The Australian and Northern Territory Governments today opened a women’s safe house and a men’s cooling off place in the remote community of Ngukurr, as part of a roll-out of 22 safe places across the Northern Territory as part of the Northern Territory Emergency Response.
Ngukurr is one of 15 remote communities in the NT to receive safe places under a joint initiative between the Australian and Northern Territory Governments to improve the safety and protection of Indigenous children and their families.
Safe places are important circuit breakers in the cycle of violence. They are a safe haven when violence threatens – short-term crisis accommodation for families and children.
The safe places will offer a range of counselling, legal and support services as well as parenting and men’s healing programs.
Local people will be employed to work in the safe places – building the local workforce and helping spread the word that there is an escape from violence.
The Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin said keeping women and children safe is everyone’s responsibility.
“The Australian Government is determined to show national leadership to stop the abuse and neglect of women and children,” Ms Macklin said.
“To be safe and protected is the most basic of human rights.”
Indigenous women are 35 times more likely than other Australian women to be hospitalised and eight out of ten of them are assaulted by a partner.
Since 2007 the Australian and Northern Territory Governments have invested more than $22 million in the Family Support Package for Indigenous families – including safe places, a mobile child protection team and remote Aboriginal family and community workers.
The NT Minister for Children and Families and Child Protection, Malarndirri McCarthy said all safe places would be operational over the coming months. They are:
* women’s safe houses in Ngukurr, Angurugu, Hermannsburg, Kalkarindji, Lajamanu, Maningrida, Nguiu, Peppimenarti, Ramingining, Ti-Tree, Yarralin Darwin and Alice Springs, and
* men’s cooling off places in Ngukurr, Angurugu, Apatula, Beswick, Maningrida, Nguiu, Pmara-Jutunta, Ramingining and Yuendumu.
“Protecting children and women is essential if we are going to make in-roads into closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians,” Ms McCarthy said.
Media Statement with NT Minister Malarndirri Mccarthy and MP for Lingiari, Warren Snowdon
31st January 2009
Jenny Macklin
Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
The Rudd Government today announced a pilot package to drive the availability of improved television services as Australia makes the transition to digital.
“Digital television delivers many benefits to viewers and this package will help achieve the smoothest possible transition as we switch-off analog signals,” said Senator Stephen Conroy, Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy.
“This package focuses on Australia’s leading digital television region of Sunraysia, centred on the city of Mildura in north-west Victoria, and will ensure that free-to-air digital television is made available to all viewing households.”
The suite of measures includes:
* A package of in-home assistance to help targeted households;
* A new satellite service to extend access to digital TV;
* working with the local community to improve awareness and understanding of switchover;
* a labelling scheme to help consumers to easily identify digital ready products; and
* a national call centre and a web site providing switchover information;
The Rudd Government has designed a progressive timetable for digital television switchover starting with Sunraysia in 2010.
“The Government aims to empower the community with the information they require to make the digital television switch.
“We will introduce a labelling scheme to help people identify digital-ready products and services, and we will run an information campaign in the region.”
“Switching to digital TV is a straight forward and inexpensive task for the vast majority of Australians, however we understand that some viewers may need practical, in-home assistance to make the move to digital.”
“That is why the Government will provide an assistance package to households in the Mildura licence area where at least one resident is a recipient of the full Aged Pension, Disability Support Pension, Carers’ Payment or equivalent payment from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.”
The pilot switchover package also includes the establishment of a new satellite service, which, with the cooperation of broadcasters, will extend viewer access to digital TV throughout the Mildura licence area.
“Some Australians live in areas where the broadcasters have not built transmitters or the terrain prevents signals reaching them, but this is no reason for them to be denied access to TV” Senator Conroy said.
Senator Conroy said the Digital Switchover Taskforce will work closely with the broadcasters, retailers and antenna installers in the Mildura area to drive digital TV take-up by consumers.
The lessons learned from the switchover in Mildura will help to inform the approach to the broader digital switchover around the country.
“Digital switchover is important for all Australians as it not only provides access to better picture and sound quality, and additional channels, but it will also free-up spectrum which can be used for the delivery of new and improved broadcasting and communications services,” Senator Conroy said.
Media Statement
29th January 2009
Stephen Conroy
Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate, Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy
The Minister for Home Affairs, Bob Debus, today announced the appointment of Roger Beale AO to conduct a Federal Audit of Police Capabilities in line with the Government’s election commitment.
“The Australian Federal Police have had to meet increasing demands in recent years and it’s important we take a comprehensive look at its resources and how it can meet the Government’s priorities into the future.
