Sam Kerr, Australian soccer star and Matildas captain 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.
Kerr, hailed as one of the brightest stars in Australian women’s football, is being allegedly accused of a racially aggravated harassment of a police officer in London.
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.”
Image: Football Australia chief executive James Johnson (Source: screenshot)
Football Australia chief executive James Johnson said it was “too early to tell” if the matter would impact Kerr’s role as Matildas captain.
“Sam has rights as an individual, she has pleaded not guilty and I think we need to remember that and we need to respect that.”
He added:
“We’re trying to get to the bottom of it at the moment. We have our own questions we would like to know. We have got to find out what actually happened.”
The Metropolitan Police say Kerr’s charge relates to an alleged incident involving PC Lovell, who responded to a complaint about a taxi fare in the leafy suburb of Twickenham on January 30, 2023.
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”.
Kerr’s lawyers are attempting to have the charge dismissed and avoid a criminal trial next year based on the “abuse of process” by Crown prosecutors after it took almost 12 months to lay the charge.
Image: Sam Kerr with family (Source: FIFA)
Kerr’s father, Roger Kerr, was born in Kolkata to an Indian mother and an English father.
In an earlier interview with the BBC, Perth-born striker has expressed her eagerness to connect with her Indian heritage.
“I’m really proud to be Indian and love my skin colour and love my ‘Indian complexion’, as my nana (grandmother) says.”
She added:
“I’ve listened to my nana and my dad’s stories about moving to Australia, feeling like outsiders, having to work their way into society at a time when it wasn’t very multicultural, and it’s taught me a lot. It was hard for my dad to be accepted as a dark-skinned man in Australia. Listening to what they went through has really influenced who I am and taught me to accept people for who they are.”
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.
Former Socceroo Craig Foster told the Guardian that the allegations were “deeply distressing” and added that Kerr was entitled to the presumption of innocence, having pleaded not guilty.
“… Racism is a serious contractual issue and if proven, there would need to be sanctions applied as per any other player.”
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.
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. Kerr 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.
Image: Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson (Source: CommBank Matildas)
Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson said he would support Kerr:
“I think FA was very clear on that as well, in terms of supporting our players on and off the field … and I understand why there’s a lot of questions about it, but of course as a human being I will always support.”
Kerr is due to appear at a trial at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court on 3 February 2025.
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Image: Pat Nibin Maxwell died in Israel on Monday (Source: Facebook)
The Israeli Embassy in India has confirmed that one Indian national was killed and two more Indians were injured in a terror attack by Islamist terrorist group Hezbollah along the border with Lebanon in Northern Israel on Monday.
Pat Nibin Maxwell (31) from Kerala, India was working in Israel to provide for his family.
He was killed yesterday in Northern Israel by a missile fired by Hezbollah terrorists.
Pat leaves behind his wife who is seven months pregnant and a 5 year old daughter.
The deceased Indian national has been identified as Pat Nibin Maxwell, a 31-year-old man from Kerala.
As per information, Mr Maxwell had arrived in Israel two months ago and was working cultivating an orchard at the time of the missile strike.
We are deeply shocked and saddened by the death of one Indian national and the injury of two others due to a cowardly terror attack launched by Shia Terror organization Hezbollah, on peaceful agriculture workers who were cultivating an orchard at the northern village of Margaliot…
In its statement, the Israeli embassy in India said:
“Our countries, who are sadly well versed in civilian loss, stand united in hopes of a speedy recovery for the injured and solace for the family of the bereaved.”
Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Shia Islamist group, is a proscribed terrorist organisation. It is the largest Islamist terrorist force in Lebanon and is attacking Israel in support of Hamas in Gaza.
According to the Israel Defence Forces, at least 10 rockets were fired from Lebanon at the Western Galilee. It is reported that some of the rockets were intercepted by the Iron Dome air defence system of Israel.
Keeping in mind the Islamist terrorism in the region, Indian government has issued an advisory for Indians, asking them to move to safer areas in Israel.
Mr Maxwell’s older brother is also in Israel for work. He is survived by his five-year-old daughter and a wife who is expecting a second child.
I spoke earlier to the brother of the deceased Indian farm worker who was killed yesterday in Northern Israel. I offered my heartfelt condolences to him and the family and reassured that Israel will be by their side for anything and everything. ओम शांति 💔.
The two injured Indian nationals, also from Kerala, have been identified as Bush Joseph Georg and Paul Melvin.
The Israel-Hamas war has raged on for nearly five months after the October 7 brutal Islamist attacks on Israel.
A team of United Nations experts has accepted that there are “reasonable grounds to believe” sexual violence, including rape and gang rape, occurred during the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7.
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The AFP issued the man, aged 49 and woman, aged 46, with court summons in December 2023, after locating about $1.95 million in cash and about $425,000 in cryptocurrency, as well as substantial financial records, during a search warrant at a home in Hope Island on the Gold Coast.
AFP Detective Superintendent Adrian Telfer said money laundering undermined Australia’s national security, the economy and social security system.
“Money laundering syndicates are sophisticated, international groups with one purpose – to provide a shadow economy enabling more crime. While law-abiding Australians are paying their taxes and being good community citizens, organised crime gangs are using money gained illegally to increase their wealth.”
Detective Superintendent Telfer added:
“They are buying homes, commercial property and living large without the financial pressures felt by ordinary Australians. The money that is laundered through our economy bankrolls their lavish lifestyles and funds future crime, such as more illicit drug importations and weapons trafficking.”
Police will allege the Russian nationals laundered the alleged illicit cash by visiting various financial institution branches and automatic teller machines in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia, conducting hundreds of cash deposits during 2022.
Police will also allege each of the cash deposits was kept under $10,000 in an effort to avoid detection by authorities.
Officers from the Gold Coast Joint Organised Crime Taskforce (GC JOCTF) executed search warrants at the Hope Island home on 4 December 2023 and a solicitor’s office in Surfers Paradise on 21 December 2023.
The man and woman are each facing three counts of dealing in the proceeds of crime – money or property worth $1,000,000 or more, contrary to section 400.3 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth).
The GC JOCTF is a multi-agency taskforce comprised of members of the AFP, Queensland Police Service (QPS), Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC), Department of Home Affairs (DHA), Australian Border Force (ABF), Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) and the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
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Australia’s housing crisis is putting the Australian dream to own one’s home out of reach for many.
But it’s not just home ownership that has been affected. Rental affordability has also become a serious issue. This has reignited the debate about negative gearing; whether or not it is fair and whether it holds the key to fixing the housing crisis.
What is negative gearing?
Negative gearing refers to using borrowed money to invest in an asset so it results in a loss which can be claimed as a tax deduction against other income. For example, a property investment is negatively geared if the net rental income received is lower than the mortgage interest. The loss is then offset against other income, such as wages and salaries, which reduces the amount of income tax payable.
Negative gearing is commonly used for property investments but also applies to other investments (such as shares). Investments can also be positively geared when net income from the investment is more than the interest on borrowings.
The attractiveness of negative gearing in Australia is mainly due to its ability to reduce the amount of income tax. For this reason, it can be more beneficial to individuals who are on higher marginal tax rates. However, capital gains tax must be paid on any gain when the asset is sold.
How does negative gearing work?
Let’s look at a simple example of negative gearing. Say an investment property was rented to tenants at A$500 a week ($26,000 a year), and associated expenses (such as agent fees, rates, mortgage interest, maintenance) were $40,000 for the year. This leaves a shortfall of $14,000.
The property owner can deduct the $14,000 from their taxable income to reduce their liability. For example if they received $100,000 from wages, they would pay tax on only $86,000 (saving $4,550 in income tax). Individuals on higher incomes and therefore higher marginal tax rates would receive larger tax deductions (for example, someone earning over $180,001 would pay $6,300 less tax).
While negative gearing an investment property can reduce tax while it is being rented, it can also result in a large capital gains tax bill once the property is sold (even though capital gains tax is halved for assets held for more than 12 months).
For example, if the cost base for a property purchased ten years ago was $400,000 and it sells for $900,000 today, capital gains tax would be calculated on half of the $500,000 difference. At a marginal rate of 45%, the tax bill would be $112,500.
How widespread is it in Australia?
According to the Australian Taxation Office, about 2.25 million individual tax payers (21% of all individual tax payers) claimed deductions against rental income for a total 3.25 million properties in 2020-21 financial year.
Of these, 47% negatively geared their properties, claiming a net rental loss. This is equivalent to just less than 10% of all taxpayers. Investors with fewer properties were more likely to be using negative gearing with over 71% of property investors having only one investment property.
https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Wv9lV/
The largest group of property investors (524,220) had one investment property and a total annual taxable income between $50,001 and $100,000. The chart above shows the proportion of property investors by age group.
From 2016-2017 to 2020-2021, the total net rental income on property investments in Australia went from a loss of $3.3 billion to a gain of $3.1 billion (as you can see from the chart below).
For the same period, the proportion of investors negatively gearing their properties dropped from 58% to 47%, as lower interest rates reduced losses.
Negative gearing is also becoming less attractive with the government’s recent changes to tax brackets and marginal tax rates. According to a study conducted by LongView and PEXA, 60% of property investors would be financially better off if they instead put their money into a superannuation fund.
When was it introduced?
Negative gearing has been allowed under tax laws since 1936. It was thought it would encourage investment in housing and increase supply.
However, debate around its impact on housing affordability led the government to partially abolish it in 1985 by not allowing rental property losses to reduce tax on other sources of income.
There was a shortage of housing and rents rose during the two years it was abolished. As a result, in 1987, negative gearing was reinstated and capital gains tax legislation was introduced.
Is it used in other countries?
Canada, Germany, Japan and Norway use negative gearing. In Finland, France and the United States, rental losses can offset future rental income only. In the US, home owners are entitled to claim a tax deduction for mortgage interest on their own home.
The use and benefit of negative gearing depends upon all aspects of a country’s tax system. So although it may be attractive in countries with high marginal tax rates, other taxes such as capital gains tax, land tax and stamp duties may reduce its appeal.
Negative gearing’s impact on housing affordability
Many factors affect the cost of housing, including interest rates, inflation, employment, the overall taxation system and population growth, making housing affordability a complex issue.
However, unlike Australia, New Zealand does not have capital gains tax, making negative gearing more popular and more likely to impact housing prices. In addition to phasing out negative gearing, the New Zealand government increased the supply of public housing and relaxed zoning regulations to provide more affordable housing.
In Australia, however, there are concerns abolishing negative gearing will cause rents to rise, as they did in the 1980s. More innovative approaches to housing affordability are needed to ensure ample supply of property for first home buyers and tenants.
Some consideration could be given to allowing first home buyers to claim a tax deduction for mortgage interest, increasing capital gains tax, limiting the number or type of investment properties held, capping rent increases, or more infrastructure investment from the government for first home buyers and social housing.
One or more of these measures would be a step in the right direction. Negative gearing on its own is not the answer to housing affordability. The whole system needs an overhaul, with a combination of measures needed to adequately address affordability, for now and for future generations.
Taking no action will put home ownership out of reach for even more Australians.
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Image: Teams Infosys and Ramco at the 2024 ISG Paragon Awards (Source: LinkedIn)
India’sleading firms Tata Consultancy Services, Ltd., Tech Mahindra, Infosys, Capgemini, and Ramco Systems have been announced as winners at the 2024 ISG Paragon Awards that recognizes innovative and impactful sourcing industry partnerships.
Information Services Group (ISG) (Nasdaq: III), a leading global technology research and advisory firm. Their 2024 awards celebrate the evolution of the sourcing industry through the application of new sourcing approaches, automation and digital technology.
Tech Mahindra (with One New Zealand) received the Silver award for Excellence in the “Outstanding delivery by a service provider.”
Tech Mahindra (with Dnata) and Tata Consultancy Services, Ltd. (with NSW Government) received the Silver award for Innovation in “Imagination and entrepreneurial spirit in helping organizations future-proof their businesses and better serve clients.”
Image: Team Infosys at the 2024 ISG Paragon Awards (Source: LinkedIn)
Infosys (with Team Global Express) received Gold award and Capgemini (with Cochlear) received the Silver award for Transformation of “an organization or key business function” respectively.
Image: Team Ramco at the 2024 ISG Paragon Awards (Source: LinkedIn)
Ramco (with a leading New Zealand telecommunications provider)received Gold award for High-Performing Partnership that “demonstrate seamless collaboration, leverage each other’s strengths and adapt together to achieve shared objectives.”
Infosys and Westpac won the Excellence in Diversity award.
Michael Gale, partner and regional leader of ISG Asia Pacific, said in a statement: “Technology and business services providers make critical contributions to enterprise success.”
A total of 50 nominations were submitted for the annual ANZ program. Winners in each category were selected by an experienced independent expert and announced at a gala awards dinner on 28 February 2024 at the Fullerton Hotel Sydney.
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The man, 28-year-old, was sentenced by Downing Centre District Court on 1 March 2024, to 15 months’ imprisonment to be immediately released upon entering a Recognisance Release Order.
This follows the 2023 conviction of an Indian national, 28-year-old, for his role in the scam, and the issuing of an arrest warrant for the alleged mastermind of the scam, 29-year-old.
AFP Detective Sergeant Matthew Veraguth said the AFP investigation into the sophisticated scam dismantled a criminal network from top to bottom.
“This syndicate took advantage and abused the trust Australians have in the AFP, and we did not hesitate to prosecute those responsible. These individuals preyed on vulnerable members of our society to fill their greedy pockets. To the individual that remains at large – we will be waiting for you and we are ready to act when the opportunity arises to put you before the courts to answer for your alleged crimes.”
The Wentworthville man plead guilty to the following charges on 18 April, 2023:
One count of possession of property reasonably suspected of being proceeds of crime, contrary to section 400.9(1A) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth);
One count of dealing in proceeds of crime, money or property worth $1,000 or more, contrary to section 400.7(2) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth); and
One count of giving false or misleading information to specified persons or entities, contrary to section 136(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 (Cth).
The police investigation identified the man acted as a courier for the syndicate, collecting bank cards and personal identity information – such as Medicare and ID cards – along with cash from victims as part of the scam.
Image: Second person sentenced for spoofing scam (Source: AFP)
The investigation began after a victim contacted the AFP in October 2021 to verify their contact with alleged officials from Services Australia and the AFP.
Subsequent AFP inquiries revealed the criminal syndicate allegedly called victims, aged between 50 and 90, and fraudulently impersonated employees from public service agencies and the AFP.
The call numbers were allegedly ‘spoofed’ to display legitimate contact numbers of government agencies, and victims were informed they were the subject of identity theft, with multiple bank accounts created in their name.
The 11 victims identified by the AFP were told they had the option to be arrested for money laundering offences or settle the matter by providing identity information, funds and bank details to the ‘government employee’ on the phone.
By choosing the latter option, victims were instructed to pay the syndicate through a variety of methods. One method included in-store gift card purchases, which allegedly meant a $30,000 profit for the syndicate.
The syndicate allegedly employed numerous money laundering techniques to obfuscate the movement and source of funds.
Det-Sgt Veraguth added:
“If anyone is contacted by someone claiming to be an AFP officer, ask for their name and badge number – they must provide this to you. Hang up immediately and call the AFP Switchboard on (02) 5126 0000 to verify the information they have provided you.”
AFP-led Taskforce AVARUS combines resources from AUSTRAC, Australian Border Force and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission to target money laundering syndicates that enable transnational serious and organised crime groups.
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The paradox of Australian housing is the abundance of land – 7.5 million square kilometres of it – and the shortage of accommodation.
The pandemic lockdowns and the changes that flowed from them have disrupted the paradox and will take some time to settle down.
By 1911, most of today’s towns were already established. Regional Australia was then home to 60% of the population.
Since then small towns have died, and regional centres have grown, much of the population has moved to the coast and cities for work, and new towns have grown to support mining in the north and west and farming in irrigation areas.
Today only 33% of the population lives outside capital cities.
While the first census in 1911 recorded 24% of the workforce was employed in agriculture, forestry or fishing, the most recent survey recorded less than 3%.
Cities made housing expensive
Packing Australia’s population into capital cities helped push up land prices because the supply of well-located land in cities was limited.
The resultant housing stress is worse than the official figures suggest.
The Bureau of Statistics defines housing stress as occurring when a lower-income household spends more than 30% of its gross household income on housing costs.
But as homebuyers have moved further away from city centres to avoid high housing costs, they’ve been hit with higher commuting costs, boosting the number who are in financial stress because of housing.
A study I conducted with University of Canberra colleagues in the mid-2000s found that when commuting costs were included in housing costs the proportion of home owning couples with children in housing stress jumped from 15% to 19%.
Housing became an ‘investment’
Rising prices have made buying an extra home a “safe investment” for existing homeowners – all the more so when accompanied by generous tax concessions..
The more homeowners bought second (and even third) properties, the more price pressure they added to prices which made lightly-taxed capital gains on investment properties seem an even safer bet.
The latest tax figures show 2.2 million Australians owning investment properties, up from 1.2 million two decades earlier. This means that at a time when Australia’s population grew 32%, the number of Australians owning investment properties grew 83%.
The more homeowners make investment decisions on the assumption that prices will keep rising, the more resistant they become to measures that wind those price rises back.
Among those measures are relaxed planning rules that would increase the supply of competing properties, and changes to tax rules that would make investing less attractive.
Labor campaigned in 2016 and again in 2019 on restricting negative gearing to new housing (with a grandfather clause that would allow it to continue on properties that were already negatively geared) and halving the capital gains tax concession.
It lost both elections.
Modelling published in Australian Economic Papers finds that if Labor’s 2019 program had been adopted, the share of households who own their home rather than rent would have climbed 4.7 percentage points.
For most households that would have been able to buy but now have to rent, renting is an inferior substitute.
But for landlords the displaced would-be owners are useful. They become tenants, helping the investment make sense.
Then came COVID
The pandemic lockdowns prompted a rethink of how and where Australians lived.
Home offices became more attractive and group houses became less attractive pushing down the average number of residents per home and pushing up the demand for homes even before borders reopened.
But many Australians discovered they didn’t need to live as close to their work and moved further away to more distant suburbs, and away from cities altogether to regional locations where housing was more affordable.
While this improved their quality of life by cutting housing and commuting costs, it overwhelmed the supply of houses in those regions and pushed up prices.
In time more homes will be built in those regions to accommodate more of them, unless there’s a return to the office.
The changes wrought by COVID will provide challenges and lessons for planning, especially planning for housing and infrastructure away from Australia’s cities.
Their enduring legacy is likely to be a demand for more housing per Australian, which will take some time to meet.
But even then, the dynamics of cities and tax concessions for householders who own more than one home are likely to conspire to keep pushing prices higher.
Correction: an earlier version of this article said the first census was in 2011, rather than 1911. This has been amended.
This article is the first in The Conversation’s series examining the housing crisis.This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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King Charles and Queen Camilla; Image Source; X:Twitter @Coronation2023
Australia is a constitutional monarchy and our head of state King Charles and Queen Camilla are anticipated to visit Australia later in 2024, marking a significant royal engagement and the King’s first visit to the nation since ascending to the throne.
The Australian federal government is currently in discussions with states and territories to finalise the details of this royal tour. The visit comes amid King Charles’ recent cancer diagnosis, which led to a reduction in his public engagements. Nonetheless, preparations are underway to welcome the monarch, reflecting his strong ties and affection for Australia.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese highlighted the mutual compassion between Australians and King Charles, particularly in light of the King’s health news and the country’s recent natural disasters.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles expressed Australians’ deep affection for King Charles, emphasising the popularity and significance of such a visit. The royal couple’s tour is expected to be a momentous occasion, building on King Charles’ history of 15 visits to Australia, demonstrating his enduring connection with the country.
The last royal visit was by Queen Elizabeth II in 2011, making this upcoming tour especially noteworthy as it would be the first by a reigning monarch since then.
The visit is likely to align with the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa, in October 2024, suggesting a broad itinerary that could include various Australian states and territories, all eager to host the monarch.
NSW Premier Chris Minns suggested Sydney as an essential stop. At the same time, Assistant Minister for the Republic Matt Thistlethwaite assured a warm welcome for the King, underlining the visit’s significance beyond the ongoing republic debate.
Phillip Benwell, Chair of the Australian Monarchist League, also expressed hope for the visit, emphasising King Charles’ affection for Australia and the importance of a successful cancer treatment for the King.
This royal visit symbolises the enduring bond between Australia and the monarchy, underscoring King Charles’ personal history and affection for the nation. It offers an opportunity for Australians to celebrate their relationship with the Crown, amidst discussions on the country’s constitutional future and the King’s health journey.
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Sunil Kumar, CEO and Founder of Reliance Real Estate, said:
“Being recognised among Australia’s elite professionals is truly humbling. A massive congratulations to all finalists on this memorable night.”
Image: Sunil Kumar, CEO and Founder of Reliance Real Estate (Source: Facebook)
Mr Kumar moved to Australia from India in 2004 to complete his Master of Accounting at the University of Ballarat (now Federation University Australia).
In 2011, Mr Kumar opened the door to his new agency in the heart of Melbourne’s western suburbs. From a team of two, Reliance Real Estate has grown to more than 180 team members and twelve offices.
On his success, Mr Kumar observed:
“This win is for all the hard work, dedication, and passion of our incredible teams. Thank you to everyone at Reliance Real Estate for their relentless efforts in making this dream a reality.”
Reliance Real Estate is growing fat in both Australia and New Zealand and has won multiple awards. Mr Kumar has also been recognised as Australia’s “Principal of the Year” by ARERA for two consecutive years.
Image: Sunil Kumar with members of Reliance Real Estate team (Source: Facebook)
Mr Kumar’s agency has been offering traineeships to local students thus giving them the opportunity to work and learn skills required in the real estate industry.
“We cook for people and distribute food in the evening. We also run blood donation camps so we are able to give back to society.”
In 2021, Mr Kumar launched his second book, From the Ground Up, 7 Principles for Building a Business Fast, which is a practical, how-to guide on creating success, with examples, tips, and exercises to get you working and thinking differently.
Welcome to the REB Awards 2024! Tonight, we celebrate the top agencies and professionals in real estate across the nation. Despite challenges, we're here to honour your outstanding achievements. Good luck to all finalists!@CampaignAgent#REBAwards#agents#deals#realestatepic.twitter.com/u9V6dnQq6H
REB Awards, in its 12th year now, identifies the top businesses and professionals in the real estate industry across Australia and has been known as the benchmark for excellence.
It recognises those influencing the profession highlighting the outstanding contribution of professionals and businesses including agents, networks, innovators, leaders and property managers.
The judging criteria for REB award categories are both quantitative and qualitative, acknowledging growth, business development, diversity, leadership, innovation, business excellence and contribution to Australia’s real estate sector.
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Authorities seized 882kg of ketamine in 2023 – a dangerous sedative that can cause disorientation, memory loss, depression, seizures and even death. The amount seized was more than double the 415kg seized in 2022.
AFP intelligence has identified transnational serious organised crime (TSOC) syndicates are also using more sophisticated means to attempt to hide the illicit substance in a bid to evade law enforcement.
Image: Surge in ketamine imports in Australia (Source: AFP)
AFP Acting Commander Kristy Scott said ketamine was a highly-dangerous and addictive substance.
“Ketamine is a dangerous and illicit sedative. Its dissociative effects block sensory brain signals and can cause memory loss, feelings of being detached from one’s body and prevent their ability to perceive danger.”
AFP Acting Commander Kristy Scott added:
“Drug addiction has a profound impact on individuals and the wider community. The AFP, together with our state, territory and Commonwealth law enforcement partners, is committed to preventing the significant harm caused to our community as a result of these illicit drug imports.”
Australian Border Force (ABF) officers searched the ship when it stopped at Melbourne and allegedly found 79 plastic bags containing the drug hidden inside the panels of two vehicles.
Three men were charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of border controlled drugs and their alleged involvement in the transnational crime syndicate and remain before the courts.
Image: Surge in ketamine imports in Australia (Source: AFP)
About 80kg of the drug was allegedly concealed in 40 buckets of liquid micro cement which arrived in Melbourne by sea cargo.
The AFP seized a total of 145kg of ketamine, including about 65kg buried at a Lara address, near Geelong.
Three men have been charged in relation to the investigation and remain before the courts.
In October, a Taiwanese national was charged after 250g of ketamine, contained in white and orange capsules inside two vitamin bottles, was allegedly found in his luggage.
ABF officers searched the man at Brisbane International Airport and allegedly detected the drugs, before referring the matter to the AFP.
Image: Surge in ketamine imports in Australia (Source: AFP)
On Friday 1 March 2024, an estimated 20kg of ketamine was allegedly located by ABF officers hidden in the suitcases of an 18-year-old UK national on his arrival at Sydney International Airport.
The incident was referred to the AFP and the teenager was charged with importing a commercial quantity of border controlled drugs, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.
The man appeared before Downing Centre Local Court on the same day and was formally refused bail. He is next expected to appear at court on 1 May 2024.
ABF Assistant Commissioner James Watson said the community can be assured that Border Force officers are highly trained to detect and stop any dangerous substance, such as ketamine, which these criminal syndicates attempt to introduce into our country.
“Australia’s borders are regularly targeted by serious organised crime groups, seeking to make profits from illicit drugs. These criminal groups may think they’re being clever in the way they try to bring in these harmful substances, but they should know that the ABF is ready to respond. Everyday our officer’s work at the border to protect the community from the enormous harm criminal groups seek to inflict on us.”
Assistant Commissioner Watson further observed:
“Through collaboration with our law enforcement partners, officers ensure that the border remains a hostile environment for criminals attempting to import illicit drugs.”
The most recent ACIC National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program report found ketamine use during April 2023 was at a record high in Australia.
Despite the recent rise in ketamine importations, AFP intelligence indicates the drug market is much smaller compared to other Australian drug markets, such as cocaine and methamphetamine.
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Facebook’s parent company, Meta, has announced it will stop paying for news content in Australia when the current deals it has expire. Meta will also cease news aggregation on the site.
Three years ago, the company signed deals with Australian news outlets after the government introduced laws requiring tech companies to pay for the news on their platforms. The law only comes into effect if no commercial deal is struck.
Meta has now decided that the cost of providing news in Australia is too high. Its reason for the change is to “better align our investments to our products and services people value the most”. That is, it saves money.
So what does this mean for news on Facebook? What can users expect to find on the platform?
An unsurprising manoeuvre
This decision was largely predictable, as it’s consistent with Meta’s actions in the UK, France, and Germany in December 2023. The same “deprecation” will occur simultaneously in the US.
Meta’s rationale is that news is “a small part of the Facebook experience for the vast majority of people” and is not a reason for the use of the platform as it “makes up less than 3% of what people around the world see in their Facebook feed”. It does not comment on the percentage in Australia.
Meta says “this does not impact our commitment to connecting people to reliable information on our platforms”. However, this “reliable information” is a reference to fact-checking in the context of misinformation.
Meta does not see a link between reliable information and Australian news. It has not addressed the issue of the sustainability of news journalism in Australia.
So what will Facebook look like?
Facebook says that it will simply remove the dedicated tab on the site for news content.
For many users, this will not have an effect. However, for those who use Facebook as a news aggregator, access to links to news publishers will disappear.
Facebook users will need to go to the Facebook page of their favourite news publishers in order to be able to keep up with events. This means having to “follow” all of the news publishers with which Facebook currently has a commercial agreement.
Unlike the approach in 2021, Facebook is not going to shut down all of the pages that its systems thought were “media pages” (including emergency services and helplines such as 1-800-RESPECT).
Instead, Meta is encouraging news publishers to buy the tech giant’s services to increase their own traffic.
However, this means Meta expects that the flow of funds will be from news publishers to Meta, rather than the other way around.
What does this mean for news?
There is already a concern that social media is replacing legacy news sources.
Meta has consistently argues that news is not a driver of its business. In submissions to government, it has sought to differentiate Meta and Google. In fact, news publishers often report having their content buried by algorithms over which they have no control.
Meta contends that news is so unimportant that it would rather not have news options than pay news publishers for content.
The Facebook news ban of 2021 was largely in response to the government’s News Media Bargaining Code – an arrangement in which news organisations could negotiate with big tech companies over payment and inclusion of their content on digital platforms.
In contrast, Google has previously been willing to enter into commercial deals or to launch news aggregator services rather than having a code imposed on it.
It is not clear whether Google will change its view in Australia as a result of the Meta decision. The News Media Bargaining Code has the potential to apply to both businesses. However, Google relies more on news content than Meta.
Can the government do anything?
The relevant ministers, Stephen Jones and Michelle Rowland, have already referred to the decision as a “dereliction of its commitment to the sustainability of Australian news media.”
As a practical matter, the News Media Bargaining Code is only triggered if there is no commercial deal in play. The current commercial deals with news outlets are due to expire in a few months.
Meta has said that it “will not offer new Facebook products specifically for news publishers in the future”. It will let the existing commercial agreements lapse in in Australia, France, and Germany as they already have in the UK and the US.
The treasurer is now faced with a tough decision. He can “designate” Meta under the code and force it to the bargaining table, or he can agree that news is not a driver of Facebook use. This decision will need to take into account the issue of news journalism sustainability.
However, it also risks a repeat of the 2021 shut down in Australia and a similar one in Canada last year.
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These appointments mark a significant milestone for the organisation as it continues to grow and evolve in its mission to lead the sport of volleyball across the nation.
Image: Balraj Ougra (Source: LinkedIn)
Balraj Ougra brings a unique perspective to the Board, with a distinguished career as a chiropractor and advocate in the multicultural community.
His passion for volunteering across a broad range of sporting organisations further underscores his dedication to community engagement. His expertise, advocacy, and extensive volunteering background will be instrumental in guiding Volleyball NSW towards continued success.
Mr Ougra said:
“In joining the Board of Directors for Volleyball NSW, I bring not just professional expertise, but a heart pulsating with the rhythm of community, inclusion, diversity and leadership. I am excited about the journey ahead and the opportunity to contribute to the vibrant tapestry of Volleyball NSW.”
Image: Jovy Gill (Source: LinkedIn)
Jovy Gill is a respected figure within the Volleyball landscape. Her passion for community engagement and grassroots initiatives aligns seamlessly with Volleyball NSW’s vision.
With over 25 years of experience in the technology industry, Jovy’s tenure includes remarkable stints with renowned Fortune 500 companies, where she gained recognition for her visionary strategies and results-driven approach.
“In accepting the esteemed position on the Volleyball NSW Board of Directors, I am humbled and honoured to collaborate with fellow visionaries dedicated to steering volleyball in NSW towards a brighter and more expansive future.”
Ms said Gill added:
“Just as I’ve strived to excel in my Technology Marketing career and entrepreneurial ventures, I look forward to leveraging my experience and passion to contribute meaningfully to the sport’s growth and development. Together, with the equally dedicated community we serve, we can be champions of progress and excellence in Australia.”
Image: President of Volleyball NSW Lucy Coggan (Source: Volleyball NSW)
President of Volleyball NSW, Lucy Coggan, expressed her excitement about the new appointments, stating:
“We are thrilled to welcome Steph, Jovy, and Balraj to the Board of Directors. Their diverse skills and experiences will undoubtedly enrich our organisation as we strive to grow and support the vibrant volleyball community across NSW. We look forward to the fresh perspectives they will bring to our team.”
Volleyball NSW encourages members of the local community who are passionate about contributing to the vision of leading volleyball nationally to consider opportunities as a Director, Committee Member, or Volunteer.
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Tasmania, the island state of Australia, which had always been on our wishlist albeit being a lower priority, finally made it to the top in December 2023. When we decided to tick one more Australian state off our travel list, we were glad we chose Tassie.
This is the state where every ten minutes you are pleasantly bewildered by the most scenic beauty of the mountain and sea. Words cannot do it justice. It is a sheer pleasure to share my travelling experience with you today.
After reading different articles and blogs, watching several vlogs, and taking recommendations from our friends who had already visited Tasmania, I was confident that we had done our research and homework quite well to make the most of our trip. As exploring Tasmania needs a lot of driving and not all the roads are well paved and smooth like the big cities, planning is crucial.
Day 1
We reached Hobart around noon. As soon as we picked up our car, which was only 5 minutes from the airport, we started towards our first destination, Bruny Island. It was a two-hour journey each way and involved a ferry ride, which added another layer of adventure and joy to the journey. The ferry departs from Kettering every 20 minutes and takes 20 minutes to reach Bruny Island. We enjoyed the short ride thoroughly as it introduced us to the pristine blue waters and the beautiful landscape of the island.
Bruny Island is picturesque and absolutely divine! The cleanest air, the shades of blue and the lush green cover of the island were simply mesmerizing. I have so far travelled to four states in Australia, but the beauty of Tasmania is unreal! Everywhere your eyes reach is like a scenic lookout.
We took the same ferry to return to the ‘mainland’ of Tasmania and drove to the must-see Mt Wellington. Luckily, the weather was very generous to us, and we drove straight to the top. Oh man, the drive was to die for and gave us an adrenaline rush. The view from the narrow road, breathtaking to say the least, can very easily run chills down your spine. When the late afternoon sun emanated from the clouds, it felt as if the creator was playing an orchestra with the sun, the clouds and the fog, and the eyes could hear the peaceful melody.
One important tip: the temperature drops sharply at the higher altitude – a puffer jacket and a beanie are a must!
We stayed the night in a beautiful and cosy accommodation amidst the forest.
Day 2
we woke up to the most lustrous view of trees and the pretty outlines of the mountains in the horizon. The plan for our second day in the island state was to drive to another beautifully built city called Launceston.
The drive felt like time travel – as if we were passing through European towns during the 60s. What I really appreciated was how history and heritage were restored rather than renovated. We stopped at the information centre in Launceston. As it had only 15-minute parking, we had to make our conversation with the sweet and friendly staff member brief, but we did find out what we must see in the 24 hours we would spend in this picturesque town. She suggested that we take a boat ride through the Cataract Gorge while going to our already booked stay at Grindelwald. We took her advice (as you can never go wrong with the locals!) and took the most relaxing and visually joyous boat ride through the South Esk River and saw the striking formation of the gorge.
Then we headed to Grindelwald. Grindelwald is only 15 kilometres north of Launceston in the Tamar Valley. The Swiss-themed Tamar Valley Resort in Grindelwald has a shopping arcade, news and gift store, clothing store, cafe and bakery. There are even an 18-hole mini-golf course, a ten-hole public golf course, paddle boat hire and canoeing on the lake, and the world’s longest bouncing pillow for children. Established in the 1980s, the village in Grindelwald has the same style of houses as the original Swiss town, with wide eaves and flower boxes. With all the Christmas lighting and the colourful decorations, the inner child in me felt like Alice in Wonderland! We had dinner at Lakeside Alpenrose Bistro. Day 2 was spectacular!
Day 3
We had the longest and most intense drive to touch on three major points of interest on our way to Bicheno, another Tassie town. Driving 68 kilometres from Tamar Valley Resort, the first stop was the Bridestowe Lavender Farm! Acres after acres of purple touching the horizon were simply magical and such a blissful treat to the eyes. My photographer husband took some phenomenal photos of me! I am sure when I am old with wrinkled skin, I will look at those photographs and reminisce about the beautiful memory with much joy.
After the photography session, we hurried ourselves to take a quick look at Lilydale Falls, which was only 15 minutes from the lavender farm and on our way to our next destination. There were two falls within a few minutes’ walking distance. Having a soft spot for waterfalls in general – the burbling of the water is so therapeutic and soothing – we were glad we made this quick stop!
I must say, Tassie is full of diversity. When you think you have just experienced a unique beauty of nature, another one reveals itself, leaving you bewildered. We walked back to the parking lot of the Falls and met a family from Victoria. When they said they were also going to Bicheno, we recommended to them our next scheduled stop on the way, the Bay of Fires. The road to the Bay of Fires was quite windy. We had to be very careful throughout the drive: even the slightest loss of concentration could cause havoc. At one point, the drive made me so motion-sick that we were impatient to reach our destination. But it was all worth it when we got to see the most unnatural yet naturally formed, orange-coloured rocks across the bay.
We went to Binalong Bay because this is the best beach to swim in apparently, thanks to the clearer-than-crystal water. It’s indeed unbelievable even after seeing with your own eyes how superbly dramatic nature can be. It was a hot day, and seeing the pristine and persuading water, I couldn’t stop myself from taking a quick dip. We were in awe of the surprises Tasmania was unfolding to us!
By then our stomachs were rumbling, and we couldn’t wait to drive to the famous Lobster Shack in Bicheno, which was our final destination for the day. We had another one and a half hours’ drive ahead of us.
We indulged ourselves in delicious and satiating lobsters and seafood marinara before visiting the maritime museum upstairs for a glimpse of the history of Tasmania’s commercial fishing industry as well as Bicheno.
The view, the food and the experience couldn’t be any better. It was like a visual story, not a single scene of which we wanted to miss.
We checked in to the Airbnb awfully tired. It started raining. We slept like babies with the lullaby of the pitter-patter on the roof!
Day 4
We woke up the next day, drove back to Hobart and headed straight to the great Salamanca Market.
Salamanca Market runs at the historic Salamanca Place every Saturday from 8.30 am to 3 pm, come rain, hail or shine. It was such an exciting experience to stroll through the stalls and admire the creativity and craftmanship of the artisans. The feeling of community at the market was so warm and hearty! I bought some homemade fudge, organic honey, and some cute souvenirs for my friends.
Our next destination was what is dubbed the Disneyland for adults – MONA, Museum of Old and New Art. We decided to have a few drinks in their edgy little bar before heading in to experience the striking and provocative art. It was a three-storeyed museum and well organized. The experience was exceptional.
On the way back, we stopped in a town called Richmond. The most prominent landmark in the town is Richmond Bridge, the oldest bridge in Australia, built by convicts in the 1820s.
In the evening we had dinner with two of our friends who call Hobart home. They recommended a restaurant called The Drunken Admiral. The interior of the restaurant is maritime-themed. Sitting there, having the fish chowder with friends made my day so wholesome!
Day 5
For someone like me who is big on breakfast, skipping a good brunch opportunity when on holiday is out of the question. Before we went to Port Arthur, we stopped at a café named The Signal Station, located at the top of Mt Nelson. Surrounded by the most scenic beauty, we devoured the delish breakfast. The food was a ten out of ten and the view added a golden bonus point. We also found out that one of the chefs was from Bangladesh (- no doubt the food was delicious!).
Then we arrived at Port Arthur, Australia’s ‘most intact and evocative convict site’. The worst of the prisoners were sent to this remote and inhospitable location because an escape was impossible. One of the most visited tourist attractions in Tasmania, Port Arthur is regarded as a former township where many locals were born and raised.
Walking around the 30 or so historic buildings felt like going through the pages of a history book that tells the tales of all-consuming sadness, solitude, guilt, darkness and agony. Despite the melancholy, there was beauty around us. Port Arthur is dark yet scenic; disturbing yet peaceful.
My husband and I loved this historic visit. We wished we had another day to explore and absorb the history of the place, one day was not just enough.
Day 6
Our bags were packed. We were ready to say goodbye to beautiful Hobart. But we found out on our way to the airport that our flight was cancelled.
We hurriedly rescheduled it to the next day and decided to fulfill our desire to explore another site which we initially had to give up on because of time limitations. It was Hastings Caves, a spacious 40-million-year-old Dolomite cave system underneath the Tasmanian landscape.
Newdegate Cave is the largest dolomite cave in Australia accessible to tourists. We got to experience something for the first time in our lives when we entered the cave. The tour guide asked us to close our eyes and turn off all the lights, When we opened our eyes after a few seconds, all around us was the same darkness we saw with our eyes closed! We experienced complete darkness. It was thrilling and scary.
Back on the surface, we relaxed in the swimming pool warmed by mineral-rich thermal springs. It was a most pleasant experience.
We returned to Melbourne with refreshed minds and energised souls even though we had driven and driven for six days.
