be used as a forum for election propaganda, it said.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Image: Economic Crime Course in Fiji (Source: AFP)
AFP Detective Superintendent Adrian Morton said the delivery of the course was timely following a series of recent drug seizures across the Pacific, including the seizure of 4.3 tonnes of methamphetamine in Fiji.
“This economic crime fighting course has provided a boost to our Pacific law enforcement partners, giving them the tools and techniques to identify and disrupt criminals attempting to use the Pacific as a maritime illicit drugs highway.”
The course, which commenced in February, was attended by 24 police officers from Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. The initiative was delivered in partnership with the AFP Law Enforcement Cooperation Program (LECP).
Det-Supt Morton said.
“Every dollar organised criminals gain from illicit drug sales helps fund their next big criminal venture. Equipping our Pacific partners with the knowledge and skills to disrupt economic crime is part of a collaborative effort to stop many of these organised criminal groups in their tracks.”
Members from the AFP’s Financial Investigations Team shared investigative techniques that will assist Pacific police partners target the finances and assets of those involved in transnational organised crime.
The participants were taught contemporary investigative techniques, which will help increase capabilities when combatting organised crime syndicates laundering proceeds of crime through the Pacific.
Image: Economic Crime Course in Fiji (Source: AFP)
Fiji Police Force Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Crime Mesake Waqa said with the evolving criminal landscape aided by technology, law enforcement needed to build capability in this crime type.
“The fight against economic crime is not easy as it is technically complicated. It requires capacity, financial resources and stakeholder engagement, so we thank the AFP for helping upskill our officers in this important crime type.”
Training to enhance the skills of Pacific law enforcement members investigating this crime type forms part of a broader strategy employed by the AFP’s Pacific Transnational Crime Network (PTCN) of Transnational Crime Units (TCUs).
Image: Economic Crime Course in Fiji (Source: AFP)
The PTCN is a proactive tactical transnational criminal intelligence network aimed at increasing the capacity of regional counterparts to detect, investigate and disrupt transnational crime in the region.
The PTCN is recognised by Pacific and other international partners as a crucial network in the region as it is the only network that provides central coordination of transnational crime intelligence.
The PTCN is an initiative supported by the AFP, New Zealand Police and the United States Joint Interagency Task Force West. The PTCN currently consists of 28 TCUs based in 20 Pacific Island countries with the Pacific Transnational Crime Coordination Centre (PTCCC) based in Samoa.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Think of some of the world’s biggest brands: Nike, McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, Apple. With what do you associate them? Are they positive associations? Now consider, do you trust them?
Brand trust is a measure of how customers feel about a brand in terms of how well the brand delivers on its promises. Trust is an important measure for any organisation, large or small.
Whether or not customers trust a brand can be the difference between choosing that brand’s products or services over another.
In Australia, Woolworths held the title of our most trusted brand for three and a half years. But recent cost-of-living pressures have put supermarkets in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
Roy Morgan Research’s most recent trust rankings show Woolworths has slipped to number two, handing its crown to hardware behemoth Bunnings.
It’s clear that trust is fragile and can be quickly squandered when brands lose touch with those they serve.
So what makes us trust a brand in the first place? And why do we trust some more than others?
What makes us trust a brand?
According to customer experience management firm Qualtrics, brand trust is
the confidence that customers have in a brand’s ability to deliver on what it promises. As a brand consistently meets the expectations it has set in the minds of customers, trust in that brand grows.
There are many ways to go about measuring brand trust. A typical first step is to ask lots of people what they think, collating their general opinions on product quality and the brand’s customer service experience.
Customer ratings and reviews are an important factor in assessing overall brand trust. Ken Stocker/Shutterstock
This can be strengthened with more quantifiable elements, including:
online ratings and reviews
social media “sentiment” (positive, negative or neutral)
corporate social responsibility activities
philanthropic efforts
customer data security and privacy.
Some surveys go even deeper, asking respondents to consider a brand’s vision and mission, its approaches to sustainability and worker standards, and how honest its advertising appears.
Is this a real and useful metric?
The qualitative methodology used by Roy Morgan to determine what Australian consumers think about 1,000 brands has been administered over two decades, so the data can be reliably compared across time.
On measures of both trust and distrust, it asks respondents which brands they trust and why. This approach is useful because it tells us which elements factor into brand trust judgements.
Customer responses about the survey’s most recent winner, Bunnings, show that customer service, product range, value-for-money pricing and generous returns policies are the key drivers of strong trust in its brand.
Here are some examples:
Great customer service. Love their welcoming staff. Whether it’s nuts and bolts or a new toilet seat, they have it all, value for money.
Great products and price and have a no quibble refund policy.
Great stock range, help is there if you need it and it is my go-to for my gardening and tool needs. Really convenient trading hours, and their return policy is good.
In addition to trust, there are three other metrics commonly used to assess brand performance:
brand equity – the commercial or social value of consumer perceptions of a brand
brand loyalty – consumer willingness to consistently choose one brand over others regardless of price or competitor’s efforts
brand affinity – the emotional connection and common values between a brand and its customers.
However, trust is becoming a disproportionately important metric as consumers demand that companies provide increased transparency and exhibit greater care for their customers, not just their shareholders.
Why do Australians trust retailers so much?
Of Australia’s top ten most trusted brands, seven are retailers – Bunnings, Woolworths, Aldi, Coles, Kmart, Myer and Big W.
This stands in contrast with the United States, where the most trusted brands are predominantly from the healthcare sector.
So why do retail brands dominate our trust rankings?
They certainly aren’t small local businesses. Our retail sector is highly concentrated, dominated by a few giant retail brands.
We have only two major department stores (David Jones and Myer), three major discount department stores (Big W, Target and Kmart) and a supermarket “duopoly” (Coles and Woolworths).
It’s most likely then that these brands have been enjoying leftover goodwill from the pandemic.
As Australia closed down to tackle COVID-19, the retail sector, and in particular the grocery sector, was credited with enabling customers to safely access food and household goods.
Compared with many other countries, we did not see a predominance of empty shelves across Australia. Retailers in this country stepped up – implementing or improving their online shopping capabilities and ensuring physical stores followed health guidelines and protocols.
Other brands may have earned a reputation for failing to deliver the basics, like when chronic flight delays and cancellations plagued many Qantas customers.
Lessons from the winners
On the flip side, consumers have rewarded budget-friendly retailers with increased trust in the most recent rankings.
Aldi, Kmart and Bunnings have improved their standing as trusted brands, no doubt in part because they have helped many Australian consumers deal with tight household budgets.
As discretionary consumer spending continues to tighten, we may see a more permanent consumer shopping shift towards value for money brands and discounters.
Trust is a fragile thing to maintain once earned. As we move through 2024, Australian companies must pay close attention to their most important asset – strong relationships with those they serve.
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Image: [LEFT] Steven Miles, Premier of Queensland and [RIGHT] Jeremy Rockliff, Premier of Tasmania (Source: X)
By Adrian Beaumont
The Tasmanian state election is on March 23. A uComms poll for The Australia Institute, conducted March 4–5 from a sample of 1,174, gave the Liberals 37.1% of the vote, Labor 23.0%, the Greens 13.7%, the Jacqui Lambie Network 8.5%, independents 12.8% and others 5.0%.
The Liberals have governed since winning the 2014 election. If this poll’s Labor vote of 23% is accurate, that would be a dreadful result for Labor ten years after losing power.
By 46–36, respondents thought Tasmania was headed in the wrong, rather than right, direction. A breakdown by voting intentions shows large majorities of all non-Liberal voters thought Tasmania was headed in the wrong direction.
Tasmania uses the proportional Hare Clark system, with five electorates each returning seven members for a total of 35 lower house seats, up from 25 total seats at previous elections. A quota for election is one-eighth of the vote, or 12.5%.
Analyst Kevin Bonham said the Liberals would be expected to win 14 of the 35 seats if this poll is accurate, Labor ten, the Greens four, the JLN 2–3 and independents 4–5. The Liberals would be well short of the 18 needed for a majority, but much better placed to form government than Labor.
Bonham said that during the 2021 Tasmanian election campaign, uComms released a poll that greatly understated the Liberals. They have changed their methods since to include SMS as well as voice robopolling. They were accurate at the federal Dunkley byelection. Other recent Tasmanian polls also have the Liberals best placed to form a minority government.
Queensland Newspoll: 54–46 to LNP
The Queensland state election will be held in October. A Newspoll, conducted March 7–13 from a sample of 1,037, gave the Liberal National Party a 54–46 lead over Labor, representing a seven-point swing to the LNP since the October 2020 election. Primary votes were 42% LNP, 30% Labor, 13% Greens, 8% One Nation and 7% for all Others.
Labor Premier Steven Miles had a 49% dissatisfied, 38% satisfied rating (net -11), while LNP leader David Crisafulli was at net +14. Crisafulli led Miles as better premier by 43–37. Just 26% thought Labor deserved to be re-elected, while 58% thought it was time to give someone else a go. This is the first Queensland Newspoll since before the 2020 election.
After Miles replaced Annastacia Palaszczuk as Labor leader and premier in December, there were two relatively good uComms polls for Labor, with the one in mid-February having a 50–50 tie. But this poll is a reversion to bad polling for a government headed for defeat in October.
Labor has governed in Queensland since 2015, and it was easily the worst state for Labor at the 2022 federal election, so a defeat for Labor is the expected outcome.
On Saturday, there will be Queensland state byelections in Labor-held Inala and Ipswich West, and Queensland local government elections, including for the high-profile Brisbane City Council. Labor won Inala by 78.2–21.8 and Ipswich West by 64.3–35.7 against the LNP in 2020.
The Poll Bludger reported Friday that a DemosAU poll of the Brisbane City Council, conducted March 8–14 from a sample of 1,034, had the incumbent LNP Brisbane mayor leading Labor by 58–42, and the LNP also likely to retain their majority on the council.
Federal Freshwater poll steady at 51–49 to Labor
A national Freshwater poll for The Australian Financial Review, conducted March 8–10 from a sample of 1,051, gave Labor a 51–49 lead, unchanged since the February Freshwater poll. Primary votes were 39% Coalition (up one), 31% Labor (steady), 14% Greens (steady) and 16% for all Others (down one).
Albanese’s net approval was steady at -7, with 45% unfavourable and 37% favourable. Dutton’s net approval fell four points to -13. Albanese’s lead as preferred PM increased to 47–38 from 42–38 in February.
The Coalition’s lead over Labor on best to manage cost of living dropped to three points from six points in February, but they still led Labor by ten points on managing the economy. Cost of living was rated an important issue by 72%, up three since February, with housing second on 42%.
Essential poll: Labor regains slight lead
A national Essential poll, conducted March 6–10 from a sample of 1,126, gave Labor a 48–47 lead including undecided, a reversal of a 48–47 lead for the Coalition last fortnight. Primary votes were 35% Coalition (steady), 32% Labor (up two), 11% Greens (down two), 8% One Nation (up one), 2% UAP (steady), 8% for all Others (steady) and 5% undecided (up one).
Respondents were told that Australia spends $55.6 billion on defence, making it the fourth highest expense in the budget. On this spending, 51% thought it about the right amount, 29% too much and 20% not enough.
On Israel’s military action in Gaza, 37% thought Israel should permanently withdraw from Gaza, 20% agree to a temporary ceasefire and 18% thought Israel was justified in continuing its actions.
On Australia’s relationship with China, 67% thought it a complex relationship to be managed, 20% that China is a threat to be confronted and 13% that China is a positive opportunity to be realised. There was no change in these responses since March 2023.
On Australia’s role in global affairs, 38% thought we should be an independent middle power with influence in the Asia-Pacific region, 20% primarily an ally of the United States and 25% said we should do our best not to engage in world affairs.
Morgan poll and Cook byelection
A national Morgan poll, conducted March 4–10 from a sample of 1,714, gave Labor a 51.5–48.5 lead, a two-point gain for the Coalition since the previous week. Primary votes were 38% Coalition (up 1.5), 32% Labor (down two), 13% Greens (down 0.5), 4% One Nation (up 0.5), 9% independents (up 0.5) and 4% others (steady).
The byelection in former Liberal prime minister Scott Morrison’s seat of Cook will be held on April 13. At the 2022 election, Morrison defeated Labor by a 62.4–37.6 margin. Candidate nominations close next Thursday, with Labor not expected to contest.
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Fiji has strongly advocated safeguarding nature against the impact of climate change on all international platforms. Deputy Prime Minister Prof. Biman Prasad’s op-ed “Growth in the Pacific: Mobilising climate finance” (4th March 2024, Fiji Times) stated:
“The climate crisis is the gravest threat; the gravest challenge to security; to the well being and the stability of Pacific societies and economies…. we feel the impacts of climate change on our rapidly deteriorating infrastructure…. increase in cost of food and other essential items… impacts of climate change on our social structure.”
Similar message was given in Letter to editor (Fiji Times, 3 March 24) “Climate Change” by Kirti Patel, has shown concern about how climate change is impacting small Islands nations in various forms.
The issue of climate change is also acknowledged as a significant global health hazard in the 21st century, affecting public health globally. This includes the consequences of gradual climate change and its influence on mental health, referred to as eco-anxiety. The related terms included Legg’s (2020) “eco-trauma”, “climate change distress” and “ecological grief.”
Eco-anxiety is a developing psychological condition caused by worries related to climate change or strong feelings of concern, apprehension, and powerlessness in response to environmental degradation. It is defined as psychological suffering resulting from concerns about climate change and its impact on the future.
Emphasise the growing occurrence of eco-anxiety among people and communities globally. The underlying reasons for eco-anxiety include environmental catastrophes, media portrayal, and individual encounters with climate-related incidents. Many people around the globe develop eco-anxiety, so this issue needs to be discussed at large and suitable cures to contain the impact.
This op-ed gives a symptomatic review to delve into the intricacies of eco-anxiety and examine methods for promoting resilience and empowerment in the era of climate change.
Legg (2020) explained that the other potential symptoms of eco-anxiety included:
“anger or frustration, particularly toward people who don’t acknowledge climate change or older generations for not making more progress; fatalistic thinking; existential dread; guilt or shame related to your carbon footprint; post-traumatic stress after experiencing effects of climate change; feelings of depression, anxiety, or panic; grief and sadness over the loss of natural environments or wildlife populations; obsessive thoughts about the climate; [this can lead to] sleep problems, appetite changes [and] difficulty concentrating.”
Eco-anxiety may result in feelings of powerlessness, despair, and a lack of hope for the future. Many researchers such as Clayton and Karazsia (2020) state that “eco-anxiety is conceptualized as a mash-up of negative emotions like worry, guilt, and sadness.”
Others, Kurth and Pihkala (2022), have discussed “climate emotions” and “ecological emotions” in general terms. When they mention specific eco-emotions like “eco-grief,” “eco-anger,” and “eco-anxiety,” they use these labels and related empirical measures to describe various emotional reactions.
Eco-anxiety gives rise to existential concerns such as loneliness, identity, pleasure, purpose, mortality, and freedom. The phenomena as Passmore, Lutz and Howell (2023) argue lead to the degradation and disruption of ecosystems and landscapes can lead to a diminished sense of coherence, connectedness, and continuity and, consequently, a diminished sense of meaning in life.
Individuals facing the magnitude of the climate issue often suffer similar symptoms, such as anxiety, despair, and feelings of helplessness. Eco-anxiety has a greater impact on marginalised populations [indigenous communities, people living in coastal or islanders, economically disadvantaged groups, (people who work closely to land and sea, high-risk areas), young children and senior citizens, inclusive people or people having chronic health issues (Legg, 2000)] that are more susceptible to the negative consequences of climate change, worsening current disparities.
Provide various coping mechanisms for persons facing eco-anxiety, such as mindfulness techniques, finding social support, and participating in activism. Generally, many researchers emphasise the significance of self-care and sustaining a feeling of hope and positivity when confronted with overwhelming environmental obstacles.
Engage with others who have similar interests and values. Engage with a local environmental organisation or take part in environmental advocacy efforts. Discover ways to enhance your knowledge of environmental concerns and actively participate. Self-engagement to make life greener and inculcate practices in lifestyle to make the climate more sustainable.
Further, implementing specific actions such as decreasing energy use and practising recycling might mitigate concerns related to climate change. Another measure to contain eco-anxiety is to consume media in a mindful manner and be informed, but too much consumption of negative information enhances eco-anxiety.
The authenticity of the news should be checked before believing it and avoiding sensational news can help in maintaining a balance in life. Highlight the importance of community-level resilience in dealing with eco-anxiety and stresses associated with climate change.
Engaging in local gardening, garbage collection, or waste reduction activities may help alleviate eco-anxiety. Receiving emotional and social support may enhance resilience, leading to higher levels of optimism and hope.
Taking action empowers individuals and serves as an effective remedy for eco-anxiety. Engaging in climate action, promoting sustainable legislation, and backing environmental organisations may transform emotions of powerlessness into impactful transformation. Suggest methods for creating stronger and more enduring communities, such as funding renewable energy, establishing climate-resistant infrastructure, and emphasising environmental equity.
Simple methods of talking about the issue within the family to create awareness and collectively take actions to reduce this anxiety and appreciation of nature together is a useful means to develop positive emotions towards climate’s future. Lastly, seeking assistance for additional support by consulting health and mental health professionals can be useful. A sense of positiveness and practicality needs to be developed among the masses, and necessary measures should be adopted to contain the impact of eco-anxiety.
We need to maintain a balance between being aware of the challenges and having a feeling of agency and optimism to create room for advocating for change. Measures should be taken by everyone towards constructive change by safeguarding the environment and working together towards reducing climate change. Collectively, we can convert fear into resilience and uncertainty into opportunity. Let’s actively combat climate change rather than become passive observers and save the world for future generations.
Contributing Author: Dr Sakul Kundra is an Associate Dean (Research) and Associate Professor at the College of Humanities, Education and Law at Fiji National University. The views expressed are his own and not of this newspaper or his employer.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Image: [LEFT] Fijian officials and honorary guests participated in an #AusAirForce C-27J Spartan familiarisation flight anfd [RIGHT] Prime Minister of Fiji Sitiveni Rabuka receiving the vessel (Source: X)
Recently, Fijian officials and honorary guests participated in an Australian Air Force C-27J Spartan familiarisation flight over the Fijian coast.
This was part of the Defence Pacific Air Program’s VIP day, hosted to strengthen partnerships.
Fijian officials and honorary guests participated in an #AusAirForce C-27J Spartan familiarisation flight over the Fijian coast as part of the Defence Pacific Air Program's VIP day, hosted to strengthen partnerships. 🇫🇯 🤝 🇦🇺 #YourADFpic.twitter.com/tIEORY9tjt
Earlier, Fiji has alos taken delivery of its second Guardian-class Patrol Boat, the RFNS Puamau, at a handover ceremony at HMAS Stirling, Western Australia.
The Prime Minister of Fiji Sitiveni Rabuka received the vessel on behalf of the Government of Fiji.
Yesterday, I had the privilege to hand over the 🇦🇺-built Guardian-class patrol boat RFNS Puamau to 🇫🇯
This ceremony marked the second new patrol boat delivered to Fiji under the Pacific Maritime Security Program & will continue the important work in upholding maritime security. pic.twitter.com/bDRcPiYaCJ
Australia’s Minister for Defence Industry and Minister for International Development and the Pacific Pat Conroy MP said in a statement that Australia is proud to be Fiji’s security partner of choice.
“The delivery of the second Guardian-class Patrol Boat today is a tangible demonstration of our Vuvale Partnership. By enhancing Fiji’s maritime security capabilities, we are more effective in tackling our shared regional challenges together.”
The RFNS Puamau is the second vessel delivered to Fiji, and the 19th vessel delivered under the Pacific Maritime Security Program.
Australia remains committed to working with our Pacific partners to enhance maritime capabilities in response to shared regional challenges. pic.twitter.com/NyvAlG5sF6
Australia has a record of 30-year commitment of uninterrupted engagement with its Pacific partners in support of a stable, prosperous and secure region.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has released new overseas arrivals and departures data that shows record migration to the country brought in a record 125,410 permanent and long-term arrivals in January 2024.
This comes after Australia’s net migration intake soared to a record high of 510,000 in the year to July 2023, double pre-pandemic levels.
Dan Tehan, Shadow Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, has earlier told ABC’s Insiders that given the current housing and rental crisis Australia could not sustain the 1.6 million migrants forecast to enter the country over the next four years.
“When people can’t get in to see a doctor, when we’re seeing cuts in our infrastructure … that is too high. What we need is a proper plan when it comes to immigration and set out what that should look like … it’s a complete mess.”
ABS reports that in January 2024:
Short-term visitor arrivals: 603,770 – an annual increase of 191,360 trips
Short-term resident returns: 1,392,890 – an annual increase of 294,990 trips
Total arrivals: 2,122,070 – an annual increase of 514,060
Total departures: 1,745,840 – an annual increase of 368,990
Further, international student arrivals each month by visa type show:
In January 2024 there were 82,890 international student arrivals to Australia, an increase of 23,660 students compared with the corresponding month of the previous year.
