September 29 - October 27, 2024: Issue 635

NSW Government's Property audit finds more sites for over 1,100 new homes: Some sites at Seaforth

The NSW Government announced on September 24 ,2024 a further 10 government-owned properties have been confirmed to deliver almost 1100 new homes as part of the government’s land audit.

The NSW Government is identifying surplus land no longer required by government in both metropolitan and regional areas that will now be made available for much needed housing.

This is part of the NSW Government’s commitment in the recent budget to deliver up to 30,000 well-located homes, close to infrastructure and transport including through a historic $5.1 billion investment in new public housing.

The latest sites identified as suitable for housing include 9 sites across Sydney and one site in Newcastle.

Three sites across Woolloomooloo, Sydney Olympic Park, and Hurstville will be transferred to Homes NSW and will deliver nearly 600 homes with more than 50 per cent anticipated to be social homes.

Sites at Marsfield, Seaforth, Minto, Newcastle and three sites at Arncliffe, will be developed into housing by either Landcom or in partnership with the private sector.

The final mix and quantity of housing on these sites, as well as the development partner, will be confirmed following further due diligence and market sounding, which will take place over the coming months.

Housing is the single largest cost of living issue faced by the people of NSW and a recent Productivity Commission report found between 2016 and 2021, Sydney lost twice as many people aged 30 to 40 as it gained.

The release of these sites is in addition to action already taken by the government to build more homes for families who need them, including the largest ever investments in social and affordable housing, as well as the largest rezoning in our state’s history.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:
“Getting more homes built for families in well located areas is top priority for our government and releasing surplus land for housing is a key part of our plan to make this a reality.”

“Housing costs are the single largest cost of living pressure faced by people across NSW and we are committed to confronting this head on.

“Young people will continue to up and leave our state because they can’t afford to buy or even rent a home here, if we don’t take action.”

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:
“The Minns Labor Government is pulling every lever to unlock the delivery of housing because we understand we need to increase supply. Through the property audit, we are undertaking a process that has never been done before by the state government.

“The property audit is working across departments and agencies to activate surplus government land to deliver the homes our communities need.”

Minister for Housing and Minister for Homelessness Rose Jackson said:
“Unlocking government-owned land for housing is a crucial step in tackling the housing crisis head-on. We’re making sure these homes are built in areas with the infrastructure people need—near transport, schools, and essential services.

"For too long, finding affordable homes in well-located areas has been out of reach for many. This land release is a clear sign that we are committed to delivering real housing solutions for families across NSW.”

NSW Government states Health insurers rorting public hospital beds

The NSW Government has stated Private health insurers are skipping out on the cost of public hospital beds their members use, costing taxpayers and boosting their bottom line by $140 million a year.

‘’Currently, NSW public hospitals are heavily subsidising some private health insurers - a burden our health system can no longer shoulder.’’ the government stated on September 30

NSW Health estimates the average cost of a hospital bed at $1,075 per day.

Last year, NSW Health charged private health insurers below cost, at a rate of $892 per hospital bed, per day – a 17 per cent subsidy.

''Many insurers are doing the right thing and paying for the full cost of services they use. However, a select group of private health insurers are not paying their fair share – many only contributing $474 per hospital bed, per day – a 56 per cent subsidy from the people of NSW.

Private health insurers skipping out on the costs of public hospital beds is costing NSW hospitals $140 million every year – for the last five years.

This could employ an additional 1,000 senior nurses.

Thankfully, 44 of 53 private health insurers have agreed or are currently paying their fair share. But some of the largest insurers have held out, refusing to pay their fair share to the public health system while raking in record profits.'

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey has said:
“The refusal of private insurers to pay their bills is robbing the public system of critical funds.

“This has been a very reasonable request to private health insurers to simply resume paying their fair share.

“I commend those smaller and not-for-profit insurers who are doing the right thing.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park stated :
“So many not-for-profit insurers have managed to do the right thing, including the health funds for police, nurses, navy and teachers.
“I commend those insurers who have paid their bills in full as well as those who have indicated they will resume paying in full.

“But we’re seeing some of the largest for-profit insurers, who enjoy billions of dollars in profit each year, sticking taxpayers with the tab.
“This really is not sustainable.”

There’s a renewed push to scrap junior rates of pay for young adults. Do we need to rethink what’s fair?

NT_Studio/Shutterstock
Kerry Brown, Edith Cowan University

Should young people be paid less than their older counterparts, even if they’re working the same job? Whether you think it’s fair or not, it’s been standard practice in many industries for a long time.

The argument is that young people are not fully “work-ready” and require more intensive employer support to develop the right skills for their job.

But change could be on the horizon. Major unions and some politicians are pushing for reform – arguing “youth wages” should be scrapped entirely for adults.

Why? They say the need to be fairly paid for equal work effort, as well as economic considerations such as the high cost of living and ongoing housing crisis, mean paying young adults less based on their age is out of step with modern Australia.

So is there a problem with our current system, and if so, how might we go about fixing it?

What are youth wages?

In Australia, a youth wage or junior pay rate is paid as an increasing percentage of an award’s corresponding full adult wage until an employee reaches the age of 21.

This isn’t the case in every industry – some awards require all adults to be paid the same minimum rates.

But for those not covered by a specific award, as well as those working in industries including those covered by the General Retail Industry Award, Fast Food Industry Award and Pharmacy Industry Award, employees younger than 21 are not paid the full rate.

Why pay less?

Conventionally, junior rates have been thought of as a “training wage”. Younger people are typically less experienced, so as they gain more skills on the job over time, they are paid a higher hourly rate.

But there are a few key problems with this approach, which may not be relevant given many employers’ expectations for their workers to start “job-ready” and a lack of consistency in the training they provide.

Training up and developing skills is an important part of building any career. But it isn’t always provided by their employers.

Cooking course where a senior male chef in uniform teaches young people to slice vegetables
Many young adults undergo training prior to starting work and at their own expense. Best smile studio/Shutterstock

Many young workers train themselves in job-related technical education and short courses, often at their own expense and prior to starting work.

Employers reap the benefit of this pre-employment training and so a “wage discount” for younger workers may be irrelevant in this instance.

None of this is to say employers aren’t offering something important when they take on young employees.

Younger workers coming into employment relatively early have access to more than just a paid job, but also become part of a team, with responsibilities and job requirements that support “bigger-picture” life skills.

Those who employ them may be contributing to their broader social and cultural engagement, something that could be considered part of a more inclusive training package. Whether that justifies a significant wage discount is less clear.

Calls for a rethink

There are growing calls for a rethink on the way we compensate young people for their efforts.

An application by the Shop Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association – the union for retail, fast food and warehousing workers – seeks to remove junior rates for adult employees on three key awards. This action will be heard by the Fair Work Commission next year.

Sally McManus, Secretary of the Australian Council of Trade Unions, said the peak union body will lobby the government to legislate such changes if this application fails. The Greens have added their support.

That doesn’t have to mean abolishing youth wages altogether. But 21 years of age is a high threshold, especially given we get the right to major adult responsibilities such as voting and driving by 18.

A transition strategy could consider gradually lowering this threshold, or increasing the wage percentages over time.

Lessons from New Zealand

We wouldn’t be the first to make such a bold change if we did.

Our geographically and culturally close neighbour, New Zealand, has already removed the “youth wage” – replacing it with a “first job” rate and a training wage set at 80% of the full award rate in 2008.

A common argument against abolishing youth wages – and increasing the minimum wage in general – is that it will stop businesses hiring young people and thus increase unemployment.

But a 2021 study that examined the effects of New Zealand’s experience with increasing minimum wages – including this change – found little discernible difference in employment outcomes for young workers.

The authors did note, however, that New Zealand’s economic downturn post-2008 had a marked effect on the employment of young workers more generally.

The skyline of Auckland city in New Zealand
New Zealand has already taken major steps in reforming junior pay rates. Stephan Roeger/Shutterstock

What’s fair?

It’s easy to see how we arrived at the case for paying younger adults less. But younger workers should not bear the burden of intergenerational inequity by “losing out” on wages in the early part of their working life.

The debate we see now echoes the discussions about equal pay for equal work value run in the 1960s and ‘70s in relation to women’s unequal pay.

We were warned that paying women the same as men would cause huge economic dislocation. Such a catastrophe simply did not come to pass.The Conversation

Kerry Brown, Professor of Employment and Industry, School of Business and Law, Edith Cowan University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

NSW will remove 65,000 years of Aboriginal history from its syllabus. It’s a step backwards for education

Michael Westaway, The University of Queensland; Bruce Pascoe, The University of Melbourne, and Louise Zarmati, University of Tasmania

The NSW Education Standards Authority has announced that teaching of the Aboriginal past prior to European arrival will be excluded from the Year 7–10 syllabus as of 2027.

Since 2012, the topic “Ancient Australia” has been taught nationally in Year 7 as part of the Australian Curriculum. In 2022, a new topic called the “deep time history of Australia” was introduced to provide a more detailed study of 65,000 years of First Nations’ occupation of the continent.

However, New South Wales has surprisingly dropped this topic from its new syllabus, which will be rolled out in 2027. Instead, students will only learn First Nations’ history following European colonisation in 1788.

This directly undermines the Alice Springs (Mparntwe) Education Declaration of 2020. This is a national agreement, signed by education ministers from all jurisdictions, which states:

We recognise the more than 60,000 years [sic] of continual connection by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as a key part of the nation’s history, present and future.

If the planned change to the syllabus goes through, the only Aboriginal history taught to NSW students would be that which reflects the destruction of traditional Aboriginal society. It also means Aboriginal students in NSW will be denied a chance to learn about their deep ancestral past.

The significance of Australia’s deep time past

Bruce Pascoe’s groundbreaking 2014 book Dark Emu (which sold more than 500,000 copies), and the associated documentary, have highlighted an enormous appetite for learning about Australia’s deep time past.

Hundreds of thousands of Australians engaged with Dark Emu. As anthropologist Paul Memmott notes, the book prompted a debate that encouraged a better understanding of Aboriginal society and its complexity.

It also generated research that investigated whether terms such as “hunter-gatherers” are appropriate for defining past Aboriginal society and economic systems.