Tasmania is rich, abundant, scenic, raw, real, and indescribably beautiful. It has undeniably made its way into our hearts as our most favorite state, and we look forward to visiting Tasmania again and exploring the parts we weren’t able to visit this time. Never have I seen such a sweet and poetic combination of mountains, rivers, seas, skylines, and wildlife in one place. Tasmania is a must-visit for any traveller.
This was first published in Travels That make Us and has been republished here with the kind permission of the editor(s).
Contributing Author: Sarzana Asif Jyoti is a banker during the week, an avid traveller, an almost-writer, a lazy singer and an enthusiastic dancer on the weekend, Jyoti came to Australia to study a Master of Development Studies at the University of Canberra in 2015. Life changed its course – she became a Melbournian later on and completed a Master in Professional Accounting here. Her journey is no different from any other international student’s who carried ‘home’ in a suitcase to make a home here. Her zeal for life lies in exploring all kinds of beauty – the beauty in nature, the beauty of art, and the beauty of connecting with humans and animals. Her mantra for life is taken from Gerard Way: “One day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it’s worth watching.” She hopes you enjoy reading this piece about her travel experience as much as she enjoyed the adventure.
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Melbourne businessman and former Liberal candidate Di Sanh Duong, 68-year-old, was sentenced on 29 February 2024 by the County Court of Victoria after he was charged in November 2020 for preparing for a foreign interference offence.
AFP Acting Assistant Commissioner Counter Terrorism and Special Investigations Stephen Nutt said combatting espionage and foreign interference was a key priority for the AFP.
“Espionage and foreign interference represent a serious threat to Australia’s sovereignty and the security and integrity of our national institutions. Threats posed by foreign interference are not constrained to one sector of the Australian community nor perpetrated by any single nation.”
A year-long criminal investigation by the AFP, as a member of the Counter Foreign Interference Taskforce, identified the man was attempting to influence a Federal Government Minister as part of a longer-term plan to pursue objectives of the foreign government.
Investigators identified that Duong, a well-known member of the Australian-Chinese community, made a significant public donation to a Melbourne hospital in what was alleged to be an attempt to obtain favour and attention.
Early intervention by the ASIO-led Taskforce ensured the Federal Parliamentarian was not compromised.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Nutt added:
“Foreign state actors undertaking these activities are intent on creating and pursuing opportunities to interfere with Australians – from decision-makers at all levels of government, across a range of business sectors, and even in our local communities.”
The AFP executed search warrants at the man’s office and home in October 2020 and he was later charged on 5 November 2020 with a foreign interference offence.
The man was the first person in Australia to be charged with a foreign interference offence since the Commonwealth Parliament passed the new National Security Legislation Amendment (Espionage and Foreign Interference) Bill in 2018.
On 19 December 2023, a jury found the man guilty of preparing for a foreign interference offence, contrary to section 92.4 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth) in the County Court of Victoria.
It is reported that the 68-year-old could be released after serving 12 months, after he agreed to pay a $3,000 bond that will last for four years.
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In the 1930s, legendary League administrator Harry Sunderland took the game to France and offered to take it to the United States as manager of the 1929–30 Kangaroos.
He told the San Francisco Examiner the team was “willing to line up, with eleven men, against a regular American football team, and to see what would happen”.
Later, in 1954, Australia and New Zealand played exhibition matches in Long Beach and Los Angeles on the US west coast. Only 1,000 people turned up at Long Beach and 4,554 at Los Angeles.
Russell Crowe explains the rules and laws of rugby league, 2024.
Australia did better at Long Beach in 1987, putting on a State of Origin match between New South Wales and Queensland in front of 12,349 fans.
Film star Russell Crowe tried again in 2008, staging an exhibition match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and UK Super League champions Leeds in Florida, attended by 12,500.
Will Rugby League Commissioner Peter V’landys be able to succeed this time, in a nation where his predecessors have failed to make much headway?
I think the odds are good. This is why.
No helmets, no pads, no timeouts
The potential reach of the NRL, promoted as football with “no helmets, no pads, no timeouts”, is vast, extending to the 309 million Americans who own a smartphone rather than the few thousand who might turn up.
And after the H-shaped posts leave Allegiant Stadium and the NRL’s branding is taken down from New York’s Times Square, the league’s presence will continue.
It has reportedly committed to five years of season openers in Las Vegas.
During those five years the NRL will attempt to build and sustain familiarity with the US public, as well as scout out US athletes about making the switch to rugby league.
There are 520,000 student-athletes in the US, many of whom are trying to get into the US National Football League. But the NFL can only accommodate 1,696 active players.
V’landys has turned the game around
During COVID lockdowns three years ago, the NRL was “three to four months” from being insolvent, according to V’landys.
He and chief executive Andrew Abdo say the league is now in the best financial position it has ever been in.
9% growth in grassroots participation in schools and clubs
40% growth in video views on YouTube
ten clubs vying for the women’s championship in a final watched by more than a million viewers
expanding representation in the men’s game with the admission of the Dolphins
Clearly, the NRL do not think their work is done.
This time it might work
Sports research has mapped the processes that create fans for a sport.
The first pivotal step is awareness. Potential fans need to know about the sport in order to sign up. That’s the objective of the Las Vegas round and the advertising in Times Square.
The second is something that allows them to like and then identify with it. The advertisements point out rugby league’s similarities to the NFL, saying it’s “football, but not as you know it”, while at the same time emphasising the crucial and hopefully enticing differences.
My own work has pointed to the role key individuals play in developing sport fans. And this could be the ace in the hand of the NRL.
“The Beckham Effect” is a term coined to explain the uplift in support when David Beckham joined Major League Soccer in the US in 2007.
Argentinian footballer Lionel Messi achieved a similar feat when he joined MLS club Inter Miami in 2023.
Closer to home, the Gold Coast Suns cemented their legitimacy when they signed football legend Gary Ablett Jnr (and rugby league player Karmichael Hunt) to their inaugural AFL squad in 2011.
Big names build recognition
It’s not a strategy that can easily be applied to the US, but a raft of Australians familiar to US audiences including actors, fashion designers, media moguls, businesspeople and musicians are doing what they can.
Currently independent from the NRL, plans are also underway to establish a ten-team American league with proposed ownership stakes being offered to figures such as wrestling and global movie star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
If Las Vegas is a success, other US stars might just grab a franchise of their own.
Las Vegas is certainly a roll of the dice, but if the NRL succeeds in grabbing even a small slice of America’s vast sports market, it will have hit the jackpot.
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.
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Australian solar pioneer company 5B has been awarded a $50 million-plus US contract to build a US Customs-compliant manufacturing plant in partnership with India’s Waaree Group.
With this to rapid rollout of production capacity in an India plant the US is clearly moving away from the use of solar hardware made in China.
5B’s Maverick technology prefabricates 50-kilowatt solar arrays that can be unfolded off the back of a truck and ground mounted to speed-up solar installation process.
The latest version of 5B’s technology, Maverick 3.0, allows even faster deployment that means an increased capacity to handle larger projects.
5B’s Chief executive David Griffin told the AFR that the company was negotiating much larger projects.
“We still serve those more modest size projects in the tens of megawatts, but we’re also seeing and actively negotiating on hundreds of megawatt projects. Everybody who exports is conscious of the amount of carbon embedded in their product, and they’re really trying to find ways to decarbonise, so there might be noise. But the key things that drive this deployment – the cost and the ultimate demand – are very, very strong. So I don’t see that changing.”
At the moment, most green energy companies are benefiting from India’s aim to boost non-fossil fuel energy capacity amid increasing power demand.
In fact, after returning from Ayodhya following the consecration ceremony at the Ram Mandir, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that his first decision is to launch a scheme to install solar rooftops in one crore houses.
🌞"Embracing a Solar Revolution! 🌞 🙏 Today marks a historic moment as Our PM Shri Narendra Modiji launches the 'Pradhanmantri Suryodaya Yojana,' illuminating 1 crore homes with rooftop solar power. 🏡💡 We at Waaree welcome this visionary move by Shri Narendra Modiji. pic.twitter.com/pC16bq4KFE
Waaree is considered India’s top solar panel maker and is helping to achieve the country’s aim for more renewable energy amid surging demand for power.
5B’s deal with Waaree Renewable Technologies is to build a manufacturing plant to make Maverick solar arrays in Gujarat.
Presently, 5B has been assembling panels shipped from China and with the US government’s crack down on the use of Chinese panels, the Indian plant is set to boom.
As per AFR report, the Indian manufacturing plant will produce its first modules in April.
With this the construction of the 70MW solar farm in the US will begin in the second half of the year.
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This award given by the NRI Welfare Society of India celebrates non-resident Indians living overseas who are holding the “flag of India high” thanks to their achievements.
Congratulations to Manasi Mittinty who has been awarded with India's highest diasporic 'Hind Rattan-Jewel of India-2024' award! This award highlights her work in advancing mental health equity in those with musculoskeletal pain and other communities. Congrats Manasi!👏 pic.twitter.com/dF2m2YMAWf
Dr Mittinty has been recognized for her leadership in advancing mental health equity, particularly for people with chronic pain, culturally diverse communities, and First Nations people in Australia.
She told The Australia Today:
“The acknowledgement from the Indian diaspora for upholding the flag of India high is a source of immense pride for me. I am humbled by this recognition, and it brings new energy to my work.”
Dr Mittinty is an emerging international expert in the field of pain medicine with special interest in achieving mental health equity for all Australians by developing individualized patient care programs.
Image: Dr Manasi Murthy Mittinty (Source: Supplied)
In 2018, Dr Mittinty received the Australian Government Funded Endeavour Postdoctoral fellowship and in 2022 was chosen as the winner of the National Emerging Leader in Health Award for her work in chronic pain and mental health.
In 2023, she graduated from the prestigious Harvard Medical School’s (HMS) Global Clinical Scholar Research Training (GCSRT) program.
Dr Mittinty worked as Lecturer at the University of Sydney (2019-2023) where she coordinated the specialised pain medicine pathway units in the Master of Medicine program, Epidemiology of Pain and facilitated the Self-management of Pain, a continued Professional development course.
A childhood fire accident left Dr Mittinty with chronic pain that motivated her to get into medicine with a focus in pain management.
“Everyone experiences pain very differently. And most of the time, it’s not the pain that challenges them, but it is the associated distress, disability and perception from others in the world.”
She adds:
“I wanted to take away the focus from telling patients how we could treat them and rather create programs that would not only help them overcome pain but would also empower them to take on all the mental health challenges that come with it.”
Image: Dr Manasi Murthy Mittinty (Source: Supplied)
Dr Mittinty’s research stretches across multiple disciplines and has the potential for impressive impact outside of Australia and across the world—it’s a lofty goal, and she’s been developing her skills and knowledge in order to accomplish it.
NRI Welfare Society of India recognizes the work, contributions and achievements of NRIs who have made a respected place for themselves outside and are also contributing in strengthening India’s economy and culture.
The Hind Rattan award ceremony is attended by the members of the Indian Prime Minister’s Office, Government officials, Judges and advocates of the Supreme Court of India, international diplomats, and celebrities.
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Generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools are supercharging the problem of misinformation, disinformation and fake news. OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, and various image, voice and video generators have made it easier than ever to produce content, while making it harder to tell what is factual or real.
Malicious actors looking to spread disinformation can use AI tools to largely automate the generation of convincing and misleading text.
This raises pressing questions: how much of the content we consume online is true and how can we determine its authenticity? And can anyone stop this?
It’s not an idle concern. Organisations seeking to covertly influence public opinion or sway elections can now scale their operations with AI to unprecedented levels. And their content is being widely disseminated by search engines and social media.
Fakes everywhere
Earlier this year, a German study on search engine content quality noted “a trend toward simplified, repetitive and potentially AI-generated content” on Google, Bing and DuckDuckGo.
Traditionally, readers of news media could rely on editorial control to uphold journalistic standards and verify facts. But AI is rapidly changing this space.
In a report published this week, the internet trust organisation NewsGuard identified 725 unreliable websites that publish AI-generated news and information “with little to no human oversight”.
Last month, Google released an experimental AI tool for a select group of independent publishers in the United States. Using generative AI, the publisher can summarise articles pulled from a list of external websites that produce news and content relevant to their audience. As a condition of the trial, the users have to publish three such articles per day.
Platforms hosting content and developing generative AI blur the traditional lines that enable trust in online content.
Researchers at @NewsGuardRating say they've now found 700+ AI-generated websites masquerading as "news."
According to Newsguard, the websites are publishing misinformation and other harmful content in 15 languages. Many also profit from programmatic ads. https://t.co/nIVkdE3036
Australia has already seen tussles between government and online platforms over the display and moderation of news and content.
In 2019, the Australian government amended the criminal code to mandate the swift removal of “abhorrent violent material” by social media platforms.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) inquiry into power imbalances between Australian news media and digital platforms led to the 2021 implementation of a bargaining code that forced platforms to pay media for their news content.
While these might be considered partial successes, they also demonstrate the scale of the problem and the difficulty of taking action.
Our research indicates these conflicts saw online platforms initially open to changes and later resisting them, while the Australian government oscillated from enforcing mandatory measures to preferring voluntary actions.
Ultimately, the government realised that relying on platforms’ “trust us” promises wouldn’t lead to the desired outcomes.
The takeaway from our study is that once digital products become integral to millions of businesses and everyday lives, they serve as a tool for platforms, AI companies and big tech to anticipate and push back against government.
With this in mind, it is right to be sceptical of early calls for regulation of generative AI by tech leaders like Elon Musk and Sam Altman. Such calls have faded as AI takes a hold on our lives and online content.
A challenge lies in the sheer speed of change, which is so swift that safeguards to mitigate the potential risks to society are not yet established. Accordingly, the World Economic Forum’s 2024 Global Risk Report has predicted mis- and disinformation as the greatest threats in the next two years.
The problem gets worse through generative AI’s ability to create multimedia content. Based on current trends, we can expect an increase in deepfake incidents, although social media platforms like Facebook are responding to these issues. They aim to automatically identify and tag AI-generated photos, video and audio.
A key idea is “safety by design”, which requires tech firms to place these safety considerations at the core of their products.
Other countries like the US are further ahead with the regulation of AI. For example, US President Joe Biden’s recent executive order on the safe deployment of AI requires companies to share safety test results with the government, regulates red-team testing (simulated hacking attacks), and guides watermarking on content.
We call for three steps to help protect against the risks of generative AI in combination with disinformation.
1. Regulation needs to pose clear rules without allowing for nebulous “best effort” aims or “trust us” approaches.
2. To protect against large-scale disinformation operations, we need to teach media literacy in the same way we teach maths.
3. Safety tech or “safety by design” needs to become a non-negotiable part of every product development strategy.
People are aware AI-generated content is on the rise. In theory, they should adjust their information habits accordingly. However, research shows users generally tend to underestimate their own risk of believing fake news compared to the perceived risk for others.
Finding trustworthy content shouldn’t involve sifting through AI-generated content to make sense of what is factual.
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Recently, ASIO boss Mike Burgess made another powerful public statement in delivering the Annual Threat Assessment for 2024. Burgess stated that ASIO has seen “terrorists and spies […] talking about sabotage, researching sabotage, sometimes conducting reconnaissance for sabotage”.
Director-General of Security @MikePBurgess will deliver his fifth Annual Threat Assessment this evening. Follow us as we share highlights from the speech. The full transcript will be available on https://t.co/eXBKNy5OKQ at the conclusion of the address. pic.twitter.com/Aa54bUXylm
He also highlighted the increasing focus on cyber (online methods) as a way that sabotage might be conducted. He said:
ASIO is aware of one nation state conducting multiple attempts to scan critical infrastructure in Australia and other countries, targeting water, transport and energy networks.
But what exactly is sabotage, and should we be worried?
The legal definition
“Sabotage” is a French term originally used to refer to deliberate acts by workmen to destroy machinery during the Industrial Revolution. Since then, “sabotage” has been used to describe acts that undermine military power without a battle – such as destroying train lines, cutting telephone wires, or setting fuel dumps on fire.
However, the legal definition is a bit bigger than that.
In Australia, sabotage is both a federal crime under the Criminal Code and also a crime under state and territory laws. At the federal level, sabotage has three key elements:
engaging in conduct that results in “damage to public infrastructure”
intending to or risking the act will “prejudice Australia’s national security” or “advantage the national security of a foreign country”
an act on behalf of, in collaboration with, or with funding from a “foreign principal” (that is, a foreign government or one of its authorities, such as their intelligence service).
“Public infrastructure” is a broad concept, and includes anything belonging to the Commonwealth, defence and military bases and equipment, and telecommunications.
In some circumstances, it could also include banks, supermarkets, food, farms and other services provided to the public. Essentially, pretty much anything needed to run the country could be “public infrastructure”.
New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, the ACT and the Northern Territory also have specific sabotage offences. Those offences capture deliberate acts to damage or destroy public facilities, where the person intends to cause major disruption to “government functions”, major disruption to the “use of services by the public” or major “economic loss”.
So what is ASIO doing?
ASIO’s annual threat assessment mentioned that sabotage has increasingly been discussed between agents of foreign countries, spies and would-be terrorists. While Burgess did not name which countries have been involved, ASIO has been watching China, perhaps because a hacking group called “Volt Typhoon” has been named as allegedly working on behalf of the Chinese government.
Yet, there have been very few cases of sabotage pursued in the courts.
Unfortunately, there can be several barriers to prosecuting foreign agents who engage in espionage, foreign interference and/or sabotage. These include gathering the necessary evidence that might reveal how the spies were detected, in turn potentially compromising ASIO’s ability to operate in the future.
However, foreign agents can still be deterred from engaging in this kind of activity. Just last year, Burgess detailed how a Russian spy ring was expelled rather than prosecuted. In this year’s threat assessment, Burgess also said ASIO often puts foreign agents on notice – that ASIO knows what they’re up to – or it shines a “disinfecting light” on Australia’s adversaries so the public is aware of what they’re up to.
However, one of the cases mentioned by Burgess in the assessment – a politician alleged to have “sold out Australia” for a foreign nation – probably won’t be identified. That’s strange on its own, as Burgess’ usual approach in these cases seems to be to “name names” – in going public, ASIO removes the one thing foreign agents need to operate: anonymity.
What more is needed?
ASIO will need to continue (and possibly even ramp up) its surveillance operations in Australia. That in turn will require the attorney-general to step up the review of Australia’s surveillance laws, which is yet to get started.
There are some niche areas in the law that might need some tweaking. Last year, we published research that demonstrated Australia’s laws might not protect an act of sabotage that was aimed at our natural environmental assets such as the Great Barrier Reef.
However, we may not need more laws – we just need to better use the ones we have. As Keiran Hardy argues in the context of counter-terrorism laws:
Australia’s counter-terrorism laws are already extensive […] If a criminal offence or power is needed to combat terrorism, Australia already has it and more.
More broadly, Australia needs to confront its “this won’t happen to us” attitude to national security. Chris Taylor, head of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute’s Statecraft and Intelligence Program, recently revived the words of Harvey Barnett (a former boss of ASIO) when he said:
With the simple self-confidence which living in an island state breeds, Australians are sometimes doubtful that their country might be of interest to foreign intelligence services. “It can’t really happen here” is a stock attitude. It has, it does, it will.
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Image: Dr Renu Sharma with External Affairs Minister of India Dr S. Jaishankar (Source: Dr Renu Sharma)
The University of Western Australia (UWA) node of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) has announced the funding of a $10,000 scholarship to encourage high-achieving female and/or indigenous student to undertake Astronomy and Astrophysics specialisation.
The new scholarship has been named after Dr Renu Sharma who has been the Chief Operating Officer of the ICRAR since its establishment in 2009.
Image: Dr Renu Sharma (Source: ICRAR)
Dr Sharma said in a statement that she was “deeply humbled but very pleased” to see the scholarship established.
“ICRAR’s commitment to encourage and support participation of women and Indigenous students in astronomy and astrophysics is exemplary. I look forward to seeing more girls and Indigenous students at ICRAR.”
Dr Sharma, who has a PhD in nematology (roundworms), migrated from India in 2000 with her husband and twins after quitting a prestigious position in the Indian Ministry of Agriculture.
In Australia, she first worked at a TAFE and then took on a position as manager at The University of Western Australia’s School of Physics in 2002.
In 2009, Dr Sharma became a founding executive member of ICRAR and in 2015 help successfully launch the ‘ICRAR Visiting Fellowship for Senior Women in Astronomy’.
Image: Dr Renu Sharma speaking at the ICRAR (Source: ICRAR)
A/Prof Elisabete Da Cunha, chair of the ICRAR/UWA DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) committee, said in a statement that the scholarship was an important step towards enhancing the diversity of ICRAR’s student cohort.
“We are delighted to see this named after Dr Sharma, who has been a driving force behind DEI initiatives at ICRAR since its inception — it is an immensely well-deserved recognition of her work.”
Image: Dr Renu Sharma with External Affairs Minister of India Dr S. Jaishankar (Source: Dr Renu Sharma)
Dr Sharma speaks Hindi, English, Punjabi and Himachal dialect, and is teaching her grandchildren Hindi through a somewhat unusual medium – her own poems!
She is a Trustee of Hindi Samaj of WA (2023-25), a radio presenter at the 95.3 EBA, and has been recognised by Indian Society of WA for her personal excellence in 2017, by Hindu Council of Australia in 2023 by Gargi Award for her contributions.
Dr Sharma has been the driving force behind ICRAR’s activities in the diversity, equity and inclusion space, with particular emphasis on supporting and empowering women and other under-represented groups in STEM.
Image: Dr Renu Sharma with the Indian High Commissioner to Australia Gopal Baglay (Source: Dr Renu Sharma)
Dr Sharma’s commitment has contributed to ICRAR’s recognition for its excellence in diversity, equity, and inclusion practices, winning the Bronze in 2015, Silver in 2017, and Gold in 2019, 2021 and 2023 at the Astronomical Society for Astronomy’s Pleiades awards.
The Dr Renu Sharma scholarship is open to domestic students who have applied for a place to commence a Master of Physics degree course with a specialisation in Astronomy and Astrophysics.
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“It is my absolute honour to now stand in the ranks beside previous winners including The Hon. Julia Gillard AC, Sam Kerr OAM, Janine Allis and Nova Peris OAM OLY. These extraordinary women have paved the way for future generations and I am inspired to continue forging pathways of my own.”
Ms Bhat is the CEO of Southern Aboriginal Corporation and for the past 15 years has called Albany home, where she passionately advocates for women in rural areas.
Her transformative journey from Karnataka in India to Australia in 2004 has been marked by an unwavering commitment to social justice and human rights.
Image: Asha Bhat with her mother Ramani Hegde in India (Source: Supplied)
The award committee observed:
“Asha has exhibited a tireless work ethic, profound dedication, and genuine compassion. As the driving force behind the Southern Aboriginal Corporation, Asha mirrors the organisation’s mission to bridge the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.”
In 2017, Ms Bhat received the Albany Citizen of the Year Award, in 2020 Women in Business award, and in 2022 the Pro Bono Australia Impact Award.
Recognizing her outstanding contributions, Ms Bhat was honoured with the Order of Australia Medal in the 2022 Queen’s Birthday Honours for her service to WA’s Indigenous community.
In 2023, she received the WA Multicultural Award 2023 – Sir Ronald Wilson Leadership Award. In addition to this honour, she has also been inducted into the Western Australia Women’s Hall of Fame in recognition of the mark she has left on the local community in the business category.
We're overjoyed to share that we've been named IABCA Award Global Finalists in both Community Services Excellence and Excellence in Partnership. This acknowledgment is a testament to the collective hard work, dedication, and sacrifices we've poured into our respective fields 🎉🫶🏽 pic.twitter.com/SWlDREXpSq
These awards, nominated by the public, are awarded by Women & Leadership Australia, to celebrate accomplishments across business, government, and community.
The 2024 Australian Awards for Excellence in Women’s Leadership receipients are as follows:
• NATIONAL – Sam Mostyn AO • ACT – Joanne Farrell • NSW – Wendy McCarthy AO Life Fellow FAICD • NT – Dr Sarah Goddard • QLD – The Hon Susan Kiefel AC KC • SA – Khadija Gbla • TAS – Dr Natasha Vavrek • VIC – Prof Dr Marcia Langton AO* • VIC – Georgie Stone* • WA – Asha Bhat OAM
Karen Taylor, Women & Leadership Australia CEO, said:
“Recognising and acknowledging the impacts of exceptional leadership is essential. The Australian Awards for Excellence in Women’s Leadership allow us to celebrate and spotlight the contributions of these exceptional individuals, to progress the public conversation around diversity in leadership and provide positive role models for the next generation.”
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Representative Image: Australian Defence Force exercising at Tinian island, Pacific Ocean, Exercise Cope North 24 (Source: ADF - X)
Australia will send six more military personnel to the Middle East to help allied forces fight Houthi rebels.
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles said in a statement that these additional ADF members would join the US and UK-led allies in their headquarters “in the next couple of days.”
“Additional ADF personnel will deploy to support strike action on Houthi targets in Yemen under the newly formed Operation Hydranth. These personnel will be embedded staff within US operational headquarters.”
Houthi extremists have continuously attacked shipping vessels in the Red Sea.
Since January 2024, Australia has provided support to coalition strikes aimed at protecting international shipping transiting the Red Sea.
The US and UK have conducted additional joint defensive strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen.
Again, Australia alongside the Netherlands, Canada, Bahrain, Denmark, and New Zealand have provided support.
The strikes on Houthi targets to date have degraded their capabilities; however these illegal attacks continue to threaten mariners and vessels.
Image: U.S. Forces, Allies Conduct Joint Strikes in Yemen (Source: U.S. Central Command forces – X)
Mr Marles added:
“The ongoing attacks by Houthi rebels continue to threaten the safety of seafarers, navigational rights and freedoms, and international commerce and maritime security. Australia will continue to work with our international partners to de-escalate tensions and restore stability in the Red Sea.”
The US and UK have conducted additional joint defensive strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. Australia alongside the Netherlands, Canada, Bahrain, Denmark, and New Zealand have provided support.
This increased commitment under Operation Hydranth is separate to Australia’s contribution of up to 16 ADF personnel deployed to support the Combined Maritime Forces in Bahrain, under Operation Manitou.
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The AFP and Victoria Police, under the Victorian Joint Organised Crime Taskforce (JOCTF) with seconded members from the Illicit Tobacco Taskforce, will allege some of the men work for freight and transport logistics companies in trusted positions.
After an extensive 16-month investigation six Melbourne men, including some with alleged links to a suspected Middle Eastern crime family, have been charged for allegedly trying to import 10 million illicit cigarettes into Victoria. pic.twitter.com/kJp8Zkuh3v
AFP Acting Assistant Commissioner Raegan Stewart said the Victorian Joint Organised Crime Taskforce had dismantled an alleged criminal syndicate attempting to avoid paying millions of dollars in Commonwealth excise through the use of corrupt trusted insiders.
“While ABF is the lead agency responsible for illicit tobacco, the AFP is responsible for targeting transnational serious organised crime.”
Acting Assistant Commissioner Stewart added:
“These transnational criminal syndicates will import any commodity that they think they can profit from into Australia and they are facilitated by trusted insiders who abuse the access and influence they have available to them through their employment.”
The six men will face the Melbourne Magistrates court today (28 February, 2024), and face up 10 years’ imprisonment for the alleged importation, which had an estimated value of $15 million.
It will be additionally alleged the syndicate attempted to avoid paying millions of dollars in Commonwealth excise.
They have been charged as part of the ongoing JOCTF investigation, codenamed Operation Tyers.
Image: Operation Tyers (Source: AFP)
Search warrants were executed yesterday (27 February, 2024) at a number of businesses and homes in Melbourne’s western suburbs.
It will be alleged several of the men have links to a Melbourne-based Middle Eastern organised crime syndicate, suspected of being behind a series of illicit tobacco imports into Victoria.
It will be alleged ABF intercepted 10 million cigarettes in Victoria after arriving on a sea cargo ship from Vietnam on 3 February, 2024.
It will be alleged two of the accused had access to internal shipping and transport systems and attempted to manipulate data relating to the illicit tobacco consignment to evade law enforcement detection.
Failure to declare the import and pay duties on the tobacco is a Commonwealth crime.
Victoria Police Commander Paul O’Halloran, Crime Command, said these arrests and seizures highlighted the collaborative effort to target those organised crime syndicates involved in illicit tobacco.
“The Illicit tobacco market has become a significant driver of organised crime groups particularly here in Victoria, and we have seen an array of serious and violent offending take place due to disputes between these groups as they strive for an increasing market share of profits.”
Cmdr O’Halloran observed:
“There is no doubt that this week’s arrests are key and will likely provide further avenues of enquiry for police. It remains crucial that we look at targeting those at all levels within these organised crime groups, in particular the directors, organisers and facilitators.”
ABF Assistant Commissioner Erin Dale said officers were seizing record levels of illicit tobacco at the border and the arrests of these six men would serve as a significant deterrent.
“Combatting the illicit tobacco trade in Australia is a complex and multi-jurisdictional problem requiring a multi-faceted response. Law enforcement and regulatory health agencies at federal and state levels are working collaboratively to address the serious organised crime, health and public safety issues of illicit tobacco.”
Assistant Commissioner Dale said a recent funding allocation of $188.5 million over four years would help ABF deliver a new compliance model, in partnership with states and territories, and will boost the capacity of the ABF to combat the illicit tobacco trade at the border.
“This funding will further bolster the disruption and deterrence capabilities at the border, while stemming the flow into Australia by targeting those source and transit countries from where illicit tobacco is originating.”
A Point Cook man, 45, an alleged facilitator for the criminal syndicate, was arrested at a residential property on Tuesday. He is accused of planning and facilitating the criminal tobacco import and using trusted insiders with knowledge of the transport and freight logistics industry in a bid to evade detection from law enforcement and subsequent Commonwealth taxes.
The man allegedly accessed freight forwarding systems to enable the illicit tobacco to be imported without the detection of authorities.
A Fraser Rise man, 35, is accused of using his position employed in transport and logistics to assist the syndicate to covertly collect and move the consignment he believed contained the illicit tobacco shipment upon its arrival into Australia.
It will be alleged three of the group (a Truganina man, 35, an Altona Meadows man, 31, and a Craigieburn man, 35), were involved in the importation and distribution of illicit tobacco throughout Victoria.
The Tarneit man, 40, was charged with alleged proceeds of crime offences and failing to comply with a court order. At the time of his arrest, the man was on bail for an unrelated state offence.
Operation Tyers remains ongoing and further charges have not been ruled out.
Image: Operation Tyers (Source: AFP)
FULL LIST OF CHARGES:
A Point Cooke man, 45, and a Fraser Rise man, 35, were both charged with:
Conspiracy to import tobacco products with the intention of defrauding the revenue, contrary to section 232BABAD(1) of the Customs Act 1901 (Cth), by virtue of section 11.5 of the Criminal Code (Cth), punishable by imprisonment for 10 years, or a fine not exceeding the amount worked out under subsection 233BABAD(5) of the Customs Act 1901 (Cth), or both.
A Truganina man, 35, an Altona Meadows man, 31, and a Craigieburn man, 35, were charged with:
Aid, abet, counsel or procure the importation of tobacco products with the intention of defrauding the revenue, contrary to section 232BABAD(1) of the Customs Act 1901 (Cth), by virtue of section 11.2 of the Criminal Code (Cth), punishable by imprisonment for 10 years, or a fine not exceeding the amount worked out under subsection 233BABAD(5) of the Customs Act 1901 (Cth), or both.
And a Tarneit man, 40, was charged with:
Dealing with proceeds of crime etc.–money or property worth $50,000 or more, contrary to section 400.5(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth), punishable by imprisonment for 15 years or 900 penalty units, or both.
Fail to comply with an order under section 3LA(2) of the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth) contrary to section 3LA(5) of the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth), punishable by imprisonment for 10 years or 600 penalty units, or both.
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If you find it intriguing that February 28 will be followed this week by February 29, rather than March 1 as it usually is, spare a thought for those alive in 1582. Back then, Thursday October 4 was followed by Friday October 15.
Ten whole days were snatched from the present when Pope Gregory XIII issued a papal bull to “restore” the calendar from discrepancies that had crept into the Julian calendar, introduced by Julius Caesar in 45 BCE.
The new Gregorian calendar returned the northern hemisphere’s vernal equinox to its “proper” place, around March 21. (The equinox is when the Earth’s axis is tilted neither toward nor away from the sun, and is used to determine the date of Easter.)
The Julian calendar had observed a leap year every four years, but this meant time had drifted out of alignment with the dates of celestial events and astronomical seasons.
In the Gregorian calendar, leap days were added only to years that were a multiple of four – like 2024 – with an exception for years that were evenly divisible by 100, but not 400 – like 1700.
Simply put, leap days exist because it doesn’t take a neat 365 days for Earth to orbit the Sun. It takes 365.2422 days. Tracking the movement of celestial objects through space in an orderly pattern doesn’t quite work, which is why we have February – time’s great mop.
Time and space
This is just part of the history of how February – the shortest month, and originally the last month in the Roman calendar – came to have the job of absorbing those inconsistencies in the temporal calculations of the world’s most commonly used calendar.
There is plenty of science, maths and astrophysics explaining the relationship between time and the planet we live on. But I like to think leap years and days offer something even more interesting to consider: why do we have calendars anyway?
And what have they got to do with how we understand the wonder and strangeness of our existence in the universe? Because calendars tell a story, not just about time, but also about space.
Our reckoning of time on Earth is through our spatial relationship to the Sun, Moon and stars. Time, and its place in our lives, sits somewhere between the scientific, the celestial and the spiritual.
It is the Sun that measures a day and gives us our first reference point for understanding time. But it is the Moon, as a major celestial body, that extends our perception of time. By stretching a span of one day into something longer, it offers us a chance for philosophical reflection.
The Sun (or its effect at least) is either present or not present. The Moon, however, goes through phases of transformation. It appears and disappears, changing shape and hinting that one night is not exactly like the one before or after.
The Moon also has a distinct rhythm that can be tracked and understood as a pattern, giving us another sense of duration. Time is just that – overlapping durations: instants, seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, years, decades, lifetimes, centuries, ages.
The elusive Moon
It is almost impossible to imagine how time might feel in the absence of all the tools and gadgets we use to track, control and corral it. But it’s also hard to know what we might do in the absence of time as a unit of productivity – a measurable, dispensable resource.
The closest we might come is simply to imagine what life might feel like in the absence of the Moon. Each day would rise and fall, in a rhythm of its own, but without visible reference to anything else. Just endless shifts from light to dark.
Nights would be almost completely dark without the light of the Moon. Only stars at a much further distance would puncture the inky sky. The world around us would change – trees would grow, mammals would age and die, land masses would shift and change – but all would happen in an endless cycle of sunrise to sunset.
The light from the Sun takes eight minutes to reach Earth, so the sunlight we see is always eight minutes in the past.
I remember sitting outside when I first learned this, and wondering what the temporal delay might be between me and other objects: a plum tree, trees at the end of the street, hills in the distance, light on the horizon when looking out over the ocean, stars in the night sky.
Moonlight, for reference, takes about 1.3 seconds to get to Earth. Light always travels at the same speed, it is entirely constant. The differing duration between how long it takes for sunlight or moonlight to reach the Earth is determined by the space in between.
Time on the other hand, is anything but constant. There are countless ways we characterise it. The mere fact we have so many calendars and ways of describing perceptual time hints at our inability to pin it down.
Calendars give us the impression we can, and have, made time predictable and understandable. Leap years, days and seconds serve as a periodic reminder that we haven’t.
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Image: Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi with His Highness Mohamed Bin Zayed
(Source: X)
By Omer Ghazi
The inauguration of the BAPS Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi signifies a profound milestone in the ever-evolving relationship between India and the UAE, encapsulating the essence of our shared aspirations for peace, prosperity, and mutual respect.
As an Indian researcher deeply invested in fostering stronger ties between our two nations, I find this moment to be profoundly significant, resonating with the rich tapestry of history and culture that binds India and the UAE together.
The @BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi, UAE opens its doors for devotees! Feel very blessed to be a part of this very sacred moment. Here are some glimpses. pic.twitter.com/29IhN4ZocK
The significance of this event goes beyond the mere establishment of a place of worship for the Hindu community in the UAE. It represents a beacon of hope for pluralism and inclusivity, echoing the values that both our nations hold dear. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s presence at the inauguration underscores the importance India places on its relationship with the UAE, recognizing the strides we have made in bridging cultural divides and fostering understanding.
Furthermore, the UAE’s commitment to religious tolerance, exemplified by initiatives such as the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence and the Abrahamic Family House, is commendable and sets a shining example for the world. Under the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to creating a society where people of all faiths can live and thrive harmoniously.
In the grand tapestry of India-UAE relations, the BAPS Hindu temple stands as a testament to our shared journey towards a brighter future. It serves as a reminder of the deep-rooted cultural bonds that unite us and the limitless potential that lies ahead as we continue to work hand in hand towards our common goals. I am optimistic about the prospects of further collaboration and cooperation between our two nations, guided by the principles of friendship, understanding, and mutual respect.
The trajectory of India-UAE relations is a saga of friendship, cooperation, and shared aspirations, rooted in a history of diplomatic engagements and strengthened by the visionary leaderships of both nations. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1972, the bond between India and the UAE has evolved significantly, reaching new heights of strategic partnership and mutual respect.
Immensely grateful to my brother, HH @MohamedBinZayed, for taking the time to receive me at Abu Dhabi airport.
I look forward to a productive visit which will further strength the friendship between India and UAE. 🇮🇳 🇦🇪 pic.twitter.com/OWQivfszI2
The turning point came in 2015 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a historic visit to the UAE, becoming the first Indian prime minister to do so in over three decades. This visit marked a new chapter in bilateral relations, setting the stage for a period of unprecedented growth and collaboration. Subsequent high-level exchanges, including Prime Minister Modi’s seven visits to the UAE and President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s four visits to India since 2016, underscore the commitment of both leaders to nurturing this special relationship.
In February 2022, Prime Minister Modi and President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed unveiled the India-UAE Vision Document, outlining a futurist vision for cooperation across various sectors. This comprehensive framework covers a wide spectrum of areas, from culture to commerce, diaspora to defense, education to economy, and health to hi-tech, reflecting the depth and breadth of the partnership between the two countries.
A key milestone in this journey was the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and the UAE, which came into force in May 2022. This groundbreaking agreement, negotiated and concluded in just 88 days, represents the UAE’s first CEPA with any country, India’s first CEPA with any Middle Eastern nation, and the first in over a decade. The CEPA has catalyzed a paradigm shift in bilateral trade, leading to a significant increase of more than 16% in trade volume over the past year.
Moreover, the success of the CEPA has paved the way for further collaboration, including agreements on trade settlement in local currencies and the integration of instant payment platforms. These initiatives not only deepen economic ties but also reinforce the commitment of both nations to fostering an environment of trust, innovation, and shared prosperity.
التقيت دولة ناريندرا مودي في أبوظبي، حيث بحثنا العلاقات الثنائية وما تشهده من تطور نوعي في مجالات الاقتصاد والاستثمار والتجارة والطاقة والتكنولوجيا وغيرها. لقاءاتنا المتواصلة تجسد حرصنا المشترك على دفع الشراكة الإستراتيجية بين الإمارات والهند إلى الأمام لخدمة أهداف التنمية في… pic.twitter.com/S59C7xAFZe
As India and the UAE continue to embark on this journey of partnership and cooperation, guided by the principles of mutual respect and shared values, the possibilities for collaboration are limitless. From infrastructure development to renewable energy, from technology to tourism, the future holds immense promise for both nations and their people. Through sustained efforts and unwavering commitment, India and the UAE are poised to realize their shared vision of a prosperous and interconnected future. India recently embarked on the ambitious India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), a large-scale infrastructure project designed to connect India, the Middle East, and Europe through various transportation modes, including shipping and rail networks.