The number of student arrivals in January 2024 was 8.1% lower than the pre-COVID levels in January 2019.
Analysis by the Institute of Public Affairs (IPA) shows that planned migration has played a critical role in Australia’s history.
However, looking at the record numbers, Daniel Wild, Deputy Executive Director of the IPA, called it “unsustainable.”
“The government’s unplanned mass migration approach is setting Australia up for an economic and humanitarian disaster, and actively undermines Australians who are struggling with rapidly rising house prices and rental costs.”
Mr Wild added:
“In addition, for the first time in 40 years, per capita GDP has gone down for four consecutive quarters, leaving Australians, at an individual level, in a recession. While the overall size of the economic pie may be growing, it is leaving Australians with an even smaller slice.”
New Zealand (94,410 trips) was the largest source country, accounting for 16% of all visitor arrivals folowed by China (71,170 trips) and the USA (63,980 trips).
Dick Smith, the legendary Aussie businessman, speaking to The Daily Telegraph too slammed the latest migration figures.
“Every Australian family has a population plan to have the number of children they can give a good life to, but at the rate we are going it means the average Australian family will have less.”
According to the IPA analysis, if current trends continue, the net overseas migration intake could reach 660,000 for this year, which would be five-times higher than the long-term post-World War Two annual average intake of 126,000.
In December 2023, the Albanese government committed to ‘normalise’ Australia’s migration intake and a crackdown on dodgy colleges along with tighter rules around student visas.
The Centre for Population’s statement has projected that with net migration of 235,000 a year, Australia would reach a population of 39.2 million and under a “high migration scenario” of 470,000 a year, population would reach 49.3 million in 2060-61.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Students with the skills to hack ethically have completed an Australian first, AFP-led program that encouraged them to use their skills for good.
The re_B00TCMP pilot program aims to encourage students to pursue positive careers in cybersecurity by exposing them to opportunities that exist when they use their skills within the boundaries of the law.
Image: re_B00TCMP (Source: AFP)
AFP re_B00TCMP Project Lead and Team Leader Cybercrime Prevention, Claudia Forsyth, said young people were curious and like many teenagers, it was not uncommon for them to test boundaries.
“Growing up, children are taught about the dangers of illicit drugs and the importance of sun safety, yet they aren’t taught how to legally navigate the online world. It is just as important for them to learn these lessons from a young age.”
Ms Forsyth added:
“For example, not many young people know that it is a criminal offence to use skills and software to boot a competitor off an online game by attacking their internet connection. Some young people may not realise it is unlawful to test their skills by hacking into their school system and essentially using it as a playground, even if they are just being curious. We have a responsibility to help guide them through their curiosity of the online world.
The AFP-led Joint Policing Cybercrime Coordination Centre (JPC3), with support from the NSW Department of Education, ran the re_B00TCMP program in Sydney on 5 March, 2024, at the Fortress E-Sports Arena.
Eighteen students, aged between 14 to 17 years, participated in the one-day program. The students were chosen by the JPC3 for their tech curiosity and impressive IT skills.
Image: re_B00TCMP (Source: AFP)
Ms Forsyth observed:
“You would never teach a young person to drive without first teaching them the road rules. re_B00TCMP fills a current gap in Australia for educational interventions as it inspires young minds to channel their passion for IT into positive, lawful, and socially beneficial activities.”
She added:
“The 12 to 17 years age bracket is crucial, as it is often when students are heavily exposed to the online environment and like any teenager, they may be curious about testing the boundaries, making this an opportune time to have a positive impact.”
The program brought together educators and industry experts to mentor students, exposing them to positive uses of their IT skills, while also teaching them digital and social responsibility. It featured interactive cyber challenges, industry expert sessions, and discussions on career pathways.
Image: re_B00TCMP (Source: AFP)
Ms Forsyth said:
“Through interactive sessions, workshops, and meaningful engagement with law enforcement and industry mentors, the program educates and inspires young talents to lay the groundwork for a future where digital safety and responsibility are paramount.”
The re_B00TCMP program aims to teach young people about online boundaries and to prevent them from crossing those often-thin lines to ensure everyone knows the lawful parameters of the online word. It proactively teaches young people the difference between ethical and non-ethical hacking.
The students engaged in a digital cyber hunt challenge where they applied their technical skills to compete for a subscription to a cyber security training course.
Image: re_B00TCMP (Source: AFP)
Parents, carers, and teachers also attended a parallel program that encouraged them to understand what their children do online and were provided with guidance on how to have open conversations and actively foster their talent.
Ms Forsyth said:
“We’re not only shaping the future of cybersecurity, but also empowering the next generation to leverage their talents for good, contributing significantly to bridging the cyber skills gap in Australia. re_B00TCMP is about creating the next generation of Australia’s cyber champions. ‘Flipping the script on hacking’ is the re_B00TCMP Australia tagline because it’s about changing people’s perception of hacking, which is a skillset that can be used for good with the right direction.”
The Dutch National Police established the re_B00TCMP program in 2021 and have delivered the program to more than 390 students and 155 teachers and parents in the Netherlands.
Ms Forsyth thanked the Dutch National Police for their guidance, and the NSW Department of Education, our industry and education presenters, and policing partners for making the program possible.
Image: re_B00TCMP (Source: AFP)
The NSW Department of Education promoted the rollout of the Australian pilot program to students across NSW, and the JPC3 will now aim to expand re_B00TCMP across Australia with the support of state and territory police agencies.
Damien Mathieson, NSW Department of Education’s Chief Information Security Officer, said:
“Students and parents have gained knowledge and skills about cyber security technologies and pathways into a career in cyber. Some students were not sure of what they would experience during the day but left with a promise to tell others how much fun they had and how cyber can be a very rewarding field.”
Mr Mathieson added:
“Parents heard the importance of ‘working together’ with their child to support their technical interests such as when gaming online or playing with robotics and mentor them by being good role-models.”
The JPC3 brings together Australian law enforcement and key industry and international partners to fight cybercrime and prevent harm and financial loss to the Australian community.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Image: Former Prime Minister and FijiFirst Party Leader, Frank Voreqe Bainimarama, 2022 (Source: X)
Former Prime Minister and FijiFirst Party Leader, Frank Voreqe Bainimarama will not be eligible to contest the general elections until 2032 as the High Court has found guilty of perverting the course of justice, ordering that he face sentencing later this month for interfering in a police investigation.
Mr Bainimarama’s conviction of the charge of one count of attempt to pervert the course of justice is based on the Fiji Constitution.
Image: Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho, Former Prime Minister and FijiFirst Party Leader Frank Voreqe Bainimarama, and Mr Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum (Source: Facebook – Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum)
According to the charges, Mr Bainimarama sometime in July 2020 as the Prime Minister directed the Police Commissioner, Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho, to stop the investigation into a police complaint, in the abuse of the authority of his office, which was an arbitrary act prejudicial to the rights of the University of the South Pacific (USP) which is the complainant.
For Mr Qiliho’s charges, the charges say that Mr Qiliho on 15 of July 2020 as the Police Commissioner directed the Director of the Criminal Investigations Department, Serupepeli Neiko and Inspector Reshmi Dass to stop investigations into the police complaint by the USP, in the abuse of the authority of his office, which was an arbitrary act of prejudicial to the rights to USP.
Mr Qiliho was convicted of one count of abuse of office which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment. In Mr Bainimarama’s case, his charge, under the Crimes Act, carries a maximum penalty of 5 years imprisonment.
Image: Vice-Chancellor and President. Professor Pal Ahluwalia
The “USP saga” has also caused a major rift between Fiji and the other 12 USP-member countries and may have contributed to the narrow loss of Mr Bainimarama’s FijiFirst Party (FFP) in the December 2022 election.
This electoral loss in 2022 also saw Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, Mr Bainimarama’s deputy, disqualified from holding his seat in parliament.
On 12 October 2023, Mr Bainimarama and Mr Qiliho were found not guilty and acquitted by Magistrate Puamau. However, Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo overturned Magistrate Seini Puamau’s judgement and convicted Bainimarama and also suspended Police Commissioner, Mr Qiliho.
The truth has prevailed. Thank you to all of my supporters, my family most of all. pic.twitter.com/S4ajaJN5Kq
Further, in his judgement, Justice Temo ordered that this matter be brought before Magistrate Puamau in the Suva Magistrates Court for her to abide by the decision of the High Court and pronounce both the respondents, Mr Bainimarama and Mr Qiliho guilty as charged and convict them accordingly.
Justice Temo ordered Mr Bainimarama and Mr Qiliho and the State to file their mitigation and sentencing submissions by 20 March 2024 after which the Magistrate is ordered to conduct a sentence hearing on 21 March 2024 followed by the sentencing of the two on 28 March 2024.
Image: Mr Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum with Former Prime Minister and FijiFirst Party Leader, Frank Voreqe Bainimarama (Source: Facebook – Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum)
Section 56 (2) (g) of the 2013 Fijian Constitution states that a person maybe a candidate for election to parliament only if the person has not at any time during the 8 years immediately before being nominated, been convicted of any offence under any law for which the maximum penalty is a term of imprisonment of 12 months or more.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Australia’s rental vacancy rate has hit a historic low of close to zero. The latest estimate from SQM Research is 1.1%. The latest estimate from the property listing firm Domain is 0.7%.
As would be expected with hardly any of Australia’s rental properties vacant and available for rent, rents have soared – at first in 2022 only for newly advertised properties, and later for properties in general as measured by average rents.
The Bureau of Statistics measure of average capital city rents climbed 7.3% throughout 2023. It would have climbed by more – by 8.5% – had the bureau not taken account of the increased rent assistance in the May budget, which depressed recorded rents by 1.2%.
Demand surged while new supply sank
Vacancy rates have fallen and rents have climbed because the demand for living space has surged; at first in the aftermath of lockdowns as Australians sought accommodation with fewer housemates and more home office space, and later as borders reopened and Australia’s population swelled.
At the same time, the number of dwellings completed dived in response to shortages of both labour and materials.
Before COVID about 50,000 new dwellings were completed per quarter. Since then, completions have rarely exceeded 45,000.
Tweaking tax concessions would do little to help
While the Australian Greens are pressing the government to wind back capital gains tax concessions and limit negative gearing in order to wind back home prices, there’s little reason to think the changes would do much to reduce rents.
Half of all Australian landlords negatively gear by making a net loss on rental income in order to profit later from concessionally taxed capital gains. Attacking these tax concessions would be likely to cause some of them to reconsider being landlords.
But if they sold, more renters would be able to buy and stop renting, leaving the balance of renters and properties for rent little changed.
Rent assistance and caps won’t much help either
While there is popular support for increasing rent assistance, and while it has materially cut rents paid over the past year, it won’t create more rental properties.
Very big increases in rent assistance might even lift rents further by increasing the amount renters are able to pay. However, the effect is unlikely to be big because Commonwealth rent assistance is restricted to welfare recipients.
Rent caps or freezes don’t increase supply either, and run the risk of encouraging a black market in bidding to pay rents over the legally sanctioned cap.
What’s needed is more homes, in the right places
The government’s new Housing Australia Future Fund and associated agreements are intended to support the delivery of 20,000 new social and 20,000 new affordable homes over the next five years.
Separately, the Commonwealth and the states have agreed to an ambitious target of 1.2 million “new well-located homes” over the next five years, up from 918,200 over the past five years.
The Commonwealth has set aside A$3 billion for “performance-based funding” to the states paid at the rate of $15,000 for each new well-located home they deliver in excess of their share of 1 million new homes in five years.
If the states and territories are able to deliver 1.2 million homes over five years rather than 1 million, Grattan Institute analysis suggests rents will be 4% lower than they would have been.
NSW is displaying the sort of initiative that will be needed. The state is allowing developers of projects worth more than A$75 million to build taller buildings with more accommodation as long as they use 15% of the floor space for affordable housing.
NSW is also allowing denser development within 400 metres of 31 train stations.
Build-to-rent would help
In Australia, most rental properties (even apartments) are owned by individual so-called “mum and dad” investors.
Overseas in the United States and Europe, they are more likely to be owned by corporations who build entire blocks to lease.
These corporations are more concerned about long-term returns than individual owners who want the flexibility to sell, so they tend to offer long-term leases on better terms.
In last year’s budget the government offered build-to-rent tax rules which the Property Council of Australia says could create thousands of extra homes.
On one hand, they are unlikely to be homes for low-income renters. Developers require commercial returns. On the other hand, an increasing number of renters have high incomes.
The Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute says while in 1996 households with incomes worth $140,000 a year or more in today’s dollars accounted for only 8% of renters, by 2021 they accounted for 24%.
Pre-fabs could also help, and more apprentices
Another thing that would help is encouraging the use of prefabrication to cut construction times and costs, using locally sourced materials.
Prefabricated homes were used to house migrants after the second world war. More recently they have been used to house NSW flood victims.
They will still require skilled builders and tradespeople, who are in short supply. Only about half of enrolled apprentices complete their training, and the dropout rate has been climbing.
The government has announced an in-depth review of Australia’s system of apprenticeship support. It’s due to report later this year.
It might also help to prioritise the migration of tradespeople. It’s hard to build more homes in the right places, but that’s what we need.
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Image: 38-year-old Ashok Raj Varikuppala husband of the 35-year-old alleged murder victim Chaithanya “Swetha” Madhagani (Source: Facebook)
Homicide investigators are looking to speak with the 38-year-old Ashok Raj Varikuppala husband of the 35-year-old alleged murder victim Chaithanya “Swetha” Madhagani.
Ms Madhagani’s body was discovered just after midday last Saturday inside a green waste wheelie bin at Buckley, about 37km west of Geelong in remote Victoria.
The police have confirmed via statement that they had formally identified Ms Madhagani and wanted to speak with her Mr Varikuppala.
A police spokesman said:
“The investigation into her death remains ongoing and no one has been arrested in relation to the matter. Detectives still wish to speak to a 38-year-old Point Cook man, who is the husband of the woman; however, we understand this man remains off shore at this time. Due to the seriousness of the matter, there is much we unfortunately cannot comment on as we don’t want to jeopardise the ongoing investigation.”
Earlier, Police have established two crime scenes – one at Mount Pollock Rd and a second at a residential address in Mirka Wat in Point Cook in southwestern Melbourne.
It is reported that a green waste bin was missing from the couple’s backyard and a high-pressure cleaner was seen nearby.
Image: 38-year-old Ashok Raj Varikuppala husband of the 35-year-old alleged murder victim Chaithanya “Swetha” Madhagani (Source: Facebook)
Mr Varikuppala has left Australia for India with the couple’s young son whom he handed over to Ms Madhagani’s family. He also reportedly rang family members in Victoria and told them about Ms Madhagani’s death.
India and Australia share an extradition treaty for criminal offences. Though, at this atge, the police have not made any comments on Mr Varikuppala’s extradition process.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Image: Indian-origin Harry Chandla, 31-year-old (Source: Facebook)
John Ung, 55-year-old, suspect in an alleged hit-and-run that killed Harry Chandla, 31-year-old, in Sydney’s west has told the court that he did not know he ran over a man.
Mr Chandla, a trolley collector originally from India, has lived in Australia for 10 years.
“It’s a big loss for my family, my sister and my mum and dad back in India, it’s just too much to handle at the moment. He’s really religious person, even the day before, about 5:30pm, he was in the Sikh temple.”
Mr Ung appeared via video call at Fairfield Local Court and his lawyer argued that the alleged victim was “highly intoxicated” and was “wearing dark clothing” when he was struck just before 3 am.
Barrister Steve Boland appearing for Mr Ung said that Mr Chandla had “made a decision” to lie down on the street when the incident occurred. News.com quoted Mr Boland:
“The deceased put himself in a position where he was, sadly, highly likely to be hit.”
The prosecution argued a “loud bang” could be heard in CCTV of the incident, however, this was disputed by Barrister Boland.
Mr Ung is facing four charges – dangerous driving occasioning death, negligent driving, failing to stop to assist after a vehicle impact causing death and knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime – after being arrested by police.
Mr Ung was granted bail on the condition he put up $1000 suriety and report to Campbelltown Police Station daily. He also was released on the condition he surrender his passport, which is currently at the Chinese embassy.
Mr Ung’s case will return at Liverpool Local Court on May 2.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Image: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of New Zealand, Mr Winston Peters, called on the Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar at the Upa-Rashtrapati Nivas (Source: X)
New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters has completed a successful visit to India terming it an important step in taking the relationship between the two countries to the next level.
Welcome to India, New Zealand Foreign Minister @winstonpeters.
Looking forward to our productive talks.
न्यूजीलैंड के विदेश मंत्री @winstonpeters का भारत में स्वागत है।
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (Modi Ka Parivar) (@DrSJaishankar) March 12, 2024
Mr Peters, who visited Gujarat and New Delhi from 10-13 March, said in a statement:
“We have laid a strong foundation for the Coalition Government’s priority of enhancing New Zealand-India relations to generate significant future benefit for both countries.”
He added:
“New Zealand and India are two countries that can, should and will be doing more together. My visit has demonstrated a joint commitment to investing more in building a broad-based, mutually beneficial relationship.”
In New Delhi, Mr Peters reconnected with his counterpart, India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar.
“It is clear that New Zealand and India share common strategic perspectives about the security challenges our Indo-Pacific region faces as well as a commitment to do more together to meet them. Minister Jaishankar and I agreed to work together to unlock more opportunities and achieve a step-up in the relationship between New Zealand and India. Further high-level, political visits in both directions during 2024 will be a crucial part of this process.”
The Hon'ble Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of New Zealand, Mr. Winston Peters, called on the Hon'ble Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar at the Upa-Rashtrapati Nivas today.
Discussions between the leaders highlighted the warm and friendly relations between… pic.twitter.com/HUcOVNtiv4
Mr Peters also met with India’s Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.
“We are grateful for the wide-ranging discussions we had with the Government of India, encompassing our strategic security and defence relationship, our social and cultural links, trade and economic cooperation, and respective efforts to combat climate change.”
Mr Peters said:
“New Zealand and India are fellow democracies which, working with likeminded partners such as Australia and Japan, wish to see an Indo-Pacific characterised by respect for the rule of law, freedom of navigation and peaceful resolution of disputes. These shared principles lie at the heart of New Zealand’s push for an enhanced bilateral relationship with India, as well as deeper cooperation across the Indo-Pacific region – including with Pacific Island countries.”
He added:
“India’s importance to New Zealand’s society, economy and security is growing. The Indian diaspora in New Zealand numbers 300,000 and India is our second largest source of international students and largest source of skilled migrants.”
Mr Peters’ programme in New Delhi also included visits to India’s new Parliamentary complex and a Women’s Indian Premier League (IPL) match.
“The connections between New Zealand and India are everywhere to see. It was an honour to visit the new home of the world’s largest democracy. Around 20,000kg of New Zealand wool has been used in the making of the carpets in India’s new Parliament.”
He further observed:
“It was also a pleasure to witness first-hand the passion for and investment in women’s cricket in India – and to see two of New Zealand’s top cricketers competing with the world’s best in the women’s IPL. New Zealand and India share a deep love of cricket, and the women’s game is a seriously important part of that.”
Mr Peters also took part in a panel discussion and reception, alongside representatives of Pacific Island countries and Indian government and business, to explore how New Zealand and India can work together on economic connectivity with the Pacific.
“New Zealand and India both have deep historical, cultural and commercial ties into the Pacific Islands region – and we need to be doing more together there.”
The trade and economic ties between New Zealand and India were also a feature of the visit, Mr Peters says.
“New Zealand is determined to become more a part of this success story. Across a range of sectors – from education to agro-technology and from air connectivity to tourism – we could and should be doing more together in trade and economic terms. It is up to our governments to lay the foundation for this enhanced trade and economic engagement.”
“We were privileged to meet Indian business leaders in New Delhi and Gujarat, and it is clear from our discussions that there is much potential to be tapped via an enhanced economic partnership.”
During the visit, an enhanced Air Services Agreement between the two countries came into force – making code sharing on services between New Zealand and India easier.
The Minister was pleased to throw the ball on to the ground to ceremonially start today’s first game at Jaipur Polo Ground.
Historically, many polo ponies in India have come from New Zealand.
New Zealand and India will celebrate 100 years of sporting contact in 2026.
“While it is ultimately a commercial decision for our national carriers, we are confident that direct flights between New Zealand and India are within sight in the next couple of years.”
“Being able to fly directly from Auckland to New Delhi would be a game-changer for the cultural, people-to-people and commercial ties between our countries.”
While in Gujarat, Mr Peters also met with Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel and other key members of the state’s government.
“My visit to Gujarat was a wonderful opportunity to engage with a state that has been at the forefront of India’s economic success. As we look to deepen and broaden our relationship with India, it is critically important that we engage with Indian states that offer scope for enhanced strategic and economic cooperation.”
