Source: South Australia County Fire Service
We will issue a Reduced Threat message when the threat to the community has reduced.
All bushfire incidents that have had an Advice, Watch and Act or Emergency Warning message issued will be finalised with an Advice – Reduced Threat message.
Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Aaron Humphrey, Lecturer, Media and Digital Humanities, University of Adelaide
Leading man of 1990s Hollywood, Val Kilmer, has died at 65 from pneumonia. Battling cancer since 2014, he has not been a frequent presence on our film screens for most of this century. While he has recently done some interesting projects, he never recaptured his fame and box-office draw of the 1980s and ‘90s, when he appeared in iconic films such as Top Gun (1986) and Batman Forever (1995).
His standout performance as Tom Cruise’s swaggering, self-assured rival Iceman in Top Gun made him a star. But the film that really cemented his reputation as a leading man was Oliver Stone’s The Doors (1991), in which he played Jim Morrison to astonishing effect. He is the best thing about that film.
In 1993, he starred as Doc Holliday in Tombstone, a stylish modern western, which he co-headlined with Kurt Russell as Wyatt Earp. It was perhaps the most ’90s of the ’90s westerns. Kilmer’s performance was crowd-pleasing and critically acclaimed. His 2020 memoir, I’m Your Huckleberry, took its name from a line Kilmer spoke in the film.
In some ways, it is a superhero film with cowboys – as you can see so clearly in the poster. It was this performance that put Kilmer on the radar of Warner Bros when they were looking to cast a new Batman after Michael Keaton abandoned the suit.
We’ve got used to superhero films having cinematic universes and narrative continuity between films, but in the 1990s that had not quite been established.
Warner Bros had struck cinematic gold with the first modern superhero blockbuster, Superman (1978) starring Christopher Reeve, but faced diminishing critical and financial returns with each subsequent film in the series. After Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987) failed to connect with audiences, the studio turned to Batman to be its cinematic icon. In those days, one superhero film every couple of years was seen as sufficient. Fortunately, Tim Burton’s Batman (1989) and Batman Returns (1992), two dark takes on the Batman story both starring Michael Keaton, were hits.
However, Batman Returns was regarded by audiences and critics as too “dark”, and too Burton. Both Burton and the studio felt a change of pace was needed for a third film. Joel Schumacher was brought on as director and, perhaps due to the departure of Burton, Keaton also chose to leave the series.
Fresh off Tombstone, Kilmer was cast as the superhero.
Batman Forever took a goofier tone, inspired just as much by the campy 1960s TV series as the dark gothic noir style of Burton. It is still brooding, but the film is more bombastic, more colourful. Noted for performances from Tommy Lee Jones and Jim Carrey as the villains – and the costumes that famously featured nipples and codpieces – Kilmer’s performance got lost.
Worse for Kilmer, rumours of being difficult to work with on the set of Batman may have set his career back in subsequent years. But, despite these difficulties, Kilmer makes a good Batman.
He performed the role with a brooding physicality, as well as playfulness. He was underrated, and certainly better than George Clooney, who took over in Batman and Robin (1997) after Kilmer declined to return.
The non-Keaton Batman films are sometimes overlooked by fans, or not seen as living up to the heights of the Burton movies. In recent years, Burton’s movies have become more or less canonised as the “real” Batman of the era. A series of comic books, Batman ’89, has been published since 2021 that continues the story from Batman Returns, bypassing the developments of Kilmer’s Batman Forever and Clooney’s Batman and Robin.
Keaton has since reprised his role as the caped crusader on the silver screen as a major supporting character in The Flash (2023), which also featured cameos from Batman alumni Clooney and Ben Affleck as alternate universe versions of the Dark Knight. Kilmer and Christian Bale were the only retired big-screen Batmans not to appear in the film.
But Batman Forever stands the test of time. It is an entertaining film that walks the line between the dark and brooding Batman from Burton, and the parody of the 1960s television series starring Adam West.
Batman Forever was the pinnacle for Kilmer in terms of critical and commercial success. He followed it with great performances in films such as The Ghost and the Darkness (1996), Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005) and Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans (2009), but he was often the supporting character rather than the lead. These films, too, weren’t box-office smashes like his films up to and including Batman had been.
One of his best performances of the 2000s was in the David Mamet film Spartan (2004). Kilmer plays a retired marine corps sergeant in a good leading turn. He gave a muscular performance that still had a soulful melancholy at its heart, which can be seen in a lot of his roles. He plays action figures who are tough and macho on the outside, but have a melancholy just below the surface.
Although he never reprised his role as Bruce Wayne, a fitting coda for Kilmer’s career was the long-awaited sequel Top Gun: Maverick (2022), in which he gives a cameo as an ailing version of Iceman.
Kilmer will be missed for his iconic roles as the quintessential performer of the late 1980s and ’90s. In 2021, a documentary about Kilmer, Val, was released, based on decades of archive footage. I would recommend it to audiences who want to know more about the man, his life, his career and his health battles over the past decades.
Aaron Humphrey 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.
– ref. Val Kilmer’s macho action figures held a melancholy just below the surface – https://theconversation.com/val-kilmers-macho-action-figures-held-a-melancholy-just-below-the-surface-253631
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Aaron Humphrey, Lecturer, Media and Digital Humanities, University of Adelaide
Leading man of 1990s Hollywood, Val Kilmer, has died at 65 from pneumonia. Battling cancer since 2014, he has not been a frequent presence on our film screens for most of this century. While he has recently done some interesting projects, he never recaptured his fame and box-office draw of the 1980s and ‘90s, when he appeared in iconic films such as Top Gun (1986) and Batman Forever (1995).
His standout performance as Tom Cruise’s swaggering, self-assured rival Iceman in Top Gun made him a star. But the film that really cemented his reputation as a leading man was Oliver Stone’s The Doors (1991), in which he played Jim Morrison to astonishing effect. He is the best thing about that film.
In 1993, he starred as Doc Holliday in Tombstone, a stylish modern western, which he co-headlined with Kurt Russell as Wyatt Earp. It was perhaps the most ’90s of the ’90s westerns. Kilmer’s performance was crowd-pleasing and critically acclaimed. His 2020 memoir, I’m Your Huckleberry, took its name from a line Kilmer spoke in the film.
In some ways, it is a superhero film with cowboys – as you can see so clearly in the poster. It was this performance that put Kilmer on the radar of Warner Bros when they were looking to cast a new Batman after Michael Keaton abandoned the suit.
We’ve got used to superhero films having cinematic universes and narrative continuity between films, but in the 1990s that had not quite been established.
Warner Bros had struck cinematic gold with the first modern superhero blockbuster, Superman (1978) starring Christopher Reeve, but faced diminishing critical and financial returns with each subsequent film in the series. After Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987) failed to connect with audiences, the studio turned to Batman to be its cinematic icon. In those days, one superhero film every couple of years was seen as sufficient. Fortunately, Tim Burton’s Batman (1989) and Batman Returns (1992), two dark takes on the Batman story both starring Michael Keaton, were hits.
However, Batman Returns was regarded by audiences and critics as too “dark”, and too Burton. Both Burton and the studio felt a change of pace was needed for a third film. Joel Schumacher was brought on as director and, perhaps due to the departure of Burton, Keaton also chose to leave the series.
Fresh off Tombstone, Kilmer was cast as the superhero.
Batman Forever took a goofier tone, inspired just as much by the campy 1960s TV series as the dark gothic noir style of Burton. It is still brooding, but the film is more bombastic, more colourful. Noted for performances from Tommy Lee Jones and Jim Carrey as the villains – and the costumes that famously featured nipples and codpieces – Kilmer’s performance got lost.
Worse for Kilmer, rumours of being difficult to work with on the set of Batman may have set his career back in subsequent years. But, despite these difficulties, Kilmer makes a good Batman.
He performed the role with a brooding physicality, as well as playfulness. He was underrated, and certainly better than George Clooney, who took over in Batman and Robin (1997) after Kilmer declined to return.
The non-Keaton Batman films are sometimes overlooked by fans, or not seen as living up to the heights of the Burton movies. In recent years, Burton’s movies have become more or less canonised as the “real” Batman of the era. A series of comic books, Batman ’89, has been published since 2021 that continues the story from Batman Returns, bypassing the developments of Kilmer’s Batman Forever and Clooney’s Batman and Robin.
Keaton has since reprised his role as the caped crusader on the silver screen as a major supporting character in The Flash (2023), which also featured cameos from Batman alumni Clooney and Ben Affleck as alternate universe versions of the Dark Knight. Kilmer and Christian Bale were the only retired big-screen Batmans not to appear in the film.
But Batman Forever stands the test of time. It is an entertaining film that walks the line between the dark and brooding Batman from Burton, and the parody of the 1960s television series starring Adam West.
Batman Forever was the pinnacle for Kilmer in terms of critical and commercial success. He followed it with great performances in films such as The Ghost and the Darkness (1996), Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005) and Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans (2009), but he was often the supporting character rather than the lead. These films, too, weren’t box-office smashes like his films up to and including Batman had been.
One of his best performances of the 2000s was in the David Mamet film Spartan (2004). Kilmer plays a retired marine corps sergeant in a good leading turn. He gave a muscular performance that still had a soulful melancholy at its heart, which can be seen in a lot of his roles. He plays action figures who are tough and macho on the outside, but have a melancholy just below the surface.
Although he never reprised his role as Bruce Wayne, a fitting coda for Kilmer’s career was the long-awaited sequel Top Gun: Maverick (2022), in which he gives a cameo as an ailing version of Iceman.
Kilmer will be missed for his iconic roles as the quintessential performer of the late 1980s and ’90s. In 2021, a documentary about Kilmer, Val, was released, based on decades of archive footage. I would recommend it to audiences who want to know more about the man, his life, his career and his health battles over the past decades.
Aaron Humphrey 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.
– ref. Val Kilmer’s macho action figures held a melancholy just below the surface – https://theconversation.com/val-kilmers-macho-action-figures-held-a-melancholy-just-below-the-surface-253631
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Chris F. Wright, Professor of Work and Labour Market Policy, University of Sydney
Labor has called for an “economically sustainable real wage increase” for almost 3 million workers who depend on the award system for their wages.
In a submission to the Fair Work Commission’s Annual Wage Review on Wednesday, Labor said a real wage increase above inflation would provide cost-of-living relief for lower-income workers – especially in the early childhood, cleaning and retail sectors.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has said he’s not opposed to an increase in minimum wages. Several major business groups have also tentatively endorsed an increase.
