Black summer’s carnage revealed
Nearly three billion koalas, kangaroos and other native Australian animals were killed or displaced by last year’s black summer bushfires, a study by the WWF shows. It is almost three times an earlier estimate released in January.
Rebuilding Australia post-pandemic
Australia is facing two major crises: COVID-19 and climate change. Now, a new report says tackling recession and climate change could create 76,000 Australian jobs. Created over three years they would focus on 12 areas including creating large-scale renewable energy projects and retrofitting inefficient public buildings.
Stop locking up 10-year-olds in prison
Every year, in Australia, kids as young as 10 are arrested, held in police cells, hauled before the courts and locked up behind bars. The vast majority are indigenous children. Next week, lawmakers will review a proposal by advocacy groups to raise the legal age to 14. Here’s how you can help…
Pandemic disrupting coffee supply
Coronavirus is disrupting the global coffee supply. While farmers in rural South America manage to continue operations, political upheaval (think Brazil) and the closing down of cafes in Australia is causing many to worry for their future. When we next appear out of lockdown, our morning routine may be completely changed.
Why JobSeeker is a keeper
Ever tried living on $40 per day? Yes, that includes your bills, housing and food. Most of us would run out before breakfast, let alone make it through the day. Next week, the government will announce its plans for JobSeeker. Here’s why it mustn’t be reverted to Newstart levels.
Disadvantage a huge problem
The gap between rich and poor is very wide in Sydney, but there’s more than disadvantage than a lack of money. Much of Queensland struggles with educational disadvantage while regional NSW and Victoria are both more disadvantaged when it comes to health. Where are the most disadvantaged parts of Australia?
Fixing Australia’s biodiversity laws
ICYMI: a review of Australia’s environment laws has been handed over – just not to the public. That didn’t stop a stream of critics speaking out: our environmental protection laws are failing badly and must be overhauled urgently.
1.4 million Australians going hungry
Charities are reporting a record 1.4 million Australians are relying on food banks to get through the pandemic. If these numbers aren’t yet sobering enough, there are further fears that charities will be overwhelmed come September when JobKeeper is due to finish.
Saving the koala from extinction
Disease, habitat loss and climate change has seen koala numbers plummet all across Australia but particularly in NSW. A new report claims that without urgent protection, the koala will be extinct by 2050. Will the koala’s cute-and-cuddly factor be enough to save it from extinction?
ABC funding cuts a threat to democracy
At the height of the coronavirus emergency and on the back of devastating bushfires, Australia’s much awarded and trusted national broadcaster has again been forced to make major cuts to staff, services and programs. Here’s why that is really bad news.