The establishment of the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IIT-D) campus in Abu Dhabi represents yet another significant milestone in the burgeoning relationship between India and the UAE. As the first-ever IIT campus in the Middle East, this initiative epitomizes the perfect alignment of the strategic objectives of both nations. On one hand, the UAE seeks to solidify its position as a global hub for education, while on the other hand, India aims to expand the reach of its prestigious IITs on the international stage.
Beyond its immediate academic significance, this project heralds a new era of collaboration between India and the UAE in the realm of education and human resource development. It underscores the shared commitment of both nations to foster a robust knowledge partnership and exchange, with a focus on nurturing the technology leaders of tomorrow. The successful establishment of the IIT-D campus in Abu Dhabi not only demonstrates the efficacy of this collaboration but also paves the way for the introduction of more esteemed Indian institutions in the UAE.
By leveraging each other’s strengths and expertise, India and the UAE are poised to address the evolving challenges of the 21st century and capitalize on emerging opportunities. The establishment of the IIT-D campus in Abu Dhabi further exemplifies the transformative potential of bilateral cooperation, laying the foundation for a future characterized by innovation, excellence, and shared prosperity. As this partnership continues to evolve, it holds the promise of unlocking new avenues of collaboration and shaping the educational landscape of the region for generations to come.
The economic relations between India and the UAE have evolved significantly over the years, shaping the bilateral ties into a robust partnership anchored by trade and investment. Traditionally, trade between the two nations revolved around items such as pearls, fish, and dates until the discovery of oil transformed the economic landscape of the region. Since the unification of the UAE in 1971, export from India to the region has steadily increased, with the UAE emerging as India’s third-largest trading partner and the second-largest export destination, surpassed only by the United States. Reciprocally, India stands as the Emirates’ second-largest trading partner. The UAE’s foreign direct investment (FDI) in India has soared, surpassing $12 billion, with significant investments in prominent Indian companies such as Jio platform, Adani, Tata Motors, and Tata Power, totaling over $6 billion from Abu Dhabi alone. The establishment of a comprehensive free trade agreement in 2022 has further bolstered economic ties, granting duty-free access to a variety of goods and loosening regulations to encourage investment. Energy cooperation stands as a cornerstone of the relationship, with the UAE ranking among the top five largest suppliers of crude oil to India. Furthermore, the UAE has pledged collaboration with India on renewable energy projects and has entered into agreements with Indian states like Karnataka for strategic crude oil storage, highlighting the depth and breadth of economic collaboration between the two nations.
As an Indian deeply invested in the potential of collaboration between India and the Middle East, I firmly believe that the 21st century belongs to us as torchbearers of modernity and peaceful coexistence. Our partnership presents a compelling narrative of independent, progressive, and futuristic collaboration emerging from the East. India and the Middle East, both revered as spiritual centers of the world, with the birth of numerous world religions in these regions, are poised to rekindle their historical significance by coming together in solidarity. This alliance signifies a powerful convergence of cultures, traditions, and aspirations, with a shared commitment to fostering harmony, innovation, and inclusive growth. Together, we have the opportunity to redefine global narratives and demonstrate the transformative potential of unity in diversity. It is time for India and the Middle East to once again illuminate the path forward, inspiring the world with our vision of a future founded on mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation.
Contributing Author: Omer Ghazi is a proponent of religious reform and identifies himself as “an Indic Muslim exploring Vedic knowledge and cultural heritage through music”. He extensively writes on geo-politics, history and culture and his book “The Cosmic Dance” is a collection of his poems. When he is not writing columns, he enjoys playing drums and performing raps.
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A United States national appeared before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court last week (24 February 2024) charged with allegedly importing about 2kg of cocaine concealed in his luggage.
The man, 24, was stopped by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers at Melbourne Airport on Friday (23 February 2024), after arriving on a flight from the United States.
Image: Concealed drugs (Source: CANVA)
AFP acting Commander Donna Tankard said the AFP worked with the ABF to protect the Australian community from the devastating impact of illicit drugs.
“This amount of cocaine could have accounted for about 10,000 individual hits of cocaine, had it reached the Australian community.”
A/Commander Tankard added:
“This arrest should serve as a clear warning to anyone attempting to bring illicit drugs into Australia – you will be caught and you will be brought before the court.”
ABF officers allegedly discovered anomalies in the man’s luggage and on further examination, located about 2kg of a substance concealed in the lining of the suitcase.
A presumptive test of the substance by ABF officers allegedly returned a positive result for cocaine. The matter was then referred to the AFP.
ABF Acting Superintendent Luke Vercoe said officers at Melbourne Airport are highly vigilant and the first line of defence in detecting illicit drugs at the border.
“Any form of attempted concealment is no match for ABF’s sophisticated technology and our highly trained officers. We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to detect, seize and prosecute those who choose to engage this type of criminal activity.”
Further forensic testing will be done by the AFP to determine the exact weight and purity of the substance.
Image: X-ray photo of luggage (Source: AFP)
The AFP arrested the man and charged him with:
Importing a marketable quantity of a border controlled drug, namely cocaine, contrary to section 307.2 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth); and
Possessing a marketable quantity of a border controlled drug, namely cocaine, contrary to section 307.6 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth).
The man was remanded in custody to appear before a committal hearing on 17 June 2024. The maximum penalty for these offences is 25 years’ imprisonment.
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Representative Image: University admission (Source: CANVA)
By Pearl Subban
The federal government has released the final report on a Universities Accord. Taking more than a year to prepare, it is billed as a “blueprint” for reform for the next decade and beyond. It contains 47 recommendations across student fees, wellbeing, funding, teaching, research and university governance.
If you are a Year 12 student this year, you may be hoping to get an early offer for a university place before your final exams even begin.
While the bulk of students receive their university offers in January of the year they plan to start study, it is increasingly common for students to receive an offer while they are still at school. Offers have reportedly been made as early as March.
But this practice is set to change. While the federal government is still considering much of the Universities Accord final report, it has made a decision on its recommendation about early offers to Year 12 students.
Over the weekend, it announced university offers in all states and territories should not be made to school students before September.
Universities use this to make an offer to students from January of the year they begin study.
But some universities and some subject areas take a different approach. They look at Year 11 results and factors such as portfolios of work, written responses to questions, demonstration of skills like resilience or motivation and/or letters of recommendation.
Students can apply under an early offer scheme. Then universities can make a provisional offer to Year 12 students before final exams and the release of ATARs.
Students are still required to complete Year 12 and may need to achieve a certain ATAR, have done certain subjects and received certain results in these subjects.
Early offers are not new to universities, particularly in areas such as visual and performing arts where measures beyond exam results are required. But the practice became more widespread during disruptions to learning and teaching during COVID.
Since COVID, more Australian students have had offers of a uni place during Year 12. Karolina Grabowska/, CC BY
Why are early offers changing?
The Universities Accord review panel found early offers to students at school to be a “contentious practice”. It found there was no consistency or transparency around it and little data.
While they noted they can ease the stress of Year 12, the panel also heard early offers can lead to student disengagement “in the final and important weeks and months” of school.
The panel also noted they can favour students who already have personal or socioeconomic advantages, such as principals, careers counsellors or parents who can advocate for and write letters of recommendation on their behalf.
What will happen now?
At a meeting last week, federal and state education ministers agreed early offers to Year 12 students should change.
For this year and next, no early offers will be made before September. A national approach will be developed by 2027.
Students who suffer from exam anxiety and who are not as confident may lose out as a result of this move.
Some students who become overwhelmed by Year 12, may perform better in the internal Year 11 exams where the pressure is often reduced. Year 11 exams are still significant but they are scored by classroom teachers and likely to take in other dynamics, including the student’s circumstances and background.
Is this change a good idea?
At the moment, the system is geared towards a year of assessments and exams the concludes with an ATAR, which is a student’s ticket into a university course. This sort of incentivisation may prepare students for future challenges in their academic and career journeys.
It does however favour the student who performs well under test conditions and whose life circumstances enable them to work consistently all year.
Drawing more students from underrepresented backgrounds into university is a key goal of the Universities Accord final report. If equity is a priority, it may be wise to rethink early offers for some vulnerable students.
Conscientious students are not likely to reduce their commitment to their study program and will persevere through Year 12 anyway.
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Image: Pankaj Udhas with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi (Source: X)
Legendary Indian singer Pankaj Udhas has died at the age of 72 after a prolonged illness in Mumbai, his family confirmed today.
A statement from ‘The Ghazel Maestro’ Mr Udhas’ family said:
“With a very heavy heart, we are saddened to inform you of the sad demise of Padma Shri Pankaj Udhas on 26 February due to a prolonged illness.”
Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi said Mr Udhas’ “ghazals spoke directly to the soul” – “We mourn the loss of Pankaj Udhas Ji, whose singing conveyed a range of emotions and whose Ghazals spoke directly to the soul. He was a beacon of Indian music, whose melodies transcended generations. I recall my various interactions with him over the years. His departure leaves a void in the music world that can never be filled. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.”
We mourn the loss of Pankaj Udhas Ji, whose singing conveyed a range of emotions and whose Ghazals spoke directly to the soul. He was a beacon of Indian music, whose melodies transcended generations. I recall my various interactions with him over the years.
Mr Udhas was born in Jetpur in Gujarat on 17 May 1951 and was the youngest of three brothers. He initially started by learning the instrument tabla but later studied Hindustani vocal classical music under Ghulam Qadir Khan Sahab.
Mr Udhas then went to Mumbai to learn from Navrang Nagpurkar, a vocalist from the Gwalior Gharana. He made a mark as a playback singer in Hindi film industry and was notably known for “Naam”, “Saajan” and “Mohra.”
He rose to fame with Mahesh Bhatt’s 1986 film ‘Naam’ and made special appearances in films such as “Yeh Dillagi,” “Saajan” and “Phir Teri Kahaani Yaad Aayee.”
Mr Udhas recorded over 60 albums during his lifetime and gave memorable hit song ‘Chitthi aayi hai’ that has touched the hearts of millions of Indians living abroad. This song was also selected as one of the 100 songs of the millennium by BBC Radio.
This tour celebrated Mr Udhas’ 40 years musical journey and he regaled the audiences with his popular ghazals including the soulful ‘Aur Aahista Keeje Baatein’, ‘Jiye To Jiye Kaise’; hits like ‘Chandi Jaisi Rang Tera’, ‘Na Kajre Ki Dhar’, ‘Aaj Phir Tum Pe Pyar Aaya’ and some intoxicating ghazals such as ‘La Pila De Saakhiya’ , ‘Maloom Mai Sharabi Nahi’ and ‘Todi Todi Piya Karo’.
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The man, 49, pleaded guilty in May 2022 to importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug after he was arrested and charged in September 2020.
Intelligence obtained during the Operation Ironside enabled the AFP to disrupt the plan to smuggle the drugs into Australia inside two welding machines.
The AFP alerted the Australian Border Force (ABF) to select the air cargo consignment for examination when it arrived in South Australia in August 2020.
Image: Op Ironside (Source: AFP)
An x-ray of the welding machines revealed anomalies in the cargo. ABF officers removed a panel from one piece of machinery and found an electronic safe. A safe was also found inside the second welder, with each holding nine rectangular packages that contained a white powder.
Forensic testing by the AFP confirmed the 18 seized packages contained a total of about 18kg of cocaine, with an almost 80 per cent purity.
Image: Op Ironside (Source: AFP)
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Rodger Braun said the amount of cocaine could have been sold to 20,000 people as ‘street level’ deals of cocaine.
“We prevented these drugs from reaching our community and also stopped about $7 million going into the pockets of those involved in this illegal venture.”
Detective A/Supt Braun added:
“The AFP is working closely with partners to make South Australia as hostile as possible for drug traffickers and stop them from profiting at the community’s expense.”
Image: Op Ironside (Source: AFP)
Inquiries by the AFP found the man had been engaged to receive the consignment, including sending more than $8000 to a business in Athens and initially arranging for the machines to be delivered to his former workplace without the knowledge of the business owners.
He then set up a fake company and changed the delivery address to his home. The man attempted to collect the consignment from a freight forwarding business, where he was told it had been seized by authorities.
When police executed a search warrant at the man’s inner-city Adelaide home in September 2020 they seized electronic devices and documentation connected to the consignment. Following a search of the property, the man was arrested and charged.
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Imagine you really wanted something and all you had to do was ask the universe and you would get it. That’d be awesome, right?!
I present this to my students in my first-year Research Methods in Psychology course, in the first session of the semester. Then I ask them what they think.
The first respondent is usually bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. They say something like: “Absolutely! You can achieve anything you want if you put your mind to it!” Emboldened, a handful of others express similar sentiments. Naturally, there are also sceptical students, but at this point it doesn’t suit my agenda to give them much oxygen.
Next, I tell the students I presume they’d all love to achieve High Distinctions in my course. I tell them it is, in fact, possible, and I’m going to share how it can be done. At this point, even the most sceptical students are intrigued.
I tell them all they need to know is … The Secret.
A self-help megaseller
The Secret is a 2006 feature-length film and then book created by Australian Rhonda Byrne, who was a television executive when she came up with it.
The book has sold more than 35 million copies and been translated into more than 50 languages. Byrne has gone on to produce several related books, including The Greatest Secret, and associated merchandise, like a card deck.
It was even adapted as a romantic drama film, The Secret: Dare to Dream, starring Katie Holmes and released in 2020. (The Guardian described it as “inoffensively middling […] with nothing of note other than a few laughably dumb moments”.)
Others have also got in on the act. For example, there’s a DVD titled The Secret Behind The Secret, in which a self-help guru purports to channel a spiritual being called Benjamin.
The Secret’s fundamental claim is that a law of attraction operates within the universe: we become or attract what we think about most. In effect, positive things happen to positive people and negative things happen to negative people. Importantly, we are not passive recipients of our outcomes. Rather, we manifest our outcomes by actively thinking about them.
The Secret: Dare to Dream, the 2020 adaptation starring Katie Holmes, was described as ‘inoffensively middling’.
Oprah Winfrey, who lavishly embraced The Secret, devoting two episodes of her talk show to it in 2006, said it embodied the message she’d been trying to share for 21 years: “you are responsible for your life”.
As others have pointed out, these ideas are not a secret and they’re not new.
The Secret is effectively a repackaging of the “power of positive thinking” pop psychology from recent decades – and, centuries earlier, the quackery of the metaphysical movement.
Victim blaming
Much empirical psychological research suggests thinking and feeling positively is likely to be associated with more positive outcomes.
But there’s a stark gap between the blithe blanket statements of The Secret and the empirical studies that have tested the qualifications and nuances of the effects of positive expectations.
It’s in that gap where The Secret becomes an easy target.
For instance, The Secret is good news for anyone fortunate enough to be blessed with an eternally sunny disposition, but less so for anyone struggling with chronic depression. The Secret suggests depression and its consequences are the fault of the victim. If only they could think more positively!
Taken on face value, the principles espoused in The Secret should mean the end of poverty and war. Perhaps we’re not wishing hard enough?
Elsewhere, The Secret has offended physicists with its misappropriation of quantum physics principles to explain the “law of attraction” (in itself a pseudoscientific idea).
And yet … people love this stuff.
An alluring fiction
On Amazon, more than 40,000 customers have taken the time to review the book. The average rating is 4.6/5. Perhaps this should not be surprising.
The Secret (superficially) taps into a spiritual realm and research demonstrates that spirituality nurtures and comforts many. The Secret speaks to a search for meaning and we know feeling a sense of purpose in life provides a measure of happiness. The Secret proposes the individual has the power to control their own destiny – and research demonstrates the role a sense of personal control has in people’s lives.
And The Secret encourages magical thinking, which some people may be prone to more than they realise. The Secret promises the alluring fiction that – just for once – things in life might be easy.
The Chaser’s War on Everything questioned The Secret’s ability to deliver almost 15 years ago.
Back in the classroom, in this Trumpian age where truth is in the eye of the beholder, The Secret reminds us the principles of the scientific method are still important when it comes to critically consuming information.
There are several ways of knowing about the world. We can defer to authority. We can rely on our intuition. We can employ logic. And we can make observations based on our experiences.
Pseudo ‘experts’
To some extent, Rhonda Byrne and her devotees leverage these knowledge sources to help give credence to The Secret. For example, it has been endorsed by high-profile influencers (like Winfrey) and prominent US personal development gurus (like Bob Proctor, John Assaraf and Jack Canfield). Byrne claims eminent historical figures – including Plato, Shakespeare and Einstein – knew the secret and employed its principles.
All these people are experts, or at least present themselves as experts. So they must know what they’re talking about. As they’re authority figures, we intuit they can be trusted.
Unfortunately, it’s the equivalent of toothpaste advertisers dressing an actor in a white coat to imply they’re a scientist, who recommends a particular brand of toothpaste.
Oprah Winfrey embraced The Secret, helping to make it a bestseller.
To persuade you, The Secret takes you down the peripheral route, the one where you don’t put much effort into your research – “Einstein used it! There must be something to it!” – rather than the central route, where you think critically about claims. “Just because she says Einstein used it doesn’t make it valid. And how does she know he used it?”
The Secret appeals to intuition, by appropriating spiritual and scientific language. To the extent an individual believes in a spiritual dimension to this world, or that they can control their own destiny, The Secret speaks loudly.
On the other hand, anyone who thinks critically about its claims presumably finds themselves arriving at the maxim that if it sounds too good to be true, it is.
Positive thinking plus effort
Back in the lecture theatre, my students unpack the claims of The Secret. Quite reasonably, they suggest a whole bunch of important ingredients are needed in addition to “positive thinking”, if someone really is going to manifest their deepest desires. Things like hard work, perseverance, motivation, skill and ability.
The Secret is less able to appeal to logic, though it attempts to by referring to the pseudoscientific “law of attraction”. Again, the secret of The Secret’s success lies in the suggestibility of association. Referring to a “law” implies there is a scientific basis to the principles – and we all know science is logical, right?
A key component of the scientific method is that theories must be testable. Testing theories requires making observations – that is, collecting data.
If personal experience is one form of empirical evidence, then The Secret performs very impressively. There are thousands of testimonials on the internet from people around the world attesting to its ability to deliver results.
But dig a little deeper, and it’s clear this anecdotal evidence (“it happened to me, therefore it’s a thing”) almost always reflects the problem of the illusory correlation. Two events occur in close proximity to the other and rather than putting it down to coincidence, for example, people presume the first event caused the second.
This is even more likely to occur when an individual is looking to confirm – rather than test – their beliefs.
So, individuals wanting to see evidence The Secret works will find it. They ask the universe for a pay increase and two weeks later they get it. The possibility the pay increase was always on its way, due to their previous hard work and diligence, does not seem to be relevant.
Before my students leave, I wish them all the best for the course and their other university studies. I tell them I hope they all achieve the outcomes they desire.
And I remind them some of the principles embraced by The Secret do have some merit and are supported by empirical psychological research. Particularly, the idea that having a positive attitude tends to produce positive outcomes – though not always, and not because some magical connection with the universe made it so.
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Minister for Education Jason Clare said in a statement:
“Universities aren’t just places where people work and study, they are also places where people live, and we need to ensure they are safe. According to a recent survey, 1 in 20 students experienced sexual assault since they started university and 1 in 6 have been sexually harassed.”
He added:
“Not enough has been done to tackle sexual violence in our universities and for too long students haven’t been heard. That now changes. The National Student Ombudsman will be independent and have the powers to investigate complaints and resolve disputes with universities.”
The Ombudsman will allow all higher education students to escalate complaints about the actions of their higher education provider, including complaints about sexual harassment, assault and violence.
The functions of the Ombudsman will include:
• considering whether decisions and actions taken by providers are unreasonable, unjust, oppressive, discriminatory or otherwise wrong • responding to a complaint while a provider is still considering the issue if there are unreasonable delays, or the provider is acting unreasonably • recommending a provider takes specific steps to resolve the complaint • sharing information with relevant regulators for further compliance action if needed, and • offering a restorative engagement process between the student and the provider.
A National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence will also be established. The Action Plan will bring greater transparency and scrutiny across the sector, including student accommodation providers.
Urgently addressing sexual assault in universities was one of five priority actions from the Australian Universities Accord Interim Report.
The Action Plan has been informed by consultation with students, staff, victim-survivor advocates, higher education sector and subject matter experts, including the CEO of Our Watch, Patty Kinnersly, and across governments.
The Action Plan will contribute to the work to end gender-based violence in one generation as outlined in the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022–2032, which is being led by Minister for Social Services, the Hon Amanda Rishworth MP.
The Government will now prepare legislation to establish the Ombudsman.
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Woolmark is a not-for-profit organisation that works alongside Australia’s 60,000 woolgrowers to research, develop and certify Australian wool. The iconic Woolmark logo has been applied to more than 5 billion products since 1964, guaranteeing quality and representing pioneering excellence and innovation.
@Austrade has partnered with @Woolmark to showcase the "Grown in Australia, Made in India" initiative. The main goal is to exhibit the strength of Australian merino wool and India's textile capabilities.
BHARAT TEX 2024 – a global textile mega event being organised by a consortium of 11 Textile Export Promotion Councils and supported by the Ministry of Textiles is scheduled from February 26-29 in New Delhi.
With over 3500 exhibitors and 40000 trade visitors, Bharat Tex2024 is India’s largest textile industry event, highlighting growth opportunities throughout the product value chain.
The main goal of this initiative is to exhibit the strength of Australian merino wool and India’s textile capabilities.
The focus of the Australia-India partnership will be on five key areas of cooperation: shearing, classing, sustainability frameworks, improving India’s capacity to process wool, and workforce capacity-building programs.
🇮🇳 is the world's 2nd largest importer of #wool & Australia is one of the world’s largest wool producers, producing around 25% of greasy wool sold on the world market.
As per experts, India is the world’s 2nd importer of wool and Australia is one of the world’s largest wool producers, producing around 25% of greasy wool sold on the world market.
Australia being the largest producer of merino wool is home to 70 million sheep and close to ¾ of the flock being merino. Australian merino wool’s natural, biodegradable, and renewable properties make it a perfect choice for conscious brands and consumers.
Further, under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA), there is an elimination of tariffs on wool from 29 December 2022.
India imports 21 million kgs of wool from Australia which is a growth of 24% YoY post signing of ECTA.
With over 3500 exhibitors and 40000 trade visitors, #BharatTex2024 is India's largest textile industry event, highlighting growth opportunities throughout the product value chain.
Bharat Tex2024 event will be organised at the newly opened state-of-the-art venues – Bharat Mandapam and Yashobhoomi.
This mega event will feature an exhibition spread across nearly 2,00,000 sq. m area showcasing Apparel, Home Furnishings, Floor Coverings, Fibres, Yarns, Threads, Fabrics, Carpets, Silk, Textiles based Handicrafts, Technical Textiles and much more.
The event will also feature nearly 50 different knowledge sessions providing an excellent platform for knowledge exchange, information dissemination and G2G and B2B interactions.
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Last week, 39 foreign nationals arrived in a remote part of Western Australia by boat. This revived dormant debates about border security.
People without visas come to Australia by air and sea, though we only ever seem to hear about the latter. Unlike unauthorised air arrivals, unauthorised maritime arrivals (people without visas that arrive by boat without permission) are given high media visibility. This feeds a narrative that the country has lost control of its borders, which in turn creates a political problem for the government of the day.
But behind the headlines, what actually happens when people arrive in Australia without permission, whether by boat or by plane?
What is Australia obligated to do?
Anyone who’s not an Australian citizen is required to have authorisation in the form of a visa to enter and remain in the country.
What Australia can do to deal with unauthorised arrivals is limited by its international treaty obligations. The United Nations Refugee Convention and Protocol oblige Australia to refrain from sending “refugees” (as defined in those treaties) to places where they will face a real chance of persecution.
Under other treaties to which it is a party, Australia is also obliged to refrain from sending anyone, not just refugees, to places where they will face a real risk of certain serious human rights violations.
These treaty obligations are referred to as “non-refoulement” or protection obligations. People who claim the benefit of such protection obligations are called asylum seekers.
What happens to asylum seekers when they arrive?
The processes for people arriving by boat or plane have similarities, but are slightly different.
Australian policy is for unauthorised air arrivals to be given a screening interview to ascertain whether they could be entitled to Australia’s protection under international law. If not, they are returned to their most recent country of departure. Those who are found to have a possible case are given access to the protection visa application process.
The protection visa is Australia’s main domestic mechanism for implementing its international protection obligations. People who initially entered Australia on a valid visa can also apply for a protection visa. Most applicants fall into this group.
Australia imposes penalties on airlines that bring non-citizens without valid visas here. It also posts its officials at overseas airports to help airlines identify people without visas so they can be refused boarding. As a result, there are very few unauthorised air arrivals to Australia.
Like people who come by plane, unauthorised maritime arrivals go through a screening process.
Those who are deemed not to be asylum seekers are returned to their most recent country of departure. This is usually, but not always, Indonesia.
Unless the responsible minister grants an exemption, unauthorised maritime arrivals who are found to have a possible asylum claim must be transferred to a regional processing country to have their asylum claims determined there.
How has regional processing worked?
Regional processing has a complicated history.
In late 2001, the Coalition government under John Howard entered arrangements with Nauru and Papua New Guinea (PNG) to take unauthorised maritime arrivals to those countries to process their asylum claims. Those arrangements were ended by Labor shortly after it won government in November 2007.
However, a resurgence of unauthorised maritime arrivals led the Gillard Labor government to enter a new set of arrangements with Nauru and PNG in late 2012. These allowed Australia to transfer unauthorised maritime arrivals to processing centres in those countries to have their asylum claims considered by their governments.
The 2012 arrangements left open the possibility that transferees who were found to be refugees might be resettled in Australia. However, when boats kept arriving, the Rudd Labor government decided to get even tougher. In 2013, it announced future unauthorised maritime arrivals would never be resettled in Australia.
After its election in September 2013, the Coalition government implemented Operation Sovereign Borders, which has been continued by the current Labor government. Many activities come under the Operation Sovereign Borders banner, including the interception of unauthorised maritime arrivals at sea by the Australian navy. Regional processing is now also characterised as being part of the program.
The regional processing arrangement with PNG ceased at the end of 2021. As of November 16 2023, there were still 64 transferees remaining in PNG. However, the Australian government’s position is that responsibility for these people lies entirely with PNG and not with Australia.
Nauru is still a regional processing country but under a new agreement. At the time it was signed in late 2021, there hadn’t been any transfers for years. However, it was considered important to maintain an “enduring regional processing capacity” on Nauru as a deterrent to people smugglers.
As previously, the Nauruan government is responsible for processing the asylum claims of transferees and managing them until they depart Nauru or are permanently settled there. However, Australia has contracted and is paying the processing centre’s service providers.
On June 25 2023, it was reported there were no transferees remaining in Nauru. This did not mean that a durable solution had been found for everyone who had been transferred to Nauru up until that time. While some people had been resettled in third countries, others had simply been brought to Australia with the legal status of “transitory persons”. This status prevents them from applying for a visa to remain in Australia unless granted ministerial permission to do so.
Australia’s options for resettling this cohort are limited. It has at its disposal the remainder of 1,250 refugee places promised by the United States in November 2016 and 450 refugee places over three years promised by New Zealand in 2022. Even if all these places are used, hundreds of people will remain in limbo.
What happens to last week’s arrivals?
Since Operation Sovereign Borders began, boats have either been intercepted at sea or have managed to make landfall in Australia every year except 2021.
However, between the start of Operation Sovereign Borders and the end of August 2023, only two out of the 1,123 boat passengers involved to that point had ever been accepted for regional processing. Both cases were in 2014.
This statistic raised serious concerns about the reliability of the screening process as the people screened included many from known refugee producing countries.
Given this history, it was a little surprising when the Australian government transferred 11 unauthorised maritime arrivals to Nauru in September 2023. A further 12 were transferred to Nauru in November 2023. The 39 people found in Western Australia have just been transferred there too.
It seems the screening process has been abandoned or has been vastly improved. While the most reliable way for Australia to meet its international protection obligations would be to give all unauthorised maritime arrivals access to its protection visa application process, giving them all access to regional processing is certainly better than sending them back to their country of departure.
However, resettlement in Nauru of those found to be refugees is not realistic. The country, which has a population of approximately 13,000 people, is only 2,200 hectares in land area. To put this in context, Melbourne airport is larger than Nauru.
There is no reason to believe it will be any easier to find third country resettlement for transferees in the future than it has been up to now. For most, the only way out of limbo will be to return home, as eight of those transferred to Nauru in September have already done. Regional processing continues to be a policy failure for which vulnerable people will pay the price.
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The report has recommended reforms to build a better and fairer higher education system that may result in major funding changes to Australian universities.
JUST RELEASED: The Australian Universities Accord Final Report recommends reforms to build a better and fairer higher education system for the next decade and beyond. https://t.co/aEUdw0GWp5pic.twitter.com/Mq1s7i15Vk
Minister for Education Jason Clare said in a statement that the Australian Universities Accord has recommended how to reform higher education over the next decade and beyond.
“Under Bob Hawke and Paul Keating, the number of Australians finishing high school jumped from around 40 per cent to almost 80 per cent. That was nation changing. The Accord says that in the years ahead, we will need 80 per cent of the workforce to not just finish high school, we will need them to finish TAFE or university as well.”
In 2022, Australian higher education providers enrolled almost 450,000 international fee-paying (more than a quarter of total enrolments), with around 120,000 of these studying Australian higher education courses from outside Australia.
International student fees contributed more than a fifth of overall university funding. However, the report recommends changes to the way universities recruit international students.
Instead of Australian universities and institutions having free reign to recruit, they would be given guidance on diversifying the countries they recruit from to lessen shocks from changes overseas.
Further, the report also proposes higher standards for English language proficiency.
“Providers need to apply rigorous testing and admission benchmarks to ensure international students have the appropriate English language level to succeed in the classroom and beyond, and provide tailored support where required.”
In addition, as many international students seek a migration pathway, the report recommends that in line with the Australian Government’s Migration Strategy goal for a better targeted system “the tertiary education sector should encourage these students to study courses linked to Australian skill shortages and to study in regional locations.”
The report observes that failing to increase student numbers would “do lasting damage to Australia’s prospects of national economic success.”
“Failure to increase student numbers to meet these needs could do lasting damage to Australia’s prospects of national economic success. While our tertiary attainment rates are reasonably strong by world standards, other comparable nations are doing considerably better.”
The report recommended “TEQSA take an evidence-based approach to ensure that providers have appropriate risk management strategies for international education to issues including managing demand volatility, course concentrations and the quality of the student experience, and access and availability of affordable housing.”
Image: Tertiary attainment by OECD country, proportion of 25 to 34-year-olds (%), 2022.
The report contains 47 recommendations and targets to reform higher education and set it up for the next decade and beyond.
The Report recommends that at least 80 per cent of the workforce will need a VET or university qualification by 2050. Currently, it sits at 60 per cent.
The Report says, “raising tertiary education attainment to these levels will not be easy. It can only be achieved by making the higher education system far more equitable.”
That means more Australians from the outer suburbs, the regions, disadvantaged backgrounds and more Indigenous Australians going to university.
It also finds that the barriers between VET and higher education need to be broken down to ensure a more seamless and integrated tertiary education system.
If we want our country to be everything it can be in the years ahead we need more kids from the regions, from poor families and Indigenous people to get a crack at going to uni. @abcnews#Insiderspic.twitter.com/PknOd2fxav
“The Accord will help to drive this change. It will help us build a better and fairer education system where no one is held back, and no one is left behind…This is a plan not for one budget, but a blueprint for the next decade and beyond.”
The Report recommends ambitious targets, including:
increasing the tertiary education attainment rate from 60 per cent to at least 80 per cent of Australians in our workforce by 2050
increasing the proportion of university educated Australians aged 25 to 34 years from 45 per cent to 55 per cent by 2050, and
increasing the number of 25- to 34-year-olds with a tertiary level vocational or technical qualification to 40 per cent by 2050.
The Universities Accord is the product of 12-months’ work by an expert review panel chaired by Professor Mary O’Kane AC and informed by 820 public submissions and 180 meetings with stakeholders.
Lat year in June, the Accord panel delivered its interim report and the Albanese government immediately acted on all four interim recommendations.
The final report proposes that implementation of the recommendations be staged. The federal government, amidst budgetary constraints, is now considering the Report’s recommendations that can be viewed here.
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Image: 18-member delegation, including farmers from Fiji SugarCane Growers Council, briefed today by Senior Officials of HCI Suva (Source: X)
Fourteen Fijian sugarcane farmers and four technical staff members from the Sugar Ministry will be going on a 12-day training tour of India.
The Fijian delegates will be based at National Sugar Institute (NSI) in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, to gain first-hand insights into the operations of India’s sugar industry.
🇮🇳🤝🇫🇯Best wishes to the 18-member delegation, including farmers from Fiji SugarCane Growers Council, briefed today by Senior Officials of @HCI_Suva. As they embark on a training journey with @ITECnetwork at the @nsi_sugar, Kanpur, may it be a fruitful & enlightening experience! pic.twitter.com/qke6cDutyA
This opportunity has been facilitated by the High Commission of India in Suva under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme (ITEC) which is the flagship component of India’s Development Partnerships for capacity development.
The Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry Charan Jeath Singh addressing the farmers emphasized the importance of leveraging global expertise to propel Fiji’s sugar industry to greater heights.
“India has much to teach us about the sugar industry. This trip is an important opportunity for our farmers to gain invaluable knowledge and skills that will directly contribute to enhancing sugarcane production in Fij.”
Image: Fiji’s Sugar Minister Charan Jeath Singh (Source: Fiji Government – Facebook)
Mr Singh further observed that this program has been in place for some time, but it was underutilized in past years. He added that the Fijian government is now working closely with the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) to ensure the effective use of these scholarships.
“I have asked him to also identify his staff from the mill so that they can go and participate in a specially tailored compact trading session, which will be specifically designed for FSC.”
Last year, Mr Singh and his senior officials were part of a weeklong Congress of the International Society of Sugar Cane Technologies in Hyderbad.
The primary objective of the present tour is to gain insights into the Indian Sugar industry, fostering knowledge exchange and cultivating innovative ideas to bolster the Sugar industry in Fiji.
Both governments hope that this inaugural trip marks the commencement of a promising collaboration between Fiji and India in advancing Sugar industry.
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Image: Screenshot of movies created using Sora (Source: X - Open AI)
By Vahid Pooryousef and Lonni Besançon
Late last week, OpenAI announced a new generative AI system named Sora, which produces short videos from text prompts. While Sora is not yet available to the public, the high quality of the sample outputs published so far has provoked both excited and concerned reactions.
Introducing Sora, our text-to-video model.
Sora can create videos of up to 60 seconds featuring highly detailed scenes, complex camera motion, and multiple characters with vibrant emotions. https://t.co/7j2JN27M3W
The sample videos published by OpenAI, which the company says were created directly by Sora without modification, show outputs from prompts like “photorealistic closeup video of two pirate ships battling each other as they sail inside a cup of coffee” and “historical footage of California during the gold rush”.
At first glance, it is often hard to tell they are generated by AI, due to the high quality of the videos, textures, dynamics of scenes, camera movements, and a good level of consistency.
OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman also posted some videos to X (formerly Twitter) generated in response to user-suggested prompts, to demonstrate Sora’s capabilities.
How does Sora work?
Sora combines features of text and image generating tools in what is called a “diffusion transformer model”.
Transformers are a type of neural network first introduced by Google in 2017. They are best known for their use in large language models such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini.
Diffusion models, on the other hand, are the foundation of many AI image generators. They work by starting with random noise and iterating towards a “clean” image that fits an input prompt.
A video can be made from a sequence of such images. However, in a video, coherence and consistency between frames are essential.
Sora uses the transformer architecture to handle how frames relate to one another. While transformers were initially designed to find patterns in tokens representing text, Sora instead uses tokens representing small patches of space and time.
Leading the pack
Sora is not the first text-to-video model. Earlier models include Emu by Meta, Gen-2 by Runway, Stable Video Diffusion by Stability AI, and recently Lumiere by Google.
Lumiere, released just a few weeks ago, claimed to produce better video than its predecessors. But Sora appears to be more powerful than Lumiere in at least some respects.
Sora can generate videos with a resolution of up to 1920 × 1080 pixels, and in a variety of aspect ratios, while Lumiere is limited to 512 × 512 pixels. Lumiere’s videos are around 5 seconds long, while Sora makes videos up to 60 seconds.
Lumiere cannot make videos composed of multiple shots, while Sora can. Sora, like other models, is also reportedly capable of video-editing tasks such as creating videos from images or other videos, combining elements from different videos, and extending videos in time.
Prompt: “Several giant wooly mammoths approach treading through a snowy meadow, their long wooly fur lightly blows in the wind as they walk, snow covered trees and dramatic snow capped mountains in the distance, mid afternoon light with wispy clouds and a sun high in the distance… pic.twitter.com/Um5CWI18nS
Both models generate broadly realistic videos, but may suffer from hallucinations. Lumiere’s videos may be more easily recognised as AI-generated. Sora’s videos look more dynamic, having more interactions between elements.
However, in many of the example videos inconsistencies become apparent on close inspection.
Promising applications
Video content is currently produced either by filming the real world or by using special effects, both of which can be costly and time consuming. If Sora becomes available at a reasonable price, people may start using it as a prototyping software to visualise ideas at a much lower cost.
Based on what we know of Sora’s capabilities it could even be used to create short videos for some applications in entertainment, advertising and education.
OpenAI’s technical paper about Sora is titled “Video generation models as world simulators”. The paper argues that bigger versions of video generators like Sora may be “capable simulators of the physical and digital world, and the objects, animals and people that live within them”.
If this is correct, future versions may have scientific applications for physical, chemical, and even societal experiments. For example, one might be able to test the impact of tsunamis of different sizes on different kinds of infrastructure – and on the physical and mental health of the people nearby.
Achieving this level of simulation is highly challenging, and some experts say a system like Sora is fundamentally incapable of doing it.
A complete simulator would need to calculate physical and chemical reactions at the most detailed levels of the universe. However, simulating a rough approximation of the world and making realistic videos to human eyes might be within reach in the coming years.
Prompt: “A movie trailer featuring the adventures of the 30 year old space man wearing a red wool knitted motorcycle helmet, blue sky, salt desert, cinematic style, shot on 35mm film, vivid colors.” pic.twitter.com/0JzpwPUGPB
The main concerns around tools like Sora revolve around their societal and ethical impact. In a world already plagued by disinformation, tools like Sora may make things worse.
It’s easy to see how the ability to generate realistic video of any scene you can describe could be used to spread convincing fake news or throw doubt on real footage. It may endanger public health measures, be used to influence elections, or even burden the justice system with potential fake evidence.
Video generators may also enable direct threats to targeted individuals, via deepfakes – particularly pornographic ones. These may have terrible repercussions on the lives of the affected individuals and their families.
Beyond these concerns, there are also questions of copyright and intellectual property. Generative AI tools require vast amounts of data for training, and OpenAI has not revealed where Sora’s training data came from.
Large language models and image generators have also been criticised for this reason. In the United States, a group of famous authors have sued OpenAI over a potential misuse of their materials. The case argues that large language models and the companies who use them are stealing the authors’ work to create new content.
It is not the first time in recent memory that technology has run ahead of the law. For instance, the question of the obligations of social media platforms in moderating content has created heated debate in the past couple of years – much of it revolving around Section 230 of the US Code.
While these concerns are real, based on past experience we would not expect them to stop the development of video-generating technology. OpenAI says it is “taking several important safety steps” before making Sora available to the public, including working with experts in “misinformation, hateful content, and bias” and “building tools to help detect misleading content”.
