Source: Asia Development Bank
This paper draws on an analysis of environmental, social, and governance topics in corporate reports in East Asia and Southeast Asia. It notes that economics and governance risk were the most frequently mentioned, but with significant variations across the region.
Source: Murray Darling Basin Authority
The Albanese Government is strengthening the early childhood education sector by upskilling workers through a new round of paid prac subsidy and professional development opportunities.
Applications open today for the next round of the Professional Development Subsidy, Paid Practicum Subsidy and the Practicum Exchange Living Allowance grants.
Professional development not only helps early educators build skills and knowledge but also contributes to safe, high-quality education and care.
The Professional Development Subsidy enables positions to be backfilled while early childhood educators, teachers and centre directors undertake professional development opportunities, or allows staff to be paid for undertaking these opportunities outside of work hours.
Professional development opportunities can include highly recommended training, such as additional child safety and quality training, inclusion training and/or leadership training, and mandatory training such as First Aid and/or CPR training.
The Paid Practicum Subsidy helps early learning providers to give existing educators paid leave while they undertake the practicum placements required to complete their early childhood education and care qualifications.
The Paid Practicum Subsidy is available for educators undertaking a Diploma of Early Childhood Education or relevant Early Childhood Teaching qualifications, including post-graduate Early Childhood Teaching qualifications.
To assist with living and travel costs while educators undertake a practicum placement in a rural or remote area organised via the Practicum Exchange Network, applications will also open for the Practicum Exchange Living Allowance.
The subsidies and Practicum Exchange Living Allowance are part of the Government’s $72.4 million Early Childhood Education Workforce Package, introduced in 2023 to support the training and development of the Early Childhood Education and Care workforce.
Over the past two years, the Government has supported approximately 2,850 student educators through the paid practicum subsidy and more than 86,000 educators have benefited from the professional development subsidy.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Early Childhood Education and Minister for Youth, Senator Dr Jess Walsh:
“I want to ensure that children have a positive, rewarding and safe early education experience so they get the best possible start in life.
“These grants help to build and retain our existing highly skilled early learning workforce.
“Creating a stable workforce also paves the way for our plans to continue expanding access to quality early education, starting with our 3 Day Guarantee that comes in from January next year.”
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
High on a ridge 5,250 meters above sea level in southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, a new eye onto the infant universe has blinked open.
Scientists at the Institute of High Energy Physics (IHEP) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences announced Sunday that their AliCPT-1 telescope has captured its first crisp images of the moon and Jupiter at 150 GHz, a milestone that marks the formal opening of China’s first hunt for primordial gravitational waves.
The ripples — faint whispers from the dawn of time — may hold the key to explaining how the universe began.
Imagine the universe as a newborn; the primordial gravitational waves would be its very first cry. Born from quantum fluctuations in spacetime during the epoch of cosmic inflation, these elusive signals are the most pristine ripples ever etched into the fabric of the cosmos.
Primordial gravitational-wave detection is believed to be a critical test of cosmic origin, probing inflation and quantum gravity.
“If we successfully detect primordial gravitational waves, we will glimpse the universe in its very first instant,” said Zhang Xinmin, a researcher at the IHEP.
“At the same time, it can drive breakthroughs in cutting-edge technologies like cryogenic superconducting detectors and low-temperature readout electronics, thus propelling cosmology into an era of unprecedented precision,” Zhang added.
Led by the IHEP, the telescope was built in eight years by a 16-member global consortium including China’s National Astronomical Observatories and Stanford University.
Placed on the roof of the world, the telescope is designed to escape atmospheric water vapor that would drown the whisper of primordial gravitational waves.
Only four sites on Earth are known to be viable for such observations: Antarctica, Chile’s Atacama Desert, the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and Greenland, said Liu Congzhan, a project manager of the telescope experiment.
The moon and Jupiter experiment is just the beginning, said Li Hong, also a researcher at IHEP. “As the Northern Hemisphere’s first high-altitude primordial gravitational-wave observatory, the telescope fills a gap for China and, together with devices in Antarctica and Chile, completes a global, complementary network.”
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Beijing, capital of China, July 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Sunday in Beijing.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, welcomed Lavrov to China to attend the Meeting of the Council of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States.
China is willing to work with Russia and other member states to prepare for the Tianjin Summit, and promote the development of the SCO to a new level, Wang said.
Noting that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, Wang said that both sides should also hold a series of commemorative activities for the 80th anniversary of the victory of World War II (WWII) and safeguard the correct historical narrative on WWII.
Lavrov expressed willingness to work with China to deepen cooperation in various fields under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, and promote continuous new achievements in Russia-China relations.
Russia will continue to fully support China in holding the rotating presidency of the SCO, enhance communication and collaboration within the framework of the SCO and others, and ensure the complete success of the Tianjin Summit, Lavrov said.
The two sides also exchanged views on such issues as the Korean Peninsula, the Ukraine crisis and the Iranian nuclear issue.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
China’s railway construction saw stable progress in the first half (H1) of 2025, with fixed-asset investment expanding 5.5 percent year on year, according to the country’s railway operator.
During the January-June period, fixed-asset investment in the railway sector reached 355.9 billion yuan (nearly 50 billion U.S. dollars), according to data from China State Railway Group Co., Ltd.
The investment volume has remained high, the company said, noting that railway investment involves a long industrial chain and covers a wide range of sectors, thus serving as a significant growth driver.
Railway projects have advanced steadily across the country this year, with 301 km of new routes put into operation and the preparatory work for the construction of new lines making headway.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Heatwaves ignite cooling economy across China
Source:
14 July 2025
Cheap volcanic rock that languishes in open cut mines and quarries could transform Australia’s farming sector as a natural fertiliser, boosting crop yields and removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
It turns out that crushed basalt – a common rock used to make roads, houses, schools and hospitals – may address two very critical issues of our time: climate change and acidic soils.
University of South Australia (UniSA) environmental researcher Dr Binoy Sarkar is leading an Enhanced Rock Weathering trial that involves applying crushed basalt to agricultural soils, measuring its nutrient release and carbon capture.
Dr Sarkar, from UniSA’s Future Industries Institute, is collaborating with James Cook University, the Tropical North Queensland Drought Hub, and industry partner Carbonaught Pty Ltd on two projects, funded by the Federal Government and Cascade Climate.
“Australian farmers spend nearly $1.2 billion a year to tackle soil acidification, using expensive liming materials that in themselves contribute to greenhouse gas emissions,” Dr Sarkar says.
“Large volumes of adequately fine rock particles – a byproduct of the mining and construction industry – can be bought for as little as $30 per ton and applied to soils using existing farm equipment, with negligible expense.
“Basalt does not completely replace chemical fertilisers, but it can cut fertiliser amounts needed to grow crops, saving farmers a lot of money and substantially improving their profit margins.”
Farming with basalt solves two critical challenges facing Australian agriculture: improving infertile soils and simultaneously removing greenhouse gas emissions from farming practices that include nitrogen fertilisers, deforestation and land clearing.
“As a country, we have committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Almost 18% of our emissions are produced by the agricultural sector, primarily from crop production and emissions from livestock,” Dr Sarkar says.
“Lime is commonly used for correcting soil acidity, but it is expensive and contributes heavily to on-farm carbon dioxide emissions. Basalt naturally reduces acidity, captures carbon, and it also releases nutrients such as phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and silicon into the soil.”
Dr Sarkar says the research will not only benefit Australia’s agricultural sector, but also the mining sector, where basalt is a byproduct that has to be dug and moved aside before reaching valuable minerals located at depth.
This byproduct is already crushed to make road building and construction materials, but finer fractions are stockpiled, often taking up large amounts of space with negligible commercial use.
Society at large is also a winner, thanks to basalt scrubbing gigatons of carbon dioxide from the air.
Dr Sarkar’s collaborative team is the first in Australia to receive significant R&D federal funding ($5 million) to trial the low-cost carbon cutting technology nationally.
“I hope we can see a lot more trials in the next few years, to build confidence and propel a large-scale adoption of this rock weathering technology.
“It will also provide opportunities for farmers and quarry owners to sell carbon credits and earn additional profits. Our farmers will be able to take advantage of this huge market when we have a strong monitoring, reporting and verification program for the technology.”