“The audit will also examine the effectiveness of the AFP’s human resources, workforce planning, equipment and technology and current funding.”
Mr Beale has extensive experience working at senior levels of government and on national and environmental policy.
The audit will provide an opportunity for the States and Territories to have input through the Australia New Zealand Policing Advisory Agency, ANZPAA, a policy body led by Police Commissioners.
The chief executive of the Police Federation of Australia, Mark Burgess, welcomed the announcement.
“This audit is a vital step in a wider pre-election commitment from the ALP on national police workforce planning issues.
“The PFA calls upon all police jurisdictions and governments to play an active role in the process.”
It expected Mr Beale will begin the audit in early February. Mr Beale will be supported by a team drawn from the AFP and relevant agencies and will report to the Government by 30 June 2009.
Media Statement
29th January 2009
Bob Debus
Minister for Home Affairs
The Minister for Broadband, Communications and Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy today announced that the final report from the Panel of Experts on submissions to the National Broadband Network process has been received.
The Minister stated that the receipt of this report marks a significant milestone in the NBN process: "The Government is now considering the Panel of Experts' report."
"Until this point, the evaluation of proposals received in the National Broadband Network process has proceeded at arm's length from the Government."
"The Government had not seen the contents of any proposal, nor had it received detailed briefings on any proposals from the Panel of Experts."
"The Government will give this serious and detailed report careful consideration."
The Minister emphasised that while the Government had now received the final report of the Panel of Experts, the NBN process and associated probity requirements remained active.
The disclosure of the contents of the Panel of Experts' report before the completion of the process, particularly any negotiation phase, has the potential to prejudice the outcome of the process. As such, the Government will not be commenting on the contents of the report.
The Minister also took the opportunity to congratulate the Panel of Experts for their contribution to the NBN process: "I would like to thank the members of the Panel of Experts for their hard work."
"The Panel has made an invaluable contribution to the realisation of the Government's commitment to the roll out of the National Broadband Network."
The Minister also acknowledged the important contribution to the process by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission which had provided its own report as input to the Panel's consideration.
Media Statement
22nd January 2009
Stephen Conroy
Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate, Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy
The Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson AM MP, has welcomed the release of exposure draft legislation to support the establishment of the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO).
The creation of AEMO, which will require amendment to the National Electricity and Gas Laws and National Electricity and Gas Rules, will implement the decision of the Council of Australian Governments in April 2007 to strengthen the national character of energy market governance arrangements. The National Gas Law and Rule amendments released yesterday complement the National Electricity Law and Rule amendments released on 19 December 2008.
Minister Ferguson said: "These amendments are essential to the formation of AEMO, a national institution to operate Australia's energy markets. AEMO will create efficiencies in Australia's energy markets and will enhance their competitiveness by taking on new functions, including the National Transmission Planner and the production of an annual gas statement of opportunities."
AEMO will operate gas and electricity markets in all jurisdictions except in Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
Minister Ferguson said: "The Ministerial Council on Energy, comprising Ministers with responsibility for energy from the Australian Government and all States and Territories, is committed to ensuring AEMO is operational by mid-2009. Consultation on the exposure drafts is a key step in achieving this goal."
Stakeholders are invited to provide comments on the proposed electricity and gas legislative amendments. A public forum was held yesterday to receive initial stakeholder comments on the electricity amendments and a similar forum will be held for the gas amendments on 3 February 2009.
"These are essential reforms that will have a lasting impact on Australian energy supply. I urge all interested parties to become involved in the public consultation process," Minister Ferguson said.
Media Statement
22nd January 2009
Martin Ferguson
Minister for Resources and Energy, Minister for Tourism
Former minister Gary Johns' comments on the need for harsher requirements for Indigenous housing funding are irresponsible and ignorant of cultural differences, say the Australian Greens.
"Over a quarter of Australia's Indigenous population live in overcrowded conditions, with inadequate, low-grade or otherwise substandard housing rampant," said Greens Housing Spokesperson, Senator Scott Ludlam.
"Forcing a 'no job, no house' scheme on Indigenous Australians will result in an enforced migration away from traditional communities and their traditional lands, and into town camps where there is already rampant unemployment."
"Evidence of an 'urban drift' of Indigenous Australians from rural and remote areas into cities that cannot cope with the increased population was presented to a Senate Inquiry in May last year," said Senator Ludlam.
"Dr John's solution of 'services and facilities to help Aborigines transition into mainstream economic life' reeks of an antiquated,
out-dated methodology - one more suited to colonialism than modern governance."