The Foreign Minister was honoured to visit Swaminarayan Akshardham in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. pic.twitter.com/atUOl3RG6K
Mr Peters also visited the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar, Gujarat and met with representatives of the Jama Masjid Mosque in New Delhi.
“India, like New Zealand, is an extremely diverse country in which varied communities come together to forge a common future. This diversity is reflected in New Zealand’s large and successful Indian diaspora. It was my pleasure to learn more about India’s faith communities and its rich spiritual heritage during this visit.”
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Made from fermented apples and naturally high in acetic acid, apple cider vinegar has been popular in recent years for its purported health benefits – from antibacterial properties to antioxidant effects and potential for helping manage blood sugars.
Its origins as a health tonic stretch much further back. Hippocrates used it to treat wounds, fever and skin sores.
An experimental study, released today, looks into whether apple cider vinegar could be effective for weight loss, reduce blood glucose levels and reduce blood lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides).
The results suggest it could reduce all three – but it might not be as simple as downing an apple cider vinegar drink a day.
An apple cider vinegar drink; Image Source @Canva
What did they do?
A group of scientists in Lebanon did a double-blinded, randomised, clinical trial in a group of overweight and obese young people aged from 12–25 years.
Researchers randomly placed 30 participants in one of four groups. The participants were instructed to consume either 5, 10 or 15ml of apple cider vinegar diluted into 250ml of water each morning before they ate anything for 12 weeks. A control group consumed an inactive drink (a placebo) made (from lactic acid added to water) to look and taste the same.
Typically this sort of study provides high-quality evidence as it can show cause and effect – that is the intervention (apple cider vinegar in this case) leads to a certain outcome. The study was also double-blinded, which means neither the participants or the scientists involved with collecting the data knew who was in which group.
An apple cider vinegar drink; Image Source @Canva
So, what did they find?
After three months apple cider vinegar consumption was linked with significant falls in body weight and body mass index (BMI). On average, those who drank apple cider vinegar during that period lost 6–8kg in weight and reduced their BMI by 2.7–3 points, depending on the dose. They also showed significant decreases in the waist and hip circumference.
The authors also report significant decreases in levels of blood glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol in the apple cider groups. This finding echoes previous studies. The placebo group, who were given water with lactic acid, had much smaller decreases in weight and BMI. There were also no significant decreases in blood glucose and blood lipids.
From animal studies, it is thought the acetic acid in apple cider vinegar may affect the expression of genes involved in burning fats for energy. The new study did not explore whether this mechanism was involved in any weight loss.
Is this good news?
While the study appears promising, there are also reasons for caution.
Firstly, study participants were aged from 12 to 25, so we can’t say whether the results could apply to everyone.
The statistical methods used in the study don’t allow us to confidently say the same amount of weight loss would occur again if the study was done again.
And, while the researchers kept records of the participants’ diet and exercise during the study, these were not published in the paper. This makes it difficult to determine if diet or exercise may have had an impact. We don’t know whether participants changed the amount they ate or the types of food they ate, or whether they changed their exercise levels.
The study used a placebo which they tried to make identical in appearance and taste to the active treatment. But people may still be able to determine differences. Researchers may ask participants at the end of a study to guess which group they were in to test the integrity of the placebo. Unfortunately, this was not done in this study, so we can’t be certain if the participants knew or not.
Finally, the authors do not report whether anyone dropped out of the study. This could be important and influence results if people who did not lose weight quit due to lack of motivation.
An apple cider vinegar drink; Image Source @Canva
Any other concerns?
Apple cider vinegar is acidic and there are concerns it may erode tooth enamel. This can be a problem with any acidic beverages, including fizzy drinks, lemon water and orange juice.
To minimise the risk of acid erosion some dentists recommend the following after drinking acidic drinks:
rinsing out your mouth with tap water afterwards
chewing sugar-free gum afterwards to stimulate saliva production
avoiding brushing your teeth immediately after drinking because it might damage the teeth’s softened top layer
drink with a straw to minimise contact with the teeth.
Down the hatch?
This study provides us with some evidence of a link between apple cider vinegar and weight loss. But before health professionals can recommend this as a weight loss strategy we need bigger and better conducted studies across a wider age range.
Such research would need to be done alongside a controlled background diet and exercise across all the participants. This would provide more robust evidence that apple cider vinegar could be a useful aid for weight loss.
Still, if you don’t mind the taste of apple cider vinegar then you could try drinking some for weight loss, alongside a healthy balanced and varied dietary intake. This study does not suggest people can eat whatever they like and drink apple cider vinegar as a way to control weight.
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Image Souce: X Senator Sarah Henderson @SenSHenderson
One miner has lost his life following a mine collapse at Ballarat Gold Mine, located on Woolshed Gully Drive at Mount Clear. The tragic event occurred on Wednesday afternoon, leading to a large-scale emergency response.
Two miners were initially trapped by fallen rocks during the collapse. While emergency services were able to stabilise and rescue a 21-year-old man from Ballarat, who sustained lower body injuries, he was flown to the hospital in a life-threatening condition.
Unfortunately, the recovery operation on Thursday morning revealed the grim fate of a 37-year-old man from Bruthen, east of Bairnsdale, who succumbed to the incident after the rockfall.
Victoria Police said in a statement, “The incident occurred approximately 3km underground from the mine entry.”
“WorkSafe will investigate the incident while police will prepare a report for the coroner.”
I'm thinking of every worker and every family who’s impacted by the Ballarat mine incident. Tonight will be a long night for them and for the entire community.
The collapse took place approximately 3 kilometres underground from the mine’s entrance, prompting an extensive rescue and recovery effort. WorkSafe is set to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, and police will prepare a report for the coroner.
The Australian Workers Union Victoria state secretary, Ronnie Hayden, disclosed that the two workers were engaged in air legging, a manual mining technique, under an unsupported area of the mine when it collapsed. Meanwhile, 28 other workers found refuge in a safety pod and were later brought to the surface unharmed.
We are aware of the collapse of a mine in Ballarat this evening, Our State Secretary and two of our union officials are currently on-site, working closely with the members. We stand united in our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all workers. pic.twitter.com/OnmQ9KqXcI
— Australian Workers' Union Victoria (@AWU_Victoria) March 13, 2024
Victory Minerals, the company that assumed operational control of the Ballarat Goldmine in December 2023, stated that its emergency response team worked closely with Victoria Police and other authorities following the collapse. The company emphasized its commitment to the safety and well-being of its workers and their families.
“We are a safety-first mine operator and respect the work that underground miners perform every day,”
Victory Minerals said.
The incident has cast a spotlight on the dangers faced by underground miners and the importance of stringent safety measures in the mining industry.
Ballarat Mayor Des Hudson expressed the community’s devastation over the news and assured support for those affected by the tragedy.
“We are a very resilient community,” he said.
“There will be great community concern and support by the local community to those that are involved.”
This is not the first time the Ballarat Gold Mine has experienced an emergency. In 2007, 27 miners were trapped underground for several hours before being successfully winched to safety. The mine, known for its extensive network of tunnels beneath buildings, streets, and homes, is a critical part of the local economy but also a reminder of the risks associated with mining operations.
The community and the families of the miners are now mourning the loss of life and reflecting on the need for continued vigilance and improvement in mining safety standards to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Victorian’s Perceptions on India and the Indian Diaspora: A State-Wide Survey release; Image Source: Supplied
A study conducted by the Australia India Institute, in collaboration with Roy Morgan’s Taking the Pulse of the Nation (TTPN) and The Melbourne Institute of Applied Economics and Social Research, reveals a widespread appreciation for the contributions of the Indian community among Victorians.
Highlight:
The Indian diaspora is Australia’s fastest-growing diaspora – within the last decade.
About 40 per cent of the Indian diaspora in Australia call Victoria home.
What’s next?
With the introduction of direct flights from Sydney and Melbourne to Delhi and Mumbai and the improvement of air connectivity, the Indian diaspora travel has nearly doubled.
This first-of-its-kind report called Victorian’s Perceptions on India and the Indian Diaspora: A State-Wide Survey, based on responses from over 2,500 participants across the state, shines a light on the Indian diaspora’s significant influence on the local economy, society, and culture.
The findings indicate that more than half of the respondents, encompassing all age and gender demographics, have regular interactions with the Indian community and recognise their positive role in various sectors. Notably, almost 60% of Victorians acknowledge the valuable contributions of Indian international university students to the state’s economy and society, and a similar proportion expressed eagerness to learn more about Indian culture and participate in Indian public and cultural events.
Lisa Singh, Chief Executive of the Australia India Institute, emphasised the dynamic and enterprising nature of the Indian diaspora within the Victorian fabric, highlighting their role as gateways to social and economic collaboration opportunities in Victoria.
Lisa Singh, Chief Executive of the Australia India Institute; Image Source: Supplied
“Their roles in being gateways to greater opportunities for social and economic collaboration in Victoria are held in high regard.”
However, she also stressed the need for policies that foster inclusivity and provide equal opportunities for individuals of Indian descent to ascend to higher leadership roles.
India, having overtaken China and the UK, has become Australia’s largest source of migrants in the past decade. The report underscores the Indian diaspora’s role as Australia’s fastest-growing, with about 40% residing in Victoria. These individuals, primarily skilled migrants with high educational qualifications, play a crucial role in vital economic sectors, promoting Victoria’s trade expansion.
The “glass ceilings” and barriers
Despite Indian Australian communities’ significant contributions, the report highlights a noticeable disparity in the representation of people of Indian descent in leadership positions within boardrooms, political spheres, universities, large corporations, and peak industry bodies. Over 80% of survey respondents pointed out the lack of visibility of Indian Australians in authoritative roles, suggesting the presence of “glass ceilings” and other barriers to leadership opportunities.
The Victorian Government’s positive engagement with India has been reflected through initiatives aimed at promoting travel and tourism for Indian visitors, attracting international students, and supporting skilled migration. During national crises such as the 2019 bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indian community has demonstrated commendable leadership by organising food distribution missions, volunteering services, providing medical aid, and initiating vaccination drives.
The report serves as a timely resource for understanding the vital contributions of the Indian Australian community in Victoria and underscores the importance of policy discussions aimed at creating a more inclusive society.
With the introduction of direct flights from Mumbai to Melbourne and improved air connectivity, travel between India and Victoria has nearly doubled, despite high travel costs, further strengthening the ties between the two regions.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Image: New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters with India's MEA Dr S. Jaishankar (Source: X)
New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters who is on a visit to India has raised doubts over Canada’s claim of an alleged Indian link in the killing of Khalistan extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
“As a trained lawyer, I look okay, so where’s the case? Where’s the evidence? Where’s the finding right here, right now? Well, there isn’t one.”
This is the first instance when a Five-Eyes partner has openly questioned Canada’s “credible allegations” against India regarding the Nijjar case.
Warm and productive meeting with DPM and FM @winstonpeters of New Zealand this evening.
Agreed on enhancing our political, trade & economic, security, connectivity, mobility, education and people to people ties. Welcomed New Zealand joining @isolaralliance.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (Modi Ka Parivar) (@DrSJaishankar) March 12, 2024
Last year, Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the government of India of involvement in the fatal shooting of Nijjar.
Trudeau’s unsubstantiated “credible allegations” had a seismic effect on India and Canada’s bilateral relationship.
It is being reported that New Zealand, a member of the Five-Eyes intelligence alliance alongside the US, Canada, UK, and Australia, has reportedly received an intelligence briefing from Canada regarding the Nijjar case.
Trudeau has also personally briefed leaders of some of Canada’s closest allies about the case, including U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, French President Emmanuel Macron and U.S. President Joe Biden.
#WATCH | On the India-Canada row, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau says, "In regards to India, Canada has shared the credible allegations with India. We did that many weeks ago. We are there to work constructively with India and we hope that they engage with us so that we can get to… pic.twitter.com/lpgAwKfSdN
However, Deputy Prime Minister Peters expressed clear scepticism about Canada’s claim and evidence. He added that it was the previous Kiwi government that was handling and managing the matter.
Peters was quoted as saying:
“Well, I wasn’t here, it was handled by the previous government. But look, sometimes when you’re hearing Five-Eyes information, you’re hearing it and saying nothing.
It is coming past you. You don’t know the value or the quality of it, but you’re pleased to have it.
You don’t know whether there is going to be substantial material value or nothing. But the very, very critical information that matters… This was mainly handled by the previous government.”
Indian PM Narendra Modi and Canadian PM Justin Trudeau at G20 New Delhi; Image Source- Twitter @justintrudeau
Earlier, India’s Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement rejecting Trudeau’s allegations, calling them “absurd and motivated.”
“Allegations of Government of India’s involvement in any act of violence in Canada are absurd and motivated.
Similar allegations were made by the Canadian Prime Minister to our Prime Minister, and were completely rejected. We are a democratic polity with a strong commitment to rule of law,”
MEA statement said.
India’s MEA further added that Trudeau should “take prompt and effective legal action against all anti-India elements operating from their soil.”
Image: Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Nijjar, a designated terrorist in India, was allegedly shot multiple times by unknown persons outside a Gurudwara in Surrey, B.C. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has yet to name suspects or make arrests in connection with Nijjar’s killing.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Image: 21st Edition of the BFSI IT Summit by Exito (Source: Supplied)
In an era dominated by digital innovation, the key to sustaining competitiveness lies in a profound comprehension of technological advancements and their strategic applications. Despite challenges in keeping pace with technological evolution, Australia remains committed to overcoming obstacles hindering innovation and seamless digital adoption.
Competing effectively in the digital landscape demands a comprehensive understanding of technological developments and their real-world implications.
In light of this, the forthcoming “26th Edition of the Digital Transformation Summit,” organized by Exito Media Concepts, slated for March 14th in Sydney, is set to bring together industry representatives, thought leaders, and experts. This event aims to foster the exchange of insights and expertise on the latest technologies and trends shaping the digital transformation landscape.
Featured Speakers at the Conference include, Simon Bush, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA), Vasyl Nair, Group Chief Executive Officer, Mine Super. Greg McKenna, CEO, Police Bank, Dr. Tom Gao, Chief Technology and Digital Services Officer, City of Sydney, Cherie Hughes, Executive Group Manager Infrastructure Delivery Solutions, Major Projects Canberra ACT Government and Jeremiah Mannings, Chief Data Officer, Uniting.
Several topics will be on the agenda during the event including,
Data Protection: Preserving Privacy in a Digitized World
Unleashing the AI Revolution: The Power of Cloud Computing and Digital Infrastructure
Breaking the Chains: Revamping Legacy Systems for Successful Digital Transformation
Cyber Resilience in the Age of Digital Transformation
Beyond Boundaries: The Next Frontier in Digital Transformation Tech
Data Protection: Preserving Privacy in a Digitized World
Cyber Resilience in the Age of Digital Transformation
The rapid adoption of technology and the ascent of Fintech are reshaping Australia’s BFSI sector dramatically. As innovation propels forward, technology leaders seek comprehensive strategies to outpace competition and fortify resilience. Priorities such as customer-centric approaches, digitization, process automation, and data security remain paramount for IT leaders.
The 21st Edition of the BFSI IT Summit by Exito is an exclusive, in-person conference uniting top technology leaders. This summit serves as a platform for learning and networking, delving into imminent challenges within the BFSI sector and uncovering best practices for overcoming them.
The BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance) sector is on the cusp of a digital transformation. This summit, brings together industry leaders, innovators, and experts to explore the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of financial technology.
(Image: Supplied)
Featuring a lineup of esteemed speakers, insightful panel discussions, and interactive workshops, the BFSI IT Summit amia to deliver insights and strategies for navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of financial technology. Attendees can expect to gain actionable insights, forge strategic partnerships, and stay ahead of the curve in this dynamic industry.
Prominent speakers confirmed for the summit include, Krystle Ritchens, Executive Director, Senior Payments Industry And Regulatory Lead J.P. Morgan, Paul Bloxham, Managing Director & Chief Economist For ANZ And Global Commodities, HSBC, May Lam, CIO Australian Payments Plus, Andrew Brydon, Executive Chief Engineer NAB and Simon Callaghan, CEO & Board Director Blockchain Australia.
The summit will cover a range of prominent topics, including:
Digitization and Automation in the Customer Journey
Open Banking and the Future of Innovation
The Next Frontier: Generative AI for Financial Services
All things Strategy, Technology, Digital & Data in BFSI
Central Bank Digital Currencies & the future of money.
Designing Resilient Banking Systems Powered by site reliability engineering.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
As America winds down its primary season for the 2024 presidential elections in November, India gears up to elect its 18th Lok Sabha (People’s House) in May. Pradhan Mantri (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi and the National Democratic Alliance, headed by Mr Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party, or the BJP, are expected to win a clear majority in the 543-member strong Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Parliament (Sansad).
Modi’s Decade
According to Morning Consults, Mr. Modi enjoys the highest approval rating, 78%, among over 20 democratically elected world leaders. Within his two terms of prime ministership, he has transformed India from what the Nobel Laureate V.S. Naipaul once called (India: a Million Mutinies Now), a country “full of pietistic Gandhian gloom” to an India full of youthful aspiration. India isn’t only the most populous nation, but it is now also the third-largest economy (based on PPP).
Modi’s decade has also sparked a Hindu renaissance in India. For Mr Modi and his supporters, “[i]t isn’t enough to send the British packing,” Walter Russell Mead writes in his Wall Street Journal column, “the liberation of India means placing Hindu civilisation back at the centre of Indian cultural and political life.”
However, this transformation hasn’t come without criticism in the form of an “agenda-driven” bogey of backsliding democracy, suppression of minorities, and restrictions on freedom of speech.
The Festival of Democracy
Indian elections have often been called the ‘festival of democracy.’ They are loud, chaotic, varied, and vibrant, with a fair amount of fun and gaiety. If India is, to paraphrase Judy Dench’s character in the film The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, an onslaught on the senses, Indian elections are a prime example of that onslaught. Unsurprisingly, they draw considerable attention across the globe.
Indian elections also create great excitement within the Indian diaspora worldwide. Like any diaspora group, most Indians’ personal and collective identity conflation is closely linked to a shared sense of vulnerabilities and anxieties concerning India’s political, social, and economic well-being.
India is the largest democracy in the world, with over 900 million eligible voters. To put this into perspective, the number of eligible voters in India is three times the size of the U.S. population. In over one million polling stations, these voters will exercise their franchise using 1.7 million Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs; paper ballots are not used for in-person voting). The country is divided into 543 electoral districts, with over 8 thousand candidates in the fray.
India holds national elections every five years as mandated by the constitution. The only time India did not hold elections within the stipulated period was when PM Indira Gandhi imposed the national Emergency (1975-1977).
Over 600 political parties participate in Indian elections. Most of these outfits operate as political pressure groups affiliated with regional, linguistic, religious, and jati (“caste”) identities. Even Maoists, Marxists, and Leninist communists have their political outfits. However, currently, only the BJP and the Indian National Congress (INC) have a pan-India footprint.
India’s election rules mandate the presence of a polling booth within two kilometres (1.2 miles) of every dwelling. This means that the solitary resident of Gir National Park in Gujarat must get his personal polling booth.
The Election Commission of India (ECI), an independent constitutional body, runs the entire election process. The Commission presses eleven million poll workers into service for elections. For logistical purposes—to move the equipment and human resources, including security—India holds national elections in a rolling, phase-wise manner that stretches over several (eight to ten) weeks.
However, all polling in the stipulated areas is conducted in one day. There is no multiple-day voting, and mail-in ballots are rare. The ECI issues I.D. cards to all voters who must verify their identity when voting. Voters can also have a “protest” NOTA (None of the Above) vote. Most results are declared within a matter of a few hours.
Is There a Universal Definition of Democracy?
The concept of democracy involves people’s participation in their own governance. It is broadly actualized in terms of freedom and civil liberties. Free and fair elections, freedom of expression, etc., are defining elements of democracy. In most cases, when one defines the abstract notion of democracy, one thinks about those concrete democratic outcomes.
However, democracy is a concept, according to Russell Dalton, Doh Shin, and Willy Jou (Understanding Democracy), that has “a variety of potential meanings, and it is not simple to grasp or define… [e]ven in advanced industrial democracies.” For example, many fail to recognize the difference between majoritarian (India) and republican (the U.S.) democracies. Similarly, the parliamentary form of democracy operates quite differently than the presidential one.
To many, democracy’s real meaning is in its deliverables. For some, democracy may mean ‘Rām Rājya‘ – a righteous state based on the ideals of Maryada Purushottam Bhagwan Ram, likened to King David in the Hebrew scriptures. It may also mean getting electricity from the government to someone’s village and house. For some others, it may mean getting access to a bank account, the right to pursue one’s faith, or the right to bear arms. Yet, for some others, it may simply mean having a toilet in the house, relatively inexpensive food prices, or a job in the government.
