“The Greens say the Government is making a political choice not to end child poverty, bynot spending an additional $3 billion. If ending child poverty was as simple as government spending a few billion more taxpayer dollars, the Greens would have well and truly ended it while in government,” says ACT Leader David Seymour.
“From 2019 to 2023, non-pension Welfare Benefit Expenses increased from $12 billion to $18 billion while unemployment was fractionally lower in 2023. Even allowing for record inflation of 19 per cent in that period, the real increase was far more than $3 billion. And yet, child poverty was virtually static in that period. (The COVID Wage Subsidy Scheme began in 2020 and ended in 2022, so doesn’t affect these figures).
“Despite the Government making a political choice to pump an extra $3 billion per year into welfare, child poverty barely moved in this period. The Greens don’t need to speculate what would happen if a government spent an extra $3 billion dollars to end child poverty.
“The Greens are right about some things, however. Child poverty is a problem in New Zealand, and it is a political choice. New Zealand’s children need a government that makes choices based on values proven to defeat poverty.
“The only true path out of poverty is building the individual’s capacity to provide for themselves and their family. There are no examples of anyone escaping poverty though dependence on others.
“I’m proud to be part of a government that believes the path out of poverty is paved by better school attendance and achievement, making it easier to develop resources and build homes, getting more investment into New Zealand, and ending open-ended welfare in favour of mutual obligation.”
The Albanese Government is committed to supporting a competitive and sustainable food and grocery sector that works for Australian families and farmers.
Today we are releasing an exposure draft of the new mandatory Food and Grocery Code (Code) and an exposure draft of amendments to the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 for consultation.
The new Code will see Aldi, Coles, Woolworths and Metcash subject to multi‑million‑dollar penalties for serious breaches. The Code increases protections for suppliers by introducing strengthened dispute resolution arrangements, and new obligations to protect suppliers from retribution, which will be complemented by the creation of an anonymous supplier and whistle‑blower complaints pathway through the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
The new Code implements the recommendations of Dr Craig Emerson’s independent review of the code in full and would commence on 1 April 2025.
The amendments to the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 will introduce higher maximum penalties for breaches of the Code, as well as higher infringement notice penalties for alleged breaches of the Food and Grocery Code and other industry codes. Legislation will be introduced into the Parliament later this year.
The Government’s economic plan is all about easing the cost of living for Australians. The new Code will help to ensure our supermarkets are as competitive as they can be so Australians get the best prices possible.
Strengthening the Food and Grocery Code is only one part of the Government’s broad competition reform agenda, which includes an ACCC supermarket inquiry, progress on the most significant merger reforms in Australia in almost 50 years, consultation on reforming non‑compete clauses, funding for CHOICE to conduct quarterly price monitoring and working with the states and territories to revitalise National Competition Policy.
The 72 hectare ‘Starrs Creek HR – Stage 2’ aims to provide a fuel reduced zone within Coorabakh National Park, aiding in the suppression of bushfire in the area.
The burn will also stimulate reproduction of the critically endangered Banksia conferta within the prescribed burn area.
NPWS crews will be working on roads and trails throughout Coorabakh National Park to implement the burn. The public are advised that smoke may affect roads in the area and motorists are reminded to exercise caution when driving along roads in the area.
Hazard reduction burns are essential to reduce bushfire fuel loads to help protect parks, neighbours and communities from future bushfires. Fires such as this one are also specifically planned to have an ecological outcome.
All burns around the state are coordinated with the NSW Rural Fire Service.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Northern Territory Police are calling for information in relation to an aggravated robbery in Brinkin overnight.
Around 11:55pm, it is alleged an altercation occurred on Trower road, near the intersection with Bradshaw drive, between two dark coloured vehicles.
The offending vehicle is believed to be a sports utility vehicle carrying young adult male passengers.
The incident continued onto an address closer to casuarina beach, where police received reports that a man was threatened with a knife before the offenders stole his phone and fled the scene.
Northern Territory Police are urging anyone with information or who had witnessed the incidents to make contact on 131 444. Police quote reference NTP2400095169.
Source: Australian Competition and Consumer Commission
The ACCC has commenced separate proceedings in the Federal Court against Woolworths Group Limited (Woolworths) (ASX: WOW) and Coles Supermarkets Australia Pty Ltd (Coles) (a subsidiary of Coles Group Limited – ASX: COL) for allegedly breaching the Australian Consumer Law by misleading consumers through discount pricing claims on hundreds of common supermarket products.
The ACCC’s allegations relate to products sold by each of Woolworths and Coles at regular long-term prices which remained the same, excluding short-term specials, for at least six months and in many cases for at least a year.
The products were then subject to price rises of at least 15 per cent for brief periods, before being placed in Woolworths’ ‘Prices Dropped’ promotion and Coles’ ‘Down Down’ promotion, at prices lower than during the price spike but higher than, or the same as, the regular price that applied before the price spike.
“Following many years of marketing campaigns by Woolworths and Coles, Australian consumers have come to understand that the ‘Prices Dropped’ and ‘Down Down’ promotions relate to a sustained reduction in the regular prices of supermarket products. However, in the case of these products, we allege the new ‘Prices Dropped’ and ‘Down Down’ promotional prices were actually higher than, or the same as, the previous regular price,” ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said.
“We allege that each of Woolworths and Coles breached the Australian Consumer Law by making misleading claims about discounts, when the discounts were, in fact, illusory.”
“We also allege that in many cases both Woolworths and Coles had already planned to later place the products on a ‘Prices Dropped’ or ‘Down Down’ promotion before the price spike, and implemented the temporary price spike for the purpose of establishing a higher ‘was’ price,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.
The ACCC alleges the conduct involved 266 products for Woolworths at different times across 20 months, and 245 products for Coles at different times across 15 months. The representations were made on pricing tickets displayed to consumers in-store on supermarket shelves and online, usually with a ‘was’ price displayed showing what the price was during the short-term price spike and the date of that price.
The ACCC identified this conduct through consumer contacts to the ACCC and social media monitoring, and then conducted an in-depth investigation using its compulsory powers.
“Many consumers rely on discounts to help their grocery budgets stretch further, particularly during this time of cost of living pressures. It is critical that Australian consumers are able to rely on the accuracy of pricing and discount claims,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.
“We allege these misleading claims about illusory discounts diminished the ability of consumers to make informed choices about what products to buy, and where.”
The ACCC estimates that Woolworths and Coles sold tens of millions of the affected products and derived significant revenue from those sales.
The ACCC is seeking declarations, penalties, costs and other orders. The ACCC is also seeking community service orders that Woolworths and Coles must each fund a registered charity to deliver meals to Australians in need, in addition to their pre-existing charitable meal delivery programs.
Alleged conduct
The ACCC alleges that the supermarkets offered certain products at a regular price for at least 180 days. They then increased the price of the product by at least 15 per cent for a relatively short period of time, and subsequently placed it onto their ‘Prices Dropped’ or ‘Down Down’ program.
The ACCC alleges the display of the Prices Dropped and Down Down tickets was misleading, as the price of the products was in fact higher than or the same as the regular price at which the supermarket had previously offered the products for sale.
Alleged conduct by Woolworths
The ACCC alleges that Woolworths made false or misleading representations to consumers about the prices of 266 products during the period between September 2021 and May 2023.