In schools, teachers have used Pascoe’s book Young Dark Emu to introduce students to sophisticated land and aquaculture systems used by First Peoples prior to colonisation.

The book raises an important question. If you lived in a country that invented bread and the edge-ground axe – a culture that independently developed early trade and social living – and did all of this without resorting to land war – wouldn’t you want your children to know about it?

For many students, the history they learn at school is knowledge they carry into their adult lives – and knowledge is the strongest antidote to ignorance. Rather than abandoning the Aboriginal deep time story, schools should be encouraging students to engage with it.

Learning on Country

One of the strengths of the current NSW history syllabus is the requirement for students to undertake a “site study” in Years 8 and 9. Currently, NSW is the only jurisdiction that has made this mandatory.

Site studies are an excellent opportunity for students to learn on Country. Many teachers organise excursions to Aboriginal cultural sites where students can directly engage with local Traditional Owners and Elders.

New South Wales is brimming with sites of cultural significance to Aboriginal people. The map below highlightssome of these, ranging from megafauna sites, to extensive fish traps, to the enigmatic rock art galleries and ceremonial engravings (petroglyphs).



How students will miss out

The Ngambaa people and archaeologists from the University of Queensland are currently investigating one of the largest midden complexes in Australia. This complex, located at Clybucca and Stuart’s Point on the north coast, spans some 14 kilometres and dates back to around 9,000 years ago.

Middens, or “living sites”, are accumulations of shell that were built over time through thousands of discarded seafood meals. Since the shells help reduce the acidic chemistry of the soil, animal bones and plant remains are more likely to be preserved in middens.

For instance, the Clybucca-Stuarts Point midden complex contains remains from seals and dugongs. Both of these animals were once part of the local ecosystem, but no longer are.

The middens also extend back to before the arrival of dingoes, so studying them could help us understand how biodiversity changed once dingoes replaced thylacines and Tasmanian devils on the mainland.

Local school students, especially Aboriginal students, will be actively participating in this cutting-edge research alongside the Ngambaa people, archaeologists and teachers. Among other things, the students will learn how the Ngambaa people sustainably managed land and sea Country over thousand of years during periods of dramatic environmental change.

But innovative programs like this will no longer be as relevant if Australia’s deep time history is removed from the NSW syllabus.

An opportunity for leadership

The study of First Nations archaeological sites, history and cultures tells us a broader human story of continuity and adaptability over deep time. Indigenising the curriculum – wherein Aboriginal knowledge is braided with historical and archaeological inquiry – is a powerful way to reconcile different approaches to understanding the past.

The NSW Education Standards Authority’s proposed changes risk sending young people the message that Australia’s “history” before colonisation is not an important part of the country’s historic narrative.

But there is still time to show leadership – by reversing the decisions and by connecting teachers and students to powerful stories from Australia’s deep time past.The Conversation

Michael Westaway, Australian Research Council Future Fellow, Archaeology, School of Social Science, The University of Queensland; Bruce Pascoe, Enterprise Professor, Indigenous Agriculture School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, The University of Melbourne, and Louise Zarmati, Senior Lecturer in Humanities and Social Sciences Education, Faculty of Education, University of Tasmania

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

XEC is now in Australia. Here’s what we know about this hybrid COVID variant

Kateryna Kon/Shutterstock
Lara Herrero, Griffith University

Over the nearly five years since COVID first emerged, you’d be forgiven if you’ve lost track of the number of new variants we’ve seen. Some have had a bigger impact than others, but virologists have documented thousands.

The latest variant to make headlines is called XEC. This omicron subvariant has been reported predominantly in the northern hemisphere, but it has now been detected in Australia too.

So what do we know about XEC?

Is COVID still a thing?

People are now testing for COVID less and reporting it less. Enthusiasm to track the virus is generally waning.

Nonetheless, Australia is still collecting and reporting COVID data. Although the number of cases is likely to be much higher than the number documented (around 275,000 so far this year), we can still get some idea of when we’re seeing significant waves, compared to periods of lower activity.

Australia saw its last COVID peak in June 2024. Since then cases have been on the decline.

But SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID, is definitely still around.

Which variants are circulating now?

The main COVID variants circulating currently around the world include BA.2.86, JN.1, KP.2, KP.3 and XEC. These are all descendants of omicron.

The XEC variant was first detected in Italy in May 2024. The World Health Organization (WHO) designated it as a variant “under monitoring” in September.

Since its detection, XEC has spread to more than 27 countries across Europe, North America and Asia. As of mid-September, the highest numbers of cases have been identified in countries including the United States, Germany, France, the United Kingdom and Denmark.

XEC is currently making up around 20% of cases in Germany, 12% in the UK and around 6% in the US.

A woman wearing a mask in a supermarket.
The virus behind COVID continues to evolve. Photo by Centre for Ageing Better/Pexels

Although XEC remains a minority variant globally, it appears to have a growth advantage over other circulating variants. We don’t know why yet, but reports suggest it may be able to spread more easily than other variants.

For this reason, it’s predicted XEC could become the dominant variant worldwide in the coming months.

How about in Australia?

The most recent Australian Respiratory Surveillance Report noted there has been an increasing proportion of XEC sequenced recently.

In Australia, 329 SARS-CoV-2 sequences collected from August 26 to September 22 have been uploaded to AusTrakka, Australia’s national genomics surveillance platform for COVID.

The majority of sequences (301 out of 329, or 91.5%) were sub-lineages of JN.1, including KP.2 (17 out of 301) and KP.3 (236 out of 301). The remaining 8.5% (28 out of 329) were recombinants consisting of one or more omicron sub-lineages, including XEC.

Estimates based on data from GISAID, an international repository of viral sequences, suggests XEC is making up around 5% of cases in Australia, or 16 of 314 samples sequenced.

Queensland reported the highest rates in the past 30 days (8%, or eight of 96 sequences), followed by South Australia (5%, or five out of 93), Victoria (5%, or one of 20) and New South Wales (3%, or two of 71). WA recorded zero sequences out of 34. No data were available for other states and territories.

What do we know about XEC? What is a recombinant?

The XEC variant is believed to be a recombinant descendant of two previously identified omicron subvariants, KS.1.1 and KP.3.3. Recombinant variants form when two different variants infect a host at the same time, which allows the viruses to switch genetic information. This leads to the emergence of a new variant with characteristics from both “parent” lineages.

KS.1.1 is one of the group commonly known as “FLiRTvariants, while, KP.3.3 is one of the “FLuQE” variants. Both of these variant groups have contributed to recent surges in COVID infections around the world.

The WHO’s naming conventions for new COVID variants often use a combination of letters to denote new variants, particularly those that arise from recombination events among existing lineages. The “X” typically indicates a recombinant variant (as with XBB, for example), while the letters following it identify specific lineages.

We know very little so far about XEC’s characteristics specifically, and how it differs from other variants. But there’s no evidence to suggest symptoms will be more severe than with earlier versions of the virus.

What we do know is what mutations this variant has. In the S gene that encodes for the spike protein we can find a T22N mutation (inherited from KS.1.1) as well as Q493E (from KP.3.3) and other mutations known to the omicron lineage.

Will vaccines still work well against XEC?

The most recent surveillance data doesn’t show any significant increase in COVID hospitalisations. This suggests the current vaccines still provide effective protection against severe outcomes from circulating variants.

As the virus continues to mutate, vaccine companies will continue to update their vaccines. Both Pfizer and Moderna have updated vaccines to target the JN.1 variant, which is a parent strain of the FLiRT variants and therefore should protect against XEC.

However, Australia is still waiting to hear which vaccines may become available to the public and when.

In the meantime, omicron-based vaccines such as the the current XBB.1.5 spikevax (Moderna) or COMIRNATY (Pfizer) are still likely to provide good protection from XEC.

It’s hard to predict how XEC will behave in Australia as we head into summer. We’ll need more research to understand more about this variant as it spreads. But given XEC was first detected in Europe during the northern hemisphere’s summer months, this suggests XEC might be well suited to spreading in warmer weather.The Conversation

Lara Herrero, Research Leader in Virology and Infectious Disease, Griffith University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

ADHD prescribing has changed over the years – a new guide aims to bring doctors up to speed

Ketut Subiyanto/Pexels
Brenton Prosser, UNSW Sydney

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most diagnosed childhood neurological disorder in Australia.

Over the years, it has been the subject of controversy about potential misdiagnosis and overdiagnosis. There has also been variation in levels of diagnosis and drug prescription, depending on where you live and your socioeconomic status.

To address these concerns and improve consistency in ADHD diagnosis and prescribing, the Australasian ADHD Professionals Association has released a new prescribing guide. This will help the health-care workforce to consistently get the right treatment to the right people, with the right mix of medical and non-medical supports.

Here’s how ADHD prescribing has changed over time and what the new guidelines mean.

What is ADHD and how is it treated?

Up to one in ten young Australians experience ADHD. It is diagnosed due to inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity that has negative effects at home, school or work.

Psychostimulant medication is a central pillar of ADHD treatment.

However, the internationally recognised approach is to combine medicines with non-medical interventions in a multimodal approach. These non-medical interventions include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), occupational therapy, educational strategies and other supports.

Medication use has changed over time

In Australia, Ritalin (methylphenidate) was originally the most prescribed ADHD medication. This changed in the 1990s after the introduction of dexamphetamine, along with the subsequent availability of Vyvance (lisdexamfetamine).

Perhaps the most significant change has come with “slow release” versions of the above medications that can last more than eight hours (longer than a school day).

When following clinical guidelines, prescribing medication for ADHD is safe practice. Yet the use of amphetamines to treat young people with ADHD has caused public concern. This highlights the importance of consistent guidelines for prescribing professionals.

Girl in tutu holds skipping rope
Medication for ADHD can be combined with other non-drug approaches. Caleb Woods/Unsplash

Growth in diagnosis and prescribing

Starting from low levels, there was a dramatic rise in diagnosis and drug treatment in the 1990s. Much of this was overseen by a small number of psychiatrists and paediatricians in each state or territory. While this promised the potential of consistency in the early days, it also raised concerns about best practice.