A video accompanying this media release is available at: https://youtu.be/rivrFCol0g0
Contact for interview: Dr Binoy Sarkar M: +61 433 801 054 E: binoy.sarkar@unisa.edu.au
Media contact: Megan Andrews M: +61 434 819 275 E: megan.andrews@unisa.edu.au
Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Pekatahi Bridge on State Highway 2 (SH2) near Tāneatua in the Eastern Bay of Plenty will be getting the facelift it very much needs, with funding now confirmed for a total deck replacement says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).
“A new deck for this one lane bridge will improve safety by reducing the risk of damage to vehicles and cut the need for frequent closures for ongoing repairs, supporting more reliable journey times for locals and freight to Tairāwhiti, the Bay of Plenty and Port of Tauranga,” says Regional Manager of Maintenance and Operations, Roger Brady.
“We have listened to the freight industry and community concerns about the condition of the Pekatahi Bridge and re-prioritised to secure funding for deck construction.”
The design for the new bridge deck is well underway and expected to be completed in the coming months.
All going to plan, construction is expected to start early 2026.
“Once the deck replacement and structural maintenance is completed, it will significantly extend the life of the bridge by another 20 years,” Mr Brady says.
The cost of the deck replacement and additional work, which will include painting, concrete repairs and scour protection to the substructure, is expected to be around $14 million. The timeline for construction will be confirmed in coming weeks.
“This is the most practical solution to address the current issues quickly while funding is constrained. A new and more durable deck will improve safety and quality and extend the bridge’s lifespan without overloading the structure,” Mr Brady says.
The proposed new deck will be made of plywood panels, bolted in place, limiting movement and subsequent breakage of the new surface. The deck replacement work will require full closure of Pekatahi Bridge for a significant period of time.
Quarterly bridge maintenance will continue until construction begins.
Source: US Whitehouse
Those who carry scars from that July evening defended our Republic during one of our Nation’s darkest hours—running to the injured amid chaos and uncertainty to provide comfort and lifesaving care. Doctors and first responders rushed to help the wounded, rallygoers guided their fellow citizens to safety, and patriots raised their fists in the air in an outpouring of support and national pride. These men and women arrived at the rally grounds as ordinary Americans, but left as heroes. They represent the very best of our Nation, and we are forever indebted for their kindness and compassion.
However, one name stands above all for selfless service and ultimate sacrifice on that fateful day. The world will never forget the tragic loss of Corey Comperatore, a firefighter, veteran, and devoted husband and father. When gunfire erupted, Corey did not hesitate to protect his wife and two daughters. He died a hero, and we are eternally grateful for his inspiring love, valor, and faithfulness.
It remains my firm conviction that God alone saved me that day for a righteous purpose: to restore our beloved Republic to greatness and to rescue our Nation from those who seek its ruin. One year after the attempt on my life in Butler, our country is in the midst of a new Golden Age. History will remember the would-be assassin for his cowardice and failure, but the magnificent legacy of the heroes of July 13, 2024, will forever be etched upon the heart of our Nation. Today, we pay tribute to their spirit of love, unity, and resilience—and we proclaim with one voice the epic battle cry that has reverberated all across the world: “Fight, fight, fight!”
Source: New South Wales Ministerial News
Awards to celebrate and recognise the everyday contributions, skills, accomplishments and achievements of young people aged between 12 and 25 years of age who work, live and study in Greater Bendigo.
The awards aim to recognize and honour the skills and accomplishments of young individuals across various areas, as reflected in the six award categories which are:
City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said the awards program recognises the everyday contributions of young people in our community that often go unrecognised.
“By nominating a young person for the Youth Awards, you will help shine a light on their efforts and inspire others. Recognizing these young individuals not only honours their hard work and dedication but also encourages them to continue making positive impacts,” Cr Metcalf said.
“We have exceptional young people in Greater Bendigo who make small and large contributions to the community that have a lasting and positive impact on our lives every day. Often this goes unrecognised, but they keep quietly working and using their skills and talents to make Greater Bendigo a better place.
“It’s often said that young people are the leaders of tomorrow, but we know that young people are already leaders today. They are kind, creative, innovative, and generous with their time and contribute to improving the lives and experiences of those around them through their actions both big and small.
“If you know a young person who you think should be acknowledged, I encourage you to nominate them for the City’s youth awards.”
Greater Bendigo Youth Mayor Levity Camilleri said the Youth Awards are an incredible way to celebrate and acknowledge the creativity, leadership, and excellence of local young people.
“It’s truly amazing and inspiring to see the diverse skills, contributions, and stories of young people in our community,” Levity Camilleri said.
“It’s important to appreciate young people’s work across the municipality, it helps strengthen our culture, social cohesion, and quality of life. I encourage anyone who knows an exceptional young person who contributes to our community to nominate them for the Youth Awards and to celebrate their contribution.”
Nominations for the Greater Bendigo Youth Awards can be made online until 5pm Tuesday September 30, 2025.
Finalists will be invited to an awards ceremony which will take place on Friday November 21, 2025.
Nominations to the Greater Bendigo Youth Awards may also be considered for the 2026 City of Greater Bendigo Young Citizen Year of the Year award.
The Greater Bendigo Youth Awards were developed with significant input from the City’s Youth Council and are a key action of the Greater Bendigo Youth Action Plan 2023-2024.
To nominate someone, visit:
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dave Carter, Associate Professor, School of Music and Screen Arts, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University
Was the recent Velvet Sundown phenomenon a great music and media hoax, a sign of things to come, or just another example of what’s already happening ?
In case you missed it, the breakout act was streamed hundreds of thousands of times before claims emerged the band and their music were products of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI).
Despite the “band” insisting they were real, an “associate” later admitted it was indeed an “art hoax” marketing stunt. Much of the subsequent commentary was concerned with fairness – particularly that a “fake” band was succeeding at the expense of “real” artists.
But Velvet Sundown is only the most recent example in a long history of computer generated and assisted music creation – going back to the 1950s when a chemistry professor named Lejaren Hiller debuted a musical composition written by a computer.
By the 1980s, David Cope’s Experiments in Musical Intelligence created music so close to the style of Chopin and Bach it fooled classically trained musicians.
Artist and composer Holly Herndon was highlighting a need for the ethical use and licensing of voice models and deepfakes several years before Grimes invited others to use AI-generated versions of her voice to make new music, and “Deepfake Drake” alarmed the major record labels.
At the same time, music companies, including Warner, Capitol and rapper-producer Timbaland, have since inked record contracts for AI-generated work.
GenAI-powered tools, such as those offered by Izotope, LANDR and Apple, have become commonplace in mixing and mastering since the late 2000s. Machine learning technology also underpins streaming recommendations.
Despite this relatively long history of technology’s impact on music, it still tends to be framed as a future challenge. The New Zealand government’s Strategy for Artificial Intelligence, released this month, suggests we’re at a “pivotal moment” as the AI-powered future approaches.
In June, a draft insight briefing from Manata Taonga/Ministry for Culture & Heritage explored “how digital technologies may transform the ways New Zealanders create, share and protect stories in 2040 and beyond”.
It joins other recent publications by the Australasian Performing Rights Association and New Zealand’s Artificial Intelligence Researchers Association, which grapple with the future impacts of AI technologies.
One of the main issues is the use of copyright material to train AI systems. Last year, two AI startups, including the one used by Velvet Sundown, were sued by Sony, Universal and Warner for using unlicensed recordings as part of their training data.
It’s possible the models have been trained on recordings by local musicians without their permission, too. But without any requirement for tech firms to disclose their training data it can’t be confirmed.
Even if we did know, the copyright implications for works created by AI in Aotearoa New Zealand aren’t clear. And it’s not possible for musicians to opt out in any meaningful way.
This goes against the data governance model designed by Te Mana Raraunga/Māori Sovereignty Network. Māori writer members of music rights administrator APRA AMCOS have also raised concerns about potential cultural appropriation and misuse due to GenAI.
Recent research suggesting GenAI work displaces human output in creative industries is particularly worrying for local musicians who already struggle for visibility. But it’s not an isolated phenomenon.
In Australia, GenAI has reportedly been used to impersonate successful, emerging and dead artists. And French streaming service Deezer claims up to 20,000 tracks created by GenAI were being uploaded to its service daily.
There has been increased scrutiny of streaming fraud, including a world-first criminal case brought last year against a musician who used bots to generate millions of streams for tracks created with GenAI.
But on social media, musicians now compete for attention with a flood of “AI slop”, with no real prospect of platforms doing anything about it.
More troublingly, New Zealand law has been described as “woefully inadequate” at combating deepfakes and non-consensual intimate imagery that can damage artists’ brands and livelihoods.
