Department of Financial Services (DFS) concludes Swachhata Hi Seva-2024 campaign; plants more than two lakh saplings across the country More than 25,000 events organised during the campaign, including Swachhata Pledge, Safai Mitra Suraksha Shivir, Plantation drive – Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam along with mass scale cleanliness drives
Posted On: 03 OCT 2024 8:52PM by PIB Delhi
The Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, along with its organisations (PSBs, PSFIs, PSICs etc) participated in the Swachhata Hi Seva, 2024 campaign observed from 17thSeptember to 2nd October with the Theme of ‘Swabhav Swachhata – Sanskaar Swachhata’.
More than 25,000 events were organised during the campaign. All organisations took up Swachhata Pledge, Safai Mitra Suraksha Shivir, Plantation drive- Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam along with mass scale cleanliness drives. The activities were organised in full force with enthusiasm by involving staff members, customers and general public in almost all States & UTs of the country.
More than two lakh saplings were planted as part of the SHS Campaign. Various Health camps, Walkathon, Human Chain, Mass Cleanliness Drive, Shramdaan etc were taken up on large scale covering almost all districts of the country. More than 3780, Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs) were transformed during SHS -2024.
Union Home Minister & Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah inaugurates a newly constructed Police Commissioner’s Office in Ahmedabad, built at a cost of ₹140 crore The new building will also be an attempt by the Ahmedabad Police to establish a new working system
The ‘Joint Interrogation Center’ in the building, ‘Tera Tujhko Arpan’ portal and the book ‘Cyber Saathi’ were also inaugurated
Modi ji has put forward the concept of pro-active, predictive and scientific approach for pro-active policing
Many innovations of Gujarat Police in the form of ‘E-GujCop’, body-worn camera and ‘Vishwas’ project, have established its identity as the most modern police force in the country
Gujarat Police’s campaign against narcotics is exemplary
Use of technology in three new criminal laws, will complete the judicial process in time for timely justice
Posted On: 03 OCT 2024 10:19PM by PIB Delhi
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah inaugurated the newly constructed Police Commissioner’s Office in Ahmedabad, Gujarat today. On the occasion, Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendra Patel along with other dignitaries attended the program.
In his address, Shri Amit Shah said that the new building of the Police Commissioner’s Office in Ahmedabad will not only enhance the facilities of the building but will also enable the Ahmedabad police to establish a new working system.
Union Home Minister stated that the sevenstorey Police Commissioner’s Office, built with modern technology at a cost of approximately ₹140 crores and covering an area of about 18,000 square meters, includes facilities for the fitness of personnel such as a gym, parking for citizens, CCTV cameras, fire safety equipment, and centralized Air conditioning. He mentioned that this modern building will not only ensure security but also houses a police museum that will showcase the measures taken for the security of Ahmedabad from the beginning to the present.
He said that a beautiful memorial has also been constructed here in the memory of the police personnel who were martyred to protect the citizens. Besides, a public convenience center and a control room have also been created which will cover every nook and corner of Ahmedabad and ensure the security of the entire city.
Shri Amit Shah stated that the new Police Commissioner’s Office building also saw the inauguration of the ‘Joint Interrogation Center’ and the ‘Tera Tujhko Arpan’ portal, along with the launch of the ‘Cyber Saathi’ book. The first two initiatives aim to raise awareness among people affected by cybercrime and help them recover their lost money. He mentioned that the establishment of the ‘Joint Interrogation Center’ was made so that central agencies and Ahmedabad police can conduct inquiries in a correct and scientific manner during riots, terrorist attacks, and other situations of unrest.
Union Home Minister explained that India’s internal security landscape has significantly changed over the past 10 years. A decade ago, there were three major hotspots in the country—Kashmir, the Northeast, and Naxal-affected areas—where bomb blasts were so common that they barely made the news. It was considered as normal. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, due to permanent and systematic measures over the past 10 years, and the dedicated work from a security and development perspective, violence in these three hotspots has reduced by 70 per cent. Shri Shah added that security agencies across the country, along with state police forces, have worked together to reduce mortality rate by 72 per cent in Kashmir, the Northeast, and Naxal-affected areas. He said that this success shows that in the coming days, ‘Naxal free India’ and ‘Terrorism free India’ are going to be a reality.
Shri Amit Shah said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has made efforts to bring about several changes in the police culture. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has put before the country the concept of pro-active, predictive and scientific approach for pro-active policing. Shri Shah also mentioned that India has made a radical overhaul of the colonial-era criminal laws by creating three new criminal laws, and their implementation has already begun across the country. In these laws, provisions have been made for the use of technology to solve crimes, prevent crimes, complete prosecution quickly and punish as many criminals as possible.Keeping the next 100 years in mind, the laws have been designedto account for future technologies, so that there will be no need to change these laws over the next century.To prevent delays in investigations, prosecutions, and other judicial processes, it has been decided to impose time limits on police, lawyers, and judges on 83 instances of the judicial process.
Union Home Minister stated that after the implementation of the three new laws, the process of developing the necessary infrastructure has begun. Once this is in place, within the next three years, India’s criminal justice system will become the most modern in the world. He added that with the new laws in effect, the entire process of justice, from filing of an FIR up to justice from the Supreme Court, will be completed within three years, ensuring timely justice for the people.
Shri Amit Shah stated that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has elevated India’s economy from the 11th to the 5th position globally, and by 2027, we are surely on track to become the world’s third-largest economy. At such a critical time, police officers need robust legal support to ensure the security of our nation, including cybersecurity, and to prevent economic crimes. The three new criminal laws will provide strong backing to police officers in their efforts.
Union Home Minister said that the Gujarat Police has made several technological innovations throughout its glorious history. Initiatives like ‘E-GujCop’, ‘body-worn cameras’, and the ‘Vishwas Project’ have helped Gujarat Police establish itself as one of the most modern police forces in the country, which is a matter of pride. He added that the way the Gujarat Police has launched a determined campaign against narcotics is commendable, and they are now cited as an example across the country for its investigation.
Shri Amit Shah also mentioned that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has envisioned a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047. Gujarat has always been a progressive state. This is the same Gujarat that used to experience frequent curfews in the 1980s and 1990s, but now the situation has changed, and a safe environment has been established in the state.
SUBJECTS: Planned protests to mark one year anniversary of Oct 7 attacks; Australians in Lebanon; NRL grand final
SARAH ABO, HOST: Well, thousands of protesters will take to the streets this weekend to mark a year of the Israel-Gaza conflict, with authorities calling for calm after the rallies were given the green light. For more, we’re joined by NDIS and Government Services Minister Bill Shorten in Melbourne and opposition leader Peter Dutton in Brisbane. Good to see you both. Pete, I’ll start with you. So, New South Wales tried to block this rally, that was overruled. The SA, in South Australia, the police say they don’t oppose it. Those attending say it’ll be peaceful. So how do we strike the right balance here?
PETER DUTTON, LIBERAL PARTY: Well, Sarah, this is the biggest loss of Jewish life since the Holocaust. And that’s what October 7th is. So, it’s the anniversary of the terrorist attack in the kibbutz’s and where people were slaughtered in the Nova music festival. So, there were no attacks, no rockets launched by Israel on October 7th or October 8th or October 9th. The response came after that, as we know. So, this is an anniversary of 1200 people losing their lives. And that’s why the protests shouldn’t go ahead. And you would only be protesting the anniversary of that loss of life if you were trying to be provocative or difficult. If you were marking the anniversary of the Holocaust, people would be outraged. And I just think it’s completely unacceptable that people would be using this opportunity to essentially rub, you know, I just think they’re compounding the grief of people who have lost lives. And it’s completely unacceptable.
