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Are migrant and refugee women more likely to face sexual harassment at work?

Representative Sexual Harassment picture (Image source: Canva)
Representative Sexual Harassment picture (Image source: Canva)

In Australia’s first groundbreaking study views and perspectives of women from migrant and refugee backgrounds are being sought to capture their experiences of sexual harassment in the workplace.

Researchers from Monash University have partnered with Harmony Alliance which is the National Women’s Alliance representing migrant and refugee women to conduct this national study funded by ANROWS.

Experts note said past national studies on workplace sexual harassment had not explored migrant and refugee women’s experiences of sexual harassment in the workplace in detail.

According to the project statement, the new study will “build on the knowledge that migrant and refugee women are more likely to be in precarious employment i.e. non-permanent, casualised, or contract labour.”

Representative Sexual Harassment picture (Image source: Canva)
Representative Sexual Harassment picture (Image source: Canva)

Other factors such as limited English proficiency, non-permanent visa status, race-based bias and discrimination, and disparate cultural expectations can also contribute to the likelihood of experiencing work-based sexual harassment.

Associate Professor Marie Segrave (Monash University)

Lead researcher Associate Professor Marie Segrave from the Monash Gender and Family Violence Prevention Centre said:

“Migrant and refugee women remain largely overshadowed in major national studies and national commitments to ending sexual harassment in the workplace.” 

Representative Sexual Harassment picture (Image source: Canva)
Representative Sexual Harassment picture (Image source: Canva)

Results from the study will aim to build a national picture of the experiences of a diverse group of migrant and refugee women with the view of informing more targeted engagement with women and workplaces regarding unacceptable workplace behaviour.

Nyadol Nyuon OAM (Facebook)

Nyadol Nyuon OAM, Chair of Harmony Alliance says it is important to carry out such studies. She adds:

“It’s so important that we now understand the experiences of migrant and refugee women who we know are at a higher risk of sexual harassment at work so that we can develop the systemic and cultural responses that are needed to ensure their safety.”

Representative Sexual Harassment picture (Image source: Canva)
Representative Sexual Harassment picture (Image source: Canva)

Further, Ms Nyuon is hopeful that this study will help highlight stories of workplace sexual harassment. She adds:

“We can work together to ensure women in Australia, from all backgrounds, are protected from sexual harassment in the workplace. That’s why this first ever research into migrant and refugee women’s experiences of sexual harassment in the workplace is so important and why we are asking women all over Australia to share their stories.”

Representative Sexual Harassment picture (Image source: Canva)
Representative Sexual Harassment picture (Image source: Canva)

It is hoped that the new study will provide governments, employers, and industry groups with the evidence they need to support migrant and refugee women in Australian workplaces. Assoc. Prof. Segrave adds:

“We’re hoping to lay the groundwork for developing more informed and responsive systems that are attuned to the social and systemic factors that influence how women negotiate and respond to experiences of sexual harassment as bystanders and/or targets.”

The views and responses collected in this study will be used to guide training and education needs and to identify service gaps in the current system.

Padma Raman PSM (ANROWS)

Padma Raman PSM, CEO of ANROWS said:

“We know these groups of women experience high levels of sexual harassment, and this research will help us develop more effective and culturally safe strategies to prevent and respond to it.”

Representative Sexual Harassment picture (Image source: Canva)
Representative Sexual Harassment picture (Image source: Canva)

As per the latest Census data released by ABS, almost half of the adult population in Australia are overseas-born citizens, permanent residents, and temporary visa holders.

Source: ABS 2021.

This new project has been funded as part of the Australian Government’s response to the Respect@Work report. The project involves an online survey, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions. These would be conducted with key women leaders and diverse groups of women across different levels of English language proficiency, citizenship or visa status, employment status, and work settings.

Australian universities to conduct largest study on employment outcome of nursing graduates

Nursing (Image source: Canva)

Six Australian universities have joined hands to conduct the largest study of employment outcomes for nursing and allied health graduates.

The study, which first began in 2017 as a partnership between Monash University and the University of Newcastle, now brings together a national collaboration of Deakin University, the University of Newcastle, Monash University, The University of Queensland, University of Southern Queensland, and University of South Australia.

According to a statement, the Nursing and Allied Health Graduate Outcome Tracking (NAHGOT) study will follow thousands of nurses and allied health professionals for ten years post-graduation. This will give NAHGOT researchers the most comprehensive picture of Australian workplace trends in the nursing and allied healthcare sectors.

“It is particularly focused on the factors that influence the choice of work location and what changes are needed to solve the ongoing problem of nurse and allied health professional shortages in regional, rural and remote areas.”

Dr Keith Sutton from Monash Rural Health (Monash University)

Dr Keith Sutton from Monash Rural Health said the NAHGOT study would contribute to the broader health workforce.

“We expect as the project matures the insights will become a major contributor to workforce planning and augment established efforts in medicine. We’ve established a framework that allows for future expansion of the NAHGOT study to include other institutions.”

The six universities expect to add more than 7,000 students to the study each year, with the intention of tracking graduate outcomes for 10 years post-registration.

This will be done primarily by linking practice location data from the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency with university administrative records. It will also be complemented by the national Student Experience Survey and Graduate Outcomes Survey.

Professor Vin Versace, Director of Deakin Rural Health (Deakin University)

Professor Vin Versace, Director of Deakin Rural Health and inaugural Chair of the NAHGOT Steering Committee, said in a statement that universities are the logical choice to undertake tracking of graduate outcomes at scale. Professor Versace said:

“Unlike other data custodians, universities hold admission and professional placement data not available elsewhere – this is key to understanding the type of graduate that is most likely to live and work in a rural location once they complete their training.”

Dr Martin Jones from the University of South Australia (UniSA)

Dr Martin Jones from the University of South Australia said that in Australia, and other countries, evaluations of rural health workforce programs aimed at increasing the numbers of nursing and allied health care professionals have been over short periods and not completed at scale.

Associate Professor Geoff Argus (Southern Queensland Rural Health)

Southern Queensland Rural Health’s (SQRH) Associate Professor Geoff Argus said NAHGOT was the only large-scale study of its kind focusing on Australian nursing, midwifery, and allied health graduates and the factors that lead to rural practice.

Associate Professor Leanne Brown from the University of Newcastle

Associate Professor Leanne Brown from the University of Newcastle Department of Rural Health said that universities are “also keen to understand how our rural programs may influence students to return to rural and rural practice both in the short and longer term.”

University of Southern Queensland public health researcher and Senior Associate Dean (Academic Transformation) Professor Marion Gray said universities played an important role in contributing to the wellbeing of health services in regional and remote Australia.

“Health services are the lifeblood of regional and remote Australia and through the NAHGOT project we hope to continue to support this essential work.”

Professor Ruth Stewart (National Rural Health Commissioner)

National Rural Health Commissioner Professor Ruth Stewart said she was excited to see the development of the plan to track Nursing and Allied Health Graduate Outcomes.

“When we have a better understanding of these things, we can tailor our programs to ensure that we are training the health workforce that our communities need.”

All NAHGOT participating universities are funded by the Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training (RHMT) program, with the study design reflecting the objectives of the Commonwealth Department of Health.

NSW promoting edtech, medtech, fintech, and space tech collaboration with India

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet and the Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade Stuart Ayres with representatives of Bengaluru technology companies (Twitter)

New South Wales (NSW) Premier Dominic Perrottet and the Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade Stuart Ayres recently met with Indian tech companies in Bengaluru, Karnataka, which is India’s largest startup ecosystem, with around 5,000 startups.

This meeting was to promote collaboration between the state of NSW and India to encourage business partnerships.

New South Wales (NSW) Premier Dominic Perrottet opening a trade office n Mumbai (Twitter)

NSW Premier Perrottet said in a statement that his state is working to attract Indian technology investment across various subsectors such as edtech, MedTech, fintech, and space technologies. Mr Perrottet added:

“We are focused on linking the NSW and Indian technology ecosystems and through the expansion of our international network and programs we are providing better support for NSW exporters to reach their target markets and help open more doors. Through these networks we have helped facilitate four new tech partnerships between NSW and Indian firms. I’d like to congratulate these businesses and welcome more like these.”

While Medtech is a leading sector in NSW contributing $2 billion to our state’s economy, it is Quantum computing that is a fast emerging sector in NSW. Experts believe that by 2040 Australia will potentially have 16,000 quantum jobs generating $4 billion in revenue.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet with Chief Minister B S Bommai (Twitter)

Currently, the two-way trade between India and NSW has now reached $4.6bn. To further assist NSW businesses seeking trade and investment opportunities in the Indian market, NSW has opened its NSW office in Mumbai.

The four new tech partnerships between NSW and India are as follows:

  • HCL Technologies has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Sydney Quantum Academy o strengthen HCL’s Quantum computing capabilities through education and development opportunities including internships for Australia-based students from Sydney Quantum Academy member universities. 
  • Cicada Innovations and Mach33.aero have signed a collaboration agreement to provide launch pad support to startups and medium-sized enterprises.
  • Birth Beat has formed a partnership agreement with Cloudnine hospitals to promote its online maternity training programs in India.
  • SkinDNA has entered a three-month trial program with Kosmoderma Healthcare Private Limited.
Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade Stuart Ayres with a representative of tech company (Twitter)

In relation to the business meeting and MoUs with Indian technology companies, Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade Stuart Ayres said that such events “provide an opportunity to showcase NSW technology capabilities to potential partners and investors.”

Mr Ayres said Sydney is Australia’s technology hub and a thriving technology sector with innovative precincts like Tech Central and our Startup and Scaleup Hubs making our state even more attractive to companies looking to grow in the Asia-Pacific region,”

“Being on the ground in India has given us the opportunity to discuss with Indian businesses the growing opportunities available and see firsthand the important role our Going Global Export Program and international offices play in bringing business and partners together.”

Bengaluru, the epicentre of India’s IT-enabled services, is the world’s fourth largest tech cluster and has 40 per cent of all startup venture capital in India.

COVID-positive Australian cricketer plays CWG22 final against India; netizens point out hypocrisy

Tahlia McGrath (Image source: Australian Women's Cricket Team - Twitter)

Australia’s all-rounder Tahlia McGrath played the final against India in the Commonwealth Games 2022 despite testing positive for Covid-19 at the Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham on Sunday.

Tahlia did not line up during the national anthem and could be seen sitting alone in the stands wearing a face mask. However, despite testing positive for COVID19, Tahlia came into bat at No. 4 without a mask on.

Well-known writer and economist Sanjeev Sanyal called out the hypocrisy of Australian cricket team in a tweet: “Now imagine that this was an Indian athlete…”

Karishma Singh, an Indian sports journalist, also pointed out how tennis legend Novak Djokovic was deported and not allowed to play in the Australian Open for being unvaccinated. She tweeted: “When it came to one of their own – it was okay to let her play with covid?”

In a statement, Commonwealth Games Australia said that they had consulted with tournament experts and match officials before permitting Tahlia to take part in the match against India. The statement adds:

“McGrath presented to team management with mild symptoms on Sunday and subsequently returned the positive test. She was named in the starting XI at the toss and the International Cricket Council (ICC) approved her participation in the final. Cricket Australia medical staff have implemented a range of comprehensive protocols which will be observed throughout the game and for post-match activity, to minimise the risk of transmission to all players and officials.”

This is the first known instance in international cricket when a COVID-19 positive player has taken part in a match.

Australian Women’s Cricket Team at CWG22 (Image source: Australian Women’s Cricket Team – Twitter)

Abhishek Mukherjee, the Head of Content Wisden India, was quick to point out in a tweet that other teams may follow suit and make COVID-19 positive players go out and play in the field.

As per rules, the participation of COVID-positive players across all sports at the CWG22 would be assessed on a case-by-case basis and multiple factors.

Tahlia took a catch dismissing India opener Shafali Verma, but couldn’t celebrate with her teammates.

Tahlia scored two runs off four balls before being dismissed to a Radha Yadav diving screamer at backward point.

Australia won the match while the Indian women’s cricket team was able to create history with their maiden silver medal.


Chasing the target of 162 for the gold medal, the Indian team was bowled out for 152.

After initially following social distancing, during the victory celebration, Tahlia was welcomed with open arms and warm hugs by her teammates. 

Brief score: Australia 161/8 (Beth Mooney 61, Meg Lanning 36; Renuka Singh 2-25) vs India 152 (Harmanpreet Kaur 65, Jemimah Rodrigues 33; Ashleigh Gardner 3-16).

The nightmare of housing wait lists for people fleeing domestic violence

Domestic violence (Canva)

By Alan Morris, Catherine Robinson, and Jan Idle

People who flee domestic violence desperately need safe, affordable and secure housing. Our study of people on housing waiting lists in New South Wales, Tasmania and Queensland found private rental housing isn’t an option when leaving domestic violence.

Besides the cost, most people fleeing domestic violence aren’t able to provide rental histories and credit ratings. That makes it very difficult to be accepted as a tenant.

The obvious solution is social housing – affordable rental housing provided by government or not-for-profit agencies. However, our interviews with people who fled their homes because of domestic violence revealed they had great difficulty accessing social housing.

Their marginal housing status or homelessness then contributed to some interviewees’ children being taken away. Knowing this risk, others asked extended family to care for their children until they found a secure home.

The agony of years of waiting

Susan* has two kids under seven. Two years after escaping a violent relationship, she’s still waiting for social housing.

We run from 20 years of domestic violence and we went to a women’s shelter […] and was put on high priority. And then we were there for nearly a year and then they got cranky with me going to [Department of] Housing. Yeah, I went every day, twice a day, sometimes for a whole year. And then they gave me transitional housing and they said we’ll be there for four months. It’s nearly been a year.

She was terrified every time she went outside:

I said to them, “You don’t get us out […] he’ll shoot us. We’ll be the next ones on the news.”

After fleeing a violent partner, Theresa and her six-year-old son were moving between friends and her uncle. She had been on the NSW housing register (waiting list) since her son was born.

Because her initial application was apparently missing some documentation (applications can be challenging) Theresa was not on the priority list. People on the general waiting list can wait many years to be housed.

Theresa finally got onto the priority list in 2020. But she is still waiting.

Theresa was approved for the NSW RentStart program, which supports people in the private rental market. However, our interviewees told us it was nearly impossible to find a property and be approved by the landlord or agent. As Theresa said:

I had no success with [RentStart] at all […] I think it’s almost impossible […] There’s just nothing out here like housing-wise, rental market-wise.

Mothers and children separated

Interviewees lived in fear of their children being taken into care because of their lack of secure housing. Jen told us:

Now because of all the instability DOCS [Department of Community Services, now called Department of Communities and Justice] has removed them from my care because I was, I guess, somebody who suffered from domestic violence on a regular basis. So I had issues with my ex finding them and then it’d start all over again. So in the last three months I’ve had my [two] children removed from my care because I’m waiting for a house, a safe house […]

I just feel so saddened by the whole process. I just want to hide […] I’ve had DCJ just rip my life apart pretty much as well as being homeless.

She alleged Housing NSW had never offered her permanent housing despite being on the waiting list for seven years and having periods of homelessness:

I’ve been homeless three times with children. It’s the worst. I live out of a car basically – that’s if I’ve had one at the time […] I’ve had a car on two occasions. The children become very unsettled.

In between, Jen has had temporary accommodation. Although a step up from sleeping in her car, she felt it contributed to her children being removed.

We could be going hotel to hotel. They could just move us in a whole new area completely […] They actually put me into an area where there’s a lot of disadvantage and my children’s behaviour slid down even worse […] to the point where I wasn’t able to control them anymore. […] Just what got DOCS, DCJ involved. So it’s been a horrible domino cycle.

Kylie also had a real fear of losing her child:

I didn’t choose to be homeless and then I had the fear like they [Housing Department] were going to call child protection service on me for no reason. I looked after my son completely. He was my world. I would do anything for him and because I went there for a little bit of help I was threatened with they’re going to call child protection services on me because I can’t find a stable home.

Some interviewees relied on relatives, usually their mothers, to look after their children. Josie had three children.

I left with the kids and ended up homeless with them, and I couldn’t have them on the street because that’s not what kids deserve […] I just sent them to mum, thinking that was the best thing for me to do, which it was.

Secure housing can turn lives around

All of the women were adamant that secure social housing would transform their lives. As Kylie said:

[A] stable place, you know, can bring so many opportunities […] for someone to get a better quality of life [they need] stable accommodation.

That people fleeing violence languish in unacceptable conditions for months or even years is a sad indictment of our social housing system. Mothers and children who are forced apart to manage the risks of both violence and homelessness are likely to suffer lasting trauma.

Prompt access to affordable long-term housing could pave the way for women and children to recover and flourish together. Instead of investing in high-cost practices of family separation and child removal, let’s invest in secure, affordable housing.

The Albanese government has pledged to set aside a proportion of new social housing for survivors of domestic violence. State governments have also announced various initiatives. It remains to be seen if these can satisfy the growing demand.


* All names are pseudonyms and details may be slightly changed to ensure confidentiality and protect the individuals.

Alan Morris, Professor, Institute for Public Policy and Governance, University of Technology Sydney; Catherine Robinson, Associate Professor in Housing and Communities, University of Tasmania, and Jan Idle, Research Officer, Institute for Public Policy and Governance, University of Technology Sydney

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Justice and Legal Research: Using “Good Law”

Judicial Impartiality; Image Source: @CANVA
Judicial Impartiality; Image Source: @CANVA

Perennial questions have been raised in the research paper “Situation Analysis of Pacific Legal Aid Systems” (2020) by Dr Carolyn Graydon, which analysed the legal aid program in use in the Pacific and attempted to identify some best practices in place and suggest how legal aid coverage can be improved by making it cost-effective and efficient. 

Her findings based on a survey revealed that more than half of Pacific nations under the research have dedicated legal aid law establishing legal aid services but shows grave concern that “legal aid services are in short supply…. Large portions of Pacific populations have limited or no access to legal aid” where women are most disadvantaged concerning their access to legal aid and indicated concern for short of diverse legal aid models at “grassroots engagement, connection and outreach capacity and responsiveness to common kinds of local disputes” (Graydon, 2020).

It becomes pivotal that Pacific islanders enjoy the right to access justice and understand legal research concepts, its procedure and significance, to understand the legal methodology of working on their case before and during the consultation with a legal expert. The process, methods and significance of legal research are discerned in this opinion article. 

What is Legal Research?

In simple terms, it refers to identifying, locating and retrieving the laws (including regulations, statutes and court opinions) that imply the particular case and finding evidence to support a legal issue or decision. The research should concentrate on relevant jurisdiction to find the answers to a legal task or question. It is a “scientific and purposive investigation or inquiry of a problem or issue of any discipline” (https://www.iedunote.com/legal-research).

The objective is to gain new legal knowledge and validate current legal knowledge/phenomenon to apply legal reasoning to help judicial decision-making. It is about ‘systematic finding and ascertaining law’ on the given topic. 

Jacobstein and Mersky (2002) defined legal research as “the process of identifying and retrieving information necessary to support legal decision making”. Legal research begins with gathering and understanding the case’s crucial facts, then determining the legal problem, identifying the possible legal solutions, exploring the legal information, then making legal analysis, writing and after that.  Although legal research can be carried out by anyone who wants to discern the law and its implication, professionals who carry it include legislators, lawyers, judges, legal academicians, research bureaus, paralegals and legal advisors. 

Methodology of Legal Research

After collecting the facts and understanding the legal issue, it is implied to the legal argument. Therefore, a lawyer tries to find the primary sources to support the idea that is binding law in form, so they research the statutes, case law, regulations and Constitutions. The binding and mandatory authority of the primary sources makes it highly significant.

They also use secondary sources with no legal binding or persuasive authority that help supplement the primary law and legal theory, including treatises, journals, law reviews, legal articles, legal encyclopedias, practice guides, commentaries, and legal digests and so on. This source material helps to analyse, summarize or comment on any given law (Thomas Reuter https://legal.thomsonreuters.com/en/insights/articles/basics-of-legal-research-steps-to-follow).

On many occasions, non-legal sources are also investigated to identify the supporting information. 

It is recommended to use “good law” that has not been overruled or reversed. Thus, many lawyers use KeyCite, a citator on Westlaw that will indicate that the statute or regulations have a negative history, to determine whether it is good law. Similarly, Shepard’s citation is used to check whether the status of the case is still considered a “good law”, if there are any parallel citations, or if the case has been used in other jurisdictions.

Shepard’s validation is a crucial step of legal research after referring to primary and secondary authority that helps identify whether the case has been reaffirmed, overturned, questioned or has precedent. Using the primary sources has a binding value that is authoritative, precedential, controlling and possesses binding authority. Usually, lawyers begin with secondary sources, move to primary and then shepardize the legal research. The lawyers show perseverance, patience, and fortitude to record, update and verify any law before using it. 

Conclusion: Significance of Legal Research

Competent legal research is about finding the best possible outcome within the shortest time with the lowest cost. It is highly essential to update the knowledge. It is vital to determine the law on a specific topic or issue, as it uncovers ambiguities and intrinsic flaws in legislation and critically analyses legal provisions to decide whether or not they are consistent and coherent. Legal research aids the application of one’s formerly acquired law knowledge and the legal principles of functioning. Comprehensive Legal knowledge, competence, diligence, and preparation are required to examine factual and legal concerns.

Legal research is valuable to bring about social change and reform, as it is based on current and proposed legislation. The laws keep on changing with the need of society. Laws that are obsolete and need revision might be discovered via legal research to support ‘just social order’. This process assists in making reforms in the current laws and making suitable changes by the legal institutions. Legal research helps discover, clarify, advance, compare and authenticate legal issues (William Elegbe and Ojomo, 2013). 

In a similar vein, legal research “ascertain the law on the subject, highlight its ambiguities and inbuilt weaknesses of law; to critically examine legal provisions, principles, or doctrines with a view to see consistency, coherence, and stability of law and its underlying policy, to undertake a social audit of law with a view to highlighting its pre-legislative “forces” and post-legislative “impact,” and to make suggestions for improvements in, and development of the law” (Vibhute and Aynalem, 2009).

Thus, legal research becomes pivotal for a legal institution to serve the nation better by providing the best legal advice. 

Dr Sakul Kundra; Picture Source: Supplied
Dr Sakul Kundra; Picture Source: Supplied

Author: Dr Sakul Kundra is an Associate Dean (Research) and Assistant Professor at the College of Humanities and Education, at Fiji National University. The views expressed are his own and not of his employer. Email dr.sakulkundra@gmail.com
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The Australia Today is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information in this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts, or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of The Australia Today and The Australia Today News does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same. 

Pragnya Mohan trained in Australia, lead India’s Triathalon team at CWG2022

Pragnya mohan

India’s star triathlete at the Commonwealth Games 2022, Pragnya Mohan spent six months in Australia and Spain to train in the open waters.

Pragnya Mohan (Twitter)

Pragnya, lovingly called Praggers, trained with Fluid Movements in 2017 and did her first open water swim in Australia.

Pragnya Mohan with her trainer in Australia, 2017 (Fluid movements – Facebook)

The 27-year-old qualified chartered accountant had suffered five major road accidents during training or competing and also undergone two surgeries that left metal rods inserted in her wrist and leg.

However, 5 accidents and 2 surgeries couldn’t break Pragnya’s spirit and she lead India’s triathlon team which made its debut at the CWG 2022.

Sarah Storey, Australia’s Deputy High Commissioner to India, (image: Twitter)

Sarah Storey, Australia’s Deputy High Commissioner to India, tweeted: “Australian and Indian women athletes are doing our countries proud at #CWG2022.”

Pragnya told The Bridge that her father is her coach and strength since childhood:

“My father, Pratap Mohan, is my coach whenever I am training in India and he is extremely involved…he has been the one pushing me since the beginning.”

Pragnya Mohan (Twitter)

Pragnya Mohan and Sanjana Sunil Joshi, who is just 16-year-old and competed on a borrowed bike, finished 26th & 28th respectively in Women’s individual sprint distance (Final) out of 32 contestants.

India sent a four-member Mixed Relay Team —  Adarsh M S, Vishwanath Yadav, Sanjana Joshi, and Pragnya Mohan — in a sport that incorporates swimming, cycling and running in one race and where the country virtually has no history.

All eyes were set on Pragnya who is the national and South Asian champion and the only Indian to compete in a triathlon World Cup.

Pragnya Mohan is also the first Indian to compete in a World Cup held in Madrid, Spain, in 2019. She told World Triathalon:

“I was proud to be able to race well despite an injury, and to have led my peloton for two thirds of the route. There were people in the crowd cheering for India and that got the adrenaline pumping.”

Pragnya is currently ranked 365 in the world and to qualify for the Olympics she’ll need to be around the top 70. 

Team India finished 10th in the Mixed Relay Triathalon event while the Australian team won the Bronze medal.

https://triathlon.org/results/result/2022_birmingham_commonwealth_games/567960

Triathalon is one of the world’s most popular endurance events which made its debut in the Olympic programme at the 2000 Sydney Games.

Why Australian businesses should lift their name game

Conversation (Image source: Canva)

By Fiona Price

In a culturally diverse society like Australia, mastering multicultural names can give your business an edge over your competitors.

When people immigrate to an English-speaking country where locals aren’t familiar with their language and culture, even those who speak good English learn to expect some level of difficulty with communication. They encounter differences in accent and vocabulary to work around, and new social nuances around authority and small talk to sort out. For anyone with a non-Anglo name, there’s also a decision to be made about where to set the bar when it comes to name pronunciation.

Most people with non-Anglo names soon realise that expecting locals to pronounce their name like a native speaker of its language of origin just isn’t realistic. Sometimes this is because their native language is very different from English. Their name may have intonation, or include sounds English doesn’t have. Sometimes it’s because native English speakers feel the way the name is spelled doesn’t ‘match up’ with its pronunciation, or contains a combination of letters they don’t know how to interpret.

When trying to make social and professional connections in a new society, having a name people can’t say can be a real obstacle. Because of this, a lot of immigrants choose to select a Western name or settle on a ‘close enough’ version of their actual name. Priyanga might call himself ‘Pree’, Noémi might default to ‘Naomi’, Zhang Yunqian might call herself ‘Sally Zhang’ and accept that people are going to pronounce her surname as ‘zang’, rather than ‘jaang’. These strategies produce a version of their names that locals can manage and remember, names they recognise as theirs when someone addresses them.

Often this ‘close enough’ pronunciation isn’t a good approximation of the original name. It’s a workable compromise that people arrive at after a trial period of introducing themselves, listening to locals trying to say it and figuring out what most of them can manage. Many people with non-Anglo names eventually start introducing themselves by the English Speaker Version to save time, effort and confusion, even if on some level this makes them wince inside.

As someone who works with name pronunciation, I myself often wince inside when I hear someone use an English Speaker Version of their name. And where it’s appropriate and when I’m confident of the actual pronunciation, I offer something much closer to it. If the person reiterates that they prefer the anglicised version, I respect that, embrace it and keep any wincing to myself. Usually, however, the person is astonished and impressed. They ask me how I knew how their name was pronounced, ask if I speak their language and show me a lot of warmth and interest.

Positive responses like these show the value of raising the bar on name pronunciation for any business that wants to connect with multicultural customers, affiliates, or staff. For someone who’s reluctantly embraced an inaccurate, anglicised version of their name, an organisation that opens communications with the correct pronunciation of their name demonstrates respect, builds rapport, and automatically differentiates themselves from the majority who need the safety rail of an adapted pronunciation.

Contributing Author: Fiona Price is a Melbourne-based cross-cultural communication specialist and expert on multicultural names.

Alleged comment on schoolgirl’s ‘brown’ skin and assault charge force Australian university Vice-Chancellor to resign

UNE Vice-Chancellor

The University of New England (UNE) Vice-Chancellor, Prof Brigid Heywood, resigned after she was charged with common assault and behaving in an offensive manner near a public place or school. NSW police said:

“Following extensive inquiries, officers attached to New Eng­land Police District issued a 65-year-old woman a future court attendance notice for common assault and behave in offensive manner (sic) in/near public place/school.”

As per a report in the Sydeny Morning Herald, the girl’s father has accused Prof. Brigid Heywood of allegedly wiping saliva on the 16-year-old student’s face at an International Women’s Day event held at Armidale’s Ex-Services Memorial Club on March 8, 2022. Further, the girl’s father has also accused Prof. Heywood of allegedly making a remark about her skin colour.

The alleged incident occurred after a discussion at the event when the teenager approached another panel member to say that she related to that speaker’s experience of racism.
The father said:

“When she said that, the vice chancellor licks her finger with saliva and rubs it on my daughter’s face and says something to the effect of ‘Oh you’re brown, yes you’re right, it’s not coming off’”

The father, as per SMH, has rejected the police statement that emphasised there was no physical harm to the alleged victim.
He adds:

“In this day and age, saliva on someone’s face, is that not an injury?”

In a statement, UNE’s Chancellor James Harris said that Prof. Heywood strenuously denied the allegations.

The statement said:

“The university council and Professor Heywood acknowledge the criminal charges laid against her on 1 August 2022, and the widespread attention and concern this has garnered within the university and the broader community.

In this context, Professor Heywood formed the view that it was in the best interests of the university that she resign from her position and [the] university council has accepted her decision.

Professor Heywood has advised the university council she strenuously denies there is any truth to the charges and will defend them. Given the charges are before the court, the university council does not intend to make any comment about the charges or their subject matter.”

UNE has been under pressure from the community, NSW Labor’s tertiary education spokesman Tim Crakanthorp, local MP Adam Marshall and the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) who called to stand down Prof. Heywood pending the court proceedings.

Tim Crakanthorp (NSW shadow minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education) tweeted late Wednesday, “these are serious allegations and given their nature it’s appropriate that the vice chancellor step down pending their investigation.”

Chancellor Harris in his statement praised Prof. Heywood for “her strong leadership of the university in navigating a period of tremendous change”.
He said:

“Professor Heywood considers it a great honour to have been the vice-chancellor and chief executive officer.” 

The statement added:

“The university council wants to clearly state that it remains deeply committed to fostering a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for its students, staff and community at all times.” 

The girl’s father told the SMH that the University council “are the ones that need to be put on the spot. The public needs to know how the UNE is dragging their heels.” He added that since the incident his daughter has become “withdrawn.”

UNE Vice-Chancellor Prof. Heywood (UNE Facebook)

Prof. Heywood in an email accessed by SMH to the UNE staff “strenuously denies there is any truth to the charges and will defend them”.
She adds:

“University of New England must move forward with certainty of clear leadership. That is not something that it is appropriate for me to be a part of given current extenuating circumstances.”

Prof. Heywood joined UNE as its 14th Vice-Chancellor following an academic career spanning several countries. Prof. Heywood joined UNE from the University of Tasmania, where she was Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research). Before that, she was Assistant Vice Chancellor – Research, Academic and Enterprise at New Zealand’s Massey University.

Prof. Heywood is scheduled to appear in court in September on assault charges and UNE’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof. Simon Evans will take charge until the council appoints a new Vice-Chancellor.

Indian Diaspora is the pillar for strengthening ties between Australia and India: Dr Vijay Chauthaiwale

Dr Vijay Chauthaiwale in Sydney (OFBJP Twitter)

Dr Vijay Chauthaiwale, who is in charge of the Foreign Affairs Department of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is on his first visit to Australia.

The BJP is currently the ruling party in India and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been active in engaging with the Indian Diaspora since he came to power in 2014. PM Modi also became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Australia in 28 years when he came to Australia in November 2014 shortly after he was elected Prime Minister of India for the first time.

Dr Chauthaiwale, who is also a member of the National Executive of the BJP, was hosted by OFBJP (Overseas Friends of BJP) in Sydney where he interacted with members of the Indian Diaspora.

In an exclusive interview with The Australia Today, Dr Chauthaiwale said that the Diaspora are “good ambassadors of India.”

(Video source: Dharmendra Modi)

The Australia Today also spoke with guests at the event about Dr Chauthaiwale’s visit and Australia-India ties.

(Video source: Dharmendra Modi)

Pancham Dham brings religious harmony and announces meditation centre in Nepal

Pancham Dham brings religious harmony and announces meditation centre in Nepal; Image Source: Supplied
Pancham Dham brings religious harmony and announces meditation centre in Nepal; Image Source: Supplied

In its movement to visit sacred SHIVA temples globally, Pancham Dham Trust trustees, members and devotee groups with saints, scholars, social leaders, politicians, media professionals and other members visited Kathmandu, Nepal for darshan at Shree Pashupatinath temple on July 24-26, 2022.

The group of about 60 devotees was led by Pancham Dham Trust chief mentor Dr Indresh Kumar, an RSS veteran who has mentored and been the torch bearer of the movement since conceptualisation and later its formal foundation in 2018. Dr Indresh Kumar has been a mentor of many global initiatives for peace and harmony.

Pancham Dham brings religious harmony and announces meditation centre in Nepal; Image Source: Supplied

On the movement, RSS veteran Dr Indresh Kumar said, “Thousand years ago, Adi Shankaracharya visited all corners of Bharat and he then established Mathas there. Today we know it as Char Dham. Likewise, Cambodia is blessed with the world’s biggest Hindu temple of Lord Vishnu and thousands of Shivlingas since time immemorial.

People there have been connecting here with religious belief and now they are looking forward to this place as Pancham Dham outside Bharat.” Dr Gopal Narayan Singh, founding trustee and chancellor of GNS University India is one of the forces of the movement, who also promised to explore the possibility of a high-quality higher education institution in Nepal for research and education of Nepalese students primarily. Trust is looking forward to establishing a world-class educational hub there.

Mahamandaleshwar Juna Akhara, Swami Yatindranand Giri Maharaj who has volunteered for the purpose of Pancham Dham in the north of India and Dandi Swami Anantanand Ji Saraswati, who also has devoted his life to the purpose and spread of Sanatan values in Purvanchal region, accompanied and led the religious faith of the group and conducted Pooja Sanskar at Pashupatinath temple in a most ancient way of Bharat and Nepal. One of the most sacred Hindu temples of Nepal – Pashupatinath Temple is located on both banks of the Bagmati River on the eastern outskirts of Kathmandu.

Before reaching Nepal, the Pancham Dham Trustees, saints and about 200 members visited Cambodia’s Siem Reap and Angkor Wat temple in the first week of June 2022 for the fifth-anniversary celebration of the Pancham Dham initiative and Pooja at the foundation of the proposed temple.
Pancham Dham is on a mission to revive the glory of Sanatana Dharma and bring people peace and harmony and make a bond among countries who have to believe in the same philosophy. The identity of each culture and nation is supreme and efforts to create global peace with common values of Sanatan is the exertion made by Pancham Dham. During “Sanatan Sanskar Mahotsav” on second Somvari many other groups based in India did their programs at Kathmandu from July 24 to 26.

Pancham Dham brings religious harmony and announces a meditation centre in Nepal; Image Source: Supplied

Mahamandaleshwar Juna Akhara, Yatindranand Giri said the concept of Pancham Dham is like an ocean unfathomable and deep. So many rivers and water bodies may come to merge into it. Ocean never merges anywhere. This samagam in Nepal proves itself. Arunachal Pradesh veteran politician and presently Chairman of AP forest council is the committed national executive member of Pancham Dham.

Pancham Dham is an international organisation to unfurl flags to create a culture and religious awareness only. It is a religious, cultural and peace movement by a group of people from Cambodia and India led by saints, social leaders, business leaders and professionals who are developing the Pancham Dham temple in Siem Reap in Cambodia. Before going to sacred Shiva temples in Cambodia, Nepal and other countries, the Pancham Dham team collected blessings from all four Dhams in India. The Santan values are spread in about 52 countries along the coastal nations in Asia, which are in plan to be visited over the next few months to spread the message of religious and social peace and cultural harmony in the world which is affected by conflicts, war and terrorism.

The Pancham Dham movement respects the cultural identity and religious freedom of all cultures and nations and will have the utmost respect in this movement for peace and harmony. Few people and organisations have attempted to malign a very pious initiative and tried to connect it with the personal initiatives of a few groups ‘Akhand Bharat’ which is rejected in absolute. Pancham Dham has no connections and relations with such groups or people or organisations, any linking with Pancham Dham is wrong and misleading. The Pancham Dham trust stands on its mission and objectives and does not partner with any other organisation to its activities.

Dr Sailesh Lachu Hiranandani, founding Trustee and the man behind the Pancham Dham movement who has been visiting Siem reap Cambodia for about 20 years and invested time and effort to research about the place and its sacred importance, said, “When I observed holy river Kulin Devi flows uninterruptedly and nourishing shastra Shivling over years of visit at the place, there was a divine force bringing everyone to the purpose and I was blessed to receive mentoring and support of Dr Indresh Kumar ji to the initiative. With the deep knowledge and insight of many saints and scholars, the initiatives reached where it is today, thus we always commit to research and meditation centres in the countries we visit.”

Pancham Dham brings religious harmony and announces a meditation centre in Nepal; Image Source: Supplied

Dr Hiranandani also indicated establishing a Bharat Nepal fund to support the cultural and research and educational development of Nepal with its own value systems. He said that we welcome people of Nepal to come forward and establish themselves globally.

On the occasion, Prof Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, the first woman Vice Chancellor of prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi enlightened on the role of women in society and how women empowerment brings a change in society. Any world-class research and higher education development in Nepal is always a welcome step and Indian educational institutions will come forward to support the initiative.

Shailesh Vats, General Secretary Pancham Dham stated that “So many organisations are working on Hindutva in India. Pancham Dham is an expedition for not only the Prachar Prasar of Sanatan culture across the country but also to establish a connection between those countries where this great grand Sanatan civilisation exists. To revive that energy of Sanatan culture, not only Nepal but Pancham Dham is working in more than 10 countries.”

According to its mission and commitments, the only extension to the religious confluence of Pancham Dham Trust will be its contributions in higher education, and cultural and meditation research and activities of the country.

Pancham Dham’s team received immense support from Nepal during this visit. More than twenty House of Representatives and religious leaders came to meet Dr Indresh Kumar and discussed the way forward and support to Pancham Dham organisation. These dignitaries echoed the support and welcomed the initial contributions made by the Pancham Dham Trust of Cambodia and India.

Australia beat India in a controversial women’s hockey semi-final at CWG

Hockey Australia (Twitter)

Indian women’s hockey team lost to Australia in the semi-finals at Birmingham by 3-0.

After scores were locked 1-1 at fulltime, the Hockeyroos won 3-0 in the penalty shootout.

Hockeyroos tweeted: “We are through to the Gold Medal Match after a thriller!”

In a bizarre turn of events, the Indian captain Savita Punia was denied a save off the first shot by Australian Rosie Malon. The umpire informed both teams that the match clock did not start with Indian striker Lalremsiami ready to take India’s first shot. Malone scored in a re-take to hand a 1-0 lead before Lalremsiami missed her shot.

Kaitlin Nobbs then scored for Australia off the second shot before Jocelyn Bartram made a save off Neha Goel. Amy Lawton then scored the third goal for Australia and with India requiring to convert to have a chance, Navneet Kaur missed the chance to score off the third shot to hand Australia the win.

India’s coach with the umpire (Image source: Seven)

Hockey India tweeted: “A tough result to take for #WomenInBlue. Now it’s all about the Bronze medal!”

Captain Savita Punia told media: “I can only say that it is tough for us but it’s part of the game.”

Indian Hockey team (Image source: Savita Punia – Twitter)

India’s coach Janneke Schopman told media after the match that it was tough. He added:

“It is tough and I think we’re trying as coaches to be able to…but that is life. It is emotional and there was so much at stake. Of course, they need to not be influenced by it, but they’re also humans and it did play a role. The players are sad and they should be sad. We fought really hard and were very close to playing in the final.”

Channel 7 commentator Alister Nicholson could be heard slamming the controversial play that gave Australia the extra shootout goal. Nicholson said in the commentary:

“That would be a national outrage if that happened to Australia.”

Former Hockeyroos star Georgie Parker also felt sad for the Indians Hockey team and said:

“It’s the most incredible way to win; most heartbreaking way to lose.”

International Hockey Federation tweeted their statement regarding the penalty shootout issue: “The process in place for such situations is that the penalty shootout has to be retaken, which was done. This incident will be thoroughly reviewed by the FIH in order to avoid any similar issues in the future.”

Australia will play England in the Hockey final after it also secured a spot with 2-0 shootout triumph against New Zealand. The Hockeyroos have won both and have four Commonwealth titles in the six completed editions of the Games.

Tamil asylum seeker ‘Biloela family’ granted Australian permanent visas

Nadesalingams family (Twitter)

The Tamil asylum seeker Nadesalingam family, popularly known as the Biloela family, have received Australia’s permanent visas.

A group of Biloela residents advocating for the Tamil asylum seeker family, called HometoBilo,  tweeted the announcement.

In a statement, Australia’s Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs Andrew Giles MP said he had intervened in the case following careful consideration.

Andrew Giles MP, Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs (Twitter)

Giles added that he had provided the family visas allowing them to remain permanently in Australia.

“This government made a commitment before the election that, if elected, we would allow the family to return to Biloela and resolve the family’s immigration status. Today, the government has delivered on that promise. This decision follows careful consideration of the Nadesalingam family’s complex and specific circumstances. I extend my best wishes to the Nadesalingam family.”

Karen Andrews MP (Twitter)

Opposition Home Affairs spokesperson Karen Andrews MP told the media Labor government’s decision to grant the Nadesalingam family permanent visas set “a high-profile precedent”. She said:

“It undermines the policy that if you come here illegally you will never settle in Australia. Together with Labor’s policy to abolish temporary protection visas, this gives people smugglers a product to sell to desperate families and people.”

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk tweeted that she is pleased to hear that the Nadesalingham family in Biloela has been granted permanent visas.

The Nadesalingam family, Priya Nadaraja, Nades Murugappan and their daughters Kopika and Tharnicaa, have been living in Biloela, Queensland since June. The family had previously spent four years in immigration detention as their claim for refugee status was rejected by the Coalition government.

Let’s talk about Australian slavery

Kanakas on a sugar cane plantation, Queensland c.1890. Public domain

By Jeff Sparrow

In July 2021, Jack Dempsey, the mayor of Bundaberg, delivered an official apology for Northern Queensland’s past reliance on the indentured labour of Pacific Islanders, many of whom were kidnapped (or “blackbirded”) and forced to work on the state’s cane plantations. “To say sorry,” explained Dempsey, “is a start in the healing and the hope for a better relationship going forward.”

The emotional response – equal parts sorrow and relief – from the local Islander community confirmed the gesture’s importance. “I’m thinking about my mother and my brother and my aunties who have all passed on,” said Aunty Coral Walker, the president of the Bundaberg South Sea Islanders Heritage Association. “It would have meant a lot to them because they were a part of that era where they knew about blackbirding.”

But if the Bundaberg apology began a healing, it by no means completed it. On the contrary, the statement highlighted the inadequacy of Australia’s reckoning with its past.

That’s because the practice Dempsey described – sometimes known as “sugar slavery” – was not a minor or incidental phenomenon. In fact, it was so important to plantation owners that, to defend it, they briefly contemplated separation from the rest of the colony, with Townsville mooted as the capital of what many observers dubbed a “slave state”. This “scheme for the extension and perpetuation of the slavery system” showed, one journalist claimed at the time, that Queensland had become “what the United States were before the Wars of the Secession”.

Similar references to civil war occurred again and again during the debates prior to the federation of the Australian colonies. Slavery and its consequences – both in Queensland and in the American South – obsessed Australia’s founders, and fundamentally moulded the country they created. Australia’s first prime minister, Edmund Barton, explained, quite accurately, that the “limited slavery” of the cane fields had agitated “the whole of Australia” and so was “a question which belongs to the Federation we have succeeded in establishing”. He also outlined the shocking philosophy upon which he considered Australia based:

I do not think either that the doctrine of the equality of man was really ever intended to include racial equality. There is no racial equality. There is basic inequality. These races are, in comparison with white races – I think no one wants convincing of this fact – unequal and inferior. The doctrine of the equality of man was never intended to apply to the equality of the Englishman and the Chinaman. There is deep-set difference, and we see no prospect and no promise of its ever being effaced. Nothing in this world can put these two races upon an equality. Nothing we can do by cultivation, by refinement, or by anything else will make some races equal to others.

Australia’s first prime minister Edmund Barton. Public domain

It’s impossible to understand that speech – and Barton’s conviction that, in dismissing racial equality, he spoke for the nation – without thinking about the sugar fields of Queensland and what was done there.

The French historian Ernest Renan described forgetting as “an essential factor in the creation of a nation”, since patriots do not want to remember the “deeds of violence” at the origin of all political formations. In the Australian context, a strange contradiction contributes to the ongoing amnesia about slavery and its consequences.

From the very beginning, enslavement shaped white settlement in Australia – and so, too, did abolitionism. That paradox, a peculiar entwinement of two ostensibly antagonistic impulses, makes for a complicated narrative, one that cannot be grasped simply as a local version of the better-known American story.

But if regret is to bring change, we must comprehend what we’re apologising for and why. The great abolitionist Frederick Douglass, a man who had escaped enslavement in 1838, described the past as a mirror that could, if used correctly, convey “the dim outlines of the future” and, perhaps, “make them more symmetrical”.

With that in mind, let’s talk about Australian slavery.

‘No slavery in a free land’

In 1788, England remained the most important slaving nation in the world, a country that, from the 17th century until 1807, conveyed a dizzying 3.25 million people out of Africa and into bondage.

The planners of the new convict colony in New South Wales drew directly on logistical skills acquired through Britain’s long involvement in the slave trade. They contracted the Second and Third Fleets to one of London’s biggest slaving firms, the merchants Calvert, Camden and King, who duly showed the same care for British convicts as they did for African slaves. Some 25 per cent of prisoners died on the voyage; 40 per cent succumbed within six months of arrival.

In New South Wales, the men and women labouring on the settlement were officially described as “in servitude” until they became “emancipated”, a vocabulary taken directly from the Atlantic trade.

Yet if slavery pressed on the colony, so too did anti-slavery.

Britain required New South Wales because, after the American War of Independence broke out in 1775, the English could no longer dump its criminals in the American territories. The same colonial uprising that disrupted transportation to the New World also turned public sentiment against slavery, an institution tainted by association with the ungrateful Americans.

That was why, in the month that the First Fleet sailed from Portsmouth, evangelical Christians in London launched the Society for Effecting the Abolition of the Slave Trade – an organisation that would eventually succeed in rendering slavery illegal in Britain.

A few years later, the Haitian revolution – perhaps history’s greatest uprising of the enslaved – would intensify respectable concern about the dangerous instability of slave societies. The visceral fear of black revolt induced merchants enriched by trading Africans to consider the new opportunities of the factory system, shifting Britain’s economy away from plantation agriculture to manufacturing and other, more modern, industries.

Battle of San Domingo, also known as the Battle for Palm Tree Hill, in Haiti – January Suchodolski. Wikimedia Commons

All of that affected the Australian colony. The more far-sighted members of the British elite had no desire to replicate the American disaster – and they most definitely did not want to found a new Haiti in the Pacific. So, before the First Fleet even departed, its commander, the 50-year-old naval veteran Captain Arthur Phillip, explicitly eschewed any intent to allow enslavement in the settlement.

“There can be no slavery in a free land,” he declared, “and consequently no slaves.”