This led to the development of the first ADHD clinical guidelines by the National Medical Health and Research Council in 1997.

It was followed by several refinements as prescription expanded due to changing diagnostic criteria (expanding to include a dual diagnosis with autism) and the need for best practice with the growing prescription by GPs. These guidelines enhanced the consistency of approaches nationally and reduced the likelihood of misdiagnosis or overdiagnosis.

However, a recent Senate inquiry found diagnosis and drug treatment continued to grow substantially in the five years to 2022. It emphasised the need for a more consistent approach to diagnosis and prescribing.

First the ingredients, then the recipe

The most recent clinical guidelines, released by the Australasian ADHD Professionals Association in 2022, outlined a roadmap for ADHD clinical practice, research and policy. They did so by drawing on the lived experience of those with ADHD. They also emphasised broader health questions, such as how to respond to ADHD as a holistic condition.

It remains difficult to predict individual responses to different medication. So the new prescribing guide offers practical advice about safe and responsible prescribing. This aims to reduce the potential for incorrect prescribing, dosing and adjusting of ADHD medication, across different age groups, settings and individuals.

To put this visually, the clinical guidelines describe what the ingredients of the cake should be, while the prescribing guidelines provide step-by-step recipes.

So what do they recommend?

An important principle in both these documents is that medication should not be the first and only treatment. Not every drug works the same way for every child. In some cases they do not work at all.

The possible side effects of medication vary and include poor appetite, sleep problems, headaches, stomach aches, moodiness and irritability. These guidelines assist in adapting medication to reduce these side effects.

Medication provides an important window of opportunity for many young people to gain maximum value from psychosocial and psychoeducational supports. These supports can, among others, include:

Support for ADHD can also include parent training. This is not to suggest parents cause ADHD. Rather, they can support more effective treatment, especially since the rigours of ADHD can be a challenge to even the “perfect” parent.

Getting the right diagnosis

There have been reports of people seeking to use TikTok to self-diagnose, as well as a rise in people using ADHD stimulants without a prescription.

However, the message from these new guidelines is that ADHD diagnosis is a complex process that takes a specialist at least three hours. Online sources might be useful to prompt people to seek help, but diagnosis should come from a qualified health-care professional.

Finally, while we have moved beyond unhelpful past debate about whether ADHD is real to consolidate best diagnostic and prescribing practice, there is some way to go in reducing stigma and changing negative community attitudes to ADHD.

Hopefully in future we’ll be better able to cherish diversity and difference, and not just see it as a deficit.The Conversation

Brenton Prosser, Professor of Public Policy and Leadership, UNSW Sydney

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Is big tech harming society? To find out, we need research – but it’s being manipulated by big tech itself

AlexandraPopova/Shutterstock
Timothy Graham, Queensland University of Technology

For almost a decade, researchers have been gathering evidence that the social media platform Facebook disproportionately amplifies low-quality content and misinformation.

So it was something of a surprise when in 2023 the journal Science published a study that found Facebook’s algorithms were not major drivers of misinformation during the 2020 United States election.

This study was funded by Facebook’s parent company, Meta. Several Meta employees were also part of the authorship team. It attracted extensive media coverage. It was also celebrated by Meta’s president of global affairs, Nick Clegg, who said it showed the company’s algorithms have “no detectable impact on polarisation, political attitudes or beliefs”.

But the findings have recently been thrown into doubt by a team of researchers led by Chhandak Bagch from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. In an eLetter also published in Science, they argue the results were likely due to Facebook tinkering with the algorithm while the study was being conducted.

In a response eLetter, the authors of the original study acknowledge their results “might have been different” if Facebook had changed its algorithm in a different way. But they insist their results still hold true.

The whole debacle highlights the problems caused by big tech funding and facilitating research into their own products. It also highlights the crucial need for greater independent oversight of social media platforms.

Merchants of doubt

Big tech has started investing heavily in academic research into its products. It has also been investing heavily in universities more generally. For example, Meta and its chief Mark Zuckerberg have collectively donated hundreds of millions of dollars to more than 100 colleges and universities across the United States.

This is similar to what big tobacco once did.

In the mid-1950s, cigarette companies launched a coordinated campaign to manufacture doubt about the growing body of evidence which linked smoking with a number of serious health issues, such as cancer. It was not about falsifying or manipulating research explicitly, but selectively funding studies and bringing to attention inconclusive results.

This helped foster a narrative that there was no definitive proof smoking causes cancer. In turn, this enabled tobacco companies to keep up a public image of responsibility and “goodwill” well into the 1990s.

Vintage magazines with tobacco advertising from the sixties.
Big tobacco ran a campaign to manufacture doubt about the health effects of smoking. Ralf Liebhold/Shutterstock

A positive spin

The Meta-funded study published in Science in 2023 claimed Facebook’s news feed algorithm reduced user exposure to untrustworthy news content. The authors said “Meta did not have the right to prepublication approval”, but acknowledged that The Facebook Open Research and Transparency team “provided substantial support in executing the overall project”.

The study used an experimental design where participants – Facebook users – were randomly allocated into a control group or treatment group.

The control group continued to use Facebook’s algorithmic news feed, while the treatment group was given a news feed with content presented in reverse chronological order. The study sought to compare the effects of these two types of news feeds on users’ exposure to potentially false and misleading information from untrustworthy news sources.

The experiment was robust and well designed. But during the short time it was conducted, Meta changed its news feed algorithm to boost more reliable news content. In doing so, it changed the control condition of the experiment.

The reduction in exposure to misinformation reported in the original study was likely due to the algorithmic changes. But these changes were temporary: a few months later in March 2021, Meta reverted the news feed algorithm back to the original.

In a statement to Science about the controversy, Meta said it made the changes clear to researchers at the time, and that it stands by Clegg’s statements about the findings in the paper.

Unprecedented power

In downplaying the role of algorithmic content curation for issues such as misinformation and political polarisation, the study became a beacon for sowing doubt and uncertainty about the harmful influence of social media algorithms.

To be clear, I am not suggesting the researchers who conducted the original 2023 study misled the public. The real problem is that social media companies not only control researchers’ access to data, but can also manipulate their systems in a way that affects the findings of the studies they fund.

What’s more, social media companies have the power to promote certain studies on the very platform the studies are about. In turn, this helps shape public opinion. It can create a scenario where scepticism and doubt about the impacts of algorithms can become normalised – or where people simply start to tune out.

This kind of power is unprecedented. Even big tobacco could not control the public’s perception of itself so directly.

All of this underscores why platforms should be mandated to provide both large-scale data access and real-time updates about changes to their algorithmic systems.

When platforms control access to the “product”, they also control the science around its impacts. Ultimately, these self-research funding models allow platforms to put profit before people – and divert attention away from the need for more transparency and independent oversight.The Conversation

Timothy Graham, Associate Professor in Digital Media, Queensland University of Technology

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Down and under pressure: US and UK artists are taking over Australian charts, leaving local talent behind

Shutterstock
Tim Kelly, University of Technology Sydney

Missy Higgins’ recent ARIA number-one album, The Second Act, represents an increasingly rare sighting: an Australian artist at the top of an Australian chart.

My recently published analysis of Australia’s best-selling singles and albums from 2000 to 2023 shows a significant decline in the representation of artists from Australia and non-English-speaking countries.

The findings suggest music streaming in Australia – together with algorithmic recommendation – is creating a monoculture dominated by artists from the United States and United Kingdom. This could spell bad news for our music industry if things don’t change.

Who dominates Australian charts?

In 2023, Australia’s recorded music industry was worth about A$676 million, up 10.9% year on year.

Building a strong local music industry is important, not only to support diverse cultural expression, but also to create jobs and boost Australia’s reputation on a global stage.

When Australian artists succeed, this attracts global investment, which in turn stimulates all aspects of the local music industry. Conversely, a weak music economy can lead to global disinvestment, thereby disadvantaging local companies, artists and consumers.

My research shows how the rise of music streaming – which became the dominant format for Australian recorded music sales in 2017 – has had a noticeable impact on the diversity of artists represented in the ARIA top 100 single and album charts.

In the year 2000, the top 100 singles chart featured hits from 14 different countries. By contrast, only seven countries were represented in 2023.

The percentage of Australian and New Zealand artists in the top 100 single charts declined from an average of 16% in 2000–16 to around 10% in 2017–23, and just 2.5% in 2023.

Album share also declined from an average of 29% in 2000–16 to 18% in 2017–23, and 4% in 2023.

This chart shows changes in diveristy in the ARIA top 100 albums chart over 22 years. Author provided

Similarly, the proportion of artists from outside the Anglo bloc of North America, the UK and Australia/New Zealand declined from an average of 11.1% in 2000–16 to 7.3% in 2017–23 – while album share declined from 5% in 2000–16 to 2.3% in 2017–23.

My study also found representation of Indigenous artists remained low, but stable, over the period studied – and in line with population ratios.

Concetration of power

The findings suggest the decline in Australian and non-Anglo representation in the ARIA top 100 charts is linked.

Some economists and academics have argued easier access to independent music and global distribution via streaming will lead to greater diversity in music. But this hasn’t been the case in Australia, at least as far as chart-topping artists are concerned.

The global recorded music industry has consolidated in recent years. In the early 2000s there were five major music labels. Currently there are just three: Universal, Sony and Warner.

Last year, these three labels were responsible for more than 95% of the Australian top 100 single and album charts. Meanwhile, Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube make up an estimated 97% of the Australian streaming market.

These concentrations of power allow a handful of record labels and distributors to have a disproportionate influence over music design, production, distribution and governance – thereby limiting opportunities for diversity.

The need for new policy

My findings align with European research that found markets with a strong cultural differentiator of language are showing increased national diversity with streaming.

However, countries without a distinctive language are being increasingly dominated by global music production. In Australia’s case, we’re becoming reliant on the star-making machinery of the US.

Recently, Australia’s live music crisis came under scrutiny at a federal government inquiry, which highlighted the significant power imbalance between artists and multinational promoters.

As I and many others have suggested, targeted cultural policies are necessary to combat our highly concentrated and US-dependent market.