ABO: Yeah, I mean, Pete, I guess despite all of that, they are still going ahead. I mean, there’s nothing we can do to stop it. So, it’s really just about upholding the peaceful intended nature of it.
DUTTON: Well, just again, Sarah, I mean, why would people why would people want to do this? And I think there are people within the community, leaders so-called within the community, who should show greater sensitivity and there are other dates that they can commemorate. But October 7th is an anniversary where 1200 people were killed by a terrorist organization and people who were sympathizers to the terrorist organization in this country, frankly, are at odds with our values and our rule of law.
ABO: And, Bill, there are obviously significant sensitivities around this. And as we know, the tensions are escalating currently in the Middle East. There’s a lot of heat in the community, and it seems little is being done to sort of turn down that temperature. Is the government concerned that these protests may cause further rifts in the community?
BILL SHORTEN, MINISTER FOR THE NDIS AND GOVERNENT SERVICES: Well, I agree with a fair bit of what Peter was saying there. October the 7th was a massacre of Israelis. Hamas crossed the border. They killed young people at a concert. They committed shocking crimes. They kidnapped people. They sexually abused people. I don’t know what someone who’s – I don’t know why someone would protest about that or be in some fashion being seen to lend their weight to it. I mean, we are a free country. We don’t want to become like the countries that we criticize. But I just think on October the 7th, that was a massacre of innocent people. Now, there might be some people watching who say, oh, what about, you know, my side of the argument and my hurt and my pain. I accept that, but one, you’ve got to keep it peaceful. Two, why do it on the day where – you know, if you really think that Hamas was right. I do not understand how you think. I do not understand how people would want to celebrate Hamas’ actions.
ABO: Yeah.
SHORTEN: So yeah, but I think most Australians don’t want to see these arguments from overseas coming to these shores. They certainly expect it to be peaceful. And I’ll just say to any protesters, if you think somehow, you’re convincing or changing anyone’s mind, think again.
ABO: It is truly horrific, that’s for sure. The fresh wave of attacks that we’re seeing, bill in Lebanon at the moment. The UN has called this truly catastrophic. We know that the Australian government is doing what it can, deploying the RAAF planes there to try and evacuate some. How is that all tracking at the moment?
SHORTEN: Yeah. I want to thank our people in the Australian Defence Force. We have military resources to help evacuate people pre-positioned in Cyprus. I know the government’s assisted people on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday to get commercial flights out. I know there’ll be opportunities on Saturday for 500 Australian citizens and immediate family members. But also, I have to say that the Prime Minister and the government has been saying since last November, please do not go to Lebanon. Whilst it might have been a surprise on which particular day the fighting escalated, the point is there was a big chance the fighting was going to escalate. So please get out now. Do not go to Lebanon. Please get out now. The Australian Government has a phone number. I think it’s 6261 3305. 6261 3305. But yeah, just let’s get out of there. It’s just – there’s nothing going to be good about being in Lebanon right now.
ABO: Yeah. I think both sides are in agreement on that. Look, it’s all very heavy and really tragic and awful. So, let’s focus on something a little bit different now because this weekend of course we have the big NRL grand final decider. It’s less than 48 hours away with the Storm taking on the Panthers. Pete, I wanted to ask you. I mean, seeing as you’re single handedly responsible for the turning of the political tide in Victoria, you would, of course, be backing the Storm right now, right?
DUTTON: Well, I’ve picked. I’ve picked Penrith, I think. Just an amazing –
ABO: What? Pete.
DUTTON: They are an amazing team. They are an amazing team.
ABO: You need to win Melbourne over mate, come on.
DUTTON: I’m still celebrating the Lions win. I’m still, I’m still – every Victorian was going against the New South Wales team last weekend. So, they were all on the Lions and we were on a unity ticket. So, this week – you know I just think I mean storms had had an incredible season as well. But I just think Penrith will be too strong.
ABO: Billy, surely you’ve got the storm, right?
SHORTEN: Yeah. No, I think the Storm’s a really well-run club. I’ve been lucky enough to have a bit to do with them over the journey and, you know they did beat Penrith in 2020. Craig Bellamy, ten grand finals. Penrith is a really strong team. One thing’s for sure. The two best teams are playing in the grand final. But, you know, Pete, there was that chance for you to sort of cement the deal in Victoria, but given two choices –
ABO: I know, I gave him an opportunity.
SHORTEN: But you went the wrong way, I know
ABO: He didn’t take it. . SHORTEN: Sarah just laid it out in the red carpet. I don’t know. I don’t know.
DUTTON: Hey, Bill, I’m just glad that you know there’s an NRL team in in Victoria. Well done.
ABO: We couldn’t leave this chat without a sledge. Right? Okay.
SHORTEN: That’s good. And do you know what? Even though we’re not an NRL, even though we’re not an NRL state, we can still win the flag. I love it. When Victorians turn their mind to something. We’re unstoppable.
ABO: Yes. Let’s go with that.
SHORTEN: It’s actually the third Queensland team anyway.
NEWARK, DE – The U.S. Department of Labor announced that its Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs has entered into a conciliation agreement with Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc. to resolve alleged pay discrimination against female employees at its manufacturing facility in Newark.
A routine OFCCP compliance review found that, beginning Jan. 1, 2020, the employer paid females in system engineer roles less than male counterparts in similar positions at the laboratory diagnostics manufacturing center. Such action violates Executive Order 11246, which prohibits federal contractors from discriminating in employment decisions based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.
In addition to paying eight female system engineers $57,200 in back wages and interest, Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics made $24,821 in salary adjustments for three women. The company also agreed to review its compensation practices and policies and train managers to ensure future compliance.
“Our conciliation agreement with Siemens reflects the U.S. Department of Labor’s continued efforts to bridge gender wage gaps and hold federal contractors accountable when they fail to comply with the law,” said Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs Regional Director Samuel B. Maiden in Philadelphia.
Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc. is contracted by the National Institutes of Health and employs about 1,300 workers in Newark. Since 2020, the company has held at least $882 million in federal contracts with numerous federal agencies including the National Institute of Health and the Department of Defense.
Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Siemens Medical Solutions USA Inc. in Malvern, Pennsylvania. Siemens Medical Solutions USA Inc. is the holding company of Siemens Healthineers AG’s U.S., based in Germany.
In addition to Executive Order 11246, OFCCP enforces Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974. These laws, as amended, prohibit federal contractors and subcontractors from discrimination in employment because of disability or status as a protected veteran.
Join Stephen Roe Lewis, Governor of the Gila River Indian Community, as he shares his vision for 2045.
What does a thriving indigenous future look like? Visit https://thefuturethanksyou.com to share your own vision and see how our choices today can make it a reality.
The Future Thanks You – a campaign from the Verified initiative by the United Nations and Purpose – aims to build support for a future powered by renewable energy.
Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and sub-regional organizations (AU) by members of the Joint Pledges on Climate, Peace and Security (France, Guyana, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, the Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States of America).
Work to improve electricity network resilience and increase drinking water services is to be carried out for the fast-growing eastern suburbs.
Porirua City Council, Wellington Electricity, Wellington Water and Kāinga Ora are teaming up to carry out critical infrastructure service upgrades along link roads, at the same time. These upgrades will increase resilience and supply for local residents and will benefit Porirua as a whole, but will cause traffic disruption during the work.
The Waitangirua and Te Ara Kāpehu (Whitby) Link Roads Project breaks ground in early November, and will take about seven months to complete.
