National study suggests new vaccine is needed to prevent childhood pneumonia

Vaccine-resistant pneumonia has increased since a vaccine targeting 13 serotypes of the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria was introduced into the Australian routine childhood immunisation program. The current vaccine against bacterial pneumonia is not providing optimal protection to Australian children, a national study by medical researchers from UNSW Sydney and multiple leading research institutions has found. Using […]

Rabies is under the spotlight and submissions being sought for draft risk review

A draft report into a policy review of the rabies virus risk in imported cats and dogs has today been released for stakeholder comment. Deputy Secretary of Biosecurity and Compliance, Dr Chris Locke said Australia was free from the rabies virus and to protect this status the draft policy review proposes some changes to existing […]

Marine experts welcome global resolution to save whales from plastic peril

The Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) has welcomed news that a resolution calling for greater collaboration to save whales from plastic pollution was adopted by consensus at the 68th meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) in Portoroz, Slovenia last night. Recognising the impact of ocean plastic pollution on whales and other cetaceans, the IWC […]

Farm debt mediation changes set to strengthen Victorian farmers rights

To strengthen farmers’ rights to farm debt mediation and streamline the process, important changes to the Farm Debt Mediation Act 2011 (the Act) will soon take effect.  Under the Act, a farmer has the right to be offered mediation by their creditor before the creditor can start debt recovery on their farm mortgage. At mediation, […]

Food prices to climb under cost of living crisis according to The Nationals

The Nationals leader David Littleproud says not all of Australia’s high food prices are caused by
natural disasters – they’re also man-made by Labor scrapping the Ag Visa, which has fuelled a cost
of living crisis. Mr Littleproud said Labor was trying to use the recent floods as an excuse for rising food prices but
their own policies […]

Scholarship offer for farmers to become more climate smart

Farmers for Climate Action is offering 20 Australian farmers a career-defining opportunity to learn from Australia’s best experts, with applications now open for a climate-smart farming scholarship valued at over $3000.  Between November 2022 and March 2023, scholars will gain the knowledge needed to succeed in a changing climate, enabling them to become leaders in […]