Relying on labels and streaming platforms will do little to preserve and promote our nation’s unique musical and cultural identity.The Conversation

Tim Kelly, PhD Candidate, University of Technology Sydney

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Gas supply for Q1 2025 tightens: risk of shortfall in short-term remains; re-shaping of export volumes

September 27, 2024
The gas supply surplus in the Australian east coast gas market is forecast to be between 12 and 27 petajoules (PJ) in the first quarter of 2025, according to the ACCC’s latest gas inquiry report.

The exact size of the surplus will largely depend on how much uncontracted gas is exported by Queensland LNG producers.

The forecast for the supply surplus has fallen from the predicted surplus of 26-35 PJ, in the ACCC’s June 2024 gas report. This is largely due to an increase in contracted exports for this quarter and reflects the LNG producers’ ‘re-shaping’ of export cargoes between the domestic peak and off-peak gas demand periods.

The re-shaping of export volumes assists in meeting demand variations, when LNG producers may increase their export cargoes during periods of lower Australian demand for gas and may increase domestic supply during periods of peak demand in the Australian winter months.

“Re-shaping plays an important role in ensuring that there is enough gas for the domestic market during peak-demand periods. However, export re-shaping also leads to an increase or decrease in volumes of gas available to the domestic market, at different times of the year. It is important that there is sufficient supply to meet demand throughout the year,” ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey said.

Forecast gas supply surplus could help restock storage ahead of next winter and provide a buffer against other market risks
Iona, the key storage facility in Victoria, will require up to 15 PJ of gas injected before May 2025 to reach storage capacity levels comparable to previous years.

LNG producers currently expect to have 15 PJ of uncontracted gas available in the first quarter of 2025. The actual amount of uncontracted gas available is expected to be known soon as export commitments are finalised.

“LNG producers may need to commit uncontracted gas to the east coast market in early 2025 to mitigate the risk of a domestic gas shortfall during the year. In addition to helping to replenish gas stores, this gas would provide a buffer against any disruptions to production in the southern states and against higher than anticipated demand for gas-powered generation,” Ms Brakey said.

“The amount of uncontracted gas the LNG producers commit to the domestic market should be based on updated data, including information about storage levels.”

While the re-shaping of gas exports can help mitigate domestic gas shortfalls, LNG producers can help to increase certainty on domestic gas supply by considering the east coast gas outlook before increasing their export commitments or varying export cargo schedules.  

“These steps, if put in place by all LNG producers, would help to better manage the inter-seasonal and near-term supply risks for the first quarter of next year,” Ms Brakey said.

“However, predicted shortfalls from 2027 highlight the need for additional gas supply.”

Chart 1: Quarterly supply demand outlook for quarter 1 2025 (PJ)



Source:  ACCC analysis of data obtained from gas producers in July 2024 and of the domestic demand forecast (Step Change scenario) from AEMO, Gas Statement of Opportunities (GSOO), March 2024.

Note: Totals may not sum due to rounding. The quantity required to meet long-term LNG SPAs includes feed gas requirements (such as fuel) required to produce LNG.

Regional supply-demand forecasts indicate that Queensland supply will be 2PJ below demand if all uncontracted gas is exported, while the outlook for the southern states currently shows a 14 PJ supply surplus for this quarter.

Background

In 2017, the Australian Government directed the ACCC to conduct a wide-ranging inquiry into the supply of and demand for natural gas in Australia, and to publish regular information on the supply and pricing of gas. The ACCC will conduct the inquiry until 2030.

The September 2024 gas inquiry report contains information on the supply and demand outlook for the first quarter of 2025, as well as information on market risks and potential mitigation measures.

The ACCC’s next full interim report is scheduled for December 2024.

The ACCC’s July 2022 Interim gas report, released August 1 2022, forecast the east coast of Australia could face a shortfall of 56 PJ in 2023. At the same time in 2021, the ACCC's Gas Inquiry interim report found 2022 could face a 2PJ shortfall.

“Our latest gas report finds that the outlook for the east coast gas market has significantly worsened. To protect energy security on the east coast we are recommending the Resources Minister initiate the first step of the Australian Domestic Gas Security Mechanism (ADGSM),” ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said then.

“We are also strongly encouraging LNG exporters to immediately increase their supply into the market.”

Much of the gas produced in Australia’s east coast is produced by companies that are also LNG exporters.

Finalists announced for the NSW Health Awards 2024

September 23 2024
Virtual care programs that improve access to rural and multicultural communities are among some of the incredible finalists being recognised in the NSW Health Awards 2024.

Now in its 26th year, the awards acknowledge the personalised, sustainable, and digitally enabled programs that contribute to the wellbeing of patients and the community.

NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM said it is really exciting to celebrate the people and teams who are enriching health in millions of ways every day.

"These awards are a chance to recognise our incredible healthcare staff and volunteers, across the public health system," Ms Pearce said.

“It is important to celebrate innovative and sustainable programs which invest in the wellbeing of the NSW community, while also delivering better patient outcomes.

"I congratulate the finalists, but I also want to acknowledge the work being done across the system every day, by our teams of doctors, nurses, midwives, allied health and support staff."

NSW Health received 186 nominations across the 12 award categories. Categories this year include the Keeping People Healthy Award, Transforming Patient Experience Award, and the Health Innovation Award.

"All of the nominations really showcase the impressive and important work being undertaken throughout the state, so choosing the 42 finalists was a challenge," Ms Pearce said.

“The awards also recognise the significant contribution of community members who selflessly support our patients carers and staff, with the Volunteer of the Year Award."

The finalists and winners will be celebrated at the NSW Health Awards ceremony, which will be held on Thursday 24 October at the International Convention Centre in Sydney. It will also be livestreamed from 6pm.

The full list of finalists is available on the NSW Health website​, and includes 'Carbon Footprint and Pathway to Net Zero', from Northern Sydney Local Health District which is a Finalist: Environmental Sustainability Award.

The information provided states the Northern Sydney Local Health District (NSLHD) has committed to reaching net zero for the carbon emissions they control directly by 2035, and net zero for the emissions they don’t directly control but can influence by 2050.

To help achieve these goals, the district undertook an evidence-base project to calculate NSLHD’s baseline carbon emissions and map a pathway to net zero. It was delivered by the Planetary Health team in partnership with Arup Australia and NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

The project is the first of its kind for any local health district and involved three stages:
  1. Data collection to calculate the district’s baseline carbon footprint and identify its emissions hot spots.
  2. Identifying interventions to reduce emissions based on best-practice evidence and consultation with staff.
  3. Modelling a pathway to net zero aligned with the Paris Agreement and limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
As result of this project, the district has a plan for achieving net zero over the next 11 years and leads the way for other health services to follow. This research has informed the development of the NSLHD Planetary Health Framework 2024-2027, which will guide the district’s activities over the next four years.​​

Another Finalist is the 'Multicultural Partnership Strategy for Liverpool Hospital Redevelopment in the South Western Sydney Local Health District. This is a Finalist: Excellence in Multicultural Healthcare​ Award category.

The South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) Multicultural Partnership Strategy is a new approach to consult with the diverse community where 50% of the population speak a language other than English at home.

The new Multicultural Partnership Strategy informed the $830 million Liverpool Health and Academic Precinct (LHAP) redevelopment of Liverpool Hospital. Using this partnership strategy, the LHAP team created a specially designed multicultural engagement program, aiming to address health literacy, equity, language and cultural barriers.

The partnership strategy created a formal process for open and respectful communication. Working with representatives from multicultural communities, helping to improve culturally responsive healthcare in SWSLHD.

The multicultural community in SWSLHD is now better informed and engaged in the redevelopment project and their future healthcare. The partnership approach also established a deep connection between Liverpool Hospital and the people it serves.

This is the first of its kind in NSW. The response from the hundreds of people from multicultural backgrounds who have attended the face to face in language sessions has been overwhelmingly positive.​​

Explainer videos from these two examples of 42 Finalists overall run below.

More paramedics and call takers to join NSW Ambulance

September 27 2024
NSW Ambulance has welcomed 13 new paramedic interns and 11 emergency medical call takers today after they were officially inducted into the service at a ceremony at the State Operations Centre in Sydney.

This is the sixth call-taking class and seventh paramedic intern class to join NSW Ambulance this year, who will begin their new roles from tomorrow to further boost frontline health services across the state.

The new recruits joining the service come with a range of backgrounds and experience, including Emergency Medical Call Taker Lee Williams, who is making a career change after many years as a police and correctional services officer.

Paramedic Intern Nicola Willis was inspired to become a paramedic after working in a variety of corporate roles with NSW Ambulance during the last few years.

The paramedic interns will be posted across NSW to complete the on-road portion of their 12-month internships before taking permanent positions in metropolitan and regional areas.

The emergency medical call takers will be posted to Triple Zero (000) Control Centres in Sydney and Warilla (Wollongong).



Minister for Health, Ryan Park said:
"I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our paramedics and emergency medical call takers for reaching this milestone as they start their careers on the frontline of emergency healthcare in NSW and thank them for their dedication to their community.”

"It is with great pride that I welcome you to NSW Ambulance. I have every confidence that you will deliver exceptional care to the people of NSW during their times of greatest need."

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan stated:
“I know all who are graduating today have worked incredibly hard throughout their training. I thank them for their commitment and warmly welcome them into NSW Ambulance.”

“Their dedication to care is highly commendable and I wish them well in their career with NSW Ambulance.”

Paramedic Intern, Nicola Willis said:
“I walked past the education rooms when I worked in the business side of NSW Ambulance, and I always dreamed that one day I would be a paramedic.

“I am very excited to start on the road with NSW Ambulance – it just feels right.”

Emergency Medical Call Taker, Lee Williams said:
“It has been a lifelong dream to work for NSW Ambulance and I can't wait to get started.

“It has been a first-class experience throughout my training – I was initially nervous about making a career change, but I feel well prepared now and I know I made the right decision.”


NSW Ambulance new recruits. Photos: NSW Ambulance - and by Adam Yip

Government boosts access to the contraceptive pill at pharmacies across NSW

September 26, 2024
Thousands of women across NSW will have easier, more affordable access to the oral contraceptive pill as a 12-month trial is made permanent by the Government.