Products affected include Arnott’s Tim Tams biscuits, Dolmio sauces, Doritos salsa, Energizer batteries, Friskies cat food, Kellogg’s cereal, President butter, Listerine mouthwash, Moccona coffee capsules, Mother energy drinks, Mr Chen’s noodles, Nicorette patches, Ocean Blue smoked salmon, Oreo cookies, Palmolive dishwashing liquid, Raid insect spray, Sprite soft drink, Stayfree pads, Twisties, Uncle Tobys muesli bars, and Vicks VapoDrops.
Example – Oreo Family Pack Original 370g
From at least 1 January 2021 until 27 November 2022, Woolworths offered the Oreo Family Pack Original 370g product for sale at a regular price of $3.50 on a pre-existing ‘Prices Dropped’ promotion for at least 696 days.
On 28 November 2022, the price was increased to $5.00 for a period of 22 days. On 20 December 2022, the product was placed on a ‘Prices Dropped’ promotion with the tickets showing a ‘Prices Dropped’ price of $4.50 and a ‘was’ price of $5.00. The ‘Prices Dropped’ price of $4.50 was in fact 29 per cent higher than the product’s previous regular price of $3.50.
In this example, the ACCC alleges Woolworths had planned the temporary price spike to establish a new higher ‘was’ price for the subsequent ‘promotion’. Woolworths had decided (after a request from the supplier for a price increase) on or around 18 November 2022 to take the product off ‘Prices Dropped’, increase the price, and then put the product back on to ‘Prices Dropped’ three weeks later.
Alleged conduct by Coles
The ACCC alleges that Coles made false or misleading representations to consumers about the prices of 245 products during the period between February 2022 and May 2023.
Products include Arnott’s Shapes biscuits, Band-Aids, Bega cheese, Cadbury chocolates, Coca Cola soft drink, Colgate toothpaste, Danone yoghurt, Dettol multi-purpose wipes, Fab laundry liquid, Karicare formula, Kellogg’s snack bars, Kleenex tissues, Libra tampons, Lurpak butter, Maggi two-minute noodles, Nature’s Gift dog food, Nescafe instant coffee, Palmolive shampoo, Rexona deodorant, Sakata rice crackers, Sanitarium Weet-Bix cereal, Strepsils lozenges, Sunrice rice, Tena pads, Viva paper towels, Whiskas cat food, and Zafarelli pasta.
Example Strepsils Throat Lozenges Honey & Lemon 16 pack
From at least 1 January 2021 until 11 October 2022, Coles offered the Strepsils Throat Lozenges Honey & Lemon 16 pack product for sale at a regular price of $5.50 (on a pre-existing ‘Down Down’ promotion) for at least 649 days, including one seven-day short-term special.
On 12 October 2022, the price was then increased to $7.00 for a period of 28 days. On 9 November 2022, the product was placed on a ‘Down Down’ promotion with the tickets showing a ‘Down Down’ price of $6.00 and a ‘was’ price of $7.00. The ‘Down Down’ price of $6.00 was in fact 9 per cent higher than the product’s previous regular price of $5.50.
In this example, the ACCC alleges Coles had planned the temporary price spike to establish a new higher ‘was’ price for the subsequent ‘promotion’. Coles had decided (after a request from the supplier for a price increase) on or around 7 October 2022 to take the product off ‘Down Down’, increase the price, and then put the product back on to ‘Down Down’ four weeks later.
The ACCC’s investigation into the conduct which is the subject of these proceedings pre-dates this inquiry. The inquiry will not consider the issues in dispute in these proceedings.
Note to editors
The ACCC does not regulate supermarket prices.
The ACCC has taken proceedings in respect of alleged breaches of the Australian Consumer Law, which provides that businesses must not make false or misleading statements about prices.
Separate proceedings are brought against Woolworths and Coles, and the ACCC is not making any allegation of any collusion or anti-competitive conduct by Woolworths and Coles as part of these proceedings.
The ACCC is not alleging any contravention of the ACL by any of Woolworths’ and Coles’ suppliers in these proceedings.
The maximum penalty for each breach of the Australian Consumer Law increased on 10 November 2022, part way through the period of the alleged conduct. For contraventions from 10 November 2022, the maximum penalty is the greater of:
$50,000,000
if the Court can determine the value of the ‘reasonably attributable’ benefit obtained, three times that value, or
if the Court cannot determine the value of the ‘reasonably attributable’ benefit, 30 per cent of the corporation’s adjusted turnover during the breach turnover period for the contravention.
Any penalty that might apply to this conduct is a matter for the Court to determine and would depend on the Court’s findings. The ACCC will not comment on what penalties the Court may impose.
Background
Woolworths runs the largest supermarket chain in Australia, with about 1,140 Woolworths supermarket stores across the country.
The ‘Prices Dropped’ Program is promoted by Woolworths as a shelf price reduction program designed to offer Woolworths’ customers consistently low prices over a prolonged period. The objective of the Prices Dropped Program was to lower the standard shelf price of a product from its previous standard (or regular) shelf price.
Example of a Prices Dropped ticket
Coles is the second-largest supermarket chain in Australia, operating more than 840 stores nationally.
Coles introduced the ‘Down Down’ Program in June 2010 and marketed it as a promotional campaign designed to reduce the regular shelf price of commonly purchased products — thereby offering customers predictable and reliable value on the items they purchased the most and reducing the cost of their shopping basket.
Example of a Down Down ticket
Separate to these proceedings, in December 2023, following a complaint by CHOICE and an investigation by the ACCC, Coles announced refunds for thousands of customers after it raised the price on 20 products that it had promised would remain ‘locked’ for a certain period of time as part of Coles’ ‘Dropped and Locked’ promotion.
These documents contain the ACCC’s initiating court documents in relation to these matters. We will not be uploading further documents in the event these initial documents are subsequently amended.
The City of Greater Bendigo is asking residents to complete a survey to help identify the most pressing social needs in our community.
The survey is now available on the City’s Let’s Talk community engagement website for community members to have input into the project until Monday October 21.
City of Greater Bendigo Community Partnerships Manager, Andie West said the City’s Community Partnerships Unit supports liveability by working together with residents and groups to support a community that is inclusive, strong, connected and resilient.
“This means it’s responsible for understanding the needs and priorities of the community to deliver on Council’s commitments to community development, fairness and social equity, accessibility and participation, community safety, respect for others and sense of belonging,” Ms West said.
“The aim of the Community Needs Assessment is to support a more evidence-informed and targeted approach to resource investment.
“It’s important that services, policies, and programs meet the real needs of the community and work well. Without proper planning, services can become fragmented and may only react to problems instead of focusing on preventing them from happening in the first place and basing decisions on evidence.
“The City is now undertaking a systematic approach to understand the community’s social needs as funds and other resources are becoming increasingly constrained to address them.
“Community feedback will help us understand where we could focus our efforts. We can’t increase our services, so doing more in one area, will mean doing less in another – and we want to get it right.
“All community feedback will be analysed along with other information to form a fuller picture of community needs using current best evidence.
“Ultimately this evidence will inform decisions that the City makes about how it delivers to the community in terms of its role, whether that be service provider, advocate or facilitator, and to ensure that future resource allocations are invested for maximum positive social impact.
“The project aligns with our commitment to the City’s Social Justice Framework and will help inform the incoming Councillors in their future decision making. It will also assist with future planning via the City’s Council Plan and Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan renewal.
“I encourage all interested people to visit the City’s Let’s Talk website and provide their feedback by Monday October 21, 2024.”
Met launches London Race Action Plan, committing to the next steps in becoming an anti-racist police service
The plan has been co-created with Black officers, staff and communities – with more than 2,200 Londoners consulted.
Improvements to the service’s culture, training and leadership all form part of the Met’s commitment to strengthening trust among Black Londoners and its own workforce.