In 2020, with Black Lives Matter protests spreading globally, Prime Minister Scott Morrison took a question from a radio host about the removal of colonial statues. In response, the Prime Minister defended the European settlers as relatively enlightened men, committed to ideals of freedom in New South Wales.

“It was a pretty brutal place,” he concluded, “but there was no slavery in Australia.” The comments brought widespread condemnation, and the Prime Minister quickly acknowledged that “hideous practices” had indeed occurred.

Yet Morrison’s initial point was not entirely wrong.

Phillip had, indeed, promised a free colony. So how did his pledge affect the “hideous practices” the PM described?

In 1788, mainstream abolitionism was not especially radical. The evangelicals, with their concern for human souls, considered chattel slavery – the legal ownership of one man by another – a denial of the personal agency so central to Protestantism. But, as moral campaigners, they also approved of punishing sin – and in the late 18th century there was plenty of it to punish.

In Britain, the enclosure of the English commons had driven impoverished rural populations into cities like London. Swelling unemployment meant crime and rebellion. To control the desperate and the jobless, the authorities passed harsh new laws, a legislative program designed to quell disorder and ensure a pliant workforce for the factories. The Riot Act banned public disorder; the Combination Act made trade unions illegal; the Workhouse Act forced the poor to work; the Vagrancy Act turned joblessness into a crime. Eventually, over 220 offences could attract capital punishment – or, indeed, transportation.

As we have seen, convict transportation – a system in which prisoners toiled without pay under military discipline – replicated many of the worst cruelties of slavery. Yet, rather than fostering opposition to the forced labour of transportees, mainstream abolitionism helped justify it.

Middle-class anti-slavery activists expressed little sympathy for Britain’s ragged and desperate, holding the urban lumpenproletariat responsible for its own misery. The men and women of London’s slums weren’t slaves. They were free individuals – and if they chose criminality, the abolitionists reasoned, they brought their punishment on themselves.

That was how Phillip could decry chattel slavery while simultaneously relying on unfree labour from convicts. The experience of John Moseley, one of the eleven people of colour on the First Fleet, illustrates how, in the Australian settlement, a rhetoric of liberty accompanied a new kind of bondage.

As Cassandra Pybus documents, later in life, Moseley claimed to have been employed as a “tobacco planter in America”. By that he almost certainly meant that he had been enslaved on a plantation in the Tidewater region of Virginia and Maryland. How had he washed up in Sydney?

Like several of the black First Fleeters, Moseley fought for Britain during the American Revolution. That was because Lord Dunmore, the last British governor of Virginia, had offered liberty to “all indented Servants, Negroes, or others […] that are able and willing to bear arms” against the insurrectionists.

Moseley, and others like him, chose freedom – and then faced recapture when Britain surrendered. One slave later said that the success of the revolt “diffused universal joy among all parties; except us who had escaped from slavery and taken refuge in the English army”. Desperate to evade their old masters, the formerly enslaved begged the retreating British for passage to London. Those who were successful remained free – but also, for the most part, unemployed, struggling in a strange and harsh city without friends or family.

Australian South Sea Islander cane cutters on a sugar cane plantation in Queensland. Wikimedia commons

Loyalists could, in theory, claim compensation for fighting in the revolutionary war. In practice, the authorities generally rebuffed pleas from ex-slaves, on the cynical basis that emancipation constituted sufficient reward.

“Instead of suffering by the war, he gained by it,” wrote an official about one claimant, “for he is in a much better country where he may with industry get his bread, where he can never more be a slave.”

Moseley, like so many others, struggled in the harsh city to get his bread. When he eventually turned from industry to criminal fraud, the contrast between British liberty and American slavery provided the ideological justification for the treatment he received. He was a free man; the court held him responsible for his own dishonesty and sentenced him to death. The eventual commutation of a capital sentence to transportation meant that armed guards marched a black ex-slave, chained once more by the neck and ankles, to the Scarborough, on which he sailed to New South Wales.

Phillip’s prohibition on chattel slavery was, on its own terms, genuine. But we need to understand what those terms were. For John Moseley, the “free land” of New South Wales brought only a replication of that captivity he’d endured in Virginia. His experience was not unique. As the poet and playwright Bertolt Brecht might say, throughout the settlement, the old strode in, disguised as the new. In years to come, colonial opposition to slavery would co-exist with, and even facilitate, various kinds of bonded labour – and nowhere more so than in Queensland.

‘A second Louisiana’

From the very start, the Australian sugar industry demonstrated how formal and real freedoms might collide.

In Tascott, New South Wales, you can still find a plaque celebrating the man who gave the town its name: a certain Thomas Scott, who, we are told, “arrived in the colony in 1816 [and] pioneered the sugar industry in Australia”.

The Tascott memorial neglects to mention Scott’s background in the slave trade. Yet that was how he developed his familiarity with sugar. As a young man, he assisted an uncle buying and selling Africans, before he began managing slave labour on his family’s plantation in Antigua.

Slaves working on a plantation in Antigua – William Clarke (1823). Public domain

Scott came to Port Macquarie in 1823, where Major Frederick Goulburn engaged him for an annual salary of £250 to grow sugar in the strange climate. Historians now agree that he failed miserably.

“How many times did you try to make sugar at the settlement before you made anything like it?” a contemporary mocked him. “What you made yourself was not fit for dogs to eat before the poor black man shewed you the way.”

That “poor black man” was another Antiguan, James Williams.

Where Scott was an ex-slaver, Williams was an ex-slave. He had somehow escaped to England, where, like Moseley, he resorted to crime. Sentenced to seven years transportation, Williams arrived in Sydney in 1820. Another theft saw him banished to Port Macquarie. In that town, a full year before Scott’s arrival, he established a viable crop from eight joints of cane, using the “knowledge of the growth of that Plant” he had acquired as a slave.

Despite the successful production of “very good Sugar and Rum”, Williams never adjusted to life in the colony, spending the rest of his days in and out of various forms of custody. By contrast, Thomas Scott, confident the rival claims of a “poor black man” would not be heeded, basked in an entirely undeserved reputation as the father of Australian sugar, even receiving an annual pension for his supposed achievements. In that foundational moment – an ex-slaver exploiting an ex-slave – the racial dynamic of the industry was already visible.

When the American Civil War broke out in 1861, many Europeans in Australia sympathised with the Confederates, particularly after the Unionists briefly seized the Trent, a British Royal Mail steamer. The Melbourne Argus anticipated war between Australia and the northern American states, arguing that that “as a matter of sound precaution, citizens of the United States now resident in Victoria should be placed under surveillance”. Some of the gun emplacements still visible in Sydney Harbour date back to that fear of invasion by the Yankees.

In the context of that widespread enthusiasm for the South (the welcome extended to the Confederate ship Shenandoah in Melbourne in 1865 led one of its officers to conclude “the heart of colonial Britain was in our cause”), Queenslanders dreamed of building a “second Louisiana”. They could, they thought, capitalise on the disruption of the international cotton and sugar trades, if only they could establish a viable local crop.

But how might they emulate agriculture from a slave state?

Attempts to attract English workers to Queensland did not succeed. The men that came found the conditions unbearable, something the colonists attributed not to the innate unpleasantness of cutting cane in the sticky heat, but to the racial unsuitability of white labour to the tropics. So, in 1863, the shipping tycoon Robert Towns (the man who gave Townsville its name) tried another approach.

Robert Towns (1794-1873), after whom Townsville is named. Public domain

Towns knew that, back in 1847, an entrepreneur called Benjamin Boyd – another man with a background in Caribbean slavery – had scandalised the colony by transporting men from the Pacific Islands of Tanna and Lifou to supply his cattle station with labour. The “signatures” on the documents that indentured them were thumb prints from illiterate men who had never before seen cattle; their “contracts” bound them to work for a pittance however Boyd commanded. Some of the labourers revealed their genuine feeling by fleeing as soon as they could; the others demanded to be sent home. Boyd’s business collapsed and he decamped to California.

In Boyd’s inauspicious venture, Towns glimpsed a solution, a means by which he might recreate Louisiana in Queensland. The insatiable demands of the textile industry meant, he thought, that cotton plantations would be far more profitable than Boyd’s cattle stations. Accordingly, Towns chartered a ship called the Don Juan and sailed it to the New Hebrides from where it returned crammed with Islanders destined for Towns’ huge property near the Logan River.

The Civil War ended before Boyd could prove his experiment a success. But though peace dashed prospects for a Queensland cotton boom, a planter called Louis Hope realised that cotton fields could also be used for sugar, a commodity always in demand. He duly sent out ships to obtain indentured labour of his own.

That was how it began. Between 1863 and 1904, 62,000 South Sea Islanders were transported to Australia, landing in Brisbane, Maryborough, Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Mackay, Bowen, Townsville, Innisfail and Cairns. Most indentured labourers arrived from the New Hebrides, with a substantial proportion taken from the Solomons, as well as smaller islands. By the 1890s, Pacific Islanders constituted 85 per cent of the workforce for Australian sugar.

Some came willingly, accepting – as desperate people do – unknown hardship to escape grinding poverty. Some, equally clearly, did not. Faith Bandler, the much-loved civil rights activist and hero of the 1967 Indigenous rights referendum, was the daughter of one such sugar slave. As a child, she’d listened to her father, Peter Mussing, describing his youth. He told Faith about

when he was kidnapped and taken into the boat by the slavers, and what it was like in the boat coming over from his island Ambrym in the New Hebrides, and how rough it was and how they were all held in the hull and how sick they were and those who died would be thrown overboard and how it was when the boat would arrive in Australia and how strange everything seemed to him.

Activist Faith Bandler (1918-2015) was the daughter of a sugar slave. Wikimedia commons, CC BY-NC-SA

Paradoxically, such experiences – so reminiscent of the Middle Passage endured by slaves brought across the Atlantic Ocean – coincided with a hardening of official hostility to slavery throughout the British Empire. In 1833, the parliament in Westminster had officially legislated abolition, with enslavement thereafter disdained as contrary to English principles of liberty. The politicians allocated an extraordinary sum of £20 million (about 40 per cent of Britain’s total income) to restitution: an amount granted not to the slaves but to their owners, compensation to them for the loss of their “property”.

The records of those disbursements include a remarkable number of colonial Australians. Judges, statesmen, bankers, even the poet Adam Lindsay Gordon: the upper echelons of Australia society contained many men who had either personally kept slaves or belonged to families that did.

In the bigger population centres, the beneficiaries of enslavement generally distanced themselves from their less than reputable past. The tropical north, however, was different. There, those with a background in Caribbean slavery could recreate something of their old ways.

Louis Hope, for instance, set himself up (according to one biographer) “as a landed aristocrat”, with a grand mansion at Ormiston, an estate akin to those his slave- owning relatives occupied in the Caribbean. He was not alone in his affectations. A visitor to Queensland in the late 1870s and early 1880s described the planters living along the river at Mackay:

Their houses as a rule, are extremely comfortable, and very well furnished, and the gardens of many of them are paradises of beauty. In good times, they make tremendous profits, and their occupation chiefly consists in watching other people work, in the intervals of which they recline in a shady verandah with a pipe and a novel, and drink rum-swizzles. Most of them keep a manager, so that they can always get away for a run down south, or a kangaroo hunt up the country.

The men did not merely adopt a lifestyle associated with New World slavery. They also relied on its techniques and its personnel.

Hope, for instance, acquired his sugar plants from the old slaver Thomas Scott. He hired supervisors from Jamaica and Barbados, looking for those with experience driving plantation slaves. To obtain the men for his fields, he turned – just as Boyd had before him – to a certain Captain Lewin, a notoriously shady character.

The Royal Navy’s Commander George Palmer described Lewin’s vessels as “fitted up precisely like an African slaver, minus the irons” and noted that, “I heard of him [Lewin] at every island I was at as a man stealer and kidnapper”. Lewin escaped conviction for a rape committed on one of those ships when a Brisbane court held that his 13-year-old victim could not give evidence since “she was not a Christian, and there were no courts of law in her country”, ignoring the testimony of the Islander witnesses who described the girl’s screams.

Between 1863 and 1868, this was the man responsible for “recruiting” nearly half the Islanders who arrived in Australia.

An illegitimate offspring

The uncontrolled growth of blackbirding eventually spurred the Polynesian Labourers Act, an attempt by the Queensland government to enforce some sort of regulation. The law required recruiters to get a licence; it mandated certain minimum standards on voyages where previously passengers had often simply been imprisoned in the holds.

Yet conditions did not necessarily improve. In general, the treatment of Islanders in Queensland depended less on legislation than on how desperately the planters needed labour at any given moment.

Some young men found indenture quite bearable, so much so that when one contract ended, they signed on for another, before eventually returning to their homes with cash in their pockets. Yet when the sugar boom of the 1880s fostered a scramble for cutters, the cruelties intensified. On occasion, recruiters – desperate to fill their quotas – travelled to islands where blackbirders had never previously visited and simply grabbed whomever they could find.

In 1884, at the height of that demand, a vessel called the Hopeful opened fire on Islanders who resisted being stolen, killing at least 38 people and possibly more. Its crew faced trial for kidnapping and murder; a subsequent Royal Commission found that only nine of the 480 people “recruited” by the ship had understood the supposed agreements they’d signed. The commission described the Hopeful’s expedition as “one long record of deceit, cruel treachery, deliberate kidnapping and cold-blooded murder”.

The sailors were subsequently released, after “public indignation [about their convictions] in Brisbane and the coast towns waxed to fever heat” and some 28,000 people signed a petition calling for clemency.

The massive support for the Hopeful’s crew needs to be understood in the context in which indentured labour was advocated. Hope, and the others like him, did not see themselves as recreating slavery. On the contrary, they declared their opposition to the practice. The Islanders were not, they said, chattels. Rather than being bought or sold, the men were employees, hired like any other workers. They received money in return for the contract; when their term expired, they could leave.

This was not altogether untrue. Legally, the Islanders were never enslaved. Unlike the slaves in America, they were not officially classified as property. Some managed to improve the terms of their engagement, winning better wages and less brutal conditions. By the 1890s, many were engaged in something more like wage labour.

Nevertheless, the reason the sugar barons wanted Islanders did not vary: they understood that white men could impose upon indentured non-white labourers a discipline that Europeans would not accept. They could pay them less (and sometimes not at all). They could beat them and belittle them and abuse them, confident no law would intervene, and they could work them relentlessly under regimes that regularly proved fatal.

Queensland was not the Americas. What was done in Australia was different and needs to be understood on its own terms. The historian Emma Christopher suggests that, rather than being imagined as analogous to Atlantic slavery, the trade in the Pacific might be thought of as one of its illegitimate offspring: a forced labour both reminiscent of and distinct from the practices of the New World. Nevertheless, a legal case in Rockhampton in 1868 illustrates the aptness of the term “sugar slavery”.

In January that year, a man called John Tancred faced charges under the Master and Servants Act after a conflict with one Arthur Gossett over an Islander boy identified only as “Towhey”. Though bound to Gossett, the child had fled his employment to join men from his own island who were labouring for Tancred. Their teary reunion provoked a legal dispute between two white men about the “lawful ownership” of Towhey (known by a quite different name among his own people) – a matter settled when Gossett proved his claim by identifying a brand on the boy’s leg.

“The advantage,” explained the Rockhampton Bulletin,

of the branding these intelligent islanders who cannot speak English and who make crosses to their agreements, has been made very manifest by this case, and, perhaps, it may not yet be too late for the Assembly to insert a “branding” clause in the Polynesian Laborers Bill.

The Assembly did not adopt that suggestion. It did, however, accept an amendment proposed by Hope himself (who became a member of the Queensland Legislative Council in 1862), which decreed that if an indentured labourer “absent[ed] himself from the place of employment for a greater distance than one mile […] without a pass from his employer”, he would be “liable to apprehension and punishment” – a clause justified by the need for “the employer to retain control over his laborers”.

The Australian press described the Islanders as “kanakas”. In its original, Hawaiian context, kanaka meant “free man”. In Australia, it signalled the opposite, as no less an authority than the Governor General confirmed.

Like many of the planters, Sir Anthony Musgrave had come to Australia from the West Indies. Like them, his family had owned slave-run plantations – and so he knew enslavement when he saw it. In Australia, he privately described the recruitment of Islanders as “a system & arrangements wh. are as much like slavery & the slave trade as anything can well be wh. is not avowed as such”.

Anthony Musgrave, governor of Queensland from 1883 to 1888.

By 1884, the annual mortality rate for Islanders in Queensland had climbed to 147 deaths per 1000 people. Everyone knew why: as the Brisbane Courier reported, the causes of mortality were “indisputably plain; the islanders were being killed mainly by overwork, insufficient or improper food, bad water, absence of medical attention when sick, and general neglect”.

The harshness was not accidental. “[Islanders] must be treated with firmness,” explained the planter J.W. Anderson,

they do not expect much leniency and would take advantage of it. Above all, they must not be treated too well, according to our notions […] for their minds are so constituted that they do not appreciate such treatment.

Anderson’s belief that Islanders were innately predisposed to appreciate brutality illustrates how Queensland sugar depended on the most pernicious ideological legacy of the Atlantic slave trade: modern racism.

Built upon a groan

The philosophical underpinnings of slaving might seem obvious. The perceived inferiority of Africans enabled, we assume, merchants to buy and sell them as commodities. But that’s quite wrong. Africans weren’t enslaved because they were black. They were black because they were enslaved, with the vast profits in Atlantic slavery giving rise to entirely novel forms of classifying humanity.

Slavery existed in the past, of course. But in the ancient and medieval worlds, enslavement related typically to conquest or religion rather than “race” – a concept that didn’t really exist as we know it today. Anyone could become a slave after a battle; slaves could sometimes free themselves by converting to their masters’ faith.

Slavery was not, in other words, a condition attached permanently to a certain type of person so much as an unfortunate fate that might befall anyone.

The system imposed in the Caribbean and the Americas was different. The immensely profitable cultivation of cotton and sugar required vast quantities of labour, not least because the plantations often proved fatal to the men and women toiling in them. Begrudging any cessation of production, planters in the New World did not release converts; they deemed the sons and daughters of slaves to inherit their parents’ status.

Nicolas de Condorcet (1743-1794).

Accordingly, slave owners developed a different rationale for their system, one under which the skin pigmentation of the enslaved – previously an entirely incidental feature – defined them, as an indelible quality that marked men and women as suitable for servitude. The French philosopher and mathematician Nicolas de Condorcet pointed out that the new theories made “nature herself an accomplice in the crime of political inequality”. Indeed, the identification of “blackness” with inferiority corresponded with an equally novel claim about the superiority of “whiteness”, one that provided a legitimation for the spread of British power.

From the very start, such ideas had underpinned the establishment of the Australian colonies.

The “natives”, Phillip complained soon after landing, were “far more numerous than they were supposed to be”. Their abundance mattered because it undercut the legal foundations of the entire colony. Phillip, like everyone else on the mission, knew perfectly well that international law forbade a nation claiming sovereignty over territory inhabited by others.

Aboriginal woman and child c.1870.

The settlers resolved the jurisprudential problem by ignoring it. The colony might have been illegal, but race theory allowed the colonists to believe themselves committed to universal law, even as they more or less entirely excluded Indigenous people from its remit.

That provided the pattern for everything that followed. In theory, Indigenous people enjoyed all the protections of British subjects. In practice, they were often treated as animals – or, indeed, slaves.

As late as 1899, a Select Committee of the South Australian Parliament received grotesque testimony about the sexual slavery to which Aboriginal women were subjected. One policeman explained that the rape of “lubras” (a racist term for Indigenous women) was commonplace.

“If half the young lubras,” he said,

now being detained (I won’t call it kept, for I know most of them would clear away if they could) were approached on the subject, they would say that they were run down by station blackguards on horseback, and taken to the stations for licentious purposes, and there kept more like slaves than anything else. I have heard it said that these same lubras have been locked up for weeks at a time – anyway whilst their heartless persecutors have been mustering cattle on their respective runs. Some, I have heard take these lubras with them, but take the precaution to tie them up.

A few years later, persistent accounts of abuses in Western Australia led to a Royal Commission in that part of the country. Under its auspices, Walter Roth, the former Chief Protector of the Aborigines in Queensland, produced a lengthy document chronicling the proliferation of forced labour.

“Here at our own doors,” said the Melbourne Advocate,

we have had revealed a system of slavery so revolting in its brutality, and so inhuman in all its details, as to equal all the horrors that have been alleged against the slave owners in America and the military expeditions in Central Africa.

The activist and historian W.E.B. Du Bois once described America as “built upon a groan”. Something similar might be said about the colony of Australia, at least as far as Indigenous people were concerned.

W.E.B. Du Bois (1868-1963). Wikimedia commons

White Australians tend to imagine frontier violence largely in images derived from first contact: a matter of sharp, almost accidental, clashes as European and Indigenous worlds collided. In fact, the worst depredations were considerably more deliberate, and they escalated as the settlers established themselves. The increasing independence of the colonies during the second half of the 19th century reduced the humanitarian influence exerted by London and allowed the settlers to bring to the frontier techniques of dispossession refined through bloody experience.

The European occupation of Queensland took place later than in other states. As late as 1850, the state contained only about 8000 white settlers. Thereafter, a rapid influx of Europeans unleashed horrific violence against an Indigenous population of about 200 000 people, in a process the colonists considered both necessary and inevitable.

“We should be sorry to see the natives treated with cruelty and oppression,” explained a Queensland cabinet minister to parliament in 1861, “but that the settlers will increase and the colony expand, is a result which the rules of nature render positively certain.” The whites could not and should not be prevented from taking the land and “if the inferior race suffers in the process, that is only what has happened in all such cases, and will happen again until the end of time”.

In reality, his government was less a passive observer of “cruelty and oppression” than a key facilitator. The authorities established the Queensland Native Mounted Police in 1855, equipped its members with high-powered rifles, and paid them to “disperse” any Indigenous people they located. As another parliamentarian acknowledged, the euphemism “dispersal” meant “nothing but firing into them”.

The Mounted Police were, in contemporary terms, death squads – and some historians estimate they eventually killed as many as 40,000 Aboriginal men, women and children.

As late as 1880, the liberal Queenslander described the slaughter on the frontier, noting that the Indigenous inhabitants of territory into which Europeans moved were

treated exactly in the same way as the wild beasts or birds the settlers may find there […] Their goods are taken, their children forcibly stolen, their women are carried away, entirely at the caprice of the white men. The least show of resistance is answered by a rifle bullet; in fact, the first introduction between blacks and whites is often marked by the unprovoked murder of some of the former—in order to make a commencement of the work of “civilising” them.

That article provoked a year-long discussion, in which the Queenslander’s contributors demonstrated how the genocidal campaign against Indigenous people had normalised measures unthinkable in any other context.

Queensland Native Police 1864.

A writer styling himself “Never Never” called, for instance, for a speedier genocide, urging the “exterminating force” of the Native Police to work more “thoroughly and effectually”.

“Is there room for both of us here?” he asked. “No. Then the sooner the weaker is wiped out the better, as we may save some valuable lives in the process.”

Others, like a certain “Outis”, argued for what he saw as a more liberal solution. He suggested that, rather than being murdered, Aboriginal people should be treated like “rogues and vagabonds”, and forced to work so that they will have no time to hatch mischief”.

Outis noted how planters were bringing “large numbers of South Sea Islanders to Queensland” under laws that forced them to work as directed by their employer. He argued the same policy could be applied to Indigenous people forcibly removed from their land:

Only get the blacks out of their own district and it would rest with the employer to make them work; some harshness would no doubt be necessary (as I am told is also the case with Kanakas), but I firmly believe that firmness combined with kindness, and the low rate of wages that the blacks would be paid, would make the employment of aboriginal labor a payable speculation.

For Outis, officers from India or Ceylon could enforce the necessary discipline – so long as they were “untethered by red tape”. A policy of enslavement rather than murder would, he said, remove ‘the present blood guiltiness that weighs upon us each individually as colonists’, and so would be worth whatever it cost.

“Is there no member of Parliament who will take this question up?” Outis wondered:

Are all so overburdened by the cares of the squatters, or diggers, who comprise their constituencies that they cannot spare the time to consider and devise a remedy for “the poor old nigger”?

As it happened, at least one MP did share his enthusiasm.

On 21 October 1880, the Queensland Parliament debated the role of the Native Police. In the discussion, John Douglas (who would later become premier) argued that the distinction between Islanders and Aboriginal people was not so great to extinguish “the hope that some use might be made of the latter”.

He pointed to Western Australia where “the natives had been […] in some cases captured, and as prisoners of war had been compelled to submit to a period of pupilage, afterwards becoming useful settlers”. Queensland, Douglas said, might follow suit by taking “the natives prisoner, instead of shooting down and killing them”.

He did acknowledge the legal difficulties in a policy “by which these people, taken in open warfare, might be kept in a state of captivity” but stressed it would “be a more benevolent process than shooting them down and taking their lives”.

The chamber did not embrace Douglas’s “benevolent process” (which would, of course, have been entirely illegal), though some years later a correspondent to the Adelaide Evening Journal reported that the Native Police were, in fact, selling into slavery the children of Indigenous people they had massacred.

The willingness of Queensland parliament to ponder the relative merits of enslavement over murder provides a particularly repellent example of the moral desensitisation arising from colonial dispossession. Amid the cruelty inflicted on Indigenous people, the indentured labour of Islanders could seem entirely unremarkable.

Sugar versus slavery

The relationship between sugar slavery and the foundational racism of a colonial settler state makes an intuitive sense. We understand that the planters who built fortunes from forced labour were infused with a sense of their own biological superiority.

We might not grasp that those who denounced slavery were often even more avowedly racist.

In the Queensland parliament, the Liberal politicians attacked the planters’ reliance on Islander labour almost as soon as indenture began. They did so by objecting to the sugar barons polluting the colony with, as the Liberal MP Charles Lilley said in 1869, “men of an inferior race”.

“The British people are the possessors of this soil,” Lilley declared. “We hold the land in trust for our countrymen alone not for Polynesians or Chinamen.”

The parliamentary argument about the sugar industry was not a debate between racists and their opponents but a contest between different visions of whiteness. The Conservative Premier Sir Thomas McIlwraith, a man with personal interests in the sugar industry, expressed the perspective of the planters. He wanted, he said, a Queensland both successful and white. Economic prosperity depended on cane, a crop he thought Europeans racially incapable of harvesting. Hence the necessity for a subservient caste of Islanders, who could ensure Queensland remained “a white man’s colony, influenced by white men and owned by white men”.

His Liberal rival Samuel Griffith, on the other hand, argued that the importation of Islanders would foster the “degeneration which we have seen whenever the black and white races have endeavoured to mix”. If whites depended on slavery, they’d lose their racial consciousness and accept widespread immigration. Accordingly, Griffith advocated a purely European colony based on the rigid exclusion of all non-whites – in essence, attacking the proponents of sugar slavery for being insufficiently racist.

When Griffith won the 1883 election, his victory threw the sugar industrialists into panic. Politics in Queensland, the Sydney Evening News explained, was “fast narrowing itself down to the very simple issue – sugar versus slavery”, since “sugar plantations cannot be worked in Queensland without slave labour in some form or other”.

Fearing the collapse of their estates, the sugar barons contemplated secession. Seeking to marshal all those benefiting from the industry, they presented a vision of independence. They would, they declared, form their own colony, where they could employ on their plantations as much Islander labour as they saw fit.

In April 1885, a Northern Separation convention in Townsville attracted delegates from eleven towns in the region. A petition for secession gathered some 10,000 signatures, a not insignificant number in a population area of perhaps 19,000 European men. In parliament, Maurice Hume Black – a representative of the sugar interests – openly warned that North Queensland wanted to go its own way, while the planters John Ewen Davidson and Sir John Lawes argued their case to the Colonial Office in London.

For a while, it seemed entirely possible that Northern Separation – a movement led by some of the wealthiest and most influential people in the region – might prevail. In his book A Land Half Won, historian Geoffrey Blainey suggests that, had that occurred, northern Queensland “would probably have remained outside the new Commonwealth of Australia”, becoming “a version of Rhodesia or the old American confederacy of cotton states”.

Many people at the time, with the American Civil War fresh in their minds, thought the same. “If tropical Australia is politically severed from the South,” warned the Brisbane Courier,“[…] we may leave to our children such a legacy of evil as that from which America only rid herself by the most terrible fratricidal war which the modern world has seen.”

That didn’t happen because, with their dream of Northern Separation and sugar slavery, the planters faced two powerful opponents.

Overseas, Britain reacted to the petitioning Queenslanders with unabashed horror. If anything, London’s concern about the social instability of chattel slavery had only increased since in 1788. In the wake of the civil war in America, British diplomats regarded the prospect of a new antipodean Confederacy as disastrous. As the Times noted, England bluntly informed the planters and their supporters that it would “not permit the establishment of a slave state in Northern Queensland”.

At home, the separatists confronted a different problem. After the gold rush, Chinese immigration had become the focus of racist agitation all over the colony. As early as 1855, Victoria had passed “an Act to Make Provision for Certain Immigrants”, which imposed a discriminatory tax on the Chinese. Other states followed. In 1857, Europeans physically attacked Chinese miners in the Buckland River gold fields; similar riots took place at Lambing Flats in 1860 and 1861. Many leaders of the newly-formed trade unions blamed the Chinese for driving down wages and so called for racial exclusion, a policy famously expressed in the slogan used by the pro-labour Bulletin: “Australia for the White Man”.

Politicians agonised over whether a colony reliant on a non-white workforce would remain sufficiently British. Many saw the Queensland plantations as a dangerous wedge, a crack in the white wall through which other races might insinuate themselves.

In the days of Arthur Phillip, anti-slavery had legitimised transportation. It now served an even more perverse cause, providing a moral justification for those demanding complete racial exclusion.

The Rockhampton-based Daily Northern Argus, for instance, attacked sugar-growersfor their “extraordinary persistence” in agitating for a cause that had already been defeated in the southern states of America. Yet the editorialist’s loathing for what the paper described as a “slave colony” culminated in a lurid vision of the sugar industry facilitating a Chinese takeover.

“The Mongolianisation of North Queensland,” the Argus declared, “is only an advance operation of the Mongolianisation of all of Australia.”

The advocates of Northern Separation denied, again and again, any intent to create what the press referred to as a “black state”. Again and again, they were attacked on precisely that basis, with secession decried as a pretext for slavery, and slavery as a threat to whiteness.

In 1885, Griffith announced that he would prohibit the importation of Islanders within five years. His declaration promised to end the whole controversy, committing Queensland to the Liberal vision of a racially pure nation, rather than the Conservative plan for apartheid. But before the plan could come into operation, the Great Depression of the 1890s struck, threatening the state with economic ruination. Baulking at the prospect of closing the sugar industry in such desperate times, Griffith united with his former rival McIlwraith to delay the ban.

The prevarication by “the Griffilwraith” (as the press dubbed the unlikely alliance) transformed the sugar debate in Queensland from a local dispute into a national issue, one of the major controversies preoccupying colonial politicians as they planned an Australian federation.

‘The necessary complement of a single policy’

The present location of Canberra, halfway between Melbourne and Sydney, echoes arguments made by Queensland secessionists.

In 1886, John Murtagh Macrossan, a prominent Northern Separationist, had proposed establishing the capital of the new Queensland state away from existing population centres so as to minimise regional jealousies. The logic later prevailed with the creation of Canberra.

Even though the Queenslander Samuel Griffith played a major role in drafting a national constitution, the unresolved tension over indentured labour limited the participation of his state in the federation debates. The representatives of the other colonies might have been divided over the merits of free trade versus protectionism, but they shared the goal of an entirely white Australia. That was, indeed, a major motivation for unity: as Alfred Deakin later explained, only federal legislation could prevent the discrepancies between different laws that constituted “a half-open door for all Asiatics and African peoples”.

With the national project at odds with the planters’ continued hopes for some form of indenture, a divided Queensland did not attend the 1897/98 constitutional convention. It was only in the following year, when the sugar industry had been placated by the offer of federal compensation, that a pro-federation referendum narrowly succeeded in the state – a victory that signalled majority support for racial homogeneity.

In the Westminister Review, T.M. Donovan explained the triumphant Liberal perspective:

Federation will bring us statesmen, an honest democratic franchise, and will, no doubt, in a short time rid us of the Asiatic and coloured labour curse. Under the federal flag a piebald race will be an impossibility. […] total exclusion alone can save Queensland from the coloured problem of the United States.

His reference to America expressed a common perception that the legacy of slavery had polluted that country, in ways that young Australia, with its commitment to racial purity, needed to avoid. When Prime Minister Barton introduced the Immigration Restriction Bill by declaring non-whites to be fundamentally inferior and their exclusion something to be greatly desired, he did not consider the statements at all controversial.

George Reid (1845-1918).

The intensity of the discussion that followed (the Hansard account runs to nearly half a million words) was not the result of any programmatic disagreement among the speakers. On the contrary, the Leader of the Opposition George Reid declared unanimity on the aim that “the current of Australian blood […] not assume the darker hues”; the Protectionist Samuel Mauger cited “expert” opinion that bringing “the white man into contact with the black [would] suspend the very process of natural selection on which the evolution of the higher type depends”; and Labor’s James Ronald explained that Australians objected to “inferior races” because “they are repugnant to us from our moral and social standpoints”.

The debate centred not on the desirability of a White Australia (for on that the MPs were as one) but on how it might be obtained, after four decades of indentured labour had brought so many Islanders into the country. That was why slavery in the United States featured so heavily in parliament’s deliberations: it was invoked again and again as a cautionary tale of racial pollution.

America was, explained the Liberal MP H.B. Higgins, undergoing “the greatest racial trouble ever known in the history of the world” and so Australians should “take warning and guard ourselves against similar complications”. Foolishly, white Americans had failed to expel their former slaves. America would, he continued,

have been ten times better off if the negroes had not been left there. There are no conditions under which degeneracy of race is so great as those which exist when a superior race and an inferior race are brought into close contact.

A supportive press concurred. “The Australian Commonwealth,” explained Queensland’s General Advertiser,

at the outset of its career has the golden opportunity of preserving to its citizens the purity of race. The great American commonwealth had not quite such an advantageous opportunity, insofar as long before it was founded the negro race had partly become rooted in American soil.

Local parliamentarians pledged not to make the same mistake, congratulating themselves on the superiority of their constitution over the one ratified by the United States, on the basis that its Section 51 (the so-called “race powers”) allowed them, as Prime Minister Barton had explained, “to regulate the affairs of the people of coloured or inferior races who are in the Commonwealth”.

Attorney General Alfred Deakin went so far as to boast that “our Constitution marks a distinct advance upon and difference from that of the United States”. Its passages explicitly permitting racial discrimination enabled parliament to pass the Immigration Restriction Act (to keep non-whites out) and the Pacific Islands Labourers Act (to deport those Islanders already in Australia).

“The two things go hand in hand,” Deakin explained. Stopping the “lesser races” from arriving (with Islander recruitment ceasing in 1903) and expelling those who were currently resident: these were “the necessary complement of a single policy – the policy of securing a White Australia”.

The new nation thus signalled its birth by doing what the United States did not dare: ethnically cleansing its former slaves.

Victoria Street, Mackay, Queensland, circa 1905. Wikimedia Commons

‘These people want to hunt us out of the country’

The deportations began in 1904.

By then, the Islanders resident in Australia numbered perhaps 10,000. Many had built lives for themselves after their terms of indenture ended: finding jobs, building houses, raising families. Some barely remembered the places from which, decades earlier, they’d been taken. They were incredulous they were expected to return.

“Is it really true that white people want to send all boys back to islands?” asked an Islander in Mackay. “[W]e been work well in this land for white people, then why they want to turn us out?”

From the start, they resisted. In 1902, more than 300 Islanders signed a petition that they presented to Queensland’s governor and, via him, to the king. It pleaded for an end to a policy “contrary to the spirit of English common law and of freedom, justice and mercy”, a scheme that would “induce for hundreds, if not thousands of us, misery, starvation or death”.

In Mackay in 1904, a man called Henry Tongoa organised a Pacific Islanders Association. The association held meetings across North Queensland, where speakers explained that white men had refused to work in the cane fields and had been “glad to get us to do so”. The planters had become rich on Islander labour, they said, “with good homes, buggies, horses, pianos, sewing machines and all sorts of other good things which they could not buy or have before we came to the country and worked hard for them”. Yet, despite that, “these people want to hunt us out of the country”.

The protests – and persistent fears by Queensland planters about labour shortages – forced a 1906 Royal Commission into the program. The Commission recommended exemptions, including for the elderly, for long-term residents, those who could prove themselves in danger, and people who had married others from outside their own islands. But the expulsions were not halted.

In desperation, Tongoa sailed to Melbourne with another petition, this time for Alfred Deakin. The signatories begged for citizenship for those who wanted to stay. They even offered to remove themselves to a reserve somewhere in the north, a place where, they said, they would pose no competition to white men and could put their “long experience of tropical cultivation to use”.

Alfred Deakin. National Library of Australia

Deakin remained unmoved. After the 1902 petition caused a stir in London, he’d responded by emphasising parliament’s unanimity about racial purity (as well as slandering the signatories as “ignorant savages unable to read and write”).

He’d also resorted to the old trick of legitimating repression by fulminating against enslavement. In reply to British humanitarians in London, he expounded on the brutality of the blackbirders, the recruiters’ trickery, and the cruelty of the planters.

Slavery was an abomination, Deakin said – and the government was shutting it down. A supportive press chided the Islanders for the petition, with the Telegraph dubbing them “ill advised” for resisting measures so obviously necessary. The paper invoked the experience of America, where, it explained, “the negro was emancipated […] but he was left in the country”. That, the Telegraph explained, was a disaster not to be replicated:

Now he lives and multiplies. The presence of about 10,000,000 negroes in America, without civil rights, is a great danger. It might be a greater danger if he had civil rights.

The purported opposition to slavery slid, once again, into a justification for tyranny, legitimating a rhetoric that became, at times, almost fascistic. When, for instance, Deakin’s government accepted the Royal Commission’s recommendations – including the exemption for married men – the Bulletin published a call to make miscegenation a crime punishable by hard labour so as to avoid a race war similar to one being fanned by ex-slaves in America. Its correspondent concluded by proposing the boiling in oil of “nigger-loving legislators […] who recently voted in favor of non-deportation of those Kanakas married to white men” – a suggestion to which the magazine’s editor added his endorsement.

The novelist Christopher Isherwood once described broadcasts of Hitler as conveying a sense of a man dancing up and down on the tips of his toes while he spoke. The shrill, mad voices in the Bulletin and elsewhere give the modern reader a similar impression.

In that ideological environment, the deportations continued. By 1908, only 2500 Islanders remained: a few of them because they successfully hid and the others because they’d been exempted. Most, however, were herded on to boats, in a ghastly process that separated lovers, friends and relatives from each other and from the country for which they’d toiled for so long.

In an extra act of bastardry, the government defrayed the expense of a process that was meant to be funded by employers, instead using money from the Pacific Islanders Fund – a trust established to remit wages owed to deceased labourers.

The Queensland Evening Telegraph recorded the understandable bitterness of the deportees, voiced once they were beyond the reach of the police on the wharfs and the jetties.

“Goodbye you white —,” they yelled, and your — white Australia!“

A legacy of racism

What might an apology for sugar slavery address?

What was done in in the cane fields was not merely the responsibility of the planters who benefited directly from it. Its centrality to politics in Queensland and, later, to Federation, implicated the men most responsible for Australia’s foundation.

To be clear, the big names in colonial politics – Deakin, Griffith, Barton, Watson and others – did not defend slavery in the manner of, say, those Confederate leaders whose statues still mar towns across the American south. On the contrary, most of them railed against the practice, competing with each other and with state politicians in Queensland to make their disdain known. ”[T]his government thinks,“ explained Barton bluntly, “that the traffic in itself is bad and must be ended.”

Yet, almost without exception, politicians used their hostility to slavery to legitimate a generalised racism, which they then presented as the foundation of a new state. Barton, for instance, introduced the Pacific Islanders Bill as embodying “the policy, not merely of the government, but of all Australia, for the preservation of the purity of the race.”

“Let us keep before us,” urged the Labor MP James Ronald during the debate,

the noble idea of a white Australia – snow-white Australia if you will. Let it be pure and spotless.

Instead of facilitating justice, opposition to sugar slavery enabled institutionalised discrimination, a policy its advocates grotesquely draped in the garb of abolition.

The differences between indentured labour in Queensland and chattel slavery in the American south did not prevent Australian parliamentarians from comparing the two. In their discussions of the federation they were building, American slavery provided a constant referent. A past reliance on African labour had left, they said, the United States a piebald nation, subject to the mongrelisation that a white Australia would avoid. Racialised anti-slavery justified the expulsion of Islanders, an ethnic cleansing necessary for Ronald’s “pure and spotless” society.

As Deakin explained, White Australia meant “the prohibition of all alien coloured immigration, and more, it [meant] at the earliest time, by reasonable and just means, the deportation or reduction of the number of aliens now in our midst”.

With the passage of the Pacific Islands Labourers Act, the founders explicitly sought to control not just sugar slavery but also its historical legacy. That was the point. The law meant, they said, that white Australians – unlike their American cousins – could avoid the descendants of those they’d enslaved. The exclusion of the Islanders would excise an awkward history, with the slaves expelled from Australia’s border and its memory.

For a time, it seemed like they’d succeeded. The deportations marginalised the Australian Islander communities, with those who remained often forced on to the margins of white society, usually alongside an equally oppressed Indigenous population. Like African Americans under Jim Crow, Islanders faced segregation in schools, shops, theatres, swimming pools, workplaces and just about everywhere else. A raft of laws forbade them from working in the cane fields, with an industry that had relied overwhelmingly on Islanders in 1902 using nearly 90 per cent European labour by 1908. The resulting impoverishment was exacerbated by their exclusion from the welfare system – they could not, for instance, claim the old age pension until after 1942.

Yet, despite the best efforts of white Australia, the Pacific Islanders survived – and they did not cease fighting to reclaim their past.

The ceremony in Bundaberg came as the result of prolonged lobbying from Islander organisations, part of a campaign that is forcing official recognition of blackbirding and sugar slavery. “The full truth needs to be told,” explained Emelda Davis from the South Sea Islanders Association to the Guardian back in 2017.

It’s inaccurate not to talk about the trade in people that built this part of Australia and there’s a lack of knowledge about what happened. Our people are left out of the narrative.

That remains central to justice: an acknowledgment of the victims and what was done to them. But the reckoning cannot end there.

In 2019, on the 400th anniversary of enslaved Africans arriving in Virginia, the New York Times launched its “1619 Project”, a series of essays, events and podcasts intended to place the consequences of slavery at the centre of American history. “America,” explained Jamelle Bouie, one of its contributors, “holds onto an undemocratic assumption from its founding: that some people deserve more power than others.”

What might we say, then, about the assumptions fostered through the founding of Australia on 1 January 1901? Unlike in the United States, slavery was always illegal in Australia. From the colony’s first days, enslavement was understood as both a crime and a sin. No-one called himself a slaver, not even the overseers. That hostility to a practice still widely accepted elsewhere helped define the settlement and the nation it became, as the composer Peter Dodds McCormick recognised. “Australian sons, let us rejoice,” his lyric for a future national anthem urged, “for we are young and free.”

The line hinted at the ideological work that freedom performed, then as it does now. McCormick’s invocation of “youth” defined the nation in opposition to its Indigenous people and their ancient culture, identifying the country with its European invaders. His song implicitly excluded the Aboriginal population from the rights of citizenship, calling on Australian sons to celebrate a liberty they denied to others. By 1878, when McCormick wrote Advance Australia Fair, sugar slaves had been toiling in Queensland for more than a decade.

Australian politicians today praise a “national character” defined by tolerance and laconic egalitarianism. They recall a past exemplifying those traits, a chronicle of good-hearted larrikinism quite distinct from the depravities associated with other countries. Yet the record shows something different.

“We have decided,” declared Prime Minister Barton, “to make a legislative declaration of our racial identity.”

Australia’s first leader explicitly understood the ethnic cleansing that followed slavery (along with racialised restrictions on immigration) as definitive, a policy central to the nation’s self-perception.

In the process of federation, Queensland’s peculiar institution served as the grit around which Australia cohered, a persistent irritant that gave the new nation its shape. That’s a point on which Australians should ponder. The history of sugar slavery highlights a national obsession with racial purity, a corollary of the dispossession that white settlement entailed. The treatment of Pacific Islanders built upon the treatment of Indigenous people, the great weeping sore of antipodean history.

In thinking about that, we might also consider the contemporary use of self-congratulatory humanitarianism and the ways a very Australian rhetoric of fairness continues to legitimate official cruelties. When our politicians explain the indefinite detention of those fleeing persecution as a policy to prevent refugees drowning, their words echo previous invocations of morality in service of bondage, a tradition stretching back to 1788.

The American scholar Richard White once described history as the enemy of memory. “The two stalk each other,” he said, “across the fields of the past, claiming the same terrain.”

That encounter matters, not simply because of the abstract virtue of truth prevailing over delusion but because an acceptance of history might enable a different future to be built.

The story of Queensland sugar highlights a particularly degraded notion of freedom, one in which liberty for some justifies oppression for others. But that’s not the only way to understand the concept. The philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre, for instance, once described freedom as “what we do with what is done to us”, a definition that aptly describes the long struggle by Pacific Islanders, and many others, to build something better in Australia.

The past cannot be altered. But it can, perhaps, inspire a different future.


An extract from Provocations: New and Selected Writing – Jeff Sparrow (Newsouth)

Jeff Sparrow, Lecturer, Centre for Advancing Journalism, The University of Melbourne

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Australia deeply concerned on launch of ballistic missiles by China near Taiwan

Yj-18_missile (Wikimedia Commons)

Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Senator Penny Wong has released a statement on China’s launch of ballistic missiles into waters around Taiwan’s coastline.

The Eastern Theater Command Army of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) on Thursday conducted long-range live-fire drills targeting designated areas on the eastern part of the Taiwan Strait.

Senator Wong showing her deep concern has called this as “disproportionate and destabilising.”

Further, Senator Wong has termed it “a serious matter for the region,” including Japan which is Australia’s close strategic partner. She adds:

“Australia shares the region’s concerns about this escalating military activity, especially the risks of miscalculation.”

Senatior Wong has urged China for “urge restraint and de-escalation.” She says:

“It is in all our interests to have a region at peace and not in conflict. Australia does not want to see any unilateral change to the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. There is no change to Australia’s bipartisan one-China policy.”

At this stage, Australia is continuing to monitor the situation in Taiwan and also talking to its allies.

Senator Wong at ASEAN (Twitter)

Senator Wong has also expressed Australia’s concerns to her Chinese counterpart:

“Today I have expressed Australia’s concerns to my Chinese counterpart along with other regional foreign ministers in the East Asia Summit in Phnom Penh, and officials from my department have reiterated our concerns with the Chinese Government.”

Senator Wong is participating in Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) which ASEAN includes Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

According to reports Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov walked out of a plenary meeting when their Japanese counterpart spoke.

China has blamed the US for causing tension across the Taiwan Straits by “severely” violating “the one-China principle.”

China has deployed planes and fired live missiles near Taiwan as part of millitary drills in the Taiwan Strait. These exercises were conducted a day after U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi made a trip to Taiwan.

In response to Pelosi’s trip, Chinese government has sanctioned Pelosi and her immediate family members.

Both Taiwan and Japan have protested these missiles and requested “the global community to call on China to halt military activity.”