Dharma-based Democracy
Democracy isn’t a uniquely Western concept, nor was the idea of universal adult suffrage, freedom of expression, etc., always part of our understanding of democracy. Many of the tenets of democracy we take for granted in the West aren’t even a century old. For example, women’s right to vote in the U.S. was established in 1920 by ratifying the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Mindful of its implications, it is not an exaggeration to state that India, at its core, is a civilizationally democratic society. Even though the picture of India presented in academic works and popular history is predominantly monarchical, it had layers of self-rule—the kind of cooperative self-government identified in the West with Greek republicanism.
Though the Vedas provide a glimpse – words such as sabha, samiti, parishad, sabhapati, etc. – of self-governance, more concrete evidence is available from the time of Gautama, the Buddha, in 600 BCE (J.P Sharma; Republics in Ancient India c. 1500 B.C.-500 B.C.). Several sovereign republics operated in India during Alexander of Macedonia’s invasion. Greek accounts, such as Arrian’s Anabasis of Alexander, which details the Macedonian conqueror’s war campaign, mention chroniclers’ eyewitness accounts of Alexander meeting with “free and independent” Indian communities at almost every corner.
Noted Sanskrit grammarian Panini’s Ashtadhyayi presents complex vocabularies – such as gana and sangha – that describe self-governing groups (V.S. Agrawala, India as Known to Panini).
The Uthiramerur temple inscription in Tamil Nadu has one of the earliest (7th-9th century C.E.) descriptions of some essential elements of a democratic process, such as conducting an election.
Indian democracy is uniquely Indian and thriving. Those who view democracy from a Western filter get tangled in anachronistic, one-side-fits-all supremacism. Indian culture, owing to its Dharmic roots, is naturally compatible with democracy.
India is the land of ‘one truth, many names’ – ‘ekam sat vipra bahudhā vadanti.’ Pluralism, as the core of democracy, is inherent to Indic culture. According to Sri Aurobindo, “Dharma is the basis of democracy which Asia must recognize, for in this lies the distinction between the soul of Asia and the soul of Europe.” Through Dharma, he proclaimed, “the Asiatic evolution fulfils itself; this is her secret.”
Dharmic democracy promotes tolerance and mutual respect for others’ ideas and opinions. It is the Dharma of every human being to be truly free. Sri Aurobindo considers Swaraj (self-governance) freedom of mind, body, and spirit. He knew the inherent tension between European rights- and duties-based democracy. According to him, a Dharma-based system lacks this “artificial antagonism.
This article was first published in India Currents and has been republished with the kind permission of the author/editor.
Contributing Author:Avatans Kumar is a columnist, public speaker, and activist. A JNU, New Delhi, and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign alumnus, Avatans holds graduate degrees in Linguistics. Avatans is a recipient of the 2021 San Francisco Press Club’s Bay Area Journalism award.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Aged care financing is a vexed problem for the Australian government. It is already underfunded for the quality the community expects, and costs will increase dramatically. There are also significant concerns about the complexity of the system.
In 2021–22 the federal government spent A$25 billion on aged services for around 1.2 million people aged 65 and over. Around 60% went to residential care (190,000 people) and one-third to home care (one million people).
The final report from the government’s Aged Care Taskforce, which has been reviewing funding options, estimates the number of people who will need services is likely to grow to more than two million over the next 20 years. Costs are therefore likely to more than double.
The taskforce has considered what aged care services are reasonable and necessary and made recommendations to the government about how they can be paid for. This includes getting aged care users to pay for more of their care.
But rather than recommending an alternative financing arrangement that will safeguard Australians’ aged care services into the future, the taskforce largely recommends tidying up existing arrangements and keeping the status quo.
No Medicare-style levy
The taskforce rejected the aged care royal commission’s recommendation to introduce a levy to meet aged care cost increases. A 1% levy, similar to the Medicare levy, could have raised around $8 billion a year.
The taskforce failed to consider the mix of taxation, personal contributions and social insurance which are commonly used to fund aged care systems internationally. The Japanese system, for example, is financed by long-term insurance paid by those aged 40 and over, plus general taxation and a small copayment.
Instead, the taskforce puts forward a simple, pragmatic argument that older people are becoming wealthier through superannuation, there is a cost of living crisis for younger people and therefore older people should be required to pay more of their aged care costs.
Separating care from other services
In deciding what older people should pay more for, the taskforce divided services into care, everyday living and accommodation.
The taskforce thought the most important services were clinical services (including nursing and allied health) and these should be the main responsibility of government funding. Personal care, including showering and dressing were seen as a middle tier that is likely to attract some co-payment, despite these services often being necessary to maintain independence.
The task force recommended the costs for everyday living (such as food and utilities) and accommodation expenses (such as rent) should increasingly be a personal responsibility.
Making the system fairer
The taskforce thought it was unfair people in residential care were making substantial contributions for their everyday living expenses (about 25%) and those receiving home care weren’t (about 5%). This is, in part, because home care has always had a muddled set of rules about user co-payments.
But the taskforce provided no analysis of accommodation costs (such as utilities and maintenance) people meet at home compared with residential care.
To address the inefficiencies of upfront daily fees for packages, the taskforce recommends means testing co-payments for home care packages and basing them on the actual level of service users receive for everyday support (for food, cleaning, and so on) and to a lesser extent for support to maintain independence.
It is unclear whether clinical and personal care costs and user contributions will be treated the same for residential and home care.
Making residential aged care sustainable
The taskforce was concerned residential care operators were losing $4 per resident day on “hotel” (accommodation services) and everyday living costs.
The taskforce recommends means tested user contributions for room services and everyday living costs be increased.
It also recommends that wealthier older people be given more choice by allowing them to pay more (per resident day) for better amenities. This would allow providers to fully meet the cost of these services.
Effectively, this means daily living charges for residents are too low and inflexible and that fees would go up, although the taskforce was clear that low-income residents should be protected.
Moving from buying to renting rooms
Currently older people who need residential care have a choice of making a refundable up-front payment for their room or to pay rent to offset the loans providers take out to build facilities. Providers raise capital to build aged care facilities through equity or loan financing.
However, the taskforce did not consider the overall efficiency of the private capital market for financing aged care or alternative solutions.
Instead, it recommended capital contributions be streamlined and simplified by phasing out up-front payments and focusing on rental contributions. This echoes the royal commission, which found rent to be a more efficient and less risky method of financing capital for aged care in private capital markets.
It’s likely that in a decade or so, once the new home care arrangements are in place, there will be proportionally fewer older people in residential aged care. Those who do go are likely to be more disabled and have greater care needs. And those with more money will pay more for their accommodation and everyday living arrangements. But they may have more choice too.
Although the federal government has ruled out an aged care levy and changes to assets test on the family home, it has yet to respond to the majority of the recommendations. But given the aged care minister chaired the taskforce, it’s likely to provide a good indication of current thinking.
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Activists celebrate after Central Government announced the notification of the rules to implement the Citizenship Amendment Act, at Kodai Chowki, in Varanasi; Image Source: (ANI Photo)
Highlight: India implements the Citizenship Amendment Act for persecuted religious minority refugees.
30 district magistrates and home secretaries across nine states have been authorized with the ability to confer Indian citizenship.
What’s next? Application for Indian citizenship under CAA to be made online.
Indian Union Home Ministry has notified rules for implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) on Monday, days ahead of the announcement of the Lok Sabha elections schedule.
Activists celebrate after the Central Government has officially notified the rules for the implementation of CAA, in Kolkata; Image Source ANI Photo
Minister Shah said the notification will enable minorities persecuted on religious grounds in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan to acquire Indian citizenship and that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has delivered on another commitment and realized the promise of the makers of the constitution to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians living in those countries.
“The Modi government today notified the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024. These rules will now enable minorities persecuted on religious grounds in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan to acquire citizenship in our nation,” Shah said in a post on X.
The Modi government today notified the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024.
These rules will now enable minorities persecuted on religious grounds in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan to acquire citizenship in our nation.
With this notification PM Shri @narendramodi Ji has…
— Amit Shah (Modi Ka Parivar) (@AmitShah) March 11, 2024
“With this notification PM @narendramodi Ji has delivered on another commitment and realized the promise of the makers of our constitution to the Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians living in those countries,” he added.
Home Minister Amit Shah, on multiple occasions, said that CAA rules would be notified ahead of the Lok Sabha elections to be held in April-May.
The CAA rules, introduced by India’s Narendra Modi government and passed by the Indian Parliament in 2019, aim to confer Indian citizenship to persecuted minority migrants – including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians – who migrated from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and arrived in India before December 31, 2014.
Following the passage of the CAA by Parliament in December 2019 and its subsequent Presidential assent, significant protests erupted in various parts of the country.
As per an official, the CAA law can be put into action with the issuance of MHA notification, allowing eligible individuals to obtain Indian citizenship.
This is how the Hindu refugees of Pakistan living in Adarsh Nagar (Delhi) celebrated the #CAA implementation..
The implementation of the CAA, which has been delayed for over four years, necessitates the formulation of its associated rules.
“The regulations are prepared, and an online portal is already set up for the entire process, which will be conducted digitally. Applicants will need to disclose the year of their entry into India without any travel documents. No additional documentation will be required from the applicants,”
stated the official.
On December 27, Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserted that the implementation of the CAA cannot be halted as it stands as the law of the land. He had also accused Indian state West Bengal’s Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of misleading the public regarding this matter.
The assurance of implementing the highly debated CAA was a significant electoral agenda for the BJP during the previous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in West Bengal. Leaders of the ruling party at the Centre view it as a credible factor contributing to the BJP’s ascent in the state
As per the manual of parliamentary procedures, the guidelines for any legislation should have been formulated within six months of receiving the presidential assent, or the government should have sought an extension from the Committees on Subordinate Legislation in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Since 2020, the Ministry of Home Affairs has been regularly seeking extensions from the parliamentary committees to continue the process of framing the rules associated with the legislation.
During the past two years, over 30 district magistrates and home secretaries across nine states have been authorized with the ability to confer Indian citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians arriving from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan under the Citizenship Act of 1955.
As per the Ministry of Home Affairs annual report for 2021-22, between April 1, 2021, and December 31, 2021, a cumulative count of 1,414 individuals from persecuted minority communities originating from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan were granted Indian citizenship through registration or naturalization under the Citizenship Act, 1955.
Under the Citizenship Act of 1955, Indian citizenship by registration or naturalization is granted to non-Muslim minorities from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan in nine states such as Gujarat, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Maharashtra.
Application for Indian citizenship under CAA to be made online, rules’ notification specifies detail
Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024 enable persons eligible under CAA-2019 to apply for the grant of Indian citizenship and applications are to be submitted in a completely online mode for which a web portal has been provided by the Indian government.
The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, seeks to grant Indian citizenship to refugees who had sought shelter in India before December 31, 2014, due to religious persecution in three neighbouring countries–Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, of six minority communities there.
The CAA removes legal barriers to rehabilitation and citizenship. It gives a dignified life to refugees “who have suffered for decades”. Citizenship rights will protect their cultural, linguistic, and social identity, officials said, adding that it will also ensure economic, commercial, free movement, and property purchase rights.
The notification stated that every application made by the applicant under sub-rule (1) shall have a declaration to the effect that the citizenship of the origin country shall stand renounced irrevocably in the event of his application being approved and that the person shall not raise any claim on it in the future.
The notification specified the details of the steps and process required to apply for eligible persons for Indian citizenship.
New rules have been inserted in the Citizenship Rules, 2009 after rule 10. Rule 10 A details the application for the grant of citizenship by registration or naturalisation by persons eligible under section 6B.
The application from a person for grant of citizenship by naturalisation should fulfil the qualifications for naturalisation under the provisions of the Third Schedule and is submitted in Form VIIIA which includes an affidavit verifying the correctness of the statements made in the application along with an affidavit from an Indian citizen testifying the character of the applicant and a declaration from the applicant that he has adequate knowledge of one of the languages as specified in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution.
The applicant shall be considered to have adequate knowledge of the concerned language if he can speak/read or write that language.
The rules state that an application for registration or naturalisation under section 6B shall be submitted by the applicant in electronic form to the Empowered Committee through the District Level Committee as may be notified by the Central Government.
On submission of the application, an acknowledgment in Form IX shall be generated electronically.
The District Level Committee, headed by the Designated Officer, as may be specified, shall verify the documents submitted by the applicant along with the application.
The Designated Officer shall administer to the applicant the oath of allegiance as specified in the Second Schedule to the Citizenship Act, 1955 (57 of 1955) and thereafter, sign the oath of allegiance and forward the same in electronic form along with confirmation regarding verification of documents to the Empowered Committee.
In case an applicant fails to appear in person to subscribe to the application and take an oath of allegiance despite giving reasonable opportunities, the District Level Committee shall forward such application to the Empowered Committee for consideration of refusal.
The rules state the Empowered Committee referred to in rule 11A may scrutinise the application for grant of citizenship by registration or naturalisation submitted by an applicant under section 6B to ensure that the application is complete in all respects and that the applicant satisfies all the conditions laid down in section 6B.
On being satisfied after making such inquiry as it considers necessary for ascertaining the suitability of the applicant that he is a fit and proper person to be registered or naturalised, as the case may be, the Empowered Committee may grant him the citizenship of India.
Political War over CAA
The notification of the Rules under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act has also met with criticism from some of the Indian opposition parties like Congress and the Trinamool Congress.
Rajya Sabha MP of Congress Jairam Ramesh questioned the timing of the announcement just ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
“It has taken four years and three months for the Modi Government to notify the rules for the Citizenship Amendment Act that was passed by the Parliament in December 2019. The Prime Minister claims that his Government works in a business-like and time-bound manner. The time taken to notify the rules for the CAA is yet another demonstration of the Prime Minister’s blatant lies” Jairam Ramesh posted on X.
#WATCH | On the CAA notification, Congress General Secretary in-charge Communications, Jairam Ramesh says, "It took them 4 years and 3 months to bring this rule. The Bill was passed in December 2019. The law should have been formed within 3-6 months. Modi Government sought nine… pic.twitter.com/X9hV6k7xv7
“After seeking nine extensions for the notification of the rules, the timing right before the elections is designed to polarise the elections, especially in West Bengal and Assam. It also appears to be an attempt to manage the headlines after the Supreme Court’s severe strictures on the Electoral Bonds Scandal” Ramesh further said in his post.
Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Sikh leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa has expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modias the central government notified the rules for the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), paving the way for the law’s implementation across the country.
Sirsa, in a video posted by him on his X on Monday, said that the announcement to implement CAA will bring new hope and opportunity to those in need.
VIDEO | Here's what BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa (@mssirsa) said on Centre announcing implementation of Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA).
"This is the biggest gift to those families from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who were exiled because of their religion.… pic.twitter.com/LRvgGU1J7N
“This is the biggest gift to those families from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who were exiled because of their religion. PM Modi has given them a chance to live respectfully again. I would like to thank him and welcome this move,” Sirsa said, adding, “I welcome this decision and am sure this will bring new hope and opportunity to those in need.”
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has claimed that this move is just a publicity stunt by the BJP for the elections.
“Let me see the rules first. The notification has not been issued yet. If people are deprived of their rights under the rules, then we will fight against it. This is BJP’s publicity for elections, it is nothing else” Mamata Banerjee said.
Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari on Monday said that the Citizenship (Amendment) Act does not snatch anyone’s citizenship, adding that Hindu refugees in West Bengal are joyous over the Centre’s move to implement it.
“Hindu refugees in West Bengal are very happy. This is a very good step. This is not an attempt to snatch someone’s citizenship. Mamata Banerjee tries a lot to create confusion. This law is very clear. This is a law to give citizenship and not to take it away,”
Suvendu Adhikari told ANI.
Religious Institutions welcome the implementation
1- Delhi Haj Committee chairperson welcomes CAA
Delhi Hajj Committee chief Kausar Jahan welcomed the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) 2019.
Jahan said,
“I welcome this decision. This is an act to give citizenship and not take it away. The condition of Non-Muslims in our neighbouring countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh is not good. If the government wants to give them a respectful life, what is the problem with it?”
#WATCH | Delhi: On the CAA notification, Delhi Haj Committee Chairman Kausar Jahan says, "I welcome this. This is an act to give citizenship and not take it away. The condition of Non-Muslims in our neighboring countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh is not good. If the govt wants… pic.twitter.com/eMoJhep6L2
She further thanked PM Modi and said that the Muslim community will not be going to face any problems because of this act.
2- Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee welcomes CAA notification, says good decision for Sikhs
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has welcomed the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024 after the centre notified rules.
“I welcome the decision which is taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It is a good decision for Sikhs whose religion was converted in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh,” said Gurcharan Singh Grewal, spokesperson of SGPC.
3- Indian Muslims should welcome CAA, they aren’t affected by this law: All India Muslim Jamaat President
All India Muslim Jamaat President Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi said he welcomed the legislation, and tried to allay fears among the Muslim community, saying that it wouldn’t impact their citizenship status.
“The Govt of India has implemented the CAA law. I welcome this law. This should have been done much earlier but better late than never… There are a lot of misunderstandings among the Muslims regarding this law.
This law has nothing to do with Muslims. Earlier there was no law to provide citizenship to the non-Muslims coming from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh who faced atrocities based on religion…,”
said the Maulana, speaking to reporters.
#WATCH | Bareilly, UP: On CAA notification, All India Muslim Jamaat President Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi says, "The Govt of India has implemented the CAA law. I welcome this law. This should have been done much earlier… There are a lot of misunderstandings among the… pic.twitter.com/6FSfPeTivR
“Crores of Indian Muslims will not be affected by this law at all… This law is not going to take away the citizenship of any Muslim… In the past years, it has been seen that there were protests, it was because of misunderstandings. Some political people created misunderstandings among the Muslims… Every Muslim of India should welcome the CAA…,” he added.
Human rights organisations loud the decision; ‘Big win for persecuted minorities’
The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), a US-based advocacy group, welcomed the formal notification of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in India and said that the decision is a ‘big win’ for the persecuted religious minorities of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.
“A big win for Human Rights for the persecuted religious #minorities of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. India finally notifies the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) which was passed by the Indian Parliament in 2019!,”
the CoHNA said in a post on X.
A big win for #HumanRights for the persecuted religious #minorities of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. India finally notifies the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) which was passed by the Indian Parliament in 2019!
— CoHNA (Coalition of Hindus of North America) (@CoHNAOfficial) March 11, 2024
The group also highlighted that the rules would not affect existing Indian citizens of any faith and would fast-track the Indian citizenship process for religious minorities who fled Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.
“For instance, each year in Pakistan alone 1000+ minor girls from minority communities are kidnapped, forcibly converted and “married” to their abductors, with support from police and judicial authorities. As a result, petrified families with young kids have been fleeing to India for basic safety,”
it added.
“A reminder – CAA has NO impact on existing Indian citizens of any faith. It simply fast-tracks the Indian citizenship process for approximately 31,000 religious minorities who fled Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan in the face of extreme and systemic persecution,” the CoHNA said.
Security tightened in parts of Delhi, Assam and West Bengal; police take out flag march given CAA implementation
Security was beefed up in parts of the Indian national capital Delhi following the implementation of rules for the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019.
To avoid any untoward incidents Delhi Police and Paramilitary forces were deployed in some parts of the national capital. The implementation of the law passed in 2019, was delayed on account of widespread protests and violence against its passage.
Delhi’s Deputy Commissioner of Police Joy Tirkey said that the safety of every single common person in Delhi is our responsibility.
“We have made arrangements in the North East district. Our experience in 2020 was unpleasant which resulted in heavy loss. The rules will be notified today and we were alerted by the Police Headquarters,”
DCP Tirkey said.
“We have tagged the potential troublemakers and some known criminals. We are in touch with our beat constables and keeping an eye on social media too. We are doing a flag march for two days and will have an extensive flag march from Tuesday. Special care will be taken in sensitive areas through drones,” he added.
Assam Police warns ‘legal action’ against parties planning ‘sarbatmak hartal’ over CAA implementation
The Assam police have issued a stern legal notice to political parties planning a ‘Sarbatmak Hartal’ in Assam to protest against the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and warned of ‘legal action’ if there is any damage to public or private property during the demonstration.
The notice, addressed to the “United Opposition forum” orchestrating the protest, ordered the organization to withdraw the “Sarbatmak Hartal” and cooperate in maintaining peace in the state.
“The “Sarbatmak Hartal” is likely to lead to road blockade, forceful closure of shops and other business establishment, damage to public and private property including Railway/NHAI thereby disrupting the delivery of essential services,” the notice said.
The Guwahati police in its notice maintained that if there is any damage to public life and property during the protest, the total cost of damage to public and private properties will be recovered from the organization holding the protest under the provisions of law including the Indian Penal Code and Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Image: [LEFT] A sign depicting the Wagyl at Kings Park, Perth (Source: Wikipedia) [CENTRE] Shivalinga (Source: CANVA) [RIGHT] Image: Tourism Western Australia (Source: Website)
Genome studies show that Australia’s Indian connection can be traced to at least 4,000 years ago. This contradicts the Eurocentric view that Australia had no contact with the rest of the world until the coming of Europeans in the eighteenth century. Some Australian Aboriginals can even trace as much as 11% of their genomes to Indian migrants.