Stage 1 – full closure
Porirua City Council General Manager Infrastructure Mike Mendonça said the first stage of the construction work is due to start in early November and requires the full closure of Waitangirua Link Road (from Warspite Avenue to the T-junction with Te Ara Kāpehu/the Whitby Link Road). This stage is expected to take up to five months to complete.
“During the closure, drinking water pipes will be laid, along with cabling for electricity network upgrades. Teaming up to do this infrastructure work means we only need to close the road once, rather than twice, which would have been more inconvenient to road users,” he said.
“For the work to be completed as quickly and efficiently as possible, the decision has been made to fully close the road, so work crews have unimpeded access to the site.
“If we were to keep the road partially open the work would take considerably longer and cost considerably more. Once the cabling and pipework is completed, the road will be fully resurfaced.”
Stage 2 – partial lane closure
The second stage of work will take place along Te Ara Kāpehu Link Road (between Silverbrooke and the roundabout before the Transmission Gully on-ramp) also to lay water pipes and power cabling.
This work is scheduled to happen once the first stage is complete, and the Waitangirua Link Road is back open. The intention is that one lane will remain open with traffic management measures expected to be in place for about two months.
Porirua Mayor Anita Baker acknowledges the work will be disruptive for regular users of the link roads, and individuals and businesses living and operating in the area.
“We know eastern Porirua is growing quickly, so this work is important to increase resilience and future capacity of the electricity network for this part of the city and to enable improved drinking water supply for eastern Porirua and Whitby,” Mayor Baker said.
“To keep disruption to a minimum, we are working together using a ‘dig once’ approach to get water and electricity upgrades done at the same time. Although this may seem like basic commonsense it’s not always achievable with different entities having competing priorities and timeframes,” she said.
While the road is closed, Council will also take the opportunity to remove wilding pine trees, clear vegetation and install signage for the increased speed limit on the Waitangirua Link Road, which is being raised to 60km/h as part of the Speed Management Plan for Porirua City.
“We encourage motorists to plan their journeys using alternative routes and allow extra time, and we’re grateful for everyone’s patience while this important work is done,” Mayor Baker said.
What the work involves
Improved electricity network resilience and future capacity
Council will work with Wellington Electricity to lay new power cables. This work will increase the resilience of eastern Porirua’s electricity network, helping to ensure safe and reliable power for decades to come.
New cables will also allow future capacity increases, anticipating housing growth as this area continues to expand.
Improved water supply
An additional 2.4 km of drinking water pipes will connect to the new, larger reservoir to be built at the end of Stemhead Lane.
This will cater for future demand on Porirua’s drinking water network and improve network resilience by adding a second connection to upper Whitby and providing capacity in case of an emergency. These upgrades also reduce and ultimately remove current reliance on pump stations.
The new reservoir is planned for construction in the first half of 2025 and will be delivered by Te Rā Nui. It will increase the amount of water available from 4.5 million litres to 13.5 million litres.
People Against Prisons Aotearoa can confirm that a second person has died in Mount Eden Corrections Facility.
This second death was discovered on Thursday morning, less than a week after Andrew Chan Chui was found dead in the same prison. Dr. Emmy Rākete, spokesperson for PAPA and a lecturer in criminology at the University of Auckland, says the string of deaths raises concerns about the facility’s management.
“Mount Eden Prison is a death trap,” says Dr. Rākete. “I am extremely concerned that prison management either can’t or won’t ensure the safety of the people they’re locking up.”
Sources informed Dr. Rākete that emergency services were called to Mount Eden Corrections Facility on the morning of Thursday October 3rd, where they declared that the patient was deceased almost immediately. Correspondence from within the Department of Corrections, provided to Dr. Rākete, confirms that a death occurred in Mount Eden Corrections Facility on Thursday.
“This is the third death in Mount Eden Prison this year. Andrew Chan Chui was murdered in his cell last week. Another man took his own life in Mount Eden Prison in June. There is a pattern of violence and death in Mount Eden Prison that Dion Paki, the director of the prison, needs to be held accountable for. How many more people will Mount Eden Prison let die?”
People Against Prisons Aotearoa and the Chan Chui family will be holding a candlelight vigil outside of Mount Eden Corrections Facility tomorrow, October 5th, at 7:30pm.
North Carolinians May Be Eligible for Transitional Sheltering in Hotels
ATLANTA – FEMA has activated Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) for North Carolinians displaced by Tropical Storm Helene in Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey counties and for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
Residents in these counties who have applied for disaster assistance may be eligible to stay temporarily in a hotel or motel paid for by FEMA while they work on their long-term housing plan. People do not need to request this assistance. FEMA will notify them of their eligibility through an automated phone call, text message, and/or email, depending upon the method of communication they selected at the time of application for disaster assistance.
Individuals and households may be eligible if they cannot return to their disaster-damaged home and their housing needs cannot be met by insurance, shelters or rental assistance provided by FEMA or another agency.
Under the TSA program, FEMA pays the cost of room, taxes and non-refundable pet fees directly to participating hotels and motels. Pet fees will only be paid up to the approved limit of assistance for individual rooms. Survivors are responsible for all other costs, including laundry, restaurant/room service, parking, telephone, or movie rental.
Eligible survivors may stay in participating TSA hotels in Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. To locate participating hotels, visit femaemergencyhotels.com/ and enter your FEMA registration number, obtained when you applied for FEMA assistance.
An initial eligibility review will be conducted 60-days after the check-in date. When eligibility ends, survivors will be notified by FEMA seven days prior to checkout date.
TSA participants may also be eligible for other federal financial help, including Displacement Assistance, Rental Assistance, Home Repair Assistance and other aspects of the Individual Assistance program.
To apply for assistance, homeowners and renters can:
Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov.
Download the FEMA App for mobile devices
Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. Lines are open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
For the latest information on North Carolina’s’ recovery from Hurricane Helene visit fema.gov/disaster/4827. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.
To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube.
For North Carolinians seeking general information, please visit ncdps.gov/helene.
Released by: Minister for the Central Coast, Minister for Gaming and Racing
Fans of the Central Coast Mariners FC will continue to enjoy A-League games with less sports betting advertising thanks to a new Reclaim the Game partnership with GambleAware.
Under the new partnership, the Club will turn down sports betting sponsorships and eliminate sports betting advertising at their home games across both the men’s and women’s A-League teams.
The Mariners will also work to educate fans, players and staff about the risks and harms which can arise from gambling.
Reclaim the Game launched in 2020 and has grown to include 19 teams across six codes in NSW. It has reached millions of sports fans, both on TV and in stadiums.
The Mariners, who continue to grow in popularity, particularly off their back-to-back men’s A-League titles over the past two seasons, are the first Central Coast sporting club to sign on for this awareness initiative.
The Central Coast has a high rate of gambling participation and Reclaim the Game will remind fans that they can enjoy watching their team without spending their hard-earned money on betting.
A recent survey conducted by Reclaim the Game suggests that Mariners’ fans are on board with the new partnership. In the survey, 85% of fans agreed that there is too much gambling advertising.
As well as the new Mariners’ partnership, GambleAware has extended its partnerships with the Western Sydney Wanderers, and Cricket NSW which includes Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder.
The Minns Labor Government has a strong track record on reducing gambling harm since coming into office, including:
Committing $100 million to harm minimisation – investing in research, treatment, services and reform
Establishing an Independent Panel of experts overseeing a cashless gaming trial
Banning all external gambling signage in venues and introducing Responsible Gambling Officers for venues with more than 20 machines
Forbidding political donations from clubs with electronic gaming machines.
For free and confidential gambling support 24/7 call GambleAware on 1800 858 858.
Minister for Gaming and Racing and Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said:
“Sports betting advertising and sponsorship is just about everywhere. We see it across most codes and many fans don’t know sport without it.
