Australia

cross-posted from: https://slrpnk.net/post/20190657

Landmark report makes 34 recommendations to overhaul the superannuation sector, citing delays, poor customer service and ineffective procedures

From quaint beginnings as log crossings to sophisticated structures of modern transportation, timber bridges are interwoven in Australia's history.

And despite a number of government-owned timber bridges in Australia being in disrepair in the past decade, an engineer says there is still a place for clever uses of wood.

Over the decades, more than 200 bird species have been recorded at the EBO, which is wedged between Western Australia's remote south coast and arid Nullarbor Plain.

Originally a station on the Trans-Australian Telegraph Line, the remote property is now a known ornithological hotspot.

But for Ms Sobey, who has previously run as a Greens candidate for the federal seat of Farrer, the bush is the perfect escape from the "disappointment" of humanity.

I can emparhise with that feeling completely.

Research article referenced in the article (open access): https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00224499.2025.2462988#abstract

Archive/non-paywall link.

Yesterday Queensland became the last state in Australia to sign on to the decade-long Better and Fairer Schools Agreement (BFSA) with the Commonwealth.

It means every state is on track to hit the minimum funding levels recommended all those years ago.

But exactly when those levels will be reached, what was agreed to in order to land the deal and the other basic terms have not been released, leading to calls for greater transparency (more on that later).

This kind of tugs both ways at me, the extra work just to buy a house, the waste and rubbish from festivals and events.

Respect and happy for the guy as an individual, reinforces my dillusion at society generally i guess?

But over the course of seven years, he managed to collect about $46,000 worth.

His can and bottle money was enough for the 36-year-old to put down a deposit on a two-bedroom home on the NSW Central Coast last year.

While he holds down a permanent job during the week, Mr Gordon also volunteers at events like music festivals, where he collects thousands of cans and bottles at a time.

Some of these events like weddings and music festivals, they produce so much waste."

https://aussie.zone/post/18782079

According to documents seen by SBS News, the Australian embassy in Iran was attacked in 2019. SBS News can reveal for the first time the alleged perpetrator was arrested and jailed for 17 months before walking free.

In short:

The federal election will be called tomorrow for May 3, the ABC has confirmed.

It triggers a five-week campaign to convince voters whether Labor under Anthony Albanese or the Coalition under Peter Dutton is most fit to lead the country.

What's next?

The prime minister will head to government house tomorrow morning to call the election.

The foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, has described another threatening letter sent to an exiled Hong Kong dissident in Australia as “reprehensible”, a “threat to our national sovereignty” and “the safety and security of Australians”.

The anonymous letter, mailed from Hong Kong and sent to Ted Hui’s Adelaide office, offered his colleagues $203,000 for information on his whereabouts and his family. It arrived just days after China’s foreign ministry accused the Albanese government of interfering with its internal affairs.

The letter, which contained a picture of Hui and personal details, claimed he was a “wanted person” for a “range of national security related offences including incitement to secession” and “collusion with a foreign country”. It is now being investigated by Australian federal police.

The letter also accuses Hui, who fled to Australia via Europe in 2019, of leaving Hong Kong with $3m in proceeds of crime. Hui, who was a pro-democracy legislator in Hong Kong, denies that claim and says it is “fictitious”.

[...]

A spokesperson for Wong escalated the Albanese government’s condemnation of the letters on Wednesday and said the matter would be directly raised with Chinese officials.

“Continued attempts to target individuals in Australia are reprehensible and threaten our national sovereignty, as well as the safety and security of Australians,” the spokesperson said.

“Australia will not tolerate the targeting, surveillance, harassment or intimidation of any person in Australia by a foreign government.

“The Australian government and our security agencies are acting to keep Australians safe, protect their democratic rights, and support affected individuals and communities.”

When Wong first raised concerns about the letters earlier this month, China’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, accused the Australian government of unacceptable interference in its domestic affairs.

[...]

The Albanese government has delivered its final budget ahead of an election in May, with a fresh new round of tax cuts the major offer. Find out who else is set to benefit and who may miss out.