In 1623, the Dutch explorer Jan Carstenz was the first to write about the similarity in the physical appearance of Indigenous Australians and Indians. This was confirmed In 1870 by T. H. Huxley who proposed that Indigenous Australians were closely related to the people of South Asia.
“The only people out of Australia who present the chief characteristics of the Australians in a well-marked form are the so-called hill-tribes who inhabit the interior of the Dekhan, in Hindostan.”
Along with their genes, these Indian migrants brought different tool-making techniques, the dingo and socio-religious heritage. Based on their interaction, it can be argued that the aboriginal peoples have been naming places that are sacred to their beliefs.
Western Australia’s Lake Clifton is a good example of how Hindu religious story of Bhagwan Shiva, the serpent God, interact or is well-preserved in the memory of these aboriginal inhabitants.
Image: A sign depicting the Wagyl at Kings Park, Perth (Source: Wikipedia)
In Noongar creation story, the Wagyl (great Serpent) is the ruler of the Earth and sky, and that it inhabits water sources.
At the edge of Lake Clifton, in the Yalgorup National Park, rock-like structures called thrombolites that are similar to Shivalinga (the Symbol of Lord Shiva) can be seen.
The scientists believe that thrombolites are one of the first life forms on earth, dating back approximately 570 million years, producing oxygen that made all subsequent life possible. These are built by tiny micro-organisms believed to resemble the earliest forms of life on Earth.
Image: Tourism Western Australia (Source: Website)
However, These structures are approximately 2,000 years old and the largest in the southern hemisphere and hold a significant place in the Dreaming stories that explain how the waterways were created.
During the time of extreme drought, three old people from the tribe, Elders, went down to the sea to pray to their creator, Wagyl, for water so that the plants and animals could survive. On hearing the prayer, the creator came out of the water in the form of a snake which was coloured green and smokish grey.
Image: A sign depicting the creation story of Wagyl at Kings Park, Perth (Source: Wikipedia)
As the Wagyl came out of the sea all along its path an inlet was formed and thus Wagyl gave birth to its young creating unique shapes.
Soon Wagyl’s young left their birthplace, travelling away uphill and forming the Murray, Harvey, and Serpentine rivers.
“The old people believed that when the young of the Wagyl became water, the bush got more moisture, more sap, and the sap flowed into the animals, and the animals became fat and tender. The Six seasons of the people started working again, and the land was green once more.”
The other aboriginal groups in the area such as the Ballardong people also believe the Wagyl as the creator of the rivers, lakes and swamps, and the Wiilman people consider the Wagyl as the creator of their hills and rivers.
Image: Representation of Bhagiratha as Ganga descends upon the Earth (Source: Wikipedia)
The aboriginal people also believe that if the resting place of the serpent God is harmed, all the water in the world would dry up. This view is very similar to the Hindu belief that the celestial river Ganga drips from Bhagwan Shiva’s dreadlocks. The snow-covered peaks of the Himalayas, from where many small rivulets join to become Ganga, if destroyed will result in the end of very life on Earth.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Image: Patrick Wright, Group Executive - Technology and Enterprise Operations for NAB, was in Gurugram, India, for the opening of a new development and innovation centre at DLF DownTown (Source: LinkedIn)
National Australia Bank (NAB), which has a market capitalisation of around $106 billion, is keeping an eye on the Indian fintech market innovations.
Patrick Wright, Group Executive – Technology and Enterprise Operations for NAB, was in Gurugram, India, for the opening of a new development and innovation centre at DLF Down Town.
Image: NAB’s new development and innovation centre at DLF DownTown, Gurugram 9Source: LinkedIn)
Wright told ET that NAB is interested in implementing Indian innovations to the other markets and observed that there are certain aspects where India is ahead and others where Australia leads in banking.
Image: Patrick Wright at NAB’s new office in Gurugram, India (Source: LinkedIn)
He added:
“Cyber security, lending services, financial crime, application development, there is a list of capabilities which we are putting here.”
Image: Patrick Wright, Group Executive – Technology and Enterprise Operations for NAB (Source: NAB news)
Wright further observed that NAB’s idea is to find points where the best of both Australia and India can be brought together.
“We have a venture (investment) team but nothing has been done as yet (in India). We do not comment on our venture investments…but what I can say is that if we make investments (it will be) in companies which align with what we do.”
NAB, which set up its first physical centre back in 2022, has 3000 jobs outsourced to third-party vendors globally. Now their focus will be to in-source these jobs across India and Vietnam.
Wright is confident that this additional workforce will help reduce NAB’s dependence on external vendors and build technology teams in-house.
Image: NAB Innovation Centre India team (Source: NAB – LinkedIn)
Two other Australian banks, ANZ and Macquarie have 8000 and 1800 people respectively already working in their India offices.
ANZ’s Bangalore office handles the processing of mortgage applications and preparing reports for Australian regulators. While, Macquarie’s Gurugram and Mumbai offices look at finance, risk, technology, equities and asset management.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
By Marnee Shay, Amy Thomson, Antoinette Cole, Jodie Miller, and Ren Perkins
Australian politicians and major government reports keep emphasising the importance of STEM (or science, technology, engineering and maths) skills for our economy and society.
As the Universities Accord report noted last month, engineering and and science are experiencing “significant skill shortages”. Then there is a federal goal to have 1.2 million tech-related jobs by 2030.
This comes amid a growing discussion about how the current STEM workforce tends to be white and male.
Last month’s Diversity in STEM Review noted how in 2021, only 36% of STEM university students identified as female, while only 5% were living with a disability. In the same year, 0.5% of Indigenous peoples held a university STEM qualification, compared to 4.9% of the Australian population.
We recently conducted research for the diversity review about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ views on STEM. This included how we can increase the use of Indigenous STEM knowledge, as well as grow the number of Indigenous peoples in STEM.
Indigenous STEM knowledge is vast and includes many things such as astronomy, weather knowledge, medicinal plant knowledge and animal classification systems.
Mob have a lot to say about STEM
In 2023, we did an online survey of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults’ views on STEM. This is the largest survey of its kind.
We asked both multiple choice and open-ended questions and received 204 responses from diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, representing 98 different mobs across the nation.
We did this as part of a broader body of work for the Diversity in STEM review. We also did literature reviews, case studies and interviews on Indigenous contributions to STEM and barriers to participating.
Mob perspectives on STEM
Almost one quarter (23%) of our respondents had not heard the term “STEM”. This needs to change if we want to increase Indigenous participation in STEM. It is difficult to promote STEM opportunities to our communities if terminology and language aren’t relatable or understood well.
Of those surveyed, 83.3% saw a connection between STEM and Indigenous culture. This also came up in the literature reviews and qualitative interviews we did: western ideas of STEM and Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing should not be seen as separate, but as complimentary.
Almost everyone surveyed (98%) believed it was important to have Indigenous people represented in STEM fields. Having Indigenous role models in STEM is critical if we hope more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will pursue these careers: we must be able to see a place for ourselves in these fields.
As one participant shared:
I think it’s important that as an Indigenous person growing up you can see other people in STEM fields so you are aware of the opportunities you have.
Almost all (97.5%) of respondents either strongly agreed or agreed STEM could benefit community. Many mob have strong motivations to give back and this finding can be used in designing policies and programs that incorporate the connections between STEM and community.
Indigenous people are not being supported
Only one in three participants felt Indigenous people are being supported to pursue STEM careers.
They said racism, discrimination and individual and financial challenges are all barriers. Some of the individual barriers identified are a lack of support, opportunities or confidence.
As one participant shared:
We are often told we are not good enough or smart enough to pursue STEM because we don’t fit certain moulds of what people think should be STEM people.
One participant observed the way STEM is talked about and defined is also an issue:
Definitions of STEM are often very western. This excludes us.
There is a lot of positivity
We know there are Indigenous people who are thriving in their STEM careers, despite the challenges. There is also enormous positivity about the possibilities of STEM for individual careers and for Indigenous communities more broadly. As one survey respondent told us:
I believe STEM can provide more opportunities for our future generations in education, cultural equality and industry advancement.
One person elaborated on the possibilities for sustaining Country and communities:
Protecting Country and community both require STEM skills and are necessary in supporting our future generations.
But our respondents noted it was essential to listen to Indigenous peoples. Our voices need to be at the centre of decision making moving forward. As one participant said:
the more involvement and engagement we have, the more it opens the door for future generations.
How can we increase Indigenous participation in STEM?
Our final report outlines 22 key findings and 15 recommendations based on our research. This is both evidence-based and Indigenous-informed. This is important, as our research found most published research to date on Indigenous participation in STEM and Indigenous STEM knowledge has been undertaken by non-Indigenous researchers.
Some of our recommendations include:
A place to advance Indigenous STEM knowledges: This should include a platform for schools and universities to access quality sources on Indigenous STEM knowledges and knowledge holders, as well as investment to grow the Indigenous STEM research workforce.
A campaign to increase Indigenous peoples’ awareness about STEM: This should include what STEM is, as well as opportunities to be involved. It should also break down language barriers (by being published in multiple languages) and be Indigenous-led.
Establish an Office for Indigenous STEM: This would coordinate and promote policy initiatives from governments to increase Indigenous participation in STEM and would be similar to the existing Office for Women in STEM.
Community-based STEM programs: To date, governments have invested in many programs but few of these are community based or use existing STEM knowledge within communities.
Align Indigenous STEM goals with broader Indigenous education policies: Unless education outcomes improve for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, increasing Indigenous participation in STEM will be challenging.
Include STEM perspectives in early childhood programs: this will provide opportunities to experience STEM from an early age, including Indigenous perspectives on STEM.
The authors acknowledge the rest of the Big Mob: STEM It Up research team: Suraiya Abdul Hameed, Pedram Rashidi, Zoe Ockerby, Amanda Hurley, Lisa Harvey-Smith and Lisa Williams.
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Overnight, vandals painted graffiti on the Vietnam War Memorial on Anzac Parade in an apparent protest to highlight the situation in Gaza.
The Memorial was found defaced with red spray paint with the message: @The Colony Will Fall,” “Eyes on Rafah” and “This is genocide.”
Image: Vandalised Vietnam War Memorial in Canberra (Source: Michael Webster – LinkedIn)Image: Vandalised Vietnam War Memorial in Canberra (Source: Michael Webster – LinkedIn)Image: Vandalised Vietnam War Memorial in Canberra (Source: Michael Webster – LinkedIn)
RSL National President Greg Melick said the vandalism would be deplored by all fair-minded Australians.
“People are entitled to protest, but the desecration of a memorial to those who served, suffered and died in the Vietnam conflict is to be deplored. The protesters should have chosen another way to get their message across.”
Image: RSL National President Greg Melick (Source: RSL – LinkedIn)
Greg Melick added:
“The brave Australian service personnel who served in Vietnam had nothing to do with the current conflict in Gaza and to use their memorial as a platform to protest is contemptable. On behalf of the RSL and all who have served and continue to serve our nation, we condemn the actions of the protesters.”
Greg Melick said the desecration of the memorial did nothing to enhance the cause of those suffering in the Middle East.
Michael Webster, a well-known lawyer and military legal officer, posted on LinkedIn that he and many others have reported this “criminal damage” to the local authorities.
“At various times, concerned citizens have gone there in shock and left in disgust. It is now late afternoon and the memorial has not been cleaned. The sun must not be allowed to set on the desecrated memorial. This is a matter of honour and respect for our war dead.”
Australian Jewish Association (AJA) posted on X: “Our veterans would be horrified.”
Anti-Israel thugs trash Australia's Vietnam War memorial – Canberra
Our veterans would be horrified. The ANZACs fought to liberate the Holy Land from the oppression of the Muslim Ottoman empire pic.twitter.com/RSL1eXw71E
— Australian Jewish Association (@AustralianJA) March 11, 2024
Last year, Defence Minister Richard Marles has decried the desecration of a Melbourne war memorial that too was covered in pro-Palestine graffiti.
Before remembrance day, the residents of Montrose woke up to see the WWI memorial covered in graffiti.
Image: The Montrose War Memorial 2023 (Source: SkyNews screenshot)
“Defacing a war memorial does nothing to advance the cause of what’s happening in Gaza. It does nothing to advance the cause of the humanitarian situation facing the people in Gaza. What it does do is add enormous distress to people who are seeking to commemorate what is a very sacred moment in our country’s history.”
Image: The Vietnam War Memorial in Canberra (Source: RSL – LinkedIn)
The Canberra war memorial is dedicated to all those Australians who served in Vietnam from 1962 to 1973. The memorial was dedicated on the fifth anniversary of the Welcome Home Parade for veterans. Vietnam Veterans’ Remembrance Day is commemorated on 18 August; the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.
During this battle, D Company faced a Viet Cong force more than 20 times larger than the 108 Australians. D Company became only the second Army unit in Australian military history to be awarded a United States Presidential Unit Citation.
Vietnam is a good friend of Australia, and we welcome the positive contributions that the 300,000 Vietnamese-born people living in Australia have made to our society.
There are more than 300,000 Vietnamese-born people living in Australia who have contributed to Australian society.
Recently, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính of Vietnam has made announcement to further strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation in trade, investment, education, defence and security with Australia.
Image: Vandalised Vietnam War Memorial in Canberra (Source: Michael Webster – LinkedIn)
ACT Police told AAP that they were aware of the vandalism.
“Police remind the community that peaceful protest is part of healthy democracy however criminal acts will not be tolerated.”
Anyone with information has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Australian Border Force (ABF) officers selected the man, 38, for an examination due to suspicions around his behaviour when he arrived at Perth Airport early morning on 7 March 2024 on a flight from Asia.
Image: WA Man charged for allegedly importing heroin concealed internally (Source: AFP)
AFP Acting Commander Peter Hatch said the AFP and ABF worked closely together to ensure Australia’s airports were not used as part of a criminal supply chain.
“This arrest comes just three weeks after the AFP charged two other West Australians who allegedly tried to smuggle illicit drugs into Australia concealed internally. Again, we see the disgusting way that people try to smuggle items into Australia.”
A/Commander Hatch added:
“Illicit drugs cause immense harm to the community, through associated crime, road crashes and the demands on the health system and the AFP and ABF are working hard to stop illegal substances from reaching our communities.”
ABF then alerted AFP officers, who took the man to hospital to undertake a medical scan, which allegedly revealed the presence of a pellet in his body.
The man later excreted one pellet, which police suspect contains heroin.
Image: WA Man charged for allegedly importing heroin concealed internally (Source: AFP)
ABF Acting Superintendent Brett Hennessy said internal concealment was not only a reckless way to attempt to import illicit substances into Australia, it was also extremely dangerous to a person’s health.
“Border Force officers are trained to examine more than just baggage, we observe a passenger’s demeanour and behaviour, and how they interact with other passengers and crew members.”
ABF Acting Superintendent Brett Hennessy added:
“ABF officers work every day to protect passengers, crew members, and the wider Australian community from the harms and dangers which illicit drugs bring.”
Testing will be done to establish if the substance is illicit drugs and determine the weight and purity level.
Police will allege the man inserted the pellet into his body before boarding his international flight to return home to Australia.
The man has been charged with one count of importing a marketable quantity of a border controlled drug, contrary to section 307.2(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).
The maximum penalty for this offence is 25 years’ imprisonment.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
The Albanese government will abolish almost 500 so-called “nuisance” import tariffs from July 1.
Items set to become tariff-free include toothbrushes, hand tools, fridges, dishwashers, clothing, and menstrual and sanitary products. The tariff on such products is 5%. The cost to the budget has not yet been announced, partly because the plan is subject to consultations.
The decision will be the centrepiece of a speech Treasurer Jim Chalmers will make to a business audience in Sydney on Monday. Later, in another speech this week, Chalmers will set out some directions for the May budget.
The government says this is “the biggest unilateral tariff reform in at least two decades”, hailing it as a gain for productivity.
“It will cut compliance costs, reduce red tape, make it easier to do business, and boost productivity,” the government said in a statement, adding these tariffs do not protect Australian businesses.
The reforms were an important step in simplifying Australian trade, and would particularly assist small and medium-sized firms.
“After successive trade agreements, most goods are now imported duty-free. This means that businesses spend time and money proving their imports are eligible for existing tariff preferences and concessions, a compliance cost they often pass on to consumers, ” the statement said.
Cheaper toothbrushes, tools and tampons
Chalmers said: “Tariff reform will also provide a small amount of extra help with the cost-of-living challenge by making everyday items such as toothbrushes, tools, fridges, dishwashers and clothing just a little bit cheaper”.
The changes will scrap 14% of Australia’s total tariffs, streamlining about $8.5 billion worth of annual trade. Businesses will save more than $30 million in compliance costs each year, on the government’s estimate.
A Productivity Commission report in 2020 defined nuisance tariffs as
tariffs that raise little revenue, have negligible benefits for producers, but impose compliance burdens
It said the administrative costs of collecting these tariffs amounted to $11 million to $20 million per year.
The government gave the following list of examples of products set to see the removal of the 5% customs duties and what revenue the tariffs currently raise annually:
Washing machines with annual imports worth over $490 million, raise less than $140,000 in revenue per year
Fridge-freezers with imports worth over $668 million – less than $28,000
Tyres for agricultural vehicles, tractors or other machines with imports worth over $102 million – less than $10,000
Protective footwear with imports worth $160 million – less than $112,000
Toothbrushes with imports worth over $84 million – less than $22,000
Menstrual and sanitary products with over $211 million worth of imports – less than $3 million
X-ray film with over $160,000 in imports – less than $200
Chamois leather with $100,000 in imports – less than $1,000
Pyjamas with almost $108 million in imports – less than $120,000
Fishing reels with over $50 million in imports – less than $140,000
Rollercoasters with over $16 million in imports – less than $40,000
Dodgem cars with over $2 million in imports – less than $15,000
Ballpoint pens with imports worth over $57 million – less than $95,000
Toasters with imports worth over $49 million – less than $1,000
Electric blankets with imports worth over $31 million – less than $5,000
Bamboo chopsticks with over $3 million in imports – less than $3,000.
Removing tariffs on menstrual and sanitary items will align tariff policy settings with changes previously made to the GST.
The government said consultation on the proposed initial reforms is underway, with submissions open on the Treasury website and closing on April 1.
“The tariffs identified have been selected because their abolition will deliver benefits for businesses without adversely impacting Australian industries or constraining Australia in sensitive FTA negotiations,” the government said in its statement.
The full list of abolished tariffs will be finalised and provided in the May budget.
Chalmers said:“This is meaningful economic reform that will deliver meaningful benefits to businesses of all sizes around Australia.
“These tariffs impose a regulatory burden on Australian businesses and raise the costs of imported goods but they do little to protect our workers and businesses because they apply to goods that are mostly already eligible for duty-free importation.
“These tariff reforms will be better for businesses, better for consumers and better for the economy.”
Trade Minister Don Farrell said: “With one in four Australian jobs trade-related, and 27% of Australia’s economic output supported by trade, the importance of trade to Australia’s national wellbeing cannot be overstated.
“Trade that is simple, fast, and cost-effective can boost Australia’s international competitiveness, help create jobs, and reduce cost of living pressures.”
The Whitlam government began the journey to cut protection by cutting tariffs 25% across-the-board. The Hawke-Keating governments in the late 1980s and early 1990s undertook comprehensive tariff reductions and the elimination of import quotas.
The Howard government cut most tariffs to no more than 5% and many to zero.
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Drug trafficking kingpin Jaffer Sadiq; Image Source @Facebook
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) of India has arrested Jaffer Sadiq, the alleged mastermind behind a sprawling international drug trafficking network. This network, as revealed by the NCB, spanned across India, New Zealand, Australia, and Malaysia.
Sadiq, who was on the run since February 15, 2024, was captured on Saturday, marking a crucial victory in the fight against global drug syndicates.
Drug trafficking kingpin Jaffer Sadiq; Image Source @Facebook
Deputy Director General of the NCB, Gyaneshwar Singh, announced the arrest during a press conference, detailing how the agency had developed specific intelligence that led to Sadiq’s capture.
This arrest comes in the wake of a February operation where the NCB seized 50.70 kg of Pseudoephedrine, a precursor chemical used in the manufacture of methamphetamine, from a godown belonging to Aventa Company. This seizure led to the arrest of three of Sadiq’s accomplices, shedding light on the scale and reach of his operations.
Sadiq is accused of spearheading a network that trafficked Pseudoephedrine under the guise of food-grade cargo to Australia, New Zealand, and Malaysia. This network is believed to have sent approximately 45 consignments containing around 3500 kilograms of Pseudoephedrine over the past three years.
