NSW providing secure employment for refugees
NSW is leading the country in providing secure, long-term employment opportunities for refugee job seekers.
The NSW Government has implemented a four-year program, the Refugee Employment Support Program (RESP), which aims at supporting refugees and asylum seekers into sustainable employment.
Rania Shahoud, a refugee from Syria, arrived in Australia with zero English language proficiency, today she is employed by social enterprise bakery under the RESP.
NSW Government urged to declare climate emergency
Late yesterday afternoon, the New South Wales State Government was urged to declare a climate emergency in both houses of parliament as emissions continue to rise globally.
Greens MP Cate Faehrmann and Tamara Smith Member for Ballina encouraged the discussion calling for Liberals and Nationals to take urgent action to address climate change.
Ms Faehrmann says that Governments around the world have seen the writing on the wall and are declaring a climate emergency and Australia cannot afford to sit on our hands any longer.
Animal activists call to ban calf roping
Animal activists call for the Queensland Premier and Agriculture Minister to ban the rodeo event of calf roping.
Calf roping in Rodeo remains permitted despite a 2016 University of Queensland scientific study showing calf roping causes the young animals significant stress.
More than 58 000 people have signed a petition calling for a ban on the event in Queensland, and another 14 000 have sent emails to their state MPs and the Agricultural Minister.
Logan City Council purchases land for conservation
Logan City Council purchases 47 hectares of land at Bahrs Scrub containing several rare tree species and a koala habitat.
Half the site consists of rainforest and includes the bush tucker species small-leaved tamarind.
Council’s Director Strategy and Sustainability, David Hansen says the Environmental Levy reserve was set up by the council to save funds in the event significant environmental land became available for purchase.
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Kim Jong-un orders the demolition of South Korean built resorts
North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un has ordered the demolition of hotels and other buildings constructed by South Korea in a resort town at Diamond Mountain, once a symbol of inter-Korean cooperation.
Mr Kim described the resort as being built “like makeshift tents in a disaster-stricken area”.
On Wednesday, the North’s official KCNA news agency reported Mr Kim visited the resort declaring them “shabby” and “just a hotchpotch with no national character at all”.
Review: Explain Normal at Metro Arts
Metro Arts bring a fresh new production to audiences with Explain Normal. By Daniele Constance in collaboration with Aha Ensemble and Phluxus2 Dance Collective this immersive dance performance with elements of theatre asks questions around day to day living and how humans really see each other. Featuring a range of talented performers that express their uniqueness through their own way of moving, Explain Normal is a must see for any person in this day and age.
China denies report from the Financial Times
The Chinese Government has denied a report from the Financial Times claiming the Hong Kong Chief Executive, Carrie Lam would be replaced with a temporary leader.
On Wednesday, spokeswoman of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Hua Chunying says the reports were a “political rumour (being spread with) ulterior motives.''
New reforms helping child abuse survivors claim justice
The Palaszczuk Government has passed major reforms making it easier for survivors of child abuse to sue the institutions where the offence took place.
The definition of abuse has been extended to include serious physical, psychological and sexual abuse under the Civil Liability and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2018.
Attorney General and Minister for Justice Yvette D’Ath says the passing of this legislation removes loopholes which institutions were using to avoid being sued.
Melbourne Press Club left without leadership
A dispute between two veterans in the Melbourne Press Club (MPC) has resulted in the resignation of three of its leadership team, leaving the club without a president, vice-president and chief executive.
Vice-president and co-host of ABC News Breakfast, Michael Rowland, MPC president Adele Ferguson, and CEO and former editor of the Canberra Times Mark Barker, all resigned abruptly on Tuesday and Wednesday.