After condemning China’s missile launches, the White House announced that it would move an aircraft carrier strike group through the Taiwan Strait.

Indian and Australian foreign ministers positive on bilateral relations progress

Dr Jaishankar and Senator Wong (Image source: Twitter - Dr S. Jaishankar)

India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar and Australia’s Senator Penny Wong are in Cambodia to attend the ASEAN ministerial meeting.

Ahead of the ministerial meeting, both met to discuss bilateral relations. Dr Jaishankar tweeted that he and Wong took a positive note of the progress in the Australia-India bilateral relations: “Pleasure meeting FM @SenatorWong of Australia again. Took positive note of the progress in our bilateral relations. Benefited from the exchange of perspectives on regional and global issues.”

In her reply, Senator Wong tweeted: “India is a vital partner for Australia in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.”

After Senator Wong’s appointment, Dr Jaishankar in a tweet called her a long-standing friend of India: “Congratulations @SenatorWong on your appointment as Australia’s Foreign Minister. We know you as a longstanding friend of the #IndiaAustralia relationship. Look forward to meeting you soon.”

Former Senator Lisa Singh, CEO of the prestigious Australia-India Institute (AII), also took to Twitter to highlight the importance of Dr Jaishankar and Senator Wong’s meeting: “Two outstanding leaders for the region and the Australia-India relationship.”

Meanwhile, Dr Jaishankar visited the 12th-century Ta Prohm Temple in Siem Reap of Cambodia and tweeted India’s “our deep cultural connect” with the small Southeast asain nation.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) includes Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

No ‘Munnabhai’ at Australian universities, Federal government blocks 40 cheating websites

Student on computer (Wikimedia Commons)
Student on computer (Wikimedia Commons)

The Australian government has blocked access to 40 of the most visited academic cheating websites which had traffic of about 450,000 times a month.

Such cheating websites are used to sell students essays, help in online assessments, and accept payment for someone else to sit exams on a student’s behalf. 

Jason Clare MP, Minister for Education (Image source: alp.org.au)

In a statement, Jason Clare MP, Minister for Education, said that

“For the first time, the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) has used new protocols developed with members of the Communications Alliance to prevent access to the websites. The protocols streamline the process for blocking illegal academic cheating websites, better enabling TEQSA to enforce Australia’s anti-commercial academic cheating laws.”

An earlier news report has stated that International students are over-represented in such cheating statistics as most focus on working and making ends meet in Australia.

Most Australian universities, in the COVID-19 and post-COVID scenario, moved to online learning and assessments. This gave rise to a new billion-dollar industry dedicated to helping students cheat. These company advertise themselves online as study aids. However, a close look and it is clear that they are for-profit companies helping students cheat.

Some Australian universities have started using advanced online anti-cheat software to deter students from academic misconduct. However, these companies create a way around this anti-cheat software.

Dr Ritesh Chugh, Associate Professor at CQ University, Australia (Image supplied)

Dr Ritesh Chugh, an Associate Professor at Central Queensland University, co-authored a research paper on academic integrity last year with colleagues from his university. The authors observed:

“The increased incidences of academic misconduct in universities are compromising the reputation of higher education in Australia and increasing the work of academics responsible for the delivery of quality learning outcomes to students.”

Image Source: @CANVA

Dr Chugh adds that their research found that participants were genuinely interested in furthering their understanding of academic integrity issues. He observes that blocking such websites is a good step in the right direction but is not a complete solution. He says using their suggested measures universities could curb this behaviour proactively:

“We recommended that universities increase penalties for academic misconduct, improve management response to the way academic misconduct infractions are handled, encourage international students to appreciate the intrinsic value of their education and redesign assessments to mitigate academic dishonesty attempts.”

Image Source: @CANVA

Dr Chugh says that a blend of actions from regulatory agencies and educational institutions is required to curb this menace.

Minister Clare calls such websites criminal in their operation. He observes:

“Illegal cheating services threaten academic integrity and expose students to criminals, who often attempt to blackmail students into paying large sums of money.”

He further adds:

“Blocking these websites will seriously disrupt the operations of the criminals behind them.”

Image Source: @CANVA

Two years ago, the Australian federal government announced its solution to online cheating. The government asked Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) to develop protocols with participating internet service providers (ISPs). TEQSA says that apart from blocking it has a range of resources to help both domestic and international students. It further encourages both the students and staff at Australian universities to report all suspected cheating services for investigation.

Australian wine-makers ready to curate for Indian consumers’ taste to boost exports

Australian Wine; Image Source: @CANVA
Australian Wine; Image Source: @CANVA

Australian government’s trade wing, Austrade, has partnered with Wine Australia to develop the Wine Export Ready Hub. This is a comprehensive digital knowledge hub to help Australian wine producers grow their wine sales internationally. The Hub will collate information and provide how-to guides to help wine producers understand the export process. 

This project builds on the outcomes of the Australia-India Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (AI-CECA) and the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA) negotiations.

The recently signed agreements proposes to further boost two-way trade in goods and services between India and Australia which has grown in value from $13.6 billion in 2007 to $24.3 billion in 2020.

Damien Griffante, Director of Strategy & International Affairs at the Australian Grape & Wine, told The Australia Today that the Free trade Agreement is a good starting point:

“The Free Trade Agreement and these initial engagements represent a good starting points to establishing a much greater longer term trade relationship. India remains a long term priority of the Australian wine sector and we will continue to work to build on technical exchange and regulatory cooperation in growing the market.”

Australian Wine; Image Source: @CANVA
Australian Wine; Image Source: @CANVA

Dr Martin Cole, who is CEO of Wine Australia, notes that around 60 per cent of Australia’s wine production is exported each year. He adds that the profitability of the Australian wine sector is strongly linked to exports. Cole says:

“Many wine producers are developing strategies to intensify exports and to enter new markets, and we’re delighted to launch the Wine Export Ready Hub in partnership with Austrade to support these activities.”   

Australian Wine; Image Source: @CANVA
Australian Wine; Image Source: @CANVA

According to Wine Australia’s Export Report, the value of wine exports grew in 71 destinations in the year to March 2022. Australia has more than 6,000 grape growers, 2,000 wineries, and 1,000 exporters who send over 18,000 different varieties of wines to around 100 destinations worldwide.  

Two years ago, the Australian government committed $72.7 million to establish the Agribusiness Expansion Initiative. This aims to help Australian agribusiness exporters to grow sales in overseas markets.  

Mr Griffante adds that such an agreement will help in a lot of ways to boost business between Australia and India. He says:

“Improving market access and removing barriers to trade will benefit local economies through expanding local investment opportunities, building the wine category as a whole, and providing consumer choice for a broader range of high quality Australian and Indian wine.“ 

Australian Wine; Image Source: @CANVA
Australian Wine; Image Source: @CANVA

Further, Australian Grape & Wine Incorporated, the national association of winegrape and wine producers, is also undertaking a long-term strategy to improve the economic viability of Australian wine exports to India.

According to a statement by Australian Grape & Wine, this includes “a series of initiatives focused on collaborative technical and regulatory cooperation to grow the market, remove trade barriers and improve access.”

Australian Wine; Image Source: @CANVA
Australian Wine; Image Source: @CANVA

CEO of Austrade Xavier Simonet told Foodmag that the industry-first free digital hub will fuel Australia’s wine exporters to go further and faster. He says: 

“Australia produces some of the world’s most sought-after wines, and the new Wine Export Ready Hub will help our producers get more product to consumers the world-over. This one-stop-shop, developed by Austrade and Wine Australia, will provide clear, comprehensive answers to wine producers’ most pertinent export questions.” 

Australian Grape & Wine notes that the key measures to develop the wine market for Australian exports to India are:

  • Building trust and relations with the Indian wine sector to use our technical, regulatory and marketing expertise and collaboratively build wine as a category in India.
  • A strong collaborative relationship improves our ability to advocate for policy, technical and regulatory improvements as well as supporting advocacy for further reduction in import tariffs under the next negotiating rounds for the AI-CECA.
  • Expanding government-to-government relations with the aim of building regulatory and technical cooperation that builds on the AI-CECA side letter on Trade and Production of Wine.

A delegation of Indian industry and government visited Australia to participate in the Australian Wine Technical Conference held on 26 to 29 June 2022.

This conference presented the perfect platform to introduce a large number of Australian wine sector participants in one place. Further, it allowed the Australian wine sector to highlight the local technical proficiency in winemaking and expertise in distribution.

The Indian delegation also travelled to Barossa Cellar to meet with James March, CEO of Barossa Grape and Wine and Louisa Rose, Yalumba head winemaker and Chair of Barons of Barossa.

The Indian delegation at Barossa Cellar (Australian Grape & Wine)

As per reports, the Indian delegates have shown a particular interest in Sparkling wines and other innovative wine-based beverages and spirits that would meet the consumer’s preferences. The report notes:

“Some suggested that Indian alcohol consumers, accustomed to higher alcohol spirits and beer already considered traditional wine as a lower alcohol alternative and that no alcohol wines may not be able to compete with a consumer preference for sweeter juice, soft drink and other beverages in India.” 

Australian Grape & Wine points out that the next stage of the collaboration will involve a return delegation of Australian winemakers and distributors to engage with their counterparts in India. Griffante says:

“Australian Grape & Wine will continue to working with our government and industry colleges in India to grow investment and build up the wine category in India for mutual benefit of our sectors.“

This project led by Australian Grape & Wine is supported by Australian government funding through the ATMAC program and is being run in collaboration with AWRI (Technical), Wine Australia (Regulatory and Marketing) and Austrade (Resourcing & Food and Wine Marketing).

Indian-origin actor Dev Patel heroically breaks up a knife fight in Australia

Dev Patel (a still from Lion)

Indian-origin actor Dev Patel who is best known for Slumdog Millionaire and Lion recently broke up a knife fight in Adelaide, Australia.

Dev Patel’s representatives confirmed that the actor who lives in Adelaide with his Australian girlfriend, Tilda Cobham-Hervey, “acted on his natural instinct.”

As per media reports, a man and a woman were reportedly fighting on Gouger Street just after 8.45 pm on Monday around a convenience store when Dev Patel along with other witnesses attempted to break up the fight. His representative told the media:

“We can confirm that last night, in Adelaide, Dev Patel and his friends witnessed a violent altercation that was already in progress outside of a convenience store. Dev acted on his natural instinct to try and de-escalate the situation and break up the fight. The group was thankfully successful in doing so and they remained on site to ensure that the police and eventually the ambulance arrived.”

Police officers were called at around 8.45 pm as the woman allegedly stabbed the man in the chest.

A 32-year-old man from Glengowrie was treated at the scene by ambulance officers before being taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital. His injuries are not considered life-threatening.

The 34-year-old woman from Park Holme was arrested at the scene and charged with aggravated assault causing harm and has been refused bail.

The statement from Dev Patel’s representative continued:

“There are no heroes in this situation and sadly this specific incident highlights a larger systemic issue of marginalised members of society not being treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. The hope is that the same level of media attention this story is receiving (solely because Dev, as a famous person, was involved) can be a catalyst for lawmakers to be compassionate in determining long-term solutions to help not only the individuals who were involved but the community at large.”

The Oscar-nominated actor has also starred in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Hotel Mumbai, and The Green Knight.

WATCH VIDEO: Actor Dev Patel Steps In To Break Up Knife Fight In South Australia

Sole traders should have access to world-class accounting services, says Hnry’s Karan Anand

The Hnry team - Karan Anand, James Fuller and Claire Fuller. Image: Supplied.

The New Zealand-based fintech startup, Hnry, is seeing a rapid rise in the Australian market. It calculates and lodges income tax, GST, BAS, and PAYG for the user. In fact, Hnry can review a person’s expenses, pay Medicare and student loan obligations and even chase up clients if they’re falling behind in paying their invoices.

The users of Hnry are given a bank account that receives payment and Hnry automatically calculates the correct amount of GST, income tax, Medicare levy, student loans, superannuation owed – whatever is relevant. It also pays the amount to the ATO and super fund and then the remainder is transferred to your personal bank account.

Hnry’s managing director in Australia Karan Anand told Startup Daily that a sole trader should pay the company only when they are earning. He adds:

“It’s an important part of what we offer given that many sole traders’ income isn’t consistent.”

Karan says that this also means that a sole trader should have access to world-class accounting services:

“In fact, we can use digital technology to alleviate a lot of the stress that goes on with that.”

Karan observes that many people move into contracting or freelancing because “it’s a lifestyle choice.” He adds:

“So, if it’s a lifestyle choice, your life shouldn’t be hampered by the stress that comes with [working] out what to do with business expenses, or chasing up invoices.”

Due to the nature of service it is providing, Hnry has grown rapidly since its launch in New Zealand in 2017 – its user base has grown by 30% month on month.

Hnry co-founders are a husband and wife team of James and Claire Fuller who developed the accounting software after experiencing finance administration struggles when they were sole traders themselves. Their company is now considered Australasia’s fastest-growing digital accountancy and New Zealand’s largest specialist tax accountancy. 

The company entered the Australian market in 2020 with a $4.1 million capital raise led by Equity Venture Partners. This was the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this didn’t hinder Hnry’s progress and the company was able to hire a team to provide real-time support to its customers. Karan observes:

“Providing access for that segment of the market to engage with best-in-class services that they wouldn’t usually be able to get because it’s too expensive.”

Karan, who was the first hire of Hnry’s Australian business, has presently 14 employees working under him dedicated to solving customer problems.

Hnry has strategic relationships with NAB and partnerships with investment platform Spaceship and payment solution provider Monoova. Experts believe that with more than 1 million Australians working as self-employed, an increase of up by 110k since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the company will see continuous growth.

How could so many senior judges get law absolutely wrong?

Judicial Impartiality; Image Source: @CANVA
Judicial Impartiality; Image Source: @CANVA

By Gabrielle Appleby

Australians expect judges to make decisions impartially: that is, free from a range of improper and unacceptable political, financial and personal influences. Not only must they make decisions impartially, but they must also be seen to make their decisions impartially.

However, as the cases before the courts continually show, judges can make mistakes. Even when judges are not at fault, developments in behavioural psychology tell us to bias and interference can get in the way of good decisions.

Today’s release of the Australian Law Reform Commission’s report on judicial impartiality in federal courts is a much-needed examination of how the whole court system supports judges to deliver justice impartially. Its recommendations would change how judges are appointed, monitor judicial diversity, unleash the transformative potential of judicial education, and create an independent avenue to deal with complaints against the federal judiciary.

If the government and the courts pursue these recommendations, there would be major changes to the federal court system.

Judicial Impartiality; Image Source: @CANVA
Judicial Impartiality; Image Source: @CANVA

Why look at judicial impartiality?

The report stemmed from concerns by the then attorney-general, Christian Porter, that there might be a misunderstanding of the test for bias among the judiciary, the legal profession and the public. Porter’s concern arose out of a Western Australian family law case involving a judge who refused to step down after it was revealed that he had had coffee with, spoken on the phone and sent text messages to a senior lawyer involved in a case he was deciding.

A majority of the Full Court of the Family Court agreed with him that there were no apparent bias concerns. But the High Court unanimously found apparent bias and ordered the matter be retried.

How could so many senior federal judges have got the law wrong?

The test and procedure for judicial bias

Was there a problem with the test, which requires the judge to adopt the perspective of an ordinary, informed member of the public in relation to their own circumstances? No, according to the commission. But there is more work to be done in developing and reviewing guidelines for judges and the public to create better clarity and understanding of the principles and processes involved.

The commission also recommended changes to the process whereby judges must determine their own bias. The idea is a hard one for the public to accept. It also cuts against the findings of behavioural psychology, which raises questions about judges’ capacity to assess their own bias from the perspective of a third party.

Judicial Impartiality; Image Source: @CANVA
Judicial Impartiality; Image Source: @CANVA

The need for more wide-ranging reform

These are all important reforms. But the commission goes further and makes a number of recommendations that, if adopted, would transform the judiciary as an institution by elevating the values of impartiality, representativeness, accountability and transparency. This would bring Australia into line with international standards and trends.

Judicial appointments

The commission recommends that the Australian government develop a more transparent process for judicial appointments. This would involve the publication of criteria for an appointment, public calls for expressions of interest, and a commitment to promoting diversity in the judiciary.

This recommendation reflects the need for a transparent system to minimise the perception that appointments are political. It also responds to the need for excellent legal minds on the bench that are informed by a diversity of backgrounds and life experiences. This would expose and reduce social and cultural bias at an institutional level.

The current system of appointments, which amounts to an opaque “captain’s pick” by the government of the day, is increasingly being abandoned internationally. Put simply, it is incapable of meeting these objectives.

An independent commission to deal with complaints

The commission also recommends the Australian government establish a federal judicial commission. This would provide an independent body to receive and deal with complaints against judges, including complaints about bias.

The establishment of an independent federal judicial commission to deal with complaints and discipline is long overdue. We see movement in this direction internationally, as well as in Australian states and territories.

The absence of such a body would not be tolerated in any other workplace in Australia. Indeed, we have recently seen the Australian Human Rights Commission recommended the establishment of something similar for the federal parliament.

Judicial Impartiality; Image Source: @CANVA
Judicial Impartiality; Image Source: @CANVA

Yes, it would have to be established carefully, with appropriate respect for judicial independence and the separation of powers. But its establishment would support judicial impartiality and public confidence in the independence and integrity of the courts.

There is ample evidence that while most judicial officers perform their tasks with the highest integrity, they are not above human error and misconduct. Yet there is no effective mechanism for addressing poor behaviour, sometimes of a very serious nature.

An independent commission would provide an avenue for complaints to be dealt with fairly for both the complainant and the judicial officer. A transparent, independent, proportionate response could then be determined.

The Law Reform Commission accepts this is a significant reform and so recommends further consultation before it’s implemented. But it was seen as crucial by key stakeholders, including the Australian Bar Association and the Law Council of Australia.

The horizon looks promising for this reform: Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus has indicated he intends to introduce a commission to investigate alleged misconduct by judges after the government introduces its federal integrity commission.

Educating and supporting judges

Finally, the commission recommends greater structure and transparency from within the courts relating to how judges receive ongoing education. There is currently an expectation (that is, unenforceable) that judges will undertake five days of education and training on the appointment, and then five further days each year. Of course, judicial education is important to ensure judges stay up to date on the substantive law – including the law and process relating to impartiality.

But judicial education can have a deeper and more transformative role. Well-designed training programs can be directed at exposing cognitive biases in judicial decision-making. The shortcuts and stereotypes that judges (like all of us) use can lead to gendered and racial outcomes.

Training can also equip judges with the tools needed to manage the very demanding work they do.

It is no surprise, then, that the commission identifies core topics for the education of judges such as:

  • emotional awareness and emotion management
  • trauma-informed approaches
  • cultural competency
  • cultural humility and understanding of diversity
  • reflective practice
  • mental health and wellbeing
  • critical reflection on social and cultural bias.

A separate recommendation explicitly calls for a structured and ongoing program of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cross-cultural education for members of the judiciary. This would be led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations.

A recent report for the Australasian Institute of Judicial Administration that I’ve been involved with reveals the provision of and attendance at judicial training at the moment is, shall we say, haphazard.

What we do know is the bulk of education is directed at substantive law training by judges for judges. The commission’s recommendations, if adopted, provide an avenue for judicial education and training to provide a platform that supports – and potentially transforms – judicial impartiality.

Gabrielle Appleby, Professor, UNSW Law School, UNSW Sydney

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Australian ‘inQ’ and Indian ‘WE Hub’ launch women-led tech start-ups market access pathways

Women-led tech start-ups market access pathways; Image Source: @Canva
Women-led tech start-ups market access pathways; Image Source: @Canva

Sydney-based inQ Innovation Global in partnership with WE HUB, an initiative of the Government of Telangana state in India has launched a Market Access and Business Pathways Program for Women-led technology businesses.

This new initiative is supported by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) under its $12.7 million Australia-India Bi-lateral Cyber and Critical Technology Partnership (AICCTP). Under this grant program, the Australian government recognises that “India and Australia have a key role to play in contributing to the global development of critical and emerging technologies.”

inQ Innovation Global and WE HUB was selected in the 2nd round of the AICCTP Grant Program for their project on practical collaboration on cyber and critical technology issues.

inQ’s Co-Founder and CEO Irfan Malik (Image source: LinkedIn)

inQ Innovation which was set up in 2017 offers incubators for start-ups, co-working spaces for early-stage innovative companies, and acts as a launch pad for activities in the start-up ecosystem. On starting this initiative for women-led technology businesses, inQ’s Co-Founder and CEO Irfan Malik told The Australia Today:

“A global innovation exchange program will be integral to building an ongoing bilateral start-up-scale-up exchange program to support and enrich the start-up ecosystem for Women Entrepreneurs in Cyberspace and Critical Technology across the two nations.”

The program launch saw a stellar line-up of speakers from India & Australia including, Mr. Jayesh Ranjan, Principal Secretary, Industries & Commerce (I&C) & Information Technology (IT) Departments, Govt. of Telangana, Ms Sarah Kirlew, Consul General of Australia, South India, Ms Natasha Morris on behalf of Dr Melanie Broder, Director, Australian Govt. Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Cyber Affairs AICCTP Program Director, Ms. Jacqui Nelson, CEO, Dekko Secure, Ms. Deepthi Ravula, CEO, WE HUB, Govt. of Telangana, Dr Ramanan Ramanathan, Former (First) Mission Director Atal Innovation Mission, Mr. Amit Chaubey, Chair – Australian Information Security Association (AISA)-NSW. 

Further, Malik feels that the signing of the historic Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA) will help accelerate women-led technology business scale to global markets.

“This will increase the participation of women entrepreneurs in the areas of cyber and critical technologies.”

Deepthi Ravula is CEO of WE HUB a government of Telangana initiative.  

Ms Ravula said, “For over a decade, start-ups, especially women entrepreneurs in tech, have expressed a lack of opportunities and financial support to optimally scale up their businesses globally.”

Deepthi Ravula, CEO, WE HUB

“What differentiates the AICCTP Market Access and Business Pathways start-up-scale-up exchange program in partnership with inQ Innovation, is that we will holistically address the big tech hurdles and challenges faced by women-led tech businesses, not just by mentoring them but also supporting them with the required financial impetus to launch and accelerate their businesses,” 

Ms Ravula added.

The new initiative will host six women-led Indian start-ups and six women-led Australian start-ups foraying in the following areas:

  • Cybersecurity and Critical Technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, and Quantum Computing;
  • Next Generation Telecommunications (5G & 6G);
  • Internet of Things (IoT);
  • Synthetic biology (SynBio);
  • Genomics & Genetic Engineering;
  • Low Emission Alternative Fuels;
  • Autonomous Vehicles, Drones, Swarming and Collaborative Robotics; and
  • Big Data.
Sarah Kirlew, Consul General of Australia, South India

Mr Malik says that throughout the exchange program shortlisted startups would have the ecosystem to access Australia-India collaborations, access to investors, business advisory support, mentors, market readiness assessment, and potential opportunities to pilot and showcase in February 2023.

The program will also aim to support the launch of these 6 companies each across the bi-lateral markets and with an option to provide further Soft-landing support in the respective markets for 3 months beyond the program to ensure impactful business outcomes.

Applications for Expression of Interest from women-led startups opened on the 1st of August 2022 and Applications Close on the 1st of September 2022,

Sunaina Gowan explores experiences of Indian-Australian professionals through her new book

Dr Sunaina Gowan (Image supplied)

A new book entitled The Ethnically Diverse Workplace: Experience of Immigrant Indian Professionals in Australia by Dr Sunaina Gowan aims to highlight real and imagined discrimination against Indian immigrants through marginalisation based on accent, colour, or ethnic background.

Book cover: The Ethnically Diverse Workplace: Experience of Immigrant Indian Professionals in Australia (Image supplied)

Dr Gowan is a seasoned higher education leader who has worked in the education and management fields for over two decades. She has also taught a range of business and communication courses at several colleges and universities in Australia. Her research interests include student development and belonging, cultural diversity, environmental concerns, principles of responsible business and education, inclusiveness, and emotional labour.

Dr Sunaina Gowan with Neeraj and Simran Gowan (Image supplied)

Dr Gowan told The Australia Today that this book is based on in-depth interviews and anecdotal evidence. She adds that the book would not have been conceivable if her husband, Neeraj, and daughter, Simran, had not encouraged her to publish it. Explaining her choice of the research topic for this book, Dr Gowan observes:

“I’ve always wanted to write a book. When I finally chose to pursue it, I had no idea it would lead me on a journey of personal highs and lows while writing about immigrants’ experiences, particularly immigrant Indian professionals in Australia.”

Further, Dr Gowan adds that the Australian workplace continues to become more ethnically diverse as the number of skilled or professional migrants from India keeps arriving each year. 

The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has found that India has overtaken China and New Zealand to become the third largest country of birth for Australian residents. As per Census 2021, 673,352 people living in Australia reported India as their country of birth – an increase of 220,000, or 47.9% per cent, since the previous census in 2016.

Dr Sunaina Gowan with Neeraj and Simran Gowan (Image supplied)

Dr Gowan, who grew up in North Dakota, USA, arrived in Australia from New Delhi, India, in 2004, to join her husband, Neeraj, who had been accepted into a leading business school in Sydney. She adds:

“Family and friends had questioned our choice to immigrate and leave behind our secure, well-paying careers for student life in Sydney.  It was my idea to migrate. I had a strong yearning to return to ‘western civilisation.’ Why Australia, specifically? I’m still unsure.”

Dr Gowan says while she has not personally experienced any racism or prejudice in Australia, it doesn’t mean that her spirit and ambitions as an ethnic immigrant woman have not been smothered on several occasions. She observes:

“I have encountered the well-known glass and bamboo ceiling. Despite my degrees and job experience, I have often been passed over for top management positions. I have gone through what some of the respondents in this book have gone through and am slowly coming to terms with it.”

Dr Sunaina Gowan (image supplied)

Like many other skilled and professional Indian immigrants who wish to call Australia home, despite having qualifications and extensive experience, Dr Gowan too had to invest time and energy in studying for additional degrees and looking for local work experience before the Australian employers considered her for a role in higher education. She says:

“When you find yourself in a mostly white setting, you will feel strange and doubt your abilities. You will go through everyday emotional labour if you are not ‘like them.’ Do not get burned out. Persist and never second-guess yourself, and you will shine, since Indians are diligent workers who are loyal and trustworthy.”

Dr Gowan notes that more than a million migrants arrived in Australia in the past five years. She is hopeful that her research would encourage and promote greater awareness amongst Australian management and boards to better serve the skilled migrant, especially the highly valuable Indian professional diaspora.

International media’s silence over radical Islam’s ‘Sar Tan Se Juda’ beheadings in India is nauseating

Image Source: Sham_Sharma_Show

By Monica Verma


Kanhaiya Lal, Umesh Kolhe, Munish Bhardwaj, Ankit Jha, Shanu Pandey, and Nishank Rathore.
All these are names of people who were attacked in the past few weeks for supporting Nupur Sharma’s freedom of speech. Most of them are dead today. Udaipur’s Kanhaiya Lal was butchered with a cleaver. Nishank Rathore’s body was found on a railway track with a cryptic message sent to his father reading, “Gustakh-E-Nabi ki ek hi saza” [only one punishment for those who insult the Prophet].

Ankit Jha was, however, lucky that he survived the six knife stabs given by the assailants, but his parents are alleging that Bihar Police didn’t register an FIR until Nupur Sharma’s reference was removed. Six men across India were attacked brutally for freedom of speech and supporting Nupur Sharma, but not a single coverage of how radical Islamists are targeting India anywhere in the international press.

Gaus Mohammed and Riyaz, who beheaded Kanahiya lal (Left); Image Source; The Australia Today
Gaus Mohammed and Riyaz, who beheaded Kanahiya lal (Left); Image Source; The Australia Today

Contrast this with the outpour that Zubair’s arrest has generated. Almost all international media outlets have covered his arrest with headlines, stressing his identity as a Muslim and a journalist. The frame of reference chosen in their coverage is that of a journalist belonging to a minority community persecuted by a majoritarian state. For them, India is a fascist state that puts journalists behind bars for speaking the truth to power. It is a country where minorities are being suppressed by the current regime. But all this sounds like well-crafted work of fiction when on the ground, multiple men are losing their lives to the “Sar Tan Se Juda” mobs [beheading].

Needed: A Crackdown On Beheading Calls, 'Sar Tan Se Juda' Slogans Over  Blasphemy

What explains this international silence on murders committed over blasphemy in India? The Western media hasn’t been this silent over Islamist mobs baying for the blood of those who committed alleged blasphemy in other cases though. Remember the international support that Asiya Bibi received when she was sentenced to death for blasphemy in Pakistan?

The assassination of Salman Taseer, then governor of Punjab province in Pakistan, over blasphemy was also widely condemned internationally. And no one needs to be reminded of the “Je Suis Charlie” protests that evoked massive support from freedom of speech warriors across the world after a deadly shooting at French magazine Charlie Hebdo’s office.

2 men receive 'Sar tan se juda in 10 days' threat in Bharatpur in Rajasthan

Six people have been attacked in India even as multiple others are getting threats on a daily basis. The person at the centre of it all, Nupur Sharma herself has been forced to stay away from public life owing to grave danger to her well-being. All of this is due to the fear of Islamists but not an iota of protest internationally. The only reason for this silence is the need to project India as “unsafe” for minorities. In the daily hit jobs targeting India over the treatment of Muslims, such violent incidents of Hindu men being killed don’t fit their narrative.

India must also stop expecting any international condemnation of these events. Remember, when China was rising? There was a spate of articles questioning China’s human rights record, its authoritarian governance, treatment of ethnic minorities, etc. Today India is in the same shoes. It is already the third largest economy by purchasing power parity and is all set to become the third largest economy nominally as well by 2030.

A Hard Reality of Islam With Targeted Others. | Struggle for Hindu Existence

India’s influence and geopolitical weight are on an ascending trajectory. Its soft power needs to be undercut. It is possible only when India is put on a back-foot by inventing a narrative that “minorities are under attack in India”. It is here that the incidents of violence over blasphemy by Islamist mobs become inconvenient. Hence the hard-walling of this narrative by the international media.

This same media has the space and will to cover fake incidents of lynchings by Hindu mobs over beef without any authentic fact-check but when it comes to events such as these which are backed by evidence, it prefers to lie low and stay silent. In the case of China, these media organisations still had to rely on home-grown experts to produce anti-China commentary. But in the case of India, the job has become easier because many so-called Indian “journalists” have become ready entrepreneurs in writing for these outlets by utilising their own prejudice against the current government to the hilt.

This Time Graffiti by Miscreants on Wall of Old Police Outpost near  District Court - Mangalorean.com
Graffiti by Miscreants on Wall of Old Police Outpost near District Court Mangaluru, Karnataka; image source: www.mangalorean.com

India indeed is in a precarious situation. On one hand, there is a constant narrative demonising the majority community over the treatment of minorities. There are conferences being organised in university departments the world over painting a doomsday scenario for India due to the tyranny of the ruling party. On the other hand, there is a credible threat from radical Islam to the country. Just a few days ago, a module of the Popular Front of India (PFI), a radical Islamist organisation was busted in Patna, Bihar.

In the documents recovered from this raid, the most alarming was a “Vision 2047” document that disclosed plans to turn India into an Islamic State by 2047. The documents that generated a furore domestically were hardly even noticed by the international media. Any action by India against radical Islam will increasingly call for even more scrutiny and condemnation by the global press. That’s the challenge that India must face. Even innocent people belonging to the so-called majority Hindu community keep losing their lives.

Contributing Author: Monica Verma is a PhD in International Relations from the Department of International Relations, South Asian University. Her research focuses on the political economy of South Asia and regional integration. 

This article was first published on www.news18.com. We have republished it with kind permission.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The Australia Today is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information in this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts, or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of The Australia Today and The Australia Today News does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.  

Tamannah, Samantha, Vaani Kapoor and Abhishekh Bachchan to mesmerise at IFFM 2022

Indian Film Festival of Melbourne; Image Source: Supplied
Indian Film Festival of Melbourne; Image Source: Supplied

Alia Bhatt-starrer Gangubai Kathiawadi’ has dominated the nominations for the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) Awards 2022.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s directorial is nominated in three categories, including Best Film, Best Actress and Best Director. Ranveer Singh’s sports drama ’83’ and Suriya’s ‘Jai Bhim’ will also compete with ‘Gangubai’ for the Best Film award. Apart from Alia, Deepika Padukone and Vidya Balan will also be vying for the award of Best Actress for their respective films ‘Gehraiyaan’ and ‘Jalsa’.

For the Best Actor category, Ranveer Singh (83), Abhishekh Bachchan (Dasvi) and Vicky Kaushal (Sardar Udham) among others are nominated.

In its 13th edition to be held this month, the IFFM 2022 is making its comeback for its physical version of the festival, after the festival has been solely virtual for the last two years. This year the festival starts on 12-20 August and will also have especially virtual programming between 13-30 August for Australian audiences. This year there are over 100 films across 23 languages being screened at the festival.

The Awards night is all set to take place on the 14th of August in Melbourne. The awards will recognise the best in cinematic talent from across the Indian subcontinent across the formats of feature films and will also honour the acclaimed OTT series. This year’s nominations will see films and content which were released between August 2021 to April 2022.

Speaking about the jury, it comprises global award-winning film editor Jill Bilcock, one of Australia’s renowned actors Vince Colosimo, multi-award-winning director Geoffrey Wright and multi-award-winning filmmaker Nadia Tass.

Let’s have a look at the complete list of IFFM 2022 nominations:

BEST FILM

Image


1. 83 / Hindi
2. Badhaai Do / Hindi
3. Gangubai Kathiawadi / Hindi
4. Jai Bhim / Tamil
5. Minnal Murali / Malayalam
6. Paka (River of Blood) / Malayalam
7. Sardar Udham / Hindi
8. The Rapist / English, Hindi

BEST INDIE FILM
1. Boomba Ride / Mishing
2. Dug Dug / Hindi
3. Jaggi / Punjabi
4. Once Upon a Time in Calcutta / Bengali
5. Pedro / Kannada
6. Shankar’s Fairies / Hindi
7. Shoebox / Hindi
8. Fairy Folk / Hindi, English

BEST ACTOR (MALE)

Image


1. Gopal Hegde, Pedro / Kannada
2. Rajkummar Rao, Badhaai Do / Hindi
3. Ramnish Chaudhary, Jaggi / Punjabi
4. Ranveer Singh, 83 / Hindi
5. Suriya, Jai Bhim / Tamil
6. Tovino Thomas, Minnal Murali / Malayalam
7. Vicky Kaushal, Sardar Udham / Hindi
8. Abhishek Bachchan – Dasvi / Hindi

BEST ACTOR (FEMALE)

Image


1. Alia Bhatt, Gangubai Kathiawadi / Hindi
2. Bhumi Pednekar, Badhaai Do / Hindi
3. Deepika Padukone, Gehraiyaan / Hindi
4. Konkona Sen Sharma, The Rapist / English, Hindi
5. Lijomol Jose, Jai Bhim / Tamil
6. Shefali Shah, Jalsa / Hindi
7. Sreelekha Mitra, Once Upon A Time In Calcutta / Bengali
8. Vidya Balan, Jalsa / Hindi

BEST DIRECTOR

Image


1. Anmol Sidhu, Jaggi / Punjabi
2. Aparna Sen, The Rapist / Hindi
3. Kabir Khan, 83 / Hindi
4. Pan Nalin, Chhello Show (Last Film Show) / Gujarati
5. Sanjay Leela Bhansali Gangubai Kathiawadi / Hindi
6. Shoojit Sircar, Sardar Udham / Hindi
7. Suresh Triveni, Jalsa / Hindi
8. T.J. Gnanavel, Jai Bhim / Tamil

BEST DOCUMENTARY
1. A Night of Knowing Nothing
2. Ayena (Mirror)
3. Kicking Balls
4. Ladies Only
5. Urf (A.K.A)

BEST FILM FROM SUBCONTINENT

Image


1. Joyland / Pakistan
2. Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom / Bhutan
3. No Land’s Man / Bangladesh
4. Rehana Maryam Noor / Bangladesh
5. The Newspaper / Sri LankaBEST ACTOR IN A SERIES
1. Mohit Raina, Mumbai Diaries 26/11
2. Parambrata Chatterjee, Aranyak
3. Varun Mitra, Guilty Minds
4. Tahir Raj Bhasin, Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein
5. Dhruv Sehgal, Little Things Final Season

BEST ACTRESS IN A SERIES
1. Konkona Sensharma, Mumbai Diaries 26/11
2. Sakshi Tanwar, Mai
3. Madhuri Dixit, Fame Game
4. Mithila Palkar, Little Things
5. Raveena Tandon, Aranyak
6. Shriya Pilgaonkar, Guilty Minds

BEST SERIES
1. Aranyak
2. Mumbai Diaries 26/11
3. Fame Game
4. Mai
5. Little Things Final Season
6. Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein 

RBA lifts interest rate for fourth consecutive month, here are details

Interest Rate; Image Source: @CANVA
Interest Rate; Image Source: @CANVA

The Reserve Bank of Australia lifted interest rates for the fourth month in a row. The RBA board decided to increase the cash rate target by 50 basis points to 1.85 per cent. It also increased the interest rate on Exchange Settlement balances by 50 basis points to 1.75 per cent.

The Board places a high priority on returning inflation to the 2–3 per cent range over time while keeping the economy on an even keel. The path to achieving this balance is a narrow one and clouded in uncertainty, not least because of global developments.

Inflation in Australia is the highest it has been since the early 1990s. In headline terms, inflation was 6.1 per cent over the year in the June quarter; in underlying terms, it was 4.9 per cent. Global factors explain much of the increase in inflation, but domestic factors are also playing a role. There are widespread upward pressures on prices from strong demand, a tight labour market and capacity constraints in some sectors of the economy.

Reserve Bank Of Australia; Picture Source: @CANVA
Reserve Bank Of Australia; Picture Source: @CANVA

The board claims that today’s increase in interest rates is a further step in the normalisation of monetary conditions in Australia.

The increase in interest rates over recent months has been required to bring inflation back to target and to create a more sustainable balance of demand and supply in the Australian economy. The Board expects to take further steps in the process of normalising monetary conditions over the months ahead, but it is not on a pre-set path.

The size and timing of future interest rate increases will be guided by the incoming data and the Board’s assessment of the outlook for inflation and the labour market. The Board is committed to doing what is necessary to ensure that inflation in Australia returns to target over time.

Inflation is expected to peak later this year and then decline back towards the 2–3 per cent range.

The expected moderation in inflation reflects the ongoing resolution of global supply-side problems, the stabilisation of commodity prices and the impact of rising interest rates. Medium-term inflation expectations remain well anchored, and it is important that this remains the case.

Image source: Big Four OZ banks - Wikipedia.
Image source: Big Four OZ banks – Wikipedia.

The Bank’s central forecast is for CPI inflation to be around 7¾ per cent over 2022, a little above 4 per cent over 2023 and around 3 per cent over 2024.

The Australian economy is expected to continue to grow strongly this year, with the pace of growth then slowing. Employment is growing strongly, consumer spending has been resilient and an upswing in business investment is underway. National income is also being boosted by a rise in the terms of trade, which are at a record high. The Bank’s central forecast is for GDP growth of 3¼ per cent over 2022 and 1¾ per cent in each of the following two years.

Beyond that, some increase in unemployment is expected as economic growth slows.

The Bank’s central forecast is for the unemployment rate to be around 4 per cent at the end of 2024. Our liaison program and business surveys continue to point to a lift in wage growth from the low rates of recent years as firms compete for staff in the tight labour market.

A key source of uncertainty continues to be the behaviour of household spending. Higher inflation and higher interest rates are putting pressure on household budgets. Consumer confidence has also fallen and housing prices are declining in some markets after the large increases in recent years. Working in the other direction, people are finding jobs and obtaining more hours of work. Many households have also built up large financial buffers and the saving rate remains higher than it was before the pandemic. The Board will be paying close attention to how these various factors balance out as it assesses the appropriate setting of monetary policy.

The outlook for global economic growth has been downgraded due to pressures on real incomes from higher inflation, the tightening of monetary policy in most countries, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the COVID containment measures in China.

Mother and Son duo get commissioned in Indian Army 27 years apart in a ‘rare euphoric moment’

Major Smita Chaturvedi (Retd) with her son (Image source: Ministry of Defence, Government of India, PRO Chennai - Twitter)

Major Smita Chaturvedi (Retd) could not contain her happiness and pride as her son passed out from the Officers Training Academy in Chennai, India. While it is a matter of pride and joy for any parent to see their child donning the Indian Army uniform, for Major Chaturvedi (Retd) it was truly special as she had got commissioned into the Indian Army from the same academy 27 years ago.

The Indian Ministry of Defence shared this good news on Twitter calling it a ‘rare euphoric moment’.

The Ministry also shared an old picture of Major Chaturvedi (Retd) donning the uniform herself.
(Image source: Ministry of Defence, Government of India, PRO Chennai – Twitter)

The Ministry also tweeted a video of Major Chaturvedi (Retd) mentioning that she was ecstatic about her son joining the Army like herself.

A total of 125 Gentlemen and 41 Lady Cadets got commissioned into the Indian Army at Officers Training Academy this year.

Al Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri killed in drone strike confirms President Biden

Ayman al-Zawahiri, international terrorist and Al Quida Chief; Image Source: Twitter CBS
Ayman al-Zawahiri, international terrorist and Al Quida Chief; Image Source: Twitter CBS

Al Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri was killed on Saturday in an air strike by the United States, US President Joe Biden confirmed.

“On Saturday, at my direction, the United States successfully concluded an air strike in Kabul, Afghanistan and killed Al Qaeda Amir Ayman al-Zawahiri,” Biden said in a media briefing.

The US President said that justice has been delivered, adding, “No matter how long it takes, no matter where you hide, if you are a threat to our people, the US will find you and take you out.”

“He carved a trail of murder and violence against American citizens, American service members, American diplomats, and American interests. Zawahri was Bin Laden’s leader, his number two man, and his deputy during the time of terrorist attacks on 9/11. He was deeply involved in the planning of 9/11,”

Biden said.

“When I ended our military mission in Afghanistan almost a year ago, I made a decision that after 20 years of war, the United States no longer needed thousands of boots on the ground in Afghanistan to protect America from terrorists who seek to do us harm,” Biden said, adding “I made a promise to the American people that we would continue to conduct effective counterterrorism operations in Afghanistan and beyond. We’ve done just that.”

Who was Ayman al-Zawahiri

Al Qaeda chief and key plotter of the 9/11 terrorist attack.

Born in an Egyptian middle-class family of scholars and doctors, Ayman al Zawahiri grew up to be a doctor.

He was the grandson of Rabia al-Zawahiri, the grand imam of Al Azhar, which is the centre of Sunni Islamic learning in the Middle East and one of Islam’s most important mosques.

Zawahiri served three years as a surgeon in the Egyptian Army, but his journey from an eye surgeon to becoming a most wanted global terrorist started after he met Laden in 1986, and joined Laden as his personal advisor and physician.

In 1993, he took over the leadership of Islamic Jihad in Egypt and became a leading figure in a campaign in the mid-1990s to overthrow the government and set up a purist Islamic state. He was found to be involved in the killing of over 1,200 Egyptians.

Years later, Zawahiri became number two on the list of “most wanted terrorists” announced by the US government in 2001.

In 1998, Zawahiri finally merged the Egyptian Islamic Jihad with Al-Qaeda.

Zawahiri was indicted for his alleged role in the bombings of August 7, 1998, when nearly simultaneous bombs blew up in front of the American embassies in Nairobi, Kenya, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in Africa – 224 people died in the blasts, including 12 Americans, and more than 4,500 people were wounded.

The culmination of Zawahiri’s terror plotting came on September 11, 2001, when nearly 3,000 people were killed in the attacks on the twin towers of the World Trade Center and Pentagon. A fourth hijacked airliner, headed for Washington, crashed in a Pennsylvania field after passengers fought back.
Both he and bin Laden escaped US forces in Afghanistan in late 2001.

In May 2003, Zawahiri was found involved in suicide bombings in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, killing 23 people, including nine Americans, days after a tape thought to contain Zawahiri’s voice was released.
Zawahiri emerged as a prominent speaker of Al-Qaeda, in recent years after he appeared in 16 videos and audiotapes in 2007, four times as many as Bin Laden, as the group tried to radicalise and recruit Muslims around the world.

His whereabouts were a mystery for several years, but he was believed to be hiding along the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

In January 2006, the US had earlier tried to kill Zawahiri in a missile strike near Pakistan’s border with Afghanistan. The attack killed four al-Qaeda members, but Zawahiri survived and appeared on video two weeks later, warning US President George W Bush that neither he nor “all the powers on earth” could bring his death “one second closer”.

Charles Lister is a senior fellow and the Director of the Syria and Countering Terrorism & Extremism programs at the Middle East Institute.

According to Charles Lister, “The strike and its reported location — in Kabul’s Sherpur neighbourhood — raise fascinating questions about how Zawahiri was found, and in all likelihood, about who sold him out.’

“Already, local reports suggest relatives of Sirajuddin Haqqani may have been present and were possibly killed in the strike. While we may never know some of the answers, this will serve to exacerbate already tense inter-factional divisions within the Taliban.”

Image
This building in which #Zawahiri was killed was owned by Sirajuddin Haqqani, whose son & son-in-law also died in the strike.

“Did a Taliban operative cooperate with this U.S. strike, or was a wing of the Taliban (the Haqqani Network) providing Zawahiri shelter in Kabul? Either or both possibilities could trigger an intense internal crisis within the Taliban, threaten to break down the Doha Agreement, and heighten hostilities between a wide variety of other rival actors vying for advantage in Afghanistan.”

“More than anything else, Islamic State-Khorasan Province may stand to benefit the most, exploiting the inevitable sense of paranoia and disenchantment that foreign fighters and extreme elements within the Taliban will likely feel in the aftermath of this strike,” added Mr Lister

Zawahiri’s targeted killing comes a year after the US military withdrawal from Afghanistan and the Taliban’s takeover of the country.

Reports surpassed on Monday that the US killed Zawahiri in Afghanistan in a drone strike.

Following this, Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid confirmed the strike and said, “An air strike was carried out on a residential house in Sherpur area of Kabul city on July 31.”

He said, “The nature of the incident was not apparent at first” but the security and intelligence services of the Islamic Emirate investigated the incident and “initial findings determined that the strike was carried out by an American drone.”

Mujahid said the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan “strongly condemns this attack on any pretext and calls it a clear violation of international principles and the Doha Agreement.”

The US State Department had offered a reward of up to USD 25 million for information leading directly to Zawahiri’s capture. 

Indian-Australian scientist contributes to breakthrough research that could make hydrogen safer to use

Alfred Deakin Professor Ying (Ian) Chen and Dr Srikanth Mateti (Deakin University)
Alfred Deakin Professor Ying (Ian) Chen and Dr Srikanth Mateti (Deakin University)

Hydrogen, which can be used as an alternate and sustainable solution to the gas crisis, has a significant problem – how to store it in enormous quantities for regular usage?

Now, it appears that Nanotechnology researchers, Alfred Deakin Professor Ying (Ian) Chen and Dr Srikanth Mateti, working at Deakin University’s Institute for Frontier Materials (IFM) have found an answer.