“The NSW Government, through Reclaim the Game, is partnering with sporting clubs to take a stand and challenge the impact that sports betting advertising has on fans.
“All our partners are committed to eliminating sports betting advertising at their home games, and to take action in educating their fans, players and staff about the potential harms of sports betting.
“It’s no secret I’m a big fan of the mighty Mariners, so I am absolutely delighted by this new partnership, which will have a positive impact on the Central Coast.”
Mariners CEO Alyssar Narey said:
“We are proud to partner with the NSW Government’s Reclaim the Game initiative.
“This collaboration underscores our commitment to promoting a healthy and positive environment in sports, where our players and fans can thrive without the influence of gambling.
“Together, we can create a stronger community and ensure that the joy of the game remains at the forefront.”
About Reclaim the Game:
Reclaim the Game was launched in 2020. 19 teams from six codes are partners in the program:
Rugby League: 1. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 2. South Sydney Rabbitohs
Basketball: 3. Illawarra Hawks 4. Sydney Kings 5. Sydney Flames
Football (Soccer): 6. Western Sydney Wanderers (A-League men’s) 7. Western Sydney Wanderers (A-League women’s)
8. Central Coast Mariners (A-League men’s)
9. Central Coast Mariners (A-League women’s)
Cricket: 10. Sydney Sixers (BBL) 11. Sydney Sixers (WBBL) 12. Sydney Thunder (BBL) 13. Sydney Thunder (WBBL) 14. NSW Blues 15. NSW Breakers
Australian Football League (AFL): 16. Sydney Swans (AFL) 17. Sydney Swans (AFLW)
Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development
The Albanese Government has launched a Project Noticeboard to assist communities to identify potential projects or locations to be funded from Round 3 of the Mobile Network Hardening Program (MHNP). The MNHP aims to reduce the risks of service outages and improve restoration times of mobile telecommunications in communities impacted by natural disasters by co-funding projects with carriers and telco companies that aim to deliver resilience upgrades. This can include portable generators, power back-up upgrades and physical mobile tower hardening. Under Round 3, the Government is providing $20 million for projects located in areas impacted by, or at risk of, a natural disaster in regional and remote Australia and – for the first time – in the peri-urban fringe of 19 capital and major regional cities. The peri-urban fringe is where the bush meets the edges of the suburbs, creating risks of natural disasters for those living and working in those areas. The expansion of Round 3 to include peri-urban areas ensures they will also have access to resilient mobile communications services during and after natural disasters. Opening today, the Project Noticeboard allows local councillors and state, territory and federal parliamentarians to identify potential projects or locations suitable for funding under Round 3, with telco industry applicants encouraged to review these submissions when preparing their applications. In total, the Government is investing $2.2 billion in regional communications – the most significant investment in this critical area since the inception of the National Broadband Network. Rounds 1 and 2 of the MNHP are funding approximately 1,386 projects nationwide, with 896 already complete. To view the Project Noticeboard, please visit:https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/media-communications-arts/phone/mobile-network-hardening-program/mobile-network-hardening-program-round-3-project-noticeboard For more information on the Government’s Better Connectivity Plan, visitinfrastructure.gov.au/bcp For more information on the Mobile Network Hardening Program, visithttp://www.infrastructure.gov.au/mnhp Quotes attributable to the Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP: “Access to reliable communications can be a matter of life and death during times of disaster – which is why our Government is continuing to invest strongly in communications network resilience through the Mobile Network Hardening Program. “Ahead of the next round of applications opening, we want to hear from representatives of local communities in areas at risk of natural disaster to inform how best to target this funding. “Importantly, the program has now expanded to include peri-urban locations, as we know that communities on the urban fringes of our major cities face particular risks when it comes to natural disasters. “I encourage locals to speak with their councillors and federal, state or territory representatives to identify potential projects or locations that would benefit from improved communications resilience, and make their voice heard.”
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
INDIANAPOLIS, IN—September 29, 2024 – A recent FBI report shows that Indiana seniors lost $37,812,966 to elder fraud schemes in 2023. Indiana ranked 25th on the FBI’s list of 57 scammed states and U.S. territories.
“Elder fraud schemes exploit the trust and goodwill of older Americans, preying on their vulnerabilities. Common scams include lottery scams, romance scams, and phishing schemes that can lead to significant financial losses,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “Fraudsters constantly evolve their tactics so staying informed about the latest scams through events such as this workshop can help protect seniors.”
On October 8, 2024, the Indianapolis FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBIICAAA) will present—AI Isn’t Sci-Fi: Free Fraud Workshop and Luncheon – a community outreach and education event to help curb fraud in Indiana.
“Elder fraud is on the rise, impacting our communities, neighbors, and families. This is one of our organization’s main community outreach priorities for 2024,” said Scott Hainey, FBIICAAA president. “Our goal for this event is to help educate and empower older adults in Central Indiana and their families on how to prevent becoming a victim to a fraud scheme.”
The program’s keynote presenters will be Christopher Knight, forensic accountant with the FBI Indianapolis Field Office, a renowned expert in elder fraud; and Scott Barnhart, director and chief council of consumer protection with the Office of the Indiana Attorney General. A panel of experts representing the FBI, Indiana Attorney General’s Office, Secretary of State Office, Medicaid, and the IRS will address audience questions.
Online registration for this free local workshop and luncheon is open until, Tuesday, October 1, 2024, or by phone 317-731-2289. The workshop will be held at Emmanual Church located at 1640 W. Stones Crossing Road, Greenwood, Indianapolis, 46143.
AI Isn’t Sci-Fi: Free Fraud Workshop and Luncheon is presented by the FBI Indianapolis Citizens Academy Alumni Association; a nonprofit organization separate and apart from the FBI. Workshop partners included Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated Alpha Mu Omega Chapter, Indiana Council Against Senior Exploitation (INCASE), Emmanuel Church, and Indiana Real Estate Experts.
Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Mark S Tremblay, Professor of Pediatrics in the Faculty of Medicine and Senior Scientist at the CHEO Research Institute, L’Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa
A recent study found that only 14 per cent of preschoolers around the world are meeting movement recommendations for physical activity, sleep and screen time.(Shutterstock)
Appropriate levels of physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep (collectively termed movement behaviours) are essential for the healthy growth and development of preschool-aged children.
This was the impetus for creating the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for the Early Years (birth to four years). Likewise, this is why the World Health Organization adopted the Canadian guidelines when creating the global guidelines on physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep for children under five years of age.
Considering the extensive benefits of movement behaviours, it is very alarming that a recent study found that only 14 per cent of preschoolers around the world are meeting movement behaviour guideline recommendations.
three or more hours of total physical activity (including at least one hour of energetic play or activities that make them slightly out of breath),
one hour or less of screen time, and
10 to 13 hours of good quality sleep
Importantly, preschoolers who meet these guidelines gain health benefits such as reduced risk of obesity, improved social and emotional skills, and proficient motor skills.
Global levels
Preschoolers with healthy movement behaviour habits meeting these guideline recommendations gain health benefits such as reduced risk of obesity, improved social and emotional skills, and proficient motor skills. (Pixabay/Oleksandr Pidvalnyi)
A new global study shows most children around the world don’t meet these guidelines. The study included more than 7,000 preschoolers from 33 different countries, including Canada. The countries represented various World Bank income groups (e.g., high, middle and low income countries); and the geographical regions of Africa, Americas, Eastern Mediterranean, Europe, Southeast Asia and Western Pacific.
When looking at each movement behaviour individually for preschoolers around the world, 49 per cent met the physical activity recommendations, 42 per cent met the screen time recommendation, and 81 per cent met the sleep recommendation.