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A man and woman from Western Australia are expected to appear in Perth Magistrates Court on 23 February 2024 after the AFP charged them with allegedly importing about 255g of heroin concealed internally.
Australian Border Force (ABF) officers examined their baggage after they arrived at Perth Airport on 14 February 2024 on an international flight from Asia.
Image: Heroin in pellets (Source: AFP)
ABF Acting Commander Vesna Gavranich said officers at the international airport were the first line of defence in detecting illicit drugs at the border.
“ABF officers are highly trained in detecting internal concealments and will stop passengers in their tracks to ensure these harmful drugs do not make their way into the community. It is both dangerous and extremely stupid to think this is some kind of failsafe method to conceal illicit drugs.”
Examination of their mobile devices allegedly revealed images of what was believed to be illegal drugs and the man and woman, both 48, were referred to the AFP for further examination.
Scans identified the potential presence of internally concealed drugs and AFP officers transported the pair to hospital for further tests. The tests allegedly confirmed the presence of pellets in both of their bodies.
Image: Heroin in pellets (Source: AFP)
The man excreted six pellets allegedly containing heroin, with an estimated total weight of 115.4g, and the woman excreted seven pellets allegedly containing heroin, with an estimated total weight of 139.7g.
The combined weight of the seized drugs is 255.1g, which could have been sold as 1275 street deals, with an estimated total value of $127,500.
Image: Heroin in pellets (Source: AFP)
The AFP will allege the pair inserted the pellets in their bodies before traveling to Australia.
AFP Acting Commander Peter Hatch said anyone smuggling drugs internally was not only risking substantial jail time but also taking grave risks with their health.
“We know these pellets can burst in the stomach, or in other parts of the body, causing significant risk of a devastating overdose. Couriers are risking their own lives and face lengthy jail time if they are caught. It is just not worth it.”
Acting Commander Hatch added:
“This matter should serve as a salient warning to the community: this is your drug supply chain in action. Illicit drugs are not produced in sterile environments, and they’re certainly not transported in hygienic conditions. Should you ever consider using illegal substances, just think about where they potentially come from. In this situation the drugs sat in the colon of an alleged internal courier before they would have been sold and used.”
The man and woman have each been charged with 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.
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Western Australia has introduced a limit on ham in school canteens. Parents are reportedly confused and frustrated. So what has changed and what evidence is it based on?
Reclassifying processed meats
The WA Department of Health has reconfigured its system for classifying food and drink in public schools. It uses a traffic light approach, allocating green, amber or red colours to foods and drinks.
Ham and other processed red meats have been moved from an “amber” label to a “red” label.
green items must account for at least 60% of items on a menu
amber items must account for less than 40% of items on a menu
red items cannot be on the menu.
There’s one catch. The new guidelines allow ham to be sold as if it is an amber item, only two days per week, if ham was already on a canteen’s menu prior to the reconfiguration.
Why restrict ham?
Singling out nutrients or foods as “good” or “bad” can lead to confusion and polarised views on diet. Rather than focusing on individual foods, long-term health outcomes are more closely linked to overall dietary patterns.
Ham itself is not inherently considered junk food. It’s a source of protein and many other nutrients.
However, certain types of ham products – especially highly processed or cured hams – are less healthy options for several reasons:
High sodium content
Many commercially available hams, especially highly processed and cured varieties, can be high in sodium, which is salt.
Excessive sodium intake is associated with health issues such as high blood pressure and can increase the risk of heart disease and strokes.
On average, Australian children consume more sodium than the recommended upper limit: 600 mg a day for children aged four to eight and 800 mg a day for those aged nine to 13.
The World Health Organization says reducing sodium is one of the most cost-effective ways nations can improve the health of their populations.
Additives
Some processed hams may contain additives, preservatives and flavour-enhancers we should limit.
Saturated fat
While ham is a good source of protein, certain cuts can be higher in saturated fat.
Any ham sold in canteens under the new rules (where ham is treated as an “amber” food until the canteen menu changes) must have less than 3g of saturated fat per 100g.
The methods to process and cure ham may involve smoking, which can produce compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. In large quantities, these may cause health concerns, including increasing the risk of bowel cancer.
What are some ham alternatives?
Lean, minimally processed ham, prepared without excessive sodium or additives, can potentially be a part of a healthy overall diet. And parents in WA can continue packing ham in their child’s lunchbox.
When choosing ham, read the labels and select products with a lower sodium content, minimal additives and healthier preparation methods.
When looking for low-salt alternatives to ham, there are several options to consider:
turkey breast. Turkey is a lean meat and can be a good substitute for ham. Look for low-sodium or no-salt-added varieties
chicken breast. Skinless, boneless chicken breast is a versatile and low-sodium option. Grilling, baking or roasting can add flavour without relying on salt
smoked salmon. While salmon naturally contains some sodium, smoked salmon tends to be lower in sodium than cured ham. Choose varieties with little or no added salt
roast beef. Choose lean cuts of roast beef and consider seasoning with herbs and spices instead of relying on salt for flavour
homemade roasts. Prepare your own roasts using lean meats such as pork loin, beef sirloin or lamb. This way, you have more control over the ingredients and can minimise added salt
grilled vegetables. These can be a tasty alternative to meat. Eggplant, zucchini, capsicum and portobello mushrooms have a satisfying texture and flavour
beans and legumes. Beans, lentils and chickpeas can be used as alternatives in various dishes. They are naturally low in sodium and high in protein and fibre.
Consider planning ahead, involving your kids, reducing pre-packaged foods, balancing cost and convenience, and giving your kids lunchbox accountability.
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Justin Langer- Image Source; X:Lucknow Super Gients
Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Friday appointed legendary former Australian cricket team coach and batter Justin Langer as their team head coach.
As the two-year contract of Andy Flower comes to an end, Lucknow Supergiants thanked Andy Flower for his contribution.
Justin Langer was appointed as the coach of the Australian cricket team in May 2018. During his tenure, Australia captured the title by defeating England 4–0 in the Ashes series.
Not only this but in the year 2021, during Langer’s tenure, Australia also won the T20 World Cup for the first time. Apart from this, Perth Scorchers also won the Big Bash title three times under the guidance of Langer.
“Lucknow Super Giants are on the journey of building a great story in the IPL. We all have a role to play in that journey and I am excited to be a part of the team moving forward,” on joining LSG as head coach, Justin Langer said in an official statement.
Lucknow Super Giants team has made it to the IPL play-offs for the second consecutive year.
Earlier, LSG on Friday parted ways with head coach Andy Flower after two seasons. Team thanked Flower for his services.
“Dear Andy, Today it’s farewell, but it’ll never be goodbye because you’ll always be one of our own. Thank you for everything! ,” the franchise wrote in the Twitter post.
Flower has worked with Punjab Kings as an assistant coach for two seasons before joining LSG in 2021. Flower led Lucknow to back-to-back third-place finishes in the Indian Premier League in 2022 and 2023.
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Image: Odysseus robot near the lunar south pole (Source: X)
Houston-based Intuitive Machines has made history by becoming the first commercial outfit to put a spacecraft on the Moon as it landed its Odysseus robot near the lunar south pole.
Flight director Tim Crain announced: “What we can confirm, without a doubt, is our equipment is on the surface of the Moon and we are transmitting.”
Your order was delivered… to the Moon! 📦@Int_Machines' uncrewed lunar lander landed at 6:23pm ET (2323 UTC), bringing NASA science to the Moon's surface. These instruments will prepare us for future human exploration of the Moon under #Artemis. pic.twitter.com/sS0poiWxrU
NASA had purchased room on Odysseus for six scientific instruments, and its administrator Bill Nelson congratulated Intuitive Machines for a mission he described as a “triumph.”
Bill Nelson said: “The US has returned to the Moon. Today, for the first time in the history of humanity, a commercial company – an American company – launched and led the voyage up there. And today is the day that shows the power and promise of Nasa’s commercial partnerships.”
Today, for the first time in half a century, America has returned to the Moon 🇺🇸.
On the eighth day of a quarter-million-mile voyage, @Int_Machines aced the landing of a lifetime.
Intuitive Machines has broken the United States’ half-century absence from the Moon’s surface.
It was the Apollo mission in 1972 when American hardware was last put down in the lunar soil.
Intuitive Machines has confirmed that after troubleshooting communications, flight controllers have confirmed Odysseus is upright and starting to send data.
“Right now, we are working to downlink the first images from the lunar surface.”
After troubleshooting communications, flight controllers have confirmed Odysseus is upright and starting to send data. Right now, we are working to downlink the first images from the lunar surface.
Odysseus’ landing site is a cratered terrain next to a 5km-high mountain complex known as Malapert and is the southernmost point on the Moon ever visited by a spacecraft, at 80 degrees South.
This historic landing comes after a fellow US company Astrobotic abandoned its own Moon landing attempt in January, following a fuel leak.
Last week SpaceX’s Falcon rocket blasted off from Nasa’s Kennedy Space Center and helped dispatch Intuitive Machines’ lunar lander on its 230,000 miles (370,000km) journey.
Intuitive Machines’ IM-1 mission is the company’s first mission through the agency’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative, which aims to gain new insights into the lunar environment and expand the lunar economy to support future crewed missions under NASA’s Artemis campaign.
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MEWA 2024 is considered India’s foremost B2B exhibition for nuts and dried fruits. It featured participants from over 20 countries with 200 exhibitors and more than 6000 people attendees.
Image: Om Birla, Hon’ble Speaker of India’s Lok Sabha, at MEWA 2024 (Source: X)
The event was inaugurated by Om Birla, Hon’ble Speaker of India’s Lok Sabha, who acknowledged the transformative role of platforms like MEWA 2024 in fostering the growth and consolidation of the sector.
— Nuts and Dried Fruits Council India (@MewaIndia) February 20, 2024
The event has been organised to elevate the nuts and dried fruits industry by fostering advancements in research, innovation, production, trade, and consumption.
Australia, which exports Almonds to India, also participated in NDFCI’s inaugural MEWA Cricket Tournament.
It is reported that ten tenacious teams participated in the tournament which was “a thrilling” and “an edge-of-the-seat sporting spectacle” for the audience.
As per ABS data, almonds are a most important part of the Australia – India trade with a value that has averaged $A110m per annum over the last decade.
Almonds are one of the largest Australian agri exports to India. Almonds are a most important part of the 🇦🇺 🇮🇳 trade with a value avg A$110m pa over the last decade (ABS). ECTA resulted in the Indian tariff on Australian almonds being reduced by 50% and a quota of 34,000 tonnes. pic.twitter.com/3vGbTTKFUK
ECTA resulted in the Indian tariff on Australian almonds being reduced by 50% and a quota of 34,000 tonnes.
The conversations at the Almonds Roundtable at MEWA India 2024 will shed light on industry trends that everyone in the industry should hop on. We’re looking forward to the opinions and ideas of our speaker, Tim Jackson, CEO – Australia Almond Board, at the roundtable. pic.twitter.com/lsJ4Q7jpxA
— Nuts and Dried Fruits Council India (@MewaIndia) February 16, 2024
“While other industries are just starting their Indian export campaigns, we have an established network and as our crop grows, so will the interest from these buyers. Not a week goes by that our marketers do not receive enquiries from India about purchasing more almonds.”
The demand for almonds in India is considerably more than Australia’s predicted supply. According to the Australian Nut Industry Council (ANIC), only 15-30% of the Australian crop meets the Indian consumer demand preference regarding quality.
It’s estimated that 164,700 tonnes will be harvested across Australia this year.
Image: Almond harvest (Source: Almond Board of Australia – LinkedIn)
Current Australian almond production is about 180,000 tonnes, this is expected to grow to 200,000 tonnes by 2030.
Currently, India does not produce almonds, pistachios, macadamias, chestnuts, or hazelnuts so there is no local industry claim to support protection via tariffs.
With rising economic conditions, the Indian middle class are driving greater consumption of nuts. And it would be an understatement to say that India is at the pinnacle of the consumption pyramid.
Image: Almonds (Source: Canva)
Indian middle-class love for almonds is based on its being a top nut source of plant protein and rich in gut-loving fibre. Just a handful of almonds can provide 20g of protein per 100g (or 6g in a 30g handful) or make their fibre content roughly on par with two bananas.
To meet this increasing demand, Indian trade associations are seeking greater international collaborations between growers and sellers.
Mr Jackson added:
“While other industries are just starting their Indian export campaigns, we have an established network and as our crop grows, so will the interest from these buyers.”
Image: Gunjan Jain, President of NDFCI and MD of Nutraj India (Source: X)
Reflecting on the event’s success, Gunjan Jain, President of NDFCI and MD of Nutraj India, expressed gratitude to the industry leaders and participants.
“The inaugural event of NDFCI facilitated invaluable partnerships and insights, marking a pivotal moment in the history of the dry fruits and nuts category. The event witnessed the successful culmination of numerous business meetings and deals, underscoring its resounding success.”
It is reported that Mewa 2025 is already seeing great interest from international brands looking to launch their products in India’s most eminent retail stores.
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Representative image: University students (Source: CANVA)
By Chris Millward
In January, England’s university leaders had their weekend breakfasts disturbed by an undercover investigation in the Sunday Times.
Using secret film of recruitment agents, the newspaper reported on a “back door” route which lets international students into Russell Group universities with “far lower grades” than students from the UK. Like the Ivy League in USA and Australia’s Group of Eight, these universities figure highly in university rankings and have stringent academic entry requirements.
The “back door” enables international students to enter a year-long foundation course with lower entry grades, then apply for progression onto an undergraduate degree.
The government has responded by commissioning its own investigation. Robert Halfon, minister for higher education, has said he wants to make sure there is a “level playing field” for domestic students.
England’s universities now gain most of their income through tuition fees rather than government grant, and they can charge much higher fees to international students. This is leading to concerns that they are favouring international students through the foundation year route. There has never, though, been a “level playing field” for university entry due to the influence of family background on school results.
Foundation years
The Sunday Times story focused on bridging programmes, which are usually called foundation years in England. These are year-long courses taken after school but before starting an undergraduate degree. They help students improve their academic standing and prepare them for university.
There are foundation years run by independent companies with partnerships and recognition from universities. Russell Group and other English universities also run foundation years themselves, often linked to specific subjects such as medicine and physical sciences. Foundation years are becoming increasingly popular, with the number of entrants increasing from 8,000 to around 70,000 during the last decade.
These courses were initially intended to help two groups of students enter undergraduate degrees. First, English students from less-advantaged backgrounds. These students gain lower grades overall and are more likely to have vocational qualifications designed for progression into work, rather than academic studies.
And second, international students from educational systems with school-leaving qualifications that are not comparable to those in the UK.
By helping less-advantaged students enter university, foundation years increase opportunities and improve the supply of highly skilled graduates. Their attraction of international students also generates tuition fee income for universities and creates connections for trade and diplomacy. These benefits are now being set against perceptions of unfairness, which relate to the use of foundation years by students who have not met the required grades.
Student recruitment
During the last decade, the most selective universities in England have increased their recruitment of domestic students from all backgrounds as well as international students. But this is becoming increasingly difficult due to the level of tuition fees for domestic undergraduates.
The government has increased the maximum fee for domestic students only once in ten years, from £9,000 to £9,250 per year in 2017. In real terms, the fee for each student has reduced by around one quarter in this time.
In contrast, there is no cap on international student fees. These can be over £30,000 per year. There are, therefore, much stronger financial incentives to increase numbers of international rather than domestic students.
The “back door” identified by the Sunday Times involves not only foundation year provision for students with qualifications from other countries, but also international students who have gained UK qualifications through independent schools. These students achieve grades below the published entry requirements, then take a foundation year to meet the standard. Universities are recruiting more students through this route because they rely on them to fund domestic student places.
Is this unfair? Many UK families pay for private schooling and tutoring, and pay for students to re-sit examinations to meet selective university entry requirements. Those from private schools are over twice as likely to enter Russell Group universities as students from the state sector.
And this route leads to influence. Two-thirds of the current UK cabinet attended fee-paying private schools, compared with 7% of the wider population. Research conducted in 2019 found that 87% of cabinet members were Russell Group alumni.
Notwithstanding this, the perception of unfairness highlighted by the report may be influential. The government wants universities to balance their pursuit of private income from international students with the interests of its own population.
Yet the government now funds only £1,600 of the average £10,200 that English universities receive for each domestic student. This 15% contribution cannot adequately represent the level of public interest in the education of the nation’s young people. A new settlement must, then, be a priority for whichever government is in power by the end of 2024.
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The ransomware group was allegedly responsible for running LockBit, which has caused billions of dollars’ worth of harm across the globe, including millions to Australian individuals and businesses, since it was first identified in 2019.
The Europol-led investigation, known as Operation Cronos, has disrupted LockBit’s critical infrastructure. This included its primary platform and 34 servers across Australia, Netherlands, Germany, Finland, France, Switzerland, the United States and the United Kingdom.
France’s National Gendarmerie arrested two alleged LockBit actors in Poland and Ukraine, and a further three arrest warrants and five indictments have been issued by French and US law enforcement.
Assistant Commissioner Scott Lee said the international investigation was a significant breakthrough in the global fight against cybercrime.
“Cybercrime is not restricted by borders and tackling this crime type requires a united, global response from law enforcement. The AFP continues to work closely with our international law enforcement partners, as demonstrated through the recent disruption of the BlackCat ransomware group.”
Assistant Commissioner Lee added:
“This latest takedown is yet another example of the powerful outcomes that can be achieved through a united law enforcement front. This investigation has not only taken down the world’s most prolific ransomware group, but also damaged the group’s reputation and credibility beyond repair. We have obtained a vast amount of data from investigations so far and will continue to follow all leads and bring those responsible to justice.”
More than 200 cryptocurrency accounts allegedly owned by the ransomware group have been frozen by law enforcement, stripping the group of significant profits.
Authorities have obtained a significant amount of data since the investigation started, after the UK National Crime Agency took over LockBit’s technical infrastructure. Further arrests across the globe are expected.
LockBit was known to criminals as a ‘ransomware-as-a-service’ product, meaning criminals with little to no technological skills could purchase and use a ready-made ransomware program to attack their victims.
Ransomware is a type of malicious software that once installed onto a device or networks, encrypts the data and files, making them unusable. Cybercriminals use ransomware to extort payments from victims in exchange for the recovery of, and ability to regain access to the encrypted data.
Australia continues to experience persistent and pervasive cybercrime threats that target critical infrastructure, governments, industry and the Australian community.
The emergence of ‘ransomware-as-a-service’ has allowed criminals with relatively low technical capability to deploy sophisticated attacks.
In response to this growing threat, the AFP and the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) established Operation Aquila in November 2022 to investigate, target and disrupt cybercriminal syndicates, with a priority on ransomware threat groups.
Under Operation Aquila, the AFP and ASD investigate the highest priority cyber criminals targeting Australia, including the LockBit and BlackCat ransomware groups.
AFP’s contribution to the operation includes criminal investigations, target development and disruption, and engagement with key international partners. In the 2022-23 financial year, this included analysing 204 ransomware incidents, undertaking 18 proactive preventative engagements and distributing 10 intelligence products.
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Image: Women in Super Mother’s Day Classic (MDC) (Source: Supplied)
Organisers of Australia’s most loved national fun run and walk, the Women in Super Mother’s Day Classic (MDC), called for more to be done to increase funding for research to improve survival rates for breast and ovarian cancer.
Image: MDC CEO Zara Lawless (Source: LinkedIn)
At the official launch of the 2024 Women in Super Mother’s Day Classic in Melbourne, MDC CEO Zara Lawless made a commitment to increasing money for medical research, to elevate women’s health, prevent deaths from breast cancer, and improve the survival outcomes for ovarian cancer.
Ms Lawless said: “Through events like the Mother’s Day Classic and the public support of medical research, the rates of survival for those diagnosed with breast cancer have improved dramatically.”
“We know that the job isn’t done yet, and we remain committed to achieving the goal of zero deaths from breast cancer. From this day forward we are also determined to make a difference to the outcomes for women with ovarian cancer.”
The MDC is the biggest donor to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, having raised $44 million over the past 26 years. In that time the five-year relative survival rate for breast cancer has increased from 84 per cent to 92 per cent.
Image: Women in Super Mother’s Day Classic (MDC) (Source: Supplied)
For the first time, this year’s annual event, in which more than 70,000 participants will walk or run nationwide on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12, will also raise money for ovarian cancer research, partnering with the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation. Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynaecological cancer, which claims the life of a woman every eight hours in Australia.
We are thrilled to announce that in 2023, over 65,000 Australians came together to donate $2.55M to breast cancer research!
We’re going further in 2024 and inviting our participants to run or walk in support of ovarian cancer research, in addition to breast cancer research. pic.twitter.com/IvmpuJdcUU
The five-year relative survival rate for ovarian cancer is just 49 per cent, with 1,054 deaths every year.
Ms Lawless adds: “Tragically over the last 30 years, treatment advances for ovarian cancer have been limited, there is no method of early detection, and recurrence rates are very high. Just as the Mother’s Day Classic founders said in 1998, this is not good enough, so we say it’s not good enough today. Only research can change this.”
“This is why the Mother’s Day Classic has decided to go further and expand its reach and impact so participants can run or walk in support of ovarian cancer research, in addition to breast cancer research. “We want to accelerate progress toward the day when every woman diagnosed with either breast or ovarian cancer will be given the assurance that they can survive.”
For the 2024 Mother’s Day Classic, 70,000-plus people will start their day by walking or running at one of more than 70 locations across the country to support and honour those touched by breast cancer or ovarian cancer.
The National Breast Cancer Foundation and the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation both acknowledge that research is the key to improving outcomes for women and saving lives.
Image: Assoc. Prof. Cleola Anderiesz, National Breast Cancer Foundation CEO (Source: National Breast Cancer Foundation)
Assoc. Prof. Cleola Anderiesz, National Breast Cancer Foundation CEO, said: “we can be very proud of the progress made to reduce deaths from Breast cancer, but the job is not done. Research is central and critical to improving breast cancer outcomes.”
”Receiving a significant contribution every year from the Mother’s Day Classic Foundation, for 26 years, has been instrumental in funding research and helping the National Breast Cancer Foundation make progress towards our vision of Zero Deaths from breast cancer.”
Image: Robin Penty, Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation CEO (Source: LinkedIn)
Robin Penty, Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation CEO, said: “The OCRF celebrates the success of the Mother’s Day Classic and its ongoing commitment to improving women’s cancer survival rates through funding life-changing research.”
“We’re proud of the OCRF’s growing impact in raising awareness and critical funding for ovarian cancer research and we can’t wait to walk shoulder to shoulder in support of women’s health this May.”
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Air Marshal Robert Chipman, AM, CSC, Chief of The Air Force (CAF), Australia, called on Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi, VCOAS ; Image Source: X/Twitter @adgpi
In a significant development for Indian-Australian defence relations, Air Marshal Robert Chipman, the Australian Chief of Air Force, met with Indian Vice Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi in New Delhi.
This meeting, held on Wednesday, was aimed at discussing and enhancing bilateral defence cooperation between the two nations.
Air Marshal Chipman, a decorated officer who has been conferred with the Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC) and appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM), engaged in detailed discussions with the recently appointed Vice Chief of Army Staff of India.
Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi, who took over his new role on Monday, also paid homage at the National War Memorial in Delhi following his assumption of the new appointment.
The Indian Army acknowledged the meeting on their social media platform, highlighting that issues of mutual interest, including bilateral defence cooperation, were on the agenda.
In a related engagement, Air Marshal Chipman had also met with Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) of the Indian Air Force. The dialogue between the two air force chiefs focused on mutual interests and potential avenues for further cooperation between their respective air forces.
Air Marshal Robert Chipman, Chief of Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force called on the CAS Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari today in New Delhi.
As Australia-India military diplomacy continues to strengthen, the Indian Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, is slated to meet with top military leaders from countries of strategic importance, such as the US, France, New Zealand, Australia, and the UK, at the Raisina Dialogue.
The Raisina Dialogue, which commenced on Wednesday 21st February in the Indian national capital, is India’s flagship event on geopolitics and geoeconomics and will feature discussions on a wide array of significant issues facing the global community.
The theme for this year’s dialogue is ‘Chaturanga: Conflict, Contest, Cooperate, Create’, focusing on a multifaceted approach to current geopolitical challenges. The event promises to be a melting pot of ideas with participation from high-level dignitaries, including heads of state, ministers, and officials from various sectors, along with thought leaders from the private sector, media, and academia.
Air Marshal Chipman is expected to partake in discussions on pivotal military matters and share insights on the ongoing initiatives for defence force theaterisation, a key objective set by the Australian government to enhance the country’s military capabilities and self-reliance in defence.
This series of high-profile meetings and discussions underscores the proactive steps Australia and India are taking to fortify their defence strategies and international partnerships amidst an evolving global security landscape.
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Image: Aayush Arora (Photo credit: NZ Herald / Jason Oxenham)
25-year-old Aayush Arora, a former Auckland bank employee, embezzled $262,000 from ANZ to allegedly fuel a severe gambling addiction.
Mr Arora has been ordered to serve home detention and pay the money back to the bank at $130 a week.
It is reported by the NZ Herald that Mr Arora approved 15 fraudulent loans over one month while he was working from home.
ANZ bank discovered the missing money in a July 2023 audit and Arora was arrested in October 2023.
The agreed summary of facts submitted in the court noted that Mr Arora immediately returned $47,000 that he had not spent. Still, the remaining $215,000 “was largely gambled away at the SkyCity Casino in Auckland.”
Police prosecutor Sam Papp described the embezzlement scheme as “high-end, sophisticated offending.” She added that Mr Arora was co-operative with police and the bank also supported a non-custodial sentence.
Judge Bell observed in her sentencing:
“His intention was to gamble [the embezzled ANZ money] and pay off his debt to have a normal life, but it didn’t pan out that way. He knew it was wrong and that he was putting his career in jeopardy but “he was in so much debt and pressure, he felt it was his last way to save his life”.
Mr Arora’s lawyer Hyuk Woo argued that community detention would be the best outcome. He noted that his client was still young and was working hard to address the issues.
“It’s accepted Mr Arora has committed really serious offending and has caused a serious amount of damage. He’s willing to repay.”
Judge Bell rejected the community detention request but approved home detention as she described the scheme as a “gross breach of trust.”
“The steps you have started to take are to be commended, Mr Arora, but you’ve got a long way to go.”
Auckland District Court’s Judge Debra Bell was told by Mr Arora’s lawyer that he could pay another $2500 in reparation immediately.
Judge Bell authorised an additional $20,000 to be removed from his KiwiSaver account. But more than $190,000 that remains missing still needs to be paid off in instalments.
Further, the judge ordered that Mr Arora’s weekly payments will be reassessed in a year to see if they can be increased.
Mr Arora’s family moved to New Zealand when he was a child. NZ Herald reports that Mr Arora started gambling in 2019 while unemployed. He ended up taking out multiple loans to pay off his losses and the debt continued to increase significantly.
Mr Arora has now found work as a cashier at a South Auckland restaurant and at the current rate of repayment it may take him more than 25 years to return the money.
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So why are people still getting scammed, and sometimes spectacularly so?
Scammers use sophisticated psychological techniques. They exploit our deepest human vulnerabilities and bypass rational thought to tap into our emotional responses.
This “psychological warfare” coerces victims into making impulsive decisions. Sometimes scammers spread their methods around many potential victims to see who is vulnerable. Other times, criminals focus on a specific person.
Let’s unpack some of these psychological techniques, and how you can defend against them.
1. Random phone calls
Scammers start with small requests to establish a sense of commitment. After agreeing to these minor requests, we are more likely to comply with larger demands, driven by a desire to act consistently.
The call won’t come from a number in your contacts or one you recognise, but the scammer may pretend to be someone you’ve engaged to work on your house, or perhaps one of your children using a friend’s phone to call you.
If it is a scammer, maybe keeping you on the phone for a long time gives them an opportunity to find out things about you or people you know. They can use this info either immediately or at a later date.
2. Creating a sense of urgency
Scammers fabricate scenarios that require immediate action, like claiming a bank account is at risk of closure or an offer is about to expire. This tactic aims to prevent victims from assessing the situation logically or seeking advice, pressuring them into rushed decisions.
The scammer creates an artificial situation in which you are frightened into doing something you wouldn’t ordinarily do. Scam calls alleging to be from the Australian Tax Office (ATO) are a great example. You have a debt to pay (apparently) and things will go badly if you don’t pay right now.
Scammers play on your emotions to provoke reactions that cloud judgement. They may threaten legal trouble to instil fear, promise high investment returns to exploit greed, or share fabricated distressing stories to elicit sympathy and financial assistance.
3. Building rapport with casual talk
Through extended conversation, scammers build a psychological commitment to their scheme. No one gets very far by just demanding your password, but it’s natural to be friendly with people who are friendly towards us.
After staying on the line for long periods of time, the victim also becomes cognitively fatigued. This not only makes the victim more open to suggestions, but also isolates them from friends or family who might recognise and counteract the scam.
4. Help me to help you
In this case, the scammer creates a situation where they help you to solve a real or imaginary problem (that they actually created). They work their “IT magic” and the problem goes away.
Later, they ask you for something you wouldn’t normally do, and you do it because of the “social debt”: they helped you first.
For example, a hacker might attack a corporate network, causing it to slow down. Then they call you, pretending to be from your organisation, perhaps as a recent hire not yet on the company’s contact list. They “help” you by turning off the attack, leaving you suitably grateful.
Perhaps a week later, they call again and ask for sensitive information, such as the CEO’s password. You know company policy is to not divulge it, but the scammer will ask if you remember them (of course you do) and come up with an excuse for why they really need this password.
The balance of the social debt says you will help them.
5. Appealing to authority
By posing as line managers, officials from government agencies, banks, or other authoritative bodies, scammers exploit our natural tendency to obey authority.
Such scams operate at varying levels of sophistication. The simple version: your manager messages you with an urgent request to purchase some gift cards and send through their numbers.
The complex version: your manager calls and asks to urgently transfer a large sum of money to an account you don’t recognise. You do this because it sounds exactly like your manager on the phone – but the scammer is using a voice deepfake. In a recent major case in Hong Kong, such a scam even involved a deepfake video call.
This is deeply challenging because artificial intelligence tools, such as Microsoft’s VALL-E, can create a voice deepfake using just three seconds of sampled audio from a real person.
How can you defend against a scam?
First and foremost, verify identity. Find another way to contact the person to verify who they are. For example, you can call a generic number for the business and ask to be connected.
In the face of rampant voice deepfakes, it can be helpful to agree on a “safe word” with your family members. If they call from an unrecognised number and you don’t hear the safe word just hang up.
Watch out for pressure tactics. If the conversation is moving too fast, remember that someone else’s problem is not yours to solve. Stop and run the problem past a colleague or family member for a sanity check. A legitimate business will have no problem with you doing this.
Lastly, if you are not sure about even the slightest detail, the simplest thing is to hang up or not respond. If you really owe a tax debt, the ATO will write to you.
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Image: Brad Banducci, CEO of Woolworths (Source: Woolworths)
Woolworths Managing Director and Group CEO Brad Banducci has announced his retirement as the supermarket giant declared a massive loss.
Mr Banducci said in a sattement:
“It has been a privilege to be a member of the Woolies team and one I have never taken for granted.”
Image: Woolworths Group chair Scott Perkins (Source: Woolworths)
Woolworths Group chair Scott Perkins said in a statement to the Australian share market.
“I would like to thank Brad for his outstanding leadership and contribution. Brad has led a remarkable turnaround and transformation of the Group.”
Following an extensive international search process supported by external consultants, Woolworths has also announced the appointment of the incoming and 13th Managing Director and Group CEO of Woolworths Group.
The supermarket giant said in a statement that it is promoting Amanda Bardwell to the top job, after an “extensive international search process”.
Image: Amanda Bardwell (Source: X)
Ms Bardwell has worked for the Woolworths for 23 years and is currently heading up its online grocery, e-commerce and loyalty sub-division, WooliesX.
Mr Perkins said the incoming CEo is a “proven leader.”
“Amanda is highly respected throughout the organisation and I know, like Brad, will live our purpose and work hard to achieve Woolworths Group’s full potential.”
In her new role Ms Bardwell will get $2.15million a year, slightly less than the base salary of Mr Banducci who was on $2.6million. She will also receive generous bonus incentives, with the former CEO pocketing $8.65million in total remuneration last year.
Image: Woolworths CEO Brad Banducci walking out of ABC’s Four Corners interview (Source: ABC screenshot)
Earlier, ABC’s Four Corners aired footage of the departing CEO Brad Banducci walking out of an interview in which he criticised former competition commission chairman Rod Sims before asking for his comments to be struck from the record. When Mr Banducci’s request was refused, he attempted to end the interview.
Image: Daniel Wild, Deputy Executive Director of the Institute of Public Affairs 9Source: The IPA)
Daniel Wild, Deputy Executive Director of the Institute of Public Affairs (IPA), said in a statement that Mr Banducci’s decision to ban Australia Day in Woolworths stores in January 2024 was woke.
“The resignation of Woolworths CEO Brad Banducci is a warning to woke corporates and the elite director class to stop disrespecting mainstream values and running down Australia.”
Woolworths overall results show a massive loss of $781 million, after the company booked a $NZ1.6 billion ($1.5 billion) writedown in the value of its New Zealand grocery business and a $209 million reduction in the value of a stake in ASX-listed alcohol and hotels spin-off Endeavour.
But excluding those one-offs, Woolworths announced a 2.5 per cent rise in half-year profit to $929 million. That was based on a 4.4 per cent increase in revenue compared to the same period a year earlier.
Further, Woolworths results show its Australian food sales increased 5.4 per cent in the first half, and that pre-tax profits in that same division jumped 9.9 per cent.
While, WooliesX, headed by incoming chief executive Ms Bardwell, first-half total sales jumped 27.5 per cent. The division’s pre-tax profits increased 132.3 per cent to $168 million, with its profit margin climbing 1.86 percentage points to 4.1 per cent.
Mr Banducci will retire in September 2024, after almost nine years in the top job.
Anthony Albanese announces inquiry into supermarket pricing as he spells out reasoning behind stage three tax cuts amid pressure to deliver cost-of-living relief: https://t.co/MaSBlRHxO2pic.twitter.com/MFrGgtGPJd
Woolworths and Coles are facing a Greens-led Senate inquiry with allegations of price gouging and unfair practices with suppliers. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has suggested that supermarkets conduct could be “an abuse of market power.”
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Image: A female kangaroo lizard from Mararmalai, Kanyakumari District. (Photo: Vertebrate Zoology)
In the forests of India’s Western Ghats, a new species of tiny lizards that look like a cross between an Australian kangaroo and a diminutive dragon has been discovered.
Agasthyagama edge or the northern kangaroo lizard, which belongs to the Agamidae family, is known to have a maximum snout-vent length of 4.3 cm.
A reduced fifth toe makes these reptiles poor climbers and hence do not climb trees like other lizards. Instead, they are mostly terrestrial and found in areas with dense leaf litter cover.
While they feed on small insects, this variety of kangaroo lizard run fast and hide within dry leaves to evade predators.
Image: A female kangaroo lizard from Mararmalai, Kanyakumari District (Photo: Vertebrate Zoology) and an Australian Kangaroo (Source: CANVA)
This Kangaroo Lizard has been discovered by Indian scientists who are working along an international team in the southern Western Ghats at Kulamavu in Idukki.
This new species is the second one of the Agasthyagama genus after A. beddomii or Indian kangaroo lizard that has been previously reported from Sivagiri hills in Tamil Nadu.
The findings of the new discovery have been reported in the scientific journal Vertebrate Zoology.
Image: Dr Sandeep Das, study’s lead author and a postdoctoral fellow at Calicut University (Source: Facebook)
Dr Sandeep Das, study’s lead author and a postdoctoral fellow at Calicut University, says the species was first sighted during an expedition in search of another evasive species, the Mahabali frog or the purple frog.
Image: Agasthyagama edge (Credit: Sandeep Das)
The new species of Kangaroo Lizard has a uniform dull olive-brown body with slightly darker head and a white throat with a broad dark brown stripe on its dewlap with brick yellow scales on the outside.
Dr Das adds:
“In disturbed habitats like roadside vegetation, and plantation areas, the numbers were smaller compared to undisturbed vegetation types. Males had a creamy throat patch during the breeding months of March to May. Young ones were observed during June and July. The discovery of a second species of Agasthyagama adds to the ever-increasing reptile diversity in the Western Ghats.”
Image: Agasthyagama edge in life: (A) an uncollected adult male from Kulamavu, Idukki district, Kerala, India; (B) an uncollected female from the same locality (Credit: Sandeep Das)
The new species has been named after the Evolutionary Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) programme of the Zoological Society of London that has supported several researchers including Dr Das.
The other members of the research team include Dr K. P. Rajkumar of Aranyakam Nature Foundation; Saunak Pal of Bombay Natural History Society; Surya Narayanan of Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment; Dr K. Subin of Kerala Forest Research Institute; Dr Muhamed Jafer Palot, Zoological Survey of India; and Dr V. Deepak the University of Wolverhampton.
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At 30 June 2023 there were 2,589,873 actively trading businesses in the Australian economy. In 2022-23 there was a: 0.8% or 19,973 increase in the number of businesses; 15.8% entry rate, with 406,365 entries; and 15.0% exit rate, with 386,392 exits.
The ABS data shows that in 2023 there were 22,796 more business exits in Victoria when compared to 2021, which was greater than any other state or territory.
New South Wales (+13,342)
Queensland (+7,610)
Western Australia (+4,466)
South Australia (+3,421)
Tasmania (+671)
Australian Capital Territory (+604)
Northern Territory (+297)
Victoria (-13,326)
Image: Lachlan Clark, Research Fellow at the IPA (Source: IPA)
Lachlan Clark, Research Fellow at the the Institute of Public Affairs (IPA), said in a statement that their analysis of “ABS data confirms Victoria is closed for business.”
“Victoria is the biggest loser as the only state in the nation to experience a decline in new business startups over the past three years, no doubt set to get worse due the catastrophic failure of the state government’s energy policies.”
Mr Clark adds:
“You can hardly blame would-be business operators thinking twice about starting a business in Victoria given the monumental economic mismanagement of the Victorian state government.”
Image: Annual percent change in businesses by industry division, 2022-23 (Source: ABS)
According to the ABS, in 2022-23 the three industries with the largest percentage increase in Australian businesses were:
Health Care and Social Assistance (increase of 6.1% to 185,260 businesses)
Financial and Insurance Services (increase of 2.7% to 123,266 businesses)
Transport, Postal and Warehousing (increase of 2.4% to 218,662 businesses)
Recently, Victoria’s Premier Jacinta Allan announced the state’s “first all-electric bus depot is home to the largest fleet of zero-emissions buses in the state.”
Victoria's first all-electric bus depot is home to the largest fleet of zero-emissions buses in the state.
These buses will transport 10,000 people weekly, cover more than 1.2 million kilometres yearly, and will help us charge towards reaching net zero emissions by 2045. pic.twitter.com/DJEYB1VOxu
Experts at IPA says that this record is set to only get worse as businesses across Victoria brace for further system-wide blackouts on the back of the state government’s failed energy policies, which include a constitutional ban on gas exploration and an unachievable 95% renewables target by 2035.
Image: Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Paul Guerra (Source: LinkedIn)
Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Paul Guerra declared:
“If we start to question the availability of energy in a reliable and affordable sense, that will be the nail in the coffin for some businesses. They’ll make the decision to move out of Victoria, and we’ll be poorer for it.”
The industries with the largest percentage decrease in Australian businesses in 2022-23 were:
Administrative and Support Services (decrease of 1.6% to 120,630 businesses)
Retail Trade (decrease of 1.4% to 155,755 businesses)
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Image: Tuvalu fishing competition (Source: X - Simon Kofe)
By Monika Singh
The fourth smallest country in the world with a population of just over 11,000 people, Tuvalu is feared to be “wiped off its place on the map”.