But the size of the wage boost is in contention. The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry wants an increase to be no higher than headline inflation, saying:
[an] increase in minimum and modern award wages of no more than 2.5% is fair and reasonably responsible in the current economic environment.
Read more:
Labor will urge Fair Work Commission to give real wage rise to three million workers
The federal government doesn’t set minimum and award wages directly. That job falls to the Fair Work Commission, Australia’s independent national workplace relations tribunal.
Each year, the commission receives submissions for the Annual Wage Review from “interested parties” such as business groups, trade unions and governments.
Governments almost always make submissions, typically informed by economic logic, to the annual review.
Labor’s submission is consistent with that approach. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said businesses would benefit overall, because when low-wage workers receive a wage increase, they typically spend rather than save it.
Labor’s proposal has already attracted concern.
Some economists have argued it could increase inflation. That could make it harder for the Reserve Bank of Australia to deliver further interest rate cuts.
However, this concern was addressed in the OECD’s 2023 Economic Outlook paper, which argued:
in several sectors and countries, there is room for profits to absorb some further increases in wages to mitigate the loss of purchasing power at least for the low paid without generating significant additional price pressures.
In other words, with inflation falling in Australia and other parts of the world, there is scope for wages to increase without a significant risk this will generate inflationary pressure.
The OECD has also stated that much of the recent high global inflation was generated by the impact of the Ukraine war on rising food and energy prices, rather than wages.
A second concern relates to boosting wages in the context of Australia’s languishing levels of labour productivity – output per worker or per hour worked.
On Tuesday, Reserve Bank Governor Michele Bullock said without an increase in productivity:
the rate of nominal wages growth that can be sustained and be in line with the inflation target is lower.
However, as Mark Bray and Alison Preston found in their interim report from the review of the Secure Jobs, Better Pay laws, labour productivity growth has been consistently higher than capital productivity.
According to Bray and Preston:
It is, therefore, difficult to argue that industrial relations systems have a significant, dominant effect on national productivity outcomes.
If anything, a wages boost might be good for productivity. There is evidence to suggest measures to improve the quality of employment – including by increasing wages – can boost productivity.
If workers feel they are paid fairly, they are more likely to be satisfied and work harder, and less likely to leave their employer.
Staff turnover, on the other hand, requires employers to recruit and train new employees, which is time-consuming and resource-intensive, and can sap productivity.
It’s important we don’t overlook another important factor in the minimum wage debate. Since its 2022 election victory, addressing inequality has been central to the Albanese government’s labour market reforms.
Before 2022, wages growth was persistently weak for several years, despite the lowest unemployment rate in almost five decades.
Low unemployment is generally assumed to stimulate wages growth, but this didn’t eventuate. This worsened workforce shortages, making it hard for employers to attract and retain workers.
Findings from a large body of academic research published before the passage and implementation of the December 2022 Secure Jobs, Better Pay amendments highlighted the need for fairer redistribution in pay settings.
This includes addressing gender-based pay inequalities.
Improving job quality – particularly by raising wages – in low-paid sectors is essential to advancing gender equality. The minimum wage and award-reliant segments of the Australian labour market are highly feminised. These include vital frontline roles in the care, cleaning and hospitality sectors.
The latest Workplace Gender Equality Agency scorecard, drawing on ABS Labour Force Survey data, shows wage growth in these sectors over the past two years has contributed significantly to reducing the national gender pay gap to its lowest point on record.
Lifting wages and job quality is not only crucial for attracting and retaining workers in these essential frontline roles. It also supports broader labour force participation, particularly for working parents.
An “economically sustainable” boost to the minimum wage is therefore unlikely to drive up inflation, or adversely impact productivity. However, it will provide cost-of-living relief to Australia’s lowest-paid workers.
Chris F. Wright has received funding from the Australian Research Council, the Canadian Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, the UK Economic and Social Research Council, the International Labour Organization, the Australian and NSW governments, and various business and trade union organisations.
– ref. Labor wants to give the minimum wage a real boost. The benefits would likely outweigh any downsides – https://theconversation.com/labor-wants-to-give-the-minimum-wage-a-real-boost-the-benefits-would-likely-outweigh-any-downsides-253624
Source: Greenpeace Statement –
MELBOURNE, 2 APRIL 2025–Greenpeace Australia Pacific has slammed the Coalition’s promise to neuter the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) by removing fines from the scheme as policy that bends the knee to the petrol car lobby while costing Australians and increasing carbon pollution
“The NVES finally brought Australia onto the same playing field as other major countries, which have strong standards for the efficiency of cars. Sabotaging this policy by removing penalties shunts us to the back of the pack once again,” said Joe Rafalowicz, Head of Climate and Energy, Greenpeace Australia Pacific.
“Removing the thing that makes the NVES an effective policy—penalties for car importers insistent on dumping their most polluting cars in Australia—is a capitulation to the petrol car lobby and overseas companies like Mitsubishi Motors, at the expense of Australian drivers and businesses.
“The NVES will prevent 80 million tonnes of car-related carbon pollution from entering our atmosphere by 2035—as much as the entire state of Victoria emits in a year.
“Emissions from petrol and diesel cars constitute a third of all greenhouse gases in Australia, and the sector is on track to be the top polluter in our economy. There are already low-emissions vehicles for sale around the world that address this challenge.
“Giving foreign car companies a free pass to continue selling polluting cars in Australia, which they cannot sell anywhere else, pushes the burden of reducing emissions onto other Australian industries and businesses.
“This ill-considered policy U-turn, which flies in the face of a mountain of evidence from around the world on the benefits of strong efficiency standards, will also make it harder for Australians to access more affordable, cheaper-to-run electric cars.
“It will keep more polluting cars on our roads for longer, prolonging Australians’ exposure to toxic tailpipe emissions while other countries move quickly towards cleaner, safer cars on their streets.
“Removing fines from the NVES and making it essentially unenforceable is like selling a car without brakes, and simply hoping it will stop when needed. Instead of removing this important enforcement mechanism, it is important to ensure that Australia’s car industry stays the course towards lower emissions, and cleaner, more affordable cars.
“Greenpeace Australia Pacific fought hard to secure this essential legislation, which brought Australia in line with other major economies. We will resist the Coalition’s plans to neuter this legislation every step of the way.”
—ENDS—
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Vai Shah on 0452 290 082 / [email protected].
Source: Australian Green Party
NSW Health is advising people to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after being notified of a confirmed case who was infectious while in greater western Sydney.
The individual had recently returned from Vietnam, which is experiencing a large measles outbreak at present. They were not infectious while on their flight.
People who attended the following location should watch for the development of symptoms:
Family Doctors Berala (co-located with Berala Pharmacy and 4Cyte Pathology) – 174B Woodburn Road, Berala, on Saturday 18 January from 10am to 11:15am.
South Western Sydney Local Health District Director of Public Health, Dr Mitchell Smith said while this location poses no ongoing risk, people who visited the above location at that time should monitor for symptoms.
“Symptoms to watch out for include fever, sore eyes, runny nose and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that starts on the head and face, then spreads to the rest of the body,” Dr Smith said.
“It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after being exposed, so it’s important for people who visited this site at that time to look out for symptoms up until Wednesday 5 February. If you experience symptoms please call ahead before visiting your doctor.”
“We want to remind the community to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations. Everyone should check that they are protected against measles, which is highly infectious.“Anyone born after 1965 needs to make sure they have had two doses of measles vaccine. This is especially important before overseas travel. Measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world at the moment.”
The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective. It’s given free for children at 12 and 18 months of age. It is also free in NSW for anyone born after 1965 who hasn’t already had two doses.
Children under the age of 12 months can have their first dose of MMR up to 6 months earlier if they are travelling to areas with a high risk for measles. Parents should consult their GP.
People who are unsure of whether they have had two doses should get a vaccine, as additional doses are safe. This is particularly important prior to travel. MMR vaccine is available from GPs (all ages) and pharmacies (people over 5 years of age).
For more information on measles, view the measles fact sheet
Source: Australian Green Party
NSW Health is advising people to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after being notified of a confirmed case who was infectious while visiting several locations in eastern Sydney.
The source of the infection is unclear and is being further investigated.
People who attended the following locations should watch for the development of symptoms. These locations do not pose an ongoing risk.
Sunday 30 March
The Bagel Co, 475 Old South Head Rd, Rose Bay, from 7:30am to 8:15am
Easts Basketball League at Waverley College, from 9:10am to 10:30am
Easts Basketball League at Rose Bay Secondary College, from 2pm to 3:40pm.
Tuesday 1 April
TerryWhite Chemmart Gaslight Rose Bay, 484 Old South Head Rd, Rose Bay, from 5pm to 5:30pm.
South Eastern Sydney Local Health District Public Health Physician, Dr Anthea Katelaris, said if you visited the above locations at those times you should monitor for symptoms.
“Measles is a vaccine preventable disease that is spread through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes,” Dr Katelaris said.
“Symptoms to watch out for include fever, runny nose, sore eyes, and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head to the rest of the body.
“It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after an exposure, so it’s important for people who visited these locations to look out for symptoms up until 19 April 2025.
“It’s important for people to stay vigilant if they’ve been exposed, and if they develop symptoms, to please call ahead to their GP or emergency department to ensure they do not spend time in the waiting room with other patients.
“We want to remind the community to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations. This should be a reminder for everyone to check that they are protected against measles, which is highly infectious.
“Anyone born after 1965 needs to ensure they have had two doses of measles vaccine. This is especially important before overseas travel, as measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world at the moment.
“In addition, people at these locations who are immunosuppressed, pregnant, or anyone, including babies, who has not received a measles vaccine may benefit from preventative treatment. People in these groups should speak to their GP urgently or contact their local public health unit on 1300 066 055.”
The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective and is given free for children at 12 and 18 months of age. It is also free in NSW for anyone born after 1965 who hasn’t already had two doses.
Children under the age of 12 months can have their first dose of MMR up to six months earlier if they are travelling to areas with a high risk for measles. Parents should consult their GP.
People who are unsure of whether they have had two doses should get a vaccine, as additional doses are safe. This is particularly important prior to travel. MMR vaccine is available from GPs (all ages) and pharmacies (people over 5 years of age).
For more information on measles, view the measles factsheet.