A new stop and search charter which has been co-authored with Black communities. This re-sets how stop and search should be carried out in London.
Improvements in how we record and monitor the ethnicity of drivers when making vehicle stops, with external scrutiny for greater transparency.
An overhaul of our policy on intimate searches of children – increasing the threshold and oversight, ensuring they only occur when necessary and proportionate.
To better represent the communities we serve we’re working hard to recruit and retain a more diverse workforce that brings all the talents, experiences and perspectives of London to policing.
We’re also now training all new recruits so they understand the lived experience of Black Londoners and other communities across the capital.
We’ve committed to rooting out disparities in the Met’s misconduct system and have introduced focused workshops to improve promotion rates. As a result, since 2021 promotion pass rates for Black officers has increased from 68% to 75%.
The London Race Action Plan outlines the next steps in the Met’s mission to become an anti-racist organisation and a service that is more inclusive, diverse and representative of London.
It sets out across four pillars how the Met will better represent, respect, involve and protect Black Londoners.
Over many years the Met has let Black communities down and although steps have been taken in the right direction, there remains a long way to go to be an inclusive and anti-racist organisation.
The four pillars of the plan will be delivered through tangible action across London, co-designed by the communities we serve. This will include:
We know there is more to do, but this plan sets the right course to continue building a Met that our officers and public deserve.
Progress will be made publicly available via biannual updates.
Sir Mark Rowley, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police said: “This plan publicly sets out our next steps towards becoming a truly anti-racist and inclusive organisation.
“Black Londoners have been let down by the Met over many years and while we continue to take steps in the right direction, there remains a long way to go and there is a lot more work to do.
“Action not words will rebuild trust in our service, so we must now remain focused on delivering real change that is seen and felt by our communities and our workforce.
“We are changing our systems, our processes, culture and our leadership. We are better understanding and acting on disproportionality wherever it exists. We are working more closely than ever with communities we’ve let down to build a service that delivers for all of London.
“To achieve this critical change once and for all will take time, but I am determined that we will continue to strengthen our relationship with Black Londoners – whether that be members of the public or our own colleagues – and renew the principle of policing by consent.”
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
This undated file combo photo shows a jade dragon unearthed from a stone tomb site in the city of Chifeng, north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Chinese archaeologists have unearthed the largest jade dragon ever discovered from the Hongshan culture, an important part of the Neolithic Age, at a stone tomb site in the city of Chifeng, north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, according to the regional institute of cultural relics and archaeology. Measuring 15.8 cm long, 9.5 cm wide, and 3 cm thick, the artifact was found at a site featuring a circular tomb in the north and a square altar in the south, which is the only one of its kind ever found in the region. [Photo/Xinhua]
HOHHOT, Sept. 22 — Chinese archaeologists have unearthed the largest jade dragon ever discovered from the Hongshan culture, an important part of the Neolithic Age, at a stone tomb site in the city of Chifeng, north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, according to the regional institute of cultural relics and archaeology.
Measuring 15.8 cm long, 9.5 cm wide, and 3 cm thick, the artifact was found at a site featuring a circular tomb in the north and a square altar in the south, which is the only one of its kind ever found in the region.
Apart from the architectural remains, human skeletal remains, burials, fire pits, and cylindrical object pits have also been discovered at the site. The unearthed artifacts include jade and painted pottery basins and tripod pottery cups, among others.
The ongoing research at the site includes studies of the ancient environment, large-scale topographic mapping and carbon-14 dating, among others. The latest dating data indicates that the site belongs to the late Hongshan culture, dating back 5,100 to 5,000 years.
The finds were revealed during a themed seminar held Sunday in Chifeng, which provided updates on the archaeological progress at the stone tomb in Yuanbaoshan of Chifeng’s Aohan Banner.
This undated file photo shows the general view of a stone tomb site in the city of Chifeng, north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]This undated file photo shows archaeologists working at a stone tomb site in the city of Chifeng, north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]This undated file photo shows jade wares unearthed at a stone tomb site in the city of Chifeng, north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]This undated file photo shows a circular tomb at a stone tomb site in the city of Chifeng, north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]This undated file photo shows a stone tomb site before excavation in the city of Chifeng, north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
7th Chinese farmers’ harvest festival celebrated across China
Updated: September 23, 2024 07:33Xinhua
A villager airs crops at Yangchan Village in Huangshan City, east China’s Anhui Province, Sept. 22, 2024. This Sunday marks the seventh Chinese farmers’ harvest festival. [Photo/Xinhua]A farmer loads harvested corns onto a truck at Bianqiao Township of Linyi City, east China’s Shandong Province, Sept. 17, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]A farmer holds harvested rice at Yuanyang County of Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, Sept. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]Farmers harvest rice at Zhanglou Village of Xinyang City, central China’s Henan Province, Sept. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]A farmer harvests grapes at an orchard of Xixiaoyi Village in Tangshan City, north China’s Hebei Province, Sept. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]Farmers harvest rice at Wanchang Township in Yongji County, northeast China’s Jilin Province, Sept. 20, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]An aerial drone photo shows harvesters working in a paddy field in Fangzheng County of Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 22, 2024. This Sunday marks the seventh Chinese farmers’ harvest festival. In recent years, China’s major grain production province Heilongjiang has enhanced its grain production capacity and advanced the quality of high-standard farmland development. [Photo/Xinhua]Harvesters work in a paddy field in Fangzheng County of Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]An aerial drone photo shows a paddy field in Fangzheng County of Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]Folk artists throw molten iron to create fireworks in Haiyang, east China’s Shandong Province, Sept. 21, 2024. The event aims to commemorate the seventh Chinese farmers’ harvest festival which falls on Sept. 22 this year. [Photo/Xinhua]Folk artists throw molten iron to create fireworks in Haiyang, east China’s Shandong Province, Sept. 21, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
ZHENGZHOU, Sept. 22 — Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong said on Sunday that China is on course for another bumper grain harvest this year after farmers and cadres at all levels across the country worked hard to overcome the adverse impacts of natural disasters and realize increased summer grain output and the steady production of early rice.
Liu, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks during a tour to Lankao in central China’s Henan Province, where he attended a national main event celebrating the seventh Chinese farmers’ harvest festival.
Liu called for solid efforts in promoting comprehensive rural revitalization by implementing the policies and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee so as to lay the foundation for the modernization of agriculture and rural areas, as well as for building China into an agricultural powerhouse.
During the event, Liu also went to an exhibition showcasing the achievements through learning from and applying the experience of the Green Rural Revival Program, and saw the display of high-quality agricultural products and rural craftsman skills.
Liu also called for persistent efforts in farm field management, disaster monitoring, early warning, as well as disaster prevention and response during the autumn grain harvest season.
On 29 September each year New Zealand Police commemorates Police Remembrance Day on the feast day of the Archangel Michael, the patron saint of police. This year it will be observed on Friday 27 September.
Police staff and members of the Police family will gather this Friday to mark Police Remembrance Day, a time to honour and remember colleagues now lost to us.
A national service will be held this Friday at the Royal New Zealand Police College (RNZPC) to honour staff who have been slain or died as a result of their duties, as well as serving, retired and former Police staff who have passed away in the preceding 12 months.
We will also remember our police colleagues in Australia and the Pacific who have been killed by criminal acts while performing their official duties or died as a result of their duties.
Commissioner Andrew Coster will attend the service along with the Minister of Police the Hon Mark Mitchell and Associate Minister of Police the Hon Casey Costello.
Wreaths will be laid at the Memorial Wall and recruits will perform a haka to honour those being remembered.