A report by ABC Pacific states that the low-lying island is widely considered one of the first places to be significantly impacted by rising sea levels, caused by climate change.
Climate change is the single greatest threat to the livelihoods, security and wellbeing of the people of Tuvalu.
Today I stood with my host, Foreign Minister @Simon_Kofe, where he issued his call for action on climate change, to COP26. pic.twitter.com/Zq01tQgfLA
According to the locals the spring tides this year in Tuvalu have been the worst so far with more flooding is expected with the king tides that usually occur during late February to early March.
In 2021, Tuvalu’s Foreign Minister, Simon Kofe, addressed the world in a COP26 speech whilst standing knee-deep in the sea to show how vulnerable Tuvalu and other low-lying islands in the Pacific are to climate change.
🌏 Excited to share my #CoP28 speech on Tuvalu’s digital innovation in response to climate change. We’re upholding our sovereignty & values – kaitasi, falepili, aava, alofa – against rising seas. It’s a tale of resilience & hope. https://t.co/PFdGmKI5TT
A 27-year-old climate activist from Tuvalu said he loved his home and his culture and did not want to lose them.
Kato Ewekia spoke to Nedia Daily and said seeing the beaches that he used to play rugby on with his friends had disappeared gave him a wake-up call.
“I was worried about my children because I wanted my children to grow up, teach them Tuvaluan music, teach them rugby, teach them fishing. But my island is about to disappear and get wiped off it’s place on the map.”
Mr Ewekia was also at COP26 and made history as the first youth Tuvaluan delegate to participate in the United Nations Climate Change Conference.
Despite only speaking limited English, he took to the global stage to tell the world about his home.
“Since I was the first Tuvaluan activist, people didn’t really know where Tuvalu is, what Tuvalu is. It was culture shocking, overwhelming. But the other youth gave me the confidence to just speak with my heart, and get my message out there.”
Mr Ewekia has been the national leader of the Saving Tuvalu Global Campaign, an environmental organisation that aims to amplify the voices and demands of the people of Tuvalu since 2020.
“Going out there, it’s not easy. We really, really love our home and we want how our elders taught us how to be Tuvaluan, we want our children to experience it – not when it disappears and future generations will be talking about it (Tuvalu) like it’s a story.”
Great to hear youth voices at #COP28 at the Climate Mobility Pavilion who shared their stories on amazing work they are doing to support their communities deal with climate impacts. One such voice is from Bernard Kato Ewekia from Tuvalu 🇹🇻 pic.twitter.com/yC6VCFtauu
He shared that in the four years that he’s been advocating for Tuvalu on the public stage, there have been many moments of frustration that are specifically directed towards world leaders who aren’t paying attention.
“My message to the world is I’ve been sharing this same message over and over again. If Tuvalu was your home and it (was) about to disappear, and you wanted your children to grow up in your home in Tuvalu – what would you have done? If you were in our shoes, what would you have done to save Tuvalu?”
This news report was first published in Wansolwara and has been republished here with the kind permission of the editor(s).
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Image: Operation Parkes Sydney arrest (Source: AFP)
Two Sydney men have been charged with attempting to possess 800kg of methamphetamine destined for Australia in 2023, following an investigation into a global drug trafficking syndicate resulting in the arrest of eight people.
The men, 26 and 34, appeared in the Downing Centre Local Court on 20 February 2024 after they were arrested at Hinchinbrook and Canley Vale in Sydney’s southwest.
Detective Superintendent Jason McArthur said the alleged transnational drug trafficking syndicate posed a national security threat, considering the sheer size of the attempted importations.
“The AFP is one of the key protectors of the way of life for all Australians. We are committed to stopping serious organised crime groups seeking to profit from the harm they inflict on Australian communities.”
Det-Supt McArthur added:
“These criminals undermine the economy, social security system and financial system in all countries where they operate. The AFP is well-placed to disrupt the criminal elements who wish to traffic border-controlled drugs to our country, with members based in 33 countries and established offshore partnerships with international law enforcement agencies.”
The Victorian Joint Organised Crime Taskforce (JOCTF), launched the investigation – codenamed Operation Parkes – in January 2023 after Canadian authorities alerted the AFP that 2900 litres of liquid methamphetamine, concealed in 180 bottles of canola oil, was destined for Australia.
Victoria Police Organised Crime Division Detective Superintendent David Cowan said the dismantling of the crime syndicate responsible for these attempted importations is a significant win for police globally and for the community.
“There is no doubt that they will take a massive monetary hit as a result of this outcome, which is crucial for us as we work to target these syndicates in any and every way possible.”
Det-Supt Cowan further observed:
“The methamphetamine market is unrivalled in consumption, harm and serious and organised crime involvement compared with other illicit drugs. If that wasn’t enough, the use of methamphetamine contributes to unacceptably high levels of harm in our community through drug driving, drug-fuelled assaults, drug-fuelled family violence and heightened risk-taking.
In total, authorities stopped nearly seven and a half tonnes of liquid methamphetamine, worth about $2 billion, from arriving in Australia in five separate ventures across several months last year.
Police will allege the two men were directed to transport and store what they thought was methamphetamine in locations across western Sydney.
Police replaced the methamphetamine with a harmless substance before it had been released for delivery in Australia.
The investigation by JOCTF, which comprises the AFP, Victoria Police, Australian Border Force (ABF), and the Department of Home Affairs, was supported by NSW Police and Five Eyes Law Enforcement Group partners.
ABF Acting Commander Maritime and Enforcement South Dan Peters said ABF officers continued to work tirelessly at the border to prevent illicit drugs from hitting Australian streets.
“The illicit drug trade continues to impact upon many Australians, causing immense harm to individuals and families, and the ABF remains determined to detect and disrupt criminal groups from importing illicit substances such as methamphetamine into our country.”
Six men – including the two alleged facilitators of the attempted importations – were arrested in July 2023. They remain before the courts.
The NSW men have each been charged with one count of attempting to possess a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, relating to 800kg of methamphetamine, contrary to section 307.5, by virtue of section 11.1, of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).
Both men were formally refused bail. The younger man will appear at the same court on 4 March, 2024 while the other man will return to court on 10 April, 2024.
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The project’s cost has also stunningly risen from A$35 billion in 2018 to $45 billion a couple of years ago to now $65 billion, even before actual ship construction starts.
Under the new plans announced today, the construction of the Hunter class frigates at Osborne will sustain at least 2,000 jobs and create at least 500 new jobs over the next decade. pic.twitter.com/hNW7uB0yFN
Meanwhile, the Navy’s three brand new Hobart Class destroyers surprisingly need major, costly upgrades that will take two to three years each. With luck, all three will be back in service by 2032.
These numbers are important as the Navy needs three ships in service to reliably maintain one ship deployed on distant operations for an extended period. Across most of the next decade, our current naval surface warship fleet will be able to dependably deploy only two, maybe three, warships simultaneously for extended periods. This is high-input cost for low-output usage.
Securing long term continuous naval shipbuilding in Adelaide is about workers and apprentices like Becky 👇 pic.twitter.com/hpOhnODmic
That’s the problem. A review undertaken by highly paid, external consultants, led by a retired US Navy admiral, has now provided the solution.
The review released today recommends keeping the three Hobart Class destroyers and six of the aged ANZAC frigates, building only six Hunter Class frigates and stopping the OPV program immediately at six ships.
The big surprise was the recommendation the Navy acquire at least seven – and “optimally” 11 – new general purpose frigates and six large optionally crewed surface vessels (LOSVs). The government agreed with both recommendations.
The new frigates will be a similar size to the Anzacs and effectively a half-size Hunter. Called “Tier 2” ships, they will be designed for anti-submarine warfare and used to secure seaborne trade routes, Australia’s northern maritime approaches and to escort the Navy’s amphibious ships.
They will have an air and missile defence capability and carry several anti-ship and land-attack missiles. Notably, the first three frigates will be built overseas – this will likely draw criticism.
The LOSVs will increase the Navy’s long-range strike capacity and appear to be similar to the US Navy’s planned large uncrewed surface vessels, which will enter service late this decade.
These vessels will mostly operate without a crew, though they may have a small crew embarked for short periods, such as when entering and leaving port or refuelling at sea. The LOSVs are expected to be lower-cost, long-endurance vessels able to carry anti-ship and land-attack missiles.
The review glosses over the serious inability of crewing the current 11-ship surface warship Navy, let alone a 26-vessel one. The Navy is already about 900 people short, equivalent to more than three Anzac ship crews, as it struggles to meet its recruitment goals.
The Department of Defence, however, considers the problem more one of retention than recruitment and is taking steps to slow the personnel loss rate, but it has much ground to make up before it can grow into a much larger force.
The review merely recognised the challenge and simply hoped for the best.
We are no longer going to be sitting around wondering where the work is coming from. pic.twitter.com/yL2YazveK5
First, the good news. Much of the money for the new ships will be spent in Australia – not just on sheet metal hull construction, but also on electronics.
For example, the future of the world-leading radar technology company recently purchased by the federal government, appears secure.
There are definite benefits in both creating a more skilled Australian workforce and sustaining a sovereign, Australian naval shipbuilding industry. Critics will correctly argue it’s more expensive than buying from overseas, but given tax claw-backs, maybe not that much.
Even so, the cost-benefit analysis will be hard to calculate – the decision over whether it’s good value for money needs to be a judgement call, not an analysis based on mathematics.
Second, the Albanese government came to office calling for much better “impactful projection” – that is, the ability to apply strategically meaningful military power at great distance from Australia’s shores using missiles.
The new frigates, however, will only carry some additional missiles – not many. As such, the government seems to have changed its earlier intentions and will instead focus more on the submarine threat to Australia’s trade routes.
The only nod to “impactful projection” in the review today is the building of six new LOSVs, each of which will be able to carry 32 missiles to sea. (One LOSV working with a Hobart Class frigate, however, will have around 88 missiles.)
Critics will point to the fact this is fewer than a single US Navy Arleigh Burke destroyer, which carries 96 missiles, and its larger Chinese counterpart, which carries 128.
Third, the review does not call for renewing the Navy’s ageing Anzac flotilla quickly enough. Warship shortages will persist well into the next decade. This is bad news for the short term.
And lastly, the Navy will now have three major ship and submarine projects underway. The new plan to acquire an additional flotilla of frigates will take considerable time, soak up the country’s scarce ship-building workforce and be remarkably costly.
This will adversely impact the Navy operationally and the rest of the Department of Defence, Army and Air Force. As a result, we can likely expect cuts to the Army in the forthcoming budget.
Overall, the review is good for jobs in Adelaide and Perth and will make the Navy significantly larger over the long term. It will also partly placate some government critics who want to buy ships overseas, arguing this will mean faster delivery, and those who believe the government needs “new money” added to currently planned defence budgets.
But the true cost impacts of the reform plan must await the budget. The plan will also take a long time to implement and has ignored the Navy’s chronic shortage of skilled personnel, which is surely most unwise.
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Image: Members of the Brisbane Dhol Tasha Mandal (Credit: Mayur Divate)
By Kiran R. Mahale
Shiv Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the legendary Maratha warrior king, who is greatly revered by Indian diasporic communities worldwide was celebrated in Brisbane on 18th February.
Image: Members of the Brisbane Dhol Tasha Mandal (Credit: Mayur Divate)
This year, the Brisbane Dhol Tasha Mandal took it upon themselves to mark the occasion grandly, bringing together members of the Indian diaspora and locals to participate in the festivities.
Bhushan Joshi, the President of the Dhol Tasha Group, said:
“Celebrating Shiv Jayanti in Brisbane is not just about commemorating a historical figure; it’s about fostering a sense of unity and pride in our cultural roots. The response from the community has been heartwarming.”
The celebration commenced with a traditional, where the rhythmic beats of the Dhol and Tasha drums echoed, capturing the attention of onlookers.
Image: Members of the Brisbane Dhol Tasha Mandal (Credit: Mayur Divate)
Dressed in colorful traditional attire, members of the Mandal showcased their dedication to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Maharashtra.
A celebration highlight was the mesmerizing display of the Dhol Tasha performance, where the synchronized beats resonated with the spirit of Shivaji Maharaj. The event not only served as a platform for cultural exchange but also as an educational experience for those unfamiliar with the historical significance of Shiv Jayanti.
Image: Members of the Brisbane Dhol Tasha Mandal (Credit: Mayur Divate)
Members of the Brisbane Dhol Tasha Mandal expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming support received from the community.
The event featured various cultural activities and performances at Robelle Domain Parkland in Springfield. Bhushan Joshi, Vikas Raskar, Atul Panchi, Prajakta Keer, and other members were amongst the key organizers of this fabulous event.
Image: Members of the Brisbane Dhol Tasha Mandal (Credit: Mayur Divate)
As the beats of the dhol and Tasha drums echoed into the sky, the Brisbane Dhol Tasha Mandal successfully brought the spirit of Shiv Jayanti to the heart of Brisbane, leaving an indelible mark on the community and fostering a sense of togetherness that transcends borders.
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Indian PM Narendra Modi meets with PM of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis ; Image Source: Press Information Bureau, India
Greece Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will be on a state visit to India. He will be the Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker at the 9th Raisina Dialogue, 2024 in New Delhi.
During his state visit from February 21-22, Greek PM Mitsotakis will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis, senior officials and a high-powered business delegation.
According to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), this would be the first bilateral Head of State or Head of Government level visit from Greece to India after 15 years; the last Prime Ministerial visit from Greece to India took place in 2008. The then Greek Prime Minister, Kostas Karamanlis, was accompanied by Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis, in his January 2008 visit.
India-Greece relations have been elevated to ‘Strategic Partnership’ during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Greece in August 2023.
Indian PM Modi said this Greece tour will add momentum to India-Greece friendship, particularly people-to-people linkages. He also welcomed Greece into the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and looked forward to Greece’s membership of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), the MEA stated.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a business lunch hosted by Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, in Athens; Image Source: (Press Information Bureau)
The India-Greece ties are based on shared cultural values, a commitment to foster economic growth, and collaboration in the fields of security and defence, shipping, and maritime, and are marked by convergence on regional and global issues. The two countries have also been cooperating closely in various multilateral forums.
He will also visit Mumbai before returning to Athens.
PM Mitsotakis will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan (President House). Prime Minister Modi and PM Mitsotakis will hold bilateral discussions and PM Modi will also host a lunch banquet in honour of the visiting dignitary.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the Press meet with Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, in Athens: Image Source: (Press Information Bureau)
India and Greece have witnessed frequent engagements with Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar meeting Greek Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias on Tuesday.
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FIJI received 70,324 visitors in January this year, an increase of 4.2 per cent compared with the same period last year.
Provisional statistics released by the Fiji Bureau of Statistics show that visitor arrival levels in January this year is 7.6 per cent higher than the pre-COVID era in January 2020.
However according to the bureau, the number of arrivals in January is a decrease of 15.1 per cent when compared with the 82,820 visitors from December 2023.
Of the 70,324 visitors, 70,191 came by air while 133 arrivals 74 were mostly seaman on fishing vessels and 59 arrived by yachts.
Figure: Visitor arrivals for the month of January 2020 to 2024 (Source: FIJI BUREAU OF STATISTICS)
A total of 79.1 per cent of the total arrivals were on holiday, 5.6 per cent came to visit friends and relatives, 1.7 per cent for business purposes while 13.6 per cent visited for other reasons.
Statistics also revealed that 60.7 per cent of visitors were in the age range of 25-64 years, which accounts for the vast majority of the working age population.
While children aged 14 and below made up 18.7 per cent of the visitor arrivals in January, 12 per cent were youths aged 15.24.
The remaining 8.6 per cent comprised those in the predominantly retirement age group of 65 and over.
Australia and New Zealand remain the major source markets for Fiji with 34,671 visitors and 14,834 arriving from both countries respectively.
These countries, including the USA, China, Continental Europe, Canada and the Great Britain accounted for 90.5 per cent of the total visitor arrivals for January 2024.
Compared with the number of arrivals, 19,224 Fiji residents departed our shores during January.
The reasons for departure as reported by residents leaving for a short-term absence were as follows;
Holiday – 59.9 per cent
Visiting Friends or Relatives – 30.7 per cent
Business – 6.1 per cent
Employment – 1.3 per cent
Others – 1.0 per cent
Education/Training – 0.9 per cent.
Out of the total 16,659 left the country for a short-term absence of under three months while 781 were for more than three months and within 12 months period.
According to the bureau 1784 of resident departures were for a longer-term absence of 1 year or more.
This news report was first published in Wansolwara and has been republished here with the kind permission of the editor(s).
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Australian law enforcement agencies have come together to deliver a campaign to raise awareness of the growing trend involving criminals recruiting financially vulnerable university students as money mules.
A money mule is a person who receives money from a third party into their bank account, transfers it into another account and obtains a commission for it.
AFP Detective Superintendent Tim Stainton said criminals attracted students through job adverts that required no experience and offered weekly payments and flexible work arrangements.
“Often the only requirements for the job are access to a mobile phone or computer and an Australian bank account to receive and transfer funds at the direction of the criminal group – this is a major red flag.”
Det Supt Stainton added:
“If a job opportunity seems too good to be true, then it probably isn’t legitimate. If you are being offered significant sums of money to just move money through your bank account, then it is likely you are committing a criminal offence.”
Police are concerned about criminals targeting students, including through lucrative job adverts offering quick and easy money in exchange for moving funds through their bank accounts.
While this period is an exciting time for students, it is also an opportunistic time for organised criminals seeking to recruit money mules.
Criminal networks are targeting and attempting to recruit university students as money mules, which may be due to their financial situations and their active search for part-time employment.
International students have added vulnerabilities due to language barriers and their limited knowledge of Australian criminal law.
The month-long campaign will be rolled out nationally across 39 universities by the AFP-led Joint Policing Cybercrime Coordination Centre (JPC3), and will include a digital information pack, marketing material on university campuses and advertising on social media.
The materials seek to educate students on what a money mule is, how to spot this cyber-enabled crime and what people should do if they think they’ve fallen victim to money muling.
To effectively reach a wide group of international students, the campaign will be translated and delivered in seven languages, including Mandarin Chinese, Hindi, Punjabi, Nepali, Spanish, Vietnamese and Thai.
Further, Det Supt Stainton advises:
“You can do your due diligence by researching the business to see if they have an online presence, check if they have legitimate contact details and find out if they’re based in Australia.”
In addition to posting the job ads on platforms such as online classifieds and social media, police are also seeing criminals proactively contact students face-to-face and through community networks to recruit more money mules.
Contact is made through social media platforms, instant messaging apps, email, pop-up ads and in-person, and authorities encourage everyone to be skeptical when approached by someone you don’t know, offering easy money for limited work.
Tips for staying safe from money mule recruitment scams:
Don’t engage with online posts offering large sums of money.
Don’t accept message requests from people you don’t know, and if you receive a message from a friend with a link to click, speak to them in person before you respond.
Don’t share banking and personal details with anyone you don’t know or trust.
If someone asks to use or ‘borrow’ your account, say no.
If you suspect something is not right, reject the offer.
While being a money mule may seem like a low risk, high reward and victimless crime, doing so is a serious crime.
Det. Supt. Stainton says:
“Money mules may try and convince themselves that what they’re doing is a victimless crime which gives them a quick paycheck, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Moving money for criminals gives these syndicates access to their dirty money and helps fund future criminal ventures, like drug trafficking, child exploitation, cybercrime and cyber-enabled fraud.”
Det. Supt. Stainton adds:
“By being a money mule, unwittingly or not, you are complicit in a money laundering offence for which you can be arrested and charged by the police. Money laundering offences attract significant penalties including jail time. Having a criminal record can impact your ability to obtain employment, travel to certain countries and if you are an international student, it can adversely affect your ability to retain an Australian student visa.”
Under Operation Wickham, six Chinese nationals were arrested for their alleged involvement in laundering money for an organised criminal syndicate. This included the arrest of two 18-year-old Chinese nationals who were studying in Australia.
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.
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If you get back pain, how long will it take to go away? We scoured the scientific literature to find out. We found data on almost 20,000 people, from 95 different studies and split them into three groups:
acute – those with back pain that started less than six weeks ago
subacute – where it started between six and 12 weeks ago
chronic – where it started between three months and one year ago.
We found 70%–95% of people with acute back pain were likely to recover within six months. This dropped to 40%–70% for subacute back pain and to 12%–16% for chronic back pain.
Clinical guidelines point to graded return to activity and pain education under the guidance of a health professional as the best ways to promote recovery. Yet these effective interventions are underfunded and hard to access.
More pain doesn’t mean a more serious injury
Most acute back pain episodes are not caused by serious injury or disease.
There are rare exceptions, which is why it’s wise to see your doctor or physio, who can check for signs and symptoms that warrant further investigation. But unless you have been in a significant accident or sustained a large blow, you are unlikely to have caused much damage to your spine.
Even very minor back injuries can be brutally painful. This is, in part, because of how we are made. If you think of your spinal cord as a very precious asset (which it is), worthy of great protection (which it is), a bit like the crown jewels, then what would be the best way to keep it safe? Lots of protection and a highly sensitive alarm system.
The spinal cord is protected by strong bones, thick ligaments, powerful muscles and a highly effective alarm system (your nervous system). This alarm system can trigger pain that is so unpleasant that you cannot possibly think of, let alone do, anything other than seek care or avoid movement.
The messy truth is that when pain persists, the pain system becomes more sensitive, so a widening array of things contribute to pain. This pain system hypersensitivity is a result of neuroplasticity – your nervous system is becoming better at making pain.
Reduce your chance of lasting pain
Whether or not your pain resolves is not determined by the extent of injury to your back. We don’t know all the factors involved, but we do know there are things that you can do to reduce chronic back pain:
understand how pain really works. This will involve intentionally learning about modern pain science and care. It will be difficult but rewarding. It will help you work out what you can do to change your pain
reduce your pain system sensitivity. With guidance, patience and persistence, you can learn how to gradually retrain your pain system back towards normal.
How to reduce your pain sensitivity and learn about pain
Learning about “how pain works” provides the most sustainable improvements in chronic back pain. Programs that combine pain education with graded brain and body exercises (gradual increases in movement) can reduce pain system sensitivity and help you return to the life you want.
These programs have been in development for years, but high-quality clinical trials are now emerging and it’s good news: they show most people with chronic back pain improve and many completely recover.
But most clinicians aren’t equipped to deliver these effective programs – good pain education is not taught in most medical and health training degrees. Many patients still receive ineffective and often risky and expensive treatments, or keep seeking temporary pain relief, hoping for a cure.
When health professionals don’t have adequate pain education training, they can deliver bad pain education, which leaves patients feeling like they’ve just been told it’s all in their head.
Community-driven not-for-profit organisations such as Pain Revolution are training health professionals to be good pain educators and raising awareness among the general public about the modern science of pain and the best treatments. Pain Revolution has partnered with dozens of health services and community agencies to train more than 80 local pain educators and supported them to bring greater understanding and improved care to their colleagues and community.
But a broader system-wide approach, with government, industry and philanthropic support, is needed to expand these programs and fund good pain education. To solve the massive problem of chronic back pain, effective interventions need to be part of standard care, not as a last resort after years of increasing pain, suffering and disability.
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Rajkot Test; India wins against England; Image Source- @BCCI X:Twitter
Team India registered their biggest winning margin in the history of Test cricket during the third Test against England at Rajkot on Sunday.
A five-wicket haul by spinner Ravindra Jadeja and top-notch knocks from skipper Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, double centurion Yashasvi Jaiswal and debutant Sarfaraz Khan made England’s ‘Bazball’ brand of cricket surrender to Team India in their home conditions, losing by 434 runs in the third Test at Rajkot on Sunday.
Image Source: @BCCI X/Twitter
The 434-run margin is now India’s biggest win in Tests in terms of runs, outdoing their margin of 372 runs against New Zealand in Mumbai back in 2021.
This massive loss is a massive jolt to England, riding high on their successful, highly-attacking, positive and result-oriented ‘Bazball’ school of cricket under skipper Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum.
This is England’s second biggest loss in Tests, next to a 562-run loss to Australia back in 1934 at The Oval.
Image Source: @BCCI X/Twitter
Chasing 557, England was bundled out for just 122 runs in 39.4, losing the match by 434 runs. Ravindra Jadeja took 5/41, while Kuldeep Yadav took two wickets. Ravichandran Ashwin and Jasprit Bumrah took a wicket each.
Earlier, India secured a 556-run second innings lead, declaring their second innings at 430/4. Following skipper Rohit’s early fall for just 19 runs, young batters Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill steadied the ship for India with a 155-run partnership for the second wicket, which ended after Jaiswal retired hurt for 104. India ended the day three at 196/2, with Gill (65*) and Kuldeep Yadav (3*).
On day four, Gill and Kuldeep continued to stitch yet another partnership, which ended with Gill heartbreakingly missing his fourth Test ton due to a run-out, scoring 91 in 151 balls, with nine fours and two sixes. Kuldeep also scored 27 in 91 balls, leaving India at 258/4. From this point on, Jaiswal resumed his innings with fellow Mumbai star Sarfaraz Khan. Both took the English spinners to cleaners.
The joy and appreciation say it all! ☺️ 👏
Where were you when Yashasvi Jaiswal scored his second Double Ton in Tests 🤔
Jaiswal scored his second double-century in Tests after scoring his first one in the last Test. A key highlight of his knock was smashing veteran pace legend James Anderson for a hat-trick of sixes. Sarfaraz also scored his back-to-back half-century on Test debut. India ended the innings at 430/4, with Jaiswal (214* in 236 balls, 14 fours and 12 sixes) and Sarfaraz (68* in 72 balls, with six fours and three sixes) unbeaten to form a 172-run partnership for the fifth wicket.
Joe Root, Tom Hartley and Rehan Ahmed took a wicket each for England. Earlier, England in their first inning scored 319 runs in reply to India’s 445 runs in their first inning. Though Ben Duckett (153 in 151 balls, with 23 fours and two sixes) scored the fastest century by an English player in India, no other batter could give him much support. Skipper Stokes (41 in 89 balls, with six fours) and Pope (39 in 55 balls, with five fours and a six) played some decent knocks.
Siraj was the pick of the bowlers for India with 4/84, while Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja took two wickets each. Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin managed a scalp each, reaching his 500th Test wicket as well.
In the first innings, after opting to bat first, India put up 445. The hosts were rocked by England bowlers earlier and were struggling at 33/3. Then skipper Rohit stepped up, forming a 204-run stand with Jadeja. Rohit scored 131 runs in 196 balls, with 14 fours and three sixes. Jadeja scored his third Test ton and crafted a 77-run stand with debutant Sarfaraz (62 in 66 balls, with nine fours and a six).
Useful scores from debutant Dhruv Jurel (46 in 104 balls, with two fours and three sixes) and Ashwin (37 in 89 balls, with six fours) took India to a fine total.
Mark Wood justified his selection with figures of 4/114. Rehan got two wickets while Root, Hartley and Anderson got a wicket each.
Jadeja took home the ‘Player of the Match’ award with a century and seven-wicket
Brief Scores: India: 445 and 430/4 (Yashasvi Jaiswal 214*, Shubman Gill 91, Tom Hartley 1/78) beat England: 319 and 122 (Mark Wood 33, Tom Hartley 16, Ravindra Jadeja 5/41).
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Image: RMIT's Sir Ian Potter NanoBioSensing team with industry partner NEXSEN Biotech: (left to right) Dr Satya Sarker (RMIT), Dr Gayatri Bagree (RMIT), Mr Mark Muzzin (Chairman, NEXSEN), Professor Vipul Bansal (RMIT), Mr Thomas Hanly (CEO, NEXSEN) and PhD scholar Erangi Amarasinghe (Credit: Will Wright, RMIT University)
A new test, similar to COVID-19 rapid antigen tests, developed by RMIT University researchers can help detect a common infection in expecting mothers within minutes.
This new test could potentially save the lives of 150,000 newborns around the world every year as early detection helps easily treat the infection using standard antibiotics.
Image: This new sensor technology would cut the testing time down to 15 minutes (Credit: Will Wright, RMIT University)
Indian-origin Prof. Vipul Bansal, Director of the Sir Ian Potter NanoBioSensing Facility at RMIT University, is the lead resaercher on this project.
In 2007, after completing a PhD in Nano-biotechnology at the National Chemical Laboratory in India, Prof. Bansal migrated to Australia to join the University of Melbourne as a Postdoctoral Fellow.
Image: Prof. Bansal (RMIT University)
Prof. Bansal says testing for GBS during weeks 36 to 37 of pregnancy took 5 to 7 days in a pathology lab.
“This new sensor technology would cut the testing time down to 15 minutes. That won’t just save babies’ lives, it will also save millions in medical costs.”
Prof. Bansal’s expertise across biological and chemical sciences has allowed his team to develop crosscutting technologies for applications across sensor technologies, catalysis, microbial management and cellular immunotherapies.
He adds:
“We have developed biomarkers that can detect GBS bacteria with accuracy and high sensitivity.”
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) bacteria is carried by 1 in 5 pregnant women. GBS pathology testing cost the Australian healthcare system about $94 million last financial year. This infection can cause serious complications, leading to preterm births, stillbirths, and neonatal deaths.
Image: Ed Husic (Source: ALP)
Ed Husic, Minister for Industry and Science, said the development of this “Aussie know-how” would give doctors a fighting chance against one of the leading causes of death and disability for newborn babies.
“The fact this technology also offers the potential to free up tens of millions of dollars within our healthcare system to help other Australians in need is just cherry on the cake. Just more proof that Australian science and our know-how matters and can make a difference.”
RMIT University is part of a consortium that has just won $3 million in funding in the latest Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P) round for StrepSure®, a sensor technology that’s anticipated to be able to identify GBS bacteria within minutes. It is partnering with innovation company NEXSEN Biotech, clinicians at Northern Health and Atomo Diagnostics.
Assoc. Prof. Prahlad Ho, Chair of Northern Health Research Executive Committee and Divisional Director of Diagnostic Services, said this project will help improve clinical outcomes for babies.
Image: Left to right: Professor Shekhar Kumta (Professor of Surgery, Northern Health), Mr Mark Muzzin (Chairman, NexSen), Mr Thomas Hanly (CEO, NexSen), Associate Professor Prahalad Ho (Chair of Northern Health Research Executive Committee and Divisional Director of Diagnostic Services) and Professor Vipul Bansal (Founding Director, Sir Ian Potter NanoBioSensing Facility, RMIT University) (Credit: Will Wright, RMIT University)
In January 2024, Prof. Bansal, after a rigorous application and peer-nomination process, was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), UK, the oldest chemistry society in the world.
Prof. Bansal says that the research team is now in the process of making a prototype test, to detect the presence of GBS in vaginal swabs.
RMIT is collaborating with industry and clinicians to develop a new rapid test that could detect a common infection in expecting mothers within minutes – potentially saving the lives of 150,000 newborns around the world every year. 👶🏥
Total funding for the GBS sensor project is $7.6 million, with a $3 million grant from the Federal Government for field trials of new low-cost sensor technology in the Northern Health system.
RMIT has filed a provisional patent application to protect the key intellectual property underpinning the GBS sensor technology. It is reported that within the next three years, the RAT-like technology will undergo large-scale clinical trials and be taken to regulators in Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
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The recent two-week training course emphasised regional cooperation with the assistance of the AFP, through the Pacific Law Enforcement Cooperation Program.
Image: Samoa Police training in Tonga (Source: AFP) Image: Samoa Police training in Tonga (Source: AFP)
During the closing of the program, Tonga Police Commissioner Shane McLennan remarked on the impact and importance of local initiatives.
“As the Tongan Commissioner of Police and as Chair of the Pacific Island Chiefs of Police, it is a pleasure to see Samoa Police deliver this program. It is truly a great accomplishment. Developed and delivered ‘in the Pacific, for the Pacific, by the Pacific’.”
Image: Samoa Police training in Tonga (Source: AFP)
AFP Tonga-Australia Policing Partnership Advisor Sean Campbell congratulated the graduating class of 11 and said the Pacific-led initiative had been a significant success.
“This initiative is testament to the ongoing partnership between Pacific nations, working alongside the AFP to further enhance security capability in the region. I’d like to congratulate the cohort and particularly the participation this year from the first three female officers ever, marking a significant step towards gender inclusivity in what has traditionally been a male-dominated field.”
Detective Sergeant Campbell added:
“Central to the success of the initiative was the recognition of the importance of Pacific nations taking the lead and leveraging regional expertise and resources, Samoa’s police leadership underscored the significance of indigenous solutions tailored to the distinct dynamics of the Pacific region.”
Lead by four members of the Samoa Police Tactical Operations team, the training aimed to equip participants with essential skills and knowledge vital for more effective protection and security management for high office holders.
Image: Samoa Police training in Tonga (Source: AFP)
The course curriculum, adapted from the AFP’s CPP foundation program, covered an array of topics including threat assessment, defensive tactics, emergency response, and VIP protection protocols and was overseen by AFP CPP trainer Michael Ronan.
The training culminated in a two-day operational deployment, providing security for the New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs. This unique opportunity provided invaluable hands-on experience and insights into the complexities of real-world security scenarios.
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Representative image: Grocery store (Source: CANVA)
By David Tuffley
The just-released report of the inquiry into price gouging and unfair pricing conducted by Allan Fels for the Australian Council of Trades Unions does more than identify the likely offenders.
It finds the biggest are supermarkets, banks, airlines and electricity companies.
It’s not enough to know their tricks. Fels wants to give the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission more power to investigate and more power to prohibit mergers.
But it helps to know how they try to trick us, and how technology has enabled them to get better at it. After reading the report, I’ve identified eight key maneuvers.
1. Asymmetric price movements
Otherwise known as Rocket and Feather, this is where businesses push up prices quickly when costs rise, but cut them slowly or late after costs fall.
It seems to happen for petrol and mortgage rates, and the Fels inquiry was presented with evidence suggesting it happens in supermarkets.
Brendan O’Keeffe from NSW Farmers told the inquiry wholesale lamb prices had been falling for six months before six Woolworths announced a cut in the prices of lamb it was selling as a “Christmas gift”.
2. Punishment for loyal customers
A loyalty tax is what happens when a business imposes higher charges on customers who have been with it for a long time, on the assumption that they won’t move.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has alleged a big insurer does it, setting premiums not only on the basis of risk, but also on the basis of what a computer model tells them about the likelihood of each customer tolerating a price hike. The insurer disputes the claim.
It’s often done by offering discounts or new products to new customers and leaving existing customers on old or discontinued products.
It happens a lot in the electricity industry. The plans look good at first, and then less good as providers bank on customers not making the effort to shop around.
Loyalty taxes appear to be less common among mobile phone providers. Australian laws make it easy to switch and keep your number.
3. Loyalty schemes that provide little value
Fels says loyalty schemes can be a “low-cost means of retaining and exploiting consumers by providing them with low-value rewards of dubious benefit”.
Their purpose is to lock in (or at least bias) customers to choices already made.
Examples include airline frequent flyer points, cafe cards that give you your tenth coffee free, and supermarket points programs. The purpose is to lock in (or at least bias) consumers to products already chosen.
Others allow points to expire or rules to change without notice or offer rewards that are not worth the effort to redeem.
They also enable businesses to collect data on spending habits, preferences, locations, and personal information that can be used to construct customer profiles that allow them to target advertising and offers and high prices to some customers and not others.
4. Drip pricing that hides true costs
The Competition and Consumer Commission describes drip pricing as “when a price is advertised at the beginning of an online purchase, but then extra fees and charges (such as booking and service fees) are gradually added during the purchase process”.
The extras can add up quickly and make final bills much higher than expected.
Airlines are among the best-known users of the strategy. They often offer initially attractive base fares, but then add charges for baggage, seat selection, in-flight meals and other extras.
5. Confusion pricing
Related to drip pricing is confusion pricing where a provider offers a range of plans, discounts and fees so complex they are overwhelming.
Financial products like insurance have convoluted fee structures, as do electricity providers. Supermarkets do it by bombarding shoppers with “specials” and “sales”.
When prices change frequently and without notice, it adds to the confusion.
6. Algorithmic pricing
Algorithmic pricing is the practice of using algorithms to set prices automatically taking into account competitor responses, which is something akin to computers talking to each other.
When computers get together in this way they can act as it they are colluding even if the humans involved in running the businesses never talk to each other.
It can act even more this way when multiple competitors use the same third-party pricing algorithm, effectively allowing a single company to influence prices.
7. Price discrimination
Price discrimination involves charging different customers different prices for the same product, setting each price in accordance with how much each customer is prepared to pay.
Banks do it when they offer better rates to customers likely to leave them, electricity companies do it when they offer better prices for business customers than households, and medical specialists do it when they offer vastly different prices for the same service to consumers with different incomes.
It is made easier by digital technology and data collection. While it can make prices lower for some customers, it can make prices much more expensive to customers in a hurry or in urgent need of something.
8. Excuse-flation
Excuse-flation is where general inflation provides “cover” for businesses to raise prices without justification, blaming nothing other than general inflation.
It means that in times of general high inflation businesses can increase their prices even if their costs haven’t increased by as much.
On Thursday Reserve Bank Governor Michele Bullock seemed to confirm that she though some firms were doing this saying that when inflation had been brought back to the Bank’s target, it would be
much more difficult, I think, for firms to use high inflation as cover for this sort of putting up their prices
A political solution is needed
Ultimately, our own vigilance won’t be enough. We will need political help. The government’s recently announced competition review might be a step in this direction.
The legislative changes should police business practices and prioritise fairness. Only then can we create a marketplace where ethics and competition align, ensuring both business prosperity and consumer wellbeing.
This isn’t just about economics, it’s about building a fairer, more sustainable Australia.
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Image: 20 illegal men from Pakistan and Bangladesh (Source: Willy Smith / ABC News)
The ABC has reported that 39 men from Pakistan and Bangladesh have arrived illegally by boat in Beagle Bay, 100 km north of Broome, which is a remote part of Western Australia.
The Australian Border Force (ABF) has warned that any unauthorised arrivals will not be allowed to settle permanently in the country.
Image: 20 illegal men from Pakistan and Bangladesh (Source: Willy Smith / ABC News)
It told the Guardian that it was “undertaking an operation in the north-west of Western Australia.”
“Australia’s tough border protection policies means no one who travels unauthorised by boat will ever be allowed to settle permanently in Australia. The only way to travel to Australia is legally, with an Australian visa.”
The Prime Minister’s weak leadership on national security is clearly incentivising the people smugglers to reopen their operations, risking a return to the human tragedy we saw with 1,200 deaths at sea during the Rudd and Gillard years. pic.twitter.com/vwuvWvv1Cw
Opposition leader, Peter Dutton, claimed that “this government has lost control of our borders”, but the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, said Australia’s tough policies had not changed.
Image: 20 illegal men from Pakistan and Bangladesh (Source: ABC News)Image: 20 illegal men from Pakistan and Bangladesh (Source: ABC News / Erin Parke)
The illegal arrivals appeared in good health and were given water at the local store. Later, the men were taken to the local primary school.
One arrival told the ABC he was from Pakistan and had previously lived in Australia. He was deported after having his visa declined. He added that it cost him $8,000 to arrange travel to Australia from Indonesia. The man hoped to claim asylum and bring his wife and children to Australia.
Image: Roger Cook (Source: X)
WA Premier Roger Cook told media that this situation has highlighted a need to ensure the north-west coast was adequately protected.
“This is fundamentally a matter for the federal government to resolve. But, it does emphasise just how exposed our vast north-west coast is.”
The new arrivals follow the landing of 12 people at the remote beach 500km north east of Kununurra in November 2023.
These 39 men as per the ABC have now been transferred to Nauru today, where Australia has an offshore detention centre. The Nauru flight left the base in the early hours of Sunday andarrived in Nauru on Sunday afternoon, having stopped briefly at the Amberley base in Queensland.