That most young children are not meeting each of these basic recommendations separately is cause for concern; that 86 per cent are not meeting all guideline recommendations combined is alarming and places preschoolers around the world at risk of sub-standard health and development.
Globally, 81 per cent of preschoolers met sleep recommendations. (Shutterstock)
Seventeen per cent of boys met all the guideline recommendations, compared to 13 per cent of girls. This slight difference was driven by more boys meeting the physical activity recommendation (56 per cent boys, 42 per cent girls), and protected from being even worse by more girls meeting the screen time (45 per cent girls, 38 per cent boys) and sleep (82 per cent girls, 79 per cent boys) recommendations.
Better screen time and sleep habits for girls protected their overall movement behaviour adherence from being even worse, showcasing the various paths to health through different movement behaviour combinations. However, the low number meeting all movement behaviour recommendations demonstrates the need for all preschoolers to routinely be more active, reduce screen time and accumulate good quality sleep in a day.
By income
Screen time in the evening is associated with less sleep and lower sleep quality. (Shutterstock)
Low-income countries had the highest movement behaviour guideline adherence levels (17 per cent), compared to middle-income (12 per cent) and high-income (14 per cent) countries.
While children from high-income countries were more active and had more quality sleep, they also had the worst screen time behaviours compared to low- and middle-income countries. It is a double-edged sword that in higher-income countries, children have more access to physical activity opportunities and quality sleep environments, but also more access to screen time devices.
Likewise, middle-income countries with the lowest movement behaviour adherence rates could symbolize a region’s development transition where infrastructure in the homes and communities cannot yet support more physical activity and good quality sleep, but availability of cell phones, televisions and other screens leads to increased sedentary behaviours.
By region
The African and European regions had the highest movement behaviour adherence (24 per cent), while the Americas region had the lowest (eight per cent). With 17 per cent meeting the screen time recommendations and 68 per cent meeting the physical activity recommendations, the Americas region had the worst screen time and best physical activity.
The physical activity levels of the Americas region preschoolers are higher compared to the 39 per cent of older Canadian children and youth as reported in the ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth. But these older Canadian children and youth did have slightly better, albeit still poor, screen time behaviours with 27 per cent meeting the guidelines.
Sixty-eight per cent of preschool-aged children in the Americas were meeting the physical activity recommendations, compared to only 26 per cent of Southeast Asian children. However, it remains a concern that roughly half of all young children around the world are at risk of sub-optimal health and development from lack of physical activity.
Roughly half of all young children around the world are at risk of sub-optimal health and development from lack of physical activity. (Shutterstock)
Guidance for improvements can be drawn from the World Health Organization’s Global Action Plan on Physical Activity, where the goal of a 15 per cent relative reduction in global physical inactivity rates by 2030 relies on capacity-building collaborations within research organizations and alliances to strengthen our global understanding of movement behaviours.
Along with the best movement behaviours overall, the African region had the best screen time levels with 63 per cent meeting the recommendations. This is potentially explained by limited access to screen time devices.
However, to better understand why screen time behaviours are better in Africa, initiatives like the Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance Global Matrix project should be used as a model. Within the Global Matrix, region-level differences are an opportunity to learn the strengths of other regions, while addressing regional weaknesses at home.
For instance, Canada could be a model for less active countries, while attempting to model the African region’s reduced screen time lifestyles. Further, projects such as the SUNRISE study — where researchers from more than 70 countries are collaborating to measure preschoolers’ movement behaviours, health and development — are excellent venues for this necessary capacity-building and global learning.
However, health movement behaviour levels in Canada and across the globe are unsatisfactory and forecast further global health challenges, inequalities, and distancing from United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It’s time to get our little ones a little more active.
Mark S Tremblay has received research funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Public Health Agency of Canada for research distally related to this article. He is affiliated with the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology who created the Canadian 24-hour Movement Guidelines for the Early Years, under his leadership. He was also on the expert panel for the World Health Organization for the development of the global guidelines cited in the article.
Nicholas Kuzik 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.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) engaged Forest 360 to harvest pines which are creating a seed source of wilding pine at the end of Kashmir Rd. Wilding pines are invasive weeds which threaten to permanently alter our unique New Zealand landscapes.
Forest 360 will remove the pines, allowing native forest to regenerate and will continue to undertake pest plant and animal control in the area for five years after harvesting.
Kelly Hancock, Acting Operations Manager for DOC Manawatu, says closing access is a last resort, but several close calls from people wandering into dangerous situations have left DOC with no other options.
“Initially we kept the road open to the public during weekends, so hunters and trampers could access the local hut and track network.
“Unfortunately there have been multiple incidents, with logging trucks coming across vehicles on the road unexpectedly, hunters popping up next to felling machines while they are operating, and quite a bit of theft and vandalism occurring during weekends.”
Kelly says it is great to see the local community so keen to get into the Ruahine Forest Park and make the most of the opportunities on our doorstep, but it is not safe for people to be driving or walking through an area being actively logged.
“This is really heavy-duty machinery, and an incident could lead to someone being seriously hurt. If people are going to ignore the signs and barriers and venture into the area outside of the agreed access times, we have no choice but to close the area to all public access.
“We must ensure public safety above all else, so it really leaves us with no option but to completely close the road to the public while the pines are being harvested.”
There are several other ways to access the forest park nearby, such as Mill Rd.
Kashmir Rd will reopen to the public for two weeks over the Christmas/New Year period, while Forest 360 staff and contractors take a well-earned break. It will be closed again from 5 January until harvest is completed in May or June 2025.
Without the risk of public venturing into the area over the weekend, forestry operations will be able to move to six days per week so the harvest may be able to be completed sooner.
Group of Seven (G7) leaders on Thursday voiced “deep concern” over the “deteriorating situation” in the Middle East.
The “dangerous cycle of attacks and retaliation risks fuelling uncontrollable escalation in the Middle East, which is in no one’s interest. Therefore, we call on all regional players to act responsibly and with restraint,” said a G7 statement released by 10 Downing Street.
The statement said G7 leaders had discussed “coordinated efforts and actions” to avoid further escalation of conflict in the region, without specifying details.
“We also reiterate our call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the unconditional release of all hostages, a significant and sustained increase in the flow of humanitarian assistance, and an end to the conflict,” it said.
As to the recent escalating conflicts between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, leaders of the seven biggest developed countries urged all actors to protect civilian populations, saying they are committed to providing humanitarian assistance to address the urgent needs of civilians in Lebanon.
In the statement, they stressed “the importance of the United Nations in resolving armed conflict and mitigating the humanitarian impact in the Middle East,” saying that “we are committed to reinforcing our support to the mission, pursuant to applicable UN resolutions.”
The G7 comprises the United States, Britain, Canada, Italy, France, Germany and Japan.
Also on Thursday, Lebanese Health Minister Firas Abiad reported that a total of 1,974 people have been killed, including 127 children and 261 women, since the onset of the Hezbollah-Israeli conflict in October last year. The World Health Organization said on the same day that 28 healthcare workers were killed in the past 24 hours in Lebanon amid escalating hostilities.
The top leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) said the country would use all offensive forces, including nuclear weapons, if enemies attempt to use armed forces encroaching upon the DPRK sovereignty, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Friday.
Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the DPRK, made the remarks while inspecting a training base of the special operation units earlier this week.
Kim stressed that the enemies’ threatening rhetoric, action, trick and attempt will not take away the DPRK’s nuclear weapons and the country “has irreversibly secured the absolute strength as a nuclear power and the system and function for using it,” according to the KCNA report.