If you, or a loved one, is experiencing measles symptoms, or have questions about measles, please call your GP or Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
Shortage of medication is forcing MSF teams to dress wounds with no pain relief and ration essential medicines. Israeli authorities must end collective punishment of people in Gaza.
Jerusalem, 2nd April – A month-long siege imposed by Israeli authorities in Gaza, Palestine, means some critical medications are now short in supply and are running out, leaving Palestinians at risk of losing vital healthcare, warns Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF). As Israeli forces continue to bomb the Gaza Strip, depriving people of basic needs, including food, water, and medicines may lead to a high number of health complications and deaths. MSF calls on Israeli authorities to immediately cease the collective punishment of Palestinians, end their inhumane siege of Gaza, and to uphold their responsibilities as an occupying power to facilitate humanitarian aid at scale.
For over a month, no aid or commercial trucks have entered Gaza, marking the longest period since the start of the war without any trucks entering the Strip and on 2 March, Israeli authorities imposed a complete siege of Gaza. On 9 March they cut the electricity, needed to power water desalination plants. This total blockade of aid and electricity has deprived people of most basic services, amounting to collective punishment.
“The Israeli authorities’ have condemned the people of Gaza to unbearable suffering with their deadly siege,” says Myriam Laaroussi, MSF emergency coordinator in Gaza. “This deliberate infliction of harm on people is like a slow death; it must end immediately.”
The siege has forced MSF teams have already to start rationing medications such as pain killers, providing less effective treatment or turning patients away. Teams are also running out of surgical supplies such as anaesthetics, paediatric antibiotics and medicines for chronic conditions like epilepsy, hypertension and diabetes. As a result of rationing, our teams in some primary health care clinics conduct wound dressings for injured people without providing them with any pain relief.
In addition, MSF teams are no longer able to donate blood bag donations to Nasser hospital due to a lack of stock, while the influxes of patients war-wounded by relentless Israeli force’s relentless continue.
The lack of soap and clean water for people means in primary health care clinics across the Strip, our teams are seeing an increase of people with skin conditions. In February, MSF teams treated 565 cases of skin conditions at the Al Hekker clinic in Deir Al Balah and 1,198 cases at the Al Attar clinic in Khan Younis. Just in two weeks in March, the number of cases at Al Hekker had already reached 437—nearly 80 percent of February’s total—while at Al Attar, 711 cases had been treated, almost 60 percent oof the number seen in February.
The blockade has left MSF teams are unable to provide medication to treat skin conditions, just small amounts of lotion to alleviate the pain. Skin conditions like scabies require treatment for the entire family to prevent spread and reinfection, but without medications, and clean water this is impossible.
For people with non-communicable diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes, the consequences of the lack of treatment may lead to severe complications, such as permanent disabilities and in some cases even death. Since the blockade, we have only been able to give patients medication to cover their needs for seven to 10 days.
“I don’t have any blood pressure medication left. My son searched for two days and couldn’t find any,” explains Sobheya Al-Beshiti, a patient of the MSF clinic in Attar, Khan Younis. “What can I do? Stay without treatment? If I don’t take my blood thinner, my nose starts bleeding, and I start coughing blood.”
During the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and Eid, patients in MSF clinics are reporting weight loss and lack of access to proper food.
“Right now, my blood levels are low, and my weight is also low. There aren’t enough food supplies to help me gain weight or increase my blood levels,” explains pregnant mother in an MSF clinic in Mawasi, Khan Younis. “The rising prices are a huge problem in the city: people simply cannot afford to buy necessities because of how expensive everything is.”
MSF is an international, medical, humanitarian organisation that delivers medical care to people in need, regardless of their origin, religion, or political affiliation. MSF has been working in Haiti for over 30 years, offering general healthcare, trauma care, burn wound care, maternity care, and care for survivors of sexual violence. MSF Australia was established in 1995 and is one of 24 international MSF sections committed to delivering medical humanitarian assistance to people in crisis. In 2022, more than 120 project staff from Australia and New Zealand worked with MSF on assignment overseas. MSF delivers medical care based on need alone and operates independently of government, religion or economic influence and irrespective of race, religion or gender. For more information visit msf.org.au
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra
Ahead of Donald Trump’s tariff announcement early Thursday (Australian time), the United States president has become a serious and increasing worry for Peter Dutton’s campaign. Even apart from Labor’s obvious and constant “Trump-whistling”, many voters are apparently seeing a lot of Trump dust on the opposition leader.
Liberal strategists know how dangerous this is, given Trump’s unpopularity with Australians. So Dutton is shaping up.
In a Sky interview aired Wednesday, Dutton positioned himself as ready to take on Trump (or anyone else) if necessary. “If I needed to have a fight with Donald Trump or any other world leader to advance our nation’s interests, I’d do it in a heartbeat,” he declared. “And I’ll put the Americans on notice and anyone else who seeks to act against our national interest.”
It’s a measure of where things are that an Australian conservative leader is putting “the Americans on notice”.
Anthony Albanese – who once said Trump “scares the shit out of me” – suggested his opponent was going over the top.
“Peter Dutton will always dial things up to 11. He thinks this is a contest of who can say the most aggro things. It’s not. It’s not the way that diplomacy works.”
When it comes to Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariff announcement – which will feed directly into the Australian campaign – it seems diplomacy hasn’t worked.
Trade Minister Don Farrell told briefings for agricultural and industry groups on Tuesday and Wednesday he was “pessimistic”, suggesting the likelihood of a tariff of up to 20% across the board.
Farrell indicated the Australian government had put an offer to the US, but that was rejected. Australia rejected a counter offer from the US, and resubmitted its original offer.
At Wednesday’s briefing for the red meat industry, Farrell said, “Tomorrow might be the end of the first part of the process but we’ll continue to engage with the Americans to get these tariffs removed, as we did with the Chinese”.
The government is preparing its response, which reportedly could involve taking the US to the World Trade Organisation. Asked about this, Albanese would not be drawn but told the ABC, “What we’re doing is supporting our US Free Trade Agreement, that says that goods and services between our two nations should be tariff-free.
“That’s what we’re doing, supporting our agreement, holding to our word, standing up for Australia’s national interest, and calling for the United States not only to stand up for that agreement, but to stand up to their own interests as well.”
The Liberals had a very bad experience on wages in the 2022 election.
Then-opposition leader Albanese said he’d “absolutely” support a wage increase to keep up with inflation, which was more than 5%.
The Coalition went on the attack, branding him as economically irresponsible. As he campaigned in the following days, Albanese kept producing a gold coin to show how small the rise would be for those on the minimum wage. He still occasionally reprises this party trick.
Labor is once again campaigning on wages, this time advocating a boost to real wages – that is, an increase above inflation, which is now down to 2.4%. (The submission put in on Wednesday to the Fair Work Commission went in from the Labor Party, rather than the government, because we’re in the “caretaker” period.)
The government’s position is clever. It says the wage rise, which would cover about three million workers, should be “economically sustainable”. But it doesn’t recommend a figure.
The Liberals a re trying to stay off the wages sticky paper. To be saying “no” in a cost-of-living election would only spell grief. Instead, they’re keeping their response vague. “We support wage increases”, Dutton said, without being specific about the government’s above-inflation pitch.
As to a figure, “Without further economic advice from treasury and finance, our position is we want higher wages and we want to make sure we have downward pressure on costs”.
“The prime minister is in search of a fight here,” Dutton said, a conclusion that didn’t require much perception, a fight Dutton was determined to try to side step.
Labor’s case received some backing on Wednesday from the Australian Industry Group, which suggested a rise of 2.6%.
The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry advocated a rise of no more than 2.5%. Asked what sort of difference there was between ACCI and the government, ACCI CEO Andrew McKellar said “that’s very hard to say. They are deliberately being non-specific.”
The ABC is a favourite target for many Liberals, including Dutton. In recent months he has singled out ABC reporters for attention when he didn’t like their questions.
So would he look at its budget? Dutton is leaving the impression he likely would; moreover he is critical of the national broadcaster’s regional service, which even most Coalition MPs praise.
“The approach that we would take is to reward excellence and where we find waste, to cut that waste.
“And there are a lot of regional services for the ABC which I think are underdone,” he said in his Sky interview. He’d been in western Queensland this week looking at the floods “and the ABC could be a much more integral part of that community. But just having it based in Sydney or just being based in Melbourne is not helping people in outer metro areas or regional areas.”
According to the ABC, it has about 600 employees in rural and regional Australia in 56 locations.
Michelle Grattan 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.
– ref. Election diary: Dutton tries to shake off Trump dust and avoid being trapped on wages – https://theconversation.com/election-diary-dutton-tries-to-shake-off-trump-dust-and-avoid-being-trapped-on-wages-253117
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS PUBLISHED PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 9(3)-(5) AND SECTION 21(3) OF EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 636 OF 15 MAY 2020
NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR TO ANY JURISDICTION WHERE DOING SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OR REGULATIONS OF SUCH JURISDICTION
Publication of supplement concerning extension of offer period for Nykredit’s recommended, voluntary public tender offer for Spar Nord Bank A/S until 24 April 2025
2 April 2025
Nykredit extends the offer period concerning the recommended, voluntary public tender offer for Spar Nord Bank A/S until 24 April 2025
In accordance with section 4(1) of the Danish Takeover Order1, Nykredit Realkredit A/S (“Nykredit”) announced on 10 December 2024 that Nykredit intended to submit a voluntary public tender offer (the “Offer”) to acquire all shares in Spar Nord Bank A/S (“Spar Nord Bank”), with the exception of Spar Nord Bank’s treasury shares, for a cash price of DKK 210 per share, valuing the aggregated issued share capital of Spar Nord Bank at DKK 24.7 billion.
On 8 January 2025, Nykredit published the offer document regarding the Offer (the “Offer Document”), as approved by the Danish FSA in accordance with section 11 of the Danish Takeover Order. In the Offer Document, the offer period was set to expire on 19 February 2025 at 23:59 (CET) (the “Initial Offer Period”). The Initial Offer Period was subsequently extended to 20 March 2025, and on 19 March 2025, Nykredit published a supplement to the Offer Document, which extended the offer period to 3 April 2025 at 23:59 (CEST).
Today, Nykredit published a supplement (the “Supplement”) to the Offer Document, which further extends the offer period for the Offer. The Supplement has been approved by the Danish FSA on 2 April 2025 in accordance with section 9(3)-(5) of the Danish Takeover Order. The Supplement should be read in conjunction with the Offer Document and the previous supplements as published on 18 February and 19 March 2025.
With this Supplement, Nykredit further extends the offer period, such that the Offer will expire on 24 April 2025 at 23:59 (CEST). Subsequently, any reference to the “Offer Period” in the Offer Document or other documents relating to the Offer will refer to the period commencing on the day of publication of the Offer Document on 8 January 2025 and ending on 24 April 2025 at 23:59 (CEST) (the “Extended Offer Period”).
The purpose of the extension is to provide Nykredit with time to obtain the approval from the Danish Competition and Consumer Authority required to complete the Offer. If the approval from the Danish Competition and Consumer Authority has not been granted by the expiry of the Extended Offer Period, Nykredit expects to extend the offer period further.
The extension of the offer period entails that the expected completion of the Offer and settlement of the offer price to the Spar Nord Bank shareholders who have accepted the Offer will be extended correspondingly. Completion is subsequently expected to take place on 2 May 2025 (provided that the offer period is not extended further).
This will result in an adjustment of the offer price in accordance with section 6.2 of the Offer Document, such that the offer price is increased by DKK 0.50 per share to DKK 210.50.
The increase of the offer price affects all Spar Nord Bank shareholders who have already given their accept of the Offer and all Spar Nord Bank shareholders who accept the Offer following publication of the Supplement. Spar Nord Bank shareholders who have already accepted the Offer thus do not have to take further action.
At the time of this announcement, Nykredit holds 32.79 per cent of the shares in Spar Nord Bank.
In the supplement dated 19 March 2025 to the Offer Document, Nykredit announced that a preliminary compilation of the acceptances that Nykredit had information about showed that, including the irrevocable undertakings, acceptances corresponding to more than 46 per cent of the share capital of Spar Nord Bank had been submitted, and that Nykredit’s ownership interest in Spar Nord Bank, together with the irrevocable undertakings and the binding acceptances submitted that Nykredit had information about, totalled more than 80 per cent of the total share capital (excluding treasury shares) of Spar Nord Bank, indicating that the 67 per cent acceptance limit stated in the Offer has been reached.
The final result of the Offer will be determined on expiry of the offer period and published in accordance with section 21(3) of the Danish Takeover Order.
Nykredit intends to delist Spar Nord Bank from trading on Nasdaq Copenhagen and complete a compulsory acquisition of the remaining Spar Nord Bank shareholders, provided that Nykredit has obtained the necessary ownership interest, and the Offer has been completed. Spar Nord Bank shareholders who have opted not to accept the Offer, should expect that Nykredit, provided that the Offer is completed, will take steps to combine Nykredit Bank A/S and Spar Nord Bank, which will result in a further increase in Nykredit’s ownership interest in Spar Nord Bank. Not later than in continuation of the combination, Nykredit thus expects to hold a sufficient ownership interest to be able to delist Spar Nord Bank from trading on Nasdaq Copenhagen and complete a compulsory acquisition of the remaining Spar Nord Bank shareholders.
The full terms and conditions of the Offer are contained in the Offer Document as amended by the Supplement. The Offer Document and the Supplement are published in the Danish FSA’s OAM database: https://oam.finanstilsynet.dk/ and can also, with certain restrictions, be accessed at https://www.nykredit.com/kobstilbud-spar-nord/ and https://www.sparnord.dk/investor-relations/overtagelsestilbud.
About Spar Nord Bank
Spar Nord Bank was founded in 1824 and is now a nationwide bank with 58 branches. Spar Nord Bank offers all types of financial services, consultancy and products, focusing its business on retail customers and primarily small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the local areas in which the bank is represented. The bank is also focused on leasing operations and large corporate customers, which are both business areas handled by the head offices.
Spar Nord Bank has historically been rooted in northern Jutland and continues to be a market leader in this region. However, in the period from 2002 to 2024, Spar Nord Bank has established and acquired branches outside northern Jutland. Over the course of the years, the bank has adjusted its branch network in an ongoing process and now has a nationwide distribution network comprising 58 branches. These 58 branches are distributed on 32 banking areas, each of which is headed by a manager reporting directly to the bank’s executive board.
The Spar Nord Bank Group consists of two earnings entities: Spar Nord Bank’s branches and the Trading Division. As an entity, the Trading Division serves customers from Spar Nord Bank’s branches as well as large retail customers and institutional clients in the field of equities, bonds, fixed income and forex products, asset management and international transactions. Finally, under the concept Sparxpres, the bank offers consumer loans to personal customers through Sparxpres’ platform as well as debt consolidation loans and consumer financing via retail stores and gift voucher solutions via shopping centres and city associations.
About Nykredit
Nykredit Realkredit A/S (“Nykredit”) is a public limited company incorporated under the laws of Denmark, company reg. (CVR) no. 12 71 92 80, having its registered office at Sundkrogsgade 25, 2150 Nordhavn, Denmark. Nykredit is a mortgage credit institution and, together with its wholly-owned subsidiary Totalkredit A/S, is a market leader of the Danish mortgage credit market with a market share of some 45.2 per cent. Nykredit offers mortgage financing for private individuals and businesses.
Nykredit is part of the Nykredit Group, which historically dates back to 1851. In addition to carrying on mortgage credit business, the Group carries on banking business through Nykredit Bank – including banking and wealth management operations – and has a total of around 4,000 employees in Denmark.
Nykredit is owned by an association of the Nykredit Group’s customers, Forenet Kredit. Forenet Kredit owns close to 80 per cent of Nykredit’s shares. Other major shareholders are five Danish pension funds: Akademikernes Pension AP Pension, PensionDanmark, PFA and PKA.
Nykredit is known for the advantages offered through the association. Forenet Kredit makes capital contributions to the Nykredit Group when times are good, and Nykredit has decided to pass these on to its customers.
Since, 2017, Forenet Kredit has paid over DKK 8 billion in capital contributions to the Nykredit Group, and in the period to 2027, Forenet Kredit has provided a further DKK 7 billion.
Questions and further information
Any questions concerning the Offer may be directed to:
Nykredit Bank A/S
Company reg. (CVR) no.: 10 51 96 08
Sundkrogsgade 25
2150 Nordhavn
Denmark
Telephone: +45 7010 9000
and
Carnegie Investment Bank
Filial af Carnegie Investment Bank AB (publ), Sverige
Company reg. (CVR) no. 35 52 12 67
Overgaden Neden Vandet 9B
1414 Copenhagen K
Denmark
E-mail: annette.hansen@carnegie.dk
For further information about the Offer, please see: https://www.nykredit.com/kobstilbud-spar-nord/.
This announcement and the Offer Document (with supplements) are not directed at shareholders of Spar Nord Bank A/S whose participation in the Offer would require the issuance of an offer document, registration or activities other than what is required under Danish law (and, in the case of shareholders in the United States of America, Section 14(e) of, and applicable provisions of Regulation 14E promulgated under, the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). The Offer is not made and will not be made, directly or indirectly, to shareholders resident in any jurisdiction in which the submission of the Offer or acceptance thereof would be in contravention of the laws of such jurisdiction. Any person coming into possession of this announcement, the Offer Document or any other document containing a reference to the Offer is expected and assumed to independently obtain all necessary information about any applicable restrictions and to observe these.
This announcement does not constitute an offer or an invitation to purchase securities or a solicitation of an offer to purchase securities in accordance with the Offer or otherwise. The Offer will be submitted only in the form of the Offer Document (with supplements) approved by the FSA, which sets out the full terms and conditions of the Offer, including information on how to accept the Offer. The shareholders of Spar Nord Bank are advised to read the Offer Document and any related documents as they contain important information.
Restricted jurisdictions
The Offer is not made, and acceptance of the Offer to tender Spar Nord Bank shares is not accepted, neither directly nor indirectly, in or from any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance of the Offer would not be in compliance with the laws of such jurisdiction or would require any registration, approval or any other measures with any regulatory authority not expressly contemplated by the Offer Document (the “Restricted Jurisdictions”). Neither the United States nor the United Kingdom is a Restricted Jurisdiction.
Restricted Jurisdictions include, but are not limited to: Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa.
Persons obtaining documents or information relating to the Offer (including custodians, account holding institutions, nominees, trustees, representatives, fiduciaries or other intermediaries) should not distribute, communicate, transfer or send these in or into a Restricted Jurisdiction or use mail or any other means of communication in or into a Restricted Jurisdiction in connection with the Offer. Persons (including, but not limited to, custodians, custodian banks, nominees, trustees, representatives, fiduciaries or other intermediaries) intending to communicate this announcement, the Supplement, the Offer Document or any related document to any jurisdiction outside Denmark or the United States should inform themselves about these restrictions before taking any action. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the laws of such jurisdiction, including securities laws. It is the responsibility of all Persons obtaining this announcement, the Supplement, the Offer Document, earlier supplements, an acceptance form and/or other documents relating to the Offer, or into whose possession such documents otherwise come, to inform themselves about and observe all such restrictions.
Nykredit is not responsible for ensuring that the distribution, dissemination or communication of this announcement, the Supplement or the Offer Document to shareholders outside Denmark, the United States and the United Kingdom is consistent with applicable law in any jurisdiction other than Denmark, the United States and the United Kingdom.
Important Information for Shareholders in the United States
The Offer concerns the shares in Spar Nord Bank, a public limited liability company incorporated and admitted to trading on a regulated market in Denmark, and is subject to the disclosure and procedural requirements of Danish law, including the Danish capital markets act and the Danish takeover order.
The Offer is being made to shareholders in Spar Nord Bank in the United States in compliance with the applicable US tender offer rules under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “U.S. Exchange Act”), including Regulation 14E promulgated thereunder, subject to the relief available for a “Tier II” tender offer, and otherwise in accordance with the requirements of Danish law and practice
Accordingly, US Spar Nord Bank shareholders should be aware that this announcement and any other documents regarding the Offer have been prepared in accordance with, and will be subject to, the disclosure and other procedural requirements, including with respect to withdrawal rights, the Offer timetable, settlement procedures and timing of payments of Danish law and practice, which may differ materially from those applicable under US domestic tender offer law and practice. In addition, the financial information contained in this announcement or the Offer Document has not been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, or derived therefrom, and may therefore differ from, or not be comparable with, financial information of US companies.