In a research paper published in the prestigious journal Materials Today they have offered a novel way to separate, store and transport huge amounts of hydrogen gas safely and with almost no wastage.

Alfred Deakin Professor Ying (Ian) Chen (Deakin University)

Prof. Chen, who is IFM’s Chair of Nanotechnology, said in a statement that Australia is “experiencing an unprecedented gas crisis and needs an urgent solution.” He adds:

“More efficient use of cleaner gaseous fuels such as hydrogen is an alternative approach to reduce carbon emissions and slow global warming.”

The traditional oil refinery methods make up 15 per cent of the world’s energy use. This process uses a high-energy ‘cryogenic distillation’ process to separate crude oil into different gases that are further used by consumers as petrol and household gas.

IFM researchers in their papers have outlined a completely different mechanochemical way of separating and storing gases that use a tiny fraction of the energy and create zero waste.

Dr Srikanth Mateti (LinkedIn)

Dr Mateti did his Master of Technology degree from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad in 2011 and received his PhD degree in 2018 from Deakin University. Since then, he has been working as a Research Fellow at IFM. His research interests include the in situ mechanochemical synthesis and controlled doping of carbon and nitrogen in various nanomaterials, especially nanotubes (boron nitride, carbon), nanosheets (graphene, BN, etc.) using mechanochemistry (high-energy ball milling), as well as in new applications (thermal management, energy storage, and catalysis)

Dr Mateti said he had to repeat the experiment 20 to 30 times before he could truly believe it himself. He adds:

“We were so surprised to see this happen, but each time we kept getting the exact same result, it was a eureka moment.”

This breakthrough is very significant and is considered a departure from accepted scientific wisdom on gas separation and storage. The researchers say that the special ingredient in their process is boron nitride powder. This is great for absorbing substances because “it is so small yet has a large amount of surface area for absorption.”

“The boron nitride powder can be re-used multiple times to carry out the same gas separation and storage process again and again.”

Alfred Deakin Professor Ying (Ian) Chen and Dr Srikanth Mateti (Deakin University)

Dr Mateti adds:

“There is no waste, the process requires no harsh chemicals and creates no by-products. Boron nitride itself is classified as a level-0 chemical, something that is deemed perfectly safe to have in your house. This means you could store hydrogen anywhere and use it whenever it’s needed.”

Deakin University notes that this breakthrough is the culmination of three decades of work led by Prof. Chen and his team and could help create solid-state storage technologies for a range of gases, including hydrogen.

Prof. Chen said that the current way of storing hydrogen is in a high-pressure tank, or by cooling the gas down to a liquid form. Both require large amounts of energy, as well as dangerous processes and chemicals. He adds:

“We show there’s mechanochemical alternative, using ball milling to store gas in the nanomaterial at room temperature. It doesn’t require high pressure or low temperatures, so it would offer a much cheaper and safer way to develop things like hydrogen powered vehicles.”

With their current research, Deakin’s IFM team has been able to test their process on a small scale, separating about two to three litres of material. Prof. Chen said:

“We need to further validate this method with industry to develop a practical application. To move this from the laboratory to a larger industry scale we need to verify that this process is cost saving, more efficient, and quicker than traditional methods of gas separation and storage.”

The research team is hopeful that with industry support they can scale up to a full pilot and have submitted a provisional patent application for their process.

STEM Sisters that empowers women of colour wins 2022 TechDiversity Business Award

Dr Ruwangi Fernando; Image Source: STEM Sisters
Dr Ruwangi Fernando; Image Source: STEM Sisters

Non-profit organisation STEM Sisters has won the Business Award at TechDiversity Awards 2022.

This year’s edition of the Tech Diversity Awards was held at the Sofitel in Melbourne and welcomed more than 470 attendees.

“The awards recognise and put a spotlight on those who are leading diversity and inclusion (D&I) initiatives across gender and minority groups in the tech sector.”

TechDiversity director Luli Adeyemo (Website)

Unveiling a new program called the ‘TechDiversity Academy,’ TechDiversity’s Director Luli Adeyemo said in a statement:

“We fundamentally need to change the mindsets within tech organisations. We are going to make diversity, equity, and inclusion a number one priority. It’s not about individual actors or activities, it’s about changing the systems. The academy is about providing the actual support, the education, and the frameworks and methodologies to do that.”

STEM Sisters, founded in 2017, is home to a diverse group who are deeply committed to an intersectional approach to empowering women of colour in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics fields (STEM). Their website observes:

“Gender Bias is a massive contributor to the issues women face in trying to secure a STEM job. Additionally, racial bias plays an equally trying role for people of colour in Australia. The difficulty is elevated with the combination of the two, therefore Women of Colour in STEM need more support.”

Dr Ruwangi Fernando, the Founder and Director of STEM Sisters, has won many awards for her academic and professional contributions to the field of IT technologies. With over 16 years of experience, she aims to help culturally and linguistically diverse women in STEM through a range of initiatives.

Dr Ruwangi Fernando; Image Source: STEM Sisters
Dr Ruwangi Fernando; Image Source: STEM Sisters

Under her leadership and guidance, STEM Sisters which has around 100 volunteers and a network of over 700 women runs nine structured programs addressing key challenges for women of colour in the field of STEM. 

Hosted since 2016, TechDiversity Awards are supported by the Victorian state government, Avanade, REA Group, the Australian Computer Society, and Salesforce.

If it’s not all sugar, is it bad for our health?

Indian Australian Family eating icecream: Image Source: CANVA
Indian Australian Family eating icecream: Image Source: CANVA

By Cherie Russell, Carley Grimes, Mark Lawrence, Phillip Baker, and Rebecca Lindberg

Humans have an evolutionary preference for sweetness. Sweet foods, like fruit and honey, were an important energy source for our ancestors.

However, in the modern world, sweetened foods are readily available, very cheap and advertised extensively. Now, we are consuming too much sugar in foods and drinks – the kind that is added rather than sugar that is naturally occurring. Consuming too much added sugar is bad news for health. It is linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes and tooth decay.

Because of these health concerns, manufacturers started using non-nutritive sweeteners to sweeten food as well. These sweeteners contain little to no kilojoules and include both artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, and those that come from natural sources, such as stevia.

Our research, published today, shows the amount of added sugars and non-nutritive sweeteners in packaged foods and drinks has grown a lot over the last decade. This is especially true in middle-income countries, such as China and India, as well as in the Asia Pacific, including Australia.

Donuts (SuzyQ Doughnuts – Facebook)

From lollies to biscuits to drinks

Using market sales data from around the globe, we looked at the quantity of added sugar and non-nutritive sweeteners sold in packaged foods and drinks from 2007 to 2019.

We found per person volumes of non-nutritive sweeteners in drinks is now 36% higher globally. Added sugars in packaged food is 9% higher.

Non-nutritive sweeteners are most commonly added to confectionery. Ice creams and sweet biscuits are the fastest-growing food categories in terms of these sweeteners. The expanding use of added sugars and other sweeteners over the last decade means, overall, our packaged food supply is getting sweeter.

Our analysis shows the amount of added sugar used to sweeten drinks has increased globally. However, this is largely explained by a 50% increase in middle-income countries, such as China and India. Use has decreased in high-income countries, such as Australia and the United States.

It is recommended men consume less than nine teaspoons of sugar a day, while women should have less than six. However, because sugar is added to so many foods and drinks, over half of Australians exceed recommendations, eating an average of 14 teaspoons a day.

The shift from using added sugar to sweeteners to sweeten drinks is most common in carbonated soft drinks and bottled water. The World Health Organization is developing guidelines on the use of non-sugar sweeteners.

Soft drinks (Wikimedia Commons)

Rich and poor countries

There is a difference in added sugar and sweetener use between richer and poorer countries. The market for packaged food and beverages in high-income countries has become saturated. To continue to grow, large food and beverage corporations are expanding into middle-income countries.

Our findings demonstrate a double standard in the sweetening of the food supply, with manufacturers providing less sweet, “healthier” products in richer countries.

Unexpected consequences of control

To reduce the health harms of high added sugar intakes, many governments have acted to curb their use and consumption. Sugar levies, education campaigns, advertising restrictions and labelling are among these measures.

But such actions can encourage manufacturers to partially or completely substitute sugar with non-nutritive sweeteners to avoid penalties or cater to evolving population preferences.

In our study, we found regions with a higher number of policy actions to reduce sugar intakes had a significant increase in non-nutritive sweeteners sold in drinks.

Sugarcane and bowl of sugar (Wikimedia Commons)

Why is this a problem

While the harms of consuming too much added sugar are well known, relying on non-nutritive sweeteners as a solution also carries risk. Despite their lack of dietary energy, recent reviews, suggest consuming non-nutritive sweeteners may be linked with type 2 diabetes and heart disease and can disrupt the gut microbiome.

And because they are sweet, ingesting non-nutritive sweeteners influences our palates and encourages us to want more sweet food. This is of particular concern for children, who are still developing their lifelong taste preferences. Additionally, certain non-nutritive sweeteners are considered environmental contaminants and are not effectively removed from wastewater.

Non-nutritive sweeteners are only found in ultra-processed foods. These foods are industrially made, contain ingredients you would not find in a home kitchen, and are designed to be “hyper-palatable”. Eating more ultra-processed foods is linked with more heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer and death.

Ultra-processed foods are also environmentally harmful because they use significant resources such as energy, water, packaging materials and plastic waste.

Foods that contain sweeteners can receive a “health halo” if they don’t contain sugar, misleading the public and potentially displacing nutritious, whole foods in the diet.

Focus on nutrition

When making policy to improve public health nutrition, it is important to consider unintended consequences. Rather than focusing on specific nutrients, there is merit in advocating for policy that considers the broader aspects of food, including cultural importance, level of processing and environmental impacts. Such policy should promote nutritious, minimally processed foods.

We need to closely monitor the increasing sweetness of food and drinks and the growing use of added sugars and non-nutritive sweeteners. It is likely to shape our future taste preferences, food choices and human and planetary health.

Cherie Russell, PhD Candidate, Deakin University; Carley Grimes, Senior Lecturer Population Nutrition, Deakin University; Mark Lawrence, Professor of Public Health Nutrition, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University; Phillip Baker, Research Fellow, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University, Deakin University, and Rebecca Lindberg, Postdoctoral research fellow, Deakin University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Archie Roach: the great songman, tender and humble, who gave our people voice

Archie Roach AM; Image Source: (Wikipedia)
Archie Roach AM; Image Source: (Wikipedia)

By Bhiamie Williamson

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this article contains names and images of deceased people. Archie Roach’s family have given permission for his name and image to be shared.


I am not sure of the first time I heard Archie Roach’s music.

Like most Aboriginal people born during or after the 1980s, we grew up listening to the person we affectionately called Uncle Archie. But there was one song that spoke to me from the first moment I heard it: From Paradise.

The song tells the story of a young girl who was taken away from her Country, the river lands, part of the stolen generations.

While his songs will play loud and long into the future, beneath his music Uncle Archie gave us something else, something deeply profound but mostly invisible.

He gave us – and all of Australia – an image of an Aboriginal man, tender and humble. An image long denied us.

Our greatest storyteller

The passing of Archie Roach has hit us – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people – like the first crack of thunder after dark clouds descend.

You know it’s coming, but it shocks you still.

Uncle Archie gave voice, a story, to the experiences of so many of our people. His song Took the Children Away gave shape to a suffering so deep and profound. “This story’s right, this story’s true,” he sang.

These cathartic melodies continue to offer us healing.

His catalogue of music spans distances and experiences difficult to grasp. Uncle Archie’s gift was to write and bring to life through the strum of his guitar, the stories so familiar to us all.

His success took our stories to the nation, and the world.

To describe him simply as a musician fails to recognise him as a messenger. His music reaches through darkness like the beam of a lighthouse, offering guidance and safe harbour in times of despair.

Through his life and love of music, Uncle Archie became our greatest storyteller.

The father and mentor

The music of Uncle Archie came from a place of suffering. Taken away as a child, being homeless, a drunk, locked up, learning of the death of family through whispers and letters, grief was his constant companion.

Through this time, he found Ruby Hunter. They would have two sons, Amos and Eban. Uncle Archie and Aunty Ruby, with their kids, shared a life of love, laughter and song. My personal favourite song, Down City Streets, was written by Aunty Ruby.

Uncle Archie has supported hundreds of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and inspired countless more through his foundation.

For decades Uncle Archie worked in youth detention centres, talking with young people who found themselves in hardship. He offered guidance and mentorship to young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people, illuminating a road through the difficulties of life, often the result of colonisation and racism.

He carefully navigated these spaces, acknowledging that while many young Aboriginal people, and especially boys, are born into a world that has been built to suppress them, they possess an inner strength stemming from culture and community. https://www.youtube.com/embed/EATZpASejvQ?wmode=transparent&start=0

Emu Man

Through his life, his dedication to Aunty Ruby, his devotion to his sons, his work with disengaged youth and his profound love for his people, Uncle Archie gave the nation an image of an Aboriginal man seldom found in the national psyche.

Images of the violent abuser, the drunk, the criminal, the absent father, or a combination of these, saturate our print media and television news bulletins. Even positive representations of Aboriginal men – the warrior, the sports star – exudes a sense of toughness and candour.

Rare, almost unheard of, are the stories of Aboriginal men as sensitive, soft, loving and vulnerable people.

Yet it is these qualities my research has revealed are most valued by our people.

The notion of “Emu Men” has emerged throughout my PhD.

Male emus are the primary carer for their chicks. The male partner will sit on the nest and the father rears the babies.

This notion of manhood and fatherhood – someone dedicated to his family, who has a primary responsibility to ensure the safety of his children and their passage through the world – appears to be deeply entwined in many of our peoples’ customs and cultures.

In Uncle Archie, we find the most profound sense of this alternate masculinity.

His songs will live on forever. But he also gifted us this alternate image of an Aboriginal man: someone soft, tender, loving, vulnerable, generous, resilient. Someone profoundly strong and with an inner wisdom, who sat on his nest and looked after his family and young people experiencing hardship.

It will take time to come to terms with this loss.

To his family we offer our hearts and hold you in our spirit.

This great songman gave our people a voice and a way to understand what has happened to us. He gave so much to a nation that treated him so badly.

As for me, like many others, Uncle Archie’s music and concerts has offered companionship through major life events. My wife and I danced to Love in the Morning on our wedding day.

And as for From Paradise, from the first moment I heard this song I thought he wrote it about my grandmother who was taken away and sent to Palm Island.

It is difficult to put words to this loss – Uncle Archie was always the one with the words.

Thank you for everything Uncle. May you soar with the eagles.

Aunty Ruby be happy to see you.

Bhiamie Williamson, Research Associate & PhD Candidate, Australian National University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Indian woman with a moustache is viral internet sensation

Shyja (Image Source: Meesakkari Facebook)

Shyja from India’s Kannur district has set the internet abuzz. The 35-year-old from the state of Kerala has a well groomed moustache and has no intentions of shaving it off. In fact her Facebook page is called ‘Meesakkari’ (woman with a moustache).

(Image Source: Meesakkari Facebook)

According to local media outlet Onmanorama Shyja says she is in love with her moustache and wouldn’t shave it off even if she is offered the most precious thing. She adds that lots of people have made fun of her and stare at her but she has not removed the moustache just because they have done that, the only reason for that being that she is really fond of her moustache.

(Image Source: Meesakkari Facebook)

Shyja has recieved both appreciation and sneers from people online but the BBC reports that she says she is unfazed by all the interest around her moustache.

Shyja states in her WhatsApp status section, below a photo of herself “I love my moustache”, according to the BBC.

(Image Source: Meesakkari Facebook)

Shyja, who uses only one name, would regularly get her eyebrows threaded but never felt the need to remove the hair above her upper lip.

When it began to thicken into a visible moustache around five years ago, Shyja decided to keep it.

(Image Source: Meesakkari Facebook)

Shyja has had to deal with several medical issues (six surgeries over the past decade) and overcoming multiple health crises has strengthened her belief that she should do what makes her happy. Shyja’s husband Lakshmanan and her family have been supportive of her decision to keep the moustache.

Muslim students offering Namaz on Monash University lawn say multi-faith room impractical

Image Source: Monash University Islamic Society (Instagram)
Image Source: Monash University Islamic Society (Instagram)

Muslim students at Australia’s prestigious Group-8 university Monash have offered Namaz on the lawn as a mark of protest.

The students put up protest signs at Monash University that said:

“Monash is not providing adequate prayer space on campus for Muslims. So we are praying outside. Please walk around us.”

May be an image of 12 people and outdoors
Image Source: Monash University Islamic Society (Facebook)

Vice President of the MUIS Fatima Ramtoola told ABC Radio Melbourne that there is only enough room for eight men and eight women to pray in the current space. She added

“It’s way too small for the number of people who have to use it… every single other university in Melbourne has adequate Muslim prayer space and we don’t understand why Monash University is not providing this for our Muslim students on campus.”

May be an image of 6 people and people standing
Image Source: Monash University Islamic Society (Facebook)

Prof. Sharon Pickering, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Education and Senior Vice-President at Monash, told the media that the university is meeting with students to try to reach a solution. She said:

“I understand it has taken too long, we want to work with them in remedying that and I really do hope that we’re able to get to an outcome sooner rather than later.”

Muslim students claim that they have been lobbying for a more enormous prayer hall dedicated to offering Namaz since 2018. Protesting students were updated last month that Monash is a “multi-faith” university and any new communal space built there would be made available to all staff and students.

May be an image of 3 people, people standing and headscarf
Image Source: Monash University Islamic Society (Facebook)

According to Monash University Islamic Society (MUIS) survey, this inadequate prayer space is used almost 2000 times a week by 233 students.

However, Ramtoola told the Age that male and female students wanted to pray together and the concept of a multi-faith communal room was impractical.

“A multi-faith prayer room is going to be very difficult to manage. Different faiths have different requirements, and putting all these faiths in a room together and expecting us to be able to regulate it … we’re just really confused about how we would be expected to do that.”

Monash University student union president Ishka de Silva said that Monash University’s insistence that all new spaces must be “multi-faith” was confusing and frustrating for Muslim students.

Monash University Islamic Society (Facebook)

The Religious Centre according to the Monash University website is a multi-faith centre suitable for spiritual services, weddings, christenings, funerals, memorials, private prayer and seminars.

Multi-faith centre Monash University (Image Source: Monash University website)

It has a circular design with stained glass windows, but no overt religious imagery. The main chapel includes a large, removable cross. The venue features the main chapel which seats around 400 people, a smaller chapel that can seat 40 people and several smaller meeting rooms.

New Zealand now has a ‘Waheguru Lane’ to connect with Indian cultural values

Wahe Guru lane, New Zealand; Image Source: indiannewslink
Wahe Guru lane, New Zealand; Image Source: indiannewslink

New Zealand’s Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board has honoured its Sikh residents by naming a passage off Redoubt Road in Manukau City as ‘Waheguru Lane.’

This is the result of the initiative of Sunshine Homes Limited which developed 18 new houses in the area.

Source: Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board OPEN AGENDA – 16 Nov 2021.

Earlier, the developer selected three names – Bhagat, Mohammed, and Nanak – that were closely associated with India’s cultural values. However, after further deliberation, these were changed to Simran Lane, Harkirat Lane, and Waheguru Lane for the private roads at 42, 42A, and 42B Redoubt Road.

Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board (Auckland Council)

Former Member of Parliament and current Otara Papatoetoe Local Board Member Dr Ashraf Chaudhry has been instrumental in getting approvals for Indian-origin names. He told local media:

“Naming of roads and streets in new housing developments is a recent expression of celebration of diversity. Local Councils have the right to give names to new streets and roads being built.”

Around 50% of the population of South Auckland is home to South Asian origin residents, especially in the areas of Manukau, Mangere, Manurewa, and Papatoetoe. Earlier, the local council had also approved Diwan Lane, Shahkot Way, and Deepak Lane in the South Auckland suburb of Papatoetoe.

Australian film and TV lack diversity and rife with discrimination

Arri_Alexa_camera (Wikimedia Commons)

By Amanda Coles, Justine Ferrer, and Vejune Zemaityte

It has been a fantastic year for Australian cinematographers in Hollywood.

Australian directors of photography represented two of the five nominees for best cinematography at the 2022 Oscars. Greig Fraser won the Oscar for his work as cinematographer on Dune. Ari Wegner became the second woman ever to be nominated for best cinematography in the 94-year history of the Oscars, for her work on Power of the Dog.

Now, the work of Aussie director of photography Mandy Walker is being seen by audiences around the globe on Baz Luhrmann’s film Elvis, grossing more than US$210 million (A$304 million) at the worldwide box office.

The director of photography or cinematographer is responsible for the overall look of a film. This key creative leadership role demands advanced artistic and technical expertise. Our new report, A Wider Lens: Australian camera workforce development and diversity, looks behind the red carpet glitz to analyse the workforce, the work model and the work culture of Australian film and television camera departments.

We have found a workplace lacking in diversity and a toxic work culture rife with discrimination, stress and precarious employment.

Our findings suggest Australian cinematographers are succeeding on the international stage in spite of – rather than because of – labour markets and working conditions in the Australian film and television production industry.

A serious lack of diversity

Commissioned by the Australian Cinematographers Society, the report draws from Screen Australia production data and on 640 complete responses to a survey of Australian film and television camera professionals conducted in early 2021.

In line with a growing body of research in Australia and internationally on diversity in the film and television production industry, our study finds that gender inequality is a defining feature of work and labour markets in the camera department.

The Australian film and television camera workforce is 80% men, 18% women and 2% trans/gender diverse. It is an ageing workforce, with nearly 70% of camera professionals over the age of 35. It is also largely white, with 63% identifying as Anglo-Celtic. Only 2% of the survey respondents identified as Indigenous, and only 13% as non-European.

The workforce is 85% heterosexual, and 8% identify as a person with a disability.

This data snapshot must be understood in relation to the quantity and quality of work for film and television camera professionals – and indeed in the film and television production industry more generally.

A stressful environment

Work as a camera professional is high-performance, requiring a highly specialised, technical skill set and intense concentration for extended periods of time.

Job stress is compounded by the fact that film crews commonly work in unusual, and at times dangerous, locations.

The very real dangers that camera professionals face in doing their jobs is demonstrated by the tragic deaths of director of photography Halyna Hutchins on the set of Rust in 2021, and of camera assistant Sarah Jones on the set of Midnight Rider in 2014.

Work stress is compounded by an employment model that is the definition of precarity.

Employment and income insecurity are driven by short-term freelance contracts that can be for as little as one day. Employment is accessed through highly exclusionary, informal hiring networks.

Half our survey respondents report directly experiencing discrimination in the hiring process, with gender, age and racial discrimination being the most frequently encountered.

When work is secured, working patterns are highly erratic, with irregular, frequently excessive and antisocial hours.

This work model produces severe consequences for workforce development and wellbeing. From our survey respondents, 60% of all camera professionals – and 70% of women – reported the work model actively prevents work-life balance.

Precarity and health stressors are even further exacerbated by what can only be described as a toxic industry work culture. Discrimination and harassment at work is commonly experienced.

Half of all non-European and Indigenous respondents report experiencing racism at work. Sexism at work has been experienced by 75% of trans and gender diverse respondents, and 89% of women. Sexual harassment is routine for women.

Those in positions of power and influence are often the perpetrators of discrimination, harassment and bullying. Unsurprisingly, reporting is a key challenge facing the industry.

Freelancers work in a reputation economy. There is widespread fear that reporting incidents of bullying, discrimination and harassment will jeopardise both future job prospects and career longevity in the camera department.

A workforce-wide problem

The timing is good for action. Many of the key policy and industrial issues fall across Tony Burke’s dual portfolios as Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, and Minister for the Arts.

These issues aren’t unique to film sets. Many of the issues raised by the report speak to key issues in Australian work places more generally.

The upcoming Jobs + Skills Summit offers an opportunity to advance the core issues raised here as emblematic of the types of workforce development and diversity issues cultivated by high-skill, low-quality and insecure work.

A lack of diversity in camera departments will not be solved by simply adding different people to the existing toxic system.

An industry-wide commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion must first focus not on the excluded, but those doing the excluding.

Amanda Coles, Senior Lecturer, Employment Relations, Department of Management, Deakin University, Deakin University; Justine Ferrer, Senior Lecturer in Human Resource Management, Deakin University, and Vejune Zemaityte, Senior Research Fellow in Cultural Data Analytics, Tallinn University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Meet Shailja, the Indian poetess who writes fearlessly about the sufferings of women

Shailja Pathak's poetry (Image Supplied)

By Sushma Shandilya

Shailja Pathak, one of the most sensitive poetess of Hindi poetry undoubtedly has the blessings of Goddess Saraswati, otherwise, she would not have been able to write such cruel truths with honesty. Shailja’s poems are a mirror of her mind, an attempt to save herself from getting lost in the huge crowd of Mumbai. She often listens to her heart’s voice while sitting on the quiet beaches of Mumbai. Here is one of her works that shows the undesirable interference by men on the soul, mind-heart, and body of women throughout their lives. She writes:

Now let me decide…

You always decided

My limits

My being or not being

You decided

My inside outside

Life

My ways

Conversation

My friends, my family too

You decided

Now let me decide

That what you

Should decide and what not…

Shailja’s poems are a true depiction of women’s sufferings, the results of tortures and atrocities of the unjust tyrants who do not care about humanity. Shailja’s poems touch on every aspect, issues related to women’s life softly but deeply, tenderly, showing tales of women’s woes. No doubt her fans are deeply connected with her poems. The many dimensions of life of familiar or unknown women around can be seen in her poems, often making the reader’s eyes moist or making them smile.

Shailja is a vocal, bold, outspoken poetess whose inner self is highly emotional and sensitive. Shailja born in Uttarakhand, was brought up in Varanasi, making her a proud Banarsi. She understands the deepest pain of women and puts feelings into words with expertise. In today’s rather selfish, artificial era, writers hesitate to speak the truth but Shailja considers it her religion to write fearlessly about the sufferings of women, the burning issues of female lives like adultery, oppression, exploitation, atrocities, etc. 

Shailja Pathak (Image source: supplied – Facebook)

While the so-called literary pioneers of the literary world, self-confessed in the conceit of pseudo-intellectuality, drenched in their malevolent egoism, pat themselves on their back and consider themselves far more superior to writing about women’s issues, Shailja never hesitates to give voice to the untold sufferings of women. She writes impeccably on topics related to women that are not considered important at all. Some readers accuse her of not penning untold pains of men, finding her writings one-sided and discriminating. But Shailja, unmoved by the fear of being disputed, effortlessly pens down and unveils the naked truths of the sickly-contaminated mindset prevailing in society for centuries. She is determined to make the world aware of the untold pain of women by illuminating the path of truth with her honest writings.

Shailja’s poems, like a mirror, reflect the latent feelings of those women who can never share anything with anyone or write poetry. Whether women are from towns, cities, or metros, they often don’t have a corner in the house to call their own space. In case they have a corner, it’s often the most neglected one occupied by the family. But in spite of living in a neglected corner, most women never ignore anyone and while doing so much for all, they keep neglecting themselves.

Shailja’s poems are sad songs about women living, walking, singing in groups, yet being alone with themselves. Those understanding this irony and paradox are able to read the woman inside Shailja, otherwise, the poems may seem strange. Readers who already have an image of modern women in their minds will find the women in her poems backward, conservative and old-fashioned. If the women depicted in Shailja’s poems are read with open eyes, only then the real woman can be seen, instead of women hidden under layers of make-up. Most women still never get an opportunity to talk and yet they are accused of being very talkative.

Shailja Pathak (Image source: supplied – Facebook)

Shailja Pathak is a very popular poetess, a well-known name among the young writers of Hindi literature, and admired by her readers. She did her post-graduation in Hindi from Varanasi and after marriage, settled in Mumbai. Two of her poetry books, ‘Main Ek Deh Hoon Phir Dehri’ and ‘Jahan chuppi tootti hai’ (Where the Silence Breaks) have been published. Her poems are often published in literary magazines and blogs. Shailja has carved a niche for herself, making a strong presence in Hindi poetry in a short span of time. Infused with the feelings of the female mind, her poems directly communicate or question the evil characters.

Shailja’s poems are true stories serving bitter reality. Defining the disorders of the male mind, there is a call for compassion to warn them. Shailja has a unique style containing indigenous words, the reason she easily touches the hearts of the readers. Shailja’s ruthless, naked truths flow uninterruptedly and upheaval begins in the mind. After reading her, the ignorant readers are aware that there are so many forms and types of pains women suffer. Her poems, especially known for expressions and images, take the readers on a tour of the real world of women. The depiction of the frightening possibilities of girls and women being oppressed by emotional strangulation is well portrayed in these two short poems, defining the truth in a few words.

We were always

Cursed for our mistakes

We weren’t alone

Our mother was in this together..

*********************************************

Because of our status at our mother’s place, 

We were supposed to only wash dishes in the house

She had written for us the fate of queens

But when were the queens asked about their agony?

Shailja’s themes of her poignant poems are often touching, always relevant, having painful cries of untold pains, buried deep in the minds of women. Her writing style forces the poems to stand in the discussion category. Like in Indian society, even today in some quarters, after the death of the husband, despite being innocent, the stamp of widowhood is affixed on the forehead, where the women are forced to lead a neglected life, in spite of serving their loved ones lifelong. Or be it girls who are full of life but suffering the brunt of feudal patriarchy, eventually become fearful, and often are forced to marry mismatched spouses. After sacrificing their dreams and happiness, their dreadful pain can only be imagined.

Shailja Pathak (Image source: supplied)

Shailja’s poems have a strange dispersion of emotions which is a permanent expression of highly emotional hearts. Shailja doesn’t care about the craft, the discipline of words, or images, nor does she believe in creating miracles for her readers. While expressing feelings, her words simply flow like mountain rivers, bouncing, scattering the experiences related to the moments. Instead of seeming composed in the world, the silence in her poems seems to be murmuring or humming. Her poems are an attempt to solve them by engaging themselves in the entangled times in the tangled mind. Her readers swear they open their hearts’ knots with her writings, and that’s why they admire her.

It is heartbreaking to read Shailja’s poignant poems because in her creations women hide their emotions, deeply buried in the innermost corners of their minds with lots of pain and anguish articulated. Her deep sensitivity, maturity and effort at a young age, putting all kinds of pains of females into words is highly commendable. Shailja’s poems depict poignancy arising out of insecurity along with sadness, frustration, and disappointment; but a little ray of hope too. Shailja is an expert in creating heartfelt sentiments with great ease in simple words. I wish that Shailja continues to write so that ardent admirers of her writings can get to read more touching truths that are rare in today’s gimmicky world. When Shailja pens female sorrows and joys, then many unknown lives start passing in front of the eyes, many an untold agony finds words, getting the mind drenched.

Shailja Pathak (Image source: supplied – Facebook)

Shailja’s heart gets hurt deeply by women’s pains and sufferings, proving her to be one of the best poets of today’s era, who is very much appreciated for portraying the subtlest feelings of the female mind with amazing quality. On the birthday of this wonderful sensitive poetess Shailja Pathak, we hope that she continues to churn our hearts with her poetry and create more awareness about the deep pain of voiceless women.  

 

Contributing Author: Sushma ‘Shandilya’ is a well-known Hindi poet and writer based in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India. Her short stories, articles and plays have been published in leading Indian publications. Sushma ‘Shandilya’ writes on various contemporary issues including themes around women empowerment. She is also a yoga teacher.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The Australia Today is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information in this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts, or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of The Australia Today and The Australia Today News does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

Sexual assault cases increase in Australia for tenth year in a row, reveals ABS data

Sexual assault (representative picture); Image Source: @CANVA
Sexual assault (representative picture); Image Source: @CANVA

The number of police-recorded victims of sexual assault has increased in Australia by 13 per cent in 2021. This is the tenth annual rise in a row as per data revealed by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

William Milne, head of crime and justice statistics at the ABS, said in a statement there were 31,118 sexual assaults in 2021. He added:

“The rate has risen from 83 to 121 victims per 100,000 people since 2011, and that accounts for population changes.”

This is the largest number recorded by police in the 29 years of ABS crime data. ABS recorded a surge in the number of cases in all seven states and territories except the Northern Territory, with the largest increases in:

  • Queensland (up 1,771 victims or 35%)
  • Victoria (up 651 victims or 12%)
  • Western Australia (up 516 victims or 17%)

The number of recorded victims of sexual assault in the Northern Territory decreased by 4% or 15 victims.

Sexual assault (representative picture); Image Source: @CANVA
Sexual assault (representative picture); Image Source: @CANVA

As per ABS data, almost two-thirds (61 per cent) of victim-survivors were under the age of 18 when the sexual assault occurred. The data also reveals that there were six times more female victim-survivors of sexual assault (26,669) than male victim-survivors (4,350). Further, sexual assaults mostly occurred at residential locations (67%). Over a third, (37 per cent) of sexual assaults were recorded as family and domestic violence-related (11,367 victim-survivors).

ABS notes that since 1993, the rate of victimisation for sexual assault has increased from 69 to 121 victims per 100,000 persons in 2021. Experts say that while the ABS data shows sexual assault cases reported to police, the actual number of cases could be far higher with many going unreported.

Please note that if you or anyone you know is in need or crisis please call the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or Lifeline 131 114.

Investment NSW opens Mumbai office to take advantage of Australia-India trade agreement

Investment NSW has launched its office in Mumbai to conduct business. This office will be operated by the Australian state New South Wales government’s trade and investment attraction agency.

This step has been taken just four months after Australia and India signed an interim Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA). Under the full free trade agreement, the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), India and Australia plan to deepen bilateral trade and investment engagement in many key areas including textiles, leather, furniture, jewellery, machinery and select medical devices.

Dom Perrottet in Mumbai (Twitter)

NSW’s Premier Dom Perrottet tweeted from Mumbai: “India’s significance to NSW cannot be understated. Two-way trade between India & NSW has now reached $4.6bn. We want that to grow. I’ve opened our NSW office in Mumbai, which will assist NSW businesses seeking trade & investment opportunities to access the lucrative Indian market.”

NSW’s Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade Stuart Ayres told local media that the office will work to deliver direct benefits for NSW.

NSW’s Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade Stuart Ayres (Twitter)

Ayres tweeted: “India is a land of opportunity. It was great to open India’s @InvestmentNSW office today.”

The new office has been opened in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex. According to reports, the aim of this office in Mumbai is to boost investment and promote exports from New South Wales to India. Further, it will also strive to improve services trade by attracting more Indian students to NSW.

NSW’s Premier Dom Perrottet in Mumbai (Twitter)

In 2020-21, as per reports, India was NSW’s third-largest source of international students, sixth largest source of tourists, and 11th largest two-way trading partner, with two-way merchandise trade at $4.6 billion.

Aarush Khurana receives Junior Triple Zero Hero Award for saving his brother’s life

Youngster Aarush Khurana has been recognised for his bravery and quick thinking when calling triple-0 after his younger brother Rihaan’s car accident last year.

He was among seven young Victorians aged between five and 13 who have been named Junior Triple Zero Heroes for 2022 by the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA), for calling triple zero.

Aarush who was aged eleven at the time recognised for his courage and clear thinking during the emergency.

What happened that day…

It was a normal lockdown day for Ashish and Dristy Khurana working from home while looking after young kids.

Ashish Khurana told The Australia Today, Due to the pandemic all parks were locked by the victorian government and no one was allowed to do a home visit, kids only had the option to play in the front yard and driveway.

“My younger son was ridding his scooter with a few mates and was going from our driveway to our neighbours.”

“I asked him to finish the game and he replied one last go daddy, by the time I said no come back he was already halfway down the street.”
“From my front door, I could see a car (four-wheel drive) coming toward him, seeing the danger I ran and shouted Rihaan stop.”

“My voice was drowned by the loud noise of him colliding with the car.”

“Rihaan flew up in the air and landed 15 meters away on the road, he was badly injured, bleeding from multiple places.”

“I picked him up in my arms and took him inside the home, asked my wife to call triple zero, which she did immediately.”

“But seeing her son bleeding and injured so badly shocked her and she was not able to reply properly to the ESTA operator.”

“Here comes the saviour, Aarush took the phone from his mom and sat her on the side, he explained everything clearly and calmly to the operator who was under the impression that Rihaan was eight months old.”

“Aarush provided the critical information to the operator and received directions to help Rihaan till the ambulance arrived.”

“He quickly bought towels and asked me to put them on Rihaans bleeding and put pressure.”

The ESTA operators who took their call said Aarush was very composed and conveyed the message properly which is most important in any emergency situation.

Aarush told The Australia Today, “I did what I was supposed to do to help my brother.”

The awards, which are in their eighteenth year, recognise young people for their bravery and clear thinking in emergencies.

After a gap of two years, the Junior Triple Zero Hero Awards were presented in a formal ceremony at MCG. And the young heroes received their medals and certificate in a colourful ceremony. 

And for Aayush and Rihaan award ceremony was bit more than just certificate and medals. It was bowl full of chocolates and lollies.

ESTA’s CEO said: “The awards highlight the importance of teaching children when and how to call triple zero.”

“These young heroes have shown that by knowing how to get the right help in an emergency, a child might save the life of a loved one.”

India’s rich women’s cumulative wealth contributes to 2% of GDP

India’s rich women; Image Source: The Australia Today
India’s rich women; Image Source: The Australia Today

Tech giant HCL Technologies’ Roshni Nadar Malhotra is India’s wealthiest woman closely followed by Falguni Nayar, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Nilima Motaparthi, and Radha Vembu.

According to the ‘Leading Wealthy Women, 2021’ report published by Hurun India with Kotak Private Banking the cumulative wealth of the top 100 of India’s wealthiest women increased by 53% to ₹4,16,970 crore from ₹2,72,540 crore in 2020.

‘Leading Wealthy Women 2021’ is the third annual list of India’s wealthiest women, entrepreneurs, and professional managers, and the wealth calculations in the report are based on 31 December 2021. It highlights the success stories of India’s top 100 self-made or active women entrepreneurs, businesswomen, and professionals. 

Oisharya Das, CEO – Private Banking at Kotak Mahindra Bank.

Oisharya Das, CEO – Private Banking at Kotak Mahindra Bank, said in a statement:

“Each woman’s journey is unique; however, what is common among them is the drive, commitment and passion to succeed. Over the years, Indian women are slowly yet surely coming into their own – carving a space for themselves through knowledge, excellence, passion, and empathy.”

Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Chairwoman of HCL Technologies

The total wealth of Roshni Nadar Malhotra, estimated at ₹84,330 crores (AUD), increased by 54% in 2021. Further, under her leadership, HCL purchased seven IBM products worth ₹13,740 crores, the largest in its history.

Roshni Nadar Malhotra is closely followed by Falguni Nayar, the founder and CEO of Nykaa, with a net worth of ₹57,520 crores.

Falguni Nayar is India’s richest self-made woman and the world’s 10th richest self-made woman. She had previously worked with the Kotak Mahindra Group for nearly two decades. Falguni Nayar and her family’s net worth has jumped 963% in 2021 to ₹57,520 crores.

Falguni Nayar

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, the founder and CEO of Biocon, saw her wealth estimated at ₹29,030 crores which has declined 21% in 2021. In February 2022, her company announced the acquisition of the U.S.-based Viatris’ biosimilar business for ₹22,350 crores (US$3 billion).

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw

Nilima Motaparthi of Divi’s Laboratories is at number four with a net worth estimated at ₹28,180 crores.

Nilima Motaparthi

Radha Vembu ranks fifth with an estimated net worth of ₹26,260 crores. She is the sister of Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu and leads the company as the product manager of Zoho Mail.

Radha Vembu

Leena Gandhi Tewari of the global pharmaceutical and biotech corporation USV ranks sixth on the list. Her estimated wealth is ₹24,280 crore.

Leena Gandhi Tewari

Anu Aga and Meher Pudumjee of energy and environment firm Thermax rank seventh on the list.

Anu Aga and Meher Pudumjee

Neha Narkhede, the co-founder of data streaming company Confluent is eighth on the list. Her net worth stands at ₹13,380 crores. Neha had previously worked as a software engineer at Linkedin.

Neha Narkhede

Vandana Lal, the executive director of Dr Lal Path Labs, is at number nine with an estimated wealth of ₹6,810 crores. She is the new entrant to the top 10 list and handles the company’s R&D department.

Vandana Lal

Renu Munjal, the Managing Director of Hero FinCorp, ranks tenth on the list with an estimated net worth of ₹6,620 crores.

Anas Rahman Junaid, MD and Chief Researcher at Hurun India.

Anas Rahman Junaid, MD and Chief Researcher at Hurun India said in a statement:

“Women-led wealth creation directly improves women’s employment, corresponding families, and society. Inclusion of women, who represent 50 per cent of India’s population in the workforce or wealth creation, cuts across societal barriers.”

Almost one-fourth of the list constitutes new entrants and their cumulative wealth contributes to 2% of India’s nominal GDP. According to ‘Leading Wealthy Women 2021’, the cut-off for the new list was ₹300 crore.

Around 1,000 passenger complaints received against Air India in 3 months

Image: Air India (Source: Wikipedia)

India’s Minister of State for Civil Aviation V. K. Singh has informed Rajya Sabha that around 1,000 passenger complaints were received against Air India during the last three months.

Singh said these complaints were related to various issues such as refund of fares, overbooking of flights, and staff behaviour. In a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha, Singh added:

“Ministry of Civil Aviation has been receiving grievances related to air transport, including Air India, on the various issues such as refund of fares, flight issues, staff behaviour, baggage issues, overbooking of flights, etc.”

India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), on June 14 said it imposed a fine of Rs 10 lakh (AUD 18,000) on Air India for denying boarding to passengers holding valid tickets and thereafter not providing mandatory compensation to them.

The DGCA had in May said that the airlines are indulging in “unfair practice” of denying boarding to passengers even when they report for their flights at the airport on time.

Further, the aviation regulator had also asked all Indian carriers to give compensation and facilities to passengers affected by such denial of boarding, failing which it would impose financial penalties on them.

In July, aN AIR India-operated Boeing 787 plane with around 260 people on board suffered cabin depressurisation while flying from Dubai to Kochi. According to official sources, the flight was diverted to Mumbai and alternate aircraft was arranged to carry passengers from Mumbai to Kochi.  

Earlier this year in January, the Tata Group took control of Air India after winning the bid for the airline. The Tata Group, in a Twitter post, tagged Air India and said: “Your arrival was much awaited.” It also posted a photo saying “Welcome back, Air India!”.

In a press release, Tata Sons said:

“We philosophically agree with the Prime Minister’s vision for the aviation sector, of making it affordable and ensuring it contributes to boosting ‘Ease of Living’ for citizens.”

Air India has 12,085 employees – 8,084 permanent and 4,001 contractual. 

How did Sri Lanka run out of money? 5 graphs that explain its economic crisis

Anti-government_protest_in_Sri_Lanka_2022 (Wikimedia Commons)

By Thilak Mallawaarachchi and John Quiggin

Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic crisis in modern history. Its 22 million strong population is struggling with huge price increases for food, power, medicines and other necessities. That’s if they can get them at all, with private motorists spending hours queuing for their fuel quota.

This is why Sri Lankans have been protesting on the streets and stormed the President’s House.

How did it come to this?

The immediate cause of the crisis is straightforward: Sri Lanka ran out of foreign reserves, the currencies its government and citizens need to pay for imports.

How it got into this situation requires more explanation. It’s a story of fiscal imprudence, unsustainable exchange rate policy and chronic mismanagement.

Running out of foreign currency

Since the beginning of 2020 Sri Lanka’s demand for foreign currency has increased while its ability to earn foreign currency – through exports, loans and other capital inflows – has declined.

This is reflected in the steady decline in official foreign reserves held by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, falling from about US$8 billion to less than $U2 billion. (The Sri Lankan currency is “closed”, meaning it isn’t traded outside the country, so foreign exchange transactions have to go through the central bank).



As bad these figures are, the reality is worse.

Gross reserves aren’t the same as money in a bank account that can be used for payments. They include, for example, currency already committed to payments, and loans with conditions that limit imports from certain countries.

The actual amount of “usable” foreign currency is less. By early May it was barely US$50 million – a miniscule level for an economy that by the end of 2021 needed about US$75 million a day to pay for imports. This led to Sri Lanka’s government defaulting on a US$78 million interest payment in late May.

Declining currency inflows

Sri Lanka’s declining foreign currency inflows and increasing outflows are due to imports outpacing exports, Sri Lankans overseas sending less money home, the devastation of the tourism sector and higher debt repayments.

In two years Sri Lanka’s annual trade deficit has climbed from about US$6 billion to US$8 billion.



Two other key sources of foreign currency, money sent home by Sri Lankans living abroad and international tourism, were also hit hard.

At their peak, they more than offset the trade deficit for goods.

But since 2019 the value of remittances has fallen more than 20%. Income from tourism, devastated by the 2019 Easter bombings in which 269 were killed, has dropped almost 90% from its 2018 peak.



Propping up the exchange rate

Ordinarily a nation can avoid running out of foreign currency in two ways.

One way is to borrow money. Sri Lanka, however, was already heavily in debt before this crisis. Successive governments borrowed to finance infrastructure projects and prop up loss-making public utilities. With estimated annual debt service costs of US$10 billion, Sri Lanka is now a bad bet for lenders.

The second, and better, way is a floating exchange rate along the lines of those in Australia, Britain, Japan and the United States.

A floating rate helps to balance trade value because the currency’s value changes according to demand.

Technically Sri Lanka has a floating currency, but it is a “managed float” – with the government, primarily through the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, pegging and repegging the rupee’s value to the US dollar.

A government can do a number of things to maintain the value its currencies, but the main way is buy the currency itself, using foreign reserves. This is what Sri Lanka’s central bank did.

As foreign reserves ran down, the government adopted other riskier policies. Particularly disastrous was the April 2021 decision to ban fertiliser imports.

This was marketed as a policy to promote organic farming, but really it was about cutting demand for foreign currency.

The subsequent drop in agricultural production has only compounded the economic crisis.

Rising prices

Just as short-term solutions can create longer-term problems, so too can long-term solutions mean short-term pain.

Allowing the (pegged) rupee to depreciate more than 40% against the US dollar has pushed up inflation to 54%.



The help the Sri Lankan government is seeking from the International Monetary Fund is likely to hit people hard, at least initially.

Based on past experience, the IMF will want major commitments on government expenditure and other economic indicators before bailing out Sri Lanka.

But without action, life in Sri Lanka looks even more grim.

With shortages of imported raw materials, industrial output will shrink, creating a downward spiral of low output, low investment, and resultant low economic growth.



On the other hand, Sri Lanka has some natural advantages – from its natural beauty to the most literate population in South Asia. What it needs now is principled political leadership, competent economic management and the right policies.

Thilak Mallawaarachchi, Honorary Associate Professor, Risk and Sustainable Management Group, The University of Queensland and John Quiggin, Professor, School of Economics, The University of Queensland

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Indian-Australian couple’s ‘Hero Packaging’ wins Best Online B2B Retailer Award

Vik and Anaita Sarkar at ORIAS (LinkedIn)
Vik and Anaita Sarkar at ORIAS (LinkedIn)

Vik and Anaita Sarkar, the husband and wife duo co-founders of Hero Packaging have won this year’s Australia Post Online Retail Industry Awards (ORIAS).