Since the oral contraceptive pill trial began in September 2023, more than 500 pharmacies have delivered over 2,000 consultations to women in NSW.

From Saturday 28 September 2024, NSW pharmacists who have completed the required training and work in pharmacies with suitable facilities will be able to offer this service as part of their usual business.

Women who have been using these contraceptive options continuously for the last two years, as prescribed by a doctor (GP) or nurse practitioner, and require a refill of their script, will be able to access extended supply for up to 12 months without having to visit their doctor for a prescription.

The NSW Government will make the existing service more accessible by expanding patient age eligibility criteria from 18-35 years to 18-49 years. Women aged 40-49 will now be able to access extended supply for up to three months without having to visit their doctor for a prescription, subject to meeting eligibility criteria.

The announcement follows the successful implementation of the first phase of the NSW Pharmacy Trial in May 2024, which saw more than 3,300 NSW pharmacists provide more than 18,000 consultations to women aged 18 to 65 with symptoms of uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI).  The UTI service transitioned to usual pharmacy care from 1 June 2024.

The third and final phase of the trial allowing pharmacists to manage common minor skin conditions is underway and will be running until early 2025.

A detailed evaluation of all three phases of the NSW Pharmacy Trial will be provided to NSW Health in 2025 and will inform future expansion of services.

The NSW Government is committed to expanding the role of community pharmacists outside the trial framework, and is working with NSW universities to develop formal training courses for pharmacists to manage a range of common conditions where clinically appropriate. 

Premier Chris Minns stated:
“We know that people across NSW are doing it tough right now, even cutting back on essential healthcare because of affordability.

“This trial has been a huge success, and now we'll make it permanent - women who are eligible will be able to go to their pharmacist to renew an existing script.

“At a time when seeing a GP can be difficult, we hope that this service will make it a little bit easier for women to access affordable healthcare, where and when they need it.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park said
“I am excited to announce that women in NSW will now have easier ongoing access to continue their chosen contraceptive option as a result of the oral contraceptive pill trial service becoming usual business for community pharmacies in NSW.

“It has been amazing to see over a thousand pharmacists across the state sign up to take part in each of the trial’s three phases so far, and this has prompted us to look at more ways they can help our communities.

“Earlier this month, the NSW Government announced thousands of people across NSW will in the near future be able to access treatment for ear infections, wound management, gastro, acne, muscle and joint pain at their local pharmacy, boosting access to fast, convenient healthcare across NSW.

“By empowering pharmacists to undertake consultations for these common conditions and medications, we can help improve access to primary care services which will relieve the pressure on the state’s busy GPs and our hospital system.

“We are working with the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and Pharmaceutical Society of Australia to ensure pharmacists have the support they need to continue delivering best practice and connected primary care.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:
“Women’s timely access to quality health services, their health needs and sexual and reproductive health is a priority for the NSW Government.

“Making the trial permanent is a real win for women in NSW, who, if eligible, can now access the contraceptive pill at their local pharmacy. It not only increases accessibility, it saves time and GP costs, for busy women in our state.”

Catherine Bronger, Senior Vice of President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, NSW Branch said:
“With our GPs stretched, community pharmacists have provided thousands of women with repeat prescriptions of the oral contraceptive pill under the NSW Government’s trial.

“Making the availability of the pill at community pharmacies is the right thing for women and our communities.”

Pharmaceutical Society of Australia New South Wales President Luke Kelly stated:
“Pharmacists across New South Wales continue to show that we can do more to support our patients. Giving our patients the option to access contraception through skilled community pharmacists is an important step in making reproductive care more accessible to women across the state.

“I congratulate the Minister on solidifying the role of pharmacists in the continuous supply of oral contraceptives as a permanent part of the New South Wales health care system.”

$2.1 million to help boost cancer research in NSW

September 24, 2024
​​Coinciding with World Cancer Research Day today, the NSW Government is committing $2.1 million in research grant funding to support the work of the state's cancer researchers, including world-renowned Professors Georgina Long AO and Paul Timpson.

Co-Australian of the Year Professor Long and the team at Melanoma Institute Australia and The University of Sydney have been awarded almost $700,000 for an imaging system that will allow researchers to better visualise and understand tumour cell interactions across various cancer types, via the Cancer Institute NSW funding.

It is hoped an improved understanding of the tumour microenvironment will assist with cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Professor Timpson and the team at the G​​​arvan Institute of Medical Research were awarded almost $700,000 to purchase a system that will provide unprecedented insights into cell-to-cell interactions, treatment responses and cancer dormancy to enable more effective treatment for cancers, including pancreatic, breast, and prostate cancer.

Three clinical trials grants, valued at $250,000 each, have also been funded to support projects focused on improving access to cancer clinical trials, including:
  • The Building Capacity in Cancer Clinical Trials across Maridulu Budyari Gumal project aims to address enrolment challenges in clinical trials by targeting populations with lower trial participation rates. This includes socioeconomic disadvantaged, culturally and linguistically diverse and rural and regional communities.
  • The Sydney Cancer Partners Clinical Trials Support project aims to increase recruitment from priority populations to trials, including Aboriginal, culturally and linguistically diverse and LGBITQ communities.
  • Targeted Cancer Clinical Trials Support for Regional NSW project aims to deliver targeted initiatives such as increased trial sites and education and training to boost clinical trial participation across the Central Coast, Hunter, New England, Mid North Coast and Northern NSW areas.
The NSW Government, through Cancer Institute NSW, is one of the largest funders of cancer research in NSW, having invested more than $470 million in the past 20 years across nearly 100 competitive research awards and grants.

Minister for Medical Research David Harris said:

“Targeted research is vital to delivering better treatments and interventions that reduce the impact of cancer and ultimately save lives.

"Our researchers strive every day to improve the lives of people in NSW and across the world, and we're proud to invest in them to continue their work and help improve cancer outcomes for all."

NSW Chief Cancer Officer and CEO Cancer Institute NSW, Professor Tracey O'Brien AM said:

“While significant progress has been made in understanding and treating cancer, it remains the leading cause of death in NSW with sadly one in two people set to be diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime.

“Investing in and accelerating research and innovation is key to improving our understanding of a disease that continues to devastate communities across NSW."

Professor Georgina Long AO said:

“Technologies that provide a clear large-scale and detailed view of tumours and enable us to see how cells interact with each other are critical to move the cancer field forward.

“The imaging system, called the Phenolmager HT 2.0, which we have been able to purchase through the research equipment grant, provides the ability to better understand tumour cell interactions.

“This will enable researchers at Melanoma Institute Australia and The University of Sydney to bridge cancer research to clinical use and ultimately deliver more effective cancer treatments."

Professor Paul Timpson said:

“The cutting-edge Akoya-PhenoCycler Fusion system will concurrently detect and visualise 100 proteins, providing unprecedented insights into cell-to-cell interactions, chemotherapy and immunotherapy responses, cancer dormancy, and novel therapies for cancers like pancreatic, breast, and prostate cancer.

“Proteins drive functional outcomes within cells, and constitute drug targets, yet existing technologies do not accurately reflect protein activity at a specific location or time."​



SydneyConnect Image: Professor Georgina Long, Professor Richard Scolyer presented with the Australian of the Year by the Prime Minister, The Hon. Anthony Albanese.

Operational Expenditure Review into icare findings released

September 27, 2024
The Minns NSW Government today released the findings of a review as part of the NSW Government’s wider reform plans to put the state’s insurance and care system on a more financially sustainable footing, ensuring workers compensation remains affordable and protects workers.

The Minister for Work Health and Safety, Sophie Cotsis, commissioned the NSW Treasury Operational Expenditure Review: Insurance and Care NSW (icare) report. The review aims to assist icare to achieve a permanent reduction of five per cent in its net cost of service from 2024-25.

NSW Treasury made 14 findings as part of the review. These findings provide a roadmap to improve transparency over icare’s expenditure, hold icare accountable for its statutory objectives, and improve government oversight of performance and expenditure across the state’s insurance and care system.

Building on the findings of the review, the Government states it is taking swift action to right icare’s foundations to tackle the pressures facing our workers compensation schemes.

This week the Government introduced amendments to the State Insurance and Care Governance Act 2015 that strengthen icare’s governance arrangements and lift accountability and transparency for icare’s business performance.

Under this bill, the CEO would no longer sit on the board of directors, while the Secretary of the Treasury Department would join the board. The appointment of the CEO by the board will also require Ministerial approval.

The Government has directed NSW Treasury to work with icare to address the findings of the review. Minister Cotsis has written to the Chair of the icare board to request advice on how review findings will be addressed. The icare board will also be required to advise the Minister on how it will make measurable progress on its savings plan without detracting from levels of service and care.

Key findings of the review are that:
  • There is a need for greater clarity and continuity in measuring icare’s contribution to system performance and impact on the financial sustainability of its insurance and care schemes.
  • icare is addressing a difficult legacy of accountability, governance and culture, and investing in digital transformation. The complexity, scale, cost and pace of this investment will require proactive management to reduce duplication and deliver expected benefits.
  • That NSW Treasury, icare and SIRA need to work together on opportunities for a joined-up reporting framework that promotes greater accountability for system performance, including the efficient allocation of resources and value for money outcomes.
The review focused on icare’s controllable business costs to deliver insurance and care schemes on behalf of the community and government. The final report can be found here: https://www.treasury.nsw.gov.au/operational-expenditure-review-into-icare

Minister for Work Health and Safety, Sophie Cotsis said:
“This review provides a roadmap to drive greater transparency, accountability and focus on operational efficiency across icare and the State’s insurance system.

“It’s a necessary step to restore confidence in icare and part of the government’s commitment for a financially sustainable insurance and care system with better outcomes for injured workers, employers and other policy holders.”

Boosting support for children affected by domestic violence: NSW Government

September 27, 2024
Up to 1,800 children and young people experiencing domestic and family violence each year will now have access to specialised support services to help them recover and disrupt the cycle of abuse. 

The Specialist Workers for Children and Young People (SWCYP) program provides a path to recovery for children and young people from 0 to 18 years of age, staying in refuges with their mothers after escaping domestic and family violence.

The $48.1 million SWCYP investment from the NSW Government provides funding to expand the program to 10 new services covering an additional 34 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across NSW, the majority of which are in regional and rural NSW.

Funding for 21 existing services will ensure delivery of the program in over 22 women’s refuges across 46 LGAs is extended to 30 June 2026, providing certainty for these services.

This enhancement means children and young people accompanying their mothers in over 32 refuges across regional and metro NSW will have access to support from more than 55 specialist workers.

The NSW Government is working hard to improve support for domestic and family violence victim-survivors and expand programs that reduce the rate of violence against women and children.

Domestic and family violence can have a devastating impact on children and young people, whether they have witnessed or directly suffered abuse.

The SWCYP program is a key part of the NSW Government’s $245.6 million domestic violence package. It recognises children and young people as victim-survivors in their own right and offers tailored support that is more holistic, trauma-informed, and preventative.

Specialist workers develop an individualised support plan for each child or young person to help break the pattern of violence and prevent intergenerational trauma.

An evaluation of the program by the University of NSW found the program delivered positive outcomes for participants by providing early intervention, preventing problems from escalating and disrupting the cycle of domestic and family violence.

The evaluation noted children and young people who had received support from a specialist worker reported positive outcomes relating to their physical health, education, social needs, mental health, emotional needs, safety, cultural needs, employment and family relationships.


The NSW Government is taking a whole of government approach to address domestic and family violence, including rolling out our first dedicated Primary Prevention Strategy, holding perpetrators to account, and strengthening protections for victim-survivors through bail reforms and proposed changes to ADVOs.

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:
“Supporting families through this holistic response is a critical step to preventing future cycles of violence.

“Extending and expanding this program recognises that children and young people are victim-survivors of domestic and family violence in their own right. So it’s vital that we provide them with this much-needed support, that is a different response to their mother, in the space where refuge is sought.

“This investment by our government is crucial and will provide life-changing help to children and young people as they recover from past trauma.

“Every child deserves to live free from violence and its destructive impact on their health and wellbeing.”

Domestic Violence Service Management CEO Stephanie Smith said:
“Specialist workers for children and young people allow for a long-term sustainable solution to ending domestic and family violence in Australia. By intervening early with children and young people we are able to disrupt the normalisation of domestic and family violence and allow a reframe of values about relationships and gender dynamics early.

“Our specialist workers are there specifically for the children who historically may have been left behind in the inevitable crisis caused by domestic and family violence. These workers allow the experience of children to be heard, acknowledged and addressed.

“Our services are person-centered which means we don’t have a one-size-fits-all way of doing things. We start with thorough assessments based on what the child and parent are telling us and we regularly review and adapt our way of working with children to ensure we see progress.”

Digital platform regulators release working paper on multimodal foundation models

The Digital Platform Regulators Forum (DP-REG) has published a working paper on multimodal foundation models (MFMs) used in generative artificial intelligence (AI).

The latest working paper Examination of technology – Multimodal Foundation Models examines MFMs – a type of generative AI that can process and output multiple data types, such as image, audio or video – and their impact on the regulatory roles of each DP-REG member.

As generative AI is rapidly expanding into other areas, such as image, audio and video generation, DP-REG has extended its exploration of these technologies to consider the impacts of generative AI more holistically in this new working paper.

There is potential for widespread adoption by consumers and businesses of MFMs, presenting both significant opportunities and substantial risks. One related risk often cited is the increasing use of ‘deepfake’ images and videos.

This paper supports DP-REG’s 2024–26 strategic priorities, which include a focus on understanding, assessing and responding to the benefits, risks and harms of technology, including AI models. It aims to complement and inform broader government work on AI that is underway.

As technologies continue to evolve, it is vital that regulators continue to work together to understand new developments and anticipate emerging issues.  The MFMs paper is the third in a series of papers produced by DP-REG, exploring digital platform technologies.

Past papers include:
  1. Literature summary – Harms and risks of algorithms, which considers the harms and risks posed by some commonly used types of algorithms to end-users and society.
  2. Examination of technology – Large Language Models, which explore the benefits and potential harms of Large Language Models (LLMs) that generate text.
DP-REG is made up of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), the eSafety Commissioner (eSafety) and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC). Each member contributed to the working papers, reflecting DP‑REG’s purpose to promote a streamlined and cohesive approach to the regulation of digital platform technologies in Australia.

Joint investment in NSW adult literacy and numeracy

September 27, 2024
The NSW Government has launched its Adult and Community Education Strategy, outlining its plan to deliver crucial training and education in language, literacy, numeracy and digital to equip disadvantaged learners and enable them to enter the skilled workforce.

The Strategy will be supported by a Federal Government investment of $22.8 million over 5 years to build literacy, numeracy and other key foundational skills among some of the state’s most disadvantaged learners.

The new funding announced is part of delivering on the National Skills Agreement commitment to the delivery of foundational skills.

The funding aims to develop work-readiness skills for these learners and builds on the NSW Government’s $24.2 million annual investment in the Adult and Community Education sector.

The NSW Adult and Community Education sector plays a vital role in providing opportunities for learners that have experienced barriers in their education journey, providing a quality, flexible, supportive and welcoming environment where learning can thrive.

The new strategy aims to ensure the adult and community education sector builds learners’ skills and confidence and supports their access to further learning.  and ability to enter the workforce.

Key initiatives will support disadvantaged learners in building skills in information technology, business services, and foundational skills, with a focus on the English language, reading and writing, numeracy, and digital skills.

Strategic partnerships and targeted funding will help increase the sector’s impact, particularly with Community Colleges Australia, to create further opportunities and address sector challenges.

The cornerstones of the four-year strategy include:
  • Strengthening the capability of Adult and Community Education educators through targeted recruitment, professional development, and support programs.
  • Enhancing learning pathways through high-quality, flexible, and relevant courses that meet the diverse needs of learners and communities.
  • Optimising learning pathways for anyone who requires additional support.
  • Outreach Support Officers connecting disadvantaged community members with educational opportunities, providing support and guidance to help them achieve their goals.
The Department of Education will evaluate the Strategy's progress and report on its outcomes annually.

Find out more about The NSW ACE Strategy 2024 - 28

Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles said:
“All Australians deserve to have the language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills to meet their career potential and the demands of daily life.

“The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are working together under the National Skills Agreement to improve access to training for Australians held back by the lack of essential foundation skills.

“The Albanese Government has invested $436 million to redesign and expand the Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) program, which provides free language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills training across the country.

“This investment in Adult Community Education will complement the SEE program, providing targeted support to priority groups who may find it difficult to engage with mainstream education.”

NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan stated:
“The Adult and Community Education sector, funded by the NSW Government, plays a critical role in providing tailored opportunities for learners who have faced barriers to education.

“The new ACE strategy will foster innovation in our education and training programs and ensure that our most vulnerable people, our communities, and our workforce are equipped to meet emerging needs.

“Improving adult literacy and numeracy is a vital step in connecting disadvantaged people in our community with genuine employment opportunities.

“This is a win-win, delivering skills and empowerment to individuals, while enabling a new portion of our community to bolster our skilled workforce.

“ACE Training can also provide a valuable first-step, enabling people to take up further training opportunities such as apprenticeships and traineeships.

“With the support of the Federal Government through the National Skills Agreement this strategy will deliver increased funding certainty to the community education sector and build partnerships across government and community to deliver pathways to employment for our students.”

EnergyAustralia to pay $14m for making misleading statements and breaching the Electricity Retail Code

September 26 2024
The Federal Court has ordered EnergyAustralia to pay $14 million in penalties for making false, misleading or deceptive statements to hundreds of thousands of consumers about electricity prices, and failing to provide mandatory information required by the Electricity Retail Code (the Code).

EnergyAustralia admitted it had breached the Australian Consumer Law and the Code in its communications sent between 20 June and 12 September 2022 to around 566,000 consumers about electricity prices, by failing to state the lowest possible price in the communications and misrepresenting the estimated annual price of its electricity offer for an “average” customer.

In addition, Energy Australia admitted, that between 1 July and 27 September 2022, it published 27 electricity offers online that failed to state the difference between the reference price and the unconditional price expressed as a percentage of the reference price, or the ‘lowest possible price’ as required under the Code. These offers were viewed about 220,000 times.

“EnergyAustralia breached laws which were designed to help consumers to compare electricity offers and identify the best deal by increasing transparency,” ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said.

“EnergyAustralia’s failure to fully inform consumers meant they could not accurately compare offers from competing retailers and may have been denied the opportunity to choose the best deal for them.”

“Some consumers may also have been misled by EnergyAustralia’s statements into thinking that a price change was less than it actually was, causing them to stay with their existing plan when in fact a different plan may have represented a better deal,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

This conduct occurred when electricity prices were rising and many consumers were looking to switch to cheaper plans.

“It is essential that electricity retailers provide consumers with accurate information so they can compare and access the most competitive prices in the market. This enforcement action is a reminder that the ACCC is closely monitoring the electricity market, conducting regular compliance checks and ready to take strong action when appropriate,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

The Court also ordered EnergyAustralia to review its compliance program and pay a contribution to the ACCC’s costs.

The Electricity Retail Code applies to all electricity retailers that supply electricity to residential and small business customers in applicable distribution regions in New South Wales, South Australia, and South-East Queensland. It is a mandatory industry code under the Competition and Consumer Act and establishes enforceable requirements in relation to how electricity retailers must communicate pricing information to small customers. It was introduced to increase transparency in the retail electricity market and allow consumers to easily compare offers against a common benchmark. Under the Code, electricity retailers must include certain information when communicating prices. These requirements include the difference between the reference price and the unconditional price as a percentage of the reference price, as well as the lowest possible price.

The ‘reference price’ is the per-customer annual price based on the Default Market Offer determined by the Australian Energy Regulator. It is used as a benchmark to compare market offer prices.

The ‘lowest possible price’ is the total amount a representative customer would be charged for the supply of electricity in the financial year at the offered prices, assuming that all conditional discounts (if any) are met. (If there are no conditional discounts, the lowest possible price is the same as the unconditional price.)