The livestreaming will be recorded and will remain on the Facebook pages and website to watch after the service.
In addition to the national service, local Remembrance Day services will be held across the country.
On Police Remembrance Day and in the week leading up to it, Police staff throughout New Zealand wear the huia pin which was developed by the Police Association and New Zealand Police.
The tail plumage of the huia bird – now lost to us – is something rare and special and to wear it is considered by Māori to be a great honour. By incorporating the Police chevron into the huia tail feather, the design of the pin symbolises the honouring of someone special, now lost to police.
Media are invited to the event, and are asked to be in place by 10.45am for an 11.00am start to the service.
Please come to the reception area of the RNZPC on Friday 27 September 2024 by 10.30am.
The Albanese Labor Government has today announced the appointment of Mr Will Kostakis to the Public Lending Right Committee as an author representative for a four-year term.
The Committee is responsible for the administration of the Public Lending Right Scheme.
The Scheme ensures Australian book publishers and creators are compensated for the free multiple use of their work in Australian public and educational lending libraries.
Will Kostakis is a bestselling author who, as a high school student, won theSydney Morning Herald Young Writer of the Year for a collection of short stories.
Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said Mr Kostakis’s skill and continued advocacy for young readers and writers would be an asset to the committee.
“Will is a dedicated and passionate young author whose work tells the stories of the people that make up modern Australia.
“The Public Lending Rights Committee ensures writers and publishers are properly compensated for their work and so, it’s invaluable to have working writers, such as Will on board.
“The Albanese Labor Government’s changes to includes ebooks and audiobooks have meant even more Australian writers are now benefiting from these schemes.”
Mr Will Kostakis is an award-winning children’s and young adult’s author who has extensive experience working with public and educational libraries. An accomplished public speaker, he has spent more than 16 years travelling around Australia and overseas to speak about his books and writing at schools, festivals and conferences.
His books have been shortlisted for numerous awards, and his latest bookWe Could Be Somethingwon the 2024 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards in the Young Adult Literature category.
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Prime Minister of Japan, Kishida Fumio, on the margins of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Kishida reaffirmed the strong bond between Canada and Japan as G7 partners, as well as their shared commitment to promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and to standing with Ukraine for as long as it takes.
Prime Minister Trudeau praised Prime Minister Kishida’s leadership on the G7 Leaders’ Hiroshima Vision on Nuclear Disarmament and his efforts toward an international treaty banning the production of fissile material for use in nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices.
The two leaders discussed ways to expand bilateral trade, investment, and energy co-operation to foster economic security and support a strong middle class on both sides of the Pacific. They also explored opportunities to increase collaboration between the two countries and advance progress on shared global priorities, including in the context of Canada’s G7 Presidency next year.
Prime Minister Trudeau thanked Prime Minister Kishida for his meaningful efforts in strengthening the Canada-Japan relationship during his tenure and his friendship to Canada.
Woman caught more than four times the legal limit in George Town
Monday, 23 September 2024 – 9:53 am.
A 48-year-old George Town woman was charged with high range drink driving, driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor and a number of traffic offences in George Town yesterday. Police reportedly observed the woman speeding in a silver Ford Ranger on Main Road, George Town about 7.05pm, before performing an illegal u-turn and crashing into a residential fence. The woman returned a breath alcohol reading of 0.225 percent, more than four times the legal limit. She was arrested, disqualified from driving for 24 months and bailed to appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court at a later date.
Women charged with stealing in Launceston and Devonport
Monday, 23 September 2024 – 9:46 am.
Two women have been charged after allegedly stealing over $6,000 worth of goods from stores in the Launceston and Devonport areas between May and September 2024. The 26-year-old and 39-year-old, both from Ravenswood, were arrested in the Rooke Street Mall, Devonport on Saturday after they were intercepted by police leaving a store with a significant amount of property. Police obtained a search warrant for their vehicle and recovered further stolen property. Both women appeared in court today and were remanded in custody to appear again at a later date. If you have any information regarding this matter, please contact Tasmania Police on 131 444, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers Tasmania via crimestopperstas.com.au on 1800 333 000.
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Prime Minister of Japan, Kishida Fumio, on the margins of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Kishida reaffirmed the close ties between Canada and Japan as G7 partners, as well as their shared commitment to promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and to standing with Ukraine for as long as necessary.
Prime Minister Trudeau commended Prime Minister Kishida’s leadership in the G7 Leaders’ Hiroshima Vision on nuclear disarmament and his efforts to secure an international treaty banning the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices.
The two leaders discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation on trade, investment and energy to promote economic security and support a strong middle class on both sides of the Pacific. They also explored opportunities to enhance collaboration between the two countries and advance shared global priorities, including through Canada’s G7 presidency next year.
Prime Minister Trudeau thanked Prime Minister Kishida for his significant efforts to strengthen Canada-Japan relations during his term and for his friendship for our country.
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EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.
The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister of Japan. The Secretary-General thanked Prime Minister Kishida for Japan’s valuable contributions to the United Nations and its activities, as well as for Japan’s strong commitment to disarmament and non-proliferation. The Secretary-General and Prime Minister Kishida discussed a number of key shared priorities, including Security Council reform.
Anura Kumara Dissanayake, candidate of National People’s Power, emerged as the winner in the presidential election in Sri Lanka held on Saturday, the Election Commission confirmed Sunday.
Given that no candidate secured more than 50 percent of the votes, the Election Commission counted the second and third preferences of the two leading candidates, the first time in history of Sri Lankan presidential election.
Dissanayake obtained 5,634,915 votes in the first count and 105,264 preferential votes during the second count.
His main opponent, candidate of opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya, Sajith Premadasa, obtained 4,363,035 votes in the first count and 167,867 preferential votes in the second count.
In a post on social media platform “X” (formerly Twitter) after the release of election results, Dissanayake said, “The millions of eyes filled with hope and expectation push us forward, and together, we stand ready to rewrite Sri Lankan history.”
“This dream can only be realized with a fresh start. The unity of Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, and all Sri Lankans is the bedrock of this new beginning. The New Renaissance we seek will rise from this shared strength and vision,” he posted.
Incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe failed with a total of 2,299,767 votes.
According to the President’s Media Division, Wickremesinghe delivered a special address after the results came out.
He said that the people of the country have made their decision at this presidential election, and they must respect their decision and act according to that mandate to ensure the functioning of the country.
“I was eventually able to carry the dear child called Sri Lanka along a long distance safely on the dangerous rope bridge. Close to the very end of the rope bridge, people have decided to hand over the dear child called Sri Lanka to President Anura Dissanayake,” he said.
“I wish that you will be able to carry this child away from the bridge to the other bank, even safer than the way I carried the child,” said Wickremesinghe.
Kinmen on Sunday received its first tour group from the Chinese mainland in more than four years. The group of 20-plus tourists arrived in Kinmen from Xiamen, Fujian Province, on the Chinese mainland, and will go on a two-day sightseeing tour that ends on Monday. On Aug. 30, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced the decision to resume allowing residents in Fujian Province to travel to Kinmen. The Kinmen County government organized a lion-dance performance at the wharf, along with a long red banner, to welcome the tour group. Hsu Chi-hsin, chief of Kinmen’s tourism department, welcomed the group at the wharf, expressing hope that the tour would pave the way for smoother and more regular cross-Strait exchanges, local media reported. “We hope that after a long absence, the members of this first group will return to Xiamen with fond memories of Kinmen, sharing its beauty with friends and family, encouraging more mainland tourists to visit, and boosting Kinmen’s tourism and local industries,” the tourism department said in a press release. Chen Yu-jen, a Kinmen legislator, urged the Democratic Progressive Party authorities to lift the current ban on tour groups from Taiwan to the mainland as soon as possible.