Drug trafficking kingpin Jaffer Sadiq; Image Source @Facebook
The NCB, in collaboration with New Zealand and Australian authorities, is working to dismantle the entirety of this transnational operation.
The coordinated raids conducted by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the Delhi Police’s special cell were initiated following intelligence received from Australian and New Zealand authorities towards the end of 2023.
These authorities alerted the Indian agencies to “large quantities” of Pseudoephedrine being smuggled into their countries, disguised within desiccated coconut powder and mixed food powder. Further information from the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) pinpointed the origin of these shipments to India’s capital.
Gyaneshwar Singh of the NCB revealed that Sadiq is suspected of channelling the profits from his alleged drug trafficking operations into various legitimate businesses, including film production, real estate, and hospitality sectors.
Jaffer Sadiq at the #MANGAI Trailer Launch; India’s Narcotics Control Bureau alleges this is a film produced by drug money
The DDG disclosed that the accused completely financed a Tamil movie, “Mangai,” using proceeds from drug trafficking. Additionally, he funded the construction of a hotel in Chennai.
The NCB is now probing his financial transactions to trace the sources of his funds and the beneficiaries of his drug trafficking proceeds. This inquiry has also unearthed potential connections to political funding, with further investigations underway.
The arrest has sparked widespread attention, particularly in the context of Sadiq’s alleged affiliations with the DMK party.
JSM Pictures Producer Jaffer Sadiq met Minister of Youth Welfare and Sports Development Thiru Udhay Stalin and donated 2 lacs towards the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Relief Fund
Bharatiya Janata Party Tamil Nadu President K Annamalia has called for a comprehensive investigation to expose and dismantle Sadiq’s network, highlighting concerns about money laundering and the flow of drugs under the DMK regime.
It is also alleged that Sadiq developed connections in Australia and New Zealand via the NRI Wing of the DMK party. Authorities are investigating his visits to Australia and New Zealand to find his local connections in terms of investments made in real estate and other businesses.
Pseudoephedrine, while having legal uses, is strictly regulated in India due to its potential for abuse in the production of methamphetamine. Offences related to its illegal possession and trade carry severe penalties, including up to ten years of imprisonment under the NDPS Act, 1985.
The NCB’s ongoing investigations aim to reveal further details about this international drug trafficking operation, with the agency also scrutinising Sadiq’s connections within the Tamil film industry and Bollywood.
On his social media profile, hundreds of pictures can be found that show his circle of influence from film stars, politicians and even senior police officers of Tamil Nadu state.
Jaffer Sadiq with senior Police officials of Tamil Nadu state
This case underscores the complex challenges facing law enforcement agencies in combating drug trafficking and highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing these global threats.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
As devotees across the globe immerse themselves in the reverential atmosphere of Maha Shivratri, the rhythmic beats of Lord Shiva’s Damaru resonate deeply within the collective consciousness of Hinduism. This sacred instrument, with its simple yet profound design, holds a spiritual and historical connection that transcends time and space, serving as a poignant reminder of the eternal cycle of life and death.
In the vast tapestry of Hindu mythology and scripture, the sound of the Damaru holds a place of reverence and significance. It is said that when Lord Shiva dances the Tandava—the cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction—the beats of his Damaru reverberate throughout the universe, setting the rhythm for the eternal cycle of existence. With each tap of the drum, the divine sound echoes the pulsating energy of creation, symbolising the cosmic vibrations that underpin all of reality.
Historically, the Damaru has been depicted in ancient Indian art and sculpture, dating back thousands of years. Its presence in Hindu iconography underscores its enduring significance as a symbol of spiritual awakening and enlightenment. From the temples of Varanasi to the caves of Ellora, the image of Lord Shiva wielding the Damaru serves as a timeless reminder of the divine power that permeates the cosmos.
Moreover, the sound of the Damaru holds deep philosophical and metaphysical implications within Hinduism. It reminds us of the cyclical nature of existence, where life inevitably gives way to death, only to be reborn anew in an endless cycle of reincarnation. Just as the Damaru’s beats rise and fall in rhythmic harmony, so too do the seasons of life ebb and flow in a perpetual dance of creation and dissolution.
In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna speaks of the impermanence of the material world, likening it to a fleeting moment in the vast expanse of eternity. The sound of the Damaru serves as a potent metaphor for this transience, reminding us to look beyond the ephemeral and seek solace in the eternal truths of the spiritual realm.
Shiva’s Damaru Image Source @CANVA
Furthermore, the Damaru’s association with Lord Shiva evokes the ancient yogic traditions of India, where sound is revered as a powerful tool for spiritual transformation. Through the practice of Nada Yoga, practitioners harness the vibrational energy of sound to unlock higher states of consciousness and commune with the divine. The rhythmic beats of the Damaru, when played with intention and devotion, have the power to transport the listener to realms beyond the material world, where the soul finds refuge in the eternal embrace of the divine.
In essence, the sound of Lord Shiva’s Damaru serves as a potent reminder of the interconnectedness of all beings and the cyclical nature of existence. As we celebrate Maha Shivratri and reflect on the profound symbolism of this sacred instrument, let us embrace the timeless wisdom it imparts and strive to live in harmony with the cosmic rhythms that govern the universe.
As the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) prepares to host a special exhibition on the various types of Damaru, the rich tapestry of India’s cultural and religious diversity comes to the forefront. Beyond its symbolism, the Damaru manifests in an array of shapes, sizes, and materials, each imbued with its own unique significance. This exploration not only sheds light on the diverse cultural heritage of India but also unveils the deep connections between the Damaru and various Shiva sects and devotees, including Aghoris, Nagas, and others.
In the holy city of Varanasi, the traditional wooden Damaru reigns supreme, its intricate carvings and embellishments reflecting the city’s rich artistic heritage. For Aghoris, who follow a path of extreme asceticism and seek spiritual enlightenment through unconventional means, the Damaru symbolises the cosmic dance of Shiva and the transcendence of worldly attachments.
Similarly, among the Nagas, ascetic warriors, Damaru holds a sacred place in their rituals and ceremonies. Crafted from animal hide and adorned with symbolic motifs, the Naga Damaru embodies the warrior spirit and the indomitable will to overcome adversity. For these devotees, the sound of the Damaru serves as a rallying cry, inspiring courage and fortitude in the face of life’s challenges.
In the southern state of Tamil Nadu, the brass Damaru takes centre stage, reflecting the region’s vibrant cultural traditions and artistic craftsmanship. Here, devotees from the Shaiva Siddhanta tradition revere the Damaru as a symbol of divine grace and spiritual awakening. The rhythmic beats of the brass Damaru resonate with the ancient Tamil hymns and chants, transporting worshippers to a state of transcendental bliss.
In the mountainous regions of the Himalayas, the Damaru finds its most primal expression. Crafted from animal bones and adorned with feathers and beads, the Himalayan Damaru embodies the raw power and elemental energy of the mountains. Here, among the sadhus and sages who seek solace in the solitude of the peaks, the sound of the Damaru serves as a beacon of hope and enlightenment.
In essence, the diverse types of Damaru found across India not only showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage but also highlight the deep spiritual connections between the instrument and various Shiva sects and devotees.
Shiva’s Damaru Image Source @CANVA
In the vast tapestry of Hindu mythology, symbolism plays a profound role in conveying deeper spiritual truths. Among the myriad symbols, the Damaru, a small double-headed drum associated with Lord Shiva, holds a special place. Its significance transcends mere musical instrumentality, weaving a narrative that speaks to the cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction.
At first glance, the Damaru’s shape resembles that of an hourglass, representing the eternal flow of time—a concept central to Hindu philosophy. The rhythmic beats produced by its two ends symbolise the dualities inherent in existence: life and death, light and darkness, creation and destruction. In Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance, known as the Tandava, the Damaru’s sound sets the rhythm for the universe’s perpetual motion, signifying the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
Furthermore, the Damaru’s construction—a small, hollow, wooden instrument with strings stretched across both ends—mirrors the structure of the cosmos. Just as the drum’s membrane divides the space within it, separating sound from silence, so too does the universe unfold through the interplay of duality. Lord Shiva, as the cosmic dancer, manipulates these dual forces, symbolised by the Damaru’s beats, to maintain harmony and balance in the cosmos.
The Damaru’s association with Lord Shiva extends beyond its symbolic representation of cosmic rhythms. It also embodies the concept of Nada, the primal sound from which creation emanates. In Hindu philosophy, sound is considered the primary source of the universe, and Damaru’s vibrations are believed to resonate with the cosmic vibrations that underpin all of existence. By playing the Damaru, Lord Shiva not only creates but also sustains and ultimately dissolves the universe, signalling the cyclical nature of cosmic evolution.
Moreover, the Damaru’s shape is reminiscent of the lingam, a symbol of divine energy and fertility associated with Lord Shiva. Just as the lingam represents the union of male and female energies, the Damaru embodies the balance between opposing forces—Shiva and Shakti, Purusha and Prakriti. Through Damaru’s rhythmic sounds, Lord Shiva harmonises these dualities, fostering the unity of opposites within the individual and the cosmos.
In Hindu mythology, the Damaru is often depicted alongside Nandi, Lord Shiva’s bull vehicle, further emphasising its sacred significance. Nandi, a symbol of strength and stability, listens intently to Damaru’s beats, symbolising the receptive aspect of creation. Together, the Damaru and Nandi embody the complementary forces of creation and receptivity, illustrating the interconnectedness of all beings in the cosmic dance of life.
Beyond its mythological and symbolic connotations, the Damaru holds practical significance in Hindu rituals and ceremonies. Devotees use it to accompany devotional songs and chants, invoking the presence of Lord Shiva and facilitating spiritual communion. The rhythmic sound of the Damaru is believed to purify the atmosphere, dispelling negative energies and invoking divine blessings.
In conclusion, the symbolism of the Damaru transcends its physical form, encompassing profound spiritual truths about the nature of existence. As Lord Shiva’s sacred instrument, it serves as a reminder of the eternal dance of creation, preservation, and destruction that animates the universe. Through its rhythmic beats, the Damaru symbolises the cosmic vibrations that underpin all of creation, offering devotees a pathway to spiritual enlightenment and divine communion.
As India’s leading art and cultural institution IGNCA unfolds, an exhibition on Damaru, and its symbolism, it’s pertinent to explore the intricate connections and gain a deeper appreciation for the profound symbolism of the Damaru in Hinduism and beyond. With each tap of the Damaru, we are reminded of the eternal cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, and the ever-changing nature of existence. Listen closely to the Damaru’s melody, and you will hear the heartbeat of the universe, pulsating with the rhythm of divine love and grace
ContributingAuthor:Anurag Punetha is the Media Head of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts, Based in New Delhi, India.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The Australia Today is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information in this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts, or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of The Australia Today and The Australia Today News does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Originally composed in Kannada language by the saint Sri Purandaradasa and celebrates the divine attributes of Bhagwan Shiva, emphasizing His moon-adorned form.
The blend of classical elements, heartfelt lyrics, and soulful vocals transports listeners to a realm of spiritual bliss.
Image: Shruthy Ramamurthy (Source: Facebook)
Margam offers Holistic Yoga and Traditional Bharathanatyam in Sydney for all levels. It is led by artistic director Shruthy Ramamurthy who is a highly motivated Yoga instructor, a fitness coach and a Professional Classical Indian dancer.
Shruthy quit her well paid IT career to follow her passion in Dance and Yoga and has been teaching these to students of all age groups.
WATCH VIDEO: Chandrachooda | Mahashivratri | Bharatanatyam | Dhriti & Purvi | Margam Centre for Arts
CREDITS:
Dancers – Dhriti Abhishek and Purvi Rao
Dance Concept & Choreography – Shruthy
Ramamurthi Dance School – Margam Centre for Arts, Sydney, Australia Videography &
Editing – DreamFactory Productions
Audio – Chandrachooda – Anoop Sankar
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
By Michael Noetel, Alexander Saeri, and Jess Graham
A new nationally representative survey has revealed Australians are deeply concerned about the risks posed by artificial intelligence (AI). They want the government to take stronger action to ensure its safe development and use.
We conducted the survey in early 2024 and found 80% of Australians believe preventing catastrophic risks from advanced AI systems should be a global priority on par with pandemics and nuclear war.
As AI systems become more capable, decisions about how we develop, deploy and use AI are now critical. The promise of powerful technology may tempt companies – and countries – to race ahead without heeding the risks.
Our findings also reveal a gap between the AI risks that media and government tend to focus on, and the risks Australians think are most important.
Public concern about AI risks is growing
The development and use of increasingly powerful AI is still on the rise. Recent releases such as Google’s Gemini and Anthropic’s Claude 3 have seemingly near-human level capabilities in professional, medical and legal domains.
But the hype has been tempered by rising levels of public and expert concern. Last year, more than 500 people and organisations made submissions to the Australian government’s Safe and Responsible AI discussion paper.
They described AI-related risks such as biased decision making, erosion of trust in democratic institutions through misinformation, and increasing inequality from AI-caused unemployment.
Some are even worried about a particularly powerful AI causing a global catastrophe or human extinction. While this idea is heavily contested, across a series of threelargesurveys, most AI researchers judged there to be at least a 5% chance of superhuman AI being “extremely bad (e.g., human extinction)”.
However, the speed of progress is raising alarm bells. People worry we aren’t prepared to handle powerful AI systems that could be misused or behave in unintended and harmful ways.
Australians want action to prevent dangerous outcomes from AI
To understand how Australians feel about AI risks and ways to address them, we surveyed a nationally representative sample of 1,141 Australians in January and February 2024.
We found Australians ranked the prevention of “dangerous and catastrophic outcomes from AI” as the number one priority for government action.
https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/yzst1/1/
Australians are most concerned about AI systems that are unsafe, untrustworthy and misaligned with human values.
Other top worries include AI being used in cyber attacks and autonomous weapons, AI-related unemployment and AI failures causing damage to critical infrastructure.
https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/cg9ds/1/
Strong public support for a new AI regulatory body
Australians expect the government to take decisive action on their behalf. An overwhelming majority (86%) want a new government body dedicated to AI regulation and governance, akin to the Therapeutic Goods Administration for medicines.
Nine in ten Australians also believe the country should play a leading role in international efforts to regulate AI development.
Perhaps most strikingly, two-thirds of Australians would support hitting pause on AI development for six months to allow regulators to catch up.
Government plans should meet public expectations
In January 2024, the Australian government published an interim plan for addressing AI risks. It includes strengthening existing laws on privacy, online safety and disinformation. It also acknowledges our currently regulatory frameworks aren’t sufficient.
The interim plan outlines the development of voluntary AI safety standards, voluntary labels on AI materials, and the establishment of an advisory body.
Our survey shows Australians support a more safety-focused, regulation-first approach. This contrasts with the targeted and voluntary approach outlined in the interim plan.
It is challenging to encourage innovation while preventing accidents or misuse. But Australians would prefer the government prioritise preventing dangerous and catastrophic outcomes over “bringing the benefits of AI to everyone”.
establishing an AI safety lab with the technical capacity to audit and/or monitor the most advanced AI systems
establishing a dedicated AI regulator
defining robust standards and guidelines for responsible AI development
requiring independent auditing of high-risk AI systems
ensuring corporate liability and redress for AI harms
increasing public investment in AI safety research
actively engaging the public in shaping the future of AI governance.
Figuring out how to effectively govern AI is one of humanity’s great challenges. Australians are keenly aware of the risks of failure, and want our government to address this challenge without delay.
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
In a shocking incident that has rattled the quiet communities of Buckley, Geelong and Point Cook, the body of Chaithanya “Swetha” Madhagani was discovered stuffed into a wheelie bin and abandoned in a remote paddock in the west of Geelong.
The Australia Today is given to understand that Ms Madhagani’s husband Ashok Raj is in India with their 5-year-old son. He works at local Coles and runs a solar installation business.
Image Source 9News Screenshots
Mr Raj left for India on Tuesday/Wednesday 5/7 March 2024 night. Family friends have told The Australia Today, almost around the same time Ms Madhagani is missing in action and has no contact with friends in Point Cook.
“She was one of the sweetest girls ever,” a friend told local media.
Image Source 9News Screenshots
The grisly find, made around midday on Saturday on Mt Pollock Road, has prompted a complex police investigation spanning nearly 100 kilometres across western Victoria.
Image Source 9News Screenshots
The discovery of Madhagani’s body is being treated as suspicious by authorities, who have cordoned off the area along Mt Pollock Road, a stretch known for its scattered residential blocks and farmland. The serene backdrop of Buckley, south of the Princes Highway, now serves as the primary crime scene in what appears to be a meticulously planned crime.
Image Source 9News Screenshots
In a related development, police have established a second crime scene at home in Point Cook, some 86 kilometres away from the initial discovery site. The home on Mirka Way is believed to have connections to the tragic fate of Madhagani, indicating a potentially wider scope of investigation as police work to unravel the circumstances leading to her death.
At Buckley, Geelong the local landowner Eric Lewis expressed his disbelief and horror upon learning of the discovery near his property. Describing the situation as flabbergasting, Lewis highlighted the rarity of such violent acts in the Buckley area, underscoring the impact this incident has had on the local community.
Image Source 9News Screenshots
“What is happening here in Buckley, I just can’t believe it,” Lewis told the Herald Sun, reflecting the sentiment of shock and confusion that has gripped residents.
The response to the discovery has been significant, with a heavy police presence, including homicide detectives and the VIPER Taskforce, descending on the scene. The VIPER Taskforce, known for its statewide capability to tackle serious and organised crime, indicates the serious nature of the investigation.
As the community grapples with this disturbing event, the focus remains on supporting the ongoing investigation. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward, as the search for answers and justice for Chaithanya “Swetha” Madhagani continues.
The incident not-only leaves a community in mourning but also prompts a renewed emphasis on safety and vigilance in the face of such tragic occurrences.
Below are the numbers to call if you need help.
1800 Respect National Helpline: 1800 737 732
Women’s Crisis Line: 1800 811 811
Men’s Referral Service: 1300 766 491
Mensline: 1300 789 978
Lifeline (24-hour Crisis Line): 131 114
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Little Kreya slipped outside unnoticed and Mr Patel found her unresponsive in the communal pool.
Kreya’s father called triple-0 and his wife, Dipti Patel, who was at work.
Paramedics worked desperately to revive Kreya through CPR before she was rushed to Women’s and Children’s Hospital where she sadly died.
Neighbours told media that the girl’s parents were beyond heartbroken and “crying a lot.”
Remembering a “playful” Kreya, neighbour Pooja Rani told 7NEWS she heard screams as the girl’s mother arrived home.
“I was standing outside and I saw her, she was running on the road and she was crying very loudly. Then I tried to ask her if everything was OK, but she didn’t reply because she was really upset. I feel very bad … when I heard her mother’s crying, then I feel like crying as well. It’s very hard.”
It is further reported that the pool in which Kreya drowned in is fitted with a latch for safety.
It is not known how she managed to unlock it or if it was at the time functioning properly.
According to reports, residents claimed there had been at least one incident previously where the pool gate failed to close properly.
Police say there are no suspicious circumstances and have closed the pool with temporary fencing.
A report is being prepared for the coroner.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Image: 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit (Source: X)
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hosted the 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit, which celebrated 50 years since Australia became ASEAN’s first Dialogue Partner.
My government is prioritising our relationships with Southeast Asia.
The AFP’s world-leading High-Risk Explosive Detection Dogs (HREDD) has played a vital role in ensuring the safe delivery of the 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit this week.
Six AFP HREDDs and their handlers, along with an additional seven Explosive Detection Dogs (EDD), supported Victoria Police to provide an additional layer of security screening.
The AFP’s HREDD canine teams and members of Victoria Police Bomb Response Unit (BRU) trained together in the lead-up to this event, to check large areas for explosives and other hazardous items.
AFP Commander Geoff Turner said:
“Explosive detection dogs have a high attention to detail, while having minimal impact on the surrounding environment, making them an ideal capability for events such as the Summit.”
AFP Commander Geoff Turner added that dogs have a smell processing capacity 40 times stronger than humans, and studies have shown they can find a scent as faint as one part per million.
“These dogs have significant genetic abilities that far surpass any technology available on the market to date. The HREDD program highlights the endless potential canines play in adapting to the latest threats in the evolving criminal environment.”
The inaugural deployment of this new capability has proven invaluable in searching a large number of areas required for an event of this size.
This event has seen AFP Canine members deploy from all Commands around Australia, including members from Cairns, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide, and Perth.
This is in addition to the seven existing handlers currently stationed at Melbourne Airport, bringing the total contingent to 20.
Image: K9 Training ASEAN (Source: AFP)
The AFP introduced the HREDD capability in 2023, making it a first for Australian law enforcement.
Through extensive, four-month long training with AFP trainers, HREDDs have the ability to work off-lead independently away from their handler, providing handlers significant safety enhancements.
Handlers can still maintain control of the off-lead dogs at distance, using hand directions and communication tools such as silent whistles and lasers.