“To pray for a good luck of survival in a military conflict with the nuclear weapons state would be a foolish thing,” and “if such situation comes, the permanent existence of Seoul and the Republic of Korea would be impossible,” the DPRK leader was quoted by the KCNA as saying.
Noting the necessity for the DPRK military force to keep cultivating its strength, Kim stressed that “strength in our hands is the only guarantee for keeping under control the enemy and defending ourselves,” the KCNA report said.
During the inspection of the training base of the special operation units in the western area on Wednesday, Kim touted the DPRK special operation forces as the “pivotal and core force” in the country’s war deterrence and war-fighting capabilities, while underlining the need of expanding and strengthening the special operation forces into the country’s strongest combat forces, the KCNA said.
GDP decreases 0.2 percent in the June 2024 quarter – 19 September 2024 – New Zealand’s gross domestic product (GDP) fell 0.2 percent in the June 2024 quarter, following a 0.1 percent increase in the March 2024 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.
Retail trade and accommodation; agriculture, forestry, and fishing; and wholesale trade industries all fell.
“Activity in retail trade and wholesale trade has been in steady decline since 2022,” national accounts industry and production senior manager Ruvani Ratnayake said.
Forestry and logging drove the fall in the agriculture, forestry, and fishing industry. This is mirrored by a fall in exports of forestry primary products.
Despite the overall fall in GDP, 7 out of the 16 industries increased. The largest rise was in manufacturing.
Visit Statistics NZ’s website to read this news story and information release and to download CSV files:
Electronic card transactions: August 2024 – 12 September 2024 – The electronic card transactions (ECT) series cover debit, credit, and charge card transactions with New Zealand-based merchants. The series can be used to indicate changes in consumer spending and economic activity.
Key facts All figures are seasonally adjusted unless otherwise specified.
Values are at the national level and are not adjusted for price changes.
August 2024 month Changes in the value of electronic card transactions for the August 2024 month (compared with July 2024) were:
spending in the retail industries increased 0.2 percent ($10 million)
spending in the core retail industries increased 0.4 percent ($25 million).
Visit Statistics NZ’s website to read this information release and to download CSV files:
International travel: July 2024 – 11 September 2024 – International travel covers the number and characteristics of overseas visitors and New Zealand resident travellers (short-term movements) entering or leaving New Zealand.
Key facts Monthly arrivals – overseas visitors Overseas visitor arrivals were 221,800 in the July 2024 month, an increase of 8,000 from the July 2023 month. The biggest changes were in arrivals from:
Australia (up 11,400)
China (up 10,000)
United States (down 13,100).
July 2023 saw a boost in overseas visitor arrivals from the United States, coinciding with the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 hosted by New Zealand and Australia.
Visit Statistics NZ’s website to read this information release:
Food prices increase 0.4 percent annually – 12 September 2024 – Food prices in New Zealand increased 0.4 percent in the 12 months to August 2024, following a 0.6 percent increase in the 12 months to July 2024, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.
Higher prices for restaurant meals and ready-to-eat food and grocery food drove the annual increase in food prices, up 3.6 percent and 2.4 percent, respectively.
The price increase in restaurant meals and ready-to-eat food was due to higher prices for lunch/brunch, hamburgers, and takeaway coffees.
The price increase in grocery food was due to higher prices for olive oil, chocolate blocks, and butter.
Visit Statistics NZ’s website to read this news story and information release and to download CSV files:
Missy Higgins’ recent ARIA number-one album, The Second Act, represents an increasingly rare sighting: an Australian artist at the top of an Australian chart.
My recently published analysis of Australia’s best-selling singles and albums from 2000 to 2023 shows a significant decline in the representation of artists from Australia and non-English-speaking countries.
The findings suggest music streaming in Australia – together with algorithmic recommendation – is creating a monoculture dominated by artists from the United States and United Kingdom. This could spell bad news for our music industry if things don’t change.
Who dominates Australian charts?
In 2023, Australia’s recorded music industry was worth about A$676 million, up 10.9% year on year.
Building a strong local music industry is important, not only to support diverse cultural expression, but also to create jobs and boost Australia’s reputation on a global stage.
When Australian artists succeed, this attracts global investment, which in turn stimulates all aspects of the local music industry. Conversely, a weak music economy can lead to global disinvestment, thereby disadvantaging local companies, artists and consumers.
My research shows how the rise of music streaming – which became the dominant format for Australian recorded music sales in 2017 – has had a noticeable impact on the diversity of artists represented in the ARIA top 100 single and album charts.
In the year 2000, the top 100 singles chart featured hits from 14 different countries. By contrast, only seven countries were represented in 2023.
The percentage of Australian and New Zealand artists in the top 100 single charts declined from an average of 16% in 2000–16 to around 10% in 2017–23, and just 2.5% in 2023.
Album share also declined from an average of 29% in 2000–16 to 18% in 2017–23, and 4% in 2023.
This chart shows changes in diveristy in the ARIA top 100 albums chart over 22 years. Author provided
Similarly, the proportion of artists from outside the Anglo bloc of North America, the UK and Australia/New Zealand declined from an average of 11.1% in 2000–16 to 7.3% in 2017–23 – while album share declined from 5% in 2000–16 to 2.3% in 2017–23.
My study also found representation of Indigenous artists remained low, but stable, over the period studied – and in line with population ratios.
Concetration of power
The findings suggest the decline in Australian and non-Anglo representation in the ARIA top 100 charts is linked.
Some economists and academics have argued easier access to independent music and global distribution via streaming will lead to greater diversity in music. But this hasn’t been the case in Australia, at least as far as chart-topping artists are concerned.
The global recorded music industry has consolidated in recent years. In the early 2000s there were five major music labels. Currently there are just three: Universal, Sony and Warner.
Last year, these three labels were responsible for more than 95% of the Australian top 100 single and album charts. Meanwhile, Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube make up an estimated 97% of the Australian streaming market.
These concentrations of power allow a handful of record labels and distributors to have a disproportionate influence over music design, production, distribution and governance – thereby limiting opportunities for diversity.
The need for new policy
My findings align with European research that found markets with a strong cultural differentiator of language are showing increased national diversity with streaming.
However, countries without a distinctive language are being increasingly dominated by global music production. In Australia’s case, we’re becoming reliant on the star-making machinery of the US.
Recently, Australia’s live music crisis came under scrutiny at a federal government inquiry, which highlighted the significant power imbalance between artists and multinational promoters.
As I and manyothers have suggested, targeted cultural policies are necessary to combat our highly concentrated and US-dependent market.
Relying on labels and streaming platforms will do little to preserve and promote our nation’s unique musical and cultural identity.
Previous employment at Sony Music, Universal Music, Inertia Music. ARIA Chart Committee member 2005-2017. Employment at these labels ceased by 2017. No continued professional relationship with any of the companies.
Local authority statistics: June 2024 quarter – 10 September 2024 – Local authority statistics provides information on the performance of core non-trading activities of New Zealand’s territorial and regional councils.
Visit Statistics NZ’s website to read this information release and to download CSV files:
New Zealand net migration rate down from peak – 11 September 2024 – International migration in the July 2024 year increased New Zealand’s population by 13 more people for every 1,000 already living here, according to provisional estimates from Stats NZ.
The net migration rate of 13 per 1,000 in the July 2024 year was down from a rate of 26 per 1,000 in the October 2023 year.
“New Zealand’s net migration rate is down on last year, but is still relatively high by historical standards,” population indicators manager Tehseen Islam said.
High net migration rates in 2023 and 2024 mainly reflect the large number of migrant arrivals to New Zealand following the relaxation of COVID-19-related travel and border restrictions, both in New Zealand and overseas, from 2022.
Visit Statistics NZ’s website to read this news story and information release and to download CSV files:
Over the years, it has been the subject of controversy about potential misdiagnosis and overdiagnosis. There has also been variation in levels of diagnosis and drug prescription, depending on where you live and your socioeconomic status.
To address these concerns and improve consistency in ADHD diagnosis and prescribing, the Australasian ADHD Professionals Association has released a new prescribing guide. This will help the health-care workforce to consistently get the right treatment to the right people, with the right mix of medical and non-medical supports.
Here’s how ADHD prescribing has changed over time and what the new guidelines mean.
What is ADHD and how is it treated?
Up to one in ten young Australians experience ADHD. It is diagnosed due to inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity that has negative effects at home, school or work.
Psychostimulant medication is a central pillar of ADHD treatment.
However, the internationally recognised approach is to combine medicines with non-medical interventions in a multimodal approach. These non-medical interventions include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), occupational therapy, educational strategies and other supports.
Medication use has changed over time
In Australia, Ritalin (methylphenidate) was originally the most prescribed ADHD medication. This changed in the 1990s after the introduction of dexamphetamine, along with the subsequent availability of Vyvance (lisdexamfetamine).
Perhaps the most significant change has come with “slow release” versions of the above medications that can last more than eight hours (longer than a school day).
When following clinical guidelines, prescribing medication for ADHD is safe practice. Yet the use of amphetamines to treat young people with ADHD has caused public concern. This highlights the importance of consistent guidelines for prescribing professionals.
Medication for ADHD can be combined with other non-drug approaches. Caleb Woods/Unsplash
Growth in diagnosis and prescribing
Starting from low levels, there was a dramatic rise in diagnosis and drug treatment in the 1990s. Much of this was overseen by a small number of psychiatrists and paediatricians in each state or territory. While this promised the potential of consistency in the early days, it also raised concerns about best practice.
This led to the development of the first ADHD clinical guidelines by the National Medical Health and Research Council in 1997.
It was followed by several refinements as prescription expanded due to changing diagnostic criteria (expanding to include a dual diagnosis with autism) and the need for best practice with the growing prescription by GPs. These guidelines enhanced the consistency of approaches nationally and reduced the likelihood of misdiagnosis or overdiagnosis.
However, a recent Senate inquiry found diagnosis and drug treatment continued to grow substantially in the five years to 2022. It emphasised the need for a more consistent approach to diagnosis and prescribing.
First the ingredients, then the recipe
The most recent clinical guidelines, released by the Australasian ADHD Professionals Association in 2022, outlined a roadmap for ADHD clinical practice, research and policy. They did so by drawing on the lived experience of those with ADHD. They also emphasised broader health questions, such as how to respond to ADHD as a holistic condition.
It remains difficult to predict individual responses to different medication. So the new prescribing guide offers practical advice about safe and responsible prescribing. This aims to reduce the potential for incorrect prescribing, dosing and adjusting of ADHD medication, across different age groups, settings and individuals.
To put this visually, the clinical guidelines describe what the ingredients of the cake should be, while the prescribing guidelines provide step-by-step recipes.
So what do they recommend?
An important principle in both these documents is that medication should not be the first and only treatment. Not every drug works the same way for every child. In some cases they do not work at all.
The possible side effects of medication vary and include poor appetite, sleep problems, headaches, stomach aches, moodiness and irritability. These guidelines assist in adapting medication to reduce these side effects.
Medication provides an important window of opportunity for many young people to gain maximum value from psychosocial and psychoeducational supports. These supports can, among others, include:
Support for ADHD can also include parent training. This is not to suggest parents cause ADHD. Rather, they can support more effective treatment, especially since the rigours of ADHD can be a challenge to even the “perfect” parent.
However, the message from these new guidelines is that ADHD diagnosis is a complex process that takes a specialist at least three hours. Online sources might be useful to prompt people to seek help, but diagnosis should come from a qualified health-care professional.
Finally, while we have moved beyond unhelpful past debate about whether ADHD is real to consolidate best diagnostic and prescribing practice, there is some way to go in reducing stigma and changing negative community attitudes to ADHD.
Hopefully in future we’ll be better able to cherish diversity and difference, and not just see it as a deficit.
Brenton Prosser is a Board Member of the Council of Academic Public Health Institutions Australasia and affiliated with the School of Population Health at UNSW.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Westaway, Australian Research Council Future Fellow, Archaeology, School of Social Science, The University of Queensland
The NSW Education Standards Authority has announced that teaching of the Aboriginal past prior to European arrival will be excluded from the Year 7–10 syllabus as of 2027.
Since 2012, the topic “Ancient Australia” has been taught nationally in Year 7 as part of the Australian Curriculum. In 2022, a new topic called the “deep time history of Australia” was introduced to provide a more detailed study of 65,000 years of First Nations’ occupation of the continent.
However, New South Wales has surprisingly dropped this topic from its new syllabus, which will be rolled out in 2027. Instead, students will only learn First Nations’ history following European colonisation in 1788.
This directly undermines the Alice Springs (Mparntwe) Education Declaration of 2020. This is a national agreement, signed by education ministers from all jurisdictions, which states:
We recognise the more than 60,000 years [sic] of continual connection by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as a key part of the nation’s history, present and future.
If the planned change to the syllabus goes through, the only Aboriginal history taught to NSW students would be that which reflects the destruction of traditional Aboriginal society. It also means Aboriginal students in NSW will be denied a chance to learn about their deep ancestral past.
The significance of Australia’s deep time past
Bruce Pascoe’s groundbreaking 2014 book Dark Emu (which sold more than 500,000 copies), and the associated documentary, have highlighted an enormous appetite for learning about Australia’s deep time past.
Hundreds of thousands of Australians engaged with Dark Emu. As anthropologist Paul Memmott notes, the book prompted a debate that encouraged a better understanding of Aboriginal society and its complexity.
It also generated research that investigated whether terms such as “hunter-gatherers” are appropriate for defining past Aboriginal society and economic systems.
In schools, teachers have used Pascoe’s book Young Dark Emu to introduce students to sophisticated land and aquaculture systems used by First Peoples prior to colonisation.
The book raises an important question. If you lived in a country that invented bread and the edge-ground axe – a culture that independently developed early trade and social living – and did all of this without resorting to land war – wouldn’t you want your children to know about it?
For many students, the history they learn at school is knowledge they carry into their adult lives – and knowledge is the strongest antidote to ignorance. Rather than abandoning the Aboriginal deep time story, schools should be encouraging students to engage with it.
Learning on Country
One of the strengths of the current NSW history syllabus is the requirement for students to undertake a “site study” in Years 8 and 9. Currently, NSW is the only jurisdiction that has made this mandatory.
Site studies are an excellent opportunity for students to learn on Country. Many teachers organise excursions to Aboriginal cultural sites where students can directly engage with local Traditional Owners and Elders.
New South Wales is brimming with sites of cultural significance to Aboriginal people. The map below highlightssome of these, ranging from megafauna sites, to extensive fish traps, to the enigmatic rock art galleries and ceremonial engravings (petroglyphs).
How students will miss out
The Ngambaa people and archaeologists from the University of Queensland are currently investigating one of the largest midden complexes in Australia. This complex, located at Clybucca and Stuart’s Point on the north coast, spans some 14 kilometres and dates back to around 9,000 years ago.
Middens, or “living sites”, are accumulations of shell that were built over time through thousands of discarded seafood meals. Since the shells help reduce the acidic chemistry of the soil, animal bones and plant remains are more likely to be preserved in middens.