A member of Guizhou provincial mountain resources institute observes the rock formation inside a branch cave of Shuanghe Cave in Suiyang County, southwest China’s Guizhou Province, Sept. 23, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua] Scientists from China, France, Portugal, Belgium and other countries gathered on Friday at the Shuanghe Cave, Asia’s longest known cave, in southwest China’s Guizhou Province for a launch ceremony of the 23rd joint international scientific expedition into the cave. The expedition is scheduled for Oct. 7 to 24, and the results of their findings will be made available on Oct. 24. Previous scientific expeditions found 44 individual giant panda fossils, with the oldest specimen dating back 100,000 years and the most recent dating back a few hundred years. The fossils prove that Guizhou was once a habitat for giant pandas, which are today known to survive in the provinces of Sichuan, Shaanxi and Gansu. Zhou Wenlong, deputy secretary general of the Guizhou Cave Association, said the upcoming cave expedition will further study the cave’s resources, formation and evolution. According to the results of the 2023 joint expedition, the cave network has 107 connected openings and boasts a length of 409.9 kilometers, making it the longest known cave in Asia and the third-longest in the world. It is also the world’s longest dolomite cave. French caver Jean Bottazzi, who has more than three decades of cave exploration experience in China, is acting as chief of the upcoming cave research. He calls Shuanghe Cave his second home. He said that since the late 1980s, the discoveries of Chinese and foreign experts in the cave have led to repeated updates of the cave’s length, and many cave fossils and living organisms have been unearthed, providing rich, valuable scientific research materials. During this year’s scientific expedition, Suiyang County, which administers the cave area, will hold activities such as a geological science photography contest and a short video contest to promote the cave geopark.
Its purpose is to put more people into prison for longer. In its Regulatory Impact Statement, the Ministry of Justice estimates 1,350 people will be added to the current prison population. The ministry is also clear that most of the changes are unnecessary and rest on inadequate consultation, particularly with Māori.
The main change the bill makes is to cap reductions in a prison sentence for mitigating factors at “40% of the sentence”, unless that would be “manifestly unjust”.
Mitigating factors
To understand why this is a problem, we need to start with how the Sentencing Act 2002 works. First, the seriousness of an offence provides a starting point. Since the maximum sentence is for the worst example of the offence, the facts can be put on a scale.
Secondly, the judge considers aggravating factors, such as repeat offending, malicious motivations or the victim’s vulnerability. The new bill specifies various additional aggravating factors, but the ministry notes these are already taken into account.
Finally, the judge looks at mitigating factors, such as youth, intellectual disability or mental illness, remorse and positive steps to remedy the cause of offending.
One important available reduction is for a guilty plea. The bill will cap this at 25% – the Supreme Court already decided this several years ago.
Sentence reductions based on these factors will regularly exceed the overall 40% cap proposed in the new bill. For example, impulsive offending by a young adult with ADHD who was in state care because of family abuse, and who pleads guilty early, would likely mean a considerable sentence reduction.
Similarly, offending by someone who both admits it, shows remorse and assists the police would qualify for considerable reductions.
The New Zealand judiciary is not soft by world standards. Its rate of incarceration – currently 181 per 100,000 people – places the country 90th out of 223 jurisdictions.
This is well above Australia, England, Wales and Scotland, and double the rates in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Canada. As Māori have long made up more than 50% of the prison population, their incarceration rate is at US levels. Do we really want to make this worse?
When former Finance Minister Bill English observed New Zealand’s high prison population represented a “moral and fiscal failure”, he asked the chief science advisor to collate the evidence.
Prisoners are seven times more likely than the general population to have a mental health or substance abuse problem. Ninety percent have a history of mental health or addiction, with 60% still affected. Up to 70% have significant literacy problems.
The sentencing reform proposals rest on the notion people should take more personal responsibility. But they overlook the reality of most of the people in the system having a reduced capacity to do that. This looks more like dogma than data.
And since prisons train people in criminal ways and provide gangs with recruits, but do not deal with underlying causes of criminal behaviour, it is dogma that risks creating more victims.
Increased prisoner numbers: Paremoremo Maximum Security Prison, Auckland. Getty Images
A stressed justice system
On top of this, the criminal justice system is creaking, without enough judges or courtrooms. Complainants, defendants and witnesses already wait too long for trials.
Reductions in sentences for guilty pleas and other mitigating features are essential to preventing this from getting worse. Some of these factors only come to light at the sentencing hearing when pre-sentence reports (often including medical reports) are provided.
Also, the final preparation for a trial often leads the prosecution to accept a plea to a less serious offence. And the time waiting for a trial often means a defendant will have served all or much of their sentence already.
If a judge feels obliged to impose a higher sentence because of the new amendments, lawyers will have to advise defendants accordingly. Inevitably, more will decide to take their chances in a trial rather than plead guilty.
That means more complainants will have to give evidence, some defendants will be acquitted, and the criminal justice system will creak more.
Judges and rules
Judges will have to confront some dissonance in the law. The Sentencing Act requires judges to impose the “least restrictive” sentence. But a sentence that is longer than appropriate doesn’t meet that requirement.
A longer-than-necessary prison sentence is arguably arbitrary detention. But the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act requires judges to interpret other statutes to avoid breaching rights if possible, including the right not to be detained arbitrarily.
In addition, a fair trial should aim to secure the right sentence for the individual defendant.
Judges do not sign up to breach people’s rights. Nor do they like it when the executive branch of government uses its parliamentary majority to overstep the separation of powers. Quite properly, they will do what they can to secure individualised justice.
They might, for example, set a sentence at the low end of the available range to achieve the same outcome while appearing to abide by the new 40% cap. Or they might just decide a rehabilitative sentence, invariably non-custodial, is the better outcome.
Judges spend all their time dealing with rules. You can expect them to be creative in finding ways around restrictions that should not be imposed on them.
Kris Gledhill is currently working on a project relating to sentencing that is funded by the Borrin Foundation. He is also a member of the Executive Committee of the Criminal Bar Association, which represents prosecution and defence lawyers. The views stated in this article are his own.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne
A national Newspoll, conducted September 16–20 from a sample of 1,249, had a 50–50 tie for the third consecutive time. Since the last Newspoll three weeks ago, primary votes were 38% Coalition (steady), 31% Labor (down one), 13% Greens (up one), 6% One Nation (down one) and 12% for all Others (up one).
Anthony Albanese’s net approval improved five points to -8, with 51% dissatisfied and 43% satisfied. Peter Dutton’s net approval was down two points to -15. Albanese led Dutton as better PM by 46–37 (45–37 previously).
The graph below shows Albanese’s net approval in Newspoll this term. It has plus signs for the Newspoll results and a smoothed line has been fitted. After dropping to -13 net three weeks ago, Albanese’s ratings have rebounded to where they’ve been for most of this year, poor but not dreadful.
Other recent federal polls have not been as good for Albanese and Labor as Newspoll. Albanese’s net approval was at -22 in YouGov and -15 in Freshwater, and Labor trailed by 52–48 in Freshwater, one of their worst results from any pollster this term. Freshwater leans a little to the Coalition relative to other polls.
Asked what aspect of cost of living worried them most, 40% selected housing, 25% groceries, 18% energy and 11% insurance.