The government’s AI strategy prioritises adoption, innovation and a light-touch approach over these creative and cultural implications. But there is growing consensus internationally that regulatory intervention is warranted.
The European Union has enacted legislation requiring AI services to be transparent about what they have trained their models on, an important first step towards an AI licensing regime for recorded and musical works.
An Australian senate committee has recommended whole-of-economy AI guardrails, including transparency requirements in line with the EU. Denmark has gone even further, with plans to give every citizen copyright of their own facial features, voice and body, including specific protections for performing artists.
It’s nearly ten years since the music business was described as the “canary in a coalmine” for other industries and a bellwether of broader cultural and economic shifts. How we address the current challenges presented by AI in music will have far-reaching implications.
Dave Carter is a writer member of APRA AMCOS. He has received funding and contributed to projects funded by Manatū Taongao Ministry for Culture and Heritage, NZ on Air and APRA AMCOS.
Jesse Austin-Stewart has completed commissioned research for NZ On Air and participated in focus groups for Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage. He has received competitive funding from Creative New Zealand, NZ On Air, Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture & Hertiage, and the NZ Music Commission. He is a writer member of APRA AMCOS and a member of the Composer’s Association of New Zealand and Recorded Music NZ
Oli Wilson has previously completed research in partnership with or commissioned by APRA AMCOS, Toi Mai Workforce Development Council, Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture & Heritage and the NZ Music Commission. He has also received funding, or contributed to projects that have benefited from funding from NZ on Air, the NZ Music Commission and Recorded Music New Zealand. He has provided services to The Chills, owns shares in TripTunz Limited, and is a writer member of APRA AMCOS.
– ref. Music is at the forefront of AI disruption, but NZ artists still have few protections – https://theconversation.com/music-is-at-the-forefront-of-ai-disruption-but-nz-artists-still-have-few-protections-260299
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements
Trade win unlocks £250 million in exports for British pharmaceutical firms in Vietnam.
Trade win unlocks £250 million in exports for British pharmaceutical firms in Vietnam
British pharmaceutical companies are set to gain up to £250 million over the next five years as part of a Vietnamese law change that makes it easier to sell UK-made medicines to the country.
The announcement comes ahead of the latest Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) today [14 July] co-chaired by Trade Minister Douglas Alexander and Vice Minister Nguyen Hoang Long.
The meeting aims to deepen trade ties – which have risen to more than £8 billion – and remove barriers for UK businesses in key sectors like healthcare, finance, and clean energy – which will boost growth to deliver for working people as part of the Plan for Change.
It follows the launch of the UK’s landmark Trade Strategy which aims to secure more nimble deals while promoting sectors like financial services and renewable energy which drive the most economic growth.
Thanks to UK government efforts, Vietnam has changed its laws to streamline the registration of new medicines and vaccines, now recognising approvals from trusted international regulators such as the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
It opens to the door to more commercial opportunities for UK companies who can avoid time-consuming paperwork and expensive legal processes if their products have been approved in the last five years by the MHRA, making it cheaper, quicker and easier to sell products to Vietnam.
The JETCO will reflect the UK’s goal of deepening ties with fast-growing economies in Asia while supporting key sectors like life sciences, education, and green energy – core pillars of the UK’s Industrial Strategy.
Renewable energy will be on today’s agenda as both countries pledge to work together to support the development of Vietnam’s renewable energy sector, particularly around offshore wind, with the industry in the UK forecast to support 100,000 jobs by 2030.
Vietnam is today a dynamic, fast-growing economy.
The removal of pharmaceutical barriers with one of our closest trading partners in Asia is a boost for the UK pharmaceutical industry and proof our Industrial and Trade Strategies are already delivering.
The UK is committed to strengthening its relationship with Vietnam, which is witnessing rapid economic growth and fast becoming a major global manufacturing base for electronics, textiles, and renewable energy.
Discussions will also celebrate the good news for our world-leading financial services sector as the government commits support for Vietnam to design its first International Finance Centre in Ho Chi Minh City which is expected to streamline regulations and encourage international investments, making it simpler for British firms to trade with Vietnam.
The swift removal of pharmaceutical barriers and progress on financial and energy collaborations with Vietnam demonstrates the government is securing quick wins through nimble, targeted interventions and delivering on the key ambitions of the newly launched Trade Strategy.
There is great potential for British firms and other international investors in Vietnam; it is a rapidly growing market with increasing demand for sophisticated financial products. There are also mutual benefits to be gained through sharing expertise in areas such as green finance, innovation, and digital transformation.
We’ve been working closely with the UK Government and British Embassy in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to help lay the groundwork for the development of an international financial and business centre in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang and are very supportive of the government’s commitment to support its creation and its contribution to Vietnam’s economic growth and net-zero agenda.
Notes on analysis
The £250m over five-year figure is a mid-point of a range of £100m – £400m. The DBT methodology to value market access barriers can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/methodologies-for-valuing-market-access-barriers
Sources:
Source:
14 July 2025
A new weekly injectable drug could transform the lives of more than eight million people living with Parkinson’s disease, potentially replacing the need for multiple daily tablets.
Scientists from the University of South Australia (UniSA) have developed a long-acting injectable formulation that delivers a steady dose of levodopa and carbidopa – two key medications for Parkinson’s – over an entire week.
Their findings have been reported in the journal Drug Delivery and Translational Research.
The biodegradable formulation is injected under the skin or into muscle tissue, where it gradually releases the medication over seven days.
Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurological disorder, affecting more than 8.5 million people worldwide. Currently there is no cure and the symptoms – tremors, rigidity and slow movement – are managed with oral medications that must be taken several times a day.
The frequent dosing is a burden, especially for elderly patients or those with swallowing difficulties, leading to inconsistent medication levels, more side effects, and reduced effectiveness.
Lead researcher Professor Sanjay Garg, from UniSA’s Centre for Pharmaceutical Innovation, says the newly developed injectable could significantly improve treatment outcomes and patient adherence.
“Our goal was to create a formulation that simplifies treatment, improves patient compliance, and maintains consistent therapeutic levels of medication. This weekly injection could be a game-changer for Parkinson’s care,” Prof Garg says.
“Levodopa is the gold-standard therapy for Parkinson’s, but its short life span means it must be taken several times a day.”
UniSA PhD student Deepa Nakmode says the in-situ implant is designed to release both levodopa and carbidopa steadily over one week, maintaining consistent plasma levels and reducing the risks associated with fluctuating drug concentrations.
“After years of focused research, it’s incredibly rewarding to see our innovation in long-acting injectables for Parkinson’s disease reach this stage. Our invention has now been filed for an Australian patent,” Nakmode says.
The injectable gel combines an FDA-approved biodegradable polymer PLGA with Eudragit L-100, a pH-sensitive polymer, to achieve a controlled and sustained drug release.
Extensive lab tests confirmed the system’s effectiveness and safety:
“The implications of this research are profound,” Prof Garg says. “By reducing the frequency of dosing from multiple times a day to a weekly injection is a major step forward in Parkinson’s therapy. We’re not just improving how the drug is delivered; we’re improving patients’ lives.”
Prof Garg says the technology could also be adapted for other chronic conditions such as cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, pain management, and chronic infections that require long-term drug delivery.in
The system can be tuned to release drugs over a period ranging from a few days to several weeks depending on therapeutic needs.
UniSA scientists hope to start clinical trials in the near future and are exploring commercialisation opportunities.
The study, titled “Development of an in-situ forming implant system for levodopa and carbidopa for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease,” is authored by Professor Sanjay Garg, Deepa Nakmode, Dr Sadik Abdella and Dr Yunmei Song. DOI: 10.1007/s13346-025-01892-y
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Contact for interview: Professor Sanjay Garg E: sanjay.garg@unisa.edu.au
Media contact: Candy Gibson M: +61 434 605 142 E: candy.gibson@unisa.edu.au
Ahead of the appeal hearing of 13 people – among 45 individuals convicted in a mass trial last year of “conspiring to subvert state power” under Hong Kong’s National Security Law – Amnesty International’s China Director Sarah Brooks said:
“The Hong Kong 47 case stands as one of the most shocking examples of the crackdown on human rights in the city. This appeal hearing is a chance for the courts to start righting the wrongs of this unprecedented mass prosecution.
“Research findings we released earlier this month show that the vast majority of convictions under the National Security Law have targeted legitimate expression. It is appalling that Hong Kong courts could condone a crackdown that leaves more than 80% of defendants wrongfully languishing behind bars.