In accordance with the laws of, and practice in, Denmark and to the extent permitted by applicable law, including Rule 14e-5 under the U.S. Exchange Act, Nykredit, Nykredit’s affiliates or any nominees or brokers of the foregoing (acting as agents, or in a similar capacity, for Nykredit or any of its affiliates, as applicable) may from time to time, and other than pursuant to the Offer, directly or indirectly, purchase, or arrange to purchase, outside of the United States, shares in Spar Nord Bank or any securities that are convertible into, exchangeable for or exercisable for such shares in Spar Nord Bank before or during the period in which the Offer remains open for acceptance. These purchases may occur either in the open market at prevailing prices or in private transactions at negotiated prices. Any information about such purchases will be announced via Nasdaq Copenhagen and relevant electronic media if, and to the extent, such announcement is required under applicable law. To the extent information about such purchases or arrangements to purchase is made public in Denmark, such information will be disclosed by means of a press release or other means reasonably calculated to inform US shareholders of Spar Nord Bank of such information.
In addition, subject to the applicable laws of Denmark and US securities laws, including Rule 14e-5 under the U.S. Exchange Act, the financial advisers to Nykredit or their respective affiliates may also engage in ordinary course trading activities in securities of Spar Nord Bank, which may include purchases or arrangements to purchase such securities.
It may not be possible for US shareholders to effect service of process within the United States upon Spar Nord Bank, Nykredit or any of their respective affiliates, or their respective officers or directors, some or all of which may reside outside the United States, or to enforce against any of them judgments of the United States courts predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States or other US law. It may not be possible to bring an action against Nykredit, Spar Nord Bank and/or their respective officers or directors (as applicable) in a non-US court for violations of US laws. Further, it may not be possible to compel Nykredit and Spar Nord Bank or their respective affiliates, as applicable, to subject themselves to the judgment of a US court. In addition, it may be difficult to enforce in Denmark original actions, or actions for the enforcement of judgments of US courts, based on the civil liability provisions of the US federal securities laws.
The Offer, if completed, may have consequences under US federal income tax and under applicable US state and local, as well as non-US, tax laws. Each shareholder of Spar Nord Bank is urged to consult its independent professional adviser immediately regarding the tax consequences of the Offer.
NEITHER THE U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY SECURITIES COMMISSION OR OTHER REGULATORY AUTHORITY IN ANY STATE OF THE U.S. HAS APPROVED OR DECLINED TO APPROVE THE OFFER OR THIS ANNOUNCEMENT, PASSED UPON THE FAIRNESS OR MERITS OF THE OFFER OR PROVIDED AN OPINION AS TO THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT OR ANY OFFER DOCUMENT. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENCE IN THE UNITED STATES.
1 Executive Order no. 636 of 15 May 2020
Attachments
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
Press release
Montrouge, April 2nd , 2025
The European Central Bank authorizes Credit Agricole S.A.
to increase Banco BPM stake to 19.9%
Further to the press release of December 6, 2024, Crédit Agricole S.A. informs that:
As stated in the press release of December 6, 2024, the increase of its stake is consistent with Crédit Agricole’s strategy as a long-term investor and partner of Banco BPM.
Crédit Agricole S.A. does not intend to launch a public offer for the capital of Banco BPM.
Consequently,
CRÉDIT AGRICOLE INVESTOR RELATIONS
| Cécile Mouton | + 33 1 57 72 86 79 | cecile.mouton@credit-agricole-sa.fr |
| Institutional Shareholders | + 33 1 43 23 04 31 | investor.relations@credit-agricole-sa.fr |
| Individual Shareholders | + 33 8 00 00 07 77 | relation@actionnaires.credit-agricole.com |
CRÉDIT AGRICOLE S.A. PRESS CONTACTS
1 Once it receives the last needed authorization from Bank of Italy.
Attachment
Source: Australian National Party
As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.
Released 02/04/2025
The ACT Government has commissioned artist Louise Skačej to create a public artwork honouring Stasia Dabrowski OAM, Canberra’s ‘Soup Kitchen Lady,’ in recognition of her decades of selfless service to the community’s most vulnerable. This commission is part of an ongoing initiative to celebrate the legacy of significant Canberra women through the public art collection.
Louise Skačej will collaborate with a strong team including partner and studio manager and technician Dean Colls, mentor Peter Corlett OAM, who has several works across Canberra, as well as two young and talented creatives, studio assistants, Isabeau Colls and Mads Hillam.
Louise’s work may be familiar to Canberrans. A thought-provoking artwork displayed at the Australian War Memorial, the Battle of Kapyong Diorama, was created in collaboration with Dean Colls.
Through the lens of her immigrant background, Louise’s art often explores themes of culture, heritage, and memory.
The sculpture of Stasia Dabrowski will be installed in Garema Place in early 2026, close to the location of the original soup kitchen, creating a permanent tribute to her extraordinary life and work.
Stasia Dabrowski (1926-2020), a Polish immigrant, became an iconic figure in the Canberra community through her dedication to helping those in need. From 1982, she ran a mobile soup kitchen from a corner of Garema Place, providing hot meals, bread, drinks, and most importantly compassion to the those in need every Friday night.
Stasia funded the initiative by babysitting at night and cleaning houses during the day, using her earnings to purchase the ingredients. By 2005, she was feeding up to 500 people each week, with the help of her grandson Josh Kenworthy. Josh remembers Stasia as a humble and private person who never sought out the spotlight. She simply wanted to lend a hand.
Despite receiving numerous awards in acknowledgement of her work and kindness, Stasia remained modest. “I never keep photos because I am not proud… the soup kitchen is a simple thing, just people cooking veggies, nothing special,” she once said. Stasia continued her work till the age of 92 and passing away two years later in 2020.
Minister for Business the Arts and Creative Industries, Michael Pettersson is committed to continuing the ACT Government’s public art program that puts the focus on significant Canberra women.
“Congratulations to the talented Louise Skačej, who has been selected to create a sculpture honouring this iconic Canberran,” said Minister Pettersson.
“For decades Stasia Dabrowksi made an enormous contribution caring for thousands of Canberra’s most vulnerable. Her kindness and compassion left a lasting mark on our community. This tribute will ensure her legacy lives on.
“I look forward to the unveiling of Louise’s artwork in Garema Place next year. It will offer Canberrans the chance to stop, reflect and admire the life of a woman who made a profound difference in the lives of so many.”
More information on the public art commissioning process is available from artsACT on 02 6207 2384 or on the website at www.arts.act.gov.au/public-art.
Quote attributable to artist Louise Skačej:
“I’m honoured and grateful for the opportunity to create a sculpture of Stasia Dabrowski. Her simple but profound act of sharing love and compassion, shows us that love isn’t just a word – it’s something we do.
“I hope this sculpture will inspire others to take action and bring light to those in need, just like Stasia did for so many.”
– Statement ends –
Michael Pettersson, MLA | Media Releases
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Looking for the latest news for Super funds? You can stay up to date by visiting our Super funds newsroom and subscribingExternal Link to our monthly Super funds newsletter and CRT alerts.
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Note: The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
SEL3
URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Tornado Watch Number 93
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
1150 PM CDT Tue Apr 1 2025
The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a
* Tornado Watch for portions of
Southeast Kansas
* Effective this Tuesday night and Wednesday morning from 1150 PM
until 700 AM CDT.
* Primary threats include…
A few tornadoes likely with a couple intense tornadoes possible
Widespread large hail and scattered very large hail events to
2.5 inches in diameter likely
Scattered damaging winds likely with isolated significant gusts
to 80 mph possible
SUMMARY…A line of thunderstorms is expected to continue eastward
into southeast KS over the next several hours. Increasing low-level
moisture and strong low-level wind fields will support a threat for
tornadoes within this line.
The tornado watch area is approximately along and 75 statute miles
east and west of a line from 55 miles southeast of Wichita KS to 40
miles north northeast of Emporia KS. For a complete depiction of the
watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU3).
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
and possible warnings.
&&
OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 91…WW 92…
AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
surface and aloft to 2.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
gusts to 70 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean
storm motion vector 24035.
…Mosier
Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
SAW3
WW 93 TORNADO KS 020450Z – 021200Z
AXIS..75 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE..
55SE ICT/WICHITA KS/ – 40NNE EMP/EMPORIA KS/
..AVIATION COORDS.. 65NM E/W /57SE ICT – 60WSW MCI/
HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..2.5 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..70 KNOTS.
MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 24035.
LAT…LON 37089809 38869729 38869450 37089536
THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
FOR WOU3.
Watch 93 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.
Note: Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes
Probability of 2 or more tornadoes
Mod (60%)
Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes
Mod (40%)
Wind
Probability of 10 or more severe wind events
Mod (60%)
Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots
Mod (50%)
Hail
Probability of 10 or more severe hail events
High (80%)
Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches
High (80%)
Combined Severe Hail/Wind
Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events
High (>95%)
For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Grace McQuilten, Associate professor, RMIT University
Australia’s visual arts and craft workers are facing increasingly deteriorating conditions, according to research published today.
Our four-year study reveals workers are abandoning the visual art sector, largely because of unstable employment, below-average salaries and a lack of support.
We present findings from the largest academic surveys of artists and arts workers to-date – the first conducted in 2022 (more than 700 respondents) and the second in 2024 (almost 900 respondents) – with income and employment data from four financial years between 2018 and 2024.
Alongside the surveys, we conducted interviews with 20 artists and arts workers to better understand hybrid career patterns – and consulted widely with industry.
Artists and arts workers represent a financially vulnerable group in Australia’s workforce. Our research identified concerning patterns of work, including:
high levels of education that don’t match salaries, which are well below the average for professional workers
high levels of unpaid work, volunteer work and self-employment
a highly gendered (majority women) workforce, with a significant gender pay gap
barriers to opportunity and career progression for people with disability and from diverse cultural backgrounds.
We also found artists and arts workers often don’t know which awards and agreements they’re covered by, if any.
According to our 2024 survey responses, more than 74% of the visual arts workforce identify as women.
Despite this, there was a significant gender pay gap. On average, woman artists earned 47% less than men artists, while women arts workers earned 23% less than men arts workers.
This is much higher than the broader gender pay gap of 11.5% in 2024 (based on base pay for full-time workers).
The average income from visual art or craft practice in 2023–24 was A$13,937, with men artists reporting an average of $23,130, women artists $12,330, and non-binary artists $14,074.
This is matched with slow progression through career stages from emerging to “established”, particularly for women artists.
Artists are surviving by taking multiple jobs. Only 25% of respondents spent 100% of their working time as an artist – with 82% receiving at least some income from other jobs.
Half of artists also participated in unpaid work. This equated to an average of 28 hours per month.
The cost-of-living crisis added further financial pressure, with 63% of respondents saying they were very or moderately financially stressed when it came to paying for essential goods and services.
This had a flow-on effect on wellbeing. Half the artists surveyed rated their mental health as poor or fair, while 59% rated their work-life balance as poor or fair. These issues were amplified for artists with disability and from diverse cultural backgrounds, who experience significant barriers to participation.
Arts workers, meanwhile, reported working an average of 45 hours per week in 2024. Despite this, 60% said they wanted to work even more hours – pointing to low pay and the challenges of making an arts career viable.
On average, arts workers earned an annual income of $63,031. This was much lower than professionals in other industries, who earned an average income of $100,017.
Our report contains a suite of policy recommendations and priority actions for the arts industry to address these issues.
To address gender-related disparities, we suggest:
requiring gender pay gap reporting from organisations receiving public funding, along with action plans to address disparities
greater transparency in recruitment and promotion processes
commitments to gender equity targets in leadership positions.
We also recommend greater transparency and reporting of disability and cultural diversity representation in staffing, including leadership and board roles, to promote accountability and drive cultural change.
Funding incentives should be introduced to support diverse leadership – including higher pay to compensate for the additional workload carried by workers from First Nations, disability and culturally diverse backgrounds.
To address the intractable issue of low incomes, we suggest all funding contracts from state and federal arts bodies mandate adherence to industry best practice (such as NAVA’s Code of Practice). This will help agencies better support artists and arts workers, and uphold employment standards across the sector.
Further, operational funding agreements should consistently prioritise secure work for artists and arts workers, by laying down permanent contracts or minimum fixed terms.
Finally, there must be greater, more transparent recognition of the amount of unpaid labour in the arts, and a commitment to moving away from this. We therefore recommend sector-wide reportable targets aimed at reducing unpaid labour.
Grace McQuilten received funding from the Australian Research Council. The Linkage Project Ambitious and Fair: strategies for a sustainable arts sector (LP200100054)
Chloë Powell received funding from the Australian Research Council. The Linkage Project Ambitious and Fair: strategies for a sustainable arts sector (LP200100054).
Jenny Lye received funding from the Australian Research Council. The Linkage Project Ambitious and Fair: strategies for a sustainable arts sector (LP200100054)
Kate MacNeill received funding from the Australian Research Council. The Linkage Project Ambitious and Fair: strategies for a sustainable arts sector (LP200100054)
Marnie Badham received funding from the Australian Research Council: Linkage Project Ambitious and Fair: strategies for a sustainable arts sector (LP200100054).
– ref. New research lays bare the harsh realities facing artists and arts workers – https://theconversation.com/new-research-lays-bare-the-harsh-realities-facing-artists-and-arts-workers-253547
Source: New South Wales – News
Two teenagers have been arrested after driving a stolen car on the O-Bahn bus track.
Just after 6am on Wednesday 2 April, a red 2016 Ford Mustang was reported stolen from the driveway of a Rosslyn Park home.
Police spotted the Mustang travelling south out of Bute about 11.15am before heading east on the Copper Coast Highway through to Port Wakefield.
Patrols set up cordons around the area and awaited PolAir to commence tracking the vehicle from the air.
The Mustang was tracked through Two Wells and Virginia and into the northern suburbs.
About 12.45pm the Mustang drove onto the O-Bahn track at Tea Tree Plaza and travelled south for about 2km’s before becoming stuck near Welloch Street, Modbury.
Two people ran from the car and over fences of nearby houses but were quickly arrested by patrols.
Two Port Augusta teens aged 14 and 19 have been arrested and are currently being interviewed by police.
The O-Bahn track remains closed until a crane can remove the vehicle.
Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Bruce Wolpe, Non-resident Senior Fellow, United States Study Centre, University of Sydney
The Democrats have been under intense pressure to find an effective way to challenge US President Donald Trump without control of either chamber of Congress or a de facto opposition leader.
They may have just found one. New Jersey Senator Cory Booker took the Senate floor on Monday evening in Washington to give a speech lambasting Trump’s actions. He didn’t stop talking – aside for the occasional question from a fellow Democrat – until Tuesday night, 25 hours later.
So, how common are these types of speeches in the US Congress, and what’s the point?
Booker’s speech set a new record for the longest continuous speech in the Senate, surpassing Senator Strom Thurmond’s 24-hour speech in 1957 to try to prevent the passage of the Civil Rights Act.
This was during the presidency of Dwight D. Eisenhower, the supreme commander of the Allied forces in Europe during the second world war. The army was the great desegregation force in the 1940s, and Eisenhower, as president in the 1950s, was strongly in favour of civil rights.
In 1957, Congress was going to pass a civil rights bill that would make it harder for officials in southern states, in particular, to prevent Black people from voting. So Thurmond, the South Carolina senator and fierce proponent of segregation, launched what was (until today) the longest speech in Senate history to oppose it.
Thurmond’s speech was a filibuster, an extended speech in the Senate to attempt to delay or block a vote on a bill or confirmation. Thurmond, however, was unable to stop enactment of the bill.
Senators engage in filibusters when they know they’re going to lose, especially when it’s a piece of legislation they really dislike or disagree with. Because they can’t stop the passage of the bill, they use the filibuster to call attention to their opposition to it. The intention is to rally the troops and say, “I’m standing with you, even if this vote goes the other way”.
In 2016, Democratic Senator Chris Murphy, who represents the state of Connecticut where the deadly shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School took place, launched a nearly 15-hour filibuster to force the Republican Senate leadership to allow votes on two gun control measures.
Republican Senator Ted Cruz also spoke all night – 21 hours in total – against Obamacare in 2013. It wasn’t all focused on health policy; he filled the time by reading the children’s book, Green Eggs and Ham by Dr Seuss.
Booker’s speech was not technically a filibuster – he wasn’t holding the floor to talk against a specific bill, as Thurmond was. He was giving time to his Democratic colleagues to just control the shape of the general debate about Trump.
Senators use speeches like this when they’re losing on a issue, and Booker feels the Democrats are currently losing to Trump. They have been unable to stop any of his executive actions, so they feel they need to cut through in some way to reach the American people.
Trump has been “flooding the zone” from the moment he took office in January with hundreds of policies and executive actions – and he has been extremely successful at it. These actions cut across so many areas, it’s been very hard for the Democrats, on any given day, to pick out the top things to fight against.
Because they don’t have control of the House or Senate, and there is no opposition leader, there is no single, principal Democrat who can stand up day by day and say, “This is what happened, this was what the threat to the country is, this why we’re opposing it and this is the way we’re going to attack it”.
Trump is controlling the narrative and the media environment. And the Democratic leadership has been unable to counter it, even though, at the grassroots level, Democrats and many others who voted for Trump are really angry.
As Booker put it during his speech:
Moments like this require us to be more creative or more imaginative, or just more persistent and dogged and determined.
There comes a certain point in a human drama that transcends partisanship when you’re looking at someone speaking from the heart, speaking their convictions and you can come to respect them.
Booker ran for the presidency in 2020 and ultimately yielded to Joe Biden, and I expect we’ll hear much more from him in 2028 when the next presidential election occurs. He is most likely going to run again.
Bruce Wolpe receives funding, as a non resident senior Fellow, from the United Statses Studies Centre at the University of Sydney. He served for ten years on the Democratic staff in the US House of Representatives.
– ref. US Senator Cory Booker just spoke for 25 hours in Congress. What was he trying to achieve? – https://theconversation.com/us-senator-cory-booker-just-spoke-for-25-hours-in-congress-what-was-he-trying-to-achieve-253616
Source: China State Council Information Office 3
The China Science and Technology Museum said on Tuesday that it would launch a month-long display of 50 movies with special visual effects, to offer audiences an opportunity to engage with the world’s science-themed cinematic works.
Running from April 8 to May 5, the screening is a part of the sci-tech section of the upcoming 15th Beijing International Film Festival.
The films originate from 14 countries, including China, Russia, the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom. They cover a diverse range of topics, from nature and aerospace to frontier technology and fantasy animation.
They will be shown on dome screens, giant screens and 4D.
Four of the featured films will have their Asian premieres, and 21 will be shown for the first time in China during the screening, which will also include 21 classic and domestic science movies for free viewing, according to the museum.
Other activities, such as academic salons, science education initiatives and film concerts will be held along with the film exhibition.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bruce Wolpe, Non-resident Senior Fellow, United States Study Centre, University of Sydney
The Democrats have been under intense pressure to find an effective way to challenge US President Donald Trump without control of either chamber of Congress or a de facto opposition leader.
They may have just found one. New Jersey Senator Cory Booker took the Senate floor on Monday evening in Washington to give a speech lambasting Trump’s actions. He didn’t stop talking – aside for the occasional question from a fellow Democrat – until Tuesday night, 25 hours later.
So, how common are these types of speeches in the US Congress, and what’s the point?
Booker’s speech set a new record for the longest continuous speech in the Senate, surpassing Senator Strom Thurmond’s 24-hour speech in 1957 to try to prevent the passage of the Civil Rights Act.
This was during the presidency of Dwight D. Eisenhower, the supreme commander of the Allied forces in Europe during the second world war. The army was the great desegregation force in the 1940s, and Eisenhower, as president in the 1950s, was strongly in favour of civil rights.
In 1957, Congress was going to pass a civil rights bill that would make it harder for officials in southern states, in particular, to prevent Black people from voting. So Thurmond, the South Carolina senator and fierce proponent of segregation, launched what was (until today) the longest speech in Senate history to oppose it.
Thurmond’s speech was a filibuster, an extended speech in the Senate to attempt to delay or block a vote on a bill or confirmation. Thurmond, however, was unable to stop enactment of the bill.
Senators engage in filibusters when they know they’re going to lose, especially when it’s a piece of legislation they really dislike or disagree with. Because they can’t stop the passage of the bill, they use the filibuster to call attention to their opposition to it. The intention is to rally the troops and say, “I’m standing with you, even if this vote goes the other way”.
In 2016, Democratic Senator Chris Murphy, who represents the state of Connecticut where the deadly shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School took place, launched a nearly 15-hour filibuster to force the Republican Senate leadership to allow votes on two gun control measures.
Republican Senator Ted Cruz also spoke all night – 21 hours in total – against Obamacare in 2013. It wasn’t all focused on health policy; he filled the time by reading the children’s book, Green Eggs and Ham by Dr Seuss.
Booker’s speech was not technically a filibuster – he wasn’t holding the floor to talk against a specific bill, as Thurmond was. He was giving time to his Democratic colleagues to just control the shape of the general debate about Trump.
Senators use speeches like this when they’re losing on a issue, and Booker feels the Democrats are currently losing to Trump. They have been unable to stop any of his executive actions, so they feel they need to cut through in some way to reach the American people.
Trump has been “flooding the zone” from the moment he took office in January with hundreds of policies and executive actions – and he has been extremely successful at it. These actions cut across so many areas, it’s been very hard for the Democrats, on any given day, to pick out the top things to fight against.
Because they don’t have control of the House or Senate, and there is no opposition leader, there is no single, principal Democrat who can stand up day by day and say, “This is what happened, this was what the threat to the country is, this why we’re opposing it and this is the way we’re going to attack it”.
Trump is controlling the narrative and the media environment. And the Democratic leadership has been unable to counter it, even though, at the grassroots level, Democrats and many others who voted for Trump are really angry.
As Booker put it during his speech:
Moments like this require us to be more creative or more imaginative, or just more persistent and dogged and determined.
There comes a certain point in a human drama that transcends partisanship when you’re looking at someone speaking from the heart, speaking their convictions and you can come to respect them.
Booker ran for the presidency in 2020 and ultimately yielded to Joe Biden, and I expect we’ll hear much more from him in 2028 when the next presidential election occurs. He is most likely going to run again.
Bruce Wolpe receives funding, as a non resident senior Fellow, from the United Statses Studies Centre at the University of Sydney. He served for ten years on the Democratic staff in the US House of Representatives.
– ref. US Senator Cory Booker just spoke for 25 hours in Congress. What was he trying to achieve? – https://theconversation.com/us-senator-cory-booker-just-spoke-for-25-hours-in-congress-what-was-he-trying-to-achieve-253616
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By T.J. Thomson, Senior Lecturer in Visual Communication & Digital Media, RMIT University
You wouldn’t usually associate Pikachu with protest.
But a figure dressed as the iconic yellow Pokémon joined a protest last week in Turkey to demonstrate against the country’s authoritarian leader.
And then a virtual doppelgänger made the rounds on social media, raising doubt in people’s minds about whether what they were seeing was true. (Just to be clear, the image in the post shown below is very much fake.)
This is the latest in a spate of incidents involving AI-generated (or AI-edited) images that can be made easily and cheaply and that are often posted during breaking news events.
Doctored, decontextualised or synthetic media can cause confusion, sow doubt, and contribute to political polarisation. The people who make or share these media often benefit financially or politically from spreading false or misleading claims.
How would you go at telling fact from fiction in these cases? Have a go with this quiz and learn more about some of AI’s (potential) giveaways and how to stay safer online.
How’d you go?
As this exercise might have revealed, we can’t always spot AI-generated or AI-edited images with just our eyes. Doing so will also become harder as AI tools become more advanced.
AI-powered tools exist to try to detect AI content, but these have mixed results.
Running suspect images through a search engine to see where else they have been published – and when – can be a helpful strategy. But this relies on there being an original “unedited” version published somewhere online.
Perhaps the best strategy is something called “lateral reading”. It means getting off the page or platform and seeing what trusted sources say about a claim.
Ultimately, we don’t have time to fact-check every claim we come across each day. That’s why it’s important to have access to trustworthy news sources that have a track record of getting it right. This is even more important as the volume of AI “slop” increases.
T.J. Thomson receives funding from the Australian Research Council. He is an affiliated researcher with the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making & Society.
– ref. Can you tell the difference between real and fake news photos? Take the quiz to find out – https://theconversation.com/can-you-tell-the-difference-between-real-and-fake-news-photos-take-the-quiz-to-find-out-253539
Source:
Have you provided certain benefits to your staff in addition to their salary and wages? It’s important to know your FBT obligations. If you lodge your own FBT return, or use a tax professional who lodges by paper, you must lodge and pay the amount owed by 21 May, 2025.
If you use a tax professional who lodges electronically on your behalf, you may have until 25 June, 2025.
If it’s your first time lodging through a tax professional, make sure you’re on your agent’s FBT client list by 21 May to be eligible for a concessional due date.
Some perks you offer to your employees may attract FBT. These include employees using a work car (including dual cab utes) for private purposes, gym memberships, and even tickets to an event or show. If you provided benefits over the 2025 FBT year, make sure you know how to lodge and pay.
To help you get it right, don’t skip these steps:
Remember to include your current financial institution details (FID) when you lodge to ensure any refund is deposited electronically into your account. Your refund may be held up if you do not provide FID.
If you’re lodging a nil FBT return, assess whether you provided fringe benefits and work out the taxable value to make sure you’re reporting and calculating FBT correctly. If you don’t have an FBT liability and you’re registered for FBT, you should send us a completed FBT notice of non-lodgment.
To ensure any refunds are deposited directly into the correct nominated accounts, include current bank account details in each lodgment.
For more information, see ato.gov.au/fbt.
Source:
You’ll have read in our Findings Report that the Top 500 program has recently undergone a review and, as a result, from April 2025, there may be changes to how we engage with you.
You can find everything you need to know about what’s happening in our Top 500 private groups tax performance program resource.
As Assistant Commissioner for the Private Wealth Top 500 tax performance program, Glenn Cooper advises:
‘The aim of the changes is to ensure the focus of the program is on the wealthiest groups, as our insights show that those groups have the biggest impact on the tax system. We will also streamline our approach for certain groups when they achieve Full Tax Assurance.’
Glenn makes it clear that groups who have achieved, or are close to achieving, Justified Trust will have a choice about what happens next:
‘Groups that are no longer covered by the program will undergo an exit process after the current lines of enquiry are finalised, and the requisite assurance is achieved. Groups that are eligible to exit may opt to stay in the Top 500 program, provided they are in Justified Trust or expected to achieve Justified Trust within the next 12 months. Moving forward, groups remaining in the Top 500 program will be categorised as ‘Significant’ or ‘General’, and our provisional Justified Trust approach will be widened.’
‘Significant’ groups will continue to undergo ongoing annual assurance engagements and need to achieve Justified Trust before entering a 3-year monitoring and maintenance period. It’s important to bear in mind that these groups have the highest impact on the tax system and make up about a third of the groups in the program.
As Glenn points out, there will be a slightly different approach for ‘General’ groups.
‘When ‘General’ groups achieve Full Tax Assurance, they’ll enter a one-year monitoring and maintenance period, followed by an assurance refresh engagement.’
Our provisional Justified Trust approach that was previously only available to predominantly passive investor groups has also been expanded to include all groups that achieve Full Tax Assurance, subject only to the additional requirement of testing tax governance for operational effectiveness.
Some things won’t change. Our engagements will assess the 4 principles of Justified Trust, and effective tax governance will continue to be encouraged for all groups in the population. However, as Glenn says:
‘We know that some groups have proven they’ve paid the right amount of tax by achieving Full Tax Assurance, even without the requisite tax governance for Justified Trust. The changes we’ve made to the Top 500 mean that we will continue to meet the program’s objective of ensuring that the wealthiest groups are paying the right amount of tax, and that significant groups will continue to pay the right amount of tax in the future, while also providing a streamlined engagement approach where appropriate. Make sure you’re on top of these changes and are clear about the implications for your group.’
We have tailored communication channels for medium, large and multinational businesses, to keep you up to date with updates and changes you need to know.
Read more articles in our online Business bulletins newsroom.
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lesley Russell, Adjunct Associate Professor, Menzies Centre for Health Policy and Economics, University of Sydney
Australian researchers are reeling from the international reach of the Trump administration’s ideological war on science and research, which threatens local research projects that receive funding from the United States National Institutes of Health.
In this context, some may have found a grain of comfort in Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s budget reply speech with his commitment of continued support for the Medical Research Future Fund.
The fund provides a concrete opportunity to supplant those US funds without further cost to the federal budget. But to date the Medical Research Future Fund has struggled to deliver on the promises made at its inception in 2015 that, a decade on, are still so needed.
This research fund was the sweetener in the Abbott government’s 2014–2015 budget, which slashed spending in health and Indigenous Affairs. Virtually all the savings were invested in the new research fund, with the target of reaching $A20 billion at maturity (this happened in 2020) and then distributing $1 billion each year.
The funds are allocated in accordance with the Medical Research Future Fund’s funding principles. They are based on Australia’s medical and research innovation strategy (revised every five years) and priorities (which should be revised every two years, but have not been updated since 2022). These are set by an independent medical research advisory board.
However, it is the federal government, via the Minister for Health and Aged Care, who develops the ten-year investment plan and has the final say in how funds are used.
The current ten-year plan (for the decade to 2033–2034) has four themes: patients, researchers, research missions and research translation. There are 22 initiatives under these themes across a wide range of basic and clinical research areas, population health initiatives and commercialisation endeavours.
The Future Fund Management Agency is in charge of investing the funds which, by September 2024, had now grown to $23.85 billion.
But although the returns on investment have always been above the annual set targets, the returns to research have fallen well short. This is because in 2021 the Morrison Government – with Labor support – enacted legislation to cap the fund’s expenditure at $650 million a year.
Since 2015, the fund’s investments have earned $6.435 billion. Yet only $3.15 billion has gone out to fund research (data as of September 2024).
This year, the Future Fund Board of Guardians has set the “maximum annual distribution amount” at $1.053 billion.
The cap on yearly spending means $403 million that could boost research funding remains locked up in an oversubscribed investment portfolio. That pot of unallocated research funds will continue to grow unless there are legislative changes to lift the cap.
It’s not an exaggeration to say these are tough times for Australian researchers. Australian investment in research and development, as a proportion of GDP, has been falling steadily behind the OECD average.
Funding awarded by the National Health and Medical Research Council (the other main source of government funding for biomedical research) has almost flat-lined over the past decade, at an average of $887 million a year.
Success rates for researchers securing National Health and Medical Research Council and Medical Research Future Fund grants are at historic lows. The adverse impact on research and researchers is recognised on the National Health and Medical Research Council website.