Queensland Newspoll has thumping lead for LNP
The Queensland state election will be held on October 26. A Newspoll, conducted September 12–18 from a sample of 1,047, gave the Liberal National Party (LNP) a 55–45 lead, a one-point gain for the LNP since the last Queensland Newspoll in March. Primary votes were 42% LNP (steady), 30% Labor (steady), 12% Greens (down one), 8% One Nation (steady) and 8% for all Others (up one).
Labor Premier Steven Miles’ net approval was up one point to -10, with 51% dissatisfied and 41% satisfied. LNP leader David Crisafulli’s net approval dropped two points to +12. Crisafulli had a 46–39 lead as better premier (43–37 in March).
Asked whether Labor deserved to be re-elected, 57% said it was time to give someone else a go (down one since March), while 29% said they deserved to be re-elected (up three). By 53–47, voters were confident that the Crisafulli LNP is ready to govern.
Labor will be a little relieved that this poll was not worse. A YouGov poll in July and a Wolf + Smith poll in August had both given the LNP a 57–43 lead. Nearly ten years after they gained power in Queensland following the January 2015 election, Labor appears doomed.
Further federal polls: YouGov poll tied
A national YouGov poll, conducted September 13–19 from a sample of 1,619, had a 50–50 tie, unchanged from the previous YouGov poll in late August. Primary votes were 39% Coalition (up two), 30% Labor (down two), 14% Greens (up one), 7% One Nation (down one) and 10% for all Others (steady).
In the previous YouGov poll, Labor was unlucky not to lead given the primary votes. In this poll, Labor is lucky not to trail.
Albanese’s net approval slumped 11 points to -22, with 58% dissatisfied and 36% satisfied. Dutton’s net approval was down five points to -10. Albanese led as preferred PM by 42–39 (43–38 in August).
Freshwater has one of Coalition’s best results this term
A national Freshwater poll for The Financial Review, conducted September 13–14 from a sample of 1,057, gave the Coalition a 52–48 lead, a one-point gain for the Coalition since the August Freshwater poll. This is one of the best results for the Coalition from any pollster this term. Primary votes were 42% Coalition (up one), 30% Labor (down two), 13% Greens (up one) and 15% for all Others.
Albanese’s net approval was down five points to -15, with 49% unfavourable and 34% favourable. Dutton’s net approval was down one point to -4. Albanese led Dutton as preferred PM by an unchanged 45–41.
Asked to give their top three issues, 74% selected cost of living as a top issue, and the Coalition increased its lead over Labor on cost of living from seven points in August to 14. The Coalition also had a 16-point lead on economic management (13 in August).
Morgan poll: Labor has narrow lead
A national Morgan poll, conducted September 9–15 from a sample of 1,634, gave Labor a 50.5–49.5 lead, a 0.5-point gain for the Coalition since the September 2–8 Morgan poll.
Primary votes were 37.5% Coalition (up one), 30.5% Labor (up 0.5), 12.5% Greens (down two), 5.5% One Nation (down 0.5), 10% independents (up 0.5) and 4% others (up 0.5).
The headline figure uses respondent preferences. By 2022 election preferences, Labor led by an unchanged 52–48.
Redbridge and Accent Research MRP poll tied at 50–50
A national Redbridge and Accent Research multi-level regression with post-stratification (MRP) poll, conducted July 10 to August 27 from a sample of 5,976, had a 50–50 tie, a two-point gain for the Coalition since the last MRP poll between February and May. Primary votes were 38% Coalition (up two), 32% Labor (steady), 12% Greens (down one) and 19% for all Others (steady).
MRP polls use modelling to estimate the number of seats that would be won by each party. The August MRP poll had a point estimate of 69 Labor seats out of 150, 68 Coalition, three Greens and ten others. In the May poll, Labor had 77 seats out of 151, the Coalition 60, the Greens three and others 11.
The August poll had no chance either major party would win a majority (76 seats), but Labor had a 75% chance of winning the most seats. These probabilities reflect the poll’s data, and are not predictions for the election, due by May 2025.
Adrian Beaumont does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
New York-based Sea Cadets and Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets attended the event, held at the U.S. Armed Forces Recruiting Station in Times Square.
“Having these young Sea Cadets and NJROTC cadets – the future of our nation – learn about our climate and energy technologies was a fantastic way for the Department of the Navy to kick off its participation in Climate Week NYC,” said Berger. “They understand firsthand how climate change is impacting our world today, and we were able to help make the connection for them of how climate readiness is mission readiness for our Sailors and Marines.”
DON researchers and engineers from various commands showcased technologies, such as hydrogen-powered fuel cells, small unit power systems, water-conserving firefighting nozzles, atmospheric water generation, and green concrete, to educate the students about the DON’s commitment to climate action and inspire them about DON careers in climate- and energy-focused roles.
Madeleine White, resilience innovation research portfolio manager at Naval Facilities Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center, explained green concrete, which uses sustainable materials to reduce traditional concrete’s environmental impact, such as lowering the carbon footprint of construction.
“Working on this [technology] as it is as an engineer has been great, but being able to show it to the individuals who are one day going to use it or be involved with it makes my job all worthwhile,” White said. “And doing [the event] out in a space like this and having these engineer technologies out in such a public space for people to see is such a fun environment to be in.”
Jeremiah Rodriguez, a junior and NJROTC cadet at Curtis High School in Staten Island, N.Y., said he would think about global warming and its impact.
“It would be in the back of my mind, such as how it would continuously get hotter,” he said. “One day, it’ll get to the point where you can cook an egg on the sidewalk. With this new technology, I really hope we can figure out a way to significantly reduce the impact of climate change. After this presentation, I really find it hopeful for our generation’s future.”
Climate Week NYC is the largest annual climate event of its kind, bringing together more than 600 events and activities across New York City in person, hybrid and online. Climate Group hosts the official program during the week that brings together the most senior international figures from business, government, civil society and the climate sector.
This year, Climate Week NYC is being held Sept. 22-29, 2024. The event takes place every year in partnership with the United Nations General Assembly and is run in coordination with the United Nations and the City of New York.
In May 2022, the Department of the Navy released Climate Action 2030 in which Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro recognized climate change as one of the most destabilizing forces of our time and charged the Department with building a climate-ready force.
Berger is responsible for providing oversight and policy for Navy and Marine Corps energy and climate resilience; infrastructure sustainment, restoration and modernization; military construction; acquisition, utilization and disposal of real property and facilities; environmental protection, planning, restoration and natural resources conservation; and safety and occupational health.
Residents and visitors will be able to experience areas of the city walls from a fresh perspective next spring, as this unique and historic space blooms into life.
Volunteers and businesses from across the city are coming together this week to help transform the City Walls embankments, for the first phase of the York Walls in Bloom project.
This unique green space will evolve into a beautiful biodiverse landscape, where residents and visitors will be able to enjoy seeing many different pollinators thrive.
Over its 2,000-year-old history, the city walls embankments (ramparts) have constantly evolved and changed from being cleared sheer slopes, areas of grazing until the mid-20th century and in recent years manicured lawns and bedding plants.
The first phase of the York in Bloom project will be in the city centre at Station Rise. The area around the Station Rise rampart has over the centuries seen some of the most dramatic changes in landscape visible anywhere on the city walls.
The season bedding displays here will be familiar to many residents and visitors, but this approach is not without its downsides. It’s resource intensive in terms of water and carbon used in the growing, transporting, planting, weeding and removing bedding plants. This makes the practice increasingly unsustainable for the city and the planet.