“This appeal is a pivotal test—not just for these 13 individuals, but for the future of freedom of expression in Hong Kong. Only by overturning these convictions can Hong Kong’s courts begin to restore the city’s global standing as a place where rights are respected and where people are allowed to peacefully express their views without fear of arrest.”
Background
In Hong Kong’s largest prosecution under the National Security Law, which was enacted in June 2020, 47 opposition figures were jointly charged with “conspiracy to commit subversion”. Thirty-one of the 47 pleaded guilty to the charge while 16 pleaded not guilty, two of whom were acquitted.
On 14 July 2025, Hong Kong’s Court of Appeal will hear the appeal of 13 of those convicted. In the same hearing, Hong Kong’s Department of Justice will also appeal against the acquittal of one of the defendants, Lawrence Lau. The hearing is expected to take 10 days to conclude.
The charges against the “Hong Kong 47” relate to their organization and participation in self-organized “primaries” for the 2020 Legislative Council elections that were ultimately postponed by authorities on Covid-19 grounds before the Chinese government brought in a new electoral system that strictly vetted who could stand for office.
The city’s chief executive at the time, Carrie Lam, said the “primaries” were illegal and warned that they could be in breach of the National Security Law that had been enacted only weeks earlier.
To treat self-organized “primaries” conducted by political parties to select candidates to put forward for elections as a genuine threat to Hong Kong’s existence, territorial integrity or political independence does not meet the high threshold of application for “national security” that international human rights standards require.
Research published last month by Amnesty International, on the fifth anniversary of the National Security Law’s enactment, found that more than 80% of people convicted under the law have been wrongly criminalized and should never have been charged in the first place.
Hong Kong’s human rights situation has deteriorated dramatically since 2020, with Amnesty International identifying more than 250 people arrested for violating the National Security Law or a colonial-era “sedition” law. Last year, the Hong Kong parliament itself enacted further national security legislation – the so-called ‘Article 23’ law – which has further deepened repression and silenced opposition voices in the city.
Source: New Zealand Police
Attribute to Constable Hayden Latta:
Police are appealing for information from the public following an assault on the Mosgiel motorway off-ramp leading to the Quarry Road roundabout.
On Wednesday 25 June, Police received a report of a road rage assault at around 4pm.
One person received moderate injuries and was understandably shaken by the incident.
While our investigation into the circumstances of the incident are ongoing, Police would like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed what happened.
We would also like to hear from anyone who may have CCTV or dashcam footage from the motorway and Quarry Road off-ramp area at the time.
If you have information that may assist in our enquiries, please contact Police online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” or call 105.
Please use the reference number 250625/4075.
You can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111.
ENDS.
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: US Whitehouse
Here’s what you missed:
Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)
Treasury Director General Dr Duncan Pieterse addressees the 4th Finance and Central Bank Deputies Meeting in Zimbali, Kwa Zulu Natal
Source: United Nations 2
Threatened or actual tariff increases are largely focused on taxing imports into the United States and will make the products made by factories outside the country more expensive – a situation which may drive down demand.
The ILO’s Better Work programme, a partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), has supported garment factories, many of which export their products to the United States.
The ILO’s Sara Park explained to UN News what could happen next.
Sara Park: Better Work currently operates in the garment, textile and footwear sector in 13 countries around the world.
It was set up 24 years ago in Cambodia to monitor the working conditions in garment factories and since then has focused on improvement and capacity building of factories and our constituencies in the sector, for example occupational safety and health.
There are other elements that support the sector to promote social dialogue, safe and decent work which includes fair wages and working hours. The programme has also helped build productivity in those sectors.
UN News: How is the ILO involved?
Sara Park: The ILO is a tripartite organization, so we work with governments, employers, the unions who represent workers, usually Ministries of Labour, but also with ministries of trade or commerce because the programme focuses on exports.
A worker at a factory in Ethiopia carries out an inspection on fire safety equipment.
But what maybe makes us different from other projects is that we have a very close collaboration with major brands from the US, UK, Europe and Japan to promote responsible business practices.
UN News: How successful has this programme been?
Sara Park: Our studies show that at the factory level we’ve made significant impact, for example by increasing wages and supporting gender-equality related issues, women’s empowerment and women getting more supervisory roles.
Over the quarter of a century of its existence, Better Work has lifted millions of people out of poverty and reduced the environmental impact of the apparel sector by creating decent work in sustainable enterprises.
It’s still hard for unions as freedom of association remains a big challenge.
A woman works at a Better Work-affiliated factory in Viet Nam.
If you’re trying to develop a whole industry and make it competitive, it takes years if not decades; however, we have seen improvements in the factories where we work.
Better Work-enrolled factories have also reported an increase in orders from buyers.
UN News: So, this is good for business as well?
Sara Park: This is good for business, and productivity in individual factories. Governments also tell us that the programme supports confidence and thus growth of the industry as a whole in participating countries.
Garment employees work on a production line of an exporting clothing plant in Jordan.
UN News: How has Better Work been affected by recent global changes in development funding?
Sara Park: As we know from recent developments, the US Government has cut funding and that has affected our programmes in Haiti and Jordan, which were almost fully funded by the US. The other countries have not been affected, as we are lucky to have very diverse funding.
UN News: Why is the ILO’s ongoing support needed once the relationship between factory and the buyer is set up?
Sara Park: The buyers, which are often well-known companies, require a sustainable way of monitoring working conditions to ensure they are in compliance with international labour standards; this is important to eliminate risk from the buyers’ perspective.
The Better Work programme supports improvements in factories, by conducting assessments, advisory and learning sessions and helps all parties to better understand compliance with the standards. It also works with governments, workers and employers to build capacity.
Workers take their lunch break at a garment factory in Indonesia.
UN News: Currently there is widespread uncertainty about tariffs, the taxing of imported goods particularly into the United States. How is the garment sector impacted?
Sara Park: At the moment, we don’t know what the impact will be. Governments are monitoring the situation. Employers and, of course, the unions are worried.
It is extremely challenging for factories as uncertainty means they cannot plan even for the short term, as they don’t know what orders they will have. They are also concerned about paying workers.
Better Work-enrolled factories are providing primarily jobs in the formal sector; if they close, then those jobs may move to the informal sector where workers have fewer protections.
In countries like Jordan for example, migrants make up the majority of the workforce in the garment industry, most of them come from South and Southeast Asia.
UN News: How is this uncertainty impacting investment in the global garment industry?
Sara Park: During periods of crisis or uncertainty, investment generally pauses. One concern is that factories stop investing in improving working conditions, which could affect occupational safety and health.
For example, heat stress is a serious issue. Recently, in Pakistan temperatures reached 50 degrees Celsius so action needs to be taken to protect workers. This may not happen if investment dries up.
UN News: What would you say to a garment worker who was worried about his or her job?
Sara Park: We understand this is a worry for many workers. Yet the work of the ILO is continuing to ensure that workers are protected and the ILO remains in those countries and is committed to improving conditions for all workers across different sectors.
We will continue to promote social dialogue because that’s how improvements can be made at factory, sectoral and national level.
Source: United Nations 2
The 2025 High-Level Political Forum, or HLPF, follows two recent successful UN conferences focused on vital development issues: one in June in Nice, France, dedicated to ocean protection, and another held in Sevilla, Spain, centred on boosting financing for sustainable initiatives.
The Sevilla meeting ended with a strong call to action: to urgently address the massive $4 trillion annual shortfall in financing needed to achieve the SDGs. It also highlighted the pressing need for greater investment and deep reform of the global financial system.
Held under the auspices of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the forum will take place from 14 to 23 July at UN Headquarters in New York.
Here are five key things to know about this year’s forum:
The HLPF is the United Nations’ main platform for tracking global progress on the Sustainable Development Goals. It meets each year to review countries’ efforts, share solutions, and push for faster action to meet the 2030 targets
The 2025 forum is convening under the theme:
Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals leaving no one behind.
This reflects a growing sense of urgency. With the 2030 deadline fast approaching, the forum will emphasise practical, data-driven strategies to close implementation gaps– particularly in the face of intersecting global crisis including climate change, inequality, and economic instability.
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals are all interconnected, for instance progress on SDG 2 to end hunger is closely tied to advances in health and education.
Each year, the HLPF conducts in-depth reviews of selected Goals. In 2025, the focus will be on:
SDG 3: Good health and well-being
SDG 5: Gender equality
SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth
SDG 14: Life below water
SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals
These Goals span a wide range of issues – from public health and gender equity to economic resilience and marine conservation.
SDG 17, which is reviewed annually, highlights the importance of revitalising global partnerships and enhancing means of implementation – including financing, which nations committed to just last month in Sevilla.
A hallmark of the HLPF is the Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) – self-assessments by Member States on their progress toward the SDGs. In 2025, dozens of countries are expected to present their VNRs, offering insights into both achievements and persistent challenges.
These reviews foster transparency, peer learning, and accountability. They also provide a platform for civil society and other stakeholders to engage directly with governments on development priorities.
VNR Labs – interactive sessions focused on national reviews – create space for dialogue, innovation, and collaboration
While the HLPF is a UN intergovernmental platform, it brings together a diverse range of voices, including youth groups, local authorities, indigenous peoples, NGOs, academics, the private sector, and UN system agencies.
A rich programme of side events, exhibitions, and roundtable-discussions. This inclusive approach reflects the spirit of the 2030 Agenda, which recognises sustainable development is a universal, shared endeavour.
A wide view of the opening of the 2023 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development convened under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), held in the General Assembly Hall.
With only five years left to deliver on the 2030 Agenda, the 2025 HLPF marks a critical inflection point.
It is more than a yearly check-in. This year’s session comes at a time when science, solidarity, and urgent action must converge. It will help set the tone for the next Sustainable Development Goals Summit in 2027, where world leaders will take stock of collective progress and determine the final push toward 2030.
What happens now – at this two-thirds deadline moment – will shape whether the SDGs will realise a global promise or become a missed opportunity.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders
WASHINGTON, July 13 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) today issued a statement of solidarity with MK Ayman Odeh, the chairman of the Arab-majority Hadash-Ta’al party, after lawmakers in the Israeli Knesset House Committee voted to impeach him.
We strongly condemn the effort to expel MK Ayman Odeh from the Israeli Knesset.
All over the world, democracy is under assault. If Israel is going to call itself a democracy, it must tolerate peaceful dissent.
For over a decade, MK Odeh has been a leading advocate for peace, justice, and Jewish-Arab partnership. The current expulsion effort is a direct response to MK Odeh’s outspoken and brave calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, an end to the occupation, and a political solution between Israelis and Palestinians.
This effort is not merely a personal attack on one parliamentarian – it is a grave assault on democracy, pluralism, and freedom of expression. In any free society, elected representatives must be able to speak their conscience without fear of expulsion or punishment. Suppressing dissent does not strengthen a democracy; it weakens its legitimacy.
And this expulsion effort sends a chilling message to millions of Palestinian citizens of Israel: that their representation is conditional and their rights revocable. Such a message has no place in any democratic society.
We strongly condemn this anti-democratic maneuver and urge all members of the Knesset to reject the petition for MK Odeh’s expulsion.
At a time when many remain silent or resort to inciting rhetoric, MK Odeh has continued to call for an end to the violence, the protection of innocent lives, and a just and lasting peace for both peoples. He deserves the support of all those committed to democracy and freedom of expression.
We stand in solidarity with MK Odeh and with the right of all lawmakers, Arab and Jewish, to speak freely and without fear of political retribution.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders
WASHINGTON, July 13 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) today issued a statement of solidarity with MK Ayman Odeh, the chairman of the Arab-majority Hadash-Ta’al party, after lawmakers in the Israeli Knesset House Committee voted to impeach him.
We strongly condemn the effort to expel MK Ayman Odeh from the Israeli Knesset.
All over the world, democracy is under assault. If Israel is going to call itself a democracy, it must tolerate peaceful dissent.
For over a decade, MK Odeh has been a leading advocate for peace, justice, and Jewish-Arab partnership. The current expulsion effort is a direct response to MK Odeh’s outspoken and brave calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, an end to the occupation, and a political solution between Israelis and Palestinians.
This effort is not merely a personal attack on one parliamentarian – it is a grave assault on democracy, pluralism, and freedom of expression. In any free society, elected representatives must be able to speak their conscience without fear of expulsion or punishment. Suppressing dissent does not strengthen a democracy; it weakens its legitimacy.
And this expulsion effort sends a chilling message to millions of Palestinian citizens of Israel: that their representation is conditional and their rights revocable. Such a message has no place in any democratic society.
We strongly condemn this anti-democratic maneuver and urge all members of the Knesset to reject the petition for MK Odeh’s expulsion.
At a time when many remain silent or resort to inciting rhetoric, MK Odeh has continued to call for an end to the violence, the protection of innocent lives, and a just and lasting peace for both peoples. He deserves the support of all those committed to democracy and freedom of expression.
We stand in solidarity with MK Odeh and with the right of all lawmakers, Arab and Jewish, to speak freely and without fear of political retribution.
Source: New South Wales – News
Police are still looking for a driver who stole a car during a break-in at Norwood overnight.
Police were called to a report of a break-in and car theft from a home on Kensington Road, Norwood about 1.45am on Monday 14 July.
An intruder broke into the house and stole a handbag, wallet and car keys to the red BMW hatchback parked in the driveway.
The stolen car’s onboard tracking showed it outside several addresses in Royston Park before it led police across the northern suburbs to Adare Court, Elizabeth East where the car was located, abandoned at 2.45am.
Police searched the area with the assistance of PolAir and Police Dog Enzo, but the suspect was not located.
Police found another set of car keys to a Subaru inside the stolen BMW and ask any residents in the Norwood, Royston Park area to check to see if they have also had keys stolen overnight.
Anyone with information or CCTV or dashcam footage that may assist police is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au
Source: New South Wales Community and Justice
Man charged following alleged evade in Hobart’s northern suburbs
Monday, 14 July 2025 – 6:47 am.
A 27 year old man from Hobart’s northern suburbs has been charged following an alleged evade incident in Hobart’s northern suburbs yesterday.
The man, who was wanted by police in relation to alleged family violence matters, was safely taken into custody at a Glenorchy petrol station about 2.50pm while he was attempting to refuel.
Police allege the man, who was riding a motorcycle, had earlier evaded police in Bridgewater and Berriedale.
No one was injured during the incident.
The man has been charged with:
Evade Police (Aggravated Circumstances) x 3
Drive whilst not the holder of a drivers licence x 3
Dangerous Driving x 1
Assault x 1
Tamper with Monitoring device x 2,
Breach of Interim Family Violence Order x 7,
Breach of Court bail x 20
Contravene Conditions of a notice (Breach of Police Bail) x 13
The man has been detained to appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court this morning.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Konstantine Panegyres, Lecturer in Classics and Ancient History, The University of Western Australia
These days when you see people exercising, they’re usually also listening to music, whether they’re at the gym, or out jogging on the street.
It makes sense, as studies have shown listening to music can help you get the most out of a workout.
Somehow the ancient Greeks and Romans knew this too, long before modern science was there to back it.
In his oration To the People of Alexandria, the Greek writer Dio Chrysostom (40-110 CE) complained about a phenomenon he saw all the time.
Dio wrote people loved to listen to music in their daily activities. According to him, music could be found in the courtroom, in the lecture theatre, in the doctor’s room, and even in the gym.
“Everything is done to music […] people will presently go so far as to use song to accompany their exercise in the gymnasium,” Dio wrote.
But exercising to music wasn’t a new thing in his day. This practice has been recorded across the ancient Greek and Roman worlds from the earliest times, and as far back as the poems of Homer (circa 800 BCE).
There are many depictions of professional athletes training, or competing, to the accompaniment of music in ancient Greek vase paintings.
In one vase painting from the 5th century BCE, a group of athletes trains while a musician plays the aulos, a type of ancient pipe instrument.
The ancient writer Plutarch of Chaeronea (46-119 CE) tells us music was also played while people wrestled or did athletics.
Athenian writer Flavius Philostratus (circa 170-245 CE) offers clues as to why. In a book about gymnastics, Philostratus wrote music served to stimulate athletes, and that their performance might be improved through listening to music.
Today’s researchers have proven this to be true. One 2020 study involving 3,599 participants showed listening to music during exercise had many benefits, such as reducing the perception of fatigue and exertion, and improving physical performance and breathing.
Since ancient people didn’t have electronic devices, they found other ways to exercise to music. Some had music played by a musician during their exercise routine. Others sang while they exercised.
Singing while playing ball games was particularly popular. In Homer’s Odyssey (circa 8th century BCE), Nausicaa, the daughter of the King of Phaeacia, plays a ball game with her girl friends, and they all sing songs as they play.
Similarly, the historian Carystius of Pergamum (2nd century BCE) wrote the women of his time “sang as they played ball”.
Another popular activity was dancing to music. Dancing was widely regarded as a gymnastic exercise people could do for better health.
One famous advocate of the benefits of dancing as exercise was the great Athenian philosopher Socrates (circa 470-399 BCE). According to the historian Diogenes Laertius (3rd century CE), “it was Socrates’ regular habit to dance, thinking that such exercise helped to keep the body in good condition”.
Apart from individuals using music in their personal exercise, soldiers also did training exercises, and marched to battle, to the sound of trumpets.
There was a belief in ancient Greek and Roman that music and exercise played an important role in shaping and developing the body and soul.
The ideal was harmony and moderation. The body and soul needed to be balanced and proportionate in all their parts, without any excess. As such, doing one kind of exercise too often, or exercising one body part excessively, was frowned upon.
The physician Galen of Pergamum (129-216 CE) criticised types of exercise that focused too much on one part of the body. He preferred ball games as they exercised the whole body evenly.
Immoderation in music – that is, listening to too much, or listening to music that was too emotional – was also sometimes frowned upon.
For example, the Athenian philosopher Plato (circa 428-348 BCE) famously argued most music should be censored as it can stir the passions too strongly. Plato thought only simple and unemotional music, listened to in moderation, should be allowed.
If the ancients could see today’s people running along the pavement with music thumping in their ears, they would surely be amazed. And they’d probably approve – as long as it wasn’t being done in excess.
Konstantine Panegyres 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. Can’t work out without music? Neither could the ancient Greeks and Romans – https://theconversation.com/cant-work-out-without-music-neither-could-the-ancient-greeks-and-romans-258069
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephen Whelan, Associate Professor of Economics, University of Sydney
House prices continued to rise across Australia in June, recent data shows. Nationally, prices have risen about 38% in the past five years.
Higher housing prices are simply one contributor, albeit a very important one, to the cost of living crisis that Australian households face. Energy prices are another.
Those higher costs of living and the financial stress associated with them are linked to a range of negative outcomes for households, including poor health and wellbeing, greater housing insecurity, and some families having to go without some essential items.
One consequence of house prices that has largely been ignored is their relationship to marriage and divorce.
The rate of divorce in Australia is at the lowest level since the introduction of no-fault divorce in 1976.
The 1990s recession was also a period of significant financial hardship for households, and divorces rose over that time. Why isn’t this happening now?
Couples may prefer to divorce but can’t for financial reasons.
Why? Put simply, divorce is a decision that brings with it significant costs. The financial implications of divorce could mean couples stay together longer than they’d like to.
To understand patterns of divorce, a good place to start is to think about why couples choose to marry, or separate, in the first place.
Economists argue that individuals marry if the expected benefits from marriage exceed the benefits from remaining single.
As new information arises or unexpected outcomes occur, individuals may reassess their beliefs about the expected benefits from being married versus being single.
In turn, we might expect that separation occurs if either partner believes they will be better off outside the marriage than within it, taking into account all costs and constraints.
Research shows that housing prices are closely linked to a range of household behaviours and outcomes, including consumer spending, labour supply and fertility intentions.
Rising housing prices might encourage couples to remain married (or not separate) due to the higher housing costs they would face if they separated.
It is generally cheaper to run a single household where many resources are shared rather than two separate households. This may be thought of as a cost that accompanies higher house prices.
Of course, higher house prices also offer some benefit in the event of separation. For homeowners, the asset held by the couple is more valuable and the wealth each partner may be entitled to is greater. This benefit from separation might encourage couples to separate and divorce.
Our research, presented at the Australian Conference of Economists last week and not yet peer reviewed, addresses this issue. We looked at whether unanticipated changes in the growth of housing prices are related to the likelihood of divorce.
It is important to focus on unanticipated changes in housing prices. Unanticipated changes, or “shocks”, will lead individuals to reassess their decision to stay married, or separate and divorce.
Our research sought to understand the key factors associated with divorce in Australia using the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey.
Not unexpectedly we found couples who share similar traits such as the same religion, education level or place of birth are more likely to remain married. A longer time being married is also linked to couples being less likely to separate. In contrast, partners whose parents had divorced are more likely to separate.
Importantly, the inclusion of housing price shocks into our analysis indicates they have a significant effect on the likelihood of divorce. But the effect differs depending on whether the housing price shock is positive or negative.
For homeowners, lower-than-anticipated housing price growth significantly increases the likelihood of separation. In this case the cost of lower house prices is more important than the benefit of lower house prices. When house prices don’t grow as quickly as anticipated, couples can separate knowing they will not face as large a penalty running separate households.
So what lesson may be drawn from this research and why is a link between housing prices and divorce important?
Our findings indicate higher-than-expected house price growth may be keeping some people in marriages they’d otherwise leave, but don’t, for financial concerns. This is more likely to include women with low education levels, low-income households and older couples.
In some instances, this will have negative consequences. Often those harmful consequences are disproportionately experienced by women and policy settings have a role to play in reducing those effects.
One only needs to look at initiatives such as the Leaving Violence Program. By providing financial support to assist people leaving potentially dangerous relationships, it will alleviate barriers associated with high housing costs that come after separation.
Stephen Whelan receives funding from the Australian Research Council as part of DP230101054. Funding is also received from the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute for project 24/PRO/73346.
Luke Hartigan receives funding from the Australian Research Council as part of DP230100959.
– ref. Soaring house prices may be locking people into marriages, new research shows – https://theconversation.com/soaring-house-prices-may-be-locking-people-into-marriages-new-research-shows-260086
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alison Reeve, Program Director, Energy and Climate Change, Grattan Institute
As the world looks for ways to tackle climate change, Australia has invested heavily in green hydrogen.
Green hydrogen is shaping as the best option to strip carbon emissions from some industrial processes, such as iron-making and ammonia production. But making the dream a reality in Australia is proving difficult.
Two recent announcements are a case in point. This month, the Queensland government withdrew financial support for the Central Queensland Hydrogen Hub. It came weeks after energy company Fortescue cut 90 green hydrogen jobs in Queensland and Western Australia.
I led the development of Australia’s National Hydrogen Strategy in 2019, in my previous job as a federal public servant. I also co-authored a Grattan Institute report on how hydrogen could help decarbonise the Australian economy. Here, I explain the main challenges to getting the industry off the ground.
Hydrogen is the lightest and most abundant element in the universe. It’s usually found as a gas, or bonded to other elements.
It’s used to make products such as fertilisers, explosives and plastics. In future, it may also be a zero-emissions replacement for fossil fuels in industries such as steel and chemicals manufacturing.
Australia currently makes very low volumes of hydrogen using natural gas, which produces greenhouse gas emissions. We are well-placed to produce “green” or zero-emissions hydrogen, through a process powered by renewable energy which releases hydrogen from water.
But creating a large green hydrogen industry won’t be easy. These are the main five challenges.
About 15 facilities in Australia are currently producing green hydrogen, all at low volumes – between 8 kilograms and one tonne a day (see chart below).
By contrast, most recently cancelled projects would have produced hundreds of tonnes of green hydrogen daily. The Central Queensland Hydrogen Hub, for example, would initially have produced about 200 tonnes a day, scaling up to 800 tonnes in the 2030s.
The failure of these big projects shows Australia has much to learn about planning, building, commissioning and operating large green hydrogen facilities.
Very little hydrogen is currently used in Australia – around 500,000 tonnes a year. This is less than 1% of national energy consumption.
Most of this hydrogen is produced using natural gas, and is produced on site at existing industrial operations that require hydrogen, such as oil refiners and ammonia plants. Using hydrogen from a different source would require major – and costly – engineering changes at these facilities.
So, how do new green hydrogen producers create demand for their product?
The first option is to convince a company to spend money changing their operations to bring in green hydrogen from outside. This is not an easy prospect. The second is to find big new markets – which leads to the next challenge.
Renewable hydrogen isn’t a direct substitute for conventional fuels.
You can’t burn hydrogen in your gas stovetop without changing the pipes in the house and the burners on the stove. Likewise, you can’t use hydrogen as a substitute for coal when making steel without changing the smelting process.
This creates a chicken-and-egg problem. Green hydrogen proponents won’t invest in high-volume production unless there are large users to buy the product. But large users won’t invest in changing their processes unless they are assured of supply.
Green hydrogen is much more expensive than conventional hydrogen. And as yet, there’s little evidence buyers are willing pay more for it.