"The Government has a responsibility to provide equitable housing for all Australians, particularly those most disadvantaged. We need to be looking at the housing, education, health and infrastructure needs of Aboriginal Australians, both in the bush and in the cities," he concluded.
For more information or media enquiries please call Robert Simms on 0417 174 302
The Office of Senator Scott Ludlam
Australian Greens Senator for Western Australia
15th January 2009
PERTH: Tel 08 9225 5799 | Fax: 08 9225 5599
GPO Box B58, Perth WA 6838
CANBERRA: Tel: 02 6277 3467 | Fax: 03 6277 5821
S1.36, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600
I'm in a bind. My son is three years old and most of his friends “believe” in Santa. That is to say their parents have told them that on Christmas eve a somewhat portly fellow in a red suit will come down the chimney and deposit some much anticipated presents for them on the hearth. Now most children believe what their parents tell them and no one would want to undermine that trust between parent and child, however, I won't tell my son that this is what happens on Christmas eve because … well, it's just not true. So if I simply tell my son “There's no such thing as Santa” I anticipate that before long some of his friend's parents will be coming to me and accusing me of running their children's Christmas. To avoid this rift, here's what I plan to do. I'll not say anything unless my son asks. Children have a remarkable way of working things out for themselves and so he might just find out about the Santa myth and not have a problem with the fact that the big fella doesn't visit our house. After all, there'll be no shortage of presents on Christmas day which I believe is the most important thing from a child's point of view.
If my son does ask about Santa I'll say that there is a popular story in Western culture about a mythical figure called Santa Clause who represents the spirit of generosity. I'll explain that many parents tell their children that Santa will visit their home because they think it makes Christmas more enjoyable for their children.
I'd be interested to hear how others explain Santa to their children. Please leave a comment and share your techniques.
I'm in a bind. My son is three years old and most of his friends “believe” in Santa. That is to say their parents have told them that on Christmas eve a somewhat portly fellow in a red suit will come down the chimney and deposit some much anticipated presents for them on the hearth. Now most children believe what their parents tell them and no one would want to undermine that trust between parent and child, however, I won't tell my son that this is what happens on Christmas eve because … well, it's just not true. So if I simply tell my son “There's no such thing as Santa” I anticipate that before long some of his friend's parents will be coming to me and accusing me of running their children's Christmas. To avoid this rift, here's what I plan to do. I'll not say anything unless my son asks. Children have a remarkable way of working things out for themselves and so he might just find out about the Santa myth and not have a problem with the fact that the big fella doesn't visit our house. After all, there'll be no shortage of presents on Christmas day which I believe is the most important thing from a child's point of view.
If my son does ask about Santa I'll say that there is a popular story in Western culture about a mythical figure called Santa Clause who represents the spirit of generosity. I'll explain that many parents tell their children that Santa will visit their home because they think it makes Christmas more enjoyable for their children.
I'd be interested to hear how others explain Santa to their children. Please leave a comment and share your techniques.
I'm in a bind. My son is three years old and most of his friends “believe” in Santa. That is to say their parents have told them that on Christmas eve a somewhat portly fellow in a red suit will come down the chimney and deposit some much anticipated presents for them on the hearth. Now most children believe what their parents tell them and no one would want to undermine that trust between parent and child, however, I won't tell my son that this is what happens on Christmas eve because … well, it's just not true. So if I simply tell my son “There's no such thing as Santa” I anticipate that before long some of his friend's parents will be coming to me and accusing me of running their children's Christmas. To avoid this rift, here's what I plan to do. I'll not say anything unless my son asks. Children have a remarkable way of working things out for themselves and so he might just find out about the Santa myth and not have a problem with the fact that the big fella doesn't visit our house. After all, there'll be no shortage of presents on Christmas day which I believe is the most important thing from a child's point of view.
If my son does ask about Santa I'll say that there is a popular story in Western culture about a mythical figure called Santa Clause who represents the spirit of generosity. I'll explain that many parents tell their children that Santa will visit their home because they think it makes Christmas more enjoyable for their children.
I'd be interested to hear how others explain Santa to their children. Please leave a comment and share your techniques.
Alonso Quixana having read too many stories of romance and chivalry sets off on a journey to establish his reputation as Don Quixote, knight-errant extraordinaire. The central irony and source of amusement in the book so far is the sight of a man supposing himself to be other than he is.
The book raises the question of idealism. One reading is that Don Quixote embodies all that is good, noble and chivalrous and that the modern world is so corrupt that he appears to be a madman, similar in a way to the image given by Socrates of the man who, having reached the sunlit world and having looked and the sun, then returns stumbling and ineffective to the shadowy world of the cave.
Another reading is that misplaced idealism is indeed delusional and that the simple men of the story: Sancho Panza, the shepherds and inn keepers are the perceivers of truth in the narrative. It is hard to resist this interpretation when we read about Don Quixote finding what he is looking for even when it is not there. Sancho sees the windmills, Don Quixote see giants who must be slain. Sancho sees monks, Quixote sees demons. Sancho sees an inn, Quixote sees a castle.
We get a glimpse of Quixote's high idealism in chapter 11 in which he expounds at great length and in beautiful detail on the Golden Age, a mythical time in which there was no conflict, strife or hardship and in which the earth yielded up it fruits without labour. Quixote seems to be on a mission to restore the earth to this ideal state of beautification and in doing so is portrayed as ludicrously out of touch with reality.
In the context of 15th Century Span, Don Quixote must have seemed to be a very individualistic character. He stands alone as a unique individual. We don't see him participating in communal activities of church or village nor is he portrayed as a family man. He is an individual, a man in control of (or trying to take control of) his own destiny. He has a vision of what he could be and pursues it relentlessly, not to be dissuaded by the ridicule of the Duke and Duchess nor by misadventures he meets along the way. In this sense he keeps company with other literary figures such as Robinson Crusoe and Faust who also pursue their own individualistic goals. He backs himself unquestioningly in matters of morality. It is noteworthy that Don Quixote rarely refers to others for guidance and never hesitates to take matters into his own hands. He is sure of right and wrong and even disastrous consequences do not cause him to doubt his own judgement.
Don Quixote also comes across as the embodiment of idealised Romanticism. The object of his love, Aldonza Lorenza whom he reinvents as Dulcinea del Toboso, is so idealised that she never actually appears in the book. She is an idea in his mind alone and never materialises in the story. In fact it seems as if Don Quixote dies having never met her. This striving and never achieving is a theme which runs throughout the book. Don Quixote strives for love, for chivalry, for recognition and achieves none of them. The question is, do we therefore view him as a failure or do we admire him for persevering despite his shortcoming? The idealist in us admires his endeavours while the realist in us ridicules his failures.
So is Don Quixote a Classic? Any book which can claim to be the first novel and which inspired Freud to develop his theories of psychoanalysis must necessarily hold a unique place in the history of literature. To appreciate it fully we need to try to put ourselves in the shoes of the 15th century Spaniard who has never read a novel and whose existence revolves around the communal life of church and family. To these readers, Cervantes' classic must have appeared as a revolutionary conception of human life portrayed in a lively, humorous and yet thought provoking style. To have changed the course of literature and to remain relevant and controversial to the present day must sure be the mark of a classic.
Last week I was at a boy's education conference and heard an address by Dr. Tim Hawkes, headmaster of the Kings School, Sydney. Here was a respected authority on boy's education, a published author, headmaster of one of the supposedly best schools in Sydney, academic, leader with a great opportunity to say something important and lasting about boy's education to an audience of teachers and school administrators who are in a position to do something about it. What would he say? Which pressing issue would he address?
To my amazement he chose to waste 45 minutes of his time and ours to ramble on about the most irrelevant, trivial and non sensual topic of technology. During his meandering address which had no central thesis or coherent theme and which seemed to had been cobbled together in the car on the way to the conference (although this couldn't have been the case on account of the copious sci-fi themed power point slide he had) Hawkes seemed to be trying to make the point that … wait for it … boys like computers! How'*s that for a ground breaking thought for you? From this Hawkes draws the conclusion that teachers should present everything in MTV sized sound bites, use lost of pictures, use technology whenever possible and play dumb when it comes to technology in order to boost the ego of the Millennial boy who knows everything there is to know about technology.
Frankly I've never heard such a condescending, supercilious vacuous address to a group of intelligent educators. Anything illustrated with sci-fi graphics and peppered with superficial neologisms must be inherently suspect. I'm sure Dr. Hawkes is an educated, intelligent , thoughtful man so exactly why he chose to address the conference as if he was pandering to a group of preschoolers I don't know. Perhaps by scattering around terms such as ipod, mp3, download, and blog he was trying to be hip – maybe it's a mid life crisis.
In the drive for ever new technology itis as if we have given up on discovering new and important knowledge and instead have resigned ourselves to regurgitation old information in new ways. A trivial though emailed by wireless network, transmitted to a cell phone and laser beamed to a satellite is still a trivial thought.
Dr. Hawkes closing statement was that "The boy of tomorrow won't just use technology – he'll be technology." My question is, if that's the case, what happens when there's a power cut?
Craig Hill
KC Hill
Paladin
Oracle of Delphi
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