ORIAS is an industry event that “celebrates all that is truly good and inspiring among the top performers in Australian e-commerce.”

The judging panel observed that their decision was based on “how well the nominee demonstrated the implementation of B2C e-commerce principles and in particular the success in growing their B2B business via online/e-commerce channels.”

ik and Anaita Sarkar (Hero Packaging website)

Vik and Anaita are passionate and “committed to removing plastic from packaging and shipping in Australia and the world.” Their website notes:

“To date, we have saved over 16,000,000 plastic mailers from entering the planet. On a daily basis, we send over 4,000 HEROPACKs around the world, and it is increasing rapidly!”

Hero was created after Vik and Anaita realised that their first e-commerce retail business was using way too much plastic in packaging products.

“We started to feel incredibly horrified at the amount of waste we were creating (and we were just one business!). The real cherry on top of the plastic pie was when our 2 girls were in our office during school holidays and were sitting amongst a pile of plastic, playing with the bubble wrap. We knew there had to be something better.”

Hero Packaging product (Website)

The couple started doing some research on ways to minimise plastic usage. However, they were unable to find cost- and eco-friendly alternatives to plastic mailers. They note:

“From that moment, we were on a mission to create that solution. And after testing a bazillion different materials, we found a material that was compostable, but also water proof, super durable and acted like plastic in the shipping process, but would break down in a compostable environment.”

Anaita Sarkar at ORIAS (LinkedIn)

On winning this award, the couple said in a LinkedIn post that they “are incredibly honoured to have won.” They added:

“We didn’t expect it because we were up against some incredible finalists.”

Thanking the team behind their businesses success, Anaita said:

“What a lot of people don’t know is how much this means. I have looked up to the likes of Jane Lu Julie Mathers Mark Baartse for so long and dreamt of starting a business I’m proud of. I’ve been consuming and implementing e-comm skills and testing and failing and re-testing strategies for a long time so to hear our name being called out was a moment I’ll never forget.”

Hero Packaging has a Head Office in Sydney and distribution warehouses all over Australia. The couple are also planning to expand in to the US and Canadian market. 

#BoycottFlipKart trends on Twitter after t-shirt with Sushant Singh Rajput’s photo tiggers sentiments

Flipkart t-shirt controversy; Image Source: Curate The Australia Today
Flipkart t-shirt controversy; Image Source: Curate The Australia Today

An online shopping platform Flipkart had to cope with the anger of Twitterati in India due to a T-shirt it was selling. This normal-looking T-shirt has a picture of late Indian film actor Sushant Singh Rajput who died in mysterious circumstances two years back.

However, the caption ‘Depression is like Drowing’ was the reason for netizens to react so sharply. Thousands of people said they feel offended by the message which tries to draw a conclusion that the late Sushant Singh has died because of depression.

This group of people loosely tend to believe that instead, Mr Rajput was killed by the ‘Bollywood Mafia’. 

After screenshots of Flipkart’s page were shared by many social media users people filed grievances with Flipkart and one Twitterati @imrudrabha even served a notice against the online shopping platform for selling T-shirts with a misleading quote. 

Another social media user wrote, “Country has not yet come out of the shock of Sushant’s tragic death. We will keep raising our voice for justice. Flipkart should be ashamed of this heinous act and should apologise so that such an incident will not be repeated again.#BoycottFlipkart”

The Australia Today is given to understand that after social media outrage Flipkart has removed the item from its list.

Why women of colour often excluded from mainstream domestic violence services and policy?

Domestic violence and women of colour; Image source: @CANVA
Domestic violence and women of colour; Image source: @CANVA

Jenny Maturi, The University of Queensland and Jenny Munro, The University of Queensland

In Australia, the discussion around gendered violence is increasingly focused on diversity. However, policy and services continue to be based mostly on the experiences of white, Anglo-settler women.

Our research, published in the Journal of Intercultural Studies, involved interviews with 31 frontline workers. These workers came from mainstream domestic violence organisations, refugee resettlement organisations, and migrant organisations that support women experiencing violence.

Domestic violence and women of colour; Image source: @CANVA
Domestic violence and women of colour; Image source: @CANVA

Blaming ‘culture’

Our research revealed domestic and family violence in refugee and migrant communities is often racialised and blamed on “culture”.

Some workers indicated “culture” contributed to refugee or ethnic minority women “putting up with” violence, whereas Anglo-settler Australian women would, apparently, not.

One Anglo-settler worker from a mainstream domestic violence organisation said:

Maybe they’re not used to having freedoms and rights and protection […] I’ve just noticed that women from perhaps African countries or Middle Eastern countries, possibly refugee women […] have a much higher tolerance I would say to violence […] they put up with a lot before reaching out.

When white women seem to “put up with” violence, the conversation is not about their “culture”. Instead, the focus is on what might prevent them from leaving.

Domestic violence and women of colour; Image source: @CANVA
Domestic violence and women of colour; Image source: @CANVA

That includes economic vulnerabilities and homelessness, and fear for their or their children’s safety. It includes worries that the law and police may not be able to protect them.

Instead of focusing on systemic problems and broader social inequalities, many blame women’s cultural backgrounds as the reason for them not engaging with mainstream services.

That’s despite evidence migrant and refugee women experiencing violence often encounter particular barriers – such as deportation threats and financial or language barriers – when they do reach out.

Critiquing the ‘culturally and linguistically diverse’ tag

The category of “culturally and linguistically diverse” reinforces the idea culture is something possessed by foreigners, refugees or ethnic minorities – rather than something all Australians have.

Quite a few service workers used “Australian” to refer to white Anglo-settlers when actually people of diverse ethnicities and identities are obviously Australian too.

Domestic violence and women of colour; Image source: @CANVA
Domestic violence and women of colour; Image source: @CANVA

The vague term “culturally and linguistically diverse” can set ethnic and cultural minorities apart from the majority. It can also homogenise them into a single, broad category. This can create the perception a single intervention will work for the entire group.

Domestic violence organisations, even migrant-specific ones, don’t have to collect client data on ethnicity, country of birth or visa pathways. Refugees and migrants are usually categorised simply as “culturally and linguistically diverse”. This limits our understanding of the unique experiences and needs of refugee and migrant women.

It’s time we critically reflected on whether the “culturally and linguistically diverse” terminology is still useful, or just entrenching inequalities.

Overwhelming small, migrant-led service providers

Instead of integrating diverse perspectives and needs into mainstream services and policy, a range of culturally and linguistically diverse-specific services have emerged.

“Mainstream” (typically Anglo-settler) Australians are usually referred to as “mainstream” services. “Culturally and linguistically diverse” peoples are increasingly referred to as “culturally and linguistically diverse” services.

Yes, there are few other options for services aiming to tailor support to cultural minorities. But we identified a number of consequences.

This approach seems to deepen assumptions and stereotyping based on “culture”. Workers in migrant services said they had clients referred to them only because the client was not fluent in English (even though all services can engage interpreters).

Domestic violence and women of colour; Image source: @CANVA
Domestic violence and women of colour; Image source: @CANVA

Some workers from cultural minority heritage said they were expected to take clients from cultural minority backgrounds on the assumption they shared their experiences or history.

Culturally and linguistically diverse-specific services are often small and underfunded compared to mainstream services.

This practice of referring refugee and migrant women can overwhelm smaller, migrant-led services. It also deprives mainstream workers of learning from women from diverse backgrounds.

We should stop referring women based on cultural stereotypes, or assuming that working with refugee and migrant women is not the job of mainstream services.

It’s time for change

Culture is often blamed for domestic violence in refugee and migrant communities.

The category “culturally and linguistically diverse” continues to reinforce assumptions. This contributes to “othering” and can lead to small services being overstretched.

It’s time the voices of refugee and migrant women experiencing domestic violence are heard and recognised in mainstream policies and programs. Policies and services should critically reflect on the cultures and inequalities within mainstream systems.

Jenny Maturi, Post Doctoral Research Fellow, School of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry, The University of Queensland and Jenny Munro, Lecturer, School of Social Science, The University of Queensland

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Meet Doctor Rashmi who treats children of Indian Army personnel for free

Meet Doctor Rashmi who treats children of Indian Army personnel for free; Image Source: The Australia Today
Meet Doctor Rashmi who treats children of Indian Army personnel for free; Image Source: The Australia Today

Dr Rashmi Vishwakarma is a paediatrician practising in Bhopal, India. What is unique about her practice is that she does not charge any fees for a child whose either parent is serving in the Indian Army or is an Army veteran.

A sign at her clinic’s entrance says “No Consultation Fees for Kids whose Parents are in Army”. Dr Vishwakarma in fact does not charge any fees for serving or retired personnel from the Indian Airforce or the Indian Navy too.

(Image Source: Supplied)

Dr Vishwakarma says that since childhood she has had deep respect for the Armed Forces. In fact when she was in school, Dr Vishwakarma aspired to be in the Airforce and her school teachers helped her find out about the the scope for girls in the Airforce at that time.

In those days (1990s), women were only employed in the ground staff services in the IAF but Dr Vishwakarma wanted to become a fighter jet pilot hence didn’t pursue a career in that direction. She says now though that it was her lack of knowledge that led her to not go for ground services and for underestimating their work for the country.

(Image Source: Supplied)

Dr Vishwakarma says that even though she did not pursue a career in the Armed Forces, this feeling of gratitude that she felt for the Indian Army and the Armed Forces continued, and when she started her clinic, she made this rule that she will not charge consultation fees for their personnels’ kids.

In Dr Vishwakarma’s opinion, all civilians should respect the Army as we and our families are safe and able to have all the amenities because the Indian Army is safeguarding us in all the adverse situations.

“Each one of us must try to do our bit for Army personnel and their families. Their family too deserves a salute as they bear all the problems but still allow their family personnel to sacrifice his/her life for the wellbeing of their countrymen.” 

(Image Source: Supplied)

Dr Vishwakarma says that many people liked this idea and appreciated this step especially the Army personnel with some even getting emotional when they read the sign at the entrance of her clinic. She says there were a few though who felt why she is not charging them fees as Army personnel get a handsome salary, to which her response was,

“This is the only profession where they are ready to scarifice their lives for strangers so I opt to do this little bit for them. Honestly speaking, Army people are high on self respect and they want to pay fees and not want waiving of the fees.”

(Image Source: Supplied)

Dr Vishwakarma completed her school and college education in Bhopal. To enhance her skills she has worked in different places like Gurgaon, Hyderabad and also the Maldives. She told The Australia Today why she became a doctor,

“I don’t have any medical background in my family. But due to my immense interest in medicine, I opted for this field. This is also a career where I can serve mankind and try to reduce their sufferings.”

Dr Vishwakarma also has an artistic bent and says that painting, sketching and other art forms give her happiness. She loves reading books and also enjoys gardening.

“I have seen my mom and grandma utilising each and every second, so I try to do that.”

Painting by Dr Rashmi Vishwakarma (Image Source: Supplied)
Painting by Dr Rashmi Vishwakarma (Image Source: Supplied)


Australian researchers’ diabetes breakthrough could eliminate need for daily insulin injections

Dr Ishant Khurana (Supplied)

Australian researchers based at Monash University have published a paper entitled ‘Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy‘ in the Nature journal that could lead to the regeneration of insulin in pancreatic stem cells.

According to Diabetes Australia, this is the fastest-growing illness in the country. At present, 1.8 million Australians suffer from diabetes and 500 million have the disease globally. Diabetes Australia says that Australians need to rethink diabetes:

“Every year 700,000 people living with diabetes experience mental or emotional health challenges. That’s because living with diabetes is not easy. It’s not a choice. And there are no days off.”

The study is led by diabetes experts Dr Keith Al-Hasani, Professor Sam El-Osta, and Dr Ishant Khurana, from the Monash Department of Diabetes. The researchers have developed “a revolutionary method to regenerate insulin cells without the ethical concerns that are commonly associated with embryonic stem cells.”

Monash University notes that their research “may lead to a potential treatment option for insulin-dependent diabetes which is diagnosed in seven Australian children every day resulting in a lifetime testing of blood glucose and daily insulin injections, to replace the insulin no longer produced by a damaged pancreas.”

2021 group. L-R: Mr Jairo Arturo Pinzon Cortes, Ms Mie Jensen, Dr Keith Al-Hasani, Dr Ishant Khurana, Professor Sam El-Osta, Dr Jun Okabe, Dr Scott Maxwell, Dr Harikrishnan Kaipananickal (Monash University)

Dr Keith Al-Hasani, one of the authors of the research study, told ABC, that “there are different forms of diabetes and it’s a disease that requires relentless attention.”

For Type 1 diabetes, generally first presents when patients are children, up to five insulin injections per day are required as young people adjusted to the disease. Dr Al-Hasani adds that Adult sufferers can administer up to 100 shots a month to manage the illness.

Professor El-Osta observes that by the time an individual is diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes (T1D)  many of their pancreatic beta cells, which produce insulin, have been totally destroyed. He adds:

“Patients rely on daily insulin injections to replace what would have been produced by the pancreas. Currently, the only other effective therapy requires pancreatic islet transplantation and while this has improved health outcomes for individuals with diabetes, transplantation relies on organ donors, so it has limited widespread use.” 

Dr Ishant Khurana (Twitter)

Co-author Dr Khurana, a research fellow in the El-Osta research group at the Department of Diabetes, said: “we’re reprogramming cells that don’t generally produce insulin, to express insulin now.” He adds:

“This is a big breakthrough in the diabetes realm.”

Dr Khurana’s major research interests are understanding the role of epigenetic changes and transcriptional regulation implicated in human health and disease. As an expert in comparative analyses and biostatistics for the integration of epigenetic data, Dr Khurana’s work is critical for large-scale projects like these. In 2017, he was also the recipient of the ‘Young Investigator Award – East meets West Symposium.’

Insulin (Wikimedia commons)

Dr Khurana’s parents migrated to Australia from India in the early 1990s when he was 7 years old. He told The Australia Today that the stories about this “complex human disease” in India and the Pacific motivated him to take up this research field.

“The burden of this complex disease in our community and especially to discover the unknown motivated me to delve deeper into research.”

Dr Khurana points out that diabetes is very common in Fiji with almost 1 in 3 Fijians diagnosed with this disease. He adds:

“I am looking forward to working collaboratively with Indian and Pacific researchers active in this field to find solutions that would help the community.”

For the current project, the researchers are using a compound GSK126 which is approved for use to treat another condition by the US Food and Drug Administration. The researchers point out that so far this compound has not been used for diabetes treatment in Australia or elsewhere. 

As diabetes cases rise globally, researchers worldwide are facing the challenge of improving treatments. Monash researchers acknowledged that there is still a long way to go in diabetes research before a potential treatment could be used in humans. Dr Al-Hasani says that “more work is required to define the properties of these cells and establish protocols to isolate and expand them.” He adds:

“I would think therapy is pretty far away. However, this represents an important step along the way to devising a lasting treatment that might be applicable for all types of diabetes.”

Dr Khurana says the ultimate goal of their research is to eliminate the need for daily insulin injections.

Victoria becomes best-performing economy in Australia

City of Melbourne, Australia; Picture Source: @CANVA
City of Melbourne, Australia; Picture Source: @CANVA

Victoria has emerged as Australia’s best-performing state economy in the latest quarterly CommSec State of the States report.

Victoria has taken the number one position from Tasmania after more than two years. Behind the top grouping of four economies in the CommSec report are Western Australia, South Australia, and NSW, followed by the Northern Territory.

Each of the Australian states and territory economies was assessed on eight key indicators: economic
growth; retail spending; equipment investment; unemployment, construction work done;
population growth; housing finance and dwelling commencements.

List of Australia’s best-performing state economies

1. Victoria
2. Australian Capital Territory
3. Tasmania
4. Queensland
5. Western Australia
6. South Australia
7. New South Wales
8. Northern Territory

The report shows that Victoria has created an exceptionally strong job market. This has helped propel the state to the top of the list.

Victoria's Premier Daniel Andrews; Picture Source: The Australia Today
Victoria’s Premier Daniel Andrews; Picture Source: The Australia Today

Further, recent figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) have also shown that Victoria’s unemployment rate is at a near 50-year low of 3.2 per cent. The CommSec report shows that Victoria delivered the largest jobs growth of all states and territories in June, with more than 28,000 new jobs, boosting the total number of Victorians in work to a record high of more than 3.54 million.

CommSec Chief Economist Craig James (CommBank)

CommSec Chief Economist Craig James has explained that Victoria was closely followed by the ACT, Tasmania, and Queensland.

“Victoria may have moved to the top of the economic leader-board, but there is little to separate the top four economies. Victoria leads the way on two of the eight economic indicators. But showing how even the rankings are, the ACT and South Australia also each lead other economies on two of the eight indicators.”

James further added:

“When looking at annual growth to get a guide on economic momentum, Queensland had annual growth rates that exceeded the national average on all of the eight indicators.”

He says that the future economic performance would depend on how economies were affected by growing COVID-19 case numbers and also how they respond to rising interest rates.

Tasmania previously held the number one spot for the past nine quarters.

Do we care enough about COVID?

Covid-19 Outbreak Mask up Melbourne
Covid-19 Outbreak Mask up Melbourne

By Frank Bongiorno

The COVID-19 pandemic has already generated its own mythology. In Britain, they talk of the “myth of the blitz” – the idea of a society that pulled together in the second world war to withstand the bombs dropped by the Luftwaffe with pluck, bravery and humour.

In Australia, our COVID-19 myth is about a cohesive and caring society that patiently endured lockdowns, border closures and other ordeals. Like many myths, ours has some foundation in reality. It might be a poor thing when considered alongside wartime Britain’s wartime sacrifices, and you have to ignore the empty toilet paper shelves in the local supermarket, but it still has its own force. It might be especially potent in Melbourne, where the restrictions were most severe and prolonged.

The COVID-19 myth is now presenting its puzzles to true believers. If you imagined we all pulled together for the common good, and because we have the good sense to look after our own health, you are likely to find it strange that we are now apparently prepared to tolerate dozens of deaths in a day. The total COVID death toll is now above 11,000.

More than tolerate: there has been a preparedness to pretend nothing out of the ordinary is happening.

All of this seems a far cry from those days when we hung on the daily premiers’ media conferences and experienced horror as the number of new infections rose above a few dozen a day, a few hundred, and then a thousand or so. Have our senses been blunted, our consciences tamed?

Public discourse is never neutral. It is always a product of power. Some people are good at making their voices heard and ensuring their interests are looked after. Others are in a weak position to frame the terms of debate or to have media or government take their concerns seriously.

The elderly – especially the elderly in aged-care facilities – have carried a much larger burden of sacrifice than most of us during 2020 and 2021. They often endured isolation, loneliness and anxiety. They were the most vulnerable to losing their lives – because of the nature of the virus itself, but also due to regulatory failure and, in a few places, gross mismanagement.

Casual and gig economy workers, too, struggle to have their voices heard. On his short journey to an about-face over the question of paid pandemic leave, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at first said the payment was unnecessary because employers were allowing their staff to work from home. Yet the conditions of those in poorly paid and insecure work have been repeatedly identified as a problem for them as well as for the wider community, because they are unable easily to isolate.

Up to his point, however, our democracy has spoken: we want our pizzas delivered and we want to be able to head for the pub and the restaurant. And we are prepared to accept a number of casualties along the way to have lives that bear some resemblance to those of the pre-COVID era.

The “we” in this statement is doing a lot of heavy lifting. There is a fierce debate going on about whether governments – and by extension, the rest of us – are doing enough to counter the spread of the virus. Political leadership matters enormously in these things.

In the years following the second world war, Australia’s roads became places of carnage, as car ownership increased and provision for road safety was exposed as inadequate. It peaked around 1970, with almost 3,800 deaths – more than 30 for every 100,000 people. Road fatalities touched the lives of many Australians. If not for the death of my father’s first wife in a vehicle accident on New Year’s Day in 1954, I would not be around to write this piece today.

In the 1960s and 1970s, the coming of mandatory seatbelt wearing and random breath-testing helped bring the numbers down. Manufacturers made their cars safer. Public campaigns urged drivers to slow down and stay sober. These were decisions aimed at avoiding avoidable deaths, despite the curtailment of freedom involved. https://www.youtube.com/embed/nQ-IvxZiZYk?wmode=transparent&start=0

These decisions were also in the Australian utilitarian tradition of government, “whose duty it is to provide the greatest happiness for the greatest number” – as the historian W.K. Hancock famously explained in 1930. The citizen claimed not “natural rights”, but rights received “from the State and through the State”. Governments made decisions about how their authority could be deployed to preserve the common good and protect individuals – from themselves as well as from others.

Governments have during the present surge so far been willing to take what they regard as a pragmatic position that the number of infections and fatalities is acceptable to “the greatest number”, so long as “the greatest number” can continue to go about something like their normal lives.

But this utilitarian political culture also has its dark side. It has been revealed persistently throughout the history of this country – and long before anyone had heard of COVID-19 – as poorly equipped to look after the most vulnerable. The casualties of the current policy are those who have consistently had their voices muted and their interests set aside during this pandemic – and often before it, as well.

These are difficult matters for governments that would much prefer to get on with something other than boring old pandemic management. The issue is entangled in electoral politics – we have just had a federal contest in which major party leaders studiously ignored the issue, and the nation’s two most populous states are to hold elections in the next few months. Governments also realise that restrictions and mandates will meet civil disobedience.

But COVID cannot be wished away. At a minimum, governments need to show they are serious about it to the extent of spending serious money on a campaign of public information and advice on issues like mask-wearing and staying home when ill. They usually manage to find a sufficient stash of public money ahead of each election when they want to tell us what a beaut job they’ve been doing. They might now consider whether something similar might help to save lives.

Frank Bongiorno, Professor of History, ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences, Australian National University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Indian Australian community celebrates Droupadi Murmu’s election as President of India with ‘Havan and Pooja’

Droupadi Murmu took the oath of office as the 15th President of India on Monday 25th July. A woman politician from the tribal (Janjatiye) community will be head of the Indian Republic for the very first time.

The ceremony of the assumption of office took place in the Central Hall of the Indian Parliament. Ms Murmu was escorted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice-President and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha M Venkaiah Naidu, and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to the Central Hall.

Oath of office to Droupadi Murmu was administered by the Chief Justice of India NV Ramana.

On July 22, the former Jharkhand governor Murmu registered a historic win over her rival Yashwant Sinha in the Presidential election, becoming the first woman tribal candidate and the second woman in the country’s history to occupy the highest office in the country.

Social media is flooded with congratulatory messages like, “It is a historic movement for India to elect the first member of the tribal (Janjatiye) community as President of India.”

Why shouldn’t we be proud of Mrs Droupadi Murmu’s election? questions Vikas Reddy a banking officer in Melbourne.

He told The Australia Today, “Australian or I should say western media portray a divide within the Indian community in the name of religion, caste and region.”

“This election is such demonstration of uniqueness of India that gives opportunity to all citizens regardless of their social-cultural background,”

said Mr Reddy.

Sri Durga Temple with 40 other Australian Hindu organisations performed a special ‘Havan and Pooja’ for the long life of the newly elected President of India Droupadi Murmu.

Gurpreet Verma is vice president of the management committee of Melbourne’s Shri Durga Temple.

Mr Verma told The Australia Today, “On behalf of the temple management committee I would like to invite the Honourable President of India to Sri Durga Temple for pooja-archna.”

“We will be very happy, privileged and honoured to host Madam President when she visits Australia in near future,”

added Mr Verma.

Perth-based organisation Sanmskruthi and NRI Rising Club also organised a celebratory program and explained to its members what Droupadi Murmu’s election means to Indian Australians.

Vijay Kumar Pillai from Sanmskruti told The Australia Today that Ms Murmu hailing from Santhal tribal and taking charge from Ramnath Kovind who comes from the Dalit community says everything about India’s real transformation.

NRI rising club’s Rohit Aeri Sharma says, “I don’t know any other country than India who is making all efforts to make every citizen feel empowered.”

The Australian business community also reacted with much enthusiasm and celebrated Ms Murmu’s election.

Sydney-based Sheba Nandkeolyar is the founder & CEO of MultiConnexions Group.

Ms Nandkeolyar wrote on social media, “#India you have done it again! You have made 1.3 billion Indians and the 31+ million diaspora living overseas proud of #NewIndia.”

#Talent does not discriminate be it #colour#race#religion#income#caste#age or #creed. So why should people be discriminative?

she added.

Gitesh Agarwal, Director -Corporate Affairs with HCL Technologies wrote, “Awe-inspiring. I share my birthday with the new President.. Here is believing… That the resilience comes built-in.”

Image

Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi congratulated Ms Murmu on her election as new President of the country and said she has emerged as a ray of hope for citizens, especially the poor, the marginalised and the downtrodden.

Who is Droupadi Murmu:

Born in a Santali tribal family on June 30, 1958 in Uparbeda village coming under Mayurbhanj district in Odisha, she had her education from Bhubaneswar and went on to work first as a junior assistant in the State Irrigation and Power Department from 1979 to 1983.

After this short stint as a clerk, she became a teacher at Sri Aurobindo Integral Education Centre at Rairangpur till 1997.

MS Murmu commenced her journey in the field of politics in 1997 by joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). She was first elected as the councillor of the Rairangpur Nagar Panchayat and then went on to become the chairperson of the same panchayat in 2000. Later, she also served as the national vice president of the BJP Scheduled Tribe Morcha.

She became a member of the council of ministers in the BJP and Biju Janata Dal coalition government in Odisha, first becoming the minister of state with independent charge for commerce and transportation from March 2000 to August 2002 and then minister for fisheries and animal resources development from August 2002 to May 2004.

A legislator from the Rairangpur assembly constituency in the years 2000 and 2004, she was conferred Nilkhantha Award for the best MLA by the Odisha assembly in 2007.

In 2015, Murmu became the first woman governor of Jharkhand. She also became the first woman tribal leader from Odisha to be appointed as the governor of a state.

However, during her political journey, she faced several lows in her life. Her husband Shyam Charan Murmu, passed away in 2014. She also lost both of her sons all in a span of just 4 years.

She devoted her life to serving society, empowering poor, downtrodden and marginalized sections of society. She has rich administrative experience and an outstanding gubernatorial tenure in Jharkhand. Murmu has made a special identity in public life by spreading awareness about education in tribal society and serving the public for a long time as a public representative.

The President of India is the head of state in India. He/She is considered the first citizen of the country, acting on the advice of the Council of Ministers. According to article 60 of the constitution, the primary duty of the President of India is to uphold, defend, and preserve the Indian constitution and the law. The president appoints the Chief Justice of India and other judges on the advice of the chief justice.

Cricket Australia signs $361m deal with Disney Star to broadcast in India

The World Champion Australian Women Cricket team; Image Source: Cricket Australia

Cricket Australia has announced a seven-year deal with Disney Star to broadcast in India and “other territories across Asia”.

The agreement is reported to be more than US$250m (A$361m) to broadcast men’s and women’s international cricket and the Big Bash League from season 2023-24.

Chief Executive Nick Hockley (Cricket Australia)

Cricket Australia’s Chief Executive Nick Hockley said in a statement that they are delighted to have secured the new partnership. He said:

“Disney Star is synonymous with the game in India, and we look forward to working with them to showcase the outstanding cricket played in Australia every summer.”

Cricket Australia is hopeful that Disney Star’s massive audience reach will provide enormous exposure for Australian cricket and for CA’s commercial partners in the world’s largest cricket market. Hockley added:

“There was significant interest in our rights and we are very grateful to our current rights holder, Sony, for their partnership, which will continue throughout this season.”

Disney Star’s Head of Sports, Sanjog Gupta (Twitter)

Disney Star’s Head of Sports, Sanjog Gupta, said in a statement that this deal would guarantee fans in India and other parts of Asia to continue seeing the finest cricket. he added:

“Cricket Australia represents some of the best content that the world of cricket has to offer. Some of the most memorable moments for Indian fans have been produced in Australia, and we look forward to elevating many more such moments.”

Disney Star network’s entertainment portfolio cuts across general entertainment, sports, films, infotainment, kids, and lifestyle content. Disney Star also recently won the TV broadcast rights for the T20 Indian Premier League from 2023-27.  

WHO declares Monkeypox a global health emergency. Here’s what that means

Monkeypox (WHO)

By Paul Hunter

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the current monkeypox epidemic a global health emergency.

The committee of independent advisers who met on Thursday July 21 2022, were split on their decision on whether to call the growing monkeypox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) – the highest level of alert.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (Wikipedia)

The head of the WHO, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, broke the deadlock and declared the outbreak a PHEIC. This is the first time the WHO director general has side-stepped his advisers to declare a public health emergency.

The first case of monkeypox was reported in a child in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (then Zaire) in 1970. Since then, outbreaks have generally been small and traceable to an individual who recently returned from a country where the virus is endemic – that is, countries in west and central Africa. But the current outbreak is unlike any previous one outside of Africa in that there is sustained person-to-person transmission of the infection.

As of July 22, there have been 16,593 confirmed infections in 68 countries that have not historically reported monkeypox. Most infections have been reported from Europe. The large majority of infections have been in men who have sex with men, especially men who have sex with multiple partners.

Models presented to the WHO suggest the average number of people infected by a single infected person (the so-called R nought – remember this from the early days of the COVID pandemic?) is between 1.4 and 1.8 in men who have sex with men, but less than 1.0 in other populations. So although occasional infections can spill over into populations other than men who have sex with men, further significant spread is unlikely.

In Europe, in recent weeks there has been a slowing in the rate of increase in new monkeypox cases each week. The large majority of infections are still occurring in men who have sex with men.

In the UK, 97% of cases are in men who have sex with men, but it does look as though the rate of growth in the epidemic has fallen to zero or even become negative in recent weeks. But it is plausible that the apparent dip in new infections is the gap between consecutive waves.

Experts have recently been debating whether monkeypox is now a sexually transmitted disease. Even though monkeypox is undoubtedly spread during sex, labelling it as an STD would be counterproductive, as the infection could spread through any intimate contact, even when wearing condoms or without penetrative sex.

A graph showing cumulative monkeypox cases in the current outbreak
Cumulative confirmed monkeypox cases in the current outbreak. Our World in Data, CC BY

For and against declaring a global health emergency

Broadly, the WHO’s emergency committee arguments in favour of declaring a global health emergency included that monkeypox satisfies the requirement of a PHEIC under the WHO’s International Health Regulations: “an extraordinary event, which constitutes a public health risk to other States through international transmission, and which potentially requires a coordinated international response”.

Added to this are concerns that in some countries there is likely to be substantial under-reporting of case numbers, the occasional reports of infections in children and pregnant women, concerns that the infections could become endemic in human populations or be reintroduced into at-risk groups even after the current monkeypox pandemic is over.

Arguments against declaring it a global health emergency included the fact that the large majority of infections are currently being seen in just 12 countries in Europe and North America, and there is evidence of cases stabilising or even falling in those countries.

Almost all cases are in men who have sex with men and who have multiple partners, which provides opportunities to stop transmission with interventions targeted at this group. Another argument is that the severity of the disease outside appears to be low.

Although the emergency committee was not able to reach a consensus, Tedros took the decision to declare a PHEIC.

This declaration of a global health emergency will probably not lead to much change in control activities in the most affected counties outside of Africa. However, it may stimulate those countries that have seen few cases so far to ensure their health systems are better able to manage if the infection does spread within their countries. Hopefully, it may also stimulate funding for research and improvements in the capacity in endemic countries to manage the disease.

Paul Hunter, Professor of Medicine, University of East Anglia

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

423,559 Indian workers returned home between June 2020 and Dec 2021

Delhi airport (Wikimedia Commons)

A total of 423,559 Indians returned from 14 countries between June 2020 and December 2021 revealed the Indian government in Lok Sabha.

More than half of these workers returned from Saudi Arabia and the UAE. While, during the same period, a total of 141,172 Indian nationals went to work in six West Asian countries.

Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan (Twitter)

The Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan told the parliament in a written reply to a question. Citing figures from the Indian government’s eMigrate system, Muraleedharan said:

“While a large number of Indian workers, particularly in the Gulf, returned to India due to Covid-19, the economic recovery in that region and their increasing openness to travel from India has now seen a return by many of them.”

He further added that according to the eMigrate portal, a total of 416,024 Emigration Clearances (ECs) were issued for Emigration Check Required (ECR) countries between January 1, 2020 and June 30, 2022.

Image shared by Hardeep Singh Puri (Twitter)

Muraleedharan said that Modi government’s priority during the Covid-19 pandemic was ensuring that its impact on Indian workers was mitigated. He added:

“To that end, the [external affairs] ministry and all our missions in the Gulf were continuously engaged with the government of the Gulf nations to maintain the workers, ensure their welfare and facilitate financial payments due to them.”

The external affairs ministry, in collaboration with the civil aviation ministry, facilitated the repatriation of citizens stranded abroad during the pandemic through Vande Bharat Mission.

Earlier Minister for External Affairs Dr S. Jaishankar has said that “Vande Bharat mission where we brought back Indians from abroad in Covid crisis was daunting.”

India’s Union Minister for Housing & Urban Affairs & Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri too had acknowledged the importance of Vande Bharat Mission during Covid-19.

During this period, the largest number of Indians – 152,126 – returned from the UAE, followed by Saudi Arabia (118,064), Kuwait (51,206), Oman (46,003), Qatar (32,361), Bahrain (11,749), Malaysia (9,228), and Jordan (2,243). In addition, Indian workers also returned from Iraq (342), Lebanon (210), Thailand (18), Indonesia (7), and Afghanistan (1), and Sudan (1).

The largest number of Indians – 51,496 – travelled to Qatar for work, followed by Saudi Arabia (36,451), Oman (21,340), the United Arab Emirates (13,567), Kuwait (10,160), and Bahrain (8,158).

Partner charged with murder of Shereen Kumar after woman’s body found in bushland

Shereen Kumar Facebook

37-year-old Vincent Carlino has been charged with the murder of Shereen Kumar after a woman’s body was discovered in bushland off Lauire Road, Dural in Sydney’s Hills District. The 43-year-old Sydney mum was reported missing to the police on thursday morning.

According to the police co-ordinated searches of the surrounding areas were undertaken over the last three days, with assistance from PolAir and the Dog Unit as part of the investigation.

About 5.50pm on Saturday (23rd July) police located the body of a woman during the search in bushland off Laurie Road, Dural.

A crime scene was established, which is being examined by specialist forensic police.

The body is yet to be formally identified but is believed to be that of Ms Kumar.

The investigators arrested Vincent Carlino at a home on Taylors Road, Dural just after 11.30 pm on Saturday.

He was taken to Hornsby Police Station and charged with murder (DV). He was refused bail by the Parammatta Bail Court today (Sunday).

43-year-old Shereen Kumar was a part time model and had been featured in several magazines in Australia and overseas. She also ran a dog walking business with Mr Carlino who was her boyfriend.

Image Source: Shereen Kumar Facebook

Ms Kumar’s ex-husband, Gurpreet Beehan, told Daily Mail Australia that Ms Kumar was an incredible mother to their two kids and her death has left the family ‘heartbroken’.

Image Source: Shereen Kumar Facebook

In a cold July, Adelaide comes to life with art of light, sound and movement

Image Source: The Australia Today
Image Source: The Australia Today

By Catherine Speck

On cold nights in July, Adelaide audiences are flocking to an extraordinary festival of light and sound.

The top bill of the Illuminate festival is Wisdom of AI Light, an immersive digital performance in which the audience experiences art meshed with science at breakneck speed. Billed as a “digital renaissance”, it is much more than that.

Held in a large pop-up space, the creators are the Istanbul-based Ouchhh Studio who are exploring the limits of what machines can do.

Spurred on by Alan Turing’s Computing machinery and intelligence (1950), a host of digital artists have been exploring how machines replace the artist in thinking, making art and music.

Ouchhh Studio take the digital art revolution to a whole new level. Art history is a data set from which their artificial intelligence scientists, animators and designers create algorithms that produce stunning visual effects that dance over the walls and floor of the space.

Ouchhhh Studio, The Wisdom of AI Light, Tyr Liang/Xplorer Studio/Illuminate Adelaide

Every so often, Leonardo da Vinci’s enigmatic Mona Lisa (1503) or his Vitruvian Man (1490) appear, along with fragments from Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling (1508-12) or Pieta (1498-99), only to dissolve into particles.

In the second part of the performance, the creators turn to the writings of Galileo, Einstein and other physicists. Snippets of their text and scientific symbols dance across the walls and floor, only to dissolve into computer language or abstract designs.

May be an image of tree and road

The partnership of the Ouchhh Studio with scientists at CERN and NASA is ground-breaking: their multi-sensory performance is a visual feast.

Painting trees with light

In the botanical gardens, the Montreal-based Moment Factory is presenting another after-dark spectacle, Light Cycles. The Moment Factory’s laboratory is in the forest. Trees, plants and built structures become their canvas.

Moment Factory’s Light Cycles. Tyr Liang/Illuminate Adelaide

A curated pathway through the gardens takes audience members on a journey where light, music and video interact. The world of every day slips away and nature comes alive.

At one point, you move through a maze of intersecting laser lights. At another, lights dance up and down giant trees accompanied by thumping music that emulates the fantasy-laden tree monsters of children’s stories.

Further on, a choreography of lights dances across a lake performing movements to rival contemporary dance. The finale is the changing light parade at the Palm House.

This deeply performative, immersive and experiential walk-through light and sound is utterly stunning.

Rewriting history

Illuminate Adelaide is also lighting up buildings throughout the city after dark. The façade of the Art Gallery of South Australia is host to Vincent Namatjira’s Going Out Bush.

The gallery’s classical columns become gum trees in the Hermannsburg style of watercolour painting made famous by Albert Namatjira, while Vincent weaves in and out of Country in his great-grandfather’s signature green truck.

Illuminate Adelaide featuring Going Out Bush by Vincent Namatjira, Art Gallery of South Australia. Courtesy the artist and Iwantja Arts, photo: Saul Steed

The imagery is, at one level, jocular and folksy. At a deeper level it is rewriting colonial history. The scene is set in Indulkana, the artist’s home in the APY (Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara) Lands, where the local football team plays and the camp dog roams.

Colonial power, symbolised by images of Captain Cook and the Queen, becomes First Nations power. The heads of Captain Cook and the Queen are replaced by Vincent Namatjira’s: a nighttime dream or more?

Studies in melancholy

Within the walls of the Art Gallery of South Australia, Robert Wilson: Moving Portraits is on show. While not a part of Illuminate Adelaide, its focus is also light, sound and movement.

Wilson’s fascination is stillness – and the movement in stillness. His 23 video portraits are teasingly titled “moving portraits”.

Wilson is a major contemporary art world figure, best known for his collaboration with Philip Glass in Einstein on the Beach (1975), and most recently for his radical new interpretation of Handel’s Messiah (2020). In his highly innovative work across the performing and visual arts, the reductive forms of space and time are always at play.

Some of Wilson’s subjects for his highly staged, theatrical pieces in his Moving Portraits are actors because they are trained to hold a pose. The scenes created are frequently steeped in art history, cinema or literature as in Lady Gaga: Mademoiselle Caroline Riviere (2013).

Robert Wilson, born Waco, Texas, 1941, Lady Gaga: Mlle. Caroline Riviere, 2013, HD video, music by Michael Galasso. Courtesy of RW Work Ltd.

This video portrait, which draws on Jean Auguste-Dominique Ingres’s famous 1806 portrait, replicates its costume and pose perfectly, but for Wilson it is a study in melancholy. The youthful Caroline Riviere died a year after Ingres’s portrait commission.

In filming, Lady Gaga held the pose for seven hours. The video portrait, which runs on a loop over several minutes, is intensely still and subdued. A tear intermittently runs down Lady Gaga’s face. A snow goose occasionally flies above to allude to the brevity and beauty of life.

Each Wilson video portrait is paired with objects from the gallery’s collection, for this one it is a Roman balsarium (c.50-200 CE), a delicate glass tear-collecting receptacle a mere 13cm high.

Wilson sees his portraits as opening up a psychological window for the viewer, the balsarium is uncanny in completing the effect.

In another intense portrait of Chinese expatriate writer and Nobel Laureate for Literature, Gao Xingjian, Writer (2005), space is compressed. The portrait zones in on his cropped face. Every facial line and skin pore are visible.

Robert Wilson, born Waco, Texas, 1941, GAO XINGJIAN, Writer, 2005, HD video, music by Peter Cerone. Courtesy of RW Work Ltd.

With his eyes closed, apart from the slight flicker of the eyelids, the face becomes a record of struggle and success. Text in French from Jean Paul Sartre, edges slowly across his face reading, in English, “solitude is a necessary condition for liberty”.

The video portraits extend to animals, the human-animal nexus a particular fascination for Wilson. This includes the intriguing Ivory, Black Panther (2006) which Wilson and his technicians filmed for 23 long minutes in a domestic setting, the panther’s eyes directed at these intruders.

Robert Wilson, born Waco, Texas, 1941, IVORY, Black Panther, 2006, HD video, music by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, text by Heiner Muelle, voice by Robert Wilson. Courtesy of RW Work Ltd.

The union between the humans and this potentially dangerous animal is palpable: the stillness is both unnerving and its drawcard.

Other moving portraits include a softer, more vulnerable Brad Pitt, Actor (2004), clad only in boxer shorts and socks, standing in the rain and holding a water pistol, a reference to Alfred Hitchcock.

Wilson works collaboratively. That starts with his subject, and extends to his creative team who, following the theatrically staged shoot, spend another two weeks editing and sound mixing. Each portrait comes with an accompanying soundtrack.

When looking at the Wilson video portraits, time slows down; the slight movement in the imagery, such as Winona Ryder’s feather on her hat swaying in her intriguing Winona Ryder Actress (2004), requires careful looking. Viewers in the exhibition space are being subtly inducted into Wilson’s mantra of “movement in stillness” in this deeply affective series which is poetry in motion.

A truly exquisite exhibition.

Illuminate Adelaide is at multiple venues until July 31. Robert Wilson: Moving Portraits is at the Art Gallery of South Australia until October 3.

Catherine Speck, Emerita Professor, Art History and Curatorship, University of Adelaide

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

More than two in five Australians face mental disorder in their lifetime, says ABS study

Depressed (Wikimedia commons)

More than two in five (43.7 per cent) Australians aged 16-85 years have experienced a mental disorder in their lifetime, says the latest findings released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

The National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing study used the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview 3.0 diagnostic tool (CIDI 3.0 tool) to determine mental disorders.

Linda Fardell, head of health and disability statistics at the ABS, said in a statement that the new study paints a comprehensive picture of mental disorders in the community, and gives a snapshot of wellbeing. She said:

“At the national level, the Study shows that 43.7 per cent (8.6 million) of Australians aged between 16 and 85 have experienced a mental disorder at some time in their life. In 2020-21, one in five people (21.4 per cent) experienced a mental disorder. Anxiety was the most common group of mental disorders; 16.8 per cent of all Australians had an anxiety disorder, 7.5 per cent had an affective disorder such as depression, while 3.3 per cent had a substance use disorder.”

The study also shows that around 1.1 million (39.6 per cent) of young adults aged 16-24 years experienced a mental disorder in 2020-21. Ms Fardell added: 

“Almost half (46.6 per cent) of young females and one third (31.2 per cent) of young males aged 16-24 years had a mental disorder in 2020-21, with anxiety disorders being the most common type of disorder among young females and males.”

Ms Fardell further adds that the study also gives insights into the actions people took to manage their mental health.

“Some 17.5 per cent (3.4 million) of Australians had at least one consultation with a health professional for their mental health in 2020-21. General practitioners were the most common type of health professional consulted.”

According to the study, of people with a mental disorder in 2020-21, almost half (47.1 per cent) had at least one consultation with a health professional for their mental health.

In addition to these consultations, 4.4 per cent (or 864,100) of Australians accessed at least one digital service for their mental health, such as crisis support or counselling services and online treatment programs or tools.

This study was funded by the Department of Health and Aged Care as part of the Intergenerational Health and Mental Health Study.

The ABS will publish results from the second cohort (2021-22) of the study in 2023, as well as results from a combined sample on the ABS website.

If you or someone you know requires assistance or support, contact: Lifeline: 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636

Even in the political after-life, Morrison departs from the norm

Prime Minister Scott Morrison; Image Source: Supplied
Prime Minister Scott Morrison; Image Source: Supplied

By Joshua Black

In the past fortnight, former prime minister Scott Morrison has reemerged as a subject of public discussion. First, there was rumour about his interest in securing work with the Australian Rugby League Commission, which he promptly dismissed as “pub talk”.

Second, Morrison made his debut on the international lecture circuit with an address to the Asian Leadership Conference in Seoul. He seized that opportunity to criticise China and defend his own government’s pandemic legacy, suggesting “history would treat his government more kindly” than contemporaries have done.

Then the former prime minister went to Perth to deliver a sermon at the Victory Life Centre, the Pentecostal Church led by conservative former tennis star Margaret Court. In his 50-minute address, he stressed that Australians should put their trust in God rather than in governments or the United Nations. He also warned that prevailing feelings of anxiety – about the ongoing pandemic, the climate crisis or the cost of living – were part of “Satan’s plan”.

With that performance, Morrison has signalled that he will likely depart from the established conventions of post-prime ministerial life in Australia.The leadership instability of recent years in both major parties has generated a relatively high number of ex-PMs. Their behaviour, and the reactions they receive, tell us much about our political culture.

Australia has never had more than eight former prime ministers alive at one time, and in the mid-20th century, three of them died in office. Today there are seven of them still with us, all of whom have seen their reputations rise and fall.

Australia’s most successful former leaders have been those who deliberately try to embody generosity, magnanimity and a degree of bipartisanship. The first former prime minister, Edmund Barton, set that standard in 1903 when he resigned from the top job to continue his public service on the newly created High Court. His biographer Geoffrey Bolton suggested Barton enjoyed his transformation in public opinion from “Tosspot Toby” to that of a “well-regarded elder statesman”.

Several of Australia’s postwar leaders have emulated that model. Gough Whitlam and Malcolm Fraser left the bitter politics of the dismissal behind them and dedicated themselves to humanitarian causes. Whitlam was Australia’s ambassador to UNESCO in Brussels, while Fraser campaigned against apartheid in South Africa before joining humanitarian group CARE Australia. Both were highly critical of their successors.

Kevin Rudd has spent the past decade immersing himself in the challenge of US-China bilateral relations, and campaigning against the impact of News Corp on Australian politics. In 2016, he unsuccessfully sought Australia’s nomination for the post of secretary-general of the United Nations.

In the recent past, Julia Gillard has similarly committed herself to causes such as the promotion of girls’ education in Africa, chairing mental health support service Beyond Blue, and helming the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership at King’s College London. Her erstwhile critics at The Australian newspaper admitted that this was no “miserable ghost”.

Conservatives have enjoyed their political afterlives too, albeit often in distinctly partisan ways. Earlier prime ministers such as George Reid and Stanley Melbourne Bruce were sent to London as Australia’s High Commissioner, working the British establishment. The aged Robert Menzies used his 12 years of retirement to write reminiscences, defend the British Empire from its inexorable decline, and enjoy the cricket. John Howard has studiously emulated Menzies (to the point of writing a book about him), although he remains a vigorous partisan campaigner during elections.