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See also (overviews)

• The Conversation: At a glance: the 2025 federal budget (includes a simple calculator for the tax cuts)
• SBS News: Here's what the 2025 federal budget would look like if it were $100 (simple overview of where the money comes from and what it's being spent on)
• The Guardian: Australia budget 2025: the seven graphs you need to see

See also (general / politics)

• ABC News: The $17b tax cut no-one saw coming leads a pre-election budget where everyone's a winner
• The Conversation: This week’s federal budget will focus on cost-of-living measures – and a more uncertain global economy
• The Conversation: Tax cuts are coming, but not soon, in a cautious budget
• The Conversation: The 2025 budget has few savings and surprises but it also ignores climate change
• ABC News: Election battlelines drawn as tax clash overshadows 'budget for uncertain times'
• The Conversation: A ‘modest’ tax bribe, delivered against dark clouds of Trump-induced uncertainty
• The Guardian: Coalition will not support Labor’s budget tax cuts, Angus Taylor says

See also (specific areas)

• SBS News: Security funding for Jewish, Muslim worship sites in $178m social cohesion package
• ABC News: What the federal budget holds for businesses ahead of the election
• ABC News: A booming trade in illegal cigarettes has cost the federal budget $6.9 billion
• ABC News: Federal budget funds will expand the Help to Buy housing scheme. This is how it will work
• ABC News: Government uses federal budget to announce a ban on non-compete clauses for nearly 3m workers
• The Guardian: Labor defies criticism to add 3,400 public service roles
• ABC News: Women's health a 'national priority' as federal budget unveils new endometriosis clinics, menopause support
• The Conversation: The 2025 federal budget fails the millions of voters who want action on Australia’s struggling environment
• The Conversation: Australia stands firm behind its foreign aid in the budget, but the future remains precarious
• The Conversation: Is this the right budget for these economic times? We asked 5 experts

Other questions include whether science organisation receives funding from China and whether it is a climate or ‘environmental justice’ project

Damn Corporations

UPDATE 24/3/25: In a statement to Eurogamer, the Australian Classification Board has suggested Silent Hill f's Refused Classification (RC) rating - which was recently spotted on its database - was published in error, noting a decision about its classification is yet to be made.

"Silent Hill f is not currently classified as 'Refused Classification' in Australia," a spokesperson for the Australian Classification Board told Eurogamer. "The 14 March 2025 entry on the National Classification Database has been removed. A classification decision will be published to the National Classification Database ahead of the game’s release."

Silent Hill f - the first game in the series to be set in Japan - doesn't currently have a released date, but Konami recently shared more about the project in a dedicated showcase.

It's since been given an MA15+ rating (thanks @Kelly !)

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Original text:

Silent Hill f has been refused classification in Australia.

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, and the Arts' Classification Board (IARC) has not detailed why, exactly, the horror has been denied release, but simply invites people to contact the organisation if they want more information (so I have - I'll update as/when I hear back).

Measles was eliminated from Australia. Experts warn US and Asia outbreaks may bring back this ‘heat-seeking missile’

There were 18 cases in NSW in 2024 – up from six in 2023 – while in Victoria there have already been 13 cases so far this year, compared with 16 in 2024

In short:

Pharmacists say the bureaucracy of the PBS Safety Net, a government scheme which gives millions of Australians cheaper medicine, is so "clunky" thousands of people are missing out.

Examples of the scheme's shortcomings, advocates say, include needing to use snail mail to file paperwork and not having a centralised system to calculate patients' spending.

What's next?

Consumer advocates and pharmacists have called on the government to invest in the scheme.

The nation’s ongoing housing crisis has taken a disturbing ecological turn, with experts confirming that slugs now outnumber snails at an unprecedented rate.

In inner city areas, there have also been reports of snails sporting multiple shells, despite it offering no additional protection and security. Many have also refused to downsize, leaving slugs to face the elements.

Constitution of the Commonwealth of Australia

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Preamble

We, the people of Australia, in recognition of the sovereignty of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the First Peoples of this land, and in pursuit of a just, inclusive, and sustainable future, establish this Constitution to uphold democracy, equality, freedom, and respect for human dignity.