Extensive research was conducted when developing this canine capability, including hunting and retrieval methodologies, as well as practices from the US Air Force and international military.
The AFP has the largest law enforcement explosive detection dog capability in the Southern Hemisphere, with 58 explosive detection dogs deployed across Australia.
Tactical Response Negotiators and Bomb Response, Air Support Rapid Appraisal Officers and Discreet Operations in the field have contributed to the effort along with Close Personal Protection Command staff and communication operators from ACT.
One in four Australian jobs depends on trade.
And by working with our neighbours and friends we can deliver for Australians. pic.twitter.com/AHLzCYTJ3D
This year’s Summit was held from 4 to 6 March 2024 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Footballer Sam Kerr has been charged with “racially aggravated harassment” over a January 2023 incident in which she allegedly insulted a London police officer. According to widespread media reports, she is said to have called the officer a “stupid white bastard”.
Kerr has pleaded not guilty to the charge and has reportedly denied using the word “bastard”.
According to section 33 of the British Crime and Disorder Act, to be found guilty of such an offence, the conduct would have had to cause – or have intended to cause – alarm or distress.
Regardless of the court’s ultimate verdict, one big question seems to occupy the minds of many: does the phrase attributed to Kerr constitute racism?
Kerr was born in Western Australia, and has Indian ancestry on her father’s side. Can she be racist towards a white person, and more specifically to a white police officer?
Assuming it is true Kerr used the term “white”, there is a racial element. But “racial” is not the same as “racist”.
Definitions of racism
It is important to note here that “race” is not a biological category (there is only one human race). Race is a social construct, invented and cemented centuries ago to legitimise colonial atrocities, oppression and forms of subjugation including slavery.
There are many definitions of racism, but there has been a broad consensus for decades that racism is more than “just” prejudice and discriminatory behaviour. It is not simply a matter of less favourable treatment of an individual or group of people based on their actual or ascribed ethnic background, skin colour, origin or related characteristics.
Racism also reflects and manifests as systemic exclusion and marginalisation based on historically rooted power imbalances and racial hierarchies that put white people at the top.
In a vicious cycle, everyday racism and discrimination are shaped and justified by racial hierarchies, while they operate continuously in a way that cements power imbalances and racial marginalisation.
This may sound a bit abstract, but if we do not recognise this power dynamic, we trivialise racism as little more than name-calling. We will fail to understand how racism operates and how it continues to affect people from racially marginalised groups in their daily lives.
One way to illustrate the systemic nature of racism is to look at the persistent lack of representation of people of colour in leadership positions in the corporate sector, the media and governments in Australia and elsewhere.
In the United Kingdom, where the alleged incident occurred, institutional racism – including within the police force – has been recognised since the release of the Macpherson report in 1999. It was reaffirmed in 2023 by the Baroness Casey Review, despite some political pushback.
The review found “Met officers are 82% White and 71% male, and the majority do not live in the city they police. As such, the Met does not look like the majority of Londoners.”
Reverse racism?
Anti-discrimination legislation in the UK and Australia usually does not speak explicitly of “racism”. It outlaws certain acts that are motivated, partially or wholly, by a person’s race (or other personal identity markers).
Legislators introduced these laws with the intention of enhancing the legal protections for those who were considered vulnerable to racism. In Australia, for example, the Racial Discrimination Act (1975) is often celebrated as a legal cornerstone in the country’s journey away from its racist “White Australia” history towards a modern multicultural society.
The issue of power structures should also be seen through an institutional lens. It is difficult to imagine a person on the streets of London with more institutional power than a white police officer.
Being called a “stupid bastard” might hurt someone’s feelings. But while I’m in no position to judge whether Sam Kerr’s alleged actions have caused “distress” to the officer – as the law would require – labelling the incident as racist is clearly not in line with what racism means.
Such a definition would not align with the concept’s institutional and systemic dimensions. It is not what anti-discrimination laws were intended to outlaw.
Claims of anti-white or “reverse” racism are based on a shallow, misguided and inaccurate understanding of what racism really constitutes.
If Kerr’s court case fails to acknowledge the deeper purpose of anti-racism legislation by equating “racial” with “racist”, it risks setting a highly problematic precedent that would undermine efforts to acknowledge and tackle racism in all its forms.
What would be the message to those millions of people in the UK, Australia and elsewhere who have to face racism every day without recognition of the harm it causes and without the support and capacity to sue the perpetrators?
What would they think about their right to equality and their place in society?
Mario Peucker, Associate Professor and Principal Research Fellow, Institute for Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities, Victoria University
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Image: Dr Parwinder Kaur with 'Swan Scientist of the Year' on International Women's Day 2024 (Source: LinkedIn)
Dr Parwinder Kaur, Associate Professor and a renowned Indian-Australian biotechnologist, has been awarded ‘Swan Scientist of the Year‘ on International Women’s Day 2024.
Dr Kaur, who is Director DNA Zoo, was presented this prestigious award by Geoff Baker MLA.
Image: Dr Parwinder Kaur with her ‘Swan Scientist of the Year’ award on International Women’s Day 2024 (Source: LinkedIn)
She was awarded in the presence Kate Doust and Zaneta Mascarenhas MP in an event celebrating and inspiring incredible talent.
Image: Dr Parwinder Kaur with her ‘Swan Scientist of the Year’ award on International Women’s Day 2024 (Source: LinkedIn)
Last year, Dr Kaur was inducted into the Western Australia Women Hall of Fame by WA Minister for Women’s Interests Sue Ellery MLC.
Dr Kaur’s journey has been inspired by problem solving and breaking barriers of disciplines.
She leads an innovative DNA Lab that enables research to span the spectrum of scientific activities beyond the traditional ‘Lab-to-Landscape’ model.
Dr Kaur leads cross-disciplinary biotechnology research investigating Earth’s biodiversity and natural environments to ensure sustainable futures.
Her other noteworthy achievements include receiving the prestigious “Science and Innovation Award” from the Australian Academy of Sciences in 2013, winning Microsoft’s AI for Earth award in 2019, being recognised as a finalist for WA Innovator of the Year in 2022, and earning the esteemed Australian Sikh Woman of the Year for Excellence in 2023.
Swan Scientist of the Year is presented to an individual who currently resides in the Division of Swan and has made significant contribution in her relevant field and has also put back into her field to support others.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Image: The Wickramasinghe family (Source: Facebook)
Canadian Police say six Sri Lankan newcomers to Canada, the youngest being less than three months old, are victims of a “mass killing”.
Febrio De-Zoysa, a 19-year-old international student from Sri Lanka, who lived with the family has been charged in the killings.
The victims have been identified as 35-year-old Darshani Banbaranayake Gama Walwwe Darshani Dilanthika Ekanyake and her four children: seven-year-old Inuka Wickramasinghe, four-year-old Ashwini Wickramasinghe, two-year-old Rinyana Wickramasinghe and two-month-old Kelly Wickramasinghe. The sixth deceased victim was identified as family friend 40-year-old Amarakoonmubiayansela Ge Gamini Amarakoon.
The children’s father and Ms Ekanyake’s husband, Dhanushka Wickramasinghe in court documents, was seriously injured in the attack.
Mr Wickramasinghe is in stable condition at an area hospital. He was the one seen on the street shouting for someone to call 911.
Ottawa’s police chief told media:
“This was a senseless act of violence perpetrated on purely innocent people.”
Ottawa’s mayor Mark Sutcliffe called the multiple homicide event “one of the most shocking incidents of violence in our city’s history”.
He wrote in a post on X: “We are proud to live in a safe community but this news is distressing to all Ottawa residents.”
I was devastated to learn of the multiple homicide in Barrhaven, one of the most shocking incidents of violence in our city's history. We are proud to live in a safe community but this news is distressing to all Ottawa residents. Ginny and I are thinking of the family members and…
Officers responded to emergency calls placed at approximately on Wednesday from the Ottawa suburb of Barrhaven.
When the police arrived, officers quickly identified the suspect and arrested him without incident. Soon, the officers discovered the victims, which included a mother, her four children, and a family friend who was living with the family.
Chief Stubbs told media that the victims were killed and injured using an “edged weapon”.
In September 2022, a man stabbed and killed 11 people in the western province of Saskatchewan and in December 2022, a man shot five people in a Toronto suburb before being gunned down by police.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has expressed “shock and horror” at the incident, which he called a “terrible violence”.
Febrio De-Zoysa has been charged with six counts of first degree murder and one count of attempted murder.
The police investigation is ongoing.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Image: Prime Minsiter Anthony Albanese at the International Women's Day parliamentary breakfast 2024 (Source: X)
By Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
I begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we meet, I pay my respects to their elders past, present and emerging.
The lead-up to International Women’s Day is an opportunity for all of us to recognise the progress that women are driving across our economy and our society.
It’s a chance to re-affirm our commitment to true gender equality – in the community, the boardroom, on the sporting field, in our parliaments.
Above all, this is a time when we must face-up to where we are falling short and look for new ways to do better.
Nowhere is this need for new thinking and renewed determination more urgent or more clear than when it comes to addressing violence against women and children.
One death from family violence is one too many. One death a week is an epidemic.
It is an offence against every value we hold as Australians, it flies in the face of everything we say and imagine about ourselves as nation.
In acknowledging this hard truth, it is worth noting that there has been a profound change in the way we talk about family and domestic violence and the national priority we give to it.
The terrible toll of violence against women is front page news – as it should be.
And that in itself should give us cause for hope.
Because so much of this overdue change in mindset is down to the courage of victim-survivors and advocates, extraordinary Australians like Rosie Batty.
Women who have channelled their grief and pain into a call for national action.
I’m so proud to lead a government that is over 50% women.
It’s the first time Australia has had a government where women are the majority.
And with more women at the table, we’re delivering for women across the country. pic.twitter.com/y40DJrHFsV
Over recent years, the voices and experiences of women have helped change public perception.
And under our Government, the voices and experiences of women are changing public policy.
I am proud to lead the first government in Australian history with a majority of women in our membership.
You can see, across every portfolio, this has made a difference.
Because of women, campaigning with the union movement, making it clear that no-one should have choose to between their safety and their job – we now have 10 Days Paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave.
Because of women’s advocacy and the work of experts like Anne Summers, emphasising the way poverty and financial dependency trap people in violent relationships – we’ve delivered more support for single mums.
Because of women, making it clear that one of the most basic reasons they do not leave a dangerous situation sooner is because they simply have nowhere safe to go – we are building and funding more crisis accommodation and safe housing around the country.
The experience and perspective of women and children is driving our actions on family and sexual violence law reform.
It’s driving the work our outstanding Minister for Women, Katy Gallagher, is leading on our new Gender Equality Strategy.
It’s informing what we’re doing in education, everything from respectful relationships to dealing with sexual assault on campuses and preventing online abuse.
And it’s shaping so much of the economic progress that we have made.
The gender pay gap is at a record low, the participation rate has reached historic highs.
All 55 recommendations of the Respect@Work report are being implemented.
We’ve taken new action on pay equity and pay transparency.
These are just some of the changes that have seen Australia climb from 43rd in the Global Gender Gap rankings to 26th.
And yet even as we welcome this progress, we must recognise that gender equality, while essential, does not safeguard against family violence on its own.
Indeed, even nations that lead the world on measures of gender equality are dealing with their own shocking rates of violence.
Some of it, in the cruellest of ironies, occurring as a reaction to the progress being made.
Male partners using violence to try and re-assert some sort of imagined authority.
This is why addressing family violence cannot begin and end with efforts to achieve gender equity or economic equality.
We have to go deeper than that.
To start with, we have to listen and learn from those who have experienced violence.
That’s what the Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner Cronin is doing.
And it’s what Minister Amanda Rishworth has done through our National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children.
Out of those conversations and consultations on the National Plan have come two important and recurring messages I wanted to highlight this morning.
First, there must be more humanity and empathy and dignity accorded to victims of family, domestic and sexual violence, from law enforcement to government services to the courts.
When women are seeking help they should be heard and seen, believed, supported and empowered.
A willingness to understand what a person has been through must be built-in into the system and shape the actions of everyone who works in it.
As one woman put it:
“Your whole world is turned upside down. Most days you don’t even know what your own name is. Let alone the right services to call.”
And the second vital point was that we need a much sharper focus on stopping violence, not just responding to it.
One person put it like this:
“If we look at this as a waterfall, we’re catching women and children at the bottom of the waterfall. They’re already in crisis, and they’re drowning. We want to be catching women before they fall in. If they’re partway down, we want early intervention to get in there. Because when they get to the bottom, crisis and tertiary response is overwhelmed, which they are.”
We need to put the focus on prevention and we need to do that in new ways.
Concentrating our efforts on perpetrators.
Intervening early where there is a higher risk – whether it’s because people are facing financial or health stress, or alcohol and drug issues.
As well as proactively engaging with children who have been exposed to violence.
Because all the data tells us that men who perpetrate violence as adults are more likely to have experienced violence as a child.
We know that’s not the reality for everyone. Ending violence in a generation means making sure it’s not the reality for anyone.
Because violence against women and children is never acceptable.
We need to break the cycle, to make sure that the trauma inflicted by this generation of abusers, doesn’t create another generation of perpetrators.
That’s why we are investing in initiatives like Helping Children Heal and other early intervention programs that will help young men deal with the trauma they’ve suffered, so they can form healthy relationships when they grow up.
The final thing I’d say is that while women are shaping these policies and driving these responses, ending this epidemic of violence has to involve men stepping up.
Because violence against women is not a problem that women should have to solve.
Men have to be prepared to take responsibility for our actions and our attitudes.
To educate our sons, to talk to our mates.
To drive real change in the culture of our sporting clubs, our faith and community groups and our workplaces – including this workplace.
It’s great there are so many Members and Senators here this morning.
I know that everyone elected to Parliament, from all points of the political compass, believes that the decisions we make here can help change the country for the better.
And practically every week, whenever we read about another life violently stolen, all of us are reminded of why change is needed and why it’s needed as a matter of urgency.
I know all of us are determined for Australia to do better on this.
Working together, I know we can and I’m confident we will.
This article is a transcript of Prime Minsiter Anthony Albanese’s speech at the International Women’s Day parliamentary breakfast.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Image: Aria Wigneswaran and Thibault Henry, co-founders Bazaa (Source: Suplied)
Do you know that 85% of Australia’s kerbside furniture goes to landfill?
In a world where fast furniture and mass-produced items dominate, consumers are often faced with limited options and significant challenges when shopping second-hand quality products.
Now, Australians have access to thousands of authentic vintage and antique homewares through the debut of Bazaa, a game changing online marketplace, founded by Aria Wigneswaran and Thibault Henry.
Aria is a resale and marketplace expert. She brings invaluable experience from her time at the leading social resale platform, Depop.
Her journey from Depop to Bazaa underscores her dedication to innovating within the e-commerce landscape, driven by insight and a genuine love for the resale market.
Image: Aria Wigneswaran, Co-Founder of Bazaa (Source: Supplied)
Aria observes:
“We understand the challenges of hunting for vintage and antique homewares – the time, energy, and the risk of scams.”
She adds:
“At Bazaa, we’re here to shake up the game. We’re celebrating the charm of slow-made, pre-loved furniture and home decor, while reshaping how Australians discover, buy, and sell these timeless pieces.”
Bazaa is the go-to destination for discovering the rich artistry and history of traditionally crafted pieces – inherent qualities hard to find when shopping new – all in one trusted and secure place.
With 88% of Australians believing that buying second-hand furniture is a more sustainable choice and 67% expressing a preference for second-hand over new furniture, Bazaa is revolutionising the way Australians shop for and style their homes. They’re offering an array of quality pre-loved pieces that breathe character into any space and contribute to a more circular future.
Image: Thibault Henry, Co-Founder of Bazaa (Source: LinkedIn)
Thib is the retail and logistics specialist who has honed his expertise at Voly, a pioneering quick grocery delivery service in Australia.
His deep understanding of retail dynamics and operational intricacies ensures that every Bazaa treasure finds its way into your home seamlessly.
Thib adds:
“At Bazaa, our passion for interior design and commitment to sustainability drive everything we do. We’re shaping a world where pre-loved pieces continue to tell their rich stories of craftsmanship while uniting a community of people contributing to a circular future.”
The platform hosts mid-century classics, bold brutalist statements, Art Deco designs, heritage pieces, and more. From French Provincial oak to handwoven wool kilims from the deserts of Afghanistan, each item tells stories spanning continents and eras.
With new rare vintage and antique pieces added monthly, there’s always something exciting to discover Bazaa brings together a community of sellers and treasure hunters, each contributing to the rich tapestry of offerings. These include seasoned antique store owners, globe-trotting enthusiasts, and individuals passionate about restoring furniture or sharing unique discoveries.
As Bazaa presents endless opportunities for Australians to design their interiors with a diverse range of vintage and antique homewares not commonly found elsewhere, they have been successful in raising $650K pre-seed funding through business angels and syndicates.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
We have just entered that moment where the cure for the planet is supposedly found, not in our actions, but in identifying a name. The fertility of the academic mind has flattened the complexities of our environmental deterioration by pinning it down to a specific name. Climate change has spawned a new crisis, that is, the crisis of a name to capture planetary deterioration.
“A committee of roughly two dozen scholars has, by a large majority, voted down a proposal to declare the start of the Anthropocene, a newly created epoch of geologic time.”
While scientists at the International Union of Geological Sciences debate the planet’s history to identify the specific characteristics that define a particular age, they need to be reminded what the French Philosopher, Henry Lefebvre’s warning that “the word has never saved the world and it never will.”
No wonder, climate change has been driven so long by an acute silence of the culpable groups and communities, even nations. This silence has spelt violence for the planet for so long and we are all to be blamed for this, albeit in different ways.
Naming is an act of identification and, therefore, also of recognition. While we witness this ongoing debate, people are dying or suffering severely due to extractive ideas and practices, which are yet to be acknowledged, at least in words. Can choosing an appropriate name be a panacea to the ongoing environmental crisis? Does the Holocene or for that matter Anthropocene offer different pathological treatments of the planet? Or is the case that the Holocene is better suited since it diverts attention from cannibalistic capitalism? If replacing the Anthropocene with the Holocene can address humanity’s problem, we must do that immediately.
That, however, is not the case. The singularity of a name cannot resolve the universal problem of ongoing climate change. For, we do not breathe names, we breathe in and are constituted by the environment around us. That environment around us is itself, a product of the capital-state nexus, thus dividing the planet into “liveable” and “non-liveable zones”.
Perhaps, the holders of the monopoly of name are also the bidders of what qualifies as climate crisis, or for that matter who are the agents of this crisis. The ontology, therefore, itself becomes a puzzle through which epistemological abandonment of climate crisis is being promoted, even legitimized. Precisely what capital needs to build and stoke its never-ending fairy tales of progress. Just like modern capital flows invisibly, climate violence is also rendered through invisible actors.
Perhaps, the Holocene is okay for us, perhaps not.
Maybe, the Anthropocene is a more appropriate term, who knows and why does one want to know at a time when 315,000 humans are dying (airclim.org) every year, and about 42,100 species are at risk of extinction just because of the climate crisis?
One must also not forget that not all humans are equal on the balance sheet of the present climate crisis, in the same way, that not all humans face the impact of climate change equally on this planet.
“the Anthropocene backers will now have to wait for a decade before their proposal can be considered again. ICS has long instituted this mandatory cooling-off period.”
While we may have a cooling-off period in our institutions, can we also think of a cooling-off period for the ongoing extractions ongoing in the global south?
It looks as if words are being deployed to sell us another version of the climate crisis. When we listen more attentively to these gaps and silences we realise reality has become existential despite for the planet. The cover of the book has changed while the content remains the same.
Neither does one need the Anthropocene nor the Holocene, what is needed badly at this juncture is commonsense and a collective movement against the global proponents of climate crisis. We are not living in a fictional world where we can change the name conveniently.
Contributing Author: Om Prakash Dwivedi tweets @opdwivedi82. His interests lie in the field of postcolonial theory.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The Australia Today is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information in this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts, or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of The Australia Today and The Australia Today News does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Detective Superintendent Andrea Humphrys, who was awarded the Australian Police Medal (APM) in 2017, has experienced a colourful and rewarding 42-year career with the AFP, including as the first female officer at international postings such as The Hague, Netherlands and in her current role as AFP Senior Officer Pretoria, South Africa.
Image: Detective Superintendent Andrea Humphrys in Canberra 1983 (Source: AFP)
Det-Supt Humphrys said:
“I joined the AFP so I could help the wider community and have a career where I was doing something different, every day. I think that is still the case today and why I love the job so much. I have been blessed to work across diverse areas with amazingly talented people along the journey; and that motivates me every day.”
Joining the AFP in Victoria in June 1981, Det-Supt Humphrys was one of the first female officers to work in surveillance in Melbourne.