Even a highly unpopular leader can be rehabilitated in public opinion. Paul Keating’s “big picture” vision for Australia, which voters rejected heavily in 1996, looked more attractive after a decade of cultural division under the Howard government. By the same token, despite having lost his own seat in the landslide of 2007, Howard seemed a “byword for stability” during the leadership turmoil of the 2010s, and there was much nostalgia about him.

Under Gillard, Labor sank to new lows in the polls, but in the years since her removal in June 2013 her reputation recovered significantly, judged by some scholars to be the best prime minister post-Howard.

The public have had a little less tolerance for leaders who seem to be chasing money. John Gorton “raised a few eyebrows” with his whiskey advertisements, although Whitlam managed to get away with advertising spaghetti sauce because of his self-deprecating performance.

The popular Bob Hawke faced a fierce backlash in the 1990s following his explosive memoirs, his very public business investments, and his attempts to make money from short media appearances. It took time, some rewriting of history, and footage of beer consumption at the footy, to rekindle his love affair with the public.

Since Hawke, Australian politicians have followed their British and US counterparts by publishing memoirs in great volumes, but the lucrative international lecture circuit has been slightly less open to them.

It has been even more unseemly to be seen to act out of vengeance or bitterness. In the 1920s and 1930s, former prime minister Billy Hughes stayed in parliament and often caused significant headaches for his fellow non-Labor MPs, even voting to turf them out of office in 1929. Some felt him a “great statesman and patriot”, others a “renegade”.

Billy McMahon remained in parliament for ten years after his defeat in 1972, apparently with no aspiration to leadership. In the more recent past, Rudd and Tony Abbott both stayed in parliament after initially losing the confidence of their parties, yearning to retake the highest office.

Malcolm Turnbull left parliament immediately on being removed in August 2018, and as Aaron Patrick has recently argued, he was outwardly bitter at his removal and passionately critical of his successor at every turn. Bitterness is a public emotion that alienates former leaders from their supporters.

The job of a former prime minister is awkward, defined by the past rather than the future, and by the absence of formal power. It is a role without a script. The awkwardness is embodied in Shaun Micallef’s The Ex-PM, an ABC satire about a former prime minister who hires a writer to draft his memoirs, but finds he has no real story to tell.

But former leaders still have a meaningful role to play if they wish. They enjoy private offices, staff, and travel privileges subsidised by the public. They retain their extensive high-level contacts and enjoy an enormous public platform from which to speak. Parting shots at colleagues and embittered book tours reflect a fractious political culture, but can be forgiven if the offender makes peace, finds a new calling, or develops a stately persona above the partisan din. In time, if they appear magnanimous, generous and “above” daily politics, they can become a reassuring and encouraging presence within their partisan community.

By urging his audience not to trust in the institution of government itself, and by taking his Pentecostal rhetoric to such heights, Morrison is parting with former prime ministerial convention. The congregation may have approved, but his fellow Liberal MPs appeared less enthused.

Such indulgences are unlikely to re-cultivate the respect of the electorate.

Joshua Black, PhD Candidate, School of History, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Bollywood superstar Ranveer Singh’s nude photoshoot starts hilarious meme fest on social media

Ranveer Singh (Image source: Paper magazine)

Bollywood superstar Ranveer Singh’s recent nude photoshoot has ended-up creating a meme fest on social media.

The Indian actor posed naked in front of the camera naked for Paper magazine’s cover which dubbed him as “the last Bollywood superstar.” 

In his interview with the magazine, Ranveer Singh spoke about how the pandemic left a deep impact on him.

“Everything’s gone to shit. I understand that this journey of life is an agonizing f**king journey. It’s agonizing to just exist. I am hyper-sensitive to everything around me, it’s just the way I am, it’s how I’m wired.”

He further added:

“It’s so easy for me to be physically naked, but in some of my performances I’ve been damn f*ing naked. You can see my f*ing soul. How naked is that? That’s being actually naked. I can be naked in front of a thousand people, I don’t give a s*t. It’s just that they get uncomfortable.”

Some praised the Bollywood superstar while others used social media to post various reactions and rib-tickling memes since the release of the naked pictures.

Here are some memes:


Ranveer Singh was recently seen on Netflix’s Ranveer vs Wild with Bear Grylls.

He will star in Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani  and will also feature in Rohit Shetty’s Cirkus.

Helping Indian subcontinent students adjust to Australian universities, some tips

Over the past decade, the number of students from the Indian subcontinent has surged exponentially in the Australian higher education system. Given the importance of higher education for the Australian economy, these Indian subcontinent international students also represent a significant resource for both Australian universities and Australia.  

However, given the rise in numbers of Indian subcontinent students at Australian universities, is the local staff capable of addressing their distinctive cross-cultural needs?

To find an answer to this complex and under-researched topic, a team of interdisciplinary researchers from Central Queensland University (CQU) conducted semi-structured focus group interviews with the academic and professional staff to gain insights into their perceptions and experiences with Indian subcontinent students.

Dr Ritesh Chugh, one of the authors of this research paper, told The Australia Today that there’s a lot that needs to be done by both faculty and management at Australian universities. He says that this timely study has both practical and policy implications for all Australian universities. He adds:

“Given the large and growing numbers of subcontinent students enrolled in Australian higher education, this study is timely.”

The new research demonstrates that academic and professional staff strongly recognise the need to engage with Indian subcontinent students’ understandings of teaching and learning, including academic cheating or plagiarism. The researchers note:

“The ‘colonial hangover’ model of higher education, whereby the onus on acculturation is solely on the student is unsuitable as all participating staff considered themselves to have a significant role in alleviating subcontinent students’ cross-cultural challenges.”

Dr Monika Kansal, who is the lead author of this research paper, points to the following key areas based on multiple focus group interviews:

  • institutional actions to alleviate cross-cultural challenges
  • peer to peer mentoring
  • skills and mental health support services for Indian subcontinent students, and
  • staff training in cross-cultural awareness.

She is hopeful that a focus on the above areas by both the academic staff and university management could help alleviate the social and academic challenges faced by Indian subcontinent students. 

The research team says that recruiting Indian subcontinent students seeking immigration opportunities via university enrolment was a significant and interesting finding of the focus groups. They point out that most Indian subcontinent international students in Australia study management, commerce, engineering, information technology, or other technology-related subjects. The researchers note:

“Focus group participants suggested that a greater effort needs to be made by universities to ensure overseas agents and recruiters are providing the right information to potential students, including the temporary nature of their legal status in Australia and the requirement to observe the conditions of their student visas.”

Dr Chugh reiterates that Australian universities must ensure that overseas education agents provide correct information to prospective Indian subcontinent students both pre and post-arrival. 

The findings have been published in a research paper entitled “Alleviating cross-cultural challenges of Indian subcontinent students: University staff perspectives” authored by Monika Kansal, Ritesh Chugh, Anthony Weber, Stephanie Macht, Robert Grose, and Mahsood Shah.

Lucky to have influence of Indian culture while growing up: Clr Charishma Kaliyanda

Image Source: Charishma Kaliyanda Facebook
Image Source: Charishma Kaliyanda Facebook

Indian origin Charishma Kaliyanda was elected to the Liverpool City Council in 2017. She is a member of the Labor party. Charishma was born in Bengaluru, India but moved with her family to Australia in the early 1990s. She was named among the ’40 Under 40: Most Influential Asian Australians 2021′ and is a registered Occupational Therapist.

In a free flowing and candid interview with The Australia Today Charishma spoke about her journey into politics, the footprint of the Indian-Australian community in multicultural Australia and the importance of the Australia-India relationship. Catch the full interview with Councillor Charishma Kaliyanda here:

Rahul Kumar, a trainee nurse, attacked by armed group in Sydney

Rahul Kumar, crime victim: Image Source: 7News screenshot
Rahul Kumar, crime victim: Image Source: 7News screenshot

Rahul Kumar, a 30-year-old trainee nurse, was attacked by a group of armed thugs on Saturday afternoon.

Local community leaders fear that this attack on Rahul Kumar could be the start of another round of youth street fights.

Rahul was ambushed by a group of six people who carried bats and metal poles as he walked to his car outside Plus Fitness Westmead.

In the footage aired by 7 News, the attackers can be seen running toward their target Rahul from all angles. Rahul said:

“I was making my way to the car and some random people – there were six or seven people – they just attacked on me with the things they had.”

Rahul Kumar, crime victim: Image Source: The Australia Today
Rahul Kumar, crime victim: Image Source: The Australia Today

The attack left Rahul requiring stitches in his head, a broken arm, and some bruising. He added:

“My head was bleeding, my shirt was totally red in blood.”They bashed me badly.”

Rahul, who is now afraid to leave home, said his attackers were dressed in balaclavas and hoodies thus making it hard for him to identify them.

NSW Police told the media that the motive of the attack at this stage remains under investigation.

Foreign investors buying property to pay double fees from Friday 29 July

Foreign investors buying property in Australia; Image Source: @CANVA
Foreign investors buying property in Australia; Image Source: @CANVA

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has announced delivering Labor’s election commitment to increase foreign investment fees and penalties.

From Friday 29 July, foreign investment application fees will double.
This will generate an additional $455 million in Budget revenue over the forward estimates.

Mr Chalmers however reiterated that Australia still welcomes foreign investment that is in Australia’s interests.

“Foreign investment application fees ensure the cost of administering the foreign investment framework is not borne by Australians, and penalties encourage compliance with our rules,”

Treasurer further added.
Foreign investors buying property in Australia; Image Source: @CANVA
Foreign investors buying property in Australia; Image Source: @CANVA

“Australia continues to be an attractive place for investment. We have a lot to offer global investors including strong institutions, transparent regulations and a highly‑skilled workforce.”

“We welcome foreign investment in Australia because it plays a crucial role in Australia’s economic success and will continue to be important into the future.”

Treasury statements says that foreign investment fees will continue to make up only a small proportion of total foreign direct investment.

Treasurer Chalmers stressed that decisions like this are made necessary by the state of the Budget he has inherited from his predecessor.

Foreign investors buying property in Australia; Image Source: @CANVA
Foreign investors buying property in Australia; Image Source: @CANVA

“We will always put Australian interests first. That means ensuring Australians benefit from foreign investment in Australia,”

Mr Chalmers added.

Under the current economic environment tackling housing affordability and helping more Australians into home ownership is a significant challenge and the Albanese government takes it seriously.

Foreign investors buying property in Australia; Image Source: @CANVA
Foreign investors buying property in Australia; Image Source: @CANVA

The Albanese Government has an ambitious housing reform agenda to address this challenge. Changes to foreign investment fees and penalties will help to deliver this reform agenda including Help to Buy a new program to assist Australians into home ownership.

How to deal with hangry kids and try not to let it happen again – 3 tips from experts

Hungry Child; Image Source: @CANVA
Hungry Child; Image Source: @CANVA

Alison Spence, Deakin University; Alissa Burnett, Deakin University, and Georgie Russell, Deakin University

Like adults, children can get “hangry” – a combination of angry and hungry.
Hangriness may be caused by blood glucose levels dropping, leading to irritability, bad mood, anger or tantrums.

Children have smaller stomachs than adults so may become hungry again sooner. Some may not notice they’ve become very hungry until the moment of crisis.

So, what can parents do when hangriness strikes – and reduce the risk of it happening again?

Hungry Child; Image Source: @CANVA
Hungry Child; Image Source: @CANVA

What’s really going on?

First: is your child really hangry, or just angry? Feeding straight away isn’t always the answer. Ask yourself:

  • how long has it been since they last slept, and how was last night’s sleep? If they’re actually tired, a storybook, toy or cuddle might do. Consider whether their next meal can be earlier today – before they’re too tired to eat.
  • has anything else upset them? If so, act on this, rather than using food to distract or soothe.
  • how long has it been since they last ate? Did you miss a meal in the parenting rush? It happens! Maybe it’s time to pause for a healthy snack.

If it’s not long until lunch or dinner, you could:

  • just wait
  • let them start on the vegetable component of the meal, or
  • snack on some easy veggies (of age-appropriate texture) like a carrot, capsicum or cucumber.

Dinner could be trickier if they’ve filled up on yoghurt or biscuits, so try not to serve things they love (other than veggies) at this time.

If your child complains of hunger but only wants a particular food or refuses veggies, consider whether they really are hungry.

Hungry Child; Image Source: @CANVA
Hungry Child; Image Source: @CANVA

Try not to get foods and emotions too entwined

Many adults struggle with overeating to manage their emotions, a behaviour often learned in childhood.

It’s important to find other ways of improving moods so children don’t learn to rely on foods to manage emotions. Explore other activities like listening to music, playing, or having a cuddle. We can also teach children other non-food-based ways to manage their emotions, such as mindfulness and deep breathing.

Using food as a reward or to calm down can also lead to emotional eating. This may increase children consuming foods irrespective of hunger.

On the other hand, overly restricting food can have unintended effects and lead to emotional eating.

3 ways to reduce hangriness risk

1. Maintain a regular eating routine

For most young children, three meals and two snacks a day work well. Having these at predictable times helps children learn to eat at meal times and be able to wait until the next meal.

Try to limit grazing. Grazing can set up a cycle where children aren’t hungry at meal times, so eat little, but then become hungry (or hangry) again soon after.

This can frustrate parents who’ve prepared a meal that isn’t eaten and then feel pressured to prepare extra foods between meals. Grazing, even on nutritious foods, can also contribute to tooth decay.

2. Include foods that help children feel fuller for longer

Try to serve nutritious, substantial snacks. Including some protein and carbohydrates can help maintain their energy levels from one meal to the next.

Try natural yoghurt, milk, hummus, nuts/nut butter (of age-appropriate texture), eggs, oat muesli or wholegrain bread, to go with fruit or veggie snacks.

Hungry Child; Image Source: @CANVA
Hungry Child; Image Source: @CANVA

3. Encourage children to pay attention to their hunger and fullness cues

It can be tempting to pressure kids to eat more at mealtimes or offer different foods if they reject what’s served.

But this is unlikely to help in the long run and can create a rod for your own back. It can turn mealtimes into a battle and parents into short-order chefs.

Pressuring children to eat can override their ability to self-regulate; they can get into a habit of overeating instead of listening to their hunger and fullness cues.

Parents provide, kids decide” reminds us a parent’s role is to provide nutritious foods at regular intervals; it’s the child’s role to decide how much to eat.

If you include something at each mealtime you know your child will eat, such as a favourite vegetable, then they’ll likely eat something if they are hungry.

If they really don’t want to eat then maybe they aren’t hungry, and that’s OK.

Hungry Child; Image Source: @CANVA
Hungry Child; Image Source: @CANVA

Other tips include eating together, eating the same foods, modelling enjoyment of those foods, and turning screens off while eating.

This is general advice for healthy children, but some may have more interest or enjoyment in food, or be fussier, and may be particularly prone to difficult behaviour when hungry. If your child experiences severe fussiness, restricted eating, or you have concerns about their nutrition or health, speak with your child’s health nurse, doctor, or accredited practising dietician.

Hungry Child; Image Source: @CANVA
Hungry Child; Image Source: @CANVA

If you are finding it financially difficult to get enough nutritious food for your family, support is available to access food and low-cost recipes.

A good child’s health and nutrition are unlikely to suffer with occasional short bouts of hunger.

Yes, hangriness happens occasionally (it’s normal for children to test the boundaries!). But it’s OK to stay firm and ride it out. With an eating routine, there’s another meal not too far away.

Alison Spence, Senior Lecturer in Nutrition and Population Health, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), Deakin University; Alissa Burnett, Lecturer in Nutrition Sciences, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, and Georgie Russell, Senior Lecturer, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), Deakin University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Plastic waste and the need for small digital labs for Linguistics

River_litter_plastic_fragments_1 (Wikimedia Commons)

By Dr Chander Shekhar Singh

The biotic environment consists of all living beings including microorganisms, plants, and animals. The crisis in the physical environment can easily influence the biotic environment of the biosphere. Human activities have already disturbed the biotic environment.

Pollution (Wikimedia commons)

Science and its sister technology have come to occupy an incomparable place in the various activities of the human social system. Human society developed science and technology to solve problems of human beings but we have started misusing the technology for our own unnecessary benefits. One of the greatest problems human beings are facing today because of sudden developments in science and misusing technology is pollution. 

Pollution is a serious and complex issue

The problem of pollution is very complex because food chains and food webs functioning in the biosphere are very complex. It is estimated that the maximum population of human beings use plastics every day at home and outside, it does not matter which type of plastic we are using. We all can start observing the environment-related problems in our own residences and we have to involve all family members in such issues.

Food chains and food webs (YouTube screenshot)

I have also involved my own twelve-year-old daughter, Manikarnika Kaur in the environment awareness programs. This is the appropriate time to prepare or train our next generation for correcting our mistakes and solving environment-related issues.  

In recent research, scientists over and done with the fact as any kind of plastic (the plastic products used at homes as shown in the pictures above) can have severe effects on the food web. 

Plastic waste and the need for a digital lab for Linguistics

When we feel we need some new perspectives and insights into this area, we can think about making a digital laboratory available to the students of Linguistics and many other applied courses of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences and Sciences in the universities and colleges. 

Digital Lab (Wikimedia Commons)

The Digital Lab is a collection of communication and control tools that enables a teacher to control, monitor, and communicate with the students. It will help the teacher to create courses, activities, examination, and evaluate students’ progress for the desired academic areas /subjects. The lab will allow students to get the best use out of the new eco-friendly materials and with COVID-19 guidelines as possible.  

Create a shared distributed infrastructure using plastic waste

The key idea is to construct and operate shared distributed infrastructure by using plastic waste in building materials, acoustic/soundproof plasters and bricks, etc. that aims at making modern digital laboratory resources and relevant technology available to the student-teacher communities of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Sciences.

Plastics can be easily characterised as durable with low volume density and sound-absorbing features thus plastic waste can be utilized as acoustic material for small laboratories of Linguistics. Milan Kolarević et al discussed the acoustic properties of recycled plastic and a proposed digital design of the bricks with sound absorption properties has been given by Guzman and Munno (2015).

Further, many scientists and researchers are continuously working on absorbing the plastic waste in the building construction works. We can also use plastic waste in making roads, cinema halls, commercial buildings, offices etc. What we need is a ‘proper coordination and full cooperation of everyone in the utilization of our own plastic waste’.  

Contributing Author: Dr Chander Shekhar Singh is currently an Associate Professor and teacher In-Charge at the Department of Linguistics, Rajdhani College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India. He has to his credit four authored books in Linguistics and one edited book on environmental studies. He has also participated in many campaign programs related to environment awareness issues.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The Australia Today is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information in this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts, or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of The Australia Today and The Australia Today News does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

Melbourne makes it to the list of World’s Most Mispronounced Places 

Melbourne CBD (Amit Sarwal)

Australian city Melbourne has been ranked at number 21 on a list of the most mispronounced places in the world.

Experts note that the Victorian capital, Melbourne, is correctly pronounced “Mel-buhne”, but many incorrectly pronounce the R.

The language learning platform Preply used Google search data to rank most common searches for how to pronounce place names. It said in a statement:

“Preply has analyzed Google Search data for 68 well-known “hard to pronounce” places around the world. They looked at the places people ask about “How to pronounce” most often. They then ranked each place according to how difficult it is to pronounce by the number of people searching for it.”

Here’s the list of 20 places often mispronounced:

1. Cannes, France

Correct pronunciation: KAN or KAN-uh / Incorrect: CON or CONZ or CON-es

2. River Thames, London, England

Correct pronunciation: TEMZ / Incorrect: THAYMZ

3. Yosemite National Park, USA

Correct pronunciation: yoh-SEH-muh-dee or yoh-SEH-muh-tee / Incorrect: yoh-SEH-mi-nee or YOH-se-might

4. Louvre Museum, Paris, France

Correct pronunciation: LOO-vruh / Incorrect: LOOV or LOO-vray or LOO-vraa or LOO-ver

5. Versailles, France

Correct pronunciation: vair-SIGH / Incorrect: ver-SALES or ver-SAY-les

6. Seychelles, East Africa

Correct pronunciation: SAY-shellz / Incorrect: say-CHE-les

7. Ibiza, Spain

Correct pronunciation: ee-BEE-tha / Incorrect: ih-BEE-za or eye-BEE-tha or ee-BEE-za

8. Phuket, Thailand

Correct pronunciation: poo-KET / Incorrect: FUE-ket or fue-KET or FUH-ket

9. Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda

Correct pronunciation: an-TEE-guh / Incorrect: an-TEE-gwah

10. Dubai, UAE

Correct pronunciation: doo-BAY / Incorrect: doo-BYE

11. Oaxaca, Mexico

Correct pronunciation: wah-HAH-kah / Incorrect: OAK-suh-kuh or oh-AX-uh-cuh

12. Maldives, Indonesia

Correct pronunciation: MULL-deevz / Incorrect: mal-DIVES or MAL-deevz or MOLE-deev

13. Laos

Correct pronunciation: LOUSE (like “blouse”) or LOU (like “loud”) / Incorrect: LAY-os or LA-ose or LOSS

14. Beijing, China

Correct pronunciation: bay-JING / Incorrect: beige-ING

15. Seoul, South Korea

Correct pronunciation: SUH-ool or SOLE / Incorrect: SEE-ole or see-ULE

16. Reykjavik, Iceland

Correct pronunciation: RAKE-yah-veek / Incorrect: RAKE-juh-vick

17. Worcester, England

Correct pronunciation: WUSS-tuh or WUSS-ter / Incorrect: WAR-chest-er or WAR-cess-ter

18. Budapest, Hungary

Correct pronunciation: boo-da-PESHT / Incorrect: boo-da-PEST or BOO-da-pest

19. Qatar

Correct pronunciation: KUH-ter / Incorrect: kuh-TAAR or KAT-aar

20. Edinburgh, Scotland

Correct pronunciation: ED-in-bruh or ED-in-bur-uh / Incorrect: ED-in-berg or ED-in-buh-row or EED-in-berg

Deakin University offers $4.5 million scholarship in recognition of India’s 75th year of Independence

Deakin University; Image Source; Deakin SouthAsia
Deakin University; Image Source; Deakin SouthAsia

Australia’s Deakin University has announced its Research Scholarships Program 2023, which offers a 100% tuition fee waiver to 20 high-achieving Indian students for the entire duration of their onshore higher degree by research studies at the university.

Ravneet Pahwa, Vice-President (Global Alliances) and CEO (South Asia), Deakin University, said in a statement that these scholarships are in recognition of “India’s 75th year of Independence and 28 years of Deakin University’s presence and engagement in India.”

She noted:

“Deakin’s Research Scholarships Program aim to provide Indian students with an opportunity to study with our vibrant research community in Australia and pursue meaningful research that can provide solutions to global challenges.”

The scholarship recipients will receive a 100% tuition fee waiver and an annual stipend of up to Rs 15 lacs (almost $26,000) for full-time, on-campus study for up to three years.

Deakin said in a statement that Indian students would also be eligible to receive a one-time relocation allowance of up to Rs 1.5 lacs (almost $2,500) and health insurance cover for their student visa. Deakin notes:

“Through these scholarships, students will be able to re-imagine their careers, connect with industry, and create an impact alongside world-leading researchers at Victoria’s number one university for overall employment.”

Deakin University; Image Source; Deakin SouthAsia
Deakin University; Image Source; Deakin South Asia

Professor Julie Owens, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research, Deakin University, said in a statement that Deakin’s focus is on promoting research that has an impact on local and global communities.

She observed:

“Through the Research Scholarships Program, we will provide passionate students with the opportunity to focus on making an original and significant contribution in their chosen area of research.”

Professor Bas Baskaran, Pro Vice-Chancellor International Research Partnerships, Deakin University, adds that Deakin has a deep presence and engagement in India.

Deakin University; Image Source; Deakin SouthAsia
Deakin University; Image Source; Deakin South Asia

He says: 

“We have had deep connections with India for almost three decades and our collaborations with eminent institutes in the region have led to exceptional innovation and research over the years.”

Deakin University; Image Source; Deakin SouthAsia
Deakin University; Image Source; Deakin South Asia

Applications for the scholarship are open for students meeting the below eligibility criteria:

  • A Master’s degree with at least two-thirds of the degree comprising a thesis graded at 80% and above
  • A Master’s degree by coursework or graduate diploma, which includes a research project or thesis of 10,000 to 20,000 words, and 80% and above standard and research methodology units
  • Relevant postgraduate research experience
  • Independently refereed journal articles, publications, or conference papers
  • Professional reporting or prior learning
  • Research-related awards or prizes
  • IELTS/TOEFL scores are mandatory

The last date to submit the application is 15th October 2022.

Australia second most preferred country for Indians renouncing their citizenship 

Indian Australians at a citizenship ceremony
Indian Australians at a citizenship ceremony

The year 2021 saw a significant rise in the number of Indians who gave up their citizenship. India’s Ministry of Home Affairs released the data which shows 1,63,370 renouncing their citizenship in 2021 as opposed to 85,256 in 2020.

However, the numbers for the year 2019 were at 1,44,017 Indians renouncing their citizenship.

Indian Passport and Australian Visa; Image Source: @CANVA
Indian Passport and Australian Visa; Image Source: @CANVA

The Indian government data shows that the United States of America (USA) is on the top of the chart as the most preferred place for Indian citizens to settle down. Indians who received American citizenship increased from 30,828 in 2020 to 78,284 in 2021.

Australia with all its charms has emerged as the second most preferred place in the last year for Indian citizens. As per Indian Ministry of Home Affairs data, 23,533 Indians renounced their citizenship and became Australian citizens. In 2020, this number was significantly low because of lockdowns, that year 13,518 Indians gave up their citizenship for one in Australia.

Generally, Canada witnesses a very heavy influx of Indian international students and skilled workers. However, it slipped to number three in the year 2021 with a total of 21,597 choosing the Canadian citizenship over Indian.

Top 10 countries where Indians renounced their citizenship in 2021:

1. United States (78,284 in 2021 from 30,828 in 2020)

2. Australia (23,533 in 2021 from 13,518 in 2020)

3. Canada (21,597 in 2021 from 17,093 in 2020)

4. United Kingdom (14,637 in 2021 from 6,489 in 2020)

5. Italy (5,986 in 2021 from 2,312 in 2020)

6. New Zealand (2,643 in 2021 from 2,116 in 2020)

7. Singapore (2,516 in 2021 from 2,289 in 2020)

8. Germany (2,381 in 2021 from 2,152 in 2020)

9. The Netherlands (2,187 in 2021 from 1,213 in 2020)

10. Sweden (1,841 in 2021 from 1,046 in 2020)

In the last seven-year period between 2015- 2021 over nine lakhs, twenty-four thousand persons renounced their Indian citizenship as per Indian ministries data.

However, among people who gave up Indian citizenship in the last three years (2019-2021) over 43% of the 3.92 lakhs became citizens of the USA rest were divided between dozen other countries.

Mehtaab Group’s Vikramjeet Singh Khalsa to face court for allegedly underpaying Indian international student

Fair Work Ombudsman and Paint Splash; Image Source: The Australia Today

The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) has commenced legal action against the operators of a Melbourne painting business for allegedly failing to comply with a Fair Work Commission order to pay unfair dismissal compensation and comply with a compliance notice to pay annual leave entitlements owed to a migrant worker.

Facing court is Melbourne’s western suburb Tarneit-based Mehtaab Group Pty Ltd, which operates a business trading as Paint Splash, and the company’s sole director and shareholder, Vikramjeet Singh Khalsa.

FWO began an investigation after receiving a request for assistance from an Indian international student Mehtaab Group had employed for almost a year. 

In June 2021, the Fair Work Commission found that earlier that year Mehtaab Group unfairly dismissed the worker.

The Fair Work Commission ordered the company to pay the worker $21,491 compensation, plus superannuation, within two weeks. The company allegedly failed to make the payments to her.

The regulator investigated and attempted to secure voluntary compliance but it is alleged that the compensation remains unpaid.

During the investigation, a Fair Work Inspector also formed a belief that Mehtaab Group failed to pay the worker’s accrued but untaken annual leave entitlements when it dismissed her.

In September 2021, the inspector issued Mehtaab Group a Compliance Notice, which required the company to calculate and back-pay any outstanding entitlements owed to the worker.

upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/7/75/Fa...

The Fair Work Ombudsman alleges Mehtaab Group has breached the Fair Work Act by failing to comply with a Fair Work Commission compensation order and by failing to comply with the Compliance Notice. It is alleged Mr Khalsa was involved in both breaches.

Fair Work Ombudsman Sandra Parker said the legal action would reinforce the importance of complying with Fair Work Commission orders and Compliance Notices.

“It is fundamental for the integrity of the workplace relations system that Fair Work Commission orders and our Compliance Notices are complied with,” Ms Parker said.

“The Fair Work Ombudsman is prepared to take legal action to ensure that employees receive all compensation and entitlements they are lawfully entitled to.” 

“If a court finds a Compliance Notice has been breached, they can order a business to pay penalties on top of having to back-pay workers. Any employees with concerns about their pay or entitlements should contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for free advice and assistance,” added Ms Parker.

For allegedly failing to comply with the Fair Work Commission order, Mehtaab Group faces a penalty of up to $66,600 and Mr Khalsa faces a penalty of up to $13,320. For allegedly failing to comply with the Compliance Notice, Mehtaab Group faces a penalty of up to $33,300 and Mr Khalsa faces a penalty of up to $6,660.

The Fair Work Ombudsman is also seeking court orders for the company to pay the outstanding compensation and superannuation owed to the employee, plus interest, and for the company to comply with the Compliance Notice, including by rectifying any underpayment in full. A directions hearing is listed in the Federal Circuit and Family Court in Melbourne on 28 July 2022.

Employers and employees can visit www.fairwork.gov.au or call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94 for free advice and assistance. A free interpreter service is available on 13 14 50.

India on course to become fastest growing economy despite global recession fears

India growth; Image Source; The Australia Today
India growth; Image Source; The Australia Today

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has stated that the Indian economy remains resilient despite fears of a global recession.

RBI observed this in its monthly bulletin. It stated:

“There are sparks in the wind that ignite the innate strength of the economy and set it on course to becoming the fastest growing economy in the world, though besieged it might be by fears of recession.”

According to the RBI, the Indian economy has been showing signs of resilience. This is despite high-risk aversion in financial markets that is stampeding portfolio investors.

The RBI further stated that this is taking down all currencies against the unrelenting strength of the US dollar.

Further, the provisional data released by the National Statistical Office (NSO) on July 12 showed that retail inflation in India has eased marginally in June to 7.01 per cent.

The RBI notes that the recent surge in inflation will be left behind if the price moderation endures alongside the easing of supply chain pressures. This will help the Indian economy to escape the global inflation trap. The RBI said in its bulletin:

“There is some evidence now that supply-chain pressures are peaking globally and in India, so that a major source of upward inflation pressures may be ebbing.”

RBI said India’s current account deficit (CAD) could widen to 2.3% of GDP in 2022/23 if oil prices average $105 per barrel. It would widen to 2.8% if oil averages $120 per barrel but still remain “within the sustainable limit of 3%”.

RBI has also called for close and continuous monitoring of the widening trade deficit and capital outflows. Currently, India’s forex reserves have declined by USD around 40 billion in 2022.

The major political parties have a membership problem. Footy club marketing might offer some solutions

Stoppage_in_an_AFL_game (Wikimedia Commons)

By Hunter Fujak

A huge story emerging from the 2022 federal election result was the grassroots strength of independents, who dislodged both Liberal and Labor in historically “safe seats”.

But the woes of the major parties extend beyond election day; they’re also reflected in the terminal trajectory of party membership.

In 2020, the Guardian reported the Australian Labor Party has around 60,000 members. The Liberal Party is currently estimated to have around 40,000 members, down from 197,000 during the halcyon days of the 1950s.

By comparison, there were eight AFL clubs in 2021 with more members than each of the two major parties. Two have more members than both parties combined.

When factoring in population growth, the rate of Liberal Party membership has plummeted since the 1950s, while AFL club membership has grown roughly eightfold since the 1980s.

So, what can the major parties learn from footy clubs about how to grow community support?

Mixing sport and politics

Political parties and sport teams are in fact quite conceptually similar.

Both represent a tribe of people who share a common identity, competing against other such tribes in contests bound by formal rules – whether they are elections or matches.

Political parties and sport teams aren’t just about winning (or at least, they shouldn’t be). At their best, they nurture a wide and passionate base of supporters through collective identity.

Despite a common purpose, they diverge fundamentally in their approaches to attracting support.

Major political parties engage in what marketers call “transactional marketing”; they largely concentrate on obtaining a sale (a vote) at a single moment in time (an election).

Such transactional approaches foster weak attachment to the major political parties outside election times, leaving them vulnerable to shifts in voter preferences.

Sport teams strive for what’s known as “relational marketing”; they concentrate on building relationships with fans that nurture attachment and longer-term loyalty.

Fostering such loyalty is vital for sport teams to ride out the bumps that come with fluctuating on-field performance.

The value of a relational approach is particularly evident in periods of crisis.

Despite the Essendon Bombers’ drug scandal being dubbed the “blackest day in Australian sport”, the club’s membership tally actually increased in the immediate aftermath, as supporters galvanised behind the club.

Of course, treating political parties like sports teams – which fans tend to support through thick and thin – risks encouraging bad policy; a rusted-on Liberal or Labor supporter may find themselves supporting the party even when it releases terrible policies.

There is a similar problem in sport; footy clubs accused of systematic cheating or even institutional racism, tend to retain supporters.

I’m not arguing blind support is ideal – but rather that the success footy clubs have found in growing membership and connecting with communities could offer some lessons for the major political parties.

3 tenets of sports marketing

Here are three key lessons the major parties could take from footy clubs.

1. Authentically connect with target communities

Brand authenticity means developing a genuine, natural, honest and real relationship with your constituencies.

The NRL’s South Sydney Rabbitohs launched Souths Cares in 2006 as a community arm with a charter to support disadvantaged and marginalised youth and families, particularly Aboriginal people in the local area.

The AFL’s North Melbourne similarly launched The Huddle in 2010, recognising how the region’s particular cultural diversity underpinned its goal of driving social inclusion.

Such initiatives are authentic because they are grounded in real communities, genuinely address local issues, and extend from a natural alignment between club and community.

This allows football clubs, which have evolved from kitchen table organisations to A$50 million-plus commercial operations, to remain authentically embedded within community.

2. Engage current and prospective supporters 365 days a year

Sport marketers retain a necessary focus on game day. But this is nestled in broader communication and community strategies that aim to achieve year-round engagement.

Non-game days typically represent 95% of the calendar year, so sport clubs employ communications specialists to produce media content beyond the match itself.

This includes player-focused interviews and biographies, match previews and debriefs, coach insights and community visits.

Such content helps fill the vacuum between individual matches or during the off-season, keeping supporters connected to their club.

And while sport clubs retain a focus upon their home games as major commercial events, professional sport clubs also have a broader calendar of less overt community events.

While a typical AFL or NRL club hosts about 12 home games a season, they run at least triple as many community-orientated events – such as school visits or fan days – to foster community engagement.

3. Defining and living an organisational identity

Sport teams are best known by their mascots and colours, but they’re also defined by the values they seek to associate the brand with – for example, family-orientated, pioneering, working-class.

All these elements combine to form a club’s identity.

Well-defined identities can inform decision-making, such as the Sydney Swans’ fabled “no dickhead” team recruitment policy.

Melbourne Football Club’s core values of “trust, respect, unity and excellence” informs their off-field staff recruitment. Club identity also helps fans make sense of why they support a particular team over another.

Where football clubs protect and cultivate their identity, major parties battle a perception they’re all “just as bad as each other” – there’s a perceived interchangeability.

By better defining their desired identities with communities outside of elections, major parties would become less reliant on election campaign advertising spending wars to educate voters.

They’d also be less vulnerable to smear campaigns.

Rewriting the gameplan

While Australia’s professional sports teams continue to illustrate their success in engaging communities, our major political parties are struggling to build and retain memberships.

Given the underwhelming performance of major political parties last match day, it is perhaps time they rewrite their game plans with the help of sport marketers.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Contributing Author: Hunter Fujak is a Lecturer in Sport Management at Deakin University.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The Australia Today is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information in this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts, or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of The Australia Today and The Australia Today News does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

Hit-run driver Puneet Puneet, who fled Australia, granted bail by court in India

Puneet Puneet (Screenshot 9 news)

33-year-old Puneet Puneet who is charged with the hit-run death of Gold Coast man in Melbourne 14 years ago has been granted bail by a court in India.

Puneet fled to India in 2009 after pleading guilty to culpable driving causing death of university student Dean Hofstee.

At the time of the incident in 2008, Puneet was a Learner driver and recorded a blood alcohol reading of 0.165. He was also estimated to have been driving a V6 Commodore at 150 km/hr which hit Dean Hofstee and Clancy Coker.

Puneet fled Australia on a friend’s passport while awaiting sentencing and was arrested in India in 2013 on his wedding day. He had been fighting extradition to Australia ever since by claiming threat to his safety due to racism.

In 2019, Puneet’s awyer Kanhaiya Kumar Singhal had told A Current Affair they have “a very good case and there are good chances that [they] will win [their] case and extradition will be dropped.” However, the Victorian Attorney-General’s office today confirmed it “does not dictate what sentences courts impose, nor are they able to offer plea deals.”

After the bail, spokesperson for Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus says the government remains committed to securing Puneet’s extradition. The spokesman said.

“Indian authorities are responsible for pursuing Australia’s extradition request through the Indian courts and the Australian government is grateful to Indian authorities for their ongoing assistance in progressing this request.”

Prosecutors opposed Puneet’s bail and said he was “a flight risk and was apprehended only after three years of search.” According to court documents, the lawyers for Puneet said his mother had a “lung disease and there is no one to look after her”. He has also been ordered by High Court of Delhi to pay Rs 20,000 surety and surrender his passport.

The family of Dean Hofstee told 9News that they were extremely disappointed at Puneet being granted bail. Hoftsee’s father said:

“He pleaded guilty to culpable driving and he killed my son. If he had been held in custody maybe we would have seen an outcome quicker.”

Puneet will return to court on October 17.

From Samantha, Tamannaah and Tapsi to Junior Bachchan, IFFM 2022 is here with a mesmerising line-up

IFFM program launch Image Source: The Australia Today
IFFM program launch Image Source: The Australia Today

The 13th edition of Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2022 program was officially launched by Festival Director, Mitu Bhowmick Lange at the Indian Consulate of Melbourne.

The IFFM 20222 will have the best of both in cinema and online, It will screen over 100 films in 25 languages and encompass a diverse range of subjects including gender identity, religion, caste, and poverty and continue to present films that showcase all aspects of culture from India and the Indian subcontinent.

There will be a strong female presence across IFFM this year with over a third of the program featuring films headlined by women.

Today the festival has announced one of its esteemed guests, Indian superstar Samantha Prabhu. Samantha is one of the most popular actresses in the Indian film industry and a respected philanthropist.

The festival will also welcome celebrated South Indian actress, Tamannaah Bhatia who will be one of the guest judges for the much-loved IFFM Dance Competition at Federation Square on Saturday 13 August.

Festival Director, Mitu Bhowmick Lange said, “After the unprecedented challenges faced over the last few years, we are so excited to bring the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne back to the big screen, along with our digital platform, ensuring viewers around Australia can access the festival too. “

This year we have a thought-provoking program of internationally acclaimed films that include a very special feature Ayena (Mirror), which also featured at the Budapest International Documentary Festival and looks at the aftermath of two very special acid attack survivors and their extraordinary spirit and friendship.”

We are especially delighted to have the winner of the Jury Prize from the Cannes Film Festival, Joyland in our program. Our Opening night film, Dobaaraa is another wonderful inclusion, and we are very thrilled to welcome the team direct from the respected London Indian Film Festival,“ Ms Lange added.

The 2022 Festival has announced its dynamic program streams: Beyond Bollywood, Hurrah Bollywood, Documentaries, Short Films (Official Selection), Film India World, Films from the Subcontinent and Made in Melbourne.

Kicking off the program is the Hindi time-bending drama film, Dobaaraa, directed by one of India’s best-known international directors, Anurag Kashyap and stars Taapsee Pannu and Pavail Gulati. The film will come directly from London after its highly successful premiere at the respected London Indian Film Festival (LIFF) and will feature as the Opening Night film for IFFM’s Opening Night presented by Singapore Airlines

Director, Anurag Kashyap said, “Excited to be showcasing our film and being elected as the opening night film for the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. Dobaaraa is a special film for me as a filmmaker and I’m looking forward to showcasing it on this platform.”

I have previously been to IFFM and have first-hand seen the unison with which Indian films and films from the subcontinent are celebrated and showcased with much vigour,”

said Mr Kashyap.

The festival will continue its tradition to celebrate India’s Independence Day with the IFFM Flag Hoisting Ceremony remains one of the pivotal events of the festival, with thousands of people descending upon Federation Square to see their favourite stars hoist the Indian flag.   This year being the 75th anniversary there are several special events and guests planned with more to be announced in the coming weeks. 

Other program highlights include the Punjabi feature film, Adh Chanani Raat (Crescent Night), this celebrated film, directed by Gurvinder Singh, draws on Punjabi literature to complete a trilogy that captures the socio-political and economic life of the state. The film comes to IFFM direct from its acclaimed inclusions at both the International Film Festival Rotterdam and Mumbai Film Festival (MAMI).

After its world premiere at Sydney Film Festival the Indian feature film, Fairy Folk, directed by Karan Gour will also feature. The film examines thorny questions of love and sexuality in this magical realist drama in which a genderless woodland being crashes into the lives of a jaded couple. A hugely successful Hindi feature, Dug Dug, directed by Ritwik Pareek which premiered at Toronto International Film Festival will also be part of the line-up.

Throughout August, IFFM will take over multiple key venues in Melbourne’s CBD and suburbs including Federation Square, Arts Centre Melbourne, and the Palais Theatre. This year IFFM has chosen the Royal Children’s Hospital as its charity partner, and IFFM online viewers will be encouraged to donate to support this essential hospital service.

Key Dates Announced:

Friday 12th August: 

  • IFFM Press Conference, Melbourne CBD
  • IFFM Opening Night @ Hoyts District Docklands

Saturday 13th August :

  • Flag Hoisting Ceremony for the 75th Anniversary of Indian Independence at Federation Square, Melbourne
  • IFFM Dance Competition at Federation Square, Melbourne
  • IFFM Talks at Arts Centre, Melbourne

Sunday 14th August:

  • IFFM Awards Night at Palais Theatre, St Kilda

Saturday 20th August:

  • IFFM Closing Night at Hoyts District Docklands

3.5% unemployment: Australia’s jobless rate at its lowest since 1974

By Jeff Borland

It’s not an academic way to start an article about Australia’s latest jobs numbers, but all I can think is “wow”.

The official unemployment rate in June fell to 3.5%. It’s almost 50 years – August 1974, to be exact – since it was lower.



How we got there was through more people getting hired: 88,400 people compared with 60,600 the month before.

This reduced total unemployment by 54,300, even as the labour force swelled by 34,200 to 14,093,000.

90,000 new jobs a month

After the hit to employment in 2021 from shutdowns due to the Delta variant of COVID-19, there was always going to be a rebound. But the strength is amazing. Since October last year, employment has grown, on average, by more than 90,000 people a month.

We can compare this with what happened during the initial recovery from the onset of COVID-19, from May 2020 to January 2021.



That recovery came after a much bigger loss of jobs compared with late 2021. This makes the past eight months more impressive. With less opportunity for catch-up, slower growth could reasonably have been expected.

Climbing job vacancies

Along with a record-high proportion of the population employed – 64.4% – there is a record-high proportion of vacant jobs: 3.4%.



Exceptional growth in the demand for labour is encouraging people to join (or rejoin) the labour force. The proportion of the population in work or looking for work in June rose to 66.8%.

But also record sickness

Offsetting more people wanting to work, however, is more people being away from work ill.

In the first six months of 2022, on average, 5.2% of workers did fewer hours than usual due to illness. This compares to 3% in the same months from 2017 to 2019.



It’s likely some employers are needing to hire extra workers to cover for increased rates of absenteeism due to COVID-19 or the flu, adding to demand.

So what about wages?

The puzzle in all this is wages growth. How can we have unemployment so low and yet so little evidence of stronger wages growth?

Even with record low unemployment and record high job vacancy rates, in the 12 months to the end of March, wages grew by just 2.4%. This compares with prices (inflation) growing by 5.1%. Real wages therefore declined by 2.7%.



This lack of “market” response is most likely due to Australia’s institutional arrangements for wage-setting. These arrangements make some lag in wages responding to demand inevitable.

About 35% of employees are on enterprise bargaining agreements, which are renegotiated on average every two to three years. Those agreements might have annual wage increases built in, but based on the labour market as it was when the collective agreement was struck.

About 23% of employees are on awards – and increases to these are set by the Fair Work Commission just once a year.

Nevertheless, the Fair Work Commission’s decision last month to lift wages for award workers by up to 5.2% shows that wages do eventually reflect labour market conditions. A higher rate of wage growth should also happen progressively for workers covered by collective agreements, as employers adjust their expectations about what they need to pay to keep and attract employees.

Still, fears that wage increase will get out of hand, leading to a wage-price spiral as in the 1970s, are exaggerated.

Many factors have changed. In the 1970s, Australia had “pattern bargaining” – whereby if one group of workers got a big wage increase it would pretty much automatically flow to all other workers. This is no longer the case. Moreover, the decline in union representation, and the rise of technology and globalisation, have all made it more difficult for workers to bargain for higher wages.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Contributing Author: Jeff Borland is a Professor of Economics at The University of Melbourne.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The Australia Today is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information in this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts, or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of The Australia Today and The Australia Today News does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

How James Webb’s deep field images remind about artificial divide between science and art

Space (NASA - Twitter)

By Cherine Fahd

The first task I give photography students is to create a starscape.

To do this, I ask them to sweep the floor beneath them, collect the dust and dirt in a paper bag and then sprinkle it onto a sheet of 8×10 inch photo paper. Then, using the photographic enlarger, expose the detritus-covered paper to light. After removing the dust and dirt, the paper is submerged in a bath of a chemical developer.

In less than two minutes, an image slowly emerges of a universe teeming with galaxies.

I love it when the darkroom fills with the sound of their astonishment the moment they realise the dust beneath their feet is transformed into a scene of scientific wonder.

I was reminded of this analogue exercise when NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope shared the first deep field images. The public expression of wonder is not unlike that of my students in the darkroom.

But unlike our makeshift starscapes, the Deep Field images capture an actual galaxy cluster, “the deepest, the sharpest infrared view of the universe to date.”

This imaging precision will help scientists to solve the mysteries in our solar system and our place in it.

But they will also inspire continued experiments by artists who address the subject of space, the universe and our fragile place in it.

Creating art of space

Images of the cosmos afford considerable visual pleasure. I listen to scientists passionately describing the information stored in their saturated colours and amorphous shapes, what the luminosity and shadows are, and what lurks in the deep blacks that are spotted and speckled.

The mysteries of the universe are the stuff of science and of the imagination.

Throughout history, artists have imagined and created proxy universes: constructions that are lyrical and speculative, alternate worlds that are stand-ins for what we imagine and hope and fear are “out there”.

A group of five galaxies that appear close to each other in the sky
The James Webb Space Telescope’s image of Stephan’s Quintet. NASA/STScI, CC BY-SA

There are the photo-real drawings and paintings of Vija Celmins. The night sky has been painstakingly drawn or painted by hand with extraordinary detail and precision.

There are David Stephenson’s time-lapse photographs that read as lyrical celestial drawings reminding us that we are on a moving planet. and Yosuke Takeda’s ambiguous starbursts of colour and light. Thomas Ruff’s sensuous star photos were made through the close cropping of the details of existing science images he bought after failing to be able to capture the cosmos with his own camera.

There’s also the incredible work of the Blue Mountains-based duo Haines & Hinterding where polka dots become stars, black pigment is the night sky, and bleeding coloured ink is a gas formation. They make rocks hum and harness the sun’s rays so we can hear and smell its energy.

These artworks highlight the creative drive to draw on science for the purposes of art. The divide between science and art is an artificial one.

Pictures of our imaginations

The Webb telescope shows science’s capacity to bring us images that are aesthetically imaginative, expressive and technically accomplished but – strangely – they don’t make me feel anything.

Science tells me these shapes are galaxies and stars billions of years away, but it isn’t sinking in. Instead, I see a fabulously constructed landscape like James Nasmyth’s famous moon images from 1874.

In my imagination, I picture the Webb images as made of fairy lights, coloured gels, mirrors, black cloth, filters and photoshop.

A planetary nebula, seen by the Webb telescope. NASA/STScI, CC BY-SA

Art’s stand-ins invade my psyche. When I look at the deep field and planetary nebula, I remember that even these “objective” machine-made images are constructed. The rays of light, holes and gases are artistic experiments in photographic abstraction, examining what lies beyond vision.

Imaging technology always transforms what is “out there”, and how we see it is determined by what is “in here”: our own subjectivity; what we bring of ourselves and our lives to the reading of the image.

The telescope is a photographer crawling through the cosmos, making more of the unseen seen. Giving artists more references for appropriation, imagination and also critique.

While scientists see structure and detail, artists see aesthetic and performative possibilities for asking pressing questions that concern the politics of space and place.

Art in space

Webb’s images present a renewed opportunity to reflect on the work of American artist Trevor Paglen, who sent the world’s first artwork into space.

Paglen’s work examines the political geography that is space and the ways in which governments aided by science use space for mass surveillance and data collection.

The background of space is black. Thousands of galaxies appear all across the view
The deepest and sharpest infrared image of the early universe ever taken. NASA/STScI, CC BY-SA

He created a 30-metre diamond-shaped balloon called the Orbital Reflector, which was supposed to open up into an enormous reflective balloon and be seen from Earth as a bright star. It rocketed into space on a satellite, but the engineers could not complete the sculpture’s deployment due to the unexpected government shutdown.

Paglen’s artwork was criticised by scientists.

Unlike astronomers, he wasn’t trying to unlock the mystery of the universe or our place in it. He was asking: is space a place for art? Who owns space, and who is space for?

Space is readily available to government, military, commercial and scientific interests. For the time being, Earth remains the place for art.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Contributing Author: Cherine Fahd is an Associate Professor of Visual Communication in the School of Design at the University of Technology Sydney.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The Australia Today is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information in this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts, or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of The Australia Today and The Australia Today News does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

Aussie Maths Researcher Backs Baudhayana Over Pythagoras

Jonathan Crabtree interacting with students in India (Image Source: Jonathan Crabtree)
Jonathan Crabtree interacting with students in India (Image Source: Jonathan Crabtree)

An Australian historian and researcher has applauded the Karnataka head of the NEP (National Education Policy) task force in India, Madan Gopal. Mr Gopal had recently suggested that it was Indian mathematician Baudhyana who had first put forward the theory now commonly referred to as the ‘Pythagoras’ theorem*.

While some say the matter of whether Baudhayana beat Pythagoras to the famous theorem is open to debate, Jonathan J. Crabtree, an advocate for Bharatiya Maths said, “There’s no doubt NCERT* should refer to Baudhayana and not Pythagoras.”

Baudhyana is estimated to have lived around the 8th century BC in Bharat (Bharat being the Indigenous name of India) while Pythagoras is said to have lived in Greece around the 6th century BC.

(Image Source: Jonathan Crabtree)

Furthermore, Mr Crabtree said, “It’s not enough to just change a name from Pythagoras to Baudhayana. What’s more important is India reclaims its long-lost title as Vishwa Guru or ‘World Teacher’. This can be done by expanding the standard compass and straightedge used in geometry to include rope or string as done long ago in Vedic times. The word Śulba in Śulbasūtras* literally means rope.”

“One example is the simple fact that planets orbit in an ellipse, unable to be drawn with a compass, yet easy with rope or string. Similarly, it’s impossible to square a circle with a compass and straightedge yet simple as revealed in my paper ‘Squaring a Circle with Rope’.”

(Image Source: Jonathan Crabtree)

Mr Crabtree even has a video for children explaining how to square circles with rope. He has long been calling for Indic innovative change in Karnataka’s maths education. He recently gave a presentation for Virat Hindustan Sangam Karnataka on the topic Treasures of Post-Vedic Bharatiya Maths.  

Mr Crabtree’s story is a strange one. He became interested in Indian mathematics at the age of 7, in 1968. In Class 2 he noticed a loose thread. Zero was missing from his teacher’s explanation of multiplication.

Over the years Mr Crabtree struggled to understand the maths he was being taught. Instead of intuitive common-sense explanations, he says he was given rules and laws to obediently obey.

In 1983 at age 21 he found himself in hospital with a shattered spine facing bleak news. If he moved; he might never walk again. So, he made a personal promise to fix maths if he was ever able to walk again.

Within a few years, he made headlines in Australia, when he said, “I hope to change the way the western world teaches maths.” Like a dog with a bone, Mr Crabtree never gave up on his promise. As if pulling a loose thread, he unravelled what he considers the feeble fabric of western math education to completely rebuild it from India’s zero.

Hobsons Bay Leader (Image Source: Jonathan Crabtree)
Geelong Advertiser (Image Source: Jonathan Crabtree)

Mr Crabtree says that perhaps the most extraordinary thing about Indian maths is it is so simple compared to the British maths curriculum schools follow around the world.

“The 18 maths sutras of Brahmagupta from 628 CE make everything fall into place. Importantly, his ideas are consistent with the basic laws of physics and the principle of symmetry.”

“For example, Brahmagupta defined zero as a sum of equal yet opposite numbers. Alas, today children are taught the absurd idea that 2 negatives are greater than 5 negatives in primary school, yet later told every action has an equal and opposite reaction in physics classes – consistent with Brahmagupta.”

Mr Crabtree also mentions that his research reveals that India’s original zero-based maths was never fully understood in the Arabic world, so the version Europe received had been scrambled and was incomplete.” Children are taught 5 – 2 in Class 1 or 2 yet then wait five years to be taught 2 – 5.”

Yet, Mr Crabtree has devised a fun way for young children to learn these concepts. In his ‘Happy Harappan Brick and Hole Game’, a brick represents a positive and a hole represents a negative.

“Imagine a brick seller has two bricks for sale, yet a buyer wants five bricks. The solution is to add a zero, as per Brahmagupta’s Addition Sutra #5, positive plus zero is positive. The brick seller adds a zero by digging three holes to make three bricks. Now the seller has five bricks and three holes. The five bricks are then sold, and three holes remain. The maths model reveals why 2 – 5 =  –3.”

Image Source: Jonathan Crabtree

Mr Crabtree has written to India’s Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on several occasions regarding his in-depth research on Bharatiya Maths. While he has not yet received a reply, he remains optimistic that either India or one of its neighbours will soon take his research into consideration.

For more information on Bharatiya Maths visit www.podometic.in 

Image Source: Jonathan Crabtree

Meanwhile, Mr Madan Gopal tweeted after The Australia Today published this article,

*’Pythagoras’ theorem states that in a right-angled triangle the square of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides.

*NCERT – The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is an autonomous organisation set up in 1961 by the Government of India to assist and advise the Central and State Governments on policies and programmes for qualitative improvement in school education.

*Sulbasutras – Ancient Indian texts containing sections on Geometry. Well, known Mathematician David Henderson from Cornell University wrote about the Sulbasutras,

“As far as I have been able to determine these are the oldest geometry (or even mathematics) textbooks in existence. It is apparently the oldest applied geometry text.”

*Sutras – Aphorisms in ancient Indian texts

Australians reject discrimination that is based on religious belief: new research

Religious discrimination; Image Source: @CANVA
Religious discrimination; Image Source: @CANVA

By Kate Gleeson, Robert Ross, and Shaun Wilson

Since the change of government at the May federal election, the fate of the contentious religious discrimination legislation remains unclear.

There is bipartisan consensus that Commonwealth legislation should protect individuals of different faiths from discrimination in the workplace and elsewhere.

But Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has not committed to a timeline to enact any new legislation. His government has also stepped away from controversial areas of this policy promoted under the Morrison government that focused on “religious freedoms”.

The new government may be closer to the public mood.

Religious discrimination; Image Source: @CANVA

Results of the 2022 Australian Cooperative Election Study (ACES) confirm that voters do not see religious discrimination as a significant issue. Only a minority (27%) agree that “Australians who hold religious beliefs face a lot of discrimination”. A majority either disagree (31%) or are neutral (42%). Clear majorities oppose protections of religious freedom seen as discriminating against LGBTIQ+ individuals.

Much of this controversy has centred on schools. Since the advent of anti-discrimination laws in the mid-1970s, religious schools have benefited from exemptions allowing them to refuse to employ staff or accept students based on their sexuality or gender identity — if this is contrary to the ethos of the school.

Despite these exemptions, campaigns to strengthen “religious freedoms” intensified following marriage equality legislation in 2017. The debate was further inflamed by the sacking of rugby player Israel Folau for posting social media comments about gay people and others, in line with his Christian faith, in 2019.

Religious discrimination; Image Source: @CANVA

In response, the then prime minister, Scott Morrison, drafted “religious freedoms” bills in 2019 and 2021. The latter was based on an election promise to override state and territory laws to protect “statements of belief” made by individuals “in accordance with doctrines, tenets, beliefs or teachings of their religion”.

The bill was dramatically shelved in February 2022. Five moderate Liberal MPs crossed the floor in the House of Representatives. They objected to the bill’s protections for potentially anti-LGBTIQ+ commentary without any accompanying commitment to protect transgender children from exclusion from schools. The bill was doomed to fail in the Senate.

The conservative Australian Christian Lobby in turn targeted moderate Liberals in the election campaign, portraying them as opponents of religious protection.

Our new data reinforce the extent of voter resistance to aspects of the “religious freedoms” agenda in the lead-up to the election.

Religious discrimination; Image Source: @CANVA

The ACES asked voters a series of questions about religious schools and conditions for staff and students. A clear majority (67%) disagreed that “religious schools should be able to refuse to employ staff based on their sexual orientation”. Only 15% agreed.

Almost identical results were reported for the statement about refusing to “employ staff because of their transgender identity” (65% disagreed and 16% agreed). Voters also disagreed by very similar margins that religious schools should be able to “exclude students based on their sexual orientation” or “their transgender identity”.

There were predictable demographic differences for all four statements. Women consistently expressed disagreement in the 74% to 79% range. Men also disagreed, but with smaller majorities (56% to 59% range). Younger voters were most inclined to express disagreement, while the majority of voters aged 65 and over also registered disagreement.

These findings suggest Morrison misjudged the electoral mood. He defended the Liberal candidate for Warringah, Katherine Deves, whose views on sports and transgender identity generated a backlash against the Coalition.

Religious discrimination; Image Source: @CANVA

If the Coalition was looking to win conservatives in outer-metro electorates, its efforts did not succeed on election night.

Indeed, 39% of respondents to the ACES agreed that “Australian politics is too focused on the rights of religious people”. Only 21% disagreed with the statement, and 40% expressed a neutral view.

US-style religious politics appear to have limited appeal in a country with a growing distance from organised religion. Last month’s Census results showed that 39% of Australians do not identify as religious.

Responding to a similar question in ACES, 49% identified as non-religious. At the same time, Australians appear on board with sexual and gender diversity. They reject protections for religious organisations to exclude people from employment and schooling on these bases.

No doubt the Albanese government will be weighing this reality as it considers its next steps in addressing religious discrimination in law.

Survey note: The Australian Cooperative Election Survey (ACES) is a collaborative project involving Australian universities that used YouGov panel data and methodologies to study the 2022 federal election. The survey was fielded online in May 2022 with an overall sample of 5,988 voters and 1,044 voters for the religion module. Data were weighted to reflect the population and the methodology is detailed here.

This article has been republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons — Attribution/No derivatives license.

Contributing Authors: Kate Gleeson is an Associate Professor of Law at Macquarie University. Robert Ross is Research Fellow in Psychology at Macquarie University. Shaun Wilson is an Associate Professor of Sociology at Macquarie University.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The Australia Today is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information in this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts, or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of The Australia Today and The Australia Today News does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

Early autism self-awareness can lead to better life quality

Autism Awareness; Image Source: @CANVA

People who come to know that they are autistic at a younger age can have a heightened quality of life and sense of well-being in adulthood.

That’s the finding of a new study, published in the journal Autism, which also found that those who learned of their autism as adults reported more positive emotions (especially relief) about autism when first learning they were autistic. Findings suggest that telling a child that they are autistic at a younger age empowers them by providing access to support and a foundation for self-understanding that helps them thrive later in life.

For the first time, researchers directly investigated whether learning if one is autistic at a younger age is associated with better adult outcomes. Many autistic people – particularly females, ethnic/racial minorities and people with limited resources – are diagnosed years after the characteristics are first noticed. In many cases, autistic people do not receive their diagnosis until adulthood.

The study was carried out by a team of autistic and non-autistic students and academic researchers. Seventy-eight autistic university students were surveyed, sharing how they found out they were autistic and how they felt about their diagnosis. Respondents also revealed how they felt about their lives and being autistic now.

One of the co-authors, Dr Steven Kapp, Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Portsmouth, was diagnosed with and informed of his autism aged 13.

Autism Awareness; Image Source: @CANVA

He said, “Students who learned they were autistic when they were younger felt happier about their lives than people who were diagnosed at an older age. Our study shows that it is probably best to tell people they are autistic as soon as possible in a balanced, personal, and developmentally appropriate way. Learning one is autistic can be empowering because it helps people understand themselves and also helps them connect with other people like them.”
However, being given a diagnosis as an adult can often also be empowering.

“Learning about autism at an older age is associated with more positive emotions about a diagnosis – especially relief. This finding makes sense, although emotional reactions are often very complex and unique to each person – there has been a lot of emerging research showing that relief is a common response to an autism diagnosis in adulthood.”

Dr Kapp said.

The study suggests that parents should not wait for children to become adults to tell them they are autistic. No participants recommended doing so, although most highlighted factors to consider when informing a child of their autism, including developmental level, support needs, curiosity, and personality. Findings also suggest that parents should tell their children they are autistic in ways that help them understand and feel good about who they are.

One participant said:

“I would tell my child that autism is a different way of thinking, that it can be challenging and beautiful and powerful and exhausting and impactful, that autistic people deserve to be themselves, to be proud of their identity, and have supports that help them meet their needs.”

Bella Kofner, co-lead author (24), who was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3 and informed of her autism at the age of 10, said: “This is the first study, to our knowledge, to demonstrate that learning at a young age that one is autistic may have positive impacts on emotional health among autistic university students.”

“Hopefully, this finding may begin to address concerns parents have about when to talk to their child about autism. ‘When’ the conversation begins is particularly important. Our findings suggest that learning at a younger age that one is autistic can help autistic people develop self-understanding and access support, providing the foundations for well-being in adulthood.”

Western Australia requests airlines to start direct flights from India to Perth

Direct Flights between India And WA; Picture Source: @AirIndia
Direct Flights between India And WA; Picture Source: @AirIndia

The government of Western Australia, the largest state of Australia, has held talks with the top management of Air India, Vistara and IndiGo.

During his visit to New Delhi and Mumbai, Western Australia’s Deputy Premier Roger Cook met airline top executives and Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia to connect with Perth to boost tourism from India. 

Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism Roger Cook MLA (LinkedIn)

Cook, who is leading Western Australia’s biggest trade, investment and education delegation, highlighted that Perth is also the host to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup later this year. In a local media interview he said:

“I met Tata Group chairman N. Chandrasekaran and requested him to consider Perth as a route for Air India or Vistara which are part of the Tata Group. Our officials had also met with top executives of IndiGo.”

Cook says that he received positive feedback from these airlines but the common concern is adequate load factor. He added:

“At this stage, given the post-pandemic recovery efforts, securing a direct aviation route from India to Western Australia is a key priority for the state’s government. This would bring the much-needed Indian international students, tourists, investors, and new skilled migrants to the Western Australian shore.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism Roger Cook MLA with trade and investment delegation (LinkedIn)

Western Australia has allocated AUD 167 million for 2022-23 just to promote tourism globally. Cook told media that Western Australia covers nearly one-third of Australia and would suit Indian tourits. He added:

“Tourism Western Australia’s research indicates travellers from India are especially interested in nature and wildlife, stunning coastlines, beaches and marine wildlife, local cuisine and a family-friendly destination – Western Australia has all this to offer and much more.”

India ranks 11th in terms of footfalls and 10th in terms of spending in Western Australia. The state has seen the return of visitors from India with arrivals in May reaching more than 90 per cent of pre-COVID levels and forward bookings for July and August even higher than before the pandemic.

Air India Flights; Image Source: Twitter @airindiain
Air India Flights; Image Source: Twitter @airindiain

At present, Qantas and Air India have direct flights to India, connecting Sydney and Melbourne with New Delhi. Qantas is launching its first direct nonstop Bengaluru to Sydney flight in September 2022.

Are you addicted to social media?

Social_Media_Marketing_Strategy (Wikimedia Commons)

The term “social media addiction” is nowadays increasingly used to describe people who spend a lot of time on websites and apps. 

Although, not same as an addiction to substance abuse, this too is related to behavioural “addictions” as it definitely resonates with certain characterisations and vicious cycle of most common addictions.  

Image source: Wikipedia.

A study compiled by experts from Australia’s University of Technology Sydney has listed 46 side-effects that social media addiction can cause amongst its users.

The study entitled The Dark Side of Using Online Social Networks: A Review of Individuals’ Negative Experiences, consisting of data from over 50 research articles spanning from 2003 and 2018, was recently published in the Journal of Global Information Management.

Dr Eila Erfani, Layla Boroon, and Associate Professor Babak Abedin (Macquarie University) conducted the research and collated the range of negative effects of social media use.

Image source: layla Boroon- UTS Facebook.

 Layla Boroon, a PhD candidate at the University of Technology Sydney, says: 

“Much of the research on social network use has focused on its benefits and potential, but we were interested in comprehensively identifying the negative impacts that have been associated with social media use.”

Their extensive list shows that the impacts on users are beyond concerns related to mental health.

Among the 46 listed risks by the experts, dumb jokes, information overload, low job performance, low academic performance, increased appetite for taking financial risks and incitement to suicide emerged as lesser-known risks.

Risks such as panic, irritation, stress, depression, guilt, jealously, loneliness, flaming behaviours and anxiety are something that experts have been warning about for a long time. 

Image source: Dr Eila Erfani – UTS website.

Dr Eila Erfani, Deputy Head of the UTS School of Information, Systems and Modelling, highlights how social media harm has received less attention.

“Social media harms have mostly been studied from a psychopathological perspective. They have received less attention from information systems researchers.”

These effects range from physical and mental health problems to negative impacts on job and academic performance as well as security and privacy issues.

The researchers grouped the negative effects into six themes:

  • Cost of social exchange: includes both psychological harms, such as depression, anxiety or jealousy, and other costs such as wasted time, energy and money
  • Annoying content: includes a wide range of content that annoys, upsets or irritates, such as disturbing or violent content or sexual or obscene content
  • Privacy concerns: includes any threats to personal privacy related to storing, repurposing or sharing personal information with third parties
  • Security threats: refers to harms from fraud or deception such as phishing or social engineering
  • Cyberbullying: includes any abuse or harassment by groups or individuals such as abusive messages, lying, stalking or spreading rumours
  • Low performance: refers to negative impact on job or academic performance.

The teams says that the next step in this area is to develop and test applications, design features and other solutions that can reduce these negative effects.

Image source: Wikipedia.

At present, there are more than three billion users of Facebook and Instagram, two billion users of Twitter, and one billion users of TikTok who might be the potential target of these harmful effects.

The researchers believe that greater awareness of the potential dangers can encourage user moderation.

They further add that this awareness can also help software engineers, educators and policymakers to develop various practical ways to minimise the negative effects of social media. 

India releases amazing photos of 296 km state-of-the-art expressway in Bundelkhand

A view of sand art of different districts by pass of Bundelkhand Expressway in Jalaun on Friday. PM Modi will inaugurate Bundelkhand Expressway at Kaitheri village on 16 July; Image Source: Twitter

Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi will visit Uttar Pradesh today to inaugurate Bundelkhand Expressway at Kaitheri village in Orai tehsil of Jalaun district.

Bundelkhand Expressway (Twitter – Narendra Modi)

This 296 km four-lane expressway has been constructed at a cost of around Rs 14,850 crores by the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA).

Bundelkhand Expressway (Twitter – Narendra Modi)

As per the Indian Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) statement, this Expressway can later be expanded up to six lanes as well.

The Indian government has committed to enhancing connectivity across the country, a key feature of which has been the work towards improvement in road infrastructure.

“A significant endeavour towards this was the laying of the foundation stone for the construction of Bundelkhand Expressway by the Prime Minister on February 29, 2020. The work on the Expressway has been completed within 28 months and it will now be inaugurated by the Prime Minister,” said the PMO statement.

A view of sand art of different districts by pass of Bundelkhand Expressway in Jalaun on Friday. PM Modi will inaugurate Bundelkhand Expressway at Kaitheri village on 16 July; Image Source: Twitter

Bundelkhand Expressway extends from NH-35 at Gonda village near Bharatkoop in Chitrakoot district to near Kudrail village in Etawah district, where it merges with the Agra-Lucknow expressway. It passes through seven districts, viz. Chitrakoot, Banda, Mahoba, Hamirpur, Jalaun, Auraiya and Etawah.

Bundelkhand Expressway (Twitter – Narendra Modi)

PM Modi tweeted that “This project will boost the local economy and connectivity.”

Along with improving connectivity in the region, the Bundelkhand Expressway will also give a major boost to economic development, resulting in the creation of thousands of jobs for the local people, said the PMO.

Work on the creation of an industrial corridor in the Banda and Jalaun districts, next to the Expressway, has already started. 

How do we teach young people about climate change?

Everyday Stories of Climate Change (Authors)

By Gemma Sou, Adeeba Nuraina Risha and Gina Ziervogel

We know young people are “angry, frustrated and scared” about climate change. And they want to do more to stop it.

However, the school system is not set up to help them address their concerns and learn the information they seek.

There are no explicit mentions of climate change in the Australian primary school curriculum and it is mainly taught through STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) subjects in high school.

More broadly, the main ways we talk about climate in the community and media are focused on science and economics. They tend to involve abstract ideas such as “the planet is warming” or “rainfall is more unpredictable”. While these are important components, they overlook the social, cultural and psychological ways people around the world are affected by climate change.

So, how can we better support schools and teachers to approach climate change in a way that will suit young people’s interests and concerns?

Our comic

We are geography and environment researchers who have written a comic that looks at how people around the world experience climate change. This is aimed at high school students, but will also appeal to university students and the broader public.

Called Everyday Stories of Climate Change, it looks at the ways low-income families have had to adapt to climate change in five countries across three continents.

It begins with a student, waking up in Australia and heading to school. Here the teacher notes that climate change is impacting people around the world, “today we are going to explore some of these places”.

For example, in Bangladesh, sea-level rise has contributed to the salinity of the local river. So women must walk hours to get fresh water from another river. In Puerto Rico, after hurricane Maria, people struggle to get nutritious food and the streets are too dirty for the kids to play outside. In Barbuda, the government is trying to displace people from their lands, so that private businesses can build luxury hotels after hurricane Irma.

The characters in the comics are fictionalised but their stories are based on research – via interviews and surveys – the comic authors did about people’s experiences of climate change in Bolivia, Puerto Rico, Barbuda, South Africa and Bangladesh.

Screenshot – Everyday Stories of Climate Change (Authors)

The importance of stories

Researchers have long argued we need to put a human face on climate change and communicate in ways that resonate with people. This means, we need to do more than present a graph or rattle off statistics.

Comics are an effective way to put a human face on issues because they allow us to show first-person narratives and experiences. This can create both understanding of the issues and evoke empathy in readers.

The comic is deliberately engaging and accessible. By showing real people going about their lives, it also challenges patronising ideas about people and places adversely impacted by climate change in the so-called “global south,” which often portrays them as “helpless” victims.

The comic also allows people to see the tangible, everyday ways people around the world live with, respond to and adapt to climate change.

For example, the family in Puerto Rico raise their own chickens and grow their own vegetables so they can eat the food they want during food shortages after hurricane Maria. In drought-stricken Cape Town, people save the bathwater for the garden and plant drought-tolerant aloes.

It is important to show these solutions as research suggests it gives people a sense of agency and hope they can adapt to climate change.

Parents, teachers and students can download the comic for free here and here.

Note: Everyday Stories of Climate Change is a collaboration between Gemma Sou (RMIT University), Adeeba Nuraina Risha (BRAC University), Gina Ziervogel (University of Cape Town), illustrator Cat Sims and the Geography Teachers’ Association of Victoria.

This article has been republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons — Attribution/No derivatives license.

Contributing Authors: Gemma Sou is Vice Chancellor’s Research Fellow, RMIT University; Adeeba Nuraina Risha is Research associate at BRAC University; and Gina Ziervogel is Associate Professor, Department of Environmental and Geographical Science and African Climate and Development Initiative Research Chair, University of Cape Town.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The Australia Today is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information in this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts, or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of The Australia Today and The Australia Today News does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

The Swayamvara Connect of Ancient Kashmir and Assam

Featured Image courtesy (swayamvara illustration for representation purposes only): Wikimedia (left: illustration of Hindi Gita Press Mahabharata; right: coinage of Meghavahana with one side featuring Shiva Pashupati and reverse side depicting a Goddess Shakti)

By Manoshi Sinha

Swayamvara is a ceremony wherein a bride of marriageable age chooses the groom of her choice from a group of suitors. This practice was followed in ancient India. Kings in ancient India often invited princes of various kingdoms to attend the swayamvara ceremony of their daughters. The princess would thus choose her groom from amongst the group of assembled princes. Rama and Sita, Nala and Damayanti, Pandu and Kunti, Arjun and Draupadi married through swayamvara.

The swayamvara of Meghavahana and Amritaprabha finds description in several historical records including the Rajatarangini by Kalhana. Meghavahana came from Gandhara of modern Afghanistan to attend the ceremony, which corroborates the existence of the Uttarapatha, currently known as GT Road, connecting kingdoms since pre-Ramayana times. Our history textbooks don’t describe ancient India or about the connection of the kingdoms from north to south, east to west. Assam and the Northeastern states hardly find a place in the textbooks.

The ancient name of Assam is Pragjyotisha or Pragjyotishpur that finds mentioned in the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Harivamsa, Vishnupurana, Brahmandapurana, and more ancient texts. Later it came to be known as Kamrupa and Kamata and then Assam. Kamrupa, which finds mentioned in the Kalika Purana and other records, draws its name from Kamdev and also from Goddess Kamakhya.

Kamakhya Temple, Assam, India (Image Source: CANVA)

According to legend, it was at a small hillock called Bhasmacala in the middle of the Brahmaputra River in Guwahati that Kamdev interrupted Shiva’s meditation many thousands of years ago. Shiva burnt Kamdev to ashes with his anger. This hillock is also known as Peacock Island – the world’s smallest inhabited river island.

Amritaprabha was the daughter of Raja Balavarman and Rani Ratnavati of Pragjyotishpur. Balavarman, a Vaishnavite, was a contemporary of Samudragupta. According to the book Chronology of India by Vedveer Arya, the Guptas flourished during the last three hundred years of BCE.

Balavarman was the third ruler of the Varman dynasty, which is described in the Doobi and Nidhanpur copperplate inscriptions. The kings of this dynasty trace their ancestry to Narakasur, Bhagadatta and Vajradatta of the Bhauma or Naraka dynasty. Vajradatta sided with the Kauravas in the Mahabharata war. Narakasur involved in a battle against Krishna; he was killed by Krishna and Satyabhama.

Meghavahana was the son of Gopaditya, a descendant of the blind Yudhisthira, a king of the Gonanda dynasty of Kashmir. This dynasty was established by Gonand, who was a contemporary of Pandav prince Yudhisthir and a relative of Jarashandh, the ruler of Magadh. He finds mentioned in the Mahabharata.

Umananda Island also known as Peacock Island (Image Source: CANVA)

After Yudhisthira of Kashmir was deposed by his own ministers, Kashmir fell in the hands of another dynasty. This dynasty ended with the rule of Jayendra who had no children. A minister named Sandhimati ascended the throne of Kashmir after Jayendra. But he was unfit to be a ruler and spent most of his time in forest retreats. During this time, Gopaditya lived in exile in Gandhara.

It was during his exile that Gopaditya heard about Raja Balavarman holding a swayamvara ceremony for his daughter Amritaprabha. Gopaditya wished for a strong marriage alliance for regaining back Kashmir. Considering the swayamvara an opportunity, he sent his son to Pragjyotishpur as a suitor. Raja Balavarman had already invited princes from several kingdoms as suitors.

During Sita’s swayamvara in Mithila, Raja Janak invited princes from several kingdoms. To choose the right groom, he used the the bow gifted by Shiva to Parashuram. This divine bow was in his possession. A competition was organized wherein, the suitor who could lift the bow would be chosen as the groom for Sita. Ram lifted and broke the bow and married Sita.

Similarly, Raja Balavarman of Pragjyotishpur had a parasol (umbrella) received by Narakasur from Varun Dev, the Rain-God. This parasol cast its shadow on only a supreme king. Amritaprabha met one prince after another in the assembly along with her maidens, with one of them holding the parasol, the precious possession. The parasol did not cast its shadow on any other prince except on Meghavahana. Though Meghavahana did not have a kingdom then, the casting of the shadow of the umbrella on him proved he would be a prominent king in the near future. Amritaprabha chose Meghavahana as her husband and the wedding took place with great pomp and show in Pragjyotishpur. Raja Balavarman gifted the parasol to Meghavahana.

Mahabharata Illustration (Image Source: CANVA)

To quote from Studies in the History of Assam by Suryya Kumar Bhuyan, “There was a wonder-working article in possession of the royal family descended from Bhagadatta,—the parasol or umbrella wrested by King Narakasura from the rain-god Varuna. The parasol emitted a cool shade when it was held over the head of a person endowed with the marks of a potential sovereign: this miraculous effect was not produced when it was spread over the heads of others. This parasol was used in the Swayamvara ceremony of Amritaprabha. It can be assumed that in the congregation of kings and princes the umbrella-bearer held the parasol over the head of one candidate after another as he was approached by Princess Amritaprabha, garland in hand and accompanied by her friends and attendants. When it was held on the head of Prince Meghavahana the cool shade emanating from the parasol enveloped that prince. From this the princess came to know that Meghavahana would one day become a great king— a Rajadhiraja Chakravarti-raja. Amritaprabha then placed the bridal garland on the neck of Meghavahana. It was soon followed by the celebration of the festivities of their marriage”:

To quote from the Rajatarangini by Kalhana, translated by Jogesh Chunder Dutt, “This exiled prince had a son named Meghavahana, whom his father sent to the country of East Yotisha to be present at the Sayamvara marriage of the daughter of its king who was a Visnuvite and who had the fortune of being selected as the husband of the princess. He was also presented with an umbrella, which was got from Varuna by king Naraka and which cast its shade on none but a paramount king. This connection gave him some importance in the eyes of the people who believed that he would one day rise to power.”:

Meghavahana and Amritaprabha came to Gandhara after the wedding ceremony. Meanwhile, after 47 years of rule, Raja Sandhimati of Kashmir resigned from his throne, leaving the affairs of the kingdom to his ministers. Despite request from the ministers to reascend the throne, he refused and left the kingdom as a hermit towards the Himalayas. The ministers came to know about  Meghavahana as a descendant of the Gonanda dynasty and about his marriage with the princess of Pragjyotishpur. They came to Gandhara to take them to Kashmir. What Gopaditya planned of regaining his ancestral kingdom through war, happened amicably. They all went back to Kashmir. Meghavahana was crowned the king.

Kashmir, India (Image Source: CANVA)

Meghavahana ruled from 80-46 BCE. He was the 80th ruler of the Gonanda line of rulers and the first king of the restored dynasty. Going by several records, Meghavahana ruled before the start of the common era, i.e. last years of BCE. According to the book  Introduction to Assam by Dimbeshwar Neog, Meghavahana ruled from 12 CE. He cites Oralstyne, the translator of Rajatarangini in English. Here is an extract from the book:

As soon as Meghavahana ascended the throne of Kashmir, he promulgated an edict that prohibited the slaughter of animals in his kingdom. He arranged donations of money to hunters and sellers of meat so that their livelihood wasn’t affected due to the ban.  He built a village named Meghavana and ‘peopled it with Brahmanas’. He set up a monastery called Meghamatha. To prevent other kingdoms to stop the slaughtering of animals, he visited the respective kings and was involved in battles with those who did not comply with. He even went to Lanka where he was given a warm welcome and his cause supported. Meghavahana expanded the boundaries of his kingdom and ruled his kingdom wisely.

Amritaprabha constructed a Vihara called Amritabhavan for foreign bhikshus. Staupa, a learned saint from Tibet, was a courtier in the court of Raja Balavarman. Amritaprabha invited Staupa to Kashmir forever to which her father agreed. Staupa built a Buddhist stupa in Kashmir known as Lo-Staunpa.

Many women from the royal families of Kashmir were named after Amritaprabha. The name of one of the consorts of Raja Ranaditya, who became the king of Kashmir 177 years after Meghavahana, was also called Amritaprabha. The mother of Raja Vinayaditya, who became king 528 years after Ranaditya was also Amritaprabha, who built the Amratakeswar temple. And the legacy of Amritaprabha, the princess of ancient Assam, continued in Kashmir.

Ref:

1. Rajatarangini by Kalhana, translated by Jogesh Chunder Dutt.

2. Introduction to Assam by Dimbeshwar Neog.

3. Studies in the History of Assam by Suryya Kumar Bhuyan.

Contributing Author: Manoshi Sinha is the author of several books including the bestselling ‘Saffron Swords’. A postgraduate in English Literature from Pune University, she is from Assam. She is an independent Researcher on Indian History and ancient Temples. She is the founder of myindiamyglory.com, an e-magazine that presents Bharat from ancient to the present with a special focus on History and heritage. Prior to her present stint, she worked as an Editor in leading publication houses.

This article by Manoshi Sinha was first published on www.myindiamyglory.com

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The Australia Today is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information in this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts, or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of The Australia Today and The Australia Today News does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

Australia in top ten for migrants while New Zealand amongst worst countries

Indian Australians participating in Australia Day parade: Picture Source: The Australia Today
Indian Australians participating in Australia Day parade: Picture Source: The Australia Today

Australia has been ranked at number nine while its next-door neighbour New Zealand has been ranked at number 51 just above Kuwait in a ranking of 52 countries.

A survey entitled ‘The Expat Insider 2022’ report by InterNations asked almost 12,000 respondents of 177 different nationalities who are living in 181 countries about quality of life, cost of living, safety, financial outlook, bureaucracy, and ease of fitting in the new home country.

City of Melbourne, Australia; Picture Source: @CANVA
City of Melbourne, Australia; Picture Source: @CANVA

Philipp von Plato and Malte Zeeck, the founders of InterNations, said in a foreword to their report that they have been conducting this survey annually since 2014 amongst expatriates, and “it was time for a new cycle of growth and development.” They added:

“The new Expat Essentials Index serves as a kind of compass that shows how expats navigate everyday life abroad, from entering a country to dealing with potential obstacles such as the language barrier.”

Migrants coming to settle in Australia rated the local economy positively and felt happy with both the working hours and fair wages. The survey noted that three-quarters were satisfied with their hours, and 70% were happy with their work-life balance. Australia is also home to around 670,000 Kiwi expats.

However, Jacinta Arden’s New Zealand was ranked poorly given its low wages and high cost of living. In fact, New Zealand performed very poorly on personal finance measures where 49% of migrants observed that their disposable household income was very less for them to lead a comfortable life. It was the worst-performing country in the survey’s health and wellbeing measure, rated negatively by 75% of respondents, compared with 35% globally.

Migrants noted that New Zealand was “too expensive”, and it was too hard for arrivals to get a job. One respondent from Botswana who calls New Zealand home, said: “The cost of living is too high here in comparison to the salaries.” While another migrant from India now settled in New Zealand reflected anxiously on the “growing divide between the rich and poor” as well as the rising costs for groceries, petrol and housing.

Mexico was ranked first in the survey, with Indonesia, Taiwan, Portugal, and Spain following closely. India was ranked number 36 above the United Kingdom, Sweden and Germany.

Urgent need to build capacity for locally led development research

Community consultation on forest management, near Banepa, Nepal, 2019 (Hemant Ojha)

By Hemant Ojha

For the past 20 years, I have been engaged with the question of how developing countries’ capacity for research for development can be strengthened. I confronted this in Nepal and more generally across South Asia. I argue that while developing countries have made significant strides in research capacity, donors have missed important opportunities to accelerate impact in this area.

Almost without exception, development donors put capacity building as a key outcome in every development program they fund. Capacity strengthening received a further boost in 2015 with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. All of the 17 goals have capacity development objectives embedded, with Goal 17 having an explicit target to “enhance international support for implementing effective and targeted capacity building in developing countries to support national plans to implement all sustainable development goals, including through North-South, South-South and triangular cooperation” (SDG 17.9). However, rarely has this desire been translated into results.

In view of such limited success, the ‘how’ question of capacity development has become a major issue of debate in aid cooperation. Views differ between aid providers and receivers, and also across lines of development approach and ideologies. For example, human rights activists advocate for investing in awareness, agency and alliances; sectoral experts emphasise technical capacity; and development economists argue for a national database and capacity to manage it.

Of course, all of these aspects need strengthening, but my experience suggests that we need a different focus. I believe locally led research and development knowledge is key.

Let me use the example of Nepal’s community forestry development to show how investing in locally led research leads to useful development outcomes. Our recent paper explains how a new system of resource governance emerged through four decades of effort in action learning and capacity building.

When Nepal’s mountains faced massive land degradation in the 1970s, development partners from the Global North rushed to the country to support establishing large-scale plantations. However, this effort failed, as it was designed by external experts and implemented by a highly top-down government agency.

This failure led to critical reflection among development partners and national decision-makers, who then agreed to take a community-based approach to forest restoration and management. Donors invested in building local capacity to analyse problems and experiment with new solutions. This effort, over time, led to a major development success in the country, with the establishment of a nationwide community forestry system.

This was helped in the 1990s by the advent of a democratic system that created a conducive space for critical and independent research. Development partners began to support a multi-actor approach to forestry governance.

Research NGOs became strong players in the process of knowledge generation around community forestry development. A community of ‘critical action intellectuals’ – defined as people who contribute to systemic change though their intellectual work and political engagement – grew in number and influence. They were able to not only empower communities, but also challenge the dominant policy actors to create more democratic decision-making.

In another recently published paper, I and my co-authors have documented three case studies from Nepal, Kenya and Central America, where we have gathered evidence of development partners working with locally based critical action intellectuals, with transformative outcomes. We used the Nepal case as a framework to explore parallels in Africa and Central America.

In Kenya, an environmental sciences professor, Wangari Maathai, became the champion of regreening Kenya’s rural landscapes and tackling the rights of local people including women. Her work was recognised through a Nobel Prize, and has had significant influence on Kenya’s environmental policy and management landscape.

Similarly, other scholars created new institutions to pursue critical and action-oriented research, and produced critical analysis of the development problems as well as policy responses. They were able to build international partnerships in various ways, and various forms of development assistance were key to supporting their vision.

The Central American story focuses on indigenous people fighting for recognition of their rights to land. Locally based researchers and lawyers in Guatemala have assisted communities to defend their land rights in the face of increasing commercial pressures such as oil palm plantations. This story reinforces that locally based action research can lead to wider impact.

How can development partners support and strengthen locally led research for development? There are at least six ways.

First, development partners should incorporate local research capacity throughout development cooperation. Whether a development program is about fisheries or family planning, partners can allocate part of their investment to identifying and supporting locally based knowledge workers to undertake research, assessments, case studies, and policy analysis on key themes and issues related to the program. Decisions on these investments should be independent of the implementation of the program, so that space for independent analysis is reserved.

Second, development partners cannot directly confront the political or economic roots of development problems, but they can support local knowledge workers to do so. Development partners can agree with national governments to make an investment in research and policy analysis independent of their programs. Policy analysis and strategic planning led by local experts can generate contextually grounded solutions, which can ultimately increase the impact of a program.

Third, research-related investments should also explicitly support practice-based and transdisciplinary knowledge development. Too often, following the boundaries of academic disciplines does not lead to any usable knowledge.

Fourth, different countries and cultures have their own ways of creating and articulating evidence in decision-making, and donors can support local researchers to produce culturally grounded and policy-relevant knowledge which can better inform local practical discourse about change.

Fifth, development donors should support cross-institutional interactions and knowledge exchange among NGOs, academics, practitioners and policy actors. Such a knowledge interface can lead to new ideas and more appropriate development solutions.

Finally, in the globalised world, a huge potential for knowledge exchange and capacity development is arising around the ways in which diasporic intellectual associations have emerged in the Global North. These associations can be an important bridge for development cooperation between the Global North and the Global South.

To conclude, many developing countries have strong potential for in-country development management and policy research. Development partners should focus on how emerging local capacity can be further strengthened, so that development policy and practice are stimulated by locally rooted knowledge and ideas. There is of course value in South-North collaboration for knowledge development, but the emphasis should be on locally led research partnerships.

This article has been republished from the Devpolicy Blog under a Creative Commons — Attribution/No derivatives license with the kind permission of the author. The blog is run out of the Development Policy Centre housed in the Crawford School of Public Policy in the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific at The Australian National University.

Contributing Author: Dr Hemant Ojha is an Associate Professor at the University of Canberra and a Principal Advisor at the Sydney-based Institute for Study and Development Worldwide (IFSD).

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The Australia Today is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information in this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts, or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of The Australia Today and The Australia Today News does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

Sikh leader Ripudaman Singh Malik shot dead in Canada

Ripudaman Singh Malik (Wikipedia)

Ripudaman Singh Malik, who was acquitted in 2005 for the 1985 Air India Kanishka bombing that killed 331 people, has been shot dead in Surrey, BC, Canada, on Thursday morning.

Malik who was the founder of Khalsa school and Khalsa Credit Union was on his way to his work when he was shot by an unknown suspect. A witness in the 8200-block of 128 Street told CBC he heard three shots and that Malik was hit in the neck. 

As per reports in local Canadian media, RCMP were called to the Newton neighbourhood of Surrey, over reports of gunfire around 9:30 a.m. At the scene of the crime, RCMP found Malik who was in his mid-70s suffering from gunshot wounds. He was provided first aid by attending officers until Emergency Health Services took over. Const. Sarbjit Sangha said in a news release:

“The man was provided first aid by attending officers until Emergency Health Services took over his care. The injured man succumbed to his injuries on scene.”

Investigators of the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team believe Malik’s shooting was preplanned and targeted. Police found a suspect vehicle in the 12200-block of 82 Avenue engulfed in fire and believe a second getaway vehicle may have been involved.

In 2019, Malik visited India after a gap of 25 years, and earlier this year he even wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for steps that the Indian government has taken for the Sikh community.

Malik had observed in his letter to PM Modi: “I am writing you this to express my deep heartfelt gratitude for the unprecedented positive steps taken by yourself to redress long-reading Sikh demands and grievances including the elimination of blacklists that restricted visit to India of thousands of Sikhs living abroad, grant of passports and visas to asylees and their families, reopening of hundreds of 1984-riots closed cases leading to conviction and jail term for some, declaring 1984-riots as ‘genocide’ by then Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh on the floor of the House, giving compensation or Rs. 5.00 lakh per family of the anti-Sikh genocide victims, the opening of Sri Kartarpur Saheb Corridor facilitating pilgrims from India to visit the revered place of our first Master Guru Nanak Dev Ji.”

In another letter to the Sikh community, Malik had urged them to desist from vicious and motivated campaign. He wrote: “Violence in Punjab only ends up hurting the interests of the Sikh community in Punjab and throughout India and around the world. I do my daily Ardaas for world peace as I do not like seeing my community or any community suffer due to violence.”

It is being reported that some people were critical of Malik offering his support to PM Modi. As Malik had also shown concern at an “orchestrated campaign” and propaganda run by certain Khalistanis at the behest of some foreign power against PM Modi and India. Malik had promised to work with the government of India for redressal of pending issues related to the welfare of the Sikh community.

Former B.C. premier Ujjal Dosanjh knew Malik from the 1970s and also did the legal work pro bono to help Malik set up his first two charities — the Satnam Trust and the Satnam Education Society. Dosanjh told local media that it is possible that Malik’s recent support of the Modi government could be a motive in the murder. He said:

“Whenever somebody is felled by violence, one is saddened. Mr. Malik ostensibly played with violence in his life and it has likely come back to haunt him.”

Malik came to Canada in 1972 and initially worked as a taxi driver. Later, as a businessman, he opened many Khalsa schools along with an apparel business, Papillion Eastern Imports, with combined assets worth over $110 million. He had spent four years in prison from 2000-2004 for his alleged involvement with Babbar Khalsa in the Kanishka bombing on charges of providing finance for the Khalistani terrorist attack.

Versatile singer Kushal Kar is winner of ‘Voice of Adelaide’ 2022

Kushal Kar, 'Voice of Adelaide' champion; Image Source: SuppliedKushal Kar, 'Voice of Adelaide' champion; Image Source: Supplied
Kushal Kar, 'Voice of Adelaide' champion; Image Source: Supplied

Kushal Kar was the title winner of ‘Voice of Adelaide‘ organized by Colordot and Beats Adelaide. This popular Indian musical reality show was held at Woodville Townhall, Adelaide in South Australia.

Kushal Kar (Voice of Adelaide – Facebook)

Kushal, who is originally from Kolkata in India, migrated to Australia in 2015. He told The Australia Today that although he was born in Kolkata most of his professional life was spent in Mumbai where he took music and singing training under well-known guru Waqar Khan.

Kushal Kar, 'Voice of Adelaide' champion; Image Source: Supplied
Kushal Kar, ‘Voice of Adelaide’ champion; Image Source: Supplied

“I have been singing since childhood, you can say I was born with great music around me! My mother used to sing Rabindra Sangeet and also encouraged me to take formal training in Indian classical music. When I moved to Mumbai for work, I thought of expanding my music pool with ghazals and Bollywood-style singing.”

Kushal Kar, 'Voice of Adelaide' champion; Image Source: Supplied
Kushal Kar, ‘Voice of Adelaide’ champion; Image Source: Supplied

Out of the 54 shortlisted contestants and several live singing elimination rounds since September 2021, Kushal stood out with his versatile vocals. He sang evergreen Bollywood songs which received accolades from both the esteemed panel of judges and a round of applause from the audience.

Kushal says that winning such a contest is not easy but his versatility and years of training helped him get an edge over other contestants. He feels “grateful to the team of VoA, judges, all the co-contestants, his supporters, friends, and family for their unconditional support and encouragement.” Kushal proudly adds:

“A special shout out to my colleague and friend Tarun Rajani and my guruji Sri Waqar Khan.”

With this win, Kushal is looking forward to entertaining Bollywood music lovers in Australia and also abroad.

WATCH VIDEO: VOA 2022

Journalism and media freedom under pressure with China’s creeping influence in the Pacific

China's Xi Jinping Meets with Prime Minister Peter O'Neill of Papua New Guinea (MFA) [新华社照片,楠迪,2014年11月22日 习近平会见巴布亚新几内亚总理奥尼尔 11月22日,中国国家主席习近平在斐济楠迪会见巴布亚新几内亚总理奥尼尔。 新华社记者姚大伟摄]

By Shailendra B. Singh

For the Pacific news media sector, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s recent eight-nation South Pacific tour may be over, but it should not be forgotten. The minister and his 20-member ‘high-level’ delegation’s refusal to take local journalists’ questions opened a veritable can of worms that will resonate in Pacific media circles for a while.

However, Wang’s sulky silence should not be seen as isolated incident but embedded in deeper problems in media freedom and development for the Pacific.

Besides dealing with their own often hostile national governments and manoeuvring through ever-more restrictive legislation, Pacific media is increasingly having to contend with pressure from foreign elements as well. China is the most prominent in this regard, as underscored by Wang’s visit, but there have been other incidents of journalist obstruction involving countries like Indonesia as well.

What is particularly appalling is how some Pacific governments seem to have cooperated with foreign delegations to stop their national media from asking legitimate questions.

Fijian journalist Lice Mavono’s account of the extent to which local Fijian officials went to limit journalists’ ability to cover Wang’s visit is highly troubling. In scenes rarely seen before, Wang and Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama’s joint press conference was apparently managed by Chinese officials, even though it was on Fijian soil.

When some journalists defied instructions and yelled out their unapproved questions, a Chinese official shouted back at them to stop. One journalist was ordered to leave the room with a minder attempting to escort him out, but fellow journalists intervened.

Similar behaviour was witnessed at the Pacific Islands Forum-hosted meeting between Wang and Forum Secretary General Henry Puna, where Chinese officials continued to obstruct journalists even after forum officials intervened on the journalists’ behalf.

The Chinese officials’ determined efforts indicated that they came well prepared to thwart the media. It also conveyed their disrespect for the premier regional organisation in the Pacific, to the point of defying forum officials’ directives.

However, what should be most concerning for the region as a whole is the way this episode exposed the apparent ability of Chinese officials to influence, dominate, and even give instructions to local officials.

This is all the more disturbing as China is ramping up its engagement with Pacific governments. Consequently, longstanding questions about China’s impact on the region’s democratic and media institutions become even more urgent.

Indeed, just weeks after Wang’s visit, Solomon Islands media reported that Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, in an extraordinary gazette, announced that the government would be taking full financial control of the state broadcaster, Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC).

There are fears that this arrangement – which draw comparisons with the Chinese state-owned broadcaster CCTV – will give the government far more control over SIBC, potentially both editorially and in its day-to-day management.

This is troubling given Sogavare’s antagonism towards the SIBC, who he has accused of giving more airtime to government critics than to officials. Veteran Solomon Islands journalist Dorothy Wikham condemned the move, stating: “we now don’t have a public broadcaster!”

This trend indicates the need for additional steps to strengthen media rights by, among other things, boosting journalist professional capacity. This is simply because good journalists are more aware of and better able to safeguard media rights.

To this end, one area that clearly needs work is a greater focus on reporting regional events effectively. As major powers jostle for influence, and Pacific politics become ever more interconnected, what happens in one country will increasingly affect others. Journalists need to be aware of this and more strongly frame their stories through a regional lens. However, this won’t happen without focused and targeted training.

In this context, media research and development is an oft-overlooked pillar of media freedom. While all kinds of demands are made of Pacific journalists and much is expected of them, there seems to be little regard for their welfare and not much curiosity about what makes them tick.

To get an idea of how far behind the Pacific is in media research, it is worth considering that there has only been one multi-country survey of Pacific journalists’ demography, professional profiles and ethical beliefs in 30 years. This recent, important research yielded valuable data to better understand the health of Pacific media and the capabilities of Pacific journalists.

For instance, the data indicates that Pacific journalists are more inexperienced and under-qualified than counterparts in the rest of the world. In addition, the Pacific has among the highest rate of journalist attrition due to, among other things, uncompetitive salaries, a feature of small media systems.

So, while governments make much of biased journalists, they conveniently ignore the working conditions, training, education, and work experience that are needed to increase integrity and performance.

In other words, the problems in Pacific media are not solely the work of rogue elements in the news media, they are structural in nature. These factors are not helped by draconian legislation which is supposedly intended to ensure fairness, but in fact only further squeezes already restricted journalists.

This situation underscores the need for further research, which can identify and offer informed solutions to the problems in the sector. Yet, scholarships and fellowships for Pacific media research are as rare as hen’s teeth.

Furthermore, Wang’s Pacific visit and China’s activities in the region are a wake-up call for regional media as to the urgent need for capacity-building. Any remedial actions should be informed by research and need to consider problems in a holistic manner. As we have seen, ‘band-aid’ solutions at best provide only temporary relief, and at worst misdiagnose the problem.

This China fiasco is also a reminder to care about Pacific journalists, try to understand them and show concern for their welfare. We should not regard journalists as merely blunt instruments of news reporting. Rather, a free and democratic media is the lifeblood of a free and democratic Pacific.

This article has been republished from the ANU’s Asia and the Pacific Policy Society’s Policy Forum with the kind permission of the author.

Contributing Author: Dr Shailendra B Singh is the Head of Journalism at the University of the South Pacific in Fiji.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The Australia Today is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information in this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts, or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of The Australia Today and The Australia Today News does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

Details of 47,000 Deakin University students hacked in a cyberattack

Phone-Scams

In an unprecedented cyberattack at Victoria’s Deakin University, the contact details of almost 47,000 current and past students have been hacked.

According to reports, the hacker(s) were able to access a staff member’s username, password, and other information held by a third-party provider. This breach further led to sending a text message to 9997 students. This message claimed that the students had a parcel available and requested payment for a customs fee.

The hacker(s) then went on to download the contact details of 46,980 current and former Deakin University students. The hacker(s) were able to access student names, student IDs, personal mobile numbers, email addresses, and also recent unit results.

Deakin University – Burwood Campus (Wikipedia)

Deakin university said in a statement that they took immediate action:

“Immediate action was taken by Deakin to stop any further SMS messages being sent to students and an investigation into the data breach was immediately commenced.”

Deakin University has further added that it is continuing to investigate the cyberattack incident and has also engaged the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner along with a third-party provider to improve its cybersecurity. It added:

“Deakin sincerely apologises to those impacted by this incident and wants to assure the Deakin community that it is conducting a thorough investigation to prevent a similar incident from occurring again.”

Deakin University is ranked among the top 1 per cent of universities in the world (QS Ranking) and has a large number of students, around 35%, from India enrolled in its various courses.

RMIT University (Wikipedia)

Earlier in 2021, RMIT University was forced to suspend new enrolments and some classes, and also deferred a plan for staff to return to campus after a cyberattack.

Australian Communication and Media Authority has recently introduced new rules protecting Australians from scam texts. According to the updated rules, telecommunication companies are required to identify, trace and block text scams, and publish information to help their customers manage and report scams.

Indian international students contributed more than $6.4 billion to pre-covid Australian economy

Dr Monica-Kennedy, Senior Commissioner, Austrade; Image Source: Supplied
Dr Monica-Kennedy, Senior Commissioner, Austrade; Image Source: Supplied

The Australia India Business Exchange (AIBX) India Market Updates 2022, hosted by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), was held in each capital city recently giving exporters actionable market insights into the world’s fastest-growing major economy. 

Australian businesses and exporters got the chance to quiz trade and investment experts about opportunities to break into the Indian market

Austrade’s General Manager, South Asia, Catherine Gallagher said India offers Australian goods and services exporters significant opportunities across education, agribusiness and food, technology, infrastructure, resources and energy. 

By supporting the Australian and Indian business communities to engage with each other, we hope to build on existing momentum and support commercial success.” 

Dr Monica-Kennedy, Senior Commissioner, Austrade; Image Source: Supplied

Joining the panel at the Melbourne Grand Hyatt was Dr Monica Kennedy, Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner South Asia, Austrade, Frances Lisson PSM, Chief Negotiator, DFAT, Denise Eaton, Trade and Investment Commissioner South Asia, Austrade and Apurwa Sarve, Senior Manager Strategy & Emerging Markets, H&H Group (Swisse Wellness).

The discussion provided insights on the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement that was signed on 2 April. Once in force it will see tariffs eliminated on more than 85 per cent of Australian goods exports to India (valued at more than $12.6 billion a year), rising to almost 91 per cent (valued at $13.4 billion) over 10 years.

In an exclusive interview with The Australia Today, Dr Kennedy said “It’s an alignment of stars right at the moment” with regards to the Australia-India Education sector relationship.

India is the world’s largest democracy and one of the world’s fastest-growing major economy, with GDP projected to grow at 8.2 per cent in 2022-23. 

One particular sector in focus was the education sector which is set to boom once the agreement is in place.

India is Australia’s second-largest source of international students. Export value of the Education sector to India was AUD 6.2 Bn in 2020. As of December 2021, there were 129,864 Indian students enrolled at Australian institutions. 

Few points which are aiding the recruitment effort post covid:

  • Temporarily relaxed student visa work limits for all sector 
  • Concessions on the TGV allowing enhanced PSWR, including additional year for STEM graduates 
  • India roadshow and recruitment efforts of Universities and education partners 
  • Study Australia Industry Engagement program 

Enhanced employment options as a direct result of border reopening and all sectors of the Australian economy getting back to a state of normalcy 

Indian international students studying in Australia contributed more than $6.4 billion to the economy in 2019, pre-COVID. India is Australia’s second-largest source market for international student enrolments, accounting for 15.2% of international students in 2019, pre-COVID, and 16.3% in 2022.

Image Source: Austrade

Two initiatives by Australia government:

The Digital Education Hub

The Digital Education Hub seeks to elevate Australia’s international education brand position in India, showcase Australia’s excellence in education and employability, and improve market literacy. The Hub comprises digital tools, tailored content and resources, virtual and physical events, and campaign activity funnelled via a flagship India landing page designed to drive increased demand and growth in high-quality student enrolments.

The Future skills initiative

The Australia India Future Skills Initiative will establish a digital platform, delivered in partnership with industry, to connect Australian vocational education, training and skills providers, Indian business, government, learners, and employers.

The initiative will:

  • Deliver leading Australian training capability to meet India’s key future skills needs 
  • Support capability development and capacity building in India by upskilling India’s workforce through world-class Australian educational programs 
  • Build strategic business relationships to establish Australia as a training partner of choice, upskill India’s workforce and support Indian careers through relevant employment pathways.

The initiative will have four components:

  • Australian training course search and delivery platform, purpose-built for Indian students 
  • Promotion and profiling of Australian capability through business, learner, and employer success stories 
  • Dedicated Austrade team across Australia and India – leadership and business development managers to secure industry partnerships and facilitate opportunities between Australian providers and Indian industry to deliver formal training qualifications and career pathway 
  • Two-way skills missions to support Australian and Indian providers to connect with government and industry in India and Australia, to scope out prospective courses, pathways, and new products.

Impacts of AI-ECTA on Education:

Post Study visa:

  • Australia has for the first time confirmed post-study work rights in a side letter to a free trade agreement and will extend access for highly sought-after STEM and ICT graduates.
  • At the same time, former Indian students will also be able to live, study and work in Australia temporarily upon completion of their studies

Australia will maintain opportunities for former Indian students to live, study and work temporarily upon completion of a diploma or trade qualification (up to 18 months)

      bachelor degree (up to two years)

      masters degrees (up to three years)

      doctoral degree (up to four years).

An additional year will be available for Indians who graduate with bachelor degrees in STEM and ICT  with First Class Honours (from two to three years).

Visa Commitments

  • Australia has secured clarity around visa pathways and application procedures like periods of stay and other visa conditions from India to support outward mobility for businesses and professionals
  • This includes equivalent commitments on categories of the entrant, length of stay, spouses and dependents, but does not include a waiver of labour market testing.
  • This includes equivalent commitments on categories of the entrant, length of stay, spouses and dependents
  • In addition, India will provide a reciprocal work-based immigration route for Australians who successfully complete their studies and who wish to supplement their training with professional experience in India, to open up greater opportunities post-study.
Image Source: Austrade

Mutual Recognition Agreements

  • AI-ECTA will support establishing a Professional Services Working Group for the future facilitation of the mutual recognition of qualifications, licensing and registration procedures between professional services bodies.
  • These obligations include elements such as coverage of all licenses and regulated occupations, allowing for temporary/project-specific licenses where feasible and establishing a mechanism of the Working Group to pursue obligations related to this.
  • This will pave the way for initiating dialogues on Mutual Recognition Agreements in Nursing, Architecture and other professional services between the professional bodies of India and Australia, which in turn will facilitate the movement of professionals in each other’s territory.

New market access

  • Australia has provided new market access for culturally significant occupations for a combined total of 1,800 per year of
  •  qualified professional traditional chefs and yoga instructors entering as contractual service suppliers of India.

Work and Holiday program.

  • Work and Holiday visa with multiple entries has been offered by Australia to 1000 young Indians, in the age group of 18-30 years, for a period of one year.
  • Under this, they can undertake study or training for up to four months (17 weeks) or undertake paid or unpaid employment for the entire duration of their stay in Australia, generally for up to six months with any one employer.

Indian international student dies from house fire in Australia, community collecting funds

Parramatta Police Area Command Facebook
Parramatta Police Area Command Facebook

An Indian international student in the Sydney suburb of Parramatta has died in hospital following a house fire. According to the NSW Police, emergency services were called to a unit on Campbell Street following reports of a fire.

On arrival, officers attached to Parramatta Police Area Command found a third-floor unit well alight.

“A 27-year-old man was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Westmead hospital in a critical condition.”

Image Source: Parramatta Police Area Command Facebook)

The Indian Australian community has initiated fundraising for Raunak’s family, the student who died following the fire, so that his mortal remains can be sent back home to India.
The gofundme page set up for the fundraising mentions that Raunak was the kind of guy who would go out of his way to help someone.

“Raunak came to Australia in Sep 2019 on a student visa and had big hopes of completing his Masters in Networking and was also supporting his parents and younger brother back home. He was in his last semester and planned to go to India in a couple of months to see his family but those future dreams and hopes of parents’ drying eyes to see their child will never come to life now.”

“He went too far too soon, putting his family in a loss which can never be filled. While studying he was also providing financial support to his parents back home.”

“This tragic incident will leave lifetime misery and pain for them. The objective of this fundraising is to provide that last financial support to the family in these tough times and to send the body back home after all the government clearances”, reads the fundraising appeal. 

“The below units were evacuated as Fire and Rescue NSW officers extinguished the blaze. Just after 5am on Monday, the older man died in hospital. An investigation into the incident has commenced; the cause of the fire is yet to be determined.”

“A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages”, read a statement by the local Police.

Australian government’s renewable target is much more ambitious than it seems

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (Twitter)

By Bruce Mountain

Earlier today, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese gave his first major climate change speech, touting Australia’s future as a renewable superpower and promising Labor’s ambitious new renewable target would “unlock $52 billion of private sector investment.”

This follows Labor’s pre-election commitment to cut Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions by 43% below 2005 levels by the end of the decade, while boosting renewable electricity production to 82% of our electricity supply.

These goals are entwined. To cut emissions, we have to rapidly switch to renewables. That’s because the largest and cheapest emissions reductions are found by shifting electricity production to renewable sources. Since winning office, the Labor government has left no doubt about its commitment to these goals.

While the Greens have called for more rapid action, the goal to get to 82% renewables is much bigger than it seems. For the first time in a decade, the federal government is well out ahead of the states. Making this a reality, however, means tackling key missing parts of the clean energy shift: storage and grid modernisation. To galvanise change, my colleagues and I propose setting targets (and supporting policy) for storage as well as ramping up the renewable energy target.

Is the new government target really that big?

The government’s target isn’t plucked from thin air. It comes from the future scenario that Australia’s energy market operator, AEMO, said was deemed most likely by experts and stakeholders among all scenarios modelled in its 2022 Integrated System Plan.

If this 82% target is achieved, it really will be a step change. This target is four-fifths bigger than the targets of any of the coal-dependent eastern states, home to most of our population.

Victoria and Queensland are aiming for 50% renewables by 2030, while the New South Wales electricity roadmap is also consistent with a target of around 50%. Getting an extra 32% of renewables beyond this is ambitious, but entirely possible.

Tasmania hit 100% renewables last year and South Australia is well on its way to 100% renewables. But these successes are partly offset by the fossil fuel dependence of Western Australia, the Northern Territory and smaller grids elsewhere.

To reach 82% nationally, this means we will require roughly the same proportion of renewable electricity in the three big coal states. While the coal states are making progress, the federal government clearly wants them to go much faster.

How can we get there? Modelling by the market operator shows we need to build 45 gigawatts more wind and solar generation, plus 15GW of storage by the end of the decade. That will cost an estimated $115 billion for renewable energy and storage. Victoria and NSW in particular envisage private capital driving this investment.

In Australia, we have had policies encouraging renewable energy for 22 years. That’s given us about 32GW of renewable generation, of which about two-thirds is solar on the roofs of homes and businesses. Over this period, just 1GW of storage has been added – all of it from chemical batteries.

In short, this means we are set for a great acceleration. To achieve the 82% target means building renewables around five times faster than we have over the past two decades, and building storage at about ten times the rate of the past five years.

Undertaking this massive transformation so quickly will require serious policy support. To that end, we’ve proposed a Renewable Electricity Storage Target, to accelerate the storage build.

We believe this would work, as it is based on the highly successful Renewable Energy Targets supported by successive federal Labor governments, and it can be developed and implemented quickly.

To supercharge the renewable expansion will also require policy support. We don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Greatly expanding the Renewable Energy Target is one proven way to do this.

Producing the power is useless if we can’t transmit it. Modernising our grid is crucial too. Here, too, all three coal states are making good headway in innovative arrangements to improve transmission and grid access.

Power prices are likely to be a stumbling block

There’s no obvious financing issue for transmission. The challenges here are about connection, regulatory approval and community support. The Albanese government can help by letting a thousand flowers bloom rather than constraining developments through centrally imposed uniformity.

Before the election, Labor promised to cut household power bills by $275 per year by 2025. Wholesale electricity prices climbed to stratospheric highs before the May election, and have stayed there ever since. Unless these prices drop – and it is increasingly uncertain they will – households will be facing huge retail electricity price increases.

This is likely to pose serious problems for many low-income households. The federal government will be pressured to do something about it. But this, too, will be hard, given there are much tougher budgets flagged.

Does this mean the 82% target is unattainable? No, but arcane debates on market design must play second fiddle to decisive storage and renewable electricity policy. And the government will have to plan very carefully how it directs public money to achieve its goals – while helping the states to put out menacing energy price spot fires as well.

This article has been republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons — Attribution/No derivatives license.

Contributing Author: Bruce Mountain is Director, Victoria Energy Policy Centre, Victoria University.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The Australia Today is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information in this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts, or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of The Australia Today and The Australia Today News does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

Manslaughter charges laid in truck driver Baljinder Singh’s workplace death

Baljinder Singh (GoFundMe)
Baljinder Singh (GoFundMe)

A 59-year-old man has been charged with manslaughter after he allegedly operated a forklift that killed 40-year-old Indian-Australian truck driver Baljinder Singh in Sydney.

On 1 February 2021, around 12.30 pm, Baljinder Singh was killed in a tragic incident at St Marys after he became pinned between a truck and a forklift.

According to an online fundraiser page set up shortly after the incident to assist Baljinder Singh’s family with funeral costs, he was described as “a God-fearing, lovable and kindhearted person” who was “dedicated to his family and supportive of his friends.” The family wrote:

“He was a man, you could always count on, whatever you needed, Baljinder was there without question. It is now our time to be there for him.”

The family further wrote:

‘”We can’t imagine how hard is for the family especially kids that needed him the most. This unfortunate loss cannot be overcome for the years to come but we can help and support the family financially and emotionally.”

Detectives from the Nepean Police Area Command report that the man who was allegedly operating the forklift prior to the incident will be produced before the Penrith Local Court. This man has been charged with manslaughter following an extensive investigation conducted by the detectives after the fatal incident.

Baljinder Singh (GoFundMe)

The funding page raised more than $28,500 and Baljinder Singh was cremated on 21 February 2021 at Pinegrove Memorial Park, Minchinbury, in the presence of his parents who arrived in Australia to attend the funeral.

Baljinder Singh migrated to Australia from Punjab in 2004 and lived with his family in Blacktown. He is survived by a wife and three young daughters aged 4, 12 and 14.

Nilesh Makwana’s entrepreneurial journey from bicycle in India to business class in Australia

Nilesh Makwana; Image Source: Supplied
Nilesh Makwana; Image Source: Supplied

Indian-Australian entrepreneur Nilesh Makwana who lives in Perth, Western Australia, has charted his inspiring journey from bicycle to business class in a book.

Nilesh Makwana (LinkedIn)

Nilesh is the co-founder and CEO of Illuminance Solutions, a National Technology Company, and a Microsoft Global Partner for Social Impact. His new book entitled “Terminal 4 – An Entrepreneur’s Journey from Bicycle to Business Class” was launched in Delhi on 12 July 2022.

Hon. Roger Cook launching Nilesh Makwana’s book in Delhi (Image supplied)

Nilesh told The Australia Today that this book tells his story and takes readers from his childhood in India to studies in the UK and Australia, and his business ventures. He adds that his book is told through the lens of a migrant:

“HOW AN INDIAN HIGH SCHOOL FAILURE, WHO, DESPITE NOT BEING SUCCESSFUL ACADEMICALLY, TRAVELS THE WORLD AND EVENTUALLY BECOMES A GLOBAL AWARD-WINNING ENTREPRENEUR IN AUSTRALIA, AND LECTURER TO MASTER LEVEL STUDENT AT AN INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY.”

ilesh Makwana’s book at Mumbai Airport (Linkedin)

Nilesh adds that the initial idea behind writing this book was to pay it forward. He says:

WHEN I SET OUT WRITING THIS BOOK THE IDEA WAS TO PAY FORWARD THE LESSONS I HAVE LEARNED THROUGHOUT MY LIFE, EITHER AS A SCHOOL DROPOUT LATER BECOMING A LECTURER AT AN INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY, OR AS A YOUNG KID SELLING PENS AND STICKERS TO FULFILLING MY ENTREPRENEURIAL STREAK WITH MY NOW BUSINESS ILLUMINANCE SOLUTIONS.

Nilesh Makwana at Mumbai Airport (LinkedIn)

Nilesh also mentors a lot of young migrants in Australia and advises start-ups in India. He observes:

I AM APPROACHED BY YOUNG MIGRANTS AND ENTREPRENEURS ON A DAILY BASIS FOR GUIDANCE ON HOW TO AND WHAT TO, AND I THOUGHT A BOOK COULD BE OF HELP FOR THEM. I NOW REALISE THAT IT GREW INTO SOMETHING ELSE AS WELL, AND THAT PEOPLE AND BUSINESS LEADERS WHO DEAL WITH INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS, MIGRANTS AND ENTREPRENEURS CAN LEARN A THING OR TWO FROM THE BOOK, GETTING TO KNOW HOW IT MIGHT BE TO BE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THINGS. I ALSO EXPECT THAT THE BOOK COULD BE AN ASSET FOR YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS AND STUDENTS TO READ BEFORE THEY EMBARK ON THEIR JOURNEY.” 

The WA Deputy Premier Hon. Roger Cook MLA and WA International Education Minister Hon. David Templeman MLA will be in attendance. The launch of Nilesh’s book coincides with the Western Australian government’s investment and trade mission to India.

Hon. Roger Cook with WA delegation (Image: Roger Cook – LinkedIn)

This will see key WA Government and business representatives visit Delhi, Mumbai, Visakhapatnam and Chennai to build stronger economic and cultural ties with India.

WA Deputy Premier Hon. Roger Cook (WA govt.)

The Deputy Premier Cook observed that he was pleased to support Nilesh’s book launch to highlight Perth as a place where people from India “can live, learn and launch their entrepreneurial journey.” He added:

“Nilesh Makwana’s entrepreneurial story is a great example of the positive impact Indian migrants have made to not only WA’s business community, but the wider community.”

India is WA’s largest international student market, accounting for 20 per cent of enrolments in 2021. The launch of Nilesh’s book also follows the reopening of the WA border and the welcoming of international students back to Perth.

WA International Education Minister Hon. David Templeman (WA govt.)

Minister Templeman said he hoped Nilesh’s story would encourage India’s tertiary students of the future to think about what WA has to offer. He further observed:

“With our world-class universities, strong economy, wealth of job opportunities and desirable lifestyle, WA is a study destination like no other.”

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella‘s portrait by Lene Makwana – Microsoft Inspire conference in Las Vegas 2019 (LinkedIn)

In June 2019, Nilesh’s start-up beat 3000 other nominees for the partner for social impact award. This was presented to him for his company’s AvantCare customer relationship management software that was developed for not-for-profits to better manage clients in the NDIS era. Nilesh told media:

“That was the first global award ever given by Microsoft to any partner for social impact and we happened to be that company, it was bizarre, crazy, unbelievable news.”

Nilesh Makwana at Mumbai Airport (Linkedin)

Nilesh has been an Australia Day Council Ambassador and with his interactions with community members he inspires Australians to be more diverse and inclusive. With his new book, Nilesh hopes tha it would “inspire other young men and women to believe that their dreams are achievable with tenacity and hard work.”

Nilesh Makwana with Hon. Roger Cook at the book launch in Delhi (Image supplied)

Nilesh says that at this stage there is no plan to write another book, but HALO Films and Seadog TV International based in Perth has commenced the work on a documentary based on this book.

Nilesh has also established a NGO, Borderless Gandhi, With his wife, Lene, who is a Norwegian artist, to promote Mahatma Gandhi’s message of peace, equality and non-violence through various artistic reflections.

Thank you community for helping find Palash and Parin

Missing Boys: Image Source: NSW Police.
Missing Boys: Image Source: NSW Police.

Palash and Parin missing from the Parramatta area have been located safe and well.

NSW Police has thanked the help of community and media for their assistance. We at ‘The Australia Today’ received hundreds of messages from our readers who volunteered to help and support the campaign.

Both boys were located in Merrylands Monday 11 July afternoon after vigilant community members’ support and NSW Police inquiries.

Missing Boys at Parramatta; Image Source: NSW Police
Missing Boys at Parramatta; Image Source: NSW Police

The two brothers aged 15 and 10, were last seen in the Parramatta area at about 9 am on Tuesday (5 July 2022).

After failing to return home, officers attached to Blacktown Police Area Command were notified on Wednesday (6 July 2022) and commenced inquiries to locate them.

Anyone with information about any incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: at 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
Pieces of information are treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Western Australia heads to “Destination India” with most ambitious trade and investment mission

Roger Cook, Deputy Premier WA; Image Source: @Facebook
Roger Cook, Deputy Premier WA; Image Source: @Facebook

By Roger Cook, MLA

What do a Geraldton fisherman, a Perth university Vice-Chancellor, a Pilbara mining executive and a Margaret River winemaker have in common?

They will all be in India tomorrow as part of the biggest ever business delegation ever to leave Western Australia.

What unites these seemingly different operations is an eye to the future in the land of a billion opportunities. This is the most ambitious investment and trade mission so far since Australia re-opened its international border.

May be an image of 2 people, people standing and indoor

There will be about 110 business people from 73 organisations, along with myself and the Minister for International Education and Culture and the Arts, David Templeman.

Where we are headed in the world’s second-most populous nation and the world’s largest democracy of around 1.4 billion.

But it is not just the size of India that makes it a key international market for WA.

India’s population is young and its economy is rapidly growing and changing. Their economy is diversifying through industrial and manufacturing growth and increased consumption from its rising middle class.

I have been spreading the message for some time now that WA is open for business and open for tourism; open for investors and open for workers and studies.

WA has one of the strongest economies in the world matched with a safe and relaxed lifestyle reinforced by our world-leading COVID-19 management.

The Premier and I have both been on various strategic trips to key and emerging investment and trade markets to spread these messages

They include Singapore (where tourism to WA in May bounced back exceptionally well), Indonesia, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Ireland and Qatar.

This week I want a strong message to be heard that we are serious about our engagement with India and we want to lift the relationship.

India tourism to WA was above 80 per cent of pre-COVID levels last month. We’re pushing hard for a direct flight between Perth and India to make it even easier to get here

India’s GDP is about $US3 trillion but to unlock the significant opportunities ahead, we must foster even closer economic and cultural ties. That’s where this investment and trade mission comes into play as part of our diversification strategy.

The businesses on the delegation fall within six different streams: international education and skilled migration; mining and mining equipment, technology and services; energy; innovation hubs and smart cities; primary industries; and tourism, events and creative industries.

Over the course of the eight-day mission, we will travel to four cities – Delhi, Mumbai, Visakhapatnam and Chennai.

Delegates will participate in an extensive program of activities, including government and corporate meetings, site visits, industry briefings and roundtables, one-to-one business matching, and networking events with the Indian government and industry representatives.

In 2021, India was WA’s seventh-largest trading partner with total trade valued at A$4.6 billion.

Last year, WA accounted for 17 per cent of total goods trade between Australia and India.

International education is a flagship example of how WA is well placed to provide the services that a growing Indian economy will need. Although India is already WA’s largest market for international students, accounting for just over 20 per cent of enrolments in 2021, there is still room to grow.

It is estimated India’s tertiary-age population is the largest in the world, projected to peak at 126 million in 2026.

May be an image of 10 people, people sitting, people standing and indoor

As noted by the ‘An Indian Economic Strategy by 2035’ report, India aims to lift the enrolment rate in higher education from 27 per cent to 50 per cent by 2030. With our world-class universities, strong economy, the wealth of job opportunities and desirable lifestyle, WA is an attractive option for Indian students.

The University of Western Australia, Curtin University, Edith Cowan University, Murdoch University and Notre Dame University are all on this mission, as well as several TAFE colleges and StudyPerth.

The energy sector is also well represented with Woodside, Fortescue Future Industries, Rio Tinto, Roy Hill and Atlas Iron joining the delegation.

The mix of WA businesses on the mission is really interesting and should make for some engaging cross-industry conversations.

ScreenWest will be looking closely at the Indian film industry while the Geraldton Fisherman’s Co-op, Western Rock Lobster and Moss Wood winery will be exploring potential export opportunities.

The WA Government first established an investment and trade office in India in 1996. Located in Mumbai, the office has been open for more than 25 years.

During the mission, I will be opening a second Indian office in Chennai.  

The timing of this week’s WA trade and investment mission is also important.

It comes just three months after Australia signed the historic free trade agreement with India – the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement – that will make Australian exports to India cheaper and create even more opportunities for WA businesses.

Tariffs will be eliminated on more than 85 per cent of Australian goods exported to India.

The relationship between Western Australia and India is also supported by the Western Australia Andhra Pradesh Sister-State Relationship Agreement.

So this week we will start writing another important chapter in the narrative between India and Western Australia.

The government-to-government and business-to-business engagement will strengthen our economic and cultural relationship with India for decades to come.

Contributing Authors: Hon. Roger Cook MLA is Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Jobs and Trade; Tourism; Commerce; Science, Western Australia.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The Australia Today is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information in this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts, or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of The Australia Today and The Australia Today News does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

Sharma, Singh, Sheng or Smith – who will get the job?

Representative picture; Image Source: @CANVA
Representative picture; Image Source: @CANVA

A new study has found that having hard-to-pronounce names results in poorer job placements for people with PhDs. The working paper is based on the real-world employment outcomes of some 1,500 economics job candidates from about 100 PhD programs following the 2016–17 to 2017–18 market cycles in the US.

The authors, Qe Gi and Stephen Wu found that having a hard-to-pronounce name is associated with a significantly lower likelihood of getting an academic job or obtaining a tenure-track position at a university. Their paper notes that there is “strong evidence for labor market discrimination against individuals with names that are hard to pronounce.” It adds:

“Job candidates with difficult-to-pronounce names are much less likely to be placed into an academic job or to land a tenure-track position, and also are placed in jobs at much lower ranked institutions, as measured by research productivity. These results are statistically significant and economically large in magnitude.”

Fiona Price (Image supplied)

Fiona Price, a Melbourne-based cross-cultural communication specialist and expert on multicultural names, believes that the real problem here doesn’t lie with the people with names from languages other than English. She says:

“It lies with the large proportion of native English speakers who are monolingual and lack the knowledge, confidence and linguistic skills to navigate culturally diverse names.”

Gi and Wu note that their research doesn’t pinpoint what causes such discrimination, but they do have a guess: the initial screening process at a university “generally involves committees getting together to discuss names of potential candidates, which may lead to some subconscious discrimination against names that are harder to pronounce and/or remember.”

Further, after the screening stage, it is possible that candidates with similar qualifications but with “easier names are viewed more favorably during the initial and final stages of interviews.”

Dr Ritesh Chugh, Associate Professor at CQ University (Facebook)

Dr Ritesh Chugh, Associate Professor at CQ University, points out that this isn’t the first study on name discrimination and won’t be the last either. He says that many similar studies globally have found that name-based discrimination is rife in different contexts – job interviews and hiring, university places, and rental housing.

“So, while studies show that non-Anglo names are negatively discriminated against, it doesn’t mean people should change their names because names often have cultural significance and represent an individual’s identity.”

Dr Chugh adds that in multicultural Australia, there is an urgent need to create more awareness and acceptance of different names from ethnic minorities. He adds:

“Changing names to Anglo versions to suit the work environment doesn’t help create greater acceptance. Moreover, changing a name is akin to losing one’s identity. Instead, whenever someone mispronounces your real name, it is important to correct it, rather than change it.

Many recruiters have trialled blind resumes where name and gender are removed to rule out unconscious bias. Perhaps, it is time to make that a standard practice. Singh, Sharma, Sheng or Smith should all be considered equally for a job. Everyone deserves a fair-go based on skills and knowledge rather than their name.”

Fiona adds that the name bias isn’t unconscious, it is very conscious – “It’s like avoiding names that might expose their ignorance and get them into trouble!” As a solution to make highly skilled people confident in the job market, Fiona also suggests educating the native English speaker. She adds:

“Rather than placing the responsibility on the bearers of ‘challenging’ names to anglicise their names, and/or pushing for new policies aimed at reducing name discrimination (such as compulsory anonymising of CVs), why don’t we give native English speakers the tools they need to handle a wider variety of names?

This is a win-win: English speakers would enlarge their skill set and the talent pool they can confidently draw on; applicants with diverse names would feel more confident about sending in applications with their own names and knowing they would be evaluated fairly.”

The latest research also suggests that name discrimination is not restricted to merely hiring and possibly goes beyond the hiring stage as some individuals adapt to an Anglicized first name for acceptance and career growth.

Do Australians pay too much income tax?

ATO_building; Image Source: ATO website
ATO_building; Image Source: ATO website

By Peter Whiteford 

Australians pay too much income tax – or so some argue.

The Australian Financial Review’s economics editor, John Kehoe, for example, has noted:

Australians are paying more personal income tax as a share of government revenue than any other advanced economy, except for the high-taxing Scandinavian welfare state of Denmark.

And the day after the federal election, the AFR editorialised:

Too heavy reliance on taxing productive workers and business earnings blunts incentives to work, save and invest.

Perhaps even more stinging is that the AFR considers New Zealand to have a better income-tax system. New Zealanders pay 10.5% on their first NZ$14,000 (then 17.5% up to NZ$48,000), while Australians enjoy a tax-free threshold up to A$18,200. The AFR says this:

creates tax-penalty work disincentives that partly explain New Zealand’s approximately 5% higher rate of workforce participation than Australia.

Are these issues really a problem? If there is a case for tax reform, what sort of reform?

High individual income tax

In 2019 (the most recent year for which the OECD has complete statistics), Australia ranked second among OECD member on personal income tax as a share of total taxes.

In fact, it has ranked second or third in 36 of the past 40 years, and fourth in the other four years, swapping places with New Zealand and the United States.

But that’s just part of the picture

Overall, Australia’s level of taxation, measured as a proportion of GDP, is relatively low – 27.7% to the OECD average of 33.4%.

That makes Australia the 29th lowest-taxing nation of the OECD’s 38 members.

Other nations have social security taxes

The main reason Australia ranks so highly on individual income tax levels is because Australians don’t pay separate social security taxes.

Australia, New Zealand and Denmark fund social security from general government revenue. The other 35 OECD nations levy specific taxes on employers and employees to fund social security systems (unemployment support, age and disability pensions etc)

These account for an average 25.9% of total tax revenue, or close to 9% of GDP, across the OECD.

Employee social security contributions are very similar to income taxes. They are generally collected the same way as income taxes, and counted as direct taxes on households or individuals in income surveys.

Though employers also pay social security taxes, evidence suggests about two-thirds of these are effectively paid by employees through lower wages.

In fact, if we add together personal income taxes and social security contributions, then Australia, rather than having the second-highest share of income taxes in the OECD, has the eighth-lowest.

What about superannuation?

Some say Australia’s compulsory superannuation scheme, in which employers pay 10.5% of an employee’s wage as super, should be counted in these tax measures, because it is similar to social security contributions in other countries.

12 other OECD countries have mandatory employer-paid private pension schemes.

Employers pay this money directly into private accounts, not to the government, so it doesn’t meet the definition of a tax.

But for argument’s sake we can factor in super payments using “tax wedge” data.

Combining mandatory payments

A tax wedge is the ratio between the amount of taxes paid by an average worker (assumed to be single without dependents) and the corresponding total labour cost for the employer.

The important point here is that wedge data include both what employers pay as mandatory private payments and as mandatory payments into government social security.

On this measure, Australia’s direct tax burden is the 11th lowest in the OECD.

So claims we have very high shares of personal income taxes are only part of the picture. Superannuation does not change the story significantly.

So what about New Zealand?

New Zealand does collect more revenue through consumption taxes – 12.5% of GDP in 2019, compared to 7.3% for Australia.

But it still collects more in income taxes – 12.4% of GDP compared to 11.6%. Its total level of taxation is 33.4% of GDP, compared to 27.7% for Australia.

The case for tax reform

Even so, there are things to learn from New Zealand.

Australia’s system could be structured better. As Louis XIV’s finance minister, Jean-Baptiste Colbert (1619-1683), said, the art of taxation is about “plucking the goose as to obtain the largest possible amount of feathers with the smallest possible amount of hissing”.

Income taxes are highly visible. This may make us more ready to believe we are highly taxed. There is a case for considering tax reforms that deliver adequate revenue more fairly.

New Zealand is in the process of this change, with its proposed Social Unemployment Insurance scheme being funded by a 1.39% levy on employers and workers.

Last month the Australian Treasury’s secretary, Steven Kennedy, said in a speech it was possible for the government to spend more on things “that improve lives”, such as higher-quality aged care and disability services, “while reducing pressures arising from poorly designed policies”:

We will need a tax system fit for purpose to pay for these services, that appropriately balances fairness and efficiency. This is achievable.“

Given the inevitable challenges of an ageing population, climate change and international uncertainty, anything that moves the national conversation on from misleading comparisons with other nations can only help.

This article has been republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons — Attribution/No derivatives license.

Contributing Author: Peter Whiteford is Professor at Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University, Canberra.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The Australia Today is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information in this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts, or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of The Australia Today and The Australia Today News does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

Save environment: An appeal to the people of Delhi

Environment at DU

By Dr. Chander Shekhar Singh

The exploitation of vegetation by human beings has history dating back to the remote past. With increasing population of humans, the pressure on the vegetation has also increased beyond all conceivable proportions. Humans have not only destroyed the natural communities, but also disturbed the environment by polluting the whole ecosystem.

Further, the extravagant wastage of natural resources – natural communities and their environments, particularly the soil, vegetation, etc. have created a serious situation. The problem is as to what will happen to our future generation if the natural resources are going to be destroyed or consumed at this rapid pace.

In several states of India, the attention is now being paid to protect the natural resources by not harming them and to devise ecological ways and means to use the natural resources to the fullest extent without in anyway diminishing their continued availability for future needs. The natural resources can be rebuilt or maintained at present level if we understand and apply the ecological principles and restrict our activities to the limits to known biological laws. The ecological knowledge is for human welfare which can be studied on the basis of awareness regarding :-

  1. Conservation of soil, water and wild life etc.,
  2. Agriculture,
  3. Gardening,
  4. Plantation etc.

Delhi state is situated along the river Yamuna. The climate of Delhi is periodic. The three distinct seasons are :-

  1. A dry and extremely hot season from March to June
  2. A rainy season from July to September
  3.  A dry and cold winter from October to February.

The west winds are dry and hot in summer, the north-west winds are dry and cold in winter and easterlies bring humidity, cloudiness and rains in the rainy season. The rainfall is low. This alternation of temperature extremes is not favourable for the growth of luxuriant vegetation. Considerable biotic interference coupled with cutting and destruction of trees or plants have modified the original vegetation and the growth of the trees in Delhi. The increasing danger of environmental destruction by exploiting the vegetation has now been realised by several NGOs, environmentalists, etc. At Delhi University, many teachers, students and university non-teaching staff members are working on the same.

Among NGOs, Eco Care Centre, a registered organization (registered in May 1997) worked with full power to enforce effective measures to protect trees in the campus area at various levels. Chair person of the centre Dr. Ashok Jain along with me and many members of Eco Care Centre traced many sources of air-borne wastes, liquid and solid wastes of in and around Delhi University especially the north campus area.

Dr Ashok Jain organized several long marches which included removing the holdings from the trees, removing the plastic bags from the roads etc. in the North Campus area of Delhi University along with many researchers (I as a research student activist and environmentalist was also a part of many activities organized by the same NGO after 2000), teachers, Delhi University Workers, Non teaching staff members and Gardeners, in the beginning of 21st century (i.e. 2000-2006). Due to the lacking of the funds we had to stop further big budget activities after 2007; however the organization/centre is still active. We raised certain significant environmental issues regarding protecting tree trunks from big nails, holdings, removing plastic bags from the road sides of campus area.

Eco Care Centre started a procession from Vivekanand statue in the North campus, Delhi University in the morning (05.06.1999) for cleaning the campus. A small delegation of the centre was given permission to enter Vidhan Sabha with a memorandum. 

Chief Minister of Delhi and Vice Chancellor of Delhi University participated in the campaigning organized by the centre in 2000.

We started the campaigning for tree plantation at large scale on the environment day in 2005. Many teachers including me, research scholars, reputed personalities, gardeners and several staff members of the University of Delhi planted different species of trees in the North Campus area of Delhi University.

We appeal to the people of Delhi

It is a natural fact that no human being can survive without oxygen. Oxygen is provided to us by nature through trees free of cost. We all should realize the importance of tree and their protection. We all should be careful that trees should not be nailed for using them as advertisement pillars. A tree has a life like us.

Nailing a tree is similar to crucify them by human beings. Covering the tree trunks with advertisement holdings or boards not only disfigure the trees but also reduces their life span to half. When we nail trees we destroy their living tissues and life supporting chemicals that can also develop different infections in the tree trunks. This kind of nailing the tree has already killed many 50- 200 old trees in and around Delhi area. This results in enhanced pollution level, increased temperature, less soil moisture and decreased O2 level in Delhi.

Plastic and synthetic goods are modern group of materials having being commonly used for more than 60 years. The generic term ‘Plastic’ refers to wide range modern products and indeed does not limit itself to the polymer, but also includes formulations, composites and co-polymers. In case plastic undergoes complete chemical degradation, the bulk of the ultimate end products (CO2, HO2, CH4) will of course contribute to the greenhouse effect.

Today’s typical plastics are manufactured from scarce fossil fuel resources in an energy-intensive fashion, often producing significant amounts of pollution as a by-product. For these reasons we all should avoid plastic products.

At my institution, Rajdhani College, when I was given the responsibility as a convener of the committee on Environment and related Issues, the committee organized a Webinar- EIA Draft on 24th August, 2020.  Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEF&CC) released a new draft – Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) 2020 on March 12, 2020. EIA is a legal framework for regulating activities that access, utilize and pollute natural resources. Prof. Rajesh Giri (Principal of the College), Prof. Pankaj Garg , Ms. Sana, Dr. Tapasya and all the members of the organizing committee gave their full support in organizing the Webinar. 

The increasing danger of environmental pollution has now been taken seriously into consideration by the governments of almost all the countries so the government of India. Now several organizations, academic or non-academic institutions, NGOs, nature lovers discuss about this issue in great details openly by organizing the seminars, conferences, talks, lectures, social meetings etc. in India for the awareness.

Several Indian scientists, environmentalists, nature lovers, nature wild life photographers and the social workers have given many suggestions to combat the menace of environmental pollution. This is our duty to identify the causes of pollution, to arrange certain awareness programs and also to find out the neutralizers or the adequate solutions for every pollutant.

It has been rightly said that “in the course of our progress from one age to another we as human beings have simply passed from a sav-age to sew-age.” So, if we can take this small step to save our environment, we appeal to the people of Delhi as well as other parts of the world to campaign for tree plantation at large scale.

Contributing Author: Dr. Chander Shekhar Singh is currently an Associate Professor and teacher In-Charge at Department of Linguistics at Rajdhani College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India. He has to his credit four authored books in Linguistics and one edited book on environmental studies. He has also participated in many campaign programs related to environment awareness issues.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The Australia Today is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information in this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts, or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of The Australia Today and The Australia Today News does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

Rajkumar Rao is the ‘paisa vasool’ factor in the film ‘HIT: The First Case’: Sanya Malhotra

HIT: The First Case releasing on 15th July in Australia (Image source: Mind Blowing Films)
HIT: The First Case releasing on 15th July in Australia (Image source: Mind Blowing Films)

The movie ‘HIT: The First Case’ is a action thriller with Rajkumar Rao playing ‘Vikram Jaisingh’, a 32 years old police officer working for the homicide Intervention Team (HIT) of Rajasthan who is battling with his own traumatic past.

‘Vikram’ gets advised by his well-wishers and his girlfriend, to take a sabbatical and heal. But, when an 18 year old girl called Preethi goes mysteriously missing on the ring road of Jaipur, ‘Vikram’ realizes that the case has a personal connection and he has no other option but to step in and find the girl, despite the investigation inducing panic attacks and anxiety at every stage.

The lead pair of the film Rajkumar Rao and Sanya Malhotra spoke to The Australia Today to let us know more about the movie. Catch this fun filled interview with the two here who also tell us about an Australian connection to the movie.

HIT: The First Case is written and directed by Sailesh Kolanu and is a remake of the Telugu film by the same name also directed by Sailesh.

Release date: 15th July 2022

Language: Hindi (With English Subtitles)

Director: Sailesh Kolanu

Producer: Madhu Entertainment & Media Ltd.

Cast: Rajkummar Rao, Sanya Malhotra

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