We commit ourselves to reconciliation, environmental stewardship, the protection of human rights, and a shared national destiny in unity and diversity.

In this spirit, we enact this Constitution for the Commonwealth of Australia.

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Chapter I – The People and the Nation

Section 1: Sovereignty of the People

All political power belongs to the people of Australia, who exercise this power through free and fair democratic processes.

Section 2: Recognition of First Nations Peoples

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are recognized as the First Peoples of Australia. They hold a unique status as the traditional custodians of the land, with inherent rights to culture, language, land, and self-determination. Their voices shall be central to national identity, governance, and decision-making.

Section 3: National Symbols

The Parliament shall determine national symbols including the flag and anthem through a democratic process. Indigenous languages shall be recognised and protected alongside English as part of Australia's cultural heritage. National celebrations shall acknowledge the full history of Australia, including colonisation, resistance, and reconciliation.

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Chapter II – Rights and Freedoms

Section 4: Bill of Rights

All persons shall enjoy the following rights, which shall be protected by law and enforceable by the courts:

• Freedom of thought, conscience, religion, and belief: Every individual has the right to hold beliefs and practice religion or non-religion freely.

• Freedom of speech, expression, and the press: Individuals and media organisations have the right to express opinions and report news without censorship, subject only to necessary restrictions to protect others' rights and public order.

• Freedom of assembly, association, and protest: People may gather peacefully and form associations, including unions and political parties.

• Right to privacy and data protection: Every person has the right to privacy in their communications, personal information, and data.

• Right to life, liberty, and security of person: No one shall be arbitrarily detained, tortured, or subjected to cruel or degrading treatment.

• Equality before the law and protection from discrimination: All people shall be treated equally regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, or background.

• Right to education, healthcare, housing, and social security: The State shall ensure universal access to essential services.

• Right to participate in public affairs and elections: Every adult citizen has the right to vote, run for office, and engage in public policy-making.

• Right to access justice and due process: All individuals shall have access to independent courts and legal representation.

• Right to a clean and sustainable environment: Everyone has the right to live in a healthy ecosystem, and the State must actively protect the environment.

Section 5: Digital and Technological Rights

Citizens shall have:

• Digital privacy and encryption: Individuals shall control access to their digital data and communications.

• Algorithmic transparency and accountability: Public and private entities must disclose the use of algorithmic decision-making that affects individuals' rights.

• Data sovereignty and protection: Personal data shall not be misused, commodified, or transferred without informed consent.

• Protection from unjust surveillance: Surveillance technologies must be regulated and subject to judicial oversight.

• Access to digital infrastructure: All Australians shall have equal access to high-quality digital services and connectivity.

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Chapter III – Parliament and Governance

Section 6: Structure of Parliament

The Parliament of Australia shall consist of:

• House of Representatives: Elected by the people through proportional representation.

• Senate: Equal representation of states and territories, with a mandate to review legislation and represent regional interests.

Section 7: Executive Government

The Executive shall comprise the Prime Minister and Cabinet, drawn from and accountable to Parliament. Executive decisions must be made transparently and in accordance with the rule of law.

Section 8: Head of State

The Head of State shall be an Australian citizen, elected by the people for a fixed term of five years, performing ceremonial duties, endorsing legislation, and safeguarding constitutional integrity.

Section 9: Elections

All elections shall be conducted under a fair, proportional, and inclusive electoral system, with:

• Universal suffrage for citizens aged 16 and above

• Secret ballot

• Equal access to voting, including remote and digital voting

• Fixed federal terms of four years

• Electoral boundaries determined by an independent commission

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Chapter IV – The Judiciary

Section 10: Judicial Independence

The judiciary shall be independent and impartial, with secure tenure, fair remuneration, and freedom from political influence.

Section 11: High Court of Australia

The High Court shall:

• Interpret and protect the Constitution

• Review laws for human rights compliance

• Adjudicate disputes between federal and state governments

• Serve as the final court of appeal in civil and criminal matters

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Chapter V – First Nations Voice and Treaty

Section 12: First Nations Voice to Parliament

A constitutionally enshrined Voice to Parliament shall:

• Provide non-binding advice on proposed laws and policies affecting First Nations Peoples

• Be composed of representatives chosen by Indigenous communities

• Operate independently and have the right to be heard before laws are passed

Section 13: Treaty Framework

The Parliament shall legislate a national framework for treaty negotiations with First Nations Peoples. Treaties may include:

• Recognition of sovereignty and self-governance rights

• Agreements on land, water, cultural heritage, and education

• Resource-sharing and compensation measures

• Institutional mechanisms for dispute resolution and implementation

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Chapter VI – Federation and States

Section 14: Federal Structure

Australia shall remain a federation of states and territories. Powers shall be distributed in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity, ensuring decisions are made at the most effective level of government.

Section 15: National Standards

The Commonwealth shall guarantee universal minimum standards in public services including:

• Healthcare

• Education

• Housing

• Public transport

• Emergency response systems

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Chapter VII – Climate and Future Generations

Section 16: Duty of Climate Stewardship

The government shall:

• Enact laws that reduce emissions in line with scientific targets

• Protect biodiversity and ecosystems

• Promote renewable energy and sustainable development

• Consider the impact of all legislation on future generations

• Establish an independent Climate Commission to monitor compliance

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Chapter IX – Economic Justice and Social Equity

Section 17: Right to Economic Security and Dignity

Every person has the right to economic security and a dignified standard of living, including access to income, employment opportunities, and basic social protection.

Section 18: Equitable Distribution of Wealth

The Commonwealth shall promote a fair and equitable distribution of national wealth and resources. To achieve this, Parliament shall enact laws and policies that:

• Ensure progressive taxation and equitable public revenue systems;

• Prevent extreme income and wealth inequality;

• Guarantee universal access to essential services including education, healthcare, housing, and social security;

• Support equitable access to employment, training, and entrepreneurship opportunities;

• Ensure the fair sharing of national resource wealth, including royalties, dividends, and public assets.

Section 19: Social Safety and Universal Access

All Australians shall be entitled to:

• A guaranteed minimum standard of living through social support mechanisms;

• Access to childcare, aged care, disability support, and essential goods and services;

• Equal participation in economic life regardless of background or location.

Section 20: Economic Rights Oversight Commission

An independent Economic Rights Commission shall be established to:

• Monitor compliance with constitutional economic obligations;

• Report annually to Parliament and the public on indicators of wealth equity, poverty reduction, and income distribution;

• Recommend legislative and policy reforms to ensure economic justice.

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Chapter IX – Transparency and Accountability

Section 21: Independent Commissions

Constitutionally established bodies shall include:

• Electoral Commission: To manage elections and voting systems

• National Integrity Commission: To investigate corruption and misconduct

• Public Sector Ombudsman: To protect citizens’ rights in public administration

Section 22: Emergency Powers

Emergency powers shall:

• Be time-limited and proportional

• Be subject to parliamentary approval

• Be reviewable by courts

• Not override fundamental human rights unless strictly necessary

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Chapter X – Amendment and Review

Section 23: Constitutional Amendment

Amendments to this Constitution shall require approval by: (a) A majority of voters nationwide, and
(b) A majority of voters in a majority of states.

Section 24: Constitutional Review Assembly

Every 25 years, a Constitutional Review Assembly shall be convened to:

• Assess the operation of the Constitution

• Recommend reforms for public debate

• Enhance democratic participation and legal adaptability

Interesting reading the article. Would be good to see the complete ACCC report.

The stress of navigating Australia's healthcare system on behalf of her ageing parents has left Yasmin* feeling frustrated and upset. In her later life, she'd like to move overseas so she can age "with dignity".

JobSeeker has long been far below the Henderson Poverty Line.

...

Labor’s own Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee has again urged it to raise JobSeeker and other welfare payments ahead of the federal budget on March 25.

Its latest report was unambiguous, saying raising payments “remains the number one priority and that doing so would deliver significant economic and social benefits”.

Legal experts say Peter Dutton's proposal for a referendum to give ministers more powers to strip the citizenship of dual-nationals convicted of terrorism is unnecessary, as the court already has this power.