Prime Minister’s prize for science awarded to a COVID-19 vaccine pioneer
An evolutionary biologist and virologist who played a transformative role in the global scientific response to COVID-19 has won the 2021 Prime Minister’s Prize for Science. Professor Edward C. Holmes from the University of Sydney received the $250,000 prize for almost 30 years of pioneering research on genome sequencing data, providing invaluable insights into diseases […]
AWU secures historic minimum wage guarantee for fruit pickers at $25.41 an hour
The Australian Workers’ Union claims it has secured an historic industrial win for one of the most vulnerable and exploited groups of workers in Australia – fruit pickers. The Fair Work Commission has ruled in favour of the AWU after the union sought to amend the Horticulture Award to guarantee every worker on every farm […]
Koala Foundation releases Christmas Catalogue for the festive season
With Christmas upon us the Australian Koala Foundation (AKF) has released the ‘Koala Christmas Catalogue’ filled with gift ideas for Koala lovers around the world. The AKF has put together the ‘Koala Christmas Catalogue’ to help supporters find the perfect gift for their loved ones this holiday season. It has been released early to ensure […]
Have your say on agriculture export amendments before 30 November 2021
Public consultation is now open on proposed amendments to the Export Control Rules 2021. Deputy Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, David Hazlehurst said the consultation was part of a six-month review into the new legal framework for agricultural exports. “Earlier this year we introduced a new legal system for agricultural […]
ARHEN welcomes rural mental health recommendations for the bush
The Australian Rural Health Education Network (ARHEN) has welcomed the Final Report from the House Select Committee on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and the recommendations to improve access to services for people in rural and remote Australia. The Committee recommended the Australian Government leverage the existing Australian Rural Health Education Network by providing funding […]
High Court rules the 2017 ‘Backpacker Tax’ cannot be levied on eight foreign countries
The High Court ruling draws the line under a four-year legal battle initiated in 2017 by Taxback.com on behalf of working holidaymakers from the eight countries. The case centred on lead claimant British citizen Catherine Addy, who argued she was discriminated against in having to pay the Backpacker Tax while on a working holiday in […]
Hunters trump farmers and wilderness in Tasmanian ‘wild deer’ plan
According to the Invasive Species Council, the Tasmanian Government must end its antiquated protection of feral deer for hunters and set clear, ambitious targets to rein in exploding numbers of the pest animals under its just-released draft wild deer plan. “Tasmania’s new deer management plan continues to support partially protecting feral deer as game animals […]
ARC project plans to reverse decline of Sydney rock oyster with a $541,352 grant
A UNSW scientist has received a $541,352 Discovery Indigenous grant from the Australian Research Council [ARC] to help the Sydney rock oyster acclimatise to climate change in the hope of preventing future declines in the species’ production. The multi-university research project, led by Indigenous Scientia Senior Lecturer and ARC DAATSIA Fellow, Dr Laura Parker from […]
Mosquito buzz highlights the risk of vector-borne diseases
Commenting on One Health Day 2021 Australia’s Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Mark Schipp highlighted the importance of our disease surveillance and preparedness activities as vital to protecting people and animals from vector-borne diseases – those diseases spread by biting insects such as mosquitoes, biting midges (sandflies), ticks and fleas. Dr Schipp said vector-borne diseases highlighted […]
Queensland policy on fire ants attacked by Federal Government
According to the Federal Government, The Queensland Government’s program to eradicate fire ants has failed to stop the march of this nasty pest into areas of the State’s southeast despite record amounts of money provided to the Queensland Government to eradicate it. The Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia, David Littleproud said we are halfway […]