The COVID pandemic, the growing obesity epidemic, the burgeoning mental health crisis, health threats of climate change, the disappointing failures of Closing the Gap initiatives, and growing health inequalities – all point to the need to spend more on research and to do this smarter.
The Medical Research Future Fund could and should do much more to fulfil its aim “to transform health and medical research and innovation to improve lives, build the economy and contribute to health system sustainability”.
Over the years, there has been a range of criticisms of the fund’s processes. These prevent it from realising its mission and include:
funds have been allocated outside the established priorities
reporting on the fund’s activities and outcomes is not timely and lacks transparency and accountability (note the required report to parliament for 2022–2024 is not yet available)
there is no collaboration across research missions and with the various agencies of the federal government, particularly the the National Health and Medical Research Council
not enough has been done to ensure consumers and patients are actively consulted and involved
funding is focused on disease groups with high rates of premature deaths at the expense of those that cause disabilities.
Some of these issues are being addressed. In particular, efforts are underway to reform the governance and administration of the Medical Research Future Fund and the National Health and Medical Research Council’s Medical Research endowment account. This to ensure the community obtains the greatest benefits from these investments in health and medical research. However, the timetable is regrettably slow – this work began in May 2023.
The hard reality is that boosting Australia’s biomedical research capabilities and capacities requires bipartisan political commitment, which has been scarce in recent times.
The last two budgets from the Albanese Government offered little for research, aside from the existing commitments to the fund. To date, all we have from Dutton is a single statement highlighting his role in establishing the fund and his ongoing commitment to it.
It’s time to boost Australia’s reputation as a country that nurtures and promotes research excellence. This would be both an investment in Australians’ health and well-being and Australia’s economy and a counter to Trump’s denigration of biomedical science.
I have previously worked as a health policy advisor to the Australian Labor Party.
– ref. The Medical Research Future Fund has grown far beyond its target. Why is so much of the money unused? – https://theconversation.com/the-medical-research-future-fund-has-grown-far-beyond-its-target-why-is-so-much-of-the-money-unused-253338
Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development
The High Court ruling upholds an earlier appeal by the CFMEU and Hutchinson against a Federal Court finding that they had reached an anti-competitive boycott arrangement or understanding.
The ACCC had alleged, and the Federal Court trial judge in the original judgment had found, that the CFMEU and Hutchinson made an arrangement or understanding to boycott a waterproofing subcontractor at the Brisbane Southpoint A apartments construction site in 2016, meaning the subcontractor could no longer perform the work.
“We took this case originally because boycotts are a kind of anti-competitive conduct which harms the economy as well as individual businesses and consumers,” ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said.
The ACCC’s appeal sought the High Court’s ruling on what is required to demonstrate that parties have reached an anti-competitive arrangement or understanding.
“We took this appeal because the issue of what is needed to prove an arrangement or understanding is an important one for the enforcement of our competition laws,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.
“The ACCC respects today’s High Court ruling. It reflects the complexity of enforcing these provisions of our competition laws.”
“We remain committed to enforcing our laws and holding those who engage in anti-competitive conduct accountable,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.
Hutchinson is one of Australia’s largest privately owned construction companies.
The Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union is a trade union organisation that represents members in a number of industries including the construction industry. When proceedings started it was known as the ‘CFMMEU’, while today it is known as the ‘CFMEU’.
Sections 45E and 45EA of the Competition and Consumer Act prohibit contracts, arrangements or understandings that contain a provision included for the purpose of preventing or hindering the acquisition of goods or services from a supplier, which is also referred to as a “secondary boycott”.
On 4 December 2020, the ACCC instituted proceedings against Hutchinson and the CFMEU.
On 14 February 2022, the Federal Court found that by making and acting on the agreement, Hutchinson contravened sections 45E and 45EA of the Competition and Consumer Act.
The CFMEU was found to have been knowingly concerned in, or party to, the contraventions by Hutchinson.
The Court also found that the CFMEU induced Hutchinson’s contraventions by threatening or implying that there would be conflict with, or industrial action by, the CFMEU if Hutchinson did not stop using the particular subcontractor.
On 30 August 2022, the Federal Court ordered the CFMEU and Hutchinson to pay penalties of $750,000 and $600,000 respectively.
On 29 February 2024, the Full Federal Court upheld appeals by the CFMEU and Hutchinson against the first-instance decision.
On 2 April 2024, the ACCC sought special leave to appeal to the High Court from the Full Federal Court’s judgment that upheld appeals by the CFMEU and Hutchinson. Leave was granted in August 2024, and the appeal was heard in December 2024.
Source: New South Wales Community and Justice
Police investigate damage at Stanley penguin viewing platform
Wednesday, 2 April 2025 – 12:26 pm.
Police are investigating after a series of incidents where damage was caused at the Godfreys Beach Penguin Viewing Platform at Stanley.
Between Tuesday 18 March and Saturday 22 March, several LED strip lights and guide lights were damaged or removed from the platform off Harrison Terrace.
The marine-grade lighting had been fitted over information boards, and around the platform.
Police are also investigating similar incidents of damage at the platform in recent months.
Anyone with information about these incidents should contact Smithton Police on 131 444 and quote Offence Report 770206.
Source: New South Wales Community and Justice
Second person charged in relation to murder at Glenorchy
Wednesday, 2 April 2025 – 12:32 pm.
Police have charged a second person with murder following an incident at Dickson Street, Glenorchy, on 11 March, which resulted in the death of a 19-year-old man.
The 15-year-old youth was arrested last night.
They have been detained to appear before the Youth Justice Court today.
Source: New South Wales Community and Justice
Police working with City of Hobart and local businesses to reduce retail crime
Wednesday, 2 April 2025 – 12:38 pm.
More than 100 people attended a retail crime and safety forum in Hobart this morning to discuss strategies for making stores and shopping precincts safer.
Inspector John Toohey said the event, organised by Tasmania Police and City of Hobart, brought together community leaders, police and retailers.
“Today’s forum highlights the importance of working together to reduce crime,” he said.
“By collaborating, we can create better strategies to target retail crime and make our environment safer for everyone.”
“There are simple things retailers can do to prevent crime, from ensuring the store layout allows visibility to installing high-quality CCTV and other security measures.”
“Properly training staff, engaging closely with customers and restricting access to key areas is also key.”
“If a crime does occur, it’s important the matter is reported to police in a timely manner so our officers can respond effectively and hold offenders to account.”
“We want our local businesses, and communities more broadly, to be able to thrive without worrying about crime.”
“It’s crucial that both the public and employees feel safe not only in public spaces but also in their workplaces.”
City of Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said the council is dedicated to creating a safe and vibrant retail environment in Hobart.
“Today’s discussions have reinforced the need for ongoing collaboration between the council, law enforcement, and retailers to address the challenges we face,” she said.
Retailer Warren Lucas said retail crime not only affects businesses’ bottom line, but also the safety and wellbeing of staff and customers.
“Forums like this are essential for sharing knowledge and developing practical solutions to these issues.”
The forum provided a space for meaningful conversations and idea-sharing, paving the way for stronger partnerships and better strategies to fight retail crime.
Source: New South Wales Community and Justice
Police seize 12 kilograms of cannabis during separate searches
Wednesday, 2 April 2025 – 12:13 pm.
Two people have been charged after police seized more than 12 kilograms of cannabis during three separate searches at George Town.
George Town Police conducted the searches between 28 March and 31 March.
A 50-year-old George Town man was arrested following one search, and has been charged with multiple drug-related offences, including trafficking in a controlled substance.
A 51-year-old George Town was searched twice within three days, and allegedly found in possession of large quantities of cannabis on both occasions.
He has been charged with multiple drug related offences including possess a controlled plant product, possess a controlled drug and trafficking in a controlled substance.
Both men, who are not linked, will appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court at a later date.
Anyone with information about illicit substances is asked to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.
Source: New South Wales Ministerial News
As Australia’s first UNESCO Creative City and region of Gastronomy, the latest Djaa Djuwima celebrates First Nations bush tucker through a range of traditional and contemporary creative works.
The exhibition Dhelk Djakitj, which means nourishing food in Dja Dja Wurrung language, is inspired by bush tucker – the food, the people, Country and stories that bring them together.
This is the first exhibition for newly appointed Djaa Djuwima Curator and Arts Officer First Nations Michellie Charvat.
Twelve talented artists are exhibiting their work in Dhelk Djakitj following a recent visit to the Me-Mandook Galk education place in Chewton where the bush tucker farm Nalderun is located.
Ms Charvat said she was delighted to be involved at the start of the creative process with exhibitors.
“It was a wonderful visit to Me-Mandook Galk education place which inspired the artists in so many different ways,” Ms Charvat said.
“The artists had the opportunity to learn about the bush tucker that Nalderun is growing and harvesting, to ask questions and gain a great deal of inspiration from the farm and surrounding area on Dja Dja Wurrung Country.
“They then developed their artworks to reflect their diverse experience, personal connections to bush tucker through traditional and contemporary art forms such as painting on canvas, digital art printed, creating coolamons out of traditional and natural fibres or contemporary craft forms such as beading.
“The free exhibition is a brilliant display of artworks exploring bush tucker and the personal connections to food and culture,” Ms Charvat said.
“It is also a wonderful collaboration, celebrating the region’s designation as Australia’s first Creative City of Gastronomy at Djaa Djuwima.
“Djaa Djuwima is important in the spirit of reconciliation because it offers the opportunity for visitors and local residents to experience the diverse local First Nations peoples and artists’ exploration of their own culture and identity through their art forms. Djaa Djuwima means to show and share Country and was established on Dja Dja Wurrung Country in 2022.”
The community is welcome to attend the opening of Dhelk Djakitj tomorrow, Thursday April 3 from 5pm to 6.30pm at Djaa Djuwima.
The free exhibition is open until September 2025. Djaa Djuwima is located in the Bendigo Visitor Centre, Pall Mall and is open 9am to 4.30pm daily (except Christmas Day).
Source: New South Wales Community and Justice
Police officer charged
Wednesday, 2 April 2025 – 11:59 am.
A 28-year-old Constable from Southern District is due to appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court on 8 August 2025, having today been served with a summons to appear on two charges of common assault.
The offences are alleged to have been committed in Hobart on 19 November 2024.
The officer was on duty at the time of the incident. He has been placed on non-operational duties.
It is not appropriate to make any further comment given the matter is now before the court.