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Today, the Institute of Public Affairs (IPA) has released new research analysing the growth of Australia’s migration program, based on new data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
This afternoon Australia's population is set to hit 27 million!
The IPA is an independent, non-profit public policy think tank, dedicated to preserving and strengthening the foundations of economic and political freedom. This report is authored by Dr Kevin You, Senior Fellow at the IPA, and Morgan Begg, Director of Research at the IPA.
Image: Daniel Wild, Deputy Executive Director of the IPA (Source: IPA)
Daniel Wild, Deputy Executive Director of the IPA, said in a sattement:
“The latest data from the ABS reinforces the unprecedented and unplanned size and growth of Australia’s migration intake.”
He added:
“This is placing immense pressure on housing and our critical infrastructure and has not solved our worker shortage crisis.”
Image: : Net permanent and long-term arrivals vs net overseas migration (Source: IPA)
The IPA’s analysis has established:
2023 was the first year in history where Australia’s permanent and long-term arrivals topped one million, at 1,091,210. By way of context, it took a decade for the 1 millionth post-World War Two migrant to arrive in Australia in 1955.
Net migration arrivals for 2023 were 447,790, by far the highest on record, the second highest occurring in 2008 at 327,680.
The share of new net migration as a proportion of the total population in 2023 is double the post-World War Two average annual rate of 1.67 per cent compared with the long run average of 0.79%.
Did you know 29.5% of our population was born overseas? See how the top 10 countries of birth for the overseas-born population has changed over time. For more see https://t.co/u4NKsLi1r8pic.twitter.com/k6k3JRzbKz
The research also established that the share of the Australian population born overseas is now at a record 31%.
This is more than double the USA and UK at 15% and 14% respectively, and higher than Canda at 21% and NZ at 29%.
Mr Wild further observed:
“Migration has and will continue to play a critical role to our national social fabric and economy, but failure to undertake proper planning has directly driven housing shortages, household cost of living increases and has placed pressure on our education, health, and welfare systems.”
Mr Wild said that the immigration program has failed to address Australia’s worker shortage crisis.
“Australia has and always will be a welcoming country, we have a rich multi-ethnic and multi-racial culture, but unsustainably increasing migration is not in the interest of a majority of Australians, including those who recently migrated here themselves.”
In December 2023, IPA research found the Australian federal government’s migration program is out of step with community expectations. Polling showed 60% of Australians want migration paused until more housing and infrastructure is built. Only 23% did not want a pause, and 17% unsure.
Image: PM Anthony Albanese (Source: X @AlboMP)
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also announced that the country’s migration intake needed to be wound back to a “sustainable level.”
This is a major step forward in reforming Australia’s broken migration system with the biggest reforms to migration in a generation. pic.twitter.com/4rlXqkoGZ7
Minister for Home Affairs Clare O’Neil announced “It’s time to get migration working for the nation.”
She added:
“The new Migration Strategy will bring migration back to sustainable levels, ensuring we have the skills we need for the future and, ultimately, make sure the system is working in the interests of all Australians.”
The key areas covered in the government’s 100-pages policy document are revising temporary skilled migration, end rorting of the international education system, replacing annual migration plans with longer-term forecasting, and getting the states and territories more involved in decision making. The Albanese government believes these changes are the “biggest reforms in a generation.”
Note: The ABS categories of permanent arrivals, long-term visitors arriving, and long-term residents returning equate to “permanent and long-term arrivals” in this report. The individuals in these categories are the same those included in the net overseas migration figure, with the exception of the 12/16 rule, where new arrivals count as overseas migrants if they stayed in Australia for 12 out of the last 16 months.
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One of the essential skills students need to master in primary school mathematics are “multiplication facts”.
What are they? What are they so important? And how can you help your child master them?
What are multiplication facts?
Multiplication facts typically describe the answers to multiplication sums up to 10×10. Sums up to 10×10 are called “facts” as it is expected they can be easily and quickly recalled. You may recall learning multiplication facts in school from a list of times tables.
The shift from “times tables” to “multiplication facts” is not just about language. It stems from teachers wanting children to see how multiplication facts can be used to solve a variety of problems beyond the finite times table format.
For example, if you learned your times tables in school (which typically went up to 12×12 and no further), you might be stumped by being asked to solve 15×8 off the top of your head. In contrast, we hope today’s students can use their multiplication facts knowledge to quickly see how 15×8 is equivalent to 10×8 plus 5×8.
The shift in terminology also means we are encouraging students to think about the connections between facts. For example, when presented only in separate tables, it is tricky to see how 4×3 and 3×4 are directly connected.
In today’s mathematics classrooms, teachers still focus on developing students’ mathematical accuracy and fast recall of essential facts, including multiplication facts.
But we also focus on developing essential problem-solving skills. This helps students form connections between concepts, and learn how to reason through a variety of real-world mathematical tasks.
Why are multiplication facts so important?
By the end of primary school, it is expected students will know multiplication facts up to 10×10 and can recall the related division fact (for example, 10×9=90, therefore 90÷10=9).
Learning multiplication facts is also essential for developing “multiplicative thinking”. This is an understanding of the relationships between quantities, and is something we need to know how to do on a daily basis.
When we are deciding whether it is better to purchase a 100g product for $3 or a 200g product for $4.50, we use multiplicative thinking to consider that 100g for $3 is equivalent to 200g for $6 – not the best deal!
Multiplicative thinking is needed in nearly all maths topics in high school and beyond. It is used in many topics across algebra, geometry, statistics and probability.
This kind of thinking is profoundly important. Research shows students who are more proficient in multiplicative thinking perform significantly better in mathematics overall.
In 2001, an extensive RMIT study found there can be as much as a seven-year difference in student ability within one mathematics class due to differences in students’ ability to access multiplicative thinking.
These findings have been confirmed in more recent studies, including a 2021 paper.
So, supporting your child to develop their confidence and proficiency with multiplication is key to their success in high school mathematics. How can you help?
Below are three research-based tips to help support children from Year 2 and beyond to learn their multiplication facts.
1. Discuss strategies
One way to help your child’s confidence is to discuss strategies for when they encounter new multiplication facts.
Prompt them to think of facts they already and how they can be used for the new fact.
For example, once your child has mastered the x2 multiplication facts, you can discuss how 3×6 (3 sixes) can be calculated by doubling 6 (2×6) and adding one more 6. We’ve now realised that x3 facts are just x2 facts “and one more”!
Strategies can be individual: students should be using the strategy that makes the most sense to them. So you could ask a questions such as “if you’ve forgotten 6×7, how could you work it out?” (we might personally think of 6×6=36 and add one more 6, but your child might do something different and equally valid).
This is a great activity for any quiet car trip. It can also be a great drawing activity where you both have a go at drawing your strategy and then compare. Identifying multiple strategies develops flexible thinking.
2. Help them practise
Practising recalling facts under a friendly time crunch can be helpful in achieving what teachers call “fluency” (that is, answering quickly and easily).
A great game you could play with your children is “multiplication heads up” . Using a deck of cards, your child places a card to their forehead where you can see but they cannot. You then flip over the top card on the deck and reveal it to your child. Using the revealed card and the card on your child’s head you tell them the result of the multiplication (for example, if you flip a 2 and they have a 3 card, then you tell them “6!”).
Based on knowing the result, your child then guesses what their card was.
If it is challenging to organise time to pull out cards, you can make an easier game by simply quizzing your child. Try to mix it up and ask questions that include a range of things they know well with and ones they are learning.
Repetition and rehearsal will mean things become stored in long-term memory.
3. Find patterns
Another great activity to do at home is print some multiplication grids and explore patterns with your child.
A first start might be to give your child a blank or partially blank multiplication grid which they can practise completing.
Then, using coloured pencils, they can colour in patterns they notice. For example, the x6 column is always double the answer in the x3 column. Another pattern they might see is all the even answers are products of 2, 4, 6, 8, 10. They can also notice half of the grid is repeated along the diagonal.
This also helps your child become a mathematical thinker, not just a calculator.
The importance of multiplication for developing your child’s success and confidence in mathematics cannot be understated. We believe these ideas will give you the tools you need to help your child develop these essential skills.
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Queensland Police have charged truck driver Yadwinder Singh, 44-year-old, over the alleged murder of his wife, Amarjit Kaur Sardar, 41-year-old, at their property in Woodhill, south of Brisbane.
Emergency services were called to a property on Undullah Road at Woodhill about 9:30 am on Thursday on reports of an incident involving machinery.
It is reported that when officers arrived at the property, they found Amarjit Kaur Sardar with “significant injuries” – mutilated after being allegedly run over by a sugar cane slasher.
In court documents obtained by NCA NewsWire, Mr Singh’s birthplace is listed as Khabe Rajputan, a village near Amritsar in Punjab, India.
Detective Inspector Chris Knight told reporters the couple were married with two teenage children. They had owned the 55-hectare farming property, containing cane, animals, and vehicles and buildings.
It is reported that the children were not home at the time of their mother’s death and interstate relatives have travelled to Queensland to watch over them for the time being.
Detective Knight added that a sedan, a farm tractor, and a slasher have been removed from the property by police.
“We’ve seized them to further examine those scenarios. There’s many, many considerations that will go into that.”
Police divers and up to 50 SES volunteers are being used to help search for evidence on the property.
Image: tractor slasher (Source: Nine news screenshot)Image: Mr Singh (Source: Nine news screenshot)
Brisbane Times reported that police detectives were halos reviewing video recordings on the couple’s phones. The recordings, which still need to be translated, are understood to include videos made of each other.
Logan Criminal Investigation Branch has launched an investigation and will also be investigating any history of alleged domestic violence.
Police prosecutor Karine Evans told the court a pathology report was at least three months away.
“There were quite a number of recordings on both the defendant’s and victim’s phones which require translation, so those are probably going to be the lengthiest delays.”
Further, Queensland Police will allege that Mr Singh had allegedly murdered his wife before interfering with her corpse to make the death seem like an accident.
“There were some observations our investigators made on our initial triage with the scene that gave us concerns there may have been some manipulation of the crime scene. He reported that his wife had passed away and there were some limited follow-up questions fed to him by the [ambulance] operators.”
Mr Singh is represented by defence lawyer Corey Cook. He made no application for bail and was remanded in custody. A full brief of evidence will be ordered by May 17.
Mr Singh was not produced before Beenleigh Magistrates Court when his matter was mentioned on Friday. His matter was adjourned until June and he will remain in custody until then.
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Representative image: Women in STEM (Source: CANVA)
A new report recommends new pathways to get more women and people from diverse backgrounds into STEM careers in Australia.
The report entitled ‘Pathway to Diversity in STEM‘ observes that Australia has an urgent need to boost its STEM workforce to take advantage of opportunities in sectors like renewable energy, critical minerals, and quantum.
Image: Ed Husic (Source: ALP)
Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic said in a statement:
“We need more people skilled-up to make the most of the opportunities in the growing science and technology jobs market. My sincere thanks to the Pathway Diversity in STEM Review Panel for their hard work and to the hundreds of Australians who shared their reflections and ideas about Australia’s STEM landscape.”
Minister Husic thanked Panel chair Sally-Ann Williams and Panel members Mikaela Jade and Parwinder Kaur for their efforts to prepare the report and welcomed the opportunity to engage further on the recommendations.
Image: Prof. Dipti Talaulikar (Source: Supplied)
Dr Dipti Talaulikar, award-winning Professor and Haematologist at the Australian National University says Australia needs more skilled migrants in STEM.
“Skilled migrants bring unique strenths and expertise to our STEM workforce. Our country will be stronger if we can respect diversity instead of being fearful of it.”
Image: Dr Ekta Sharma (Source: Supplied)
Dr Ekta Sharma, VC Fellow for Women in STEMM at the University of Southern Queensland, agrees and adds that Australia possesses great potential to contribute to the global community through our STEM workforce.
“There is an immediate need for a larger pool of well-qualified professionals to capitalise on the numerous opportunities available in the growing science and technology job market. These reports detail innovative approaches that can help increase the participation of women and individuals from diverse backgrounds in STEM careers.”
The independent Diversity in STEM Review Panel has made 11 detailed recommendations, based on 12 months of public consultation, conversations, and research.
Increasing diversity and inclusion is an integral step towards growing a STEM-skilled workforce that will help build a future made in Australia.
It will also help the Albanese Government’s target to 1.2 million tech-related jobs by 2030.
The Review Panel’s recommendations aim to create structural and cultural change within Australia’s STEM system to support greater diversity and inclusion.
The independent Review Panel’s recommendations include:
establishing a dedicated advisory council to guide government and mobilise change.
changing grant and procurement processes for STEM-related programs.
enhancing the current Women in STEM program suite and establishing programs for other cohorts underrepresented in STEM education and jobs.
The Panel heard from around 385 individuals and 94 organisations through conversations, interviews and workshops, and received 300 written submissions.
The Review Panel’s recommendations were also informed by key research reports including the STEM Career Pathways report for the National Science and Technology Council, which is also released today. It was prepared by Science and Technology Australia.
The STEM Career Pathway report identifies barriers to STEM careers and ways which could build the workforce. These include:
Opportunities for better coordination between university and vocational sectors, improved access to work-based placements, and micro-credential training to upskill existing workers.
Better engagement of skilled migrants and international graduates on post-study work visas by increasing employer understanding of overseas qualifications and graduates’ post-study work rights.
The Government will now consider the recommendations presented in the Pathway to Diversity in STEM Review report.
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A Northern Territory man appeared in a Queensland court on 15 February 2024 on new aggravated servitude and deceptive recruiting charges in connection to the alleged illegal treatment of workers on board a fishing vessel.
The AFP extradited the Humpty Doo man, 47, from Darwin on 14 February 2024 to face the Cairns Magistrates’ Court today charged with multiple counts of:
Causing a person to enter or remain in servitude, contrary to section 270.5(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth);
Conducting a business involving the servitude of another person, contrary to section 270.5(2) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth); and
Deceptive Recruiting for labour or services, contrary to section 270.7 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).
Police arrested the man in Darwin on Tuesday and he appeared in court the Darwin Magistrates’ Court yesterday where an extradition order was granted by the court.
The defendant had already been facing multiple charges relating to alleged forced labour and servitude offences. These charges relate to an AFP investigation launched in August 2023, following information from Queensland Police about two alleged victims rescued from a fishing vessel.
The man had allegedly used an online job board to advertise for deckhands and coxswains to work on his fishing boat.
The workers 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.
Detective Inspector Mary Bolton said the AFP urged people with information related to this investigation to contact police.
“Recognising and reporting these offences is an important step to ensure the safety and welfare of victims and prosecute those who have exploited and caused them harm.”
Det-Inspector Bolton added:
“The AFP is urging anyone who has been through this experience, or knows someone who has, to please come forward and contact the AFP on 131 237 or use the AFP’s confidential online form.”
The AFP arrested and charged the man in December 2023.
These offences carry a maximum penalty of 20 years, 15 years, and nine years’ imprisonment respectively.
The man was granted bail with strict conditions during today’s hearing and his next appearance is scheduled for 20 March 2024.
The investigation is ongoing.
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Image: Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff (Source: X)
By Richard Eccleston and Robert Hortle
After months of speculation about an early election and a battle to keep minority government alive, Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff – Australia’s last remaining Liberal Premier – has called an election for March 23, three years into a four-year term.
It was unanimously agreed that in the light of this, it was appropriate for me to request the Governor to call a general election.
In making the announcement, Rockliff said he wanted the stability of majority government.
“I’m not going to allow myself or my government to be held to ransom for the next 12 months. It’s bad for Tasmania, it’s bad for Tasmanians.”
What issues are likely to dominate the campaign? What is the likely outcome, and will it have any implications beyond the shores of Australia’s island state?
What’s been going on?
The Tasmanian Liberals have governed since 2014, but recently Rockliff has had to manage a series of ructions.
There have been seven reshuffles since the 2021 election, sparked in some cases by high profile ministerial resignations.
In mid-May 2023, two government back benchers quit the party to sit on the cross bench, citing a range of grievances.
Lara Alexander and John Tucker’s agreement with Rockliff to guarantee supply and confidence in the House lasted until early February when the premier issued a second ultimatum effectively demanding the rebel MPs support all government legislation.
Given neither of the independents were willing to cede their independence an early election became inevitable. Now, the real question is whether Tasmanian voters will blame the premier or the rebel MPs for taking them to the polls a year early?
Due to Tasmania’s 25-seat Lower House (which has been restored to 35 members for this election), these events have stretched Rockliff’s talent pool and contributed to a feeling among voters that the government is approaching its used by date.
Rubbing salt in the wound, Labor and the Greens have relished pointing out that a party which had promised to deliver stable majority government was now in minority. Indeed, Jeremy Rockliff cited the need restore majority government and avoid “governing with one hand tied behind my back” as a justification for going to the polls a year early.
Given Tasmania’s proportional Hare Clark electoral system, where candidates only need to secure about 15% of the vote after preferences to win a seat, it seems inevitable that forming government will require some form of power sharing or coalition arrangement.
This is reinforced by polling data that suggests Tasmanian voters are turning their backs on both major parties. A YouGov poll conducted in January had both Liberal and Labor polling around 30% (31% Liberal, 27% Labor), with the Jacquie Lambie Network (20%), Greens (15%) and other independents (7%) sharing the remaining 40%.
The key issues
This all suggests that well established campaign strategies will once again be trotted out.
The government will talk up the strong (but slowing) economy and run a scare campaign against minority government. This approach has served the Liberals well in the past, but their current minority status may undermine the pitch.
Labor, the Greens, independents, and the Jacqui Lambie Network will all point to the failure to address persistent housing, hospital, and transport challenges, as well as growing concerns about transparency and accountability.
One wildcard is government support for Hobart’s proposed waterfront AFL stadium. Most Tasmanians want an AFL team, but many have concerns about the mooted funding model in which the government covers most of the cost – and the financial risk.
Finally, the rise and dominance of hyper-local issues is making it hard for parties to develop and deliver a cohesive long-term strategy for the state. History shows that laundry lists of election promises don’t provide the basis for good government.
Federal eyes on the campaign
Mainland pundits will be watching the election closely for two main reasons.
Firstly, the March poll will be an early test of electoral support for a more conservative Liberal party in Tasmania and beyond. While Rockliff is a moderate, the conservative faction of the Tasmanian Liberals is in the ascendancy with former long-serving federal senator Eric Abetz seeking to make a comeback in the state seat of Franklin.
Abetz will likely be elected, but it remains to be seen whether this occurs despite a broader swing against the Liberals.
If the party can retain government in Tasmania, it may provide an early indication that the national political tide is turning.
Secondly, the election may provide further evidence of fragmentation in Australian politics.
If significant numbers of Tasmanians, particularly those from regional and less well-off communities, vote for independents or minor parties, the major parties will have some serious soul searching to do. They’ll need to rethink their strategies for future state and national elections.
What does the crystal ball say?
Tasmanian elections are notoriously hard to predict.
Given the most likely outcome will be some form of coalition or power-sharing arrangement, negotiations after polling day will be just as important and interesting as the vote itself.
Will the Liberals be willing to form a minority government, and would Jeremy Rockliff be prepared to lead it?
After ten years in the wilderness (not such a bad place to be in this part of the world!) Labor is desperate to govern, but will be reluctant to enter into an agreement with the Greens due to past experience. They may, however, be willing to govern with the support of the Jacqui Lambie Network and/or independents.
Tasmanian politics has always had a unique and interesting dynamic, and the March election is unlikely to disappoint. The real test is whether members of the next Tasmanian Parliament are able to put the interests of the community above petty politics to deliver the good government Tasmanians deserve.
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Image: USP's associate professor Shailendra Singh and QUT's professor Angela Romano with Fiji and Australian student journalists in the Wansolwara newsroom at The University of the South Pacific (Source: Wansolwara News)
The University of the South Pacific journalism programme is hosting a cohort student journalists from Australia’s Queensland University of Technology this week.
Led by Professor Angela Romano, the 12 students are covering news assignments in Fiji as part of their working trip.
The visitors were given a briefing by USP journalism teaching staff — Associate Professor in Pacific journalism and programme head Dr Shailendra Singh, and student training newspaper supervising editor-in-chief Monika Singh.
The students held lively discussions about the form and state of the media in Fiji and the Pacific, the historic influence of Australian and Western news media and its pros and cons, and the impact of the emergence of China on the Pacific media scene.
Dr Singh said the small and micro-Pacific media systems were “still reeling” from revenue loss due to digital disruption and the covid-19 pandemic.
As elsewhere in the world, the “rivers of gold” (classified advertising revenue) had virtually dried up and media in the Pacific were apparently struggling like never before.
Dr Singh said that this was evident from the reduced size of some newspapers in the Pacific, in both classified and display advertising, which had migrated to social media platforms.
He praised Fiji’s coalition government for repealing the country’s draconian Media Industry Development Act last year, and reviving media self-regulation under the revamped Fiji Media Council.
However, Dr Singh added that there was still some way to go to further improve the media landscape, including focus on training and development and working conditions.
“There are major, longstanding challenges in small and micro-Pacific media systems due to small audiences, and marginal profits,” he said. “This makes capital investment and staff development difficult to achieve.”
The QUT students are in Suva this month on a working trip in which students will engage in meetings, interviews and production of journalism. They will meet non-government organisations that have a strong focus on women/gender in development, democracy or peace work.
The students will also visit different media organisations based in Suva and talk to their female journalists on their experiences and their stories.
The USP journalism programme started in Suva in 1988 and it has produced more than 200 graduates serving the Pacific and beyond in various media and communication roles.
The programme has forged partnerships with leading media players in the Pacific and our graduates are shining examples in the fields of journalism, public relations and government/NGO communication.
This news report is republished with the kind permission of Wansolwara and was first published in Asia Pacific Report that is published in partnership with Wansolwara News.
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One in seven Australians take antidepressants. Psychologists are in high demand. Still, only half of people with depression in high-income countries get treatment.
Our new research shows that exercise should be considered alongside therapy and antidepressants. It can be just as impactful in treating depression as therapy, but it matters what type of exercise you do and how you do it.
Walk, run, lift, or dance away depression
We found 218 randomised trials on exercise for depression, with 14,170 participants. We analysed them using a method called a network meta-analysis. This allowed us to see how different types of exercise compared, instead of lumping all types together.
We found walking, running, strength training, yoga and mixed aerobic exercise were about as effective as cognitive behaviour therapy – one of the gold-standard treatments for depression. The effects of dancing were also powerful. However, this came from analysing just five studies, mostly involving young women. Other exercise types had more evidence to back them.
Walking, running, strength training, yoga and mixed aerobic exercise seemed more effective than antidepressant medication alone, and were about as effective as exercise alongside antidepressants.
But of these exercises, people were most likely to stick with strength training and yoga.
Antidepressants certainly help some people. And of course, anyone getting treatment for depression should talk to their doctor before changing what they are doing.
Still, our evidence shows that if you have depression, you should get a psychologist and an exercise plan, whether or not you’re taking antidepressants.
Join a program and go hard (with support)
Before we analysed the data, we thought people with depression might need to “ease into it” with generic advice, such as “some physical activity is better than doing none.”
But we found it was far better to have a clear program that aimed to push you, at least a little. Programs with clear structure worked better, compared with those that gave people lots of freedom. Exercising by yourself might also make it hard to set the bar at the right level, given low self-esteem is a symptom of depression.
We also found it didn’t matter how much people exercised, in terms of sessions or minutes a week. It also didn’t really matter how long the exercise program lasted. What mattered was the intensity of the exercise: the higher the intensity, the better the results.
Yes, it’s hard to keep motivated
We should exercise caution in interpreting the findings. Unlike drug trials, participants in exercise trials know which “treatment” they’ve been randomised to receive, so this may skew the results.
Many people with depression have physical, psychological or social barriers to participating in formal exercise programs. And getting support to exercise isn’t free.
We also still don’t know the best way to stay motivated to exercise, which can be even harder if you have depression.
Our study tried to find out whether things like setting exercise goals helped, but we couldn’t get a clear result.
Other reviews found it’s important to have a clear action plan (for example, putting exercise in your calendar) and to track your progress (for example, using an app or smartwatch). But predicting which of these interventions work is notoriously difficult.
A 2021 mega-study of more than 60,000 gym-goers found experts struggled to predict which strategies might get people into the gym more often. Even making workouts fun didn’t seem to motivate people. However, listening to audiobooks while exercising helped a lot, which no experts predicted.
Still, we can be confident that people benefit from personalised support and accountability. The support helps overcome the hurdles they’re sure to hit. The accountability keeps people going even when their brains are telling them to avoid it.
So, when starting out, it seems wise to avoid going it alone. Instead:
join a fitness group or yoga studio
get a trainer or an exercise physiologist
ask a friend or family member to go for a walk with you.
Taking a few steps towards getting that support makes it more likely you’ll keep exercising.
Let’s make this official
Some countries see exercise as a backup plan for treating depression. For example, the American Psychological Association only conditionally recommends exercise as a “complementary and alternative treatment” when “psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy is either ineffective or unacceptable”.
Based on our research, this recommendation is withholding a potent treatment from many people who need it.
In contrast, The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists recommends vigorous aerobic activity at least two to three times a week for all people with depression.
Given how common depression is, and the number failing to receive care, other countries should follow suit and recommend exercise alongside front-line treatments for depression.
I would like to acknowledge my colleagues Taren Sanders, Chris Lonsdale and the rest of the coauthors of the paper on which this article is based.
If this article has raised issues for you, or if you’re concerned about someone you know, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
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Hundreds of millions of people worldwide use dating apps. However only half of users say that they have had positive experiences. Indeed, a shocking 11% of female users under 50 have received threats of harm. Surely there’s a better way to build these apps.
Dating sites and apps have made it easier to find sexual and romantic partners, expanding the pool of potential mates to include the entire internet. About 10% of heterosexual people and 24% of LGB people have met their long-term partner online. But apps have also introduced (or modernised) many ethical dating-related concerns.
Before dating apps, many people met partners through family, friends or work, which meant that potential partners were often “vetted” by people we trusted. When you meet someone on an app, you often know nothing about them except what they choose to tell you. Making the pursuit of intimacy more private and individual has increased the potential for negative or harmful experiences.
Apps help you control how you present yourself and refine your dating pool using filters. Many see this as a helpful and liberating tool to clarify their identity and meet like-minded people. There are even dating apps exclusive to people with certain political views.
But the more discerning you can be, the more you may contribute – often unwittingly – to unjust discrimination. Many people are swiped away or filtered out on grounds of race, ability, class and appearance. For example, 99.8% of young black male sexual minority users have experienced some form of racialised sexual discrimination. And only 3% of contacts initiated by white people are to black people. Disabled people have reported receiving “insulting, pitying, or aggressive comments”, or doubts about their ability to have sex.
Apps are designed carefully to hold your attention using elements and rewards that make using them feel like playing a game. This can distance your behaviour from your values. You might want a few, caring and nuanced interactions, or committed romantic love, yet find yourself thrilled by notifications, or drawn into numerous sporadic conversations in ways you find alienating. Ghosting – suddenly leaving an interaction without explanation – is arguably disrespectful, but it can seem logical when apps funnel you into conversations that lead nowhere or to harassment.
Using apps even morphs into an activity in its own right, becoming less a way of meeting people and more a source of attention, validation and sexual intrigue in your pocket.
Finally, dating apps encourage users to objectify each other through rapid judgment based on appearance. From rapid swiping with little information beyond a picture on apps like Tinder, to Grindr’s grid of torsos, dating apps make it easy to dismiss with a glance.
Our continuing exploration of these topics has convinced us that the people who design dating apps could do more to improve the experience for users. This is why, at the Centre for Love, Sex, and Relationships at the University of Leeds, we are also launching a new research project on ethical dating online to explore how apps can become a better experience for everyone.
Some apps have already started to do this. Bumble only allows women to make the first move and has added a feature that automatically blurs nude images, giving users a choice over whether they see the photo or not. Tinder has added new safety features, such as an AI that detects if a message may have offensive or sexually explicit language, and prompting users to think twice before sending.
But they could take it further. Enhanced safety features could help people report harassment. Apps could do more to inform users when someone is using AI in their interactions, or make it easier to get feedback from friends, family or other users. These improvements might make it less likely that users will meet up with dangerous people.
Dating apps could give users more information about their preferences and behaviour. Sporadic statistical overviews, or “end of year round-ups” a la Spotify could help users see whether they are as open-minded as they want to be, or just choosing people from a similar racial or class background.
Finally, apps can “nudge” users towards more ethical behaviour, encouraging them not to ghost someone, for example, or enforcing a cooling-off period for serial swipers.
While this might feel intrusive, remember that dating apps are already doing this – for example, sending notifications encouraging you to check the app regularly.
Be a better dating app user
There are also steps you can take to interact more ethically on dating apps. Being more aware of your own biases is a good start. So is trying to be more open to people who don’t conform to what you think you want in a partner (particularly when these preferences might be influenced by biases and stereotypes).
You can also take more care of what you say and do on apps. For example, avoiding ghosting others unless it’s a response to abusive behaviour. In short, remember that online dating is not just a game, even if it feels like one, and that the images on your phone are – usually – of real people.
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What to do about Barnaby? That’s the question facing Nationals leader David Littleproud after the former deputy prime minister was videoed sprawled on a Canberra street following too many drinks at a couple of Parliament House functions last week.
Barnaby Joyce had fallen off a planter box. The footage showed him still talking on his phone. He was speaking to his wife Vikki Campion. In colourful language, as he lay prone, he was berating himself for his situation.
Joyce said later he was “embarrassed”. The explanation being given is that the alcohol didn’t mix with the medication he is on. (Apparently the functions, incidentally, were run by the hoteliers and the wine producers.)
On Sunday Joyce said he didn’t want to say anything more.
Campion and some Coalition colleagues have criticised the fact the person shot a video rather than giving Joyce some help. It’s a fair point, but Littleproud would know it is not the real point. Especially in these times, when there has been a great deal of scrutiny on the conduct of MPs and staffers, this sort of behaviour just reinforces the negative image of politicians.
It is not as though this is a one-off instance of Joyce being in trouble. He has a litany of scandals and scrapes behind him.
Joyce is the opposition spokesman for Veterans Affairs. We don’t hear a lot from him on that subject. But he has high visibility.
Last week we saw him on the ABC’s Nemesis series, launching into Malcolm Turnbull for the former prime minister’s public attack on Joyce’s affair with Campion, who had worked in his office. Turnbull as a result famously announced the so-called “bonk ban”, prohibiting ministers from having sex with their staff. Joyce, also caught up in other controversies at the time, ended up quitting the national leadership and the deputy prime ministership.
Also last week, he was prominent at a demonstration against renewables.
Anthony Albanese is applying some pressure over the videoed incident. “People will certainly make their own judgments on that. People will see that footage, they will look for an explanation that […] has some credibility, and they’ll look for leadership from the leader of the Liberal Party and the leader of the National Party about this.
“I think people will also think to themselves, what would the response be if that was a minister in my government being seen to be behaving in that way?”
Opposition leader Peter Dutton plans to speak with Joyce. But as a National, Joyce is squarely Littleproud’s problem. However, as they say, it’s complicated.
If Littleproud disciplined Joyce – for example by removing him from the frontbench – he potentially could make trouble for himself.
Most obviously, he would lose a frontbench position which he couldn’t hang onto because the Nationals are over their quota within the Coalition. (Some say that could be a positive, because the Nationals are likely to lose a position in the next reshuffle anyway.)
More seriously, Joyce has his tribal supporters, in a divided party. They would defend him to the hilt, claiming this sort of unfortunate thing could happen to anyone (the counter argument is that it always seems to happen to Barnaby).
Among some Nationals, there’s the feeling Joyce is stalking the leader. Not that that is new either.
On the other hand, what will people think in Nationals heartland about the standards the party promotes? Or will they simply dismiss the matter, saying “that’s just Barnaby”?
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The AFP is warning that a manipulative and costly financial scam called pig butchering, also known as romance baiting, is targeting Australians with the promise of friendship and financial windfalls.
The AFP is also cautioning lonely hearts to be wary of organised criminals this Valentine’s Day as statistics show Australians lost up to $4500 every hour to romance scammers in 2022 and up to $3800 in 2023.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Cybercrime Command Chris Goldsmid said the AFP was, for the first time, releasing details from a seized pig butchering how-to manual to further inform the community what tactics conmen and women were using to target multicultural communities and the wider public.
Pig butchering, also known as romance baiting and Sha Zhu Pan is a scam in which offenders often devote long periods to gain the trust of victims before encouraging them to invest in the share market, cryptocurrency or foreign currency exchanges.
Victims think they are trading on legitimate platforms but the money is syphoned into an account owned by offenders who created fake platforms that look identical to well-known sites.
Valentine’s Day; Image Source @CANVA
Acting Assistant Commissioner Goldsmid said traditional romance scams were often initiated on dating apps but pig butchering started with cold texting individuals on messaging apps.
“Pig butchering does not target individuals with the false hope of a relationship but instead initiates a conversation looking for friendship,’’ Assistant Commissioner Goldsmid said.
“Scammers usually say the accidental messages are because of ‘fate’ or ‘divine will’.
“Over months or years, the scammer will flaunt a lavish lifestyle and leave a trail of comments about their wealth, such as bragging about the value in their cryptocurrency wallets.
“Once victims ask how they are making their money, victims are directed to a complete replica of an investment site that shows the growth of an investment.
“When the victim sends money to invest, victims are provided weekly, monthly or yearly investment statements, that show continual growth in their investment. Often the victim provides even more money to invest.
“When the victim wants to cash out or the scammer believes there no more money to scam out of the victim, the offender tries one more time to get money by saying things like, ‘taxes need to be paid but I know a great accountant’, or ‘we are all meeting at a luxurious resort for our AGM, our travel agent can book for you, just provide them the cash for the airfares and accommodation’.
“However, before it gets to that point, a lot of hard work goes into grooming the victim – and these are the signs we want the community to be aware of.”
Acting Assistant Commissioner Goldsmid said the pig butchering manual had four key steps – packaging, raising, killing/investment scam and cash out.
Different manuals are tailored for age, gender, sexual preference and geography.
To package a victim, the manual instructs offenders to connect with the victim using nine topics of conversation so they can form a connection. Offenders should say they are 28-35 years old, show they understand pop culture and are educated or have good-paying jobs.
The offenders are urged not to make up a hobby they don’t understand because it could create doubts in the victims’ minds.
Packaging
Offenders take on a persona, including good-looking, usually Asian man or woman, wealthy, usually a successful business owner or investor, who has investments in cryptocurrency, share market or in gold. They are looking for friendship, but are too busy to meet but will in the future.
Raising
They greet their victims every morning and reach out every night, may confess their love within two weeks and use pet names for the victims, like “baby” or “wife”. They talk a lot about chance and fate, tell their victims they are not dreaming big enough but now they can dream together; and want to exchange “naughty” pictures. Offenders generally move to psychological manipulation, and tell victims they need to face pressure in their lives, tell them not to miss opportunities and tell them to fantasize about their dream life.
Killing/investment scam
Over time, the offender shows off their wealth and talk about the things they buy and where they travel. When the victim asks how they can do the same, the offender directs them to a replica of an investment site, which simulates the growth of investment funds. The victim “invests” and is shown how their investment is growing – when in fact it is fake and the money is in the hands of the offender.
Victims are often informed of a limited-time bonus or an overnight or couples’ package with a high minimum deposit. To help victims make the minimum payment, the offender or the platform will “loan’ victims’ money. After $5000-$10,000 thresholds are reached, victims are told they can no longer withdraw their money because of extra verification fees or taxes are needed. When the victim complains, the offender often guilts the victim. The offender may say they are in the same boat and in their experience, when they pay the extra fees and taxes, they get their money. They may encourage victims to borrow from family and friends, sell assets or get loans to pay the so-called fees. If the victim refuses, the offender may threaten them with exposing the intimate images provided.
Cash-out
When the victim refuses to invest more or wants to cash out, or after some time, the offender will move to cash out of the scam.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Goldsmid said the AFP was concerned that some members of the public were too embarrassed to inform authorities if they had been scammed.
“We know some members of the community are not coming forward if they have been scammed.
“My message is don’t be embarrassed. Alert your authorities, and think about telling your friends, family or community what happened. The more others know about these unscrupulous scammers the harder it will be for them to target others.”
He said some romance scammers may also use Valentine’s Day as a promise of a first official date or meeting, especially if they have asked victims for money.
“There was a reported reduction in losses from romance scams last year compared to 2022, and that in part can be attributed to increased community awareness, and banks, industry and regulators working together to protect the public,’’ Acting Assistant Commissioner Goldsmid said.
“The National Anti-Scam Centre is working closely with the AFP so we can supercharge our efforts in protecting the public but also doing all we can bring offenders to justice.
“And that’s why today we are urging people to be extra conscientious in the lead-up to Valentine’s Day.
“And that includes being mindful if they are being love bombed – where an individual is lavished with excessive attention in a bid to make the recipient feel obligated to their love interest, who then often asks for money.”
He said while financial gain was the motivation for most scammers, some criminals had convinced some Australians to open bank accounts to enable money laundering or traffic illicit drugs.
“Organised crime gangs are manipulating Australians to send money offshore, which could be bankrolling other serious crimes.
“The latest Scamwatch data shows $40 million was lost in romance scams alone in 2022, equating to up to $109,000 a day or an eye-watering $4500 an hour.
“That is $3 million more than in 2021 but the AFP believes the figure is much higher because many victims are too embarrassed to reveal they have lost money in a romance scam.
“If you believe you are a victim of cybercrime, report it to ReportCyber. If there is an imminent threat to your safety, call Triple Zero.”
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Passengers of a Sri Lankan Airlines will board a rescheduled flight to Colombo later today after an emergency return.
A SriLankan Airlines flight UL605 that departed Tullamarine at 6.30 pm was forced to turn back to Melbourne yesterday after smoke started filling the cabin.
“In line with Melbourne Airport procedures, a local standby was declared, with emergency services responding as a precaution. The aircraft landed safely and without incident. Passengers disembarked normally.”
This emergency call meant the flight quickly became the most tracked flight, with nearly 10,000 people across the world tracking it on FlightRadar24.com.
Bunnik ended up dropping his duty free while waiting for more details. He added some things could have been handled better in the Melbourne airport.
It is understood that SriLankan Airlines passengers were provided with hotel accommodation before the flight being rescheduled.
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Hindu Council of Australia has made a passionate in-person submission to the Productivity Commission that tax exemptions for donations made to build faith schools should not be removed. Hindu Council is a member of Better Balanced Futures which fully supported the Hindu Council’s submission.
A Productivity Commission was set up by the federal government to advise it on how to double philanthropic giving by 2030.
The commission has produced a DGR Draft Report. DGR status of a charity permits its donors to claim a tax deduction for the amount of the donation. In its draft report (available at Draft Report – Philanthropy – Productivity Commission (pc.gov.au)) The commission recommends the removal of DGR (tax deductibility of donations) for school building funds.
Better Balanced Futures, CEO, Murray Norman stated in his submission that,
“The Hindu community has seen many other faith groups access DGR status.. for building schools. With DGR slated to be removed from school building funds, .. is not a fair treatment for the Hindu community. To do this will be an embarrassing change to make politically, considering the increased government focus on the relationship with India.”
Josh, Murray and Surinder from Better Balanced Futures making their submission to the Commission.