Cllr Jenny Kent, Executive Member for Environment and Climate Emergency, said “York is proud to have some of the UK’s best preserved medieval walls, and this partnership project to cover the site at Station Rise in meadow flowers for York Walls in Bloom will not only look beautiful, it will also help support York’s bees, moths and butterflies, and help preserve the ramparts underneath.
We are lucky to have expert advice from many partners and are also in the process of reviewing our maintenance of the walls overall. We will ensure that we adopt the very best heritage and ecology conservation practices to prevent soil erosion, which increases with extreme heat and increased rainfall, maximise the environmental benefit, and keep the Walls looking great for generations to come.”
Inspired by projects such as the Tower of London ‘Moat in Bloom’, the council believes that carefully managed wild flowering could offer the right mix of stunning visuals, increased sustainability and improved habitat.
York Walls in Bloom is being carefully introduced over the course of 2024. Earlier this year, the area was left to grow naturally for several months so that the ecological study could be undertaken. This was critical so that the council knew that any intervention wouldn’t endanger existing habitats.
While next year will see a spectacular floral display near Station Rise, the area will still be very carefully managed over several years to balance the ecology of the site. The second phase of the project will be extended to the Red Tower, Walmgate next year.
This will transform the flatter sections of rampart on the outside of the city walls by sowing wildflowers in Spring, to create a floral display in summer 2025, which over the following years will be carefully managed into a sustainable natural floral meadow.
Introducing a more sustainable, natural environment in the coming years, including changing how frequently the grass is cut in this area, will ensure a healthier soil and more wildflower growth.
The York in Walls project has gained the backing and sponsorship of local businesses.
Simon Mahon, General Manager of The Grand York, said: “We’re delighted to be working on the York Walls in Bloom project. We’re very proud sponsors and are looking forward seeing wildflowers being introduced along the walls, which naturally will make this historical part of York even more beautiful.
Here at The Grand, York, as part of our sustainability initiative we house approximately 50,000 bees on our roof – the honey they produce is used throughout The Grand in desserts, pastries and cocktails. So, we’re really happy to support this project.”
From Tuesday 24 September, works will be visible on the ground when the turf will be ‘wither stripped’ to allow for the sowing of the wildflowers.
With the help on York Cares, volunteers from across the city will come together to support the project and help sow the seeds.
Holly Hennell, Manager, York Cares: “The 16th annual York Cares Big Community Challenge is taking place between 16 September and 11 October in partnership with City of York Council, St Nicks and the University of York. The challenge aims to connect communities with nature, providing volunteering opportunities at over 30 sites across the city along routes leading into the city centre around the city walls.
“Employee-volunteers will get involved with a variety of practical activities to enhance biodiversity across the city including sowing seeds as part of the York Walls in Bloom project, a fantastic initiative which will really brighten up the city whilst also benefiting the environment. The York Cares team is excited to be able to get involved in one of the sessions alongside their members, demonstrating the difference we can make when we come together.”
The York in Bloom project is funded by the Green Corridors project , the National Lottery Community Fund and is sponsored by local businesses including The Grand York.
Be Bright, Be Seen, Be Safe is the key message from City of York Council and North Yorkshire Council during Cycle to School Week [23-27 September].
Getting to school safely, especially as the nights are now getting darker is one of the most important things taught in schools, through the Bikeability and pedestrian training sessions, which take place throughout the year.
Those who run the training sessions are joining forces with the York and North Yorkshire safeguarding children’s teams, to raise awareness of the importance of children wearing cycle helmets, bright clothing and putting on their bike lights.
Cllr Kate Ravilious, Executive Member for Transport at City of York Council, said: “Cycling can be so much fun. It brings independence and it’s a fantastic way of building exercise into everyone’s day and improving health.
“As the nights draw in it’s important to be visible on your cycle. Wearing bright clothes, using cycle lights after dusk and wearing a helmet will help to keep everyone safe. And drivers also need to play a role: driving responsibly, using mirrors to check for cyclists before turning, and giving cyclists at least 1.5m space when passing.”.
Jason McAleese from Modeshift, who deliver the Active Travel Ambassador programme in secondary schools across York and North Yorkshire, said: “Cycling safety is crucial. If we want young people to embrace more active and sustainable ways of traveling to and from school, they must feel both safe and confident. With our support these Active Travel Ambassador schools lead the way by researching and developing behaviour change campaigns that prioritise active travel and road safety.
Interested in having the Active Travel Ambassador programme at your secondary school, email jason@modeshift.org.uk
Visit iTravelYork for cycling tips or to find out more about the cycle training.
The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada. The Secretary-General appreciated Canada’s support for the Summit of the Future and the Pact for the Future. They exchanged on Canada’s upcoming presidency of the G7, the promotion of sustainable development and effective multilateralism.
***
Le Secrétaire général a rencontré S.E. M. Justin Trudeau, Premier ministre du Canada. Le Secrétaire général a exprimé son appréciation pour le soutien du Canada au Sommet de l’avenir et au Pacte pour l’avenir. Ils ont échangé sur la prochaine présidence canadienne du G7, la promotion du développement durable et un multilatéralisme efficace.
Warracknabeal Fire Brigade may be one of Victoria’s oldest fire brigades – but its members have always had a focus on innovation and progression.
Located in the state’s north-west, Warracknabeal brigade has a history dating back to CFA’s formative years. The brigade began in the 1890s when local volunteers secured a 26-person Merryweather hand-operated manual pump enabling them to officially join the newly created Country Fire Brigades Board (now CFA).
By 1919, the Country Fire Brigades Board (CFBB) had seen the potential of motorised firefighting vehicles which were considered a great advance on horse-drawn vehicles. Following the war, there were also huge developments in the design and use of motorised water pumps, which made firefighting more efficient and effective.
Warracknabeal’s then captain, local entrepreneur Tom Gardiner seized upon this opportunity, establishing Gardiner-Aussie Workshops in the early 1920s with the goal of building trucks and pumpers suitable for rural firefighting. His innovative design would prove successful and was quickly adopted by the CFBB. Tom’s workshop was commissioned to develop 55 pumpers prior to his death in 1935.
The new pumpers would not be the first motorised vehicle produced out of Warracknabeal. A belt drive bike with a small four stroke engine and pedal assist was built by the Mallee Cycle works in 1905.
Another of the brigade’s early leaders has strong ties to CFA’s history and was instrumental in improving CFA’s early communication with members. In 1947 Captain Norman Tosh recognised the need for a regular publication to share information with brigades across the state. With approval from CFA, he became the founder and first editor of ‘The Fireman’ (now Firewise), a newspaper for volunteer firefighters which is still in circulation today.
Warracknabeal Fire Brigade has grown significantly in the years since, and members are firmly focused on the future.
Current brigade captain Cameron Whelan says, like its early years, Warracknabeal brigade continues to have a progressive and innovative lens focused on improvement.
The brigade’s new, state-of-the-art station opened in mid-2023 replacing the 35-year-old station. The station features improved facilities such as drive through engine bays, a laundry, changerooms and other amenities. The brigade was able to provide a significant contribution to improve the size of the meeting room, rear shed, install bi-fold doors as well as make other improvements.
“We’ve always been a vibrant and progressive brigade, so the modern design of the new station represents us well,” Cameron said.
“We’ve built this station for the next 30 years so the vision is not only to support the needs of Warracknabeal today; we’re also looking beyond that to what will be required in the future.
“Our Fire Equipment Maintenance servicing is key to the brigade continuing to improve facilities and operational equipment.
“The brigade also has an active social Auxiliary membership primarily supporting the brigade through fundraising programs and assisting local community groups such as the Scouts and Guides.”