So for green hydrogen to compete with conventional production, it needs government subsidies.
The huge expense is largely due to the electricity used to make green hydrogen – prices of which are currently high.
As renewable energy expands, electricity prices in Australia are expected to fall. But building more large-scale renewable generation in Australia is itself a difficult prospect.
Recent turmoil in global markets has made companies more cautious about investing outside their core business. And global inflation has helped drive up the cost of electricity needed to produce green hydrogen.
Globally, governments have scrambled to keep national economies afloat, which has led to cuts in green hydrogen in several countries.
In Australia, green hydrogen is still key to the Albanese government’s Future Made in Australia policy. And hydrogen has been a rare area of agreement between the two major parties, at both federal and state levels.
But there are signs this is changing. The federal opposition last year fought the government’s hydrogen tax credits, and the withdrawal of support for the Central Queensland Hydrogen Hub came from the Queensland LNP government, which won office in October last year.
There is a long road ahead if green hydrogen is to help Australia reach its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.
So what have we learned so far?
Many scrapped projects tried to implement a “hub” model – combining multiple users in one place, which was designed to make it more attractive to suppliers. But this was difficult to co-ordinate, and vulnerable to changing global conditions.
The green hydrogen industry should focus on the most promising uses for its product. For example, if it could successfully make enough green hydrogen to supply ammonia production, it could build on this to eventually support a bigger industry, such as iron-making.
It’s also time to rethink how subsidies are structured, to reflect the fact some sectors are better bets than others. At present, the federal government’s Hydrogen Headstart program and the hydrogen tax credit are agnostic as to how the hydrogen is used, which does little to help demand emerge in the right places.
Finally, political unity must be renewed. Hydrogen projects require a lot of capital, and investors get nervous when an industry does not have bipartisan support.
The hype around green hydrogen in Australia is fading. There are some reasons for hope – but success will require a lot of hard work.
Since 2008, the Grattan Institute has been supported by government, corporations, and philanthropic gifts. A full list of supporters is published at www.grattan.edu.au.
– ref. What’s happened to Australia’s green hydrogen dream? Here are 5 reasons the industry has floundered – https://theconversation.com/whats-happened-to-australias-green-hydrogen-dream-here-are-5-reasons-the-industry-has-floundered-260634
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nicole Lee, Adjunct Professor at the National Drug Research Institute (Melbourne based), Curtin University
Alcohol has many negative effects on our health, some of which may surprise you. These include short-term impacts such as waking up with a pounding head or anxiety, to long-term effects including cancer.
If you are thinking about taking some time off alcohol, you’ll find many quick wins and long-term gains for your health.
How long will you have to wait to feel the benefits?
We’ve made a timeline – based on scientific research – that shows what you might feel in the first days, weeks, months and years after taking a break from alcohol.
Some benefits start immediately, so every day without alcohol is a win for your health.
Alcohol takes around 24 hours to completely leave your body, so you may start noticing improvements after just one day.
Alcohol makes you need to urinate more often, causing dehydration. But your body can absorb a glass of water almost immediately, so once alcohol is out of your system alcohol dehydration is reduced, improving digestion, brain function and energy levels.
Alcohol also reduces the liver’s ability to regulate blood sugar. Once alcohol leaves the system, blood sugar begins to normalise.
If you are a daily drinker you may feel a bit worse to start with while your body adjusts to not having alcohol in its system all the time. You may initially notice disrupted sleep, mood changes, sweating or tremors. Most symptoms usually resolve in about a week without alcohol.
Even though alcohol can make you feel sleepy at first, it disrupts your sleep cycle. By the end of an alcohol-free week, you may notice you are more energetic in the mornings as a result of getting better quality sleep.
As the body’s filter, the liver does much of the heavy lifting in processing alcohol and can be easily damaged even with moderate drinking.
The liver is important for cleaning blood, processing nutrients and producing bile that helps with digestion.
But it can also regenerate quickly. If you have only mild damage in the liver, seven days may be enough to reduce liver fat and heal mild scarring and tissue damage.
Even small amounts of alcohol can impair brain functioning. So quitting can help improve brain health within a few days in light to moderate drinkers and within a month even for very heavy dependent drinkers.
Alcohol can make managing mood harder and worsen symptoms of anxiety and depression. After a few weeks, most people start to feel better. Even very heavy drinkers report better mood after one to two months.
As your sleep and mood improve you may also notice more energy and greater wellbeing.
After a month of abstinence regular drinkers also report feeling more confident about making changes to how they drink.
You may lose weight and body fat. Alcohol contains a lot of kilojules and can trigger hunger reward systems, making us overeat or choose less healthy foods when drinking.
Even your skin will thank you. Alcohol can make you look older through dehydration and inflammation, which can be reversed when you quit.
Alcohol irritates the gut and disrupts normal stomach functioning, causing bloating, indigestion, heartburn and diarrhoea. These symptoms usually start to resolve within four weeks.
One month of abstinence, insulin resistance – which can lead to high blood sugar – significantly reduces by 25%. Blood pressure also reduces (by 6%) and cancer-related growth factors declines, lowering your risk of cancer.
The liver starts to repair within weeks. For moderate drinkers, damage to your liver could be fully reversed by six months.
At this point, even heavy drinkers may notice they’re better at fighting infections and feel healthier overall.
Alcohol contributes to or causes a large number of chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and seven different types of cancer, as well as mental health issues. All of these risks can be reduced by quitting or cutting back on alcohol.
Alcohol increases blood pressure. High blood pressure (hypertension) is the top risk factor for death in the world. A small 2mmHg increase in blood pressure above the normal range (120mmHG) increases death from stroke by 10% and from coronary artery disease by 7%.
Cutting back on alcohol to less than two drinks a day can reduce blood pressure significantly, reducing risk of stroke and heart disease. Reducing blood pressure also reduces risk of kidney disease, eye problems and even erectile dysfunction.
With sustained abstinence, your risk of getting any type of cancer drops. One study looked at cancer risk for more than 4 million adults over three to seven years and found the risk of alcohol-related cancer dropped by 4%, even for light drinkers who quit. Reducing from heavy to moderate drinking reduced alcohol-related cancer risk by 9%.
Any reduction in drinking will have some noticeable and immediate benefits to your brain and general health. The less you drink and the longer you go between drinks, the healthier you will be.
Whether you aim to cut back or quit entirely, there are some simple things you can do to help you stick with it:
set clear goals plus the smaller steps you need to take to get there
pay attention to the benefits you notice from quitting
monitor your progress with a Drink Tracker
get support from others, for example Hello Sunday Morning’s anonymous Daybreak app, SMART Recovery, CounsellingOnline or Sober in the Country.
If you are still wondering about whether to make changes or not you can check your drinking risk here.
If you have tried to cut back and found it difficult you may need professional help. Call the National Alcohol and other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015 and they will put you in touch with services in your area that can help. You can also talk to your GP.
We would like to thank Dr Hannah MacRae for assistance in identifying the research used in this article.
Nicole Lee works as a paid evaluation and training consultant in alcohol and other drugs. She has previously been awarded grants by state and federal governments, NHMRC and other public funding bodies for alcohol and other drug research. She is CEO of Hello Sunday Morning.
Dr Katinka van de Ven is the Research Manager of Hello Sunday Morning. She also works as a paid evaluation and training consultant in alcohol and other drugs. Katinka has previously been awarded grants by state governments and public funding bodies for alcohol and other drug research.
– ref. Even a day off alcohol makes a difference – our timeline maps the health benefits when you stop drinking – https://theconversation.com/even-a-day-off-alcohol-makes-a-difference-our-timeline-maps-the-health-benefits-when-you-stop-drinking-249272
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mario Peucker, Associate Professor and Principal Research Fellow, Institute for Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities, Victoria University
The way racism manifests itself may have changed over time, but it remains a persistent problem in Australia.
The 2024 Reconciliation Barometer found a significant increase in racism against First Nations people. Antisemitism and Islamophobia have also been on the rise.
Many other migrant communities and their Australian-born descendants continue to face racial discrimination, abuse and systemic marginalisation.
And yet the true picture of racism in Australia is hard to determine, as a lot of racism goes unreported. Our soon to be published research reveals people often don’t know how to come forward, are scared of negative consequences, or simply don’t think anything would change if they did report it.
The silencing of those who have experienced racism manifests in various ways, including the sceptical, at times hostile public reactions to those who speak out publicly.
But our research, funded by VicHealth and accepted for publication by the journal Ethnic and Racial Studies, analysed how inadequate formal reporting pathways can mean people don’t come forward about their experiences.