For instance, the Clybucca-Stuarts Point midden complex contains remains from seals and dugongs. Both of these animals were once part of the local ecosystem, but no longer are.
The middens also extend back to before the arrival of dingoes, so studying them could help us understand how biodiversity changed once dingoes replaced thylacines and Tasmanian devils on the mainland.
Local school students, especially Aboriginal students, will be actively participating in this cutting-edge research alongside the Ngambaa people, archaeologists and teachers. Among other things, the students will learn how the Ngambaa people sustainably managed land and sea Country over thousand of years during periods of dramatic environmental change.
But innovative programs like this will no longer be as relevant if Australia’s deep time history is removed from the NSW syllabus.
An opportunity for leadership
The study of First Nations archaeological sites, history and cultures tells us a broader human story of continuity and adaptability over deep time. Indigenising the curriculum – wherein Aboriginal knowledge is braided with historical and archaeological inquiry – is a powerful way to reconcile different approaches to understanding the past.
The NSW Education Standards Authority’s proposed changes risk sending young people the message that Australia’s “history” before colonisation is not an important part of the country’s historic narrative.
But there is still time to show leadership – by reversing the decisions and by connecting teachers and students to powerful stories from Australia’s deep time past.
Michael Westaway receives funding from the Australian Research Council and Humanities and Social Science at the University of Queensland .
Bruce Pascoe is the author of the texts mentioned in this article, Dark Emu and Young Dark Emu: A Truer History. He also has positions on the boards of Black Duck Foods, the Twofold Aboriginal Corporation and First Languages Australia.
Louise Zarmati receives research funding from the ARC Centre of Excellence of Australian Biodiversity and Heritage.
Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture
04 October 2024
Who does this notice affect?
Approved arrangements operators, customs brokers, importers, manned depots, and freight forwarders who will be required to book and manage requests for import inspections using the Biosecurity Portal during this scheduled maintenance window.
Approved arrangements operators who will be required to view electronic government certificates (eCertificates) and relevant attachments online as part of document assessment for imported…
The new Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Aeromedical Training Academy in Bundaberg is now officially opened.
Located next to the Bundaberg RFDS base, the new academy has a Beechcraft King Air B360/260 Flight simulator – the first of its kind in Australia – as well as two simulator rooms, two full motion aircraft simulation bays, five meeting rooms and two offices.
The facility also features changerooms, IT and storage rooms, solar energy capabilities, 18 car parking spaces and an access road to service the simulator building.
This world-class facility will train the next generation of Queensland RFDS pilots, with non-RFDS pilots also able to use the simulator for their endorsements or regular training for King Air aircraft.
In total, the simulator will be able to provide 7,000 hours of simulator training on a 24/7 basis, with the RFDS to utilise 1,500 of those available hours.
The project supported 200 jobs during construction, 90 per cent of these living in the region.
The Australian Government committed $14.9 million to the $28.88 million project, with the RFDS ($10.4 million) QCoal Foundation ($3 million) and Bundaberg Regional Council ($580,000 in kind donation) providing the remaining funds.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland, Anthony Chisholm:
“This new state-of-the-art academy will support essential medical services by ensuring Queensland RFDS pilots are trained to meet current flight standards in a superior training device.
“We’re proud to have played a role in making this project a reality, through our $14.9 million contribution, so the RFDS has the facilities they need to save lives in the future.
“This project highlights our commitment to delivering the services and infrastructure that regional, rural and remote communities need.
“The RFDS Aeromedical Training Academy won’t just benefit the hundreds of people who receive care from the RFDS each year, it will also cement Bundaberg as a hub for regional healthcare and training in specialist services.”
The City of Wanneroo’s 2024/25 free events series guarantees to entertain residents and visitors from this October through to May 2025.
We have 12 fun-filled family friendly events lined up, from toe-tapping concerts and buzzing festivals, to laid-back evenings in the park.
Mayor Linda Aitken said the series was all about highlighting the importance of community and encouraging everybody to get involved and attend an event in their suburb.
“Get ready for the return of our crowd-favourite, Symphony Under the Stars! This year, we’re turning up the spotlight on some incredible local talent,” she said. “Enter our Search for a Star competition and you might just find yourself performing with a 70-piece orchestra!”
“This concert is always popular, and it’s easy to see why – it’s a night of unforgettable music under the open sky.
“From the carnival vibes of the Banksia Grove Fun Fest that kicks off the season, to the City-wide celebration of art at the Beach to Bush Arts Festival in May, our event season has something for everyone.
“Wherever you are in the City, don’t miss out on the fun, there’s something to please everyone.”
The 2024/25 City of Wanneroo events series includes:
Banksia Grove Fun Fest, Saturday 26 October 2024, Grandis Park, Banksia Grove
Evening in the Park, Saturday 9 November 2024, Ridgewood Park, Ridgewood
Sunset Sounds Alkimos, Saturday 30 November 2024, Leatherback Park, Alkimos
Aquamotion Outdoor Cinema, Saturday 7 December 2024, Wanneroo Aquamotion
Christmas Fiesta, Saturday 14 December 2024, Wanneroo Town Centre
Aquamotion Family Fun Day, 11 January 2025, Wanneroo Aquamotion
Sunset Sounds Landsdale, Saturday 18 January 2025, Warradale Park, Landsdale
Wanneroo Festival, Saturday 1 February 2025, Wanneroo Showgrounds, Wanneroo
Symphony under the Stars, Saturday 22 February 2025, Kingsway Sporting Complex, Madeley *includes Search for a Star competition
Fun Fest Clarkson, Saturday 8 March 2025, Riverlinks Park, Clarkson
Multicultural Evening in the Park, Friday 21 March 2025, Hudson Park, Girrawheen
Beach to Bush Arts Festival, Friday 9 May to Sunday 25 May, various locations across the City.
All events are free to attend, with no registration required.
The Albanese Government continues its crack down on unethical tax avoidance behaviour with a consultation paper released today to review the tax promoter penalty laws. This forms the next part of the government’s steadfast response to the PwC tax scandal.
The promoter penalty laws are designed to capture tax agents who promote illegal and fraudulent schemes to clients to reduce their taxes. However, the PwC scandal exposed gaps in these laws, which did not capture the heinous activity of those involved in the promotion of illegal tax dodging schemes to multinational corporations.
The government responded quickly to close the obvious loopholes, and this consultation builds on the legislation passed in May 2024, which significantly increased the maximum civil penalties for promoters of tax exploitation schemes.
This consultation is considering whether the regime, as amended in response to the scandal, is fit for purpose, adequately addresses current types of promoter activity, and effectively safeguards taxpayers from being enticed into illegal tax exploitation schemes.
The government is committed to ensuring the ATO has the tools to address tax exploitation schemes and closing gaps identified during the PwC matter.
The government seeks feedback on:
The effectiveness of the current regime in deterring and addressing the promotion of tax exploitation schemes
Operation of the framework, including whether existing exemptions provide appropriate safeguards to tax practitioners providing genuine advice
How other existing, comparable regimes effectively deter misconduct.
The Albanese Labor Government is overseeing the biggest crackdown on tax adviser misconduct in Australian history.
The PwC scandal exposed severe shortcomings in our regulatory frameworks that were largely ignored by the Coalition, and we’re taking significant steps to clean up the mess.
We’re cracking down on misconduct to rebuild people’s faith in the systems and structures that keep our tax system and capital markets strong.
Interested stakeholders are encouraged to provide their feedback by 1 November 2024.
Further information regarding the consultation process is available on the Treasury website.
This is the fifth of eight Treasury‑led reviews announced by the Government in its PwC response.