The brigade has about 70 members and attends about 40 incidents a year locally; members also provide support across the state during the fire season.
With one of the key industries in Warracknabeal and surrounds being broadacre cereal farming, harvesting-related fires are one of the main risks the brigade encounters over the fire danger period. Its members have been heavily involved in the development of the joint CFA and Victorian Farmers Federation Grain Harvesting Guidelines.
“The main incidents we turn out to are running grass and scrub fires through to harvesting machinery fires,” Cameron said.
“Like many other towns we also have a range of other risks from hospital/aged care, large chemical storage facilities through to household or structural fires.”
The brigade has a very stable membership and whilst they will always welcome new members, Cameron says they are lucky they don’t need to actively seek members.
“Like many rural brigades, we can see a drop off when members reach 18-19 years old because they leave for university or work,” Cameron said.
“A strong Juniors program aims to encourage skill development and succession from the junior to senior ranks.
“To encourage retention, we include fire ground practise as part of our Junior training to build their skills and eagerness.”
Cameron said volunteering with CFA is for anyone who is willing to help their community, better themselves and join a bigger family.
“The thing I’m most proud of in leading our brigade is the values our members display,” Cameron said.
“Values such as care, respect and integrity are common attributes amongst our cohort.”
This story is part of our profile series Brigades of CFA which highlights our brigades and the great work they do in their communities.
On September 18, the “10th Anniversary of the HWPL September 18 Peace Summit” was broadcasted in over 40 countries and attracted approximately 100,000 people at the HWPL Peace Training Institute in Gyeonggi-do, Korea, where the anniversary was held.
Hosted by Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), under the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the Department of Global Communications (DGC), the event was themed “Building a Global Community of Peace through Regional Cooperation.”
Led by HWPL Chairman Man Hee Lee, it was a celebration of the contributions of global leaders and citizens towards peace over the past decade and exploring strategies for future global unity. Notable attendees included Great Dharma Master Hyecheon of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and José Honorio da Costa Ferreira Jerónimo, East Timor’s Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Culture.
Previously, the HWPL Peace Summit was first celebrated a decade earlier, in Seoul, 2014. The summit was attended by more than 1,000 political, religious, women’s, and youth leaders, as well as media representatives from over 140 countries. Discussions focused on conflict resolution, religious harmony, and the implementation of legal measures to ensure sustainable peace.
During his commemorative speech, HWPL Chairman Man Hee Lee expressed gratitude to all participants for attending the 10th anniversary of the peace movement. He encouraged everyone by saying, “Let us no longer draw lines of difference between you and me. With love and peace, let’s unite to save the global village. Let us cooperate to help each other and leave behind a valuable legacy of peace for future generations.”
Followed by 10 year’s worth of highlights, this led to many discussions of future plans of HWPL and their partners, with a particular emphasis on establishing a “regional network” for peace tailored to local characteristics. Through this regional network, HWPL aims to actively address threats to peace and consolidate collective capabilities.
In light of this, HWPL established partnerships for peace development with intergovernmental organizations such as the Group of Seven Plus (G7+) and the Latin American and Caribbean Parliament (PARLATINO). G7+ was established to promote harmony among conflict-ridden nations through peace, stability, and development, boasting 20 member states. PARLATINO, founded to promote development and integration based on democracy, currently has 23 member states.
Additionally, the nationwide “Accompany: Connecting Korea” campaign was launched with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed during the ceremony. The “Accompany” campaign was initially trialled in major cities in Korea last July. Through this launch, HWPL aims to work with over 230 civic organizations to connect cultures across generations and carry out diverse peace activities.
The “Accompany” campaign is a continuation of the Saemaul (New Village) Movement, which was responsible for South Korea’s economic development and social transformation in the late 20th century. The Saemaul Movement focused on modernising rural areas and strengthening community consciousness. Similarly, the Accompany campaign aims to overcome social conflicts rooted in generational, regional, gender, and ideological differences through social solidarity and cooperation.
To achieve the goal of establishing a “regional network,” various sessions will be held worldwide, focusing on diverse groups. Additionally, under the slogan “Let everyone in the global village become a messenger of peace,” individuals will be encouraged to play active roles in promoting peace. Messages of peace and unity from citizens of all walks of life, both domestically and internationally, will be collected and shared.
Heavenly Culture World Peace Restoration of Light (HWPL) is a non-governmental international peace organization registered under the UN DGC and UN ECOSOC that is acknowledged for their endeavors and efforts towards achieving peace worldwide.
Source: United States Senator for Arkansas Tom Cotton
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Caroline Tabler or Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353September 20, 2024
Cotton, Boozman to Young and Su: All People Should Have the Opportunity for Dignified Work
Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Senator John Boozman (R-Arkansas) today wrote a letter to OMB Director Shalanda Young and Acting Secretary of labor Julie Su regarding troubling reports that the Department of Labor (DOL) is considering a new rule that would abolish the 14(c) program wherein individuals with cognitive or physical disabilities can find employment and resources in a supervised setting. The Senators stated that all people deserve to have the opportunity for dignified work, and reiterated to Director Young and Acting Secretary Su that any attempt to disrupt this program without Congressional authorization would be illegal.
In part, the senators wrote:
“All people, regardless of their abilities, should have the opportunity for dignified work. The 14(c) program does not limit the ability of disabled workers to engage in competitive employment. It merely provides those with difficulties in a traditional work environment the opportunity to engage in meaningful work. It provides many vulnerable Americans with a sense of accomplishment and provides their families and caretakers with time to complete activities necessary for the functioning of their households.”
Full text of the letter may be found here and below.
September 20, 2024
Shalanda Young
Director
Office of Management and Budget
725 17th St NW
Washington, DC 20503
Julie Su
Acting Secretary
Department of Labor
200 Constitution Ave NW
Washington, DC 20210
Dear Director Young and Acting Secretary Su,
I write regarding troubling reports that the Department of Labor (DOL) is considering a new rule that would abolish the 14(c) program. Any changes to the 14(c) certificate program rests with Congress and not DOL.
Since 1938, the DOL has provided intellectually and developmentally disabled Americans the opportunity to engage in meaningful work through Section 14(c) certificates. According to the Washington Post, despite these longstanding statutes, and no legislative reforms, the DOL is considering a new rule that would be the “regulatory equivalent of abolition of 14(c) programs.”
All people, regardless of their abilities, should have the opportunity for dignified work. The 14(c) program does not limit the ability of disabled workers to engage in competitive employment. It merely provides those with difficulties in a traditional work environment the opportunity to engage in meaningful work. It provides many vulnerable Americans with a sense of accomplishment and provides their families and caretakers with time to complete activities necessary for the functioning of their households.
Regardless of any policy objections the administration might have with the 14(c) program, it must be enforced according to the law. Former Secretary Marty Walsh, the last Senate-confirmed Secretary of Labor, agreed that changes to the program rest with Congress, rather than the DOL. Any efforts to make it functionally unworkable without Congressional authorization would be illegal.
Before deciding on the legality of these proposed changes to 14(c), please answer the following questions:
1. Where in the Fair Labor Standards Act and accompanying amendments does the DOL find the legal authority to make significant changes to this program, especially considering the Supreme Court’s recent decision to end agency deference in Loper Bright Enterprises .v Raimondo?
2.How many disabled Americans would lose their jobs at sheltered workshops if 14(c) certificates were phased out?
3.Has the DOL considered the secondary effects of these individuals losing their jobs, such as their families needing to provide caretaking services during working hours, rather than working themselves or performing necessary functions for their households? If so, provide the details of that analysis.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely,