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Carina Nebula

Milky Way :  Star Formation

Distance: 7500 light years

This broad panorama of the Carina Nebula, a region of massive star formation in the southern skies, was taken in infrared light using the HAWK-I camera on ESO’s Very Large Telescope. Many previously hidden features, scattered across a spectacular celestial landscape of gas, dust and young stars, have emerged.

Credit:  ESO/T. Preibisch

The spirit of Elizabeth Macarthur lived on

Forget the bad and eventually mad John Macarthur – and remember that it was Elizabeth who kept those original merino flocks going and helped Australia jump on the sheep’s back.

In The Sydney Morning Herald on 8^th February 2012:

“Sheep have a greater diversity of genes than many other animals in Australia because of the way they have been bred, a new study has found…..

"Our detailed gene map is telling us that sheep breeds have been formed in a fluid way that makes them different from other species of domestic animals," lead author James Kilas from the CSIRO said in a statement…..”

Pic found at Google Images

It's time to ask Australian butchers and supermarkets where they are sourcing the meat you buy

 

As the NSW abattoir currently in the news for alleged animal cruelty apparently slaughters for domestic consumption only, here is a brief outline for ethical consumers.

The Sydney Morning Herald 10 February 2012:

A SYDNEY abattoir has stopped slaughtering and faces closure and prosecution after hidden-camera footage of chilling animal cruelty emerged.

The NSW Food Authority ordered the immediate halt yesterday to slaughter at the Hawkesbury Valley Meat Processors at Wilberforce, in Sydney's west, after seeing undercover footage apparently taken by a worker at the abattoir.

''This is one of the worst cases I've seen in an abattoir of animal cruelty,'' said Peter Day, a spokesman for the authority. The footage, recorded over six days at the end of last month, shows workers mistreating sheep, cattle, pigs and goats….

The Telegraph 10 February 2012:

It is believed Hawkesbury Valley Meat Processors provided the footage to authorities after becoming aware animal rights activists had provided it to a media outlet.

Department of Primary Industries NSW Food Authority 9 February 2012 media release Slaughtering at Sydney abattoir stopped:  

Action by the NSW Food Authority today has led to the shut down of slaughtering at a Sydney abattoir. This follows the Authority examining disturbing video footage of acts of gross animal mistreatment.

The video shows the slaughter of sheep, cattle, goats and pigs that allegedly breaches the Food Regulation 2010 and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979.

Australian standards under the Food Regulation 2010 require that "animals are slaughtered in a way that prevents unnecessary injury, pain and suffering to them and causes them the least practical disturbance."

A full investigation of slaughter practices at the site is now underway, which involves the RSPCA.

Non compliance of food and animal welfare laws is taken extremely seriously.

The welfare of animals in NSW is protected under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (POCTA) 1979 and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Regulation which are overseen by the NSW Department of Primary Industries.

Under POCTA fines of up to $110,000 or two years imprisonment apply for acts of aggravated acts of cruelty to animals.

The NSW Food Authority regulates abattoirs in NSW.

All abattoirs operating in NSW are required to hold a licence and operate in accordance with the Food Regulation 2010. Abattoirs are required to comply with the NSW Standard for the Hygienic Production and Transportation of Meat and Meat Products for Human Consumption.

https://rirdc.infoservices.com.au/downloads/07-183

Extracted from ASIC's database at AEST 06:45:33 on 10/02/2012

 

Name	HAWKESBURY VALLEY MEAT PROCESSORS PTY LTD
ACN	119 318 295
ABN	53 119 318 295
Type	Australian Proprietary Company, Limited By Shares
Registration Date	19/04/2006
Next Review Date	19/04/2012
Status	Registered
Locality of Registered Office	Mona Vale NSW 2103
Jurisdiction	Australian Securities & Investments Commission

Directors of this company appear to include Glenn Langley and Ronald Winston Langley of R W Langley Wholesale Meat Pty Ltd

Q: Is Hartsuyker telling untruths to his electorate again? A: Is he opening his mouth and moving his lips?

Nationals MP for Cowper Luke Hartsuyker, media release dated 6 February 2012 and reported in The Coffs Coast Advocate on 7 February:

"An analysis of Treasury modelling has revealed that in addition to rises in the cost of living, under a carbon tax real wages will drop one per cent by 2020 and six per cent by 2050," Mr Hartsuyker said. "A one per cent drop is the equivalent of $600 per year for a worker on average wages. As we approach July 1 when the carbon tax will come into effect, the true impact is becoming very real. The double whammy of lower wages and higher prices will hit families hard.

"Last week Qantas announced an increase in their charges as a result of the Gillard Government's carbon tax.

This will have an impact on our domestic tourism industry which is so important to the North Coast. …"

Sounds terrible, doesn't it? Shall we panic now as this less than honest MP obviously hopes we will?

Well, before you expend any energy on emulating Chicken Little for the edification of neighbours and friends, consider the following – a 15 February Qantas price increase is not due to the yet to be implemented Australian carbon pricing scheme and, the most recent Treasury update does not support any doomsday scenario in relation to wages.

Qantas statement concerning the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme:

From 1st January 2012, aviation will be included in the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS). The EU ETS covers all flights operating into or out of the EU, no matter where the operator is based. The EU ETS requires the operator of the flight to acquire allowances in respect of the emissions generated by any flight into or out of the EU. Qantas as a result will need to comply with the EU ETS, with an estimated cost impact of approximately A$2.3 million in the initial calendar year 2012.

In context of the significant challenges facing the global aviation industry, the Qantas International business will be unable to absorb the additional costs associated with the EU ETS and there will be a pass-through to customers…..

While the Qantas ticket prices to UK/Europe may rise initially with the introduction of the EU ETS collection from 15 February 2012, Qantas ticket prices will remain competitive and are subject to change. [my red bolding]

Qantas statement concerning Domestic Carbon Pricing and Carbon Tax charge:

The Australian Government introduced its Clean Energy legislation last year, which created a carbon price system (CPS). The CPS takes effect from 1 July 2012…

In the context of the significant challenges facing the global aviation industry, the Qantas Group will be unable to absorb the additional costs associated with the CPS and there will be a full pass-through to customers.

Price rise projections (including GST per sector) start at $1.82 for journeys under 701kms to $6.86 for journeys of 1,901kms and above.

Australian Government Treasury, Modelling A Carbon Price Overview, September 2011:

This update revises the policy parameters of the national and sectoral economic modelling contained in the Strong growth, low pollution: modelling a carbon price (SGLP) report.

It presents two additional scenarios: one that reflects the Clean Energy Future package endorsed by the MPCCC, with a starting carbon price of $23/t CO2‑e instead of the $20/t CO2‑e modelled in the SGLP report; and one that also includes additional Government policy measures.

The updated modelling confirms the Australian economy will continue to grow strongly while emissions are reduced. Macroeconomic and sectoral projections from the updated policy scenarios are very close to those of the SGLP policy scenario, as the policy scenarios feature the same emission targets, the same carbon prices after the first three years and share a majority of other policy features.

Average incomes measured by gross national income (GNI) per person increase by around $9,000 from today's level to 2020 and by more than $30,000 to 2050. GNI per person grows by 1.1 per cent per year to 2050 with carbon pricing, compared to 1.2 per cent per year without carbon pricing. Employment continues to grow strongly, with national employment increasing by 1.6 million jobs by 2020, with or without carbon pricing. All state economies continue to grow strongly.

The impact of a $23/t CO2‑e carbon price on aggregate consumer prices (of 0.7 per cent in 2012‑13) was reported in the SGLP report; no update is needed.