Image: Detective Superintendent Andrea Humphrys on the cover of ACWAP 2000 (Source: AFP)
Image: Detective Superintendent Andrea Humphrys at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta (Source: AFP)
Det-Supt Humphrys said other memorable situations included serving as the AFP Liaison Officer in Washington, providing security at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta and spending three days lost in a Brazilian jungle while climbing the Pico da Pedra D’Agua mountain in November 2009, which resulted in her being rescued via helicopter.
Image: Detective Superintendent Andrea Humphrys at the Hague 1997 (Source: AFP)
She observes:
“I’ve never been so happy to be dangling 50 feet under a helicopter in all my life. I am forever grateful that I came out of that situation alive.”
Det-Supt Humphrys said events such as International Women’s Day were crucial to ensuring women were acknowledged and supported in their organisations.
Image: Detective Superintendent Andrea Humphrys with the East Timor Police Commissioner 2001 (Source: AFP)
She reflected on the changes in policing since she started her career.
“It took seven years before I worked with another female member on a shift. There were a handful of other women in the job in the early years, but it was very few, certainly never enough to actually be on shift together.”
Det-Supt Humphrys said one of the most rewarding aspects of her work with the AFP was being able to share her experience with other members to help them grow, develop and showcase their own skills and ideas in policing.
“There are countless opportunities and a colourful future ahead for any woman considering a career with the AFP, or with other law enforcement agencies.”
Image: Detective Superintendent Andrea Humphrys in Suai 2001 (Source: AFP)
Det-Supt Humphrys adds:
“My advice for applicants is to seek opportunities, look for things that are a challenge, put yourself out there, be resilient and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Learn every day you come to work, and thrive in your own achievements, no matter how small.”
Image: Detective Superintendent Andrea Humphrys with a Dutch Police robot 2019 (Source: AFP)
Det-Supt Humphrys said it was important that officers never underestimated their contributions to the job.
“Teamwork is critical to our success; we are all part of not only a small team but the bigger team, the bigger AFP family. You may have a bad day every now and again but over the journey, I have seen the AFP grow and evolve into an amazing organisation, with really talented high-quality members – and I say that from a position where I have worked across multiple jurisdictions all over the world.”
Image: Detective Superintendent Andrea Humphrys in Cyprus 1998 (Source: AFP)
Today, more than 40 per cent of the AFP’s workforce is female. The AFP has a total of 8022 members in both sworn and unsworn roles across Australia and overseas (as at 23 February, 2024) and 3312 of them are women.
There are currently 1019 women in the AFP’s sworn (police, PSO, and recruit roles) workforce (consisting of 23.8 per cent of the sworn workforce), and 2293 women in the unsworn workforce (consisting of 61.4 per cent of the unsworn workforce).
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Representative image: Women in workforce (Source: CANVA)
By Susan Harris Rimmer
As International Women’s Day comes around once more, the latest gender pay gap figures for Australia have made for disappointing reading, including naming those companies where the gap is widest.
Looking at full-time equivalent total remuneration, the gender pay gap in Australia is at 21.7%. Yikes.
As she launched the government’s latest gender equality strategy at the Press Club on Thursday, Finance Minister and Minister for Women Katy Gallagher called this “an eye-watering disparity”.
So what are the key points in the strategy and what actual difference is it likely to make?
As a guiding principle, one of Gallagher’s strongest quotes from the launch was that “inequality serves no-one”.
The strategy sets out that gender inequality and stereotypes also constrain men, limiting their choices, supports and opportunities. One way to redress this would be to normalise equal parenting and caring roles in Australian society.
Where the strategy is weakest is on how to preserve women’s hard-fought gains during crises and shocks such as the climate transition.
So what is the big picture for Australian gender equality?
In this context, Gallagher said she is determined to get Australia back up the international rankings on gender equality.
I know what you’re thinking: Australia didn’t have a gender equality strategy before now? The surprising answer is no.
There is a 2022–32 strategy on violence against women and girls, for example, but until now, there has been never been a plan for the broader goal of gender equality, and no plan to address human rights since 2013.
And even now, the ten-year strategy won’t start until 2025. Can you imagine defence or infrastructure going years or decades without a strategy? AUKUS has a $368 billion plan between now and the mid-2050s. But key areas of social policy such mental health, gender equality or climate adaptation lapse for years, or are built and unbuilt by electoral change.
Nonetheless, the government is at least to be given some credit for finally giving us one on gender equality. https://www.youtube.com/embed/krWLRJXu35o?wmode=transparent&start=0
So what’s in it?
Working for Women: A Strategy for Gender Equality has a vision of “an Australia where people are safe, treated with respect, have choices and have access to resources and equal outcomes no matter their gender”. It includes a great section on harmful gender attitudes and stereotypes, complete with narratives.
There are also five priority areas for action: gender-based violence; unpaid and paid care; economic equality and security; health; and leadership, representation and decision-making.
Some of the key points are:
New federal procurement rules will be developed by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) so Australian businesses with 500 employees or more will be required to meet new gender equality targets if they want to win government contracts (noting federal public procurement is worth $70 billion).
These targets will focus on the gender makeup of companies’ boards and the workforce; equal pay; flexible working arrangements; workplace consultation on gender equality; and efforts to prevent and address sexual harassment.
This has been proven overseas to be an excellent lever for gender quality outcomes. My research for UK think tank Chatham House showed public procurement accounts for around one-fifth of global gross domestic product. It is estimated women-owned businesses and women entrepreneurs supplied just 1% of this market.
The government will work towards the goal that paid and unpaid care work must be better valued. Women currently account for 75% of disability carers, 87% of residential aged carers, and more than 90% of early childhood educators.
The strategy will also tackle structural medical biases that lead to poorer health outcomes for women and girls, especially in relation to endometriosis and pelvic pain, and menopause.
While the government’s strategy has much to recommend it, it needed to do more on the impact of climate change on women. Shutterstock
But climate impacts could undo it all…
Where the strategy falls down badly is in the consideration of climate impacts and related disasters on Australia’s progress towards gender equality.
Literally the last page of the report notes that given the unequal impact of crises such as climate change and natural disasters on women, diverse leadership and representation are important. But the strategy doesn’t see climate adaptation as the game-changer that it is, with most current climate adaptation measures in energy, transport, disaster management, finance, climate services and technology fuelling gender inequality outcomes.
Nevertheless, as the minister said in her speech, the strategy points us to a better future for the next generation of girls and women:
To a little girl who is born today. That by the time you go to school, you won’t have preconceived ideas about “girl” jobs and “boy” jobs. That by the time you choose the subjects you study you don’t self-select out of maths or science and technology if that’s what you’re interested in. That as you grow up, you and your male peers learn about respectful relationships and enthusiastic consent rather than how women should protect themselves and their friends from the threat of violence.
That if you experience the pain of endometriosis or polycystic ovarian syndrome your diagnosis doesn’t take a decade, or that you’re told the pain is in your head and then sent away from the ED with only Nurofen as pain relief.
That you won’t be catcalled when you go for a run or look over your shoulder when you walk alone.
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
In an inspiring display of entrepreneurship and community spirit, Sydney’s Dawoodi Bohra community has brought to life the vibrant annual marketplace, Souq Rabeha. This women-led event not only showcases local businesses but also celebrates the communal ethos and entrepreneurial spirit that define the community.
Organized to increase visibility for local entrepreneurs, especially those running small businesses, Souq Rabeha has become a bustling hub where talent meets opportunity.
Organizer Tasneem Changi envisioned the event as a vibrant space for local talent to thrive and for community members to explore a diverse range of products.
“We envisioned a space bustling with energy, where local talent could shine and community members could indulge in a diverse array of products.”
Image Source Dawoodi Bohra Women Group
This year, the marketplace saw participation from over 25 businesses, offering an eclectic mix of goods from cakes, patisseries, and snacks to Bohra clothing, beauty products, baby products, and eco-friendly disposables.
The event’s organization and collaborative spirit have not only enriched the community experience but have also provided a valuable platform for women entrepreneurs to showcase their passion.
Image Source Dawoodi Bohra Women Group
Stall owners like Tasneem Champion and Rashida Ratlamwala expressed their gratitude for the exposure and the seamless experience from registration to the event day, underscoring the positive impact Souq Rabeha has had on their businesses.
Image Source Dawoodi Bohra Women Group
“The seamless flow from registration to the day of the event allowed me to truly engage with our visitors,”
said Tasneem Champion.
Image Source Dawoodi Bohra Women Group
“The exposure at Souq Rabeha has been invaluable… I am grateful for the opportunity and excited for what the future holds,”
expalined Rashida Ratlamwala.
As Souq Rabeha continues to grow, organizer Tasneem Baquari reflects on the event’s journey, proud of its evolution into a space where business and community intertwine. The marketplace not only embodies the Dawoodi Bohra ethos of communal support but also serves as a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of its women.
“We are immensely proud of what Souq Rabeha has become and excited about where it is heading. It’s a place where business and community intertwine.”
Cumberland City Councillor Sabrin Farooqui, who attended the event, praised Souq Rabeha as a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of the Dawoodi Bohra community’s women. She highlighted the event’s role in advocating for women’s financial independence, a cause close to her heart.
Image Source Dawoodi Bohra Women Group
The Dawoodi Bohra community in Sydney extends an open invitation to everyone to experience the warmth and vibrancy of Souq Rabeha. It’s an opportunity to support local businesses, savor a wide range of products, and be part of a community celebration that fosters growth, gratitude, and the collective progress of women entrepreneurs.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Senator Wong was born in the Malaysia and her family moved to Australia in 1976, when she was eight years old, and settled in Adelaide.
She studied law and arts at the University of Adelaide and worked for the trade union covering furniture industry employees.
Kota Kinabalu is where I am from and I have visited here often since I moved to Australia at the age of 8.
I hope that my story and my family's story can contribute to the relationship between the nation of my birth and the nation to which I belong. pic.twitter.com/eFCPEW6pk2
Senator Wong was elected to the Senate for the Australian Labor Party in 2001 and has been re-elected four times – in 2007, 2013, 2016 and 2022.
Senator Wong was first appointed Minister for Climate Change and Water in the Rudd Government in 2007 and then in 2010, she was appointed as Minister for Finance and Deregulation.
In 2013 Senator Wong was elected Leader of the Government in the Senate and, after the change of government in 2013, became Leader of the Opposition in the Senate – the first woman to hold either of these roles.
She served as Shadow Foreign Minister for six years before the election of the Albanese Government in 2022, when she was appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs.
This is my friend @DrSJaishankar’s fourth visit to Australia since I became Foreign Minister.
Australia’s partnership with Indian is crucial for us and crucial for our region. pic.twitter.com/EHkASzNzow
Senator Wong lives in Adelaide with her partner and their daughters. In her spare time she enjoys cooking, shopping at the Central Market and, from time to time, enjoying one of South Australia’s great wines.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Image: Australian soccer team Matildas captain 30-year-old Sam Kerr (Source: X)
UK newspaper The Sun has revealed that Australian soccer team Matildas captain 30-year-old Sam Kerr allegedly called a Metropolitan Police officer in London “a stupid white bastard.”
These words were allegedly spoken during a dispute over a taxi fare last year.
London’s Metropolitan Police have alleged the incident happened in Twickenham, on January 30, 2023.
It is further reported that Kerr has been sick in the cab after a night out and then alleged to have unleashed the slur when police arrived.
Kerr, Australian soccer star of Indian heritage, appeared via video link in Kingston crown court and pleaded not guilty to a charge of racially aggravated harassment of a British police officer.
Court documents reveal Ms Kerr allegedly intended to cause the police officer — PC Lovell — “harassment, alarm or distress” by using “abusive or insulting words or behaviour”, or becoming “disorderly”.
It is also reported that Kerr has “full support” of her team and is fighting to have this charge thrown out of court.
The afternoon before the alleged incident, Kerr had scored three goals for her club Chelsea against Liverpool.
In a statement, the sport’s governing body Football Australia (FA) said it was aware of the legal proceedings:
“As this is an ongoing legal matter, we are unable to provide further comment at this time. Our focus remains on supporting all our players, both on and off the field. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide support as appropriate.”
In January 2022, Kerr outranked Tim Cahill to become the highest-scoring player for Australia. She has scored 58 goals for Chelsea in the WSL where she’s played since 2020 after stints in Australia and the US.
Kerr has an estimated income of $3.3 million per year in salary and endorsements. She works with six major brands, including Uber and Mastercard and is the face of Nike’s Mercurial boots.
She also has a deal with EA Sports as the first woman to grace the cover of its premier sports video game and features in Disney+ series Matildas: The World at Our Feet.
Kerr has won the Golden Boot award in leagues in three different continents. She was in 2022 awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia and was in 2018 named Young Australian of the Year.
Under Section 4 or 4a of the Public Order Act 1986, under which Kerr was charged, the racially or religiously aggravated version of an offence can attract a maximum penalty on summary conviction, which is six months imprisonment or an unlimited fine or both.
Athletes who undergo a court proceeding may face court penalties and employers can also take action under codes of conduct within their work agreements.
Judge Judith Elaine Coello has ordered Kerr to appear for a four-day trial at the Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court in February 2025 at which two police officers are expected to give evidence.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Image: Sushant Mittal arrest and speeding footage (Source: 9News screenshots)
Sushant Mittal, 20-year-old alleged serial Hoon (a young man who drives irresponsibly), has been charged with more than 100 offences by Taskforce Achilles.
It is being reported that Sushant is accused of allegedly reaching dangerous speed of 260km/h on a major Melbourne’s Monash Freeway.
It is further alleged that he even boasted about the speeding online by posting video footage that showed him allegedly speeding and weaving in and out of traffic.
“This is literally what I do as a game.”
Officers from Victoria Police’s Taskforce Achilles arrested Sushant last year from his home and seized an AMG C-Class Mercedes.
Last year, Victorian Police Sergeant Paul Holtzinger told media:
“We’re aware of where these videos and pictures are being uploaded and we have our eyes. We allege he’s driving a high-powered Mercedes at speeds that are absolutely ridiculous.”
Sushant’s arrest was part of the wider Operation Achilles – a hooning crackdown.
This operation in its first two years has seen more than 360 drivers charged and 375 cars seized.
As part of Achilles, Highway Patrol units relentlessly pursue drivers of interest to lay charges and seize their vehicles.
Since being formed Hoon driving events have declined by more than 75% across Victoria.
Last year, North West Achilles Taskforce Acting Senior Sergeant Sean Foley said in a statement:
“We want all drivers to know just because you don’t see police while driving recklessly does not mean you will get away it. We will investigate thoroughly and won’t rest until charges are laid. If you choose to threaten the safety of our community through idiotic and selfish driving behaviour, sooner or later, police will be knocking on your door.”
It is reported by 9News that the court heard expert mechanical testing found Sushant’s luxury vehicle had been modified.
He has been charged over 12 separate incidents and has been allegedly accused of reckless conduct endangering life, reckless conduct endangering serious injury, speed dangerous and racing another vehicle.
Sushant appeared before Dandenong Magistrates Court and if found guilty may face jail time.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Image: Roshni Lad with her partner and child (Source: 7NEWS screenshot)
In a scene straight out of a movie, a Melbourne woman was forced to give birth on the side of the road.
On Tuesday, 7News reports, traffic on Melbourne’s West Gate Bridge was thrown into chaos by climate activists.
Roshni Lad who went into labour in the morning was on her way to the hospital when the climate protestors blocked the bridge.
Extinction Rebellion activists parked a truck on the bridge about 7.45 am and then climbed on top, unfurling banners.
According to 7News, these protestors demanded that the government “declare a climate emergency” and claimed that “climate breakdown has begun”.
Image: Melbourne’s West Gate Bridge (Source: SkyNews screenshot)
Roshni and her husband became stuck in the traffic and she was forced to give birth on the side of the road.
7News reports that a school bus pulled over and two teachers came to the aid of this young couple.
Their son was born healthy and the family eventually made their way to hospital.
Meanwhile, two climate protesters are now in jail as they pleaded guilty to two counts of public nuisance by obstructing motorists and obstructing police and emergency service workers.
33-year-old Deanna “Violet” Coco from NSW and 51-year-old Bradley Homewood from Williamstown were sentenced to 21 days’ imprisonment.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Representative image: Prime Minister ANthony Albanese in Perth, WA, Feb 2024 (Source: X)
By Michelle Grattan
The government will pay superannuation on its paid parental leave from July 1 next year. This will benefit about 180,000 families annually.
Minister for Women Katy Gallagher will announce the move on Thursday when she releases Working for Women, a national strategy to achieve gender equality.
The commitment will be costed in the May budget.
Right now, when parents take time off work to raise their family they miss out on superannuation.
More often than not, it’s the mum who misses out.
And that means that on average, women retire with about 25% less super than men.
Eligible parents with babies born or adopted from July next year will receive an extra 12% of their government-funded paid parental leave as payment to their super fund.
July 2025 is when employers’ compulsory contributions climb to 12% of salary after climbing from 11% of salary to 11.5% in June this year.
Paid parental leave can be taken flexibly, in blocks as little as a day, until the child turns two, and can be shared between two parents.
The superannuation move follows earlier announced changes to parental leave including expanding the payment to six months by 2026.
Gallagher said the data showed clearly that “when women take time out of the workforce to raise children it impacts their retirement incomes with women retiring, on average, with about 25% less super than men”.
Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth said parental leave was “not a welfare payment – it is a workplace entitlement just like annual and sick leave”.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers said more economic inclusion of women was “at the centre” of the government’s agenda.
The Working for Women strategy says: “Equality cannot be achieved without addressing who takes on and who is expected to take on caring responsibilities. Nor can it be achieved without valuing the substantial contribution unpaid and low paid care makes to families, the community and – notably – the Australian economy”.
Funding to spur takeup of electric vehicles
On Thursday the government will also announce the provision of $55 million for electric vehicles and associated infrastructure from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC)
Energy Minister Chris Bowen will commit the CEFC to make up to $50 million available to Anglo Auto Finance to enable it to get 20,000 new electric vehicles onto Australian roads in the next two years.
Anglo Auto will give short-term loans to car dealers to help them buy vehicles from manufacturers. The loans will have a shorter turnaround time than traditional auto finance.
ARENA will advance $4.76 million to car rental company Europcar to enable it to add 3100 new electric passenger vehicles to its Australian fleet over three years, in a transition the government values at $110.6 million
Europcar will team up with Ampol to install 256 chargers across 41 hire care sites.
Electric vehicle sales have increased 70% over the past year and now account for 5.4% of all new vehicles sold, with hybrids making up another 10.9%.
The move comes on top of plans to introduce a national fuel efficiency standard from January 2025 that would require manufacturers to increase the average fuel efficiency of the cars they sold each year until 2029.
Manufacturers would be able to meet the target by either making the vehicles they sold more efficient or changing the mix of vehicles they sold to include a greater number of electric vehicles.
Some progress on Closing the Gap
Also on Thursday, the Productivity Commission releases new data on eight of the Closing the Gap data targets and nine supporting indicators.
Five of the 19 targets for Indigenous Australians are now on track compared to four previously.
The proportion of Indigenous babies born with a healthy weight has improved. It is now on track to meet the target of 91% by 2031.
The target of a 15% increase in land and sea covered by Indigenous people’s legal rights is also on track.
But on the downside, there has been no improvement in closing the life expectancy gap. Indigenous males are expected to live 8.8 fewer years than other Australians. For women, the gap is 8.1 years.
The target of reducing the number of children in out-of-home care remains not on track. The target is to reduce the rate of over-representation by 45% by 2031.
Also not on track is the target of reducing adult imprisonment – in fact the situation is worsening. The target is a cut of at least 15% by 2031.
The Productivity Commission will release a further update in July.
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Dr Ujvala Vemuru, a promising young medic, has plunged to her death off a waterfall after trying to retrieve photographic equipment.
The Gold Coast Bulletin reported that on Saturday afternoon Dr Vemuru had been hiking with friends at Yanbacoochie Falls in Lamington National Park in the Gold Coast Hinterland.
Image: Lamington National Park (Source: https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/lamington/journeys/box-forest-circuit)
The group stopped to take photos using a tripod which soon fell over a ledge.
Dr Vemuru tried to retrieve the tripod but slipped and fell 10 metres down a slope and another 10 metres off a waterfall.
It is further reported that three off-duty doctors worked tirelessly to save Dr Vemuru but she tragically died at the scene.
Paramedics and firefighters reportedly attended the area where Ms Vemuru died earlier this week to retrieve the body.
Image: Dr Ujvala Vemuru (Source: Facebook)
Dr Vemuru, who is from Western Australia, graduated from Gold Coast’s Bond University last year with a Bachelor of Medical Studies and Doctor of Medicine.
She was earlier honoured as one of “WA’s brightest young minds” for her exam results at Willetton Senior High School in 2018.
A Queensland Fire and Emergency Services spokesperson told media that it took some time for multiple emergency crews to locate the woman and carry out a risk assessment.
Queensland police will prepare a report for the Coroner.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
1800 Respect National Helpline: 1800 737 732