Since the Code was introduced in 2019, the ACCC has issued infringement notices to Locality Planning Energy, CovaU, ReAmped Energy and Dodo Power & Gas for allegedly failing to include certain mandatory information when communicating prices. The ACCC has also accepted a court-enforceable undertaking from CovaU and Dodo in response to breaches of the Code.

The proceedings against Energy Australia were the first court proceedings brought by the ACCC in relation to alleged breaches of the Code.

Consumers can compare electricity plan information on the Government comparison website Energy Made Easy and Victorian Energy Compare. For further information for consumers on comparing energy plans, see the ACCC website.

Background
EnergyAustralia is one of the ‘big three’ energy retailers.

In September 2023, the ACCC commenced proceedings against EnergyAustralia in relation to these alleged breaches of the Code and the Australian Consumer Law.

EnergyAustralia’s conduct was identified by the ACCC’s regular compliance checks of electricity retailer’s compliance with the Code.

Previously, in April 2014, the Federal Court imposed a $1.2 million penalty on EnergyAustralia for making false and misleading representations and engaging in misleading and deceptive conduct while calling on consumers at their homes to negotiate agreements for the supply of retail electricity, in proceedings brought by the ACCC.

In March 2015, the Federal Court also ordered EnergyAustralia to pay a $1 million penalty for making false or misleading representations and engaging in misleading or deceptive conduct when dealing with certain consumers to sell electricity and gas plans, in proceedings brought by the ACCC.

ACCC proposes not to authorise industry code on marketing of infant formula

The ACCC is proposing to deny the authorisation sought by the Infant Nutrition Council for an industry code which seeks to restrict the advertising and promotion of infant formula. The Commission considers that the code is no longer likely to give rise to public benefits that outweigh the likely public detriment.

The Infant Nutrition Council is seeking authorisation to continue to implement the ‘Marketing in Australia of Infant Formula: Manufacturers and Importers Agreement’ (MAIF Agreement) and its associated guidelines for a further five years. The MAIF Agreement, initially established in 1992, forms part of Australia’s response to its obligations as a signatory to the World Health Organisation’s International Code of Marketing Breast Milk Substitutes.

The MAIF Agreement is a voluntary, self-regulatory code of conduct which aims to restrict those manufacturers and importers of infant formula who opt in to the agreement from advertising and promoting formula for infants up to 12 months of age. Its implementation requires ACCC authorisation as it forms an agreement between competitors not to market their infant formula products.

“The link between breastfeeding and improved health outcomes for mothers and children is undisputed,” ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh said.

“However, while the MAIF Agreement aims to protect and promote breastfeeding rates in Australia, we are concerned that there are several factors that undermine its effectiveness. This includes its voluntary nature, its limited scope, and restrictions on its ability to capture the breadth of modern digital marketing methods, such as the use of social media algorithms and content created by third-party influencers.”

In 2021, manufacturers and importers were granted authorisation by the ACCC enabling them to continue implementing the MAIF Agreement for a three-year period.

The ACCC noted at that time, however, that the decision was finely balanced and that the risk of public detriment outweighing public benefit would grow should the period exceed the agreed three-year duration.

The Department of Health and Aged Care has since commissioned an independent review of the MAIF Agreement which found that it is no longer fit for purpose. The review recommended that the MAIF Agreement be replaced with a stronger regulatory framework in the form of a legislated, prescribed, mandatory code.

“Effective Government regulation of infant formula marketing would likely result in public health benefits” ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh said.

The Australian Government is considering the findings of the review, though the timing and nature of its response is not yet certain.

“Given the issues undermining its effectiveness, the ACCC is not satisfied that the MAIF Agreement and associated guidelines are likely to result in a net public benefit to justify authorisation,” Mr Keogh said.

The ACCC granted interim authorisation on 14 August 2024 to enable the MAIF Agreement to continue while the ACCC completes its assessment of the substantive application for authorisation. This interim authorisation remains in place while the ACCC completes its assessment. 

The ACCC is seeking submissions in response to the draft determination by 17 October 2024 before making its final decision.

More information about the application, the ACCC’s indicative timeline, and how to make a submission is available on the ACCC’s public register at Infant Nutrition Council.

ACCC authorisation provides statutory protection from court action for conduct that might otherwise raise concerns under the competition provisions of the Competition and Consumer Act.

Broadly, the ACCC may grant an authorisation when it is satisfied that the public benefit from the conduct outweighs any public detriment.

Background
The Infant Nutrition Council represents the majority of manufacturers and importers of infant formula in Australia.

The Council applied for revocation of the existing authorisation and the substitution of a new one to continue to make and give effect to the MAIF Agreement and its associated guidelines for a further five years to ensure a framework remains in place while the Government prepares its response to the MAIF Review.

For clarity, a decision not to revoke authorisation AA1000534 would effectively mean that the ACCC is not proposing to authorise the conduct again. Protection of the Conduct under the authorisation would cease shortly after the ACCC makes its final determination.

Australians on fixed wireless services enjoy broadband speed boost

Some consumers on NBN Co’s Fixed Wireless Plus plan have experienced a significant improvement to their broadband speeds in the past six months following recent speed changes introduced by NBN Co, the ACCC’s latest Measuring Broadband Australia report has found.

The average download speed for uplifted NBN Fixed Wireless Plus services was 96.7 Mbps across all hours in May 2024. This compares to an average download speed of 58.6 Mbps for all NBN fixed wireless services in December 2023. Download speeds during the busy hours of 7 to 11pm on weeknights increased from 49.8 Mbps to 78.2 Mbps across the same comparison period.

“Download speed performance has never been higher on NBN’s fixed-line and fixed wireless networks. This improved performance is encouraging to see following NBN Co’s investments in its network and its recently simplified wholesale pricing,” ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey said.

Figure 1. Average download speeds on Fixed Wireless Plus plan


The report also found that the average download performance across all NBN fixed wireless services, including those with lower plan speeds, was 100.1 per cent of the maximum plan speed across all hours and 84.1 per cent during the busy hours.

Average fixed-line speed exceeds maximum plan download speed for the first time
In May 2024, the average download speed for NBN fixed-line connections during the busy hours was 100.4 per cent of plan speed, making this the first Measuring Broadband Australia report with a result exceeding 100 per cent of plan speeds.

It is possible for consumers to receive speeds above their plan’s maximum download speed as NBN Co overprovisions the downlink of some products by 10-15 per cent.

Underperforming services represented four per cent of NBN fixed-line services tested in this report, which was marginally lower than the last report, making it the lowest figure in the program’s history. These are services which very rarely, if ever, achieve at least 75 per cent of their plan download speed. The proportion of underperforming services with a Fibre to the Node connection type remains higher compared to other technologies.

“We will continue to monitor underperforming services as they can have a big impact on consumers who rightly expect to receive the speeds they are paying for,” Ms Brakey said.

“We encourage consumers that are experiencing significant speed delays in their internet connection to contact their service provider and ask whether they can access an upgrade to a Fibre to the Premises connection at their address."

Background
In November 2023, NBN Co announced plans to boost the speed of the existing Fixed Wireless Plus wholesale plan without lifting the wholesale price. In January 2024, NBN Co launched a pilot introducing these higher speeds which are now available at premises with newer NBN Wireless Network Terminating Devices installed. The latest Measuring Broadband Australia report includes data on the speed performance for consumers that benefitted from the uplift in speeds.

The ACCC welcomes the inclusion of additional retail service providers and emerging broadband technologies to reflect the increasing broadband offerings in the market.

The ACCC is currently examining whether the performance of satellite services, such as those provided over NBN Sky Muster and Starlink, could be monitored as part of the Measuring Broadband Australia program. Consumers who use satellite services can sign up to volunteer via the Measuring Broadband Australia website.

Data for Measuring Broadband Australia is provided by UK-based firm SamKnows using methodology based on speed testing programs delivered in the UK, US, Canada and New Zealand.

The design tricks keeping your kids hooked on games and apps – and 3 things you can do about it

Chris Zomer, Deakin University and Sumudu Mallawaarachchi, University of Wollongong

This article is part of a series on the great internet letdown. Read the rest of the series.


Ever found yourself unable to resist checking out a social media notification? Or sending a random picture just to keep a Snapchat “streak” going? Or simply getting stuck staring at YouTube because it auto-played yet another cute cat video?

If so, you’re far from alone. And if we adults can’t resist such digital temptations, how can we expect children to do any better?

Many digital environments are not designed with the best interest of users in mind – and this is especially true of games, apps and platforms commonly used by kids and teens.

Designers use persuasive design techniques to make users spend more time on apps or platforms, so they can make more money selling ads. Below, we explain some of the most common design tricks used in popular games, social media and apps.

Decision-making made easy 🔀

Social media and streaming platforms strive to provide “seamless” user experiences. This makes it easy to stay engaged without needing to click anything very often, which also minimises any obvious opportunities where we might disengage.

These seamless experiences include things such as auto-play when streaming videos, or “infinite scrolling” on social media. When algorithms present us with a steady flow of content, shaped by what we have liked or engaged with in the past, we must put in extra effort to stop watching. Unsurprisingly, we often decide to stay put.

Rewards and dopamine hits 🧠

Another way to keep children engaged is by using rewards, such as stars, diamonds, stickers, badges or other “points” in children’s apps. “Likes” on social media are no different.

Rewards trigger the release of a chemical in our brains – dopamine – which not only makes us feel good but also leaves us wanting more.

Rewards can be used to promote good behaviour, but not always. In some children’s apps, rewards are doubled if users watch advertisements.

Loot boxes and ‘gambling’ 💰

Variable rewards have been found to be especially effective. When you do not know when you will get a certain reward or desired item, you are more likely to keep going.

In games, variable rewards can often be found (or purchased) in the form of “loot boxes”. Loot boxes might be chests, treasures, or stacks of cards containing a random reward. Because of the unpredictable reward, some researchers have described loot boxes as akin to gambling, even though the games do not always involve real money.

Sometimes in-game currency (fake game money) can be bought with real money and used to “gamble” for rare characters and special items. This is very tempting for young people.

In one of our (as yet unpublished) studies, a 12-year-old student admitted to spending several hundred dollars to obtain a desired character in the popular game Genshin Impact.