The main additional results in this modelling update are:

·         the higher starting price reduces domestic emissions by an additional 5 Mt CO2‑e in total over the first three years of the scheme;

·         the Government measure to apply an effective carbon price to fuel used by heavy road vehicles from 1 July 2014 reduces Australia's domestic emissions by an additional 4 Mt CO2‑e in 2020 and 20 Mt CO2‑e in 2050 and lowers the cost of meeting Australia's emission reduction targets; and

·         updated electricity sector modelling confirms the estimated 10 per cent increase in electricity prices in 2012‑13 from carbon pricing presented in the SGLP report.  [my red bolding]

Excerpt from a 9 February media release by Federal Labor MP for Page, Janelle Saffin:

PAGE MP Janelle Saffin says Federal Member for Cowper Luke Hartsuyker’s latest attempt to discredit the carbon price shows that he has got his facts wrong … again.

“Mr Hartsuyker is trying to instil fear into workers by claiming that a carbon price will cut real wages,” Ms Saffin said.
Ms Saffin said the facts are Treasury modelling of the Australian Government’s Clean Energy Future Package shows that under a carbon price:

• Real wages will increase by 20 per cent by 2020 and almost 50 per cent by 2050;
• Incomes will grow – real income per capita is projected to increase by $9000 in today’s dollars by 2020;
• Employment will grow with 1.6 million new jobs created by 2020;
• Strong economic growth will continue with gross national income projected to grow at 1.1 per cent a year to 2050;
• Price impacts will be modest with a one-off increase of 0.7 per cent in the Consumer Price Index, much less than the 2.5 per cent impact of the GST;
• And importantly, pollution will fall – by 2050, carbon pricing is expected to reduce Australia’s domestic carbon emissions by nearly half what they would be without a carbon price, a reduction of 485 million tonnes of carbon dioxide-equivalent.

Ms Saffin said Mr Hartsuyker can remain a climate change skeptic if he likes, but he should not consistently misrepresent Treasury modelling.......

The Government’s Clean Energy Act will put a price on the pollution of the country’s 500 biggest polluters, creating economic incentives to reduce pollution and invest in clean energy.

“The Government will then assist households through tax cuts, increases in family tax benefits and higher pensions and allowances. Nine out of every 10 households will receive assistance.

“Almost six million households will get tax cuts or increased payments that cover their entire average price impact. Over four million households will get an extra buffer with assistance that is at least 20 per cent more than their average expected price impact.”

In Page, around 43,000 out of 48,000 taxpayers will receive a tax cut. Out of these 43,000, 36,000 will receive a tax cut of at least $300.

Overall, more than 55,300 people in Page will receive household assistance through income support payments (e.g. pensions) and family assistance payments (e.g. Family Tax Benefit A)..... [my bolding]

Preview of Granny Herald's changes to banner and editorial policy?

Dan Ilic provides a laugh with this alternative front page for the Fairfax media's flagship - The Sydney Mining Herald 

Click on page to grow the joke

Please support the Ballina to Darwin charity ride by 'Pelicans On Posties' as they pass through your district

Press Release 

‘Pelicans On Posties’ (POPS)

BALLINA TO DARWIN TOUR 2012 EVENT LAUNCH

To be Held at Biala Special School on Friday 10^th February 2012 commencing at 2.30 pm

The big idea is to ride genuine postie bikes from Ballina NSW (20km south of Byron Bay) to Darwin in time for the Darwin Cup, raising money for Biala Special School, Ballina and the Royal Flying Doctor Service on the way. The idea began the same way most great Australian ideas do, over a few beers at the pub. Most years a few friends will get together and go out west for some occasion be it the Birdsville races, a charity event like the Endeavour rally or the Variety Bash, ideas were being exhausted. This year they decided to go one better, they were sick of cars and so opted for postie bikes. Darwin is far enough away to be an adventure and a half and they chose their own worthy causes to fundraise for. It was big. So crazy many people said they’d never do it, crazy enough that it just might work.

After they talked about it for a while (without really doing anything) the daughter of one of the main architects of this grand plan, sent off a magnificently worded email to Honda – the manufacturers of the postie bike. Honda replied: they were in! That was almost unexpected. Everyone was so happy and it was now really time to get the show on the road. Old friends, the motorbike enthusiasts, were called. New friends were made. The respective causes were contacted. The ball was rolling.

One of the more challenging things was finding the postie bikes. Honda makes the postie bike model exclusively for Australia Post. Therefore you cannot purchase a new postie bike. When Australia Post is done with the bikes they are auctioned. They are a much sort after bike for beginner riders. The search was on; it was almost a race for each pelican to obtain a genuine postie bike.

Finding a bike was only half the battle for each pelican, they all are required to have a current rider licence. Many could ride a motorbike but not everyone was licenced to do that on a road. The process to get a licence is not that simple: To get your L’s you are required to take two half day courses, usually over a weekend. There is great demand for these courses and the waiting period can be over a month. Upon passing the course you are given a certificate of competency to take with you when you go to do your computer test of the road rules at the RTA, this test is a very educational experience, learning all the road rules you have forgotten or didn’t know existed. Once you pass that you get you L’s.

Meanwhile a support team was forming, family, friends and the wonderful people from Biala. Together with the Pelicans they managed to do all the little things that put the event together: other sponsors were contacted, such as Caltex; posters were made; raffle tickets were sold; sausage sizzles were had; social networking was established; websites were created; the itinerary was drawn up; accommodation was organised.

It is important to note that the ‘Pelicans’ are all of the riders and their support team that is travelling by road to Darwin with them. This team is especially important, without them all of the postie bikes, and their riders will surely not make it to Darwin. This team includes a red 1960’s convertible Mustang – the pride and joy of the Shaws Bay Hotel (Pelican headquarters) publican.

We are well on our way to organising a stellar event, all the help and support we can muster the better it will be. Your support would be most welcome in our grand plan to help others.

You are invited and encouraged to attend the official launch of the event which is taking place at Biala Special School on Friday 10^th February at 2.30 pm.  All available Pelicans - with their postie bikes, sponsors and beneficiaries will be present.  The event will be attended and officially launched by

Janelle Saffin MP Federal Member for Page

COME ALONG AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT TO THE PELICANS IN THEIR ENDEAVOUR TO ASSIST CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS AND THOSE

REQUIRING MEDICAL SUPPORT IN THE OUTBACK!

For more information/to check out what we are doing/to offer your support:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PelicanOnPosties

Website: www.pelicansonposties.com.au – Going Live On The 10^th February after the official launch!!

Email: pelicans.on.posties@gmail.com    debbie@biala.org.au

Phone: Biala on 02 6686 4763

   

Cansdellgate: NSW Opposition asking questions

ABC North Coast Radio reported this morning:

Five months after former Clarence MP Steve Cansdell confessed to signing a false statutory declaration he is yet to be charged.

The NSW Opposition's spokesman for Police, Nathan Rees, is asking why an investigation of the former state member for Clarence continues to drag on, five months after a public confession.

Steve Cansdell resigned last September, after admitting to signing a false statutory declaration to avoid a speeding fine and keep his licence.

The former Nationals' MP faces a possible prison term if charged over the offence, and Police Media says inquiries are continuing.

Nathan Rees says questions need to be answered.

"I'm more than happy to allow the usual processes to take their course, whether it's this case or any other usually," he says.

"But this has been going on for some months now and even people in the government have been raising questions about this privately and want some finality to the issue.

"I consider Steve Cansdell a pretty straight-up-and-down fellow, and certainly his outright confession at the start is consistent with the man I know, but it does raise issues subsequently when neither the police nor the Attorney General have seen fit to make a determination on what is an issue that I'm sure would bring Mr Cansdell some closure and indeed the community."

Source: ABC North Coast Radio

Senator Di Natale sends out an email with bite

Bring dental care into Medicare

Dear friend,

Millions of Australians can't afford to see a dentist. This year, we're going to change that.

Before I came here to represent Victoria in Parliament, I worked as a doctor. Every day, I saw proof that Australia's oral health is in crisis.

More than 60,000 avoidable hospital visits are caused by untreated dental problems every year – along with thousands more visits to the GP. We know why: one in three people say they can't afford to go to the dentist, or delay going to the dentist because of the cost. Low income earners, Indigenous people and those who live outside major cities are by far the hardest hit.

We can change this.

The Greens have a plan to bring dental care into Medicare, starting with those who need it most. Our plan is ready to go for this year's Budget – will you join us to get it passed?

It's already picking up speed. My office has been flooded with calls backing our Denticare plan.

Thanks to our agreement with the Government, an expert committee has been appointed to advise on dental health and options for the Budget – and they're due to report back any day now.

Just last week, even Tony Abbott came on board and said that he 'aspired' to include dental care in Medicare. While his 'aspiration' won’t get us there, it’s a sign that all sides of politics now recognise the need to solve Australia’s dental crisis.

There's excitement across the board for this vital reform – but there's a difference between excitement and funding. To get it started in this year's Budget, we need to convince the Treasurer with a massive show of public support.

That's why I'm launching our nationwide campaign for Denticare today by calling on Treasurer Swan to make dental care a priority in this year's Budget.

To kick off our big push – will you join our call to the Treasurer?

Let's turn the momentum behind this idea into action. Join the call and be part of it from the start.

Yours sincerely,

Richard Di Natale

Greens Senator for Victoria & Health Spokesperson

P.S. An estimated half a million people are on waiting lists for public dental care – some of them have been waiting for more than 5 years. This year's Budget is our chance to end the wait – join our call today.

One reason not to act the goat at Australian international airports

Being accidentally mistaken for a drug mule may have unintended consequences, as Australian Customs & Excise staff will mildly irradiate you and probably get to know the length of your next stool.

·         “AUSTRALIAN CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION NOTICE NO. 2011/24…. The amendments will allow, with the consent of the detainee, an initial non-medical internal scan of a person to be carried out by a Customs and Border Protection officer using body scan technology that is to be prescribed in the regulations. This technology produces a computer image of a person’s internal cavities within a skeletal structure, as opposed to images of external body parts. Such images may serve to allay an officer’s suspicion that a passenger is internally concealing a suspicious substance, in which case the detainee would be released immediately from detention for internal search.”

·         “Customs and Border Protection requires the supply, installation and maintenance of an internal body scanner X-ray (Body Scanner) including provision of training and training material…. Operation of the Body Scanner Early 2012”

·         “….the scanner is only intended for searching body cavities….After the trial is completed in 2013, Customs will spend three months evaluating the body scanner's overall performance and come to a decision on whether to decommission it or procure additional scanners.”

Australian Consumer Law and You

 

From the Australian Consumer Law website:

On 1 January 2011 the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) commenced.

The ACL includes:

• ·    a new, national unfair contract terms law covering standard form contracts;
• ·    a new, national law guaranteeing consumer rights when buying goods and services, which replaces existing laws on conditions and warranties;
• ·     a new, national product safety law and enforcement system;
• ·     a new, national law for unsolicited consumer agreements, which replaces existing State and Territory laws on door-to-door sales and other direct marketing;
• ·     simple national rules for lay-by agreements; and
• ·     new penalties, enforcement powers and consumer redress options, which currently apply nationally.

The ACL applies nationally and in all States and Territories, and to all Australian businesses. For transactions that occurred up to 31 December 2010, the previous national, State and Territory consumer laws will continue to apply.

The ACL is a cooperative reform of the Australian Government and the States and Territories, through the Ministerial Council on Consumer Affairs (MCCA). An Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) [PDF 217KB] [RTF 236KB] signed by the Council of Australian Governments underpins the establishment of the ACL……

 
The full text of the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) is set out in Schedule 2 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 which is the new name of the Trade Practices Act 1974 (TPA).