We conducted a survey of more than 700 people, then focus groups with almost 160 people. In total, we examined the experiences of 859 Victorian adults from culturally or racially marginalised communities.
The vast majority of them – 76% of the survey respondents – had experienced racism in Australia, across many areas of life. These experiences happened at work, in shopping centres, on public transport and on the streets. Some also encountered racism in schools, healthcare, housing, online or when dealing with police.
But crucially, only 15.5% of them had ever reported any such incident to an organisation.
Unsurprisingly, one of the reasons why people do not report is that many are not aware of existing reporting options, for example through the federal or states’ human rights commissions.
For 75.2% of survey respondents, not knowing where and how to report was a key barrier. The only place most people knew about was the police, which was often not seen as appropriate unless the incident involved physical violence.
Moreover, trust in an effective response by police was generally low. A Muslim woman in one of the focus groups said:
the biggest reason [for not reporting] is probably not knowing. The obvious is the police station, but then, well, many of us already feel that police won’t do much. But what else is out there?
An even bigger obstacle is that reporting racism was commonly considered high-cost, but low-reward. Most participants (83.2%) were deterred by the conviction that the process was taking too much time and effort.
As one Asian-Australian participant stated:
I imagine the reporting to be a long process. Do I want to go through the process, especially as a migrant. You ask yourself: is it life and death? If not, let me just get on with my day.
Many highlighted concerns they would not be taken seriously (75.9%) or that reporting would have negative consequences for them or their children (72.8%). They were also concerned about how reporting could negatively affect their career, treatment at school or even their legal resident status.
An African-Australian man said:
You know you’re gonna be a double victim. Let’s say at your workplace, if you report racism, straight away […] you become a target.
These factors shape the discouraging perspective that reporting is a high-cost action.
But what makes it even worse is the very common conviction, expressed by 90.6% of survey respondents, that “nothing would change” even if they were to report, and that there was no accountability for racist behaviour.
A Somali-born mother, whose daughter was called a racist slur by her teacher, complained to the school principal, but “he didn’t do anything”. She said her kids and their friends “all agreed that no one would do anything about this”. She said:
They have this belief that if they make a complaint, it will not go anywhere. They all said the same thing: If you go somewhere, no one will care.
Another survey participant said reporting racism would have to be worth the effort:
We need to know that the mental and emotional sacrifice of reporting will be worth it, that it will result in an outcome. Why would I report racism if nothing will be done?
In addition, there are other psychological factors at play.
Of those surveyed, 70.1% explained they refrain from reporting because they don’t want to “cause trouble”. In the focus groups, participants often spoke about not wanting to “rock the boat” or refraining from “talking bad, talking about racism because they might hate us”.
Similarly, others are so determined to “blend in” they feel they have to accept racism. A Chinese-Australian participant explained her community wouldn’t complain because:
we want to, and try to, fit in. And we have come to accept a little bit of tough treatment.
Even protecting the perpetrators of racism from harm was described by some as a reason for not reporting:
I thought by reporting I would hurt her [the perpetrator], and in our culture, we should not be hurting another person.
Our research shows racism often goes undetected and unreported due to systemic and cultural barriers. As a result, injustice remains unchallenged and normalised.
But communities are finding alternative ways of speaking out against racism, often outside formal reporting channels.
Following our research, for example, three local community-led anti-racism support networks have been set up in parts of Victoria to complement the existing support and reporting system.
These networks provide trusted and culturally safe spaces and support to those who face racism. They have started to systematically document racism, working towards local evidence that can be used to raise awareness and inform targeted anti-racism actions in the future.
Networks like these could be introduced around the country to give people more options to come forward.
We won’t be able to properly address racism while those experiencing it think they won’t be listened to. We all need to ensure racist incidents are taken seriously, responded to promptly and that people are heard.
Mario Peucker receives funding from the Victorian Government and VicHealth.
Franka Vaughan receives funding from VicHealth
Jo Doley received funding from VicHealth.
Tom Clark receives funding from VicHealth.
– ref. ‘You become a target’: research shows why many people who experience racism don’t report it – https://theconversation.com/you-become-a-target-research-shows-why-many-people-who-experience-racism-dont-report-it-260092
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anthony Blazevich, Professor of Biomechanics, Edith Cowan University
You’re standing at your front door, facing a five kilometre commute to work. But you don’t have your car, and there’s no bus route. You can walk for an hour – or jump on your bicycle and arrive in 15 minutes, barely breaking a sweat. You choose the latter.
Many people would make the same choice. It’s estimated that there are more than a billion bikes in the world. Cycling represents one of the most energy-efficient forms of transport ever invented, allowing humans to travel faster and farther while using less energy than walking or running.
But why exactly does pedalling feel so much easier than pounding the pavement? The answer lies in the elegant biomechanics of how our bodies interact with this two-wheeled machine.
At its heart, a bicycle is wonderfully simple: two wheels (hence “bi-cycle”), pedals that transfer power through a chain to the rear wheel, and gears that let us fine-tune our effort. But this simplicity masks an engineering that perfectly complements human physiology.
When we walk or run, we essentially fall forward in a controlled manner, catching ourselves with each step. Our legs must swing through large arcs, lifting our heavy limbs against gravity with every stride. This swinging motion alone consumes a lot of energy. Imagine: how tiring would it be to even swing your arms continuously for an hour?
On a bicycle, your legs move through a much smaller, circular motion. Instead of swinging your entire leg weight with each step, you’re simply rotating your thighs and calves through a compact pedalling cycle. The energy savings are immediately noticeable.
But the real efficiency gains come from how bicycles transfer human power to forward motion. When you walk or run, each footstep involves a mini-collision with the ground. You can hear it as the slap of your shoe against the road, and you can feel it as vibrations running through your body. This is energy being lost, literally dissipated as sound and heat after being sent through your muscles and joints.
Walking and running also involve another source of inefficiency: with each step, you actually brake yourself slightly before propelling forward. As your foot lands ahead of your body, it creates a backwards force that momentarily slows you down. Your muscles then have to work extra hard to overcome this self-imposed braking and accelerate you forward again.
Bicycles use one of the world’s great inventions to solve these problems – wheels.
Instead of a collision, you get rolling contact – each part of the tyre gently “kisses” the road surface before lifting off. No energy is lost to impact. And because the wheel rotates smoothly so the force acts perfectly vertically on the ground, there’s no stop-start braking action. The force from your pedalling translates directly into forward motion.
But bicycles also help our muscles to work at their best. Human muscles have a fundamental limitation: the faster they contract, the weaker they become and the more energy they consume.
This is the famous force-velocity relationship of muscles. And it’s why sprinting feels so much harder than jogging or walking – your muscles are working near their speed limit, becoming less efficient with every stride.
Bicycle gears solve this problem for us. As you go faster, you can shift to a higher gear so your muscles don’t have to work faster while the bike accelerates. Your muscles can stay in their sweet spot for both force production and energy cost. It’s like having a personal assistant that continuously adjusts your workload to keep you in the peak performance zone.
But bicycles aren’t always superior.
On very steep hills of more than about 15% gradient (so you rise 1.5 metres every 10 metres of distance), your legs struggle to generate enough force through the circular pedalling motion to lift you and the bike up the hill. We can produce more force by pushing our legs straight out, so walking (or climbing) becomes more effective.
Even if roads were built, we wouldn’t pedal up Mount Everest.
This isn’t the case for downhills. While cycling downhill becomes progressively easier (eventually requiring no energy at all), walking down steep slopes actually becomes harder.
Once the gradient exceeds about 10% (it drops by one metre for every ten metres of distance), each downhill step creates jarring impacts that waste energy and stress your joints. Walking and running downhill isn’t always as easy as we’d expect.
The numbers speak for themselves. Cycling can be at least four times more energy-efficient than walking and eight times more efficient than running. This efficiency comes from minimising three major energy drains: limb movement, ground impact and muscle speed limitations.
So next time you effortlessly cruise past pedestrians on your morning bike commute, take a moment to appreciate the biomechanical work of art beneath you. Your bicycle isn’t just a transport device, but a perfectly evolved machine that works in partnership with your physiology, turning your raw muscle power into efficient motion.
Anthony Blazevich 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. Cycling can be 4 times more efficient than walking. A biomechanics expert explains why – https://theconversation.com/cycling-can-be-4-times-more-efficient-than-walking-a-biomechanics-expert-explains-why-257120