Surinder Jain, National Vice President Hindu Council of Australia and Co-chair of Better Balanced Futures said,
“Proposed changes to DGR status for SRE and Faith schools Hindus in Australia and Hindu Council of Australia would like to express their disappointment at the recommendation of the Productivity Commission that DGR status of donations made to advance Religious education in the form SRE and building funds for faith schools be discontinued.“
“Unlike most other major faiths, Hindus do not have Hindu schools and therefore have not sought these DGR exemptions. As the Hindu population is growing there are plans in place to start Hindu schools and to raise funds to train and hire teachers for Hindu SRE. The DGR status for donations has been given to every faith in the past and most have (rightly) used it to build their schools.“
“Hindus are shocked that this is proposed to be taken away when it is our turn. We urge you to continue providing the support for Hindu education that has already been provided to other faiths. Faiths should not be penalised for providing education and charity services.”
We are hoping that the gates of DGR support will not be shut when it is the turn of Hindus.
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Embraer signs MOU with Mahindra; Image Source- Supplied
Embraer Defense & Security and Mahindra Defence Systems have taken a significant step forward in enhancing the Indian Air Force’s capabilities by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly pursue the acquisition of the C-390 Millennium aircraft for India’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) procurement project.
The historic agreement was inked at the Brazilian Embassy in New Delhi, marking a pivotal moment in defence cooperation between Brazil and India.
Mr Bosco da Costa Junior, President & CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating,
“India is a key market for Embraer, and we are honoured to collaborate with Mahindra in the MTA program.”
He highlighted the move as a testament to Embraer’s support for India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative and a step towards fostering stronger ties between the two nations.
Embraer signs MOU with Mahindra; Image Source- Supplied
The partnership aims to engage with the Indian Air Force to outline the next phases of the MTA program and initiate the development of an industrialisation plan in collaboration with India’s local aerospace industry.
Mr Vinod Sahay, President Aerospace & Defence Sector at Mahindra, emphasised the strategic significance of the partnership, noting,
“The C-390 Millennium is the most advanced military airlifter on the market, and this collaboration aligns with the Make in India objectives, promising to enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force.”
Embraer’s C-390 Millennium aircraft stands out for its unmatched mobility, high productivity, and operational flexibility, paired with low operating costs. Since its induction into the Brazilian Air Force in 2019 and the Portuguese Air Force in 2023, the aircraft has demonstrated exceptional reliability and performance, with an operational fleet accumulating over 11,500 flight hours.
The C-390 Millennium is capable of performing a wide array of missions, including cargo and troop transport, medical evacuation, search and rescue, aerial firefighting, and humanitarian missions. It can operate on various types of runways and is equipped for air-to-air refuelling, both as a tanker and receiver.
The collaboration between Embraer and Mahindra not only promises to bolster the Indian Air Force’s transport capabilities but also explores turning India into a regional hub for the C-390 aircraft.
This partnership underlines the commitment of both companies to bring cutting-edge aerospace and military transport technology to India, paving the way for a future of enhanced defence readiness and cooperation.
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The Commissioners were joined by Solomon Islands Minister of Police, National Security and Correctional Services the Honourable Anthony Veke and representatives from the AFP’s Pacific Asia Command to set the agenda of the RSIPF-AFP Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP) for the year ahead.
Image: RAPPP Board of Management meeting (Source: AFP)
AFP Commander Heath Davies said the AFP was committed and ready to support the RSIPF through the important operation.
“The AFP has shown it is a trusted and reliable partner to help deliver large-scale operations, as demonstrated through the safe and successful 2023 Pacific Games. We are ready to help equip the RSIPF with the necessary resources and stand alongside our counterparts to help keep their communities safe and secure throughout the National General Elections.”
Commander Davies added:
“The AFP is looking forward to another successful year of delivering the RAPPP, as we continue to help build the capacity and capability of the RSIPF, based on their needs.”
Now in its third year, the RAPPP is designed to help boost RSIPF’s capabilities to keep their communities safe. AFP members work closely with their RSIPF counterparts to support the operational delivery of policing services to identify, target and combat emerging crime and security issues.
Image: RAPPP Board of Management meeting (Source: AFP)
In 2024, the AFP is committed to supporting the RSIPF with the safe and successful delivery of the National General Elections, which are scheduled for the coming months, by providing essential RSIPF capability development in the lead-up.
RAPPP has dedicated specialist advisory support members in the joint RSIPF/AFP National General Elections planning team for the security operation.
Image: RAPPP Board of Management meeting (Source: AFP)
The leaders also took the time to reflect on the successful delivery of the security operation for the 2023 Pacific Games.
RSIPF Commissioner Mostyn Mangau said the RSIPF was thankful for the AFP’s continuous support to develop the capabilities and capacity of the RSIPF through the RAPPP.
“Preparing for milestones like the 2023 Pacific Games and 2024 National General Elections contributes to building a stronger operational partnership between the AFP and RSIPF to combat crime in the region. The AFP has always been with us on this journey every step of the way.”
RAPPP projects were reviewed and re-prioritised last year to focus on boosting RSIPF’s capabilityfor the games.
Image: RAPPP Board of Management meeting (Source: AFP)
Training and development opportunities were also a big focus last year, including in investigations, intelligence, forensics, aviation, public order management and close personal protection.
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By Nick William Smith, Andrew John Fletcher, and Warren McNabb
Have you ever looked down at your breakfast, lunch or dinner and considered where the various ingredients travelled from to reach your plate?
A basic sandwich in New Zealand can easily represent five countries: an Australian wheat and Indian sesame seed roll, Danish salami, local lettuce and cheese, seasoned with Vietnamese pepper.
And because your food travels a long way to reach you, so does your nutrition.
Research on global food trade – particularly trade in cereals – has a long history. More recently, researchers have begun considering the nutrients – energy, protein, vitamins, minerals – that move around the world within traded food.
As we learn more about the global trade in nutrients we can build a better picture of how these key dietary ingredients are distributed, and how they affect global population health.
Mapping global nutrient trade
The Sustainable Nutrition Initiative undertakes modelling research on the links between global food production and the nutrition of the global population.
Working with researchers at the University of São Paulo and State University of Campinas in Brazil, we have now published a broader analysis of global nutrient trade over time and its impact on health.
It shows the variation in nutrient trade between countries with differing wealth, and some positive links between nutrient trade and health.
Our team built a large data set of all flows of food for human consumption between 254 countries from 1986 to 2020. From this, we worked out the flows of 48 essential nutrients over that period.
As this is too much information for a single scientific paper, the team built an interactive app to let anyone explore the data.
The paper itself focused on a few key nutrients: protein, calcium, iron and vitamins A and B12. These are often used in analyses of food security (having reliable access to enough affordable, nutritious food) because of their importance to human health.
Some of these nutrients are under-supplied in many parts of the world, particularly low-income countries. At the same time, nutrient trade over the 35 years we analysed has grown rapidly, as shown in the chart below for vitamin B12.
Vitamin B12 trade by country income classification, 1986-2020: H = high-income countries, UM = upper middle-income , LM = lower middle-income, L = low-income, ODU = origin or destination not recorded. Nick William Smith, CC BY-SA
The wealth and nutrient gap
High-income countries were the biggest importers of vitamin B12, but also the other nutrients analysed, largely from trade with other high-income countries. This is despite those countries having only around 15% of the global population.
In contrast, low-income countries have little involvement in global trade of any nutrients. This limits their ability to improve dietary diversity and quality through food from outside their borders.
Most of New Zealand’s trading partners are in the higher-income brackets. Milk and meat dominate New Zealand protein exports, with China the major partner (see chart below).
The quantity of protein exported would meet the needs of nearly seven times New Zealand’s own population. In a country like China, of course, this is only a small fraction of the population.
In contrast, nearly 60% of New Zealand’s protein imports comes from Australia, largely in wheat and wheat products. And New Zealand imports enough protein to meet around half its population’s need.
New Zealand protein exports by country and food group. Nick William Smith, CC BY-SA
We also analysed the socioeconomic, demographic and health outcome data potentially associated with food consumption patterns and nutrient trade.
The findings suggest higher involvement in nutrient trade networks was significantly associated with improvements in infant mortality rates, lower prevalence of anaemia in women of reproductive age, and greater life expectancy.
Food security and nutrition
It is concerning to see the low involvement of low-income countries in nutrient trade, particularly given the benefits it can bring for population health.
Our research provides context for how important traded nutrients are in meeting national population requirements. This knowledge can be used to identify weaknesses in the global food system, and which shocks (climatic, political or biological) might have the greatest consequences for nutrition.
These data can then be combined with other knowledge and modelling of food production, distribution and consumption at national levels to give a more complete view of food systems.
Food trade plays a key role in fostering food security and good nutrition. The trade has grown rapidly in both quantity and economic value over the past 35 years. Understanding its importance for healthy nutrition is essential.
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Australian Cricketer Brett Lee with Mr. Shamlal Ahamed, MD – International Operations, Malabar Gold & Diamonds; Mr. Asher O, MD-India Operations, Malabar Gold & Diamonds; Mr. Ajith M, Regional Head – Far East & Australasia, Malabar Gold & Diamonds; Dr. S Janakiraman, Consul General of India, Sydney; Cr Sameer Pandey, Councillor, Parramatta City Council; Ms. Charishma Kaliyanda, MP, Representing Minister for Trade & Investments, NSW Government; Cr Paul Noack, Councillor, Parramatta City Council
Scripting history as the first Indian International jewellery brand to begin operations in Australia, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, the 6th largest jewellery retailer globally, has officially opened their new showroom in Sydney, Australia. The showroom marks Malabar Gold & Diamonds’ expansion into the 13th country, joining over 340 showrooms in Australia, India, North America, Middle East, Asia, and Europe.
The showroom was inaugurated by Australian cricketer Brett Lee in the presence of Mr. Shamlal Ahamed, MD – International Operations, Malabar Gold & Diamonds; Mr. Asher O, MD – India Operations, Malabar Gold & Diamonds; Mr. Ajith M, Regional Head – Far East & Australasia, Malabar Gold & Diamonds; Dr. S Janakiraman, Consul General of India, Sydney; Cr Sameer Pandey, Councillor, Parramatta City Council; Ms. Charishma Kaliyanda, MP, Representing Minister for Trade & Investments, NSW Government; Cr Paul Noack, Councillor, Parramatta City Council; senior management from Malabar Gold & Diamonds, customers and well-wishers.
Located at 109 Wigram Street Harris Park Sydney in Little India, Malabar Gold & Diamonds’ new outlet will be the largest jewellery showroom in Sydney. With an extensive collection of jewellery in 18 and 22K gold and diamonds, the showroom will showcase over 30,000 designs across bridal wear, daily wear, and occasional wear. Malabar Gold & Diamonds has also facilitated a customised jewellery design facility at their showroom, enabling jewellery enthusiasts to bring to life their jewellery design assisted by Malabar expert designers and craftsmen.
Malabar Group Chairman, M.P Ahammed said: “This is a proud moment for us as the first Indian International jewellery retailer to begin operations in Australia. We have been a strong proponent of the Indian Government mandate ‘Make in India; Market to the World’. Showcasing the artistry of Indian jewellery on a global stage and expanding into Australia is testimony to our commitment to this initiative.
This is also a great success story leveraging the strong trade relationship and recent bilateral free trade agreement between Australia and India. Our growth plan in Australia will lead to significant investments into jobs and the local economy in Australia over the next few years. I am grateful to our customers, management team members, shareholders, and other stakeholders for helping us move one step closer towards our goal of being crowned as the world’s number one jewellery retailer.”
Mr. Shamlal Ahamed, MD-International Operations, Malabar Gold & Diamonds said: “We are extremely excited to begin operations in Australia. Australia boasts a large and flourishing diaspora from the Indian sub-continent, yet the jewellery sector in Australia remains a largely untapped one. Marking a significant shift in the country’s jewellery landscape, we aim to leverage our experience of over 30 years to bring an exceptional array of gold, diamond, and precious gem jewellery.
With our time-tested commitment towards providing customers with an exceptional and transparent jewellery shopping experience, I am confident Australia will love our brand.”
With the exclusive usage of 100% traceable raw materials in their jewellery, the brand ensures strict compliance with international standards for transparent gold and diamond sourcing set by globally recognised organisations such as LBMA (London Bullion Market Association) and World Gold Council. The principles of sustainability and responsibility are incorporated into its core business through practices such as zero tolerance on compliance to the rule of law, Anti-money Laundering (AML) & Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT), usage of FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) wood for packaging, LEED Gold certified offices and outlets.
Mr. Abdul Salam K.P, Vice-Chairman of Malabar Group said: “Aside from adding another country to our global operational map, our expansion into Australia solidifies Malabar Gold & Diamonds’ status as a truly global enterprise with an expansive outreach across borders. With 100% transparent business practice being a hallmark of our entire operations and our stringent commitment to ensuring ethical and responsible sourcing at all levels of our supply chain, we aspire to be a model organisation in the global jewellery sector that safeguards the auspicious nature of jewellery.”
In pursuit of promoting India’s renowned indigenous craftsmanship on a global scale, Malabar Gold & Diamonds has embarked on an ambitious expansion plan, which involves strengthening their retail presence in existing regions with more showroom launches, as well as charting their expansion into new countries such as New Zealand, South Africa, Egypt, Bangladesh, and Turkey.
ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) initiatives have been the primary commitment of Malabar Group since its inception in 1993, with 5% of net profits set aside towards such initiatives in each country of operations.
The key focus is in the areas of Health, Hunger Free World, Housing, Education, Women Empowerment & Environment. The ESG goals of the organisation are periodically strengthened to remain a socially conscious and responsible organisation.
About Malabar Gold & Diamonds
Malabar Gold & Diamonds was established in 1993 and is the flagship company of Malabar Group, a leading diversified Indian business conglomerate. With an annual turnover of US$5.2 billion, the company currently ranks as the 6th largest jewellery retailer globally and today has a strong retail network of 340 outlets spread across 13 countries in addition to multiple offices, design centers, wholesale units, and factories spread across India, Middle East, Far East, the USA, the UK, Canada & Australia.
The group, owned by more than 4,000 shareholders, has more than 21,000 professionals from over 26 countries working towards its continued success. Malabar Gold & Diamonds also features an online store www.malabargoldanddiamonds.com providing customers the opportunity to purchase their favorite jewelry at any time and on any day from the comfort of their homes.
The group also operates MGD – Lifestyle Jewellery, a retail concept offering trendy and light weight jewellery that represents the independent and the modern woman through its designs and collections.
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Indian PM Narendra Modi and Qatar Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani; Image Source- @PMO XTwitter
In a major diplomatic triumph for India, eight veterans of the Indian Navy who were sentenced to death in Qatar were released by Doha on Monday.
The capital punishment was commuted to an extended prison term earlier following diplomatic intervention by New Delhi.
Amid desperate pleas by the anxious kin of the Navy veterans to secure their release and safe passage back to their homeland, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had assured that it would mobilise all diplomatic channels and arrange legal assistance to bring them back.
Of the eight former Navy officers, seven have already returned to India, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) informed.
An official statement welcoming the decision to free the veteran officers said,
“The Government of India welcomes the release of eight Indian nationals working for the Dahra Global company who were detained in Qatar. Seven out of the eight of them have returned to India.”
“We appreciate the decision by the Amir of the State of Qatar to enable the release and home-coming of these nationals,” the statement concluded.
The eight Indian nationals were imprisoned in Qatar since October 2022 and were accused of allegedly spying on a submarine programme. The retired naval personnel were sentenced to death by a Qatar court on charges that have not yet been made public officially.
"Wouldn't have been possible…": Freed Navy vets chant 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai', praise PM Modi on return from Qatar
Earlier, the Qatari Court commuted the death penalty sentence of eight ex-Indian naval officers it had arrested last year in the Dahra Global case, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a press statement. The sentence has now been reduced to jail terms.
Describing the judgement, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said, “We have noted the verdict today of the Court of Appeal of Qatar in the Dahra Global case, in which the sentences have been reduced.
“The MEA also said that the detailed judgement in the case is awaited and are in close touch with the legal team in Qatar.
MEA added, “The detailed judgement is awaited. We are in close touch with the legal team and the family members to decide on the next steps. Our Ambassador to Qatar and other officials were present in the Court of Appeal today, along with the family members. We have stood by them since the beginning of the matter and we will continue to extend all consular and legal assistance. We will continue to take up the matter with the Qatari authorities.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani on the sidelines of the COP28 summit in Dubai and discussed bilateral partnership and the “well-being of the Indian community” living in Qatar.
Earlier, the newly appointed spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Jaiswal, emphasised the temporal significance of this period, stating, “As far as the issue is concerned, there is a time of 60 days when this issue can be appealed in the Court of Cassation, which is the highest court in Qatar.”
The MEA’s legal team possesses the confidential court order detailing the commutation of the death sentences to imprisonment terms, a move revealed in a press release following the court of appeal’s judgement on December 28.
“We issued a press release in which we informed you that the death sentence, which was originally a death penalty, has been changed to an imprisonment sentence. Our legal team has that court order, and I can confirm that all of them have received sentences of different durations, and the death penalty has been abolished,” Jaiswal said.
Moreover, according to a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs, the Court of First Instance of Qatar had also passed the judgement against them.
The MEA spokesperson also highlighted the recent meeting that took place between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad and said that they have had a good conversation on the overall bilateral relationship.
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Australia win Cricket World Cup U19 defeating India; Image Source- @ICC X:Twitter
Australia replicated another World Cup final heartbreak for defending champions India following their 79-run victory to lift their fourth Under-19 World Cup title at Willowmoore Park on Sunday.
In three months, India twice went unbeaten to the final of the World Cup, to face Australia in the final and on both occasions, they ended up on the losing side.
Australia win Cricket World Cup U19 defeating India; Image Source- @ICC X:Twitter
Australia skipper Hugh Weibgen believes that the defending champions India have a “lot of class” despite ending on the “wrong side” in the final of the Under-19 World Cup.
Even though it wasn’t India’s night, Weibgen hailed the performance of the Uday Saharan-led team and said, “India a class side, they dominated the whole tournament and they were on the wrong side today but they have a lot of class.”
Indian skipper Uday Saharan revealed a crucial factor behind their defeat and said that they played a “few rash shots”.
While speaking at the post-match presentation, Uday said that he was proud of his team’s performance. He added that the ‘Boys in Blues’ displayed a “good fighting spirit” in the final match.
Australia win Cricket World Cup U19 defeating India; Image Source- @ICC X:Twitter
While concluding he said that they would keep “learning and getting better”. “I’m proud of the boys, they played well. Showed good fighting spirit throughout the tournament. We played a few rash shots today and didn’t spend time in the middle.”
“We were prepared but couldn’t execute the plans. Lots of learnings from this tournament, learnt a lot from the support staff and even during the games. We will try to keep learning and getting better,”
Uday said.
When the fate of the game was decided, the jubilant Australian players stormed onto the field, with skipper Hugh Weibgen making an impression of Michael Vaughan in 2005 after winning the Ashes.
Australia win Cricket World Cup U19 defeating India; Image Source- @ICC X:TwitterAustralia win Cricket World Cup U19 defeating India; Image Source- @ICC X:Twitter
For Australia, Harjas Singh made a difference with the bat with his knock of 55 of 64 balls. His knock came at a time when Australia kept losing wickets at regular intervals.
“So proud of the boys and our coaches. Everyone was open to batting first, we planned to get a few runs and back ourselves. (On Harjas Singh) He is a quality player, class is permanent. Full credit to the coaches for sticking with him,”
Hugh said.
While chasing a target of 254, two maiden overs from Australia foreshadowed the chain of events that were about to unfold in the next 43.5 overs.
Arshin Kulkarni and Musheer Khan were the two casualties in the first powerplay, which handed Australia early control in the final.
Callum Vidler was sensational in his spell, while Mahli Beardman soared high with his pace. Beardman dismissed India’s skipper Uday Saharan in single digits for the first time in the tournament, which indicated that the chase wasn’t going to be a walk in the park for the Indian team.
Australia win Cricket World Cup U19 defeating India; Image Source- @ICC X:Twitter
Both pacers did well to induce Indian batters to play false shots and make them lose their wickets. Raf MacMillan’s spin was next to follow and he made the most of what was available to him from the surface.
Adarsh Singh (47) and Murugan Abhishek (42) waged a battle during their time on the crease; however, it wasn’t enough to get India across the finishing line.
Earlier in the innings, after winning the toss, Hugh Weibgen’s Australia skipper decided to bat first and set a target of 253/7 runs in the final match.
Harry Dixon (42 runs from 56 balls) and Sam Konstas (0 runs from 8 balls) opened for the Aussies. Even though Konstas failed to make a mark, Dixon’s knock helped the Kangaroos get off to a good start.
Limbani made the first breakthrough of the game after he dismissed Konstas in the 3rd over.
Australia win Cricket World Cup U19 defeating India; Image Source- @ICC X:Twitter
After the dismissal of Konstas, Weibgen (48 runs from 66 balls) took control of the game and formed a crucial partnership with Dixon.
Naman Tiwari picked up the Aussie skipper’s wicket in the 21st over. Harjas Singh (55 runs from 64 balls) made a crucial half-century and took Australia to a better position in the game.
Naman dismissed Dixon in the 23rd over. Ryan Hicks (20 runs from 25 balls) played an average knock but made an important partnership with Harjas.
Saumy Pandey bagged a crucial wicket and removed the dangerous Harjas from the crease in the 38th over.
Australia win Cricket World Cup U19 defeating India; Image Source- @ICC X:Twitter
Musheer Khan and Limbani dismissed Raf MacMillan (2 runs from 8 balls) and Charlie Anderson (13 runs from 18 balls) respectively.
Oliver Peake’s (46* runs from 43 balls) unbeaten knock helped the young Australian put 253/7 on the target. Peake smashed a four in the last ball of the first inning and powered Australia to cross the 250-run mark.
Tom Straker (8* runs from 13 balls) also stayed on the crease till the last ball and paired up with Peake.
On the other hand, Limbani bagged 3 wickets in his 10-over spell and gave away 38 runs. Naman picked up 2 wickets in his 9-over spell. Meanwhile, Saumy and Musheer took one wicket each.
Australia win Cricket World Cup U19 defeating India; Image Source- @ICC X:Twitter
Brief score: Australia 253/7 (Harjas Singh 55, Hugh Weibgen 48, Oliver Peake 46*; Raj Limbani 3/38) vs India 174 (Adarsh Singh 47, Murugan Abhishek 42, Musheer Khan 22; Mahli Beardman 3/15).
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One of the tourism epicentres of the South Pacific, Fiji is a beacon of exceptional natural beauty, cultural diversity, and genuine friendliness.
“Bula” Smile is always appeasing. This warm and kind gesture establishes a congenial and welcoming ambience.
The slogans associated with the tourism industry in connection with Fiji, certainly attract visitors, for example, ‘Fiji – Where Happiness Finds You’. Or ’Where happiness comes naturally’ “Our Bula Spirit Awaits You”.
Many believe this has been a gateway of heaven of the Pacific to attract tourists worldwide. The people of Fiji have topped the Happiness index and give extreme value to hospitality. Their genuine warmth and friendliness are recognized far and wide.
This archipelago of 333 islands provides a distinctive and modern experience for those wanting more than simply a tropical retreat. Beyond the sun-kissed beaches and crystal-clear seas, Fiji attracts travellers with traditional charm and contemporary elegance, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a genuine and diversified tourist experience.
This op-ed attempts to present a snapshot of some factors that may attract visitors and some issues that can make a progressive difference.
The highest number of visitors arriving in 2023 based on country comes from Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, UK and others, and the purpose of the visit is holidays, visiting friends/relatives, business and other factors. Thus, tourists are attracted to Fiji, which is considered to be an attractive tourist holiday destination in the South Pacific.
Fiji’s cultural uniqueness is woven with tradition and modernity. Visitors are greeted with open arms by the Fijian people, who are noted for their warmth and kindness. There is always an opportunity to immerse oneself in a combination of heritage and modern attractiveness. This allows mixing deep-rooted cultural tradition with the vitality of the present, producing a refreshing ambience.
Fiji’s terrain is visually captivating, adorned with beaches lined with palm trees, vibrant blue seas, and abundant tropical woods. Tourists began to view the picturesque landscapes from the flight as in-flight views before they landed at Fiji’s airport, which created a serene and inspiring atmosphere. The natural beauty of Fiji displays a captivating essence among the visitors.
On arrival, many tourists may fully engage with the dynamic and rich Fijian culture by participating in traditional rituals, dance performances, and art exhibitions. Tourists can explore underwater life by visiting flourishing coral reefs and diverse marine life. The islands are surrounded by abundant coral reefs with bright marine life, providing exceptional opportunities for snorkelling and diving.
Relaxation and happiness are at their prime during the visit to Fiji; the host makes every possible effort to give the best hospitality they will never forget forever. Tourism goes with brand value and goodwill. Once the tourists leave the country with happiness, they give a natural marketing by the word of mouth of the visitor. They share pictures of their visited destinations on social media with their friends and family, which creates curiosity among potential visitors. The tourist has various opportunities for excitement and relaxation, including trekking, visiting waterfalls, and discovering the pristine beauty of ecotourism.
Many tourist-based nations are on the top list for young couples for “Wedding or Honeymoon Destinations”. This archipelago can also focus on this aspect to top the chart of nations for wedding/honeymoon destinations; this shall give a huge boost to the economy and create job opportunities for local service providers. Branding of historical and cultural centres can attract tourists, as has been done by many island nations.
There is a huge competition among tropical and beach honeymoon destinations, which include Bali, Indonesia; Bora Bora, French Polynesia; Hamilton Island, Australia; Koh Samui, Thailand; Maldives; Mauritius; Puerto Rico; Seychelles and others. Fiji is included in the list but must strive to top the list under this category by adopting an innovative approach to make the wedding/marriage a lifetime memorable experience.
Fiji appeals to visitors/tourists who want to explore the combination of stunning scenery, cultural abundance, “Bula” friendly reception, and adiverse range of activities. To be the best tourist attraction, one has to develop strategic policies with clear pathways of execution to compete with similar tourist destinations. Fiji can make a lasting impression and entice the tourist to return. Fiji has all the ingredients to become a global tourism powerhouse.
Contributing Author: Dr Sakul Kundra is an Associate Dean (Research) and Associate Professor at the College of Humanities and Education at Fiji National University. The views expressed are his own and not of this newspaper or his employer. Email dr.sakulkundra@gmail.com
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Representative image: renewable energy (Source: CANVA)
By Adam Fish and Heidi Norman
Australia’s plentiful solar and wind resources and proximity to Asia means it can become a renewable energy superpower. But as the renewable energy rollout continues, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people must benefit.
Renewables projects can provide income and jobs to Aboriginal land owners. Access to clean energy can also help First Nations people protect their culture and heritage, and remain on Country.
This is not a new idea. Policies in the United States and Canada, for example, actively seek to ensure the energy transition delivers opportunities to Indigenous people.
The Australian government is developing a First Nations Clean Energy Strategy and is seeking comment on a consultation paper. Submissions close tomorrow, February 9. If you feel strongly about the issue, we urge you to have your say.
We must get this policy right. Investing meaningfully in First Nations-led clean energy projects makes the transition more likely to succeed. What’s more, recognising the rights and interests of First Nations people is vital to ensuring injustices of the past are not repeated.
A video by author Adam Fish exploring the Eastern Kuku Yalanji community of Wujal Wujal in Queensland and their struggle for renewable energy..
Good for business, and people
Indigenous peoples have recognised land interests covering around 26% of Australia’s landmass. Research shows Aboriginal land holders want to be part of the energy transition. But they need support and resources.
This could take the form of federal grants to make communities more energy-efficient or less reliant on expensive, polluting diesel generators. Funding could also be spent on workforce training to ensure First Nations people have the skills to take part in the transition. Federal agencies could be funded to support grants for First Nations feasibility studies of renewable energy industry on their land.
As well as proper investment, governments must also ensure First Nations people are engaged early in the planning of renewable projects and that the practice of free prior and informed consent is followed. And renewable energy operators will also need to ensure they have capability to work with First peoples.
The First Nations Clean Energy Network – of which one author, Heidi Norman, is part – is a network of First Nations people, community organisations, land councils, unions, academics, industry groups and others. It is working to ensure First Nations communities share the benefits of the clean energy boom.
The network is among a group of organisations calling on the federal government to invest an additional A$100 billion into the Australian renewables industry. The investment should be designed to benefit all Australians, including First Nations people.
In Australia, the Albanese government has set an emissions-reduction goal of a 43% by 2030, based on 2005 levels. But Australia’s renewable energy rollout is not happening fast enough to meet this goal. Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen has called for faster planning decisions on renewable energy projects.
To achieve the targets, however, the federal government must bring communities along with them – including First Nations people.
As demonstrated by the US and Canada, investing meaningfully and at scale in First Nations-led clean energy projects is not just equitable, it makes good business sense.
Follow the leaders
The US Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 made A$520 billion in investments to accelerate the transition to net zero. Native Americansstand to receive hundreds of billions of dollars from the laws. This includes funding set aside for Tribal-specific programs.
Canada is even further ahead in this policy space. In fact, analysis shows First Nations, Métis and Inuit entities are partners or beneficiaries of almost 20% of Canada’s electricity-generating infrastructure, almost all of which is producing renewable energy. In one of the most recent investments, the Canadian government in 2022 invested C$300 million to help First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples launch clean energy projects.
Policymakers in bothcountries increasingly realise that a just transition from fossil fuels requires addressing the priorities of First Nations communities. These investments are a starting point for building sustainable, globally competitive economies that work for everyone.
As the US and Canada examples demonstrate, the right scale of investment in First Nations-led projects can mean fewer legal delays and a much-needed social licence to operate.
Dealing with the climate risk
First Nations people around the world are on the frontline of climate change. It threatens their homelands, food sources, cultural resources and ways of life.
First Nations have also experienced chronic under-investment in their energy infrastructure by governments over generations, both in Australia and abroad.
Investing in First Nations-led clean energy projects builds climate resilience. This was demonstrated by the federal government’s Bushlight program, which ran from 2002 to 2013. It involved renewable energy systems installed in remote communities in the Northern Territory, Western Australia and Queensland.
Bushlight’s solar power meant that communities were not dependent on the delivery of diesel. So they still had power if roads were closed by flooding or other climate disasters.
Australia must get moving
The Biden government’s Inflation Reduction Act prompted a swiftreaction from governments around the world. But after 15 months, Australia is yet to respond or develop equivalent legislation.
We must urgently develop our response and seize this unique opportunity to become world leaders in the global renewables race. That includes ensuring First Nations participate in and benefit from these developments.
The First Nations Clean Energy Strategy consultation paper can be found here. Feedback can be provided here.
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.
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Ayodhya, Mathura and Varanasi are in the news these days. They are among the seven most sacred ancient cities to Hindus. Part of India’s sacred geography, Varanasi is significant to Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists.
‘The Luminous’ in Sanskrit – Kashi, or Banaras to locals, the city lines the banks of the Ganga. Vividly eulogized in Sanskrit literature, it is an ancient college hub where the Hindu medical classic, the Sushruta Samhita was penned in 600 BC.
Varanasi: In this Dec. 12, 2021 file photo, view of Kashi Vishwanath Temple Dham and Gyanvapi Masjid complex, in Varanasi. The mosque is located close to the iconic Kashi Vishwanath temple and the local court is hearing a plea by a group of women seeking permission for daily prayers before the idols on its outer walls; Image Source: Supplied
Buddha delivered his first sermon, ‘The Wheel of the Dhamma’ at Sarnath, on the outskirts of Varanasi. The 23rd Tirthankara of Jainism was born in Varanasi.
In the 1st millennium, Chinese Buddhist pilgrims visited Varanasi leaving glowing remarks in their memoirs. In 632 AD, Hiuen Tsang – also known as Xuanzang, wrote, “Varanasi is densely populated, the families are rich, people soft and humane, and they earnestly study.” He saw “a colossal Shiva statue, numerous Hindu temples and ascetics who rub their body with ashes.”
Mahmud of Ghazni invaded India in the 11th century from Afghanistan. With him came the polymath Al-Biruni who stayed on and wrote about India. To him, Varanasi was the city of “high sciences”.
In 1033, Ahmad Niyaltigin and his army plundered Varanasi. This was to be the first of many waves of desecration Varanasi faced. From then on, Varanasi emerged as one of the earliest strongholds of Hindu resistance.
In the 11th Century, the Gahadavala dynasty moved their capital to Varanasi, proclaiming themselves protectors of the Indian tirtha (holy pilgrimage places). Their defence lasted till the late 12th century when Muslim troops killed the King of Benares.
Islamic historian Hasan Nizami wrote of those times. The troops of Qutb al-Din Aybak, he wrote, plundered Varanasi and “destroyed nearly one thousand temples” (Bakker,1996). Nizami also mentions that on the foundations of destroyed temples, mosques were raised.
“From the 13th century”, writes Bakker, “the Hindus had to share Varanasi with the Muslims, who selected the Hindus’ most holy spots to build their mosques, and this has been a source of endless conflict until today”.
The Hindus continued their pilgrimages to Varanasi. Several Hindu kings resisted, recaptured the city and rebuilt the temples. The Sena king of Bengal went to Varanasi and installed a victory pillar in 1212 AD. Around 1236, the city was reoccupied and Razia built a mosque.
In 1296, Hindus rebuilt a Visvesvara temple near what is now called the Gyanvapi site. This was torn down in the first half of the 14th century, and the temple parts moved to Jaunpur to build the Lal Darwaza Mosque.
Shortly after that, Hindus rebuilt yet another Kashi Visvesvara temple. That too was destroyed in the first half of the 15th century, some of the ruins moved, and more mosques were built from temple parts by Sharqi sultans in Jaunpur.
In 1585, Hindus rebuilt again, this time their most magnificent Kashi Vishveshvara temple in Varanasi, according to Diana Eck. This was the famed temple destroyed by the Mughals on Aurangzeb’s order in 1669. In its place, the Gyanvapi mosque was built using the temple foundation, pillars, and one of the temple’s walls.
The Gyanvapi mosque used the desecrated temple in ways every Hindu pilgrim and future generations could see. Hindus continued to complete their pilgrimage, circumambulating the ruins and Gyanvapi mosque in a clockwise manner.
Ahalya Bai Holker, the Queen of Indore; Image Source: Supplied
From Marathas to Sikhs, the Mughals under Aurangzeb faced many wars. The Mughal empire collapsed after Aurangzeb’s death. Ahalya Bai Holker, the Queen of Indore, based about 1000 kilometres south-west of Varanasi, reclaimed the sacred site in 1777. She built a new Shiva temple immediately next to the Gyanvapi mosque.
About 60 years later, Maharaja Ranjit Singh of the Sikh Empire, based about 1200 kilometres north-west of Varanasi, gold-plated the spire of this Hindu temple built by Ahalya Bai.
Varanasi and Gyanvapi’s turbulent history attracted the attention of Christian missionaries and colonial-era European scholars. Among them was the polymath James Prinsep who is most remembered for brilliantly deciphering the Brahmi script in 3rd century BC Ashoka inscriptions. Prinsep lived in Varanasi in the 1820s and 1830s for over 10 years. He worked at the Royal Mint. As a hobby, he teamed up with the locals to paint, measure, and sketch what he saw in Varanasi. These he published as “Benares Illustrated”, a three-part series. With each plate, he included some useful details, historical notes, or cultural commentary.
James Prinsep; Image Source: Supplied
James Prinsep was fascinated by the ruins scattered around Gyanvapi mosque and the appropriation of a Hindu temple wall by the mosque. He surveyed it and created floor plan drawings of the entire complex. This he published in Part 2 of his series.
Prinsep also published a lithograph of the temple wall on the west side of the Gyanvapi mosque. This included scattered ruins he saw: a desecrated Nandi, a broken pillar part, the bricked door on the western wall of the mosque, and two tombs near the bricked door.
The Prinsep drawings provide context and leads on sections of the temple that were destroyed and sections that were appropriated. It also offers insight into the recent dispute about the “Wuzu tank” at Gyanvapi mosque. For example, if we rotate and overlay the Prinsep floor plan on a satellite image of the Gyanvapi mosque complex, the mosque appropriated many parts of the temple.
Map Kashi Vishveshvar and Gyanvapi mosque overlaid; Image Source: Supplied
Prinsep drawings show that the mosque did not appropriate the outer wall of the original Hindu temple. Rather, the mosque’s western wall was the western mandapa’s inner section adjacent to the sanctum. The destroyed temple must have been much larger and an architectural masterpiece.
Prinsep notes that the mosque dome was created by cutting and reusing a Hindu-style dome. Further, the overlay suggests that one of the Hindu temple’s mandapa fits exactly where the Wuzu tank now stands. This makes it more likely that the Wuzu tank used the temple mandapa’s sacred structures and sections.
Prinsep writes that the principal Mahadev lingam of the destroyed temple stood inside “an ornamented reservoir. “The temple artisans had included a drain for the ritual Ganges water poured over this lingam by Hindu pilgrims, day and night. Those who built the “mosque and wazukhana tank” for Aurangzeb, may have found the temple’s drain for Shiva Linga convenient.
The Prinsep drawings show a highly symmetric square floor plan temple with four entrances from the cardinal directions. The central garbhagriya, or sanctum, had the largest space.
It was connected to four mandapas or antechambers. 1. Gyan, knowledge; 2. Mukti, liberation; 3. Shringara, celebration-decoration; and 4. Aishwarya, glory.
At the corner were four shrines for Ganesha, Bhairava, Dandapani and Tarakesvara. A grid mandala, this lost Hindu temple complex must have had nine picturesque spires rhythmically rising towards the sky.
The Archaeological Survey of India published a detailed survey of the Gyanvapi mosque recently. It confirms that the mosque reused temple pillars, inscribed slabs, and other temple parts as masonry.
The Gyanvapi site and Varanasi have long been cherished by Hindus. As Reverend Sherring wrote in the 19th century:
Benares is a city of no mean antiquity. Twenty-five centuries ago, at the least, it was famous. When Babylon was struggling with Nineveh for supremacy, when Tyre was planting her colonies, when Athens was growing in strength, before Rome had become known, or Greece had contended with Persia, or Cyrus had added lustre to the Persian monarchy, or Nebuchadnezzar had captured Jerusalem, and the inhabitants of Judaea had been carried into captivity, she had already risen to greatness, if not to glory. […] Not only is Benares remarkable for her venerable age, but also for the vitality and vigour which, so far as we know, she has constantly exhibited. While many cities and nations have fallen into decay and perished, her sun has never gone down; on the contrary, for long ages past it has shone with almost meridian splendour. Her illustrious name has descended from generation to generation and has ever been a household word, venerated and beloved by the vast Hindu family.
The Gyanvapi site is thus more than an exhibit of India’s traumatic history. It is a living site that has never been abandoned by Hindus, despite the repeated destruction. It is a source of sorrow, a reminder of religious persecution and historic injustice. It makes them ask, “What about our human rights, our religious rights?”
The Gyanvapi site raises profound ethical questions. Some politicians say, with understandable passion, “My people must have access to their historic mosque.”
But shouldn’t the same politicians also ask, with the same passion, “My people must have access to their historic temple?”
Some wonder, is Gyanvapi a mere property dispute, and shouldn’t we let bygones be bygones? But what is Gyanvapi, if not a temple violently appropriated and reshaped into a mosque on an ancient Hindu sacred site? Shouldn’t communities have a right to their sacred sites, ancestral heritage, to religious traditions, to freely assemble at their historic landmarks of worship, and lovingly transmit their ancestral heritage to future generations?
If all we want – or need – is a space to pray or spiritually introspect, we should be able to sit together peacefully and in a civil way, cooperate to undo historical injustice, find alternative sites, and together build beautiful buildings.
If Mecca is cherished by Muslims and we should not entertain its desecration, and if the Vatican is cherished by Catholics and we should not entertain its desecration – then Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs too deserve the same protections and same rights at their cherished temples and sacred sites.
Author: Tapesh Yadav born in a small village near Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi is a Hawaii-based serial entrepreneur. He earned a PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He runs two charitable foundations: one to support skills schools for the youth, and another for initiatives on Indian Heritage sites.
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The man was arrested by the AFP following his return to Australia overnight.
The man, 32, was arrested upon his arrival into Sydney Airport on board a flight from Türkiye, in the early hours of this morning of 9 February 2024.
He is the third person to be arrested in connection to AFP Operation VISHAL, an AFP investigation into the alleged import of 54kg of methamphetamine into New South Wales in April, 2021.
The Operation VISHAL investigation began after the Australian Border Force (ABF) officers examined a consignment allegedly containing illicit drugs arriving on board a cargo vessel into Australia.
An examination was conducted after the AFP received information about the alleged importation.
AFP Commander Kate Ferry said the AFP worked tirelessly with its partners to tackle criminal groups attempting to smuggle drugs into Australia.
“The AFP’s collaboration alongside its international and domestic partners is critical in combatting transnational serious organised crime. To protect the Australian community, the AFP and its partners will continue to make Australia a hostile environment for transnational serious organised crime syndicates – both onshore and offshore.”
Commander Ferry added:
“Methamphetamine, even in small amounts, causes immense harm to users, their loved ones, and the community around them, through the impact on the health care system and associated crime.”
In 2021 AFP officers seized 63kg of methamphetamine, with further forensic testing later confirming 54kg as being pure methamphetamine. The estimated street value of the illicit drugs is more than $50 million with a potential 544,000 individual street deals.
Two Sydney men were arrested on 8 April, 2021 and charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of unlawfully imported border controlled drugs, contrary to section 307.5 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).
AFP investigators allegedly linked the 32-year-old Sydney man arrested today as being part of the alleged criminal syndicate responsible for importing the consignment containing the illicit drugs, concealed within wooden planks.
AFP officers charged the man and seized his mobile phone for further examination.
The man was charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, contrary to section 307.5 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).
He appeared in the Sydney Downing Centre Local Court and is facing charges with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
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Image: Taylor Swift at 2023 Eras Tour in Brazil (Source: Tyalor Swift - X)
By Cassandra Cross
The global superstar Taylor Swift is bringing her Eras tour to Australia later this month, with sold-out shows in Sydney and Melbourne. With Swifties numbering in the thousands, fans who didn’t initially secure tickets are understandably desperate to find some.
Enter the many fraudsters seizing this opportunity. Sadly, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has reported over A$135,000 already lost to ticket fraud for the Swift concerts. The actual losses are likely to be much higher.
Hackers are also targeting the accounts of ticket holders in order to steal and resell legitimate tickets.
So how can you protect yourself if you are looking to buy or sell Eras tickets, or just want to keep your Ticketek account safe?
The problem is ticket fraud
In recent years, there has been a shift to electronic ticketing for events. This uses a unique barcode (or QR code) which can be dynamic. In the case of Ticketek, electronic tickets are linked to the purchaser’s phone number to reduce fraud.
Electronic ticketing aims to overcome a range of problems, such as counterfeit tickets, duplicate tickets and ticket scalping. Unsurprisingly, scammers have updated their techniques, too.
When purchasing tickets, it can be difficult to know if it is an authentic website, a genuine ticket and a legitimate transaction.
For example, scammers are selling non-existent tickets across a range of social media platforms. They are also creating fake, legitimate-looking websites that lure in unsuspecting victims to hand over their personal details and money in return for heartache.
Many fraudsters are also tricking people with ticket sales on Facebook. Excited fans send the requested payment (usually a cash transfer), but will not receive their promised tickets and are not likely to recover the money.
Facebook has many groups where Taylor Swift fans are on the lookout for tickets, making them vulnerable to scammers. Facebook
Hacked accounts
The prevalence of hacking drives a lot of the ticket fraud. This is particularly evident through the only official reseller of Eras tickets (and many other events) – Ticketek Marketplace.
Some people have had their Ticketek accounts hacked, and offenders have been able to make transactions without the owner’s consent. By the time they realise, it is too late – the owner may have lost their tickets with nothing in return.
There are also many reports of victims whose known contacts (family or friends) message them on social media offering the chance to buy tickets. This approach reduces red flags or suspicions, as it uses existing trust and relationships to get a payment.
However, victims soon find their family member or friend has had their account hacked. Again, there is no ticket and no chance of recovering funds.
Hacking genuine accounts to perpetrate fraud is common. Recently, hackers gained unauthorised access to hotel provider accounts on the popular accommodation website Booking.com. They then communicated with guests to gain direct payments and financial details.
If I’d only played it safe
There are no foolproof guarantees when trying to buy resold tickets. But you can look out for warning signs and take steps to reduce the risk of fraud or being hacked.
Only buy tickets through the authorised seller website. In the case of Swift, that’s Ticketek Marketplace. While customers are reporting long wait times and less than satisfactory user experiences right now, it is still the most likely place to have genuine tickets.
Do not, under any circumstances, buy tickets on social media such as Facebook. This includes from known contacts. There is no guarantee that the ticket exists or the person is genuine. There is also no recourse for lost payment.
Never provide or confirm your payment details outside of Ticketek. Do not transfer any cash via a bank transfer to a seller. There are no seller fees on Ticketek Marketplace, and no reason to pay outside of the regulated system.
Ensure you have strong passwords on all your accounts. Do not use the same password on several accounts. This is vitally important to protect yourself against many types of harm, not just ticket fraud.
Enable two-factor authentication on any accounts you can. This provides an additional layer of protection should your password be compromised.
Use a credit card where possible rather than debit card or cash transfers. You may be able to dispute a transaction or charge if you have used your credit card and may be able to recover any lost funds.
Take screenshots of any communications and transactions when purchasing tickets online. While this will not prevent fraud, it does make it easier to report an incident or figure out what happened.
Always confirm in person or over the phone with any known contacts who have messaged an offer or requested funds. With the prevalence of hacking into accounts, you may not be communicating with the person you think you are.
No one teaches you what to do
If you think you have been a victim of ticket fraud, contact your bank or financial institution immediately. The quicker you can do this, the better.
You should also contact the platform through which you made the transaction (such as Ticketek Marketplace).
You can report any financial losses to ReportCyber, which is an online police reporting portal for cyber incidents, as well as Scamwatch, to assist with education and awareness activities.
If you need support or assistance for any compromise of your identity, contact iDcare.
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Image: Members of the Australian Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Recovery Alliance at the launch of the national premiere of the film on Recovery and Healing (Source: Dr Lata Satyen / LinkedIn)
The Australian Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Recovery Alliance says that the Federal Parliament launch of a documentary highlighting the journey of victim-survivors of domestic, family and sexual abuse is an important step in showcasing the urgent need for a cohesive national approach to long-term support programs.
The Recovery Alliance says national investment in recovery and healing services and opportunities, beyond initial crisis management support, is a key factor in securing a future free from violence.
Image: Stephen Jones MP, Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services launching the national premiere of the film on Recovery and Healing by the Australian Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Recovery Alliance (Source: Dr Lata Satyen / LinkedIn)
Illawarra Women’s Health Centre Executive Director, Sally Stevenson AM said in a statement the documentary, which shares personal stories and professional understanding of victim survivor recovery and the ongoing perpetration of violence within the community, has the power to challenge community understanding of the victim-survivor journey.
“As the women in our documentary share, there are many obstacles to be faced as they take back control of their lives, heal from the trauma they have experienced and live a life free from violence.”
She observed:
“We filmed this documentary during the inaugural Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Recovery and Healing Conference in 2023 and what it shows is the importance of a life-span approach to survivor recovery and healing.”
Beyond DV CEO and Alliance Founding Board member Carolyn Robinson says it is important to seek long-term solutions to alleviating victim-survivor trauma.
“For too long, we’ve limited our focus on crisis support for victim-survivors of domestic, family and sexual violence but we know that much more support and systems change is needed over the longer term.”
She added:
“Supporting victim-survivors in their recovery and healing from domestic, family and sexual violence is also a key tool for the prevention of violence and abuse.”
Image: Dr Lata Satyen speaking at the launch of the national premiere of the film on Recovery and Healing (Source: Dr Lata Satyen / LinkedIn)
Deakin University School of Psychology Associate Professor and Alliance Founding Board member Lata Satyen said, “We need the evidence on holistic, trauma and violence-informed care for recovery and healing.”
She further observed:
“To achieve this, we need to develop support systems and evaluate their effectiveness on an ongoing basis. We need to ensure that victim-survivors from all communities are supported in their recovery and healing using an evidence-based, culturally-relevant framework. Support should be available in different languages.”
Talie Star, Consultant in the Family and Domestic Violence sector and Alliance Director says that “the film is a wonderful example of the collaborative passion that is available to end domestic family and sexual violence.”
“We cannot say that we are committed to ending DFSV if we do not fund the sector properly. Too many women and victims are being turned away. We need to broaden the scope of specialist counselling, ensure trauma informed training is wide reaching and work with people’s diverse experiences, situations and needs.”
Talie also reiterates “when there is a genuine will and commitment, it will happen! Violence affects everyone so when we help the victim survivor, we are actually helping society to learn, heal and grow and not tolerate abuse. Healing and recovery is absolutely possible with the right funding, supports and trauma informed training.”
Founder of the Centre for Women’s Economic Safety and Alliance core member, Rebecca Glenn says recovery and healing also requires financial safety.
“It is incredibly costly to be a victim-survivor of domestic, family and sexual violence. To be able to move forward requires many things but includes stable and appropriate housing and economic opportunity.”
To gain a better understanding of the different components of recovery and healing and to understand the journeys of victim-survivors and the work of those in the sector, please watch the film and share it as a resource within the sector.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au
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Image: Tim Watts MP with Nepal's Foreign Minister Saud (Source: LinkedIn)
Tim Watts, the Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Narayan Prakash Saud, Foreign Minister of Nepal, have signed the Nepal-Australia Trade and Investment Framework Agreement in Perth.
Minister Watts tweeted:
“The signing of this TIFA is just another demonstration of our strong ties. I’m looking forward to watching our economic relationship grow.”
Australia and Nepal are close friends and our relationship is underpinned by deep people to people links – Nepali Australians are our fastest growing migrant community. pic.twitter.com/fBkI51AvNJ
On this occasion, Minister Watts reaffirmed the close friendship between Australia and Nepal.
“Australia and Nepal are close friends and our relationship is underpinned by deep people to people links – Nepali Australians are our fastest growing migrant community.”
He also noted that Nepali Australians represent the fastest-growing migrant community in Australia.
Reflecting on his visit to Nepal in 2023, Minister Watts emphasized his commitment to further enhancing the strong bilateral ties between the two nations.
As Australia’s 63-year friendship with Nepal deepens, I was honoured to meet with the Rt Hon Prime Minister Dahal to discuss Australia’s commitment to support human resource development & capacity building in Nepal’s education sector.@dfat@cmprachanda@AusAmbNPpic.twitter.com/XESulsQnEh
During his Nepal trip, Minister Watts engaged with government officials and leaders from various sectors to explore opportunities for collaboration.
Minister Watts has expressed optimism about the future growth of the economic relationship between Australia and Nepal.
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The Council is the preeminent forum for providing scientific and technological advice for government policy and priorities.
We congratulate nuclear physicist and Academy Fellow Professor Mahananda Dasgupta FAA, as well as Professors Reuben Bolt and Mark Hutchinson on their appointments to the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC). The Council is the preeminent forum for providing scientific… pic.twitter.com/vA9d3TeuMO
— Australian Academy of Science (@Science_Academy) February 7, 2024
Prof. Dasgupta’s is an international leader with expertise in nuclear physics, and is the first woman to be tenured in the Research School of Physics at ANU.
She is the Director of the NCRIS-supported Heavy Ion Accelerator Facility (HIAF) at the ANU, the largest and highest voltage ion accelerator in Australia (and one of three in the world).
Image: Prof. Dasgupta as a young PhD student in India (Source: M. Dasgupta/A.K. Rajarajan/ABC)
Prof. Dasgupta was born in India. While at school, Prof. Dasgupta wanted to join the Indian Administrative Service “to change the country, make a difference.” She said:
“Then I got a scholarship to the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in India to do a PhD in fusion, using its particle accelerator, and that drew me in.”
In 1992, upon completion of her PhD, Prof. Dasgupta migrated to work at ANU for two years. This was 30 years ago!
“I’ve worked alongside my colleagues at the HIAF as part of every improvement so that it can continually drive cutting-edge, world-leading research.”
She went on the become the first woman to get a tenured position in physics at the ANU. She is also a Fellow of both the Australian Academy of Science and the American Physical Society.
Image: Prof. Dasgupta at HIAF (Source: ANU)
Prof. Dasgupta described the depth of her understanding of and connection to nuclear physics and ion accelerators almost like a relationship.
Thanks to Prof. Dasgupta and her teams efforts, scientists from around the world come to Australia to use HIAF.
In 2006, Prof Dasgupta won the Australian Academy of Science’s Pawsey Medal for her world-leading research in nuclear fusion physics.
Prof. Dasgupta feels that there are still some biases regarding women in STEM. She noted:
“I feel ‘women in physics’ shouldn’t be a question nowadays but it is. Men are never asked about being a ‘man in physics’. It seems to me these systemic things are hard to overcome, and I feel it very passionately.”
“As a nation, we need to make sure women can be part of that opportunity.”
Image: Ed Husic, Minister for Industry and Science (Source: ALP)
Announcing the new appointments, Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic observed:
“These appointments will increase the diversity of experience and perspectives on the NSTC – supporting its mission to provide timely and tangible expert advice to government on key policy objectives. I’m looking forward to seeing their exceptional contributions.”
Prof. Dasgupta’s expertise will help the NSTC advise the Government on growing Australia’s capabilities in critical tech areas.
Prof. Dasgupta is looking to the future of nuclear science and industry engagement with excitement and positivity – as well as with a view to improving diversity in the field.
Along with Prof. Dasgupta, Prof. Reuben Bolt from Charles Darwin University (CDU) and Prof. Mark Hutchinson from the University of Adelaide have alos been appointed to the NTSC.
The Council is chaired by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, with Minister Ed Husic as deputy chair and Australia’s chief scientist Dr Cathy Foley as its executive officer.
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Image: Mauris Bhai who allegedly shot Abhishek Ghosalkar (Source: FB Live Screenshot)
Abhishek Ghosalkar, 41-year-old, the son of an Indian politician belonging to Shiv Sena UBT, was shot by a man while doing a Facebook live with him.
NDTV reports that the alleged attacker, Mauris Noronha, 49-year-old, then turned the gun on himself. This dreadful incident was caught on camera during the Facebook Live.
Mr Ghosalkar was the son of Vinod Ghosalkar, a former councillor of the Uddhav Thackeray faction of the Shiv Sena.
Image: Abhishek Ghosalkar with Aaditya Thackeray (Source: X)
Aaditya Thackeray, former state minister and the son of Uddhav Thackeray, observed:
“Now I have received information that bullets have been fired on Abhishek Ghosalkar….”
The attack apparently took place at the office of Mr Noronha, popularly known as Mauris Bhai, where Mr Ghosalkar had gone.
The two had patched up recently after some disagreement and Mr Ghosalkar was invited to his office for an event which was being webcast.
The Facebook Live video of the incident went viral and a total five bullets were heard to have been fired at Mr Ghosalkar.
Abhishek Ghosalkar, former Shiv Sena corporator and the son of an ex-MLA was shot while he doing a Facebook livestream in Mumbai's Dahisar area on Thursday and he later died from gunshot wounds.
According to preliminary information, Ghosalkar was doing a Facebook livestream with… pic.twitter.com/JOe1cVkPxt
In the four-minute 26-second video of the live video session, the two were seen talking comfortably and telling their audience that they have resolved all their past disputes and were in good terms.
Mr Noronha said during the session:
“Today we have decided to come together and unite. We have decided to distribute sari and ration together.”
Mr Ghosalkar added:
“It is a good decision to work together for the betterment of the public… we are distributing sari to 300 working and needy women. We will work together and serve the people of Kandarpada. We have taken this resolution on this new year, which is a new time beginning of our friendship and collaboration.”
The moment the Facebook Live session got over and Mr Ghosalkar got up, Mr Noronha allegedly fired five bullet shots that was heard in the video.
Soon after he was shot, Mr Ghosalkar was rushed to nearby Karuna Hospital, where he died during the treatment.
Image: Mauris Bhai who allegedly shot Abhishek Ghosalkar (Source: FB Live Screenshot)
A senior IPS officer on condition of anonymity told Indian Express:
“Both Abhishek and Mauris succumbed to their injuries. Abhishek’s body will be taken to Sir JJ Hospital for postmortem, while Mauris’ body will be taken to Cooper Hospital. We will share more details later.”
Mr Noronha who describes himself as a “philanthropist” and “social worker” was also keen on contesting the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections.
The motive of the shooting of Mr Ghosalkar is not clear yet.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has demanded Maharashtra Deputy CM and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ resignation over the incident.
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Two Victorian men have been arrested in Adelaide following the seizure of 139kg of cocaine hidden inside a shipment of luxury buses.
The men, aged 22 and 19, are expected to face Port Adelaide Magistrates court today (5 February, 2024) charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of cocaine, contrary to section 307.5(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).
The investigation, codenamed Operation Silkwood, began in January after intelligence identified an alleged importation of cocaine concealed within a consignment of 13 luxury buses on board an international cargo ship destined for Adelaide, via Perth.
Image: Operation Silkwood (Source: AFP)
AFP Detective Superintendent Melinda Adam said the AFP worked tirelessly with its partners to tackle criminal groups attempting to smuggle drugs into Australia.
“The AFP’s collaboration alongside its international and domestic partners is critical in combatting transnational serious organised crime. Simply put, the AFP can achieve maximum impact by working hand in glove with our law enforcement colleagues,” D/Supt Adam said.
“To protect the Australian community, the AFP and its partners will continue to make Australia a hostile environment for transnational serious organised crime syndicates – both onshore and offshore.
“Unfortunately, Australia is viewed as a lucrative market for organised crime groups due to the comparatively higher prices for illicit substances – but the risks are high for transitional serious organised crime syndicates as Australian law enforcement cooperation has never been stronger.
“This seizure of the 139kg of cocaine has stopped a potential 695,000 individual street deals from hitting our streets and causing significant harm to our communities and economy, with an estimated street value of $45 million,” D/Supt Adam said.
“We urge anyone who noticed any activity or movement that appeared to be out of the ordinary in the Port Adelaide or Mansfield Park areas on Friday, 2 February or over the past few days, to please come forward and contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
“All information to Crime Stoppers can be reported anonymously,” D/Supt Adam said.
Image: Operation Silkwood (Source: AFP)
Australian Border Force (ABF) officers conducted a search of the buses on 28 January, 2024, after the ship arrived into Fremantle Harbour.
During the search, ABF officers located a number of packages in four of the buses. A presumptive test of the packages returned a positive result for cocaine. The matter was subsequently referred to the AFP.
The buses were offloaded upon their arrival into Adelaide, with the ABF and South Australia Police providing assistance during the operation.
On 3 February, 2024, the men allegedly forced entry into the buses and retrieved the consignment.
The men were subsequently arrested in a hotel in Port Adelaide and charged. They were refused bail and remanded in custody.
Image: Operation Silkwood (Source: AFP)
ABF Superintendent Andrew Dawson said these arrests demonstrate how effectively the ABF and AFP’s close collaboration protects our Australian communities.
“Cocaine shipments are being seized at the nation’s borders at unprecedented levels as Australia confronts a global surge in trafficking,” Superintendent Dawson said.
“Organised crime syndicates are relentless in their efforts to flood our shores with cocaine and their sole motivation is greed and profit, pure and simple.
“The ABF will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to defend Australia’s border, a critical national asset in the battle against criminal attempts to bring our communities harm.”
They face a maximum penalty of life imprisonment if convicted.
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Representative image: Australian people (Source: CANVA)
By Cosmo Howard and Pandanus Petter
“Fair go” is an expression we hear a lot in Australia. Activists use it to demand social justice, companies use it to promise customers a good deal, and politicians invoke it to persuade us that they understand the plight of ordinary people.
Most political commentators and academics who write about the fair go associate the phrase with Australia’s famed egalitarian traditions, including equality of economic opportunity, universal political rights and the provision of a safety net via minimum wages and welfare programs.
Yet the fair go expression is sometimes used in ways that are distinctly inegalitarian. Former prime minister Scott Morrison repeatedly declared his belief in “a fair go for those who have a go”, suggesting the concept only applies to hardworking, “deserving” Australians. Morrison’s comments drew the ire of critics who argued he was subverting the original egalitarian meaning of the fair go phrase, along with the Australian culture of benevolence to the needy.
So who is right about what a fair go means to Australians? Are some uses more faithful to our “fair go traditions” than others?
In our research project, we went back to the earliest recorded mentions of the fair go phrase in colonial-era newspapers to understand the original uses and meanings of this phrase, focusing on the period between 1860 and 1901.
We found the most common uses of the fair go expression did not refer to equality, benevolence and social justice. Instead, the phrase was mainly used to describe spirited efforts in competitive sports such as horse racing, boxing and sprinting. We found this in an article published in New South Wales in 1889:
They were stripped of shoes and everything and had a fair go with the hurdles out about 18 yards.
In sport, a fair go could also mean trying your hardest, as opposed to “pulling” a race or “throwing” a match, such as in this piece from 1892:
With a dishonest jockey aboard […] an owner never knows whether he is to get ‘a fair go’ or not.
A fair go could also refer to a thrilling, close match that entertained spectators, or a lucky win for gamblers, as in the expression “having a fair go for their money”. The fair go phrase was also used in politics in the context of closely fought elections, such as in Western Australia in 1900:
[…] he can depend on a fair go for it, for it’s a dead certainty he won’t gain the seat unopposed.
“Fair go” could also refer to violent power struggles. In an 1891 telegram sent during the Shearers Strike in Queensland, a union leader advocated achieving a fair go by force:
[…] if a little more devil was put into our actions the better it would be for us in the end. We have tried passive resistance and it appears to have failed. Let us try the other now, and have a fair go.
The expression was sometimes used to refer to fistfights in politics and beyond, such as this piece in 1897:
Fights between members of Parliament or city or municipal councillors are not of rare occurrence in Australia, but a fair “go” between lawyers with the “bare bones” is not often chronicled.
It was even used to describe violence in wartime, such as when an Australian soldier in the Boer war expressed a hope to a reporter that the enemy would “let him have a fair go […] with the bayonet”.
Different contexts, different meanings
While the dominant meanings of the fair go in the 19th century referred to competition and power struggles, we also found uses that resonate more with egalitarianism, social justice and procedural rights. In an 1891 article about politics, a fair go could mean the right to speak:
You are a liar and the father of a liar. Why don’t you let me speak? This is my maiden speech and you might let me have a fair go.
The fair go phrase was also used to advocate for the principle of one person, one vote, as well as ranked voting.
In sport, a fair go was said to require impartial umpires who didn’t favour one side over the other. In the legal system, a fair go required the right to due process, such as the provision of warrants for arrests and adequate defence in the courtroom.
While these ideas resonate with contemporary concerns about equal rights, non-discrimination, and proper process in government, they represented the minority of uses of the fair go phrase in the 19th century. Uses of “fair go” to refer to benevolence to the poor and the need for a safety net were virtually absent in the period we studied.
These findings highlight that the fair go originally meant different things to different people, and in different contexts. In our recent research, we show that 19th-century uses of the fair go can be organised into six distinct meanings. These reflect the fact that the words “fair” and “go” have multiple meanings associated with both “justice” and “strength”.
These different interpretations are alive and well today, and can be used to critically assess public policies on contentious issues such as housing affordability and immigration.
Who is right about the true historical and contemporary meaning of the fair go? Our research shows no political ideology or party has a monopoly on the fair go. How we talk about the fair go reveals the ideas that shaped us as a nation, and the values that influence our political debates.
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.
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Image: PM Modi and Ram mandir and Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji Prof. Biman Prasad with MEA Dr S. Jaishankar (Source: X)
The Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji Prof. Biman Prasad Deputy Prime is visiting the Ram Mandir in Ayodhyay today.
Prof. Prasad is on a week-long visit to India and is the first foreign leader to visit Ayodhya after the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony at Shri Ram Janambhoomi Mandir on 22 January 2024.
In an interview with DD India, Prof. Prasad said Ayodhya invokes a lot of yearning and devotion and the feeling of connectivity and identity with India.
He added that the Ram Mandir also invokes a lot of emotional ties amongst Fijian Hindus with India.
𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 interview of Fiji Deputy Prime Minister Prof. @bimanprasad 𝘖𝘯 𝘔𝘰𝘥𝘪: ‘He raises India's global leadership’ 𝘖𝘯 𝘐𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘢: ‘India's rise is good for Indian diaspora’ 𝘖𝘯 𝘙𝘢𝘮: ‘Ramayana is a part of our identity' 8:30 p.m./1500 G.M.T. Thursday 8 Feb. pic.twitter.com/8KMcVZ2lLD
Prof. Prasad observed that Lord Ram and Ramayan have been integral part of Hindus who left India many years ago as part of indentured labourer system.
During his visit, on February 5, he met with the Indian Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs and Education, Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, along with a meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
Glad to welcome Deputy PM of Fiji Prof @bimanprasad today.
Discussed our expanding bilateral partnership, people to people ties, development cooperation and multilateral collaboration. pic.twitter.com/3Y3Cz3Ojyx
On Febryary 7, Prof. Prasad had a held a fruitful and engaging discussion with Dr Hardeep Singh Puri, India’s Union Minister for Housing & Urban Affairs & Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas.
During this meeting, Minister Puri has offered the Indian energy sector’s assistance to Fiji in their Green Energy Transition.
Delighted to meet HE Prof Biman Chand Prasad, Deputy PM & Minister of Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development & Statistics, Republic of Fiji at #IndiaEnergyWeek2024 in Goa today.
We held a fruitful & engaging discussion during which I offered the Indian energy sector’s… pic.twitter.com/9nFoNQvsCu
On February 9, Prof. Prasad will depart for Ahmedabad, followed by a visit to Gandhinagar.
Prof. Prasad had previously visited India in February 2023 which was his first official trip to India as the Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji.
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Bronze Commendation to Captain Rajendra Pandey; Image Source; Supplied
In a remarkable recognition of exceptional service and dedication, Captain Rajendra Pandey, an Indian-Australian member of the Australian Army, has been awarded the prestigious Bronze Commendation.
This commendation is a testament to Captain Pandey’s outstanding contribution and unwavering commitment to his duties and fellow soldiers.
Bronze Commendation to Captain Rajendra Pandey; Image Source; Supplied
The Bronze Commendation, also known as the Commander’s Commendation, is awarded to personnel who have demonstrated an exceptional level of commitment and contribution. It is a distinction that marks the recipient as someone who has gone above and beyond the call of duty, awarded by formation-level commanders within the Australian Army.
Captain Pandey’s reaction to receiving this honour was one of humility and gratitude.
“I am very grateful to the Australian Army for the privilege to serve alongside passionate, committed, and dedicated soldiers.”
Bronze Commendation to Captain Rajendra Pandey; Image Source; Supplied
His words reflect a deep appreciation for the opportunity to contribute to the Army’s mission and the unexpected honour of being recognised for his efforts.
“It makes it even sweeter when they offer a surprise recognition for just looking after my mates,”
Captain Pandey added, underscoring the importance of camaraderie and teamwork in his service.
Bronze Commendation to Captain Rajendra Pandey; Image Source; Supplied
He also thanked his supervisors for their recognition, highlighting the supportive environment within the Australian Army.
Captain Pandey’s philosophy towards service and challenges is encapsulated in his advice:
“When you reach your limits, push harder.”
This mindset has guided him through his career in the Army and has been instrumental in earning him this commendation.
Bronze Commendation to Captain Rajendra Pandey; Image Source; Supplied
The Bronze Commendation is not just a medal or a decoration; it is a recognition of the positive impact one can have through dedication, hard work, and a commitment to excellence.
Captain Rajendra Pandey’s story is a shining example of these values and inspires his peers in the Australian Army and the wider community. His achievement is a proud moment for the Indian-Australian community, showcasing the significant contributions of its members to their adopted country.
As Captain Pandey continues his service, his story will undoubtedly encourage others to strive for excellence and to make a positive impact in their respective fields. His recognition serves as a reminder of the value of service, commitment, and the difference one individual can make.
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Australian workers are set to have the right to disconnect from their workplaces once they clock off for the day.
This will “empower workers to ignore work calls and emails after hours [from their employers], where those demands are unreasonable”, according to Greens Senator Barbara Pocock who has been driving the change.
Last week, the Senate committee reviewing the “Closing Loopholes” amendments to the Fair Work Act recommended introducing a right to disconnect to support “the development of clear expectations about contact and availability in workplaces”. On Wednesday, the Albanese government indicated it supported the amendment.
Why a right to disconnect is needed
Last year, the Senate Select Committee on Work and Care drew attention to “availability creep” where employees are increasingly expected to complete work outside of work hours.
Smartphones have made it easier for managers to contact workers any time. The shift to remote working during the COVID pandemic caused the boundaries between work and personal life to disintegrate further.
According to a 2022 report by the Centre for Future Work, 71% of workers surveyed had worked outside their scheduled work hours often due to overwork or pressure from managers.
This led to increased tiredness, stress or anxiety for about one-third of workers surveyed, disrupted relationships and personal lives for more than one-quarter, and lower job motivation and satisfaction for around one-fifth.
Parliamentary inquiries have highlighted the negative consequences of working outside scheduled hours for mental and physical health, productivity and turnover.
Availability creep has led to significant unpaid overtime which “takes workers away from a fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay”.
The impacts are especially acute for certain groups of workers. Those on insecure contracts lack the power to resist availability creep. Those with unpaid care responsibilities are likely to experience intensified work/life balance.
“Roster justice”
The right to disconnect provides a solution to these challenges. The Senate select committee on work and care found such a right can provide workers with “roster justice” by giving more certainty over their working hours.
Many countries in Europe, Asia, North America and South America have already established laws or regulations limiting employers contacting workers outside work hours.
At least 56 enterprise agreements currently operating in Australia provide a right to disconnect. This includes agreements covering teachers, police officers and various banks and financial institutions.
Industrial Relations Minister Tony Burke has indicated the right to disconnect legislation will provide employers with “reasonable grounds” to contact their employees outside work hours. This might include calling employees to see if they can fill a shift.
If enterprise agreements with existing right to disconnect clauses are an indication, the Fair Work Commission will probably be asked to determine what contact outside of work hours is deemed “reasonable”. This approach seems sensible given the long tradition of the commission being asked to rule on what’s “reasonable” in other areas of employment law.
If an employer “unreasonably” expects employees to perform unpaid work outside of normal hours the commission may be empowered to impose a “stop order” — and potentially fines — to prevent the employer from contacting employees outside hours according to Tony Burke.
Not only do the police see that trauma, deal with the families’ trauma, deal with their colleagues’ trauma, have to investigate, have to go to court, and get media attention but they also have to go home and deal with their families […] The right to disconnect gives those officers that little bit of breathing space.
Employer associations are less supportive. The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) told a recent a Senate inquiry a right to disconnect would be “a blunt instrument which will do more harm than good, including for employees”. They claim employers will be less accommodating of employee requests for flexible work arrangements during normal work hours if contact outside these hours is no longer allowed.
But it must be remembered that workers effectively had the right to disconnect before the smartphone. Such a protection needs to be explicit now technology has eroded the once-firm boundaries between work and home.
As the nature of work and employer practices change, it’s essential for employment regulations to respond accordingly. Having a right to disconnect to protect workers from employers encroaching upon their free-time is a necessary response.
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.
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Image: Three of five suspects, Anmoldeep Singh (left), Arundeep Thind (centre), and Gagan Ajit Singh (right), identified by Peel police in connection with a string of alleged extortion attempts (Peel Regional Police)
Police in Peel Region of Canada are have arrested four persons of Punjabi-origin and are investigating 29 separate cases of attempted extortion targeting South Asian business owners.
Four of the suspects include Gagan Ajit Singh, 23-year-old, Anmoldeep Singh, 23-year-old, Hashmeet Kaur, 25-year-old, and Lymanjot Kaur, 21-year-old, all of Brampton and Mississauga.
Brampton’s Mayor Patrick Brown told media that this rash of crime was “terrorizing” the community and arrests are “a big relief for our community.”
“Business owners that were terrified, expressing a complete level of desperation and dismay at describing what it’s like to have your family residence or business shot at or to be the victim of arson…This was terrorizing the south Asian community.”
Police investigators announced the probes as part of their newly-minted Extortion Investigative Task Force (EITF) at a news conference on Wednesday.
Watch Live at 9 am today. Peel Regional Police will provide an update on the Extortion Investigative Task Force(EITF) that was created in response to extortion attempts involving the South Asian community. https://t.co/LjrPIaBwbe
Police chief Nishan Duraiappah told reporters that suspects were using social media and messaging platforms such as Whatsapp to contact victims and make demands for money with the threats of violence towards them, their families or their business.
Police chief Duraiappah said:
“Anyone targeting this community will not be tolerated at all. We will continue to devote the necessary resources to keep this community safe and prevent this trend from continuing.”
The force — whose area of jurisdiction covers Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon — said they recently arrested and charged five people in alleged extortion cases and were investigating at least 29 others.
Task force lead Supt. Shelley Thompson told media that of the 29 cases under investigation, nine incidents have involved shootings at local businesses, with multiple bullets being fired.
Supt. Thompson said that South Asian business that were targeted include restaurants, bakeries, trucking and transport companies, independent used car dealerships and jewelry stores.
Image: A firearm and cache of ammunition was allegedly seized by Peel Regional Police on Jan. 24, 2024 (Source: Peel police)
Police said 50 cellphones, 11 laptops, a large sum of cash, and a firearm with several rounds of ammunitions were seized from the arrested persons.
Peel police added that they are coordinating with police officials in India and have “open lines” of communication.
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In a historic move, the newly appointed Indian-origin Senator from Western Australia Varun Ghosh has become the first ever Australian Senator sworn in on the Bhagavad Gita.
Senator Penny Wong tweeted: “I have often said, when you’re the first at something, you’ve got to make sure you’re not the last.”
Welcome to Varun Ghosh, our newest Senator from Western Australia.
Senator Ghosh is the first ever Australian Senator sworn in on the Bhagavad Gita.
I have often said, when you're the first at something, you've got to make sure you're not the last. pic.twitter.com/kTLUZsx0iX
Ghosh said his preselection was an honour he won’t take for granted.
“I have had the privilege of a good education and believe strongly that high-quality education and training should be available to everyone.”
Mr Ghosh was born in Canberra on 30 August 1985 and moved to Perth with his doctor parents in 1997, where he attended Christ Church Grammar School. He went on to study arts and law at the University of Western Australia and later studied at Darwin College, Cambridge on the Frank Downing Law Scholarship.
His legal career has been marked by significant achievements and diverse experience. Currently serving at Francis Burt Chambers, Ghosh has an impressive legal background, focusing on commercial and administrative law, as well as industrial relations and employment law.
In his new role, Mr Ghosh is expected to bring new perspectives and insights, particularly concerning the issues faced by multicultural communities in Australia.
In March 2023, Daniel Mookhey has become the first person of Indian origin and the first Hindu to become Treasurer in any Australian Parliament. Mr Mookhey took his oath on the Hindu Holy book the Bhagavad Gita becoming the first senior Minister in Australia to do so.
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Image: Indian actor-singer-drag queen Sushant Divgikr with mystery Indian-Australian boyfriend (Source: Instagram)
Indian actor-singer-drag queen Sushant Divgikr (aka Rani KoHEnur) has confirmed on Instagram that they are in love with a Bengali who lives and works in Australia.
The ‘Bigg Boss 8’ contestanttook to Instagram to share pictures with the mystery man while writing ‘Jeeju’ in the caption without revealing his identity.
“Alexa , what do you call JIJU in Bengali ? Asking for #ranifam !!! reveal when ? Also in Marathi / konkani – we call Jiju – BHAUJI / BHAAIYA ! What do you call Jiju in YOUR language?”
Sushant met her boyfriend a year back in Los Angeles and added that he is a wonderful man.
“He works and lives in Australia, but he’s an Indian. Main kahin par bhi jaake Indian hi pakadti hoon, damaad toh Indian hi hoga! Mujhe proper Indian wedding chahiye.”
In the Instagram snapshot, Sushant can be seen wearing a white patterned shirt, smiling with the eyes closed and blushing, while the mystery man is seen in a black shirt looking towards Divgikr. Though, the Indian-Australian mystery boyfriend’s face is not fully revealed yet!
Sushant Divgikr who is also known as Rani KoHEnur identifies as gender-fluid trans person and was crowned Mr Gay India 2014 and also represented India at Mr Gay World 2014.
In 2023, Sushant became the first Drag Queen to represent India in an international drag singing competition and getting 3rd runner up at Queen of Universe competition.
NamaSLAY. I’m very happy to announce that I placed 3rd runner up at @queenofuniverse@paramountplus becoming the first Drag Queen to represent India in an international drag singing competition. Congratulations to the winner , my sister from Brazil @gragqueen ♥️♥️ pic.twitter.com/AilN2bhahQ
Sushant has been a part of Forbes Asia 30 under 30 in 2020 and has also been a part of Forbes India’s top 100 digital stars list.
They were recently seen in the film Thank You For Coming along with Bhumi Pednekar, Shehnaaz Gill and Dolly Singh.
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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.
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Image: Raju Adhikari and Molina Swarup Asthana (Source: Facebook)
Well-known Indian-Australian lawyer Molina Swarup Asthana and RMIT University academic Dr Raju Adhikari have been announced as finalists along with 26 other outstanding Victorian volunteers who have generously given their time and skills to make this state an even better place to live.
Image: Molina Swarup Asthana (Source: Facebook)
Molina is a finalist in the Volunteer Impact Award category and is associated with Multicultural Women in Sport & Gymnastics Victoria.
This award celebrates people whose volunteering has made a remarkable difference for people, a community, group, organisation, or cause in Victoria.
She told The Australia Today that it is an honour to be recognised as a finalist in the 2023 Volunteer Awards.
“As responsible citizens, we must give back to the community and contribute towards social causes that we are passionate about.”
She added that volunteers play a significant role in the community and I am particularly passionate about volunteering in the sporting sector.
“I encourage everyone to consider volunteering in sport as it is not only fulfilling but helps you make friends, find peer support and adjust to the new way of life in a different country. I would like to congratulate all the other finalists and thank them for their work.”
Minister for Carers and Volunteers Ros Spence announced the nominees for the 2023 Volunteering Awards which recognise community organisations and volunteers for the enormous contribution they make to Victorian communities and the economy.
Image: Minister for Carers and Volunteers Ros Spence (Facebook)
“Volunteers plays a vital role in our community and these awards celebrate the incredible achievements of our hard-working volunteers. It’s been through the resilience and innovation of our wonderful volunteers that many of our community organisations have been able to continue to provide great service.”
Raju Adhikari who is associated with Federation of Nepalese Communities Association of Australia is a finalist in the Volunteer Commitment Award category.
This award pays tribute to dedicated and passionate individuals with a sustained and substantial record of commitment to people, a community, group, organisation, or cause in Victoria.
This year there are 28 individuals and 24 organisations nominated as finalists across eight categories:
Volunteer Commitment
Volunteer Impact
Volunteer Leadership
Young Volunteer
Grassroots Volunteering
Inclusive Volunteering
Volunteering Innovation
Volunteering Partnerships.
image: Volunteering Victoria Chief Executive Geoff Sharp (Source: LinkedIn)
The 2023 Volunteering Awards are managed by Volunteering Victoria with the support of the Labor Government.
Volunteering Victoria Chief Executive Geoff Sharp added:
“These awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of Victoria’s volunteers, acknowledging their selfless care and immense impact on building stronger, more connected communities.”
One individual and one organisation will be named the Premier’s Volunteer Champions of the Year at a function to be held at Government House on 27 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.