The lure of streaks 🔥

Another problematic way of using rewards in design is negative reinforcement. For instance, when you are at risk of a negative outcome (like losing something good), you feel compelled to continue a particular behaviour.

“Streaks” work like this. If you do not do the same task for several days in a row, you will not get the extra rewards promised. Language learning app DuoLingo uses streaks, but so does Snapchat, a popular social media app. Research has shown a correlation between Snapchat streaks and problematic smartphone use among teens.

Streaks can also make money for apps directly. If you miss a day and lose your streak, you can often pay to restore it.

Loss of reputation 👎

Reputation is important on social media. Think of the number of Facebook friends you have, or the number of likes your post receives.

Sometimes designers build on our fear of losing our reputation. For instance, they can do this by adding a leaderboard that ranks users based on their score.

While you may have heard of the use of leaderboards in games, they are also common in popular educational apps such as Kahoot! or Education Perfect. Leaderboards introduce an element of competition that many students enjoy.

However, for some this competition has negative consequences – especially for those languishing low in the ranks.

Similarly, Snapchat has a SnapScore where reputational loss is still at play. You do not want a lower score than your friends! This makes you want to keep using the app.

Exploiting feelings of connection 🥰

Another tool in the designers’ bag of tricks is capitalising on the emotional ties or connections users form with influencers or celebrities on social media, or favourite media characters (such as Elmo or Peppa pig) for younger children.

While these connections can foster a sense of belonging, they can also be exploited for commercial gain, such as when influencers promote commercial products, or characters urge in-app purchases.

What can parents do? 🤷

Persuasive design isn’t inherently bad. Users want apps and games to be engaging, like we do for movies or TV shows. However, some design “tricks” simply serve commercial interests, often at the expense of users’ wellbeing.

It is not all bleak, though. Here are a few steps parents can take to help kids stay on top of the apps:

  • have early and ongoing discussions with children about ideas such as the underlying commercial intent of what they are engaging with

  • model good digital choices of not giving in to persuasive design, such as by avoiding digital distractions yourself

  • use trustworthy resources to help in digital decision-making, such as Common Sense Media and Dark Pattern Games.

For the moment, the responsibility for managing children’s interactions with the digital realm falls largely on individuals and families.

Some governments are beginning to take action, but measures such as blanket age-based bans on social media or other platforms will only shield children temporarily. A better approach for governments and regulators would be to focus on safety by design: the idea that the safety and rights of users should be the starting point of any app, product or service, rather than an afterthought.The Conversation

Chris Zomer, Associate Research Fellow at the Centre of the Digital Child, Deakin University and Sumudu Mallawaarachchi, Research Fellow, ARC Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child, University of Wollongong

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Why are we seeing more pandemics? Our impact on the planet has a lot to do with it

ImageFlow/Shutterstock
Olga Anikeeva, University of Adelaide; Jessica Stanhope, University of Adelaide; Peng Bi, University of Adelaide, and Philip Weinstein, University of Adelaide

Pandemics – the global spread of infectious diseases – seem to be making a comeback. In the Middle Ages we had the Black Death (plague), and after the first world war we had the Spanish flu. Tens of millions of people died from these diseases.

Then science began to get the upper hand, with vaccination eradicating smallpox, and polio nearly so. Antibiotics became available to treat bacterial infections, and more recently antivirals as well.

But in recent years and decades pandemics seem to be returning. In the 1980s we had HIV/AIDS, then several flu pandemics, SARS, and now COVID (no, COVID isn’t over).

So why is this happening, and is there anything we can do to avert future pandemics?

Unbalanced ecosystems

Healthy, stable ecosystems provide services that keep us healthy, such as supplying food and clean water, producing oxygen, and making green spaces available for our recreation and wellbeing.

Another key service ecosystems provide is disease regulation. When nature is in balance – with predators controlling herbivore populations, and herbivores controlling plant growth – it’s more difficult for pathogens to emerge in a way that causes pandemics.

But when human activities disrupt and unbalance ecosystems – such as by way of climate change and biodiversity loss – things go wrong.

For example, climate change affects the number and distribution of plants and animals. Mosquitoes that carry diseases can move from the tropics into what used to be temperate climates as the planet warms, and may infect more people in the months that are normally disease free.

We’ve studied the relationship between weather and dengue fever transmission in China, and our findings support the same conclusion reached by many other studies: climate change is likely to put more people at risk of dengue.

A man wearing a face mask.
COVID was not the first pandemic, and is unlikely to be the last. Jaromir Chalabala/Shutterstock

Biodiversity loss can have similar effects by disrupting food chains. When ranchers cleared forests in South America for their cattle to graze in the first half of the 20th century, tiny forest-dwelling, blood-feeding vampire bats suddenly had a smörgåsbord of large sedentary animals to feed on.

While vampire bats had previously been kept in check by the limited availability of food and the presence of predators in the balanced forest ecosystem, numbers of this species exploded in South America.

These bats carry the rabies virus, which causes lethal brain infections in people who are bitten. Although the number of deaths from bat-borne rabies has now fallen dramatically due to vaccination programs in South America, rabies caused by bites from other animals still poses a global threat.

As urban and agricultural development impinges on natural ecosystems, there are increasing opportunities for humans and domestic animals to become infected with pathogens that would normally only be seen in wildlife – particularly when people hunt and eat animals from the wild.

The HIV virus, for example, first entered human populations from apes that were slaughtered for food in Africa, and then spread globally through travel and trade.

Meanwhile, bats are thought to be the original reservoir for the virus that caused the COVID pandemic, which has killed more than 7 million people to date.

Mosquitoes flying around green grass.
Climate change can affect the distribution of animals which carry disease, such as mosquitoes. Kwangmoozaa/Shutterstock

Ultimately, until we effectively address the unsustainable impact we are having on our planet, pandemics will continue to occur.

Targeting the ultimate causes

Factors such as climate change, biodiversity loss and other global challenges are the ultimate (high level) cause of pandemics. Meanwhile, increased contact between humans, domestic animals and wildlife is the proximate (immediate) cause.

In the case of HIV, while direct contact with the infected blood of apes was the proximate cause, the apes were only being slaughtered because large numbers of very poor people were hungry – an ultimate cause.

The distinction between ultimate causes and proximate causes is important, because we often deal only with proximate causes. For example, people may smoke because of stress or social pressure (ultimate causes of getting lung cancer), but it’s the toxins in the smoke that cause cancer (proximate cause).

Generally, health services are only concerned with stopping people from smoking – and with treating the illness that results – not with removing the drivers that lead them to smoke in the first place.

Similarly, we address pandemics with lockdowns, mask wearing, social distancing and vaccinations – all measures which seek to stop the spread of the virus. But we pay less attention to addressing the ultimate causes of pandemics – until perhaps very recently.

Cigarettes on a table.
Often we treat the proximate causes of illness, but not the ultimate causes. Basil MK/Pexels

A planetary health approach

There’s a growing awareness of the importance of adopting a “planetary health” approach to improve human health. This concept is based on the understanding that human health and human civilisation depend on flourishing natural systems, and the wise stewardship of those natural systems.

With this approach, ultimate drivers like climate change and biodiversity loss would be prioritised in preventing future pandemics, at the same time as working with experts from many different disciplines to deal with the proximate causes, thereby reducing the risk overall.

The planetary health approach has the benefit of improving both the health of the environment and human health concurrently. We are heartened by the increased uptake of teaching planetary health concepts across the environmental sciences, humanities and health sciences in many universities.

As climate change, biodiversity loss, population displacements, travel and trade continue to increase the risk of disease outbreaks, it’s vital that the planetary stewards of the future have a better understanding of how to tackle the ultimate causes that drive pandemics.

This article is the first in a series on the next pandemic.The Conversation

Olga Anikeeva, Research Fellow, School of Public Health, University of Adelaide; Jessica Stanhope, Lecturer, School of Allied Health Science and Practice, University of Adelaide; Peng Bi, Professor, School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, and Philip Weinstein, Professorial Research Fellow, School of Public Health, University of Adelaide

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Costly defamation action looms large over Australian newsrooms. It’s diminishing press freedom

Shutterstock
Denis Muller, The University of Melbourne

This piece is the final of a three part series on Australia’s defamation laws. You can read the other pieces here and here.


Defamation laws exist to strike a balance between press freedom and the protection of people’s reputations from wrongful harm. In Australia, this balance has always been loaded against press freedom.

This is due partly to the way the defamation laws have been framed and partly by the way the courts have interpreted them.

Courts examine matters of journalism in the same way they examine matters of law: forensically, with strict rules and high standards of evidence and proof.

While we rightly expect ethical and honest reporting from our media, even the best can prove insufficient under the piercing gaze of defamation law. And in a time when media companies are more cash-strapped than ever, this has a chilling effect on the stories that get told and press freedom more broadly.

Ethics vs the law

Until 2006, each Australian jurisdiction had its own defamation laws. This created a nightmare of complexity for publishers, especially of newspapers and broadcasts that crossed state boundaries, which meant all the main media organisations.

They had to take into account the risks posed by litigation in the jurisdiction least favourable to press freedom.

For many decades, that was New South Wales. It was one of the states where truth alone was not a sufficient defence; there also had to be a public interest in the material. In some other jurisdictions this was called public benefit.

This was a major burden on press freedom and it was removed by the introduction of uniform defamation laws in 2006.

Since then, it has been enough for publishers to prove the substantial truth of the meanings conveyed in an article in order for the defence of truth to succeed.

It may sound straightforward, but proving substantial truth requires producing admissible evidence strong enough to satisfy the civil standard of proof: on the balance of probabilities. That usually means having documents and witnesses who are willing to be identified.

If, as is often the case, the article has drawn on evidence from a confidential source, the publisher is unable to put that source in the witness box because to do so would breach the media’s fundamental ethical obligation to protect the identity of confidential sources.

So unless the source is prepared in advance to be identified should the matter come to court, a story relying significantly on that person’s testimony may not see the light of day unless some other defence is available.

In 2021, those defences were expanded, although quite how significant that expansion turns out to be remains to be seen.

What appears on paper to be the most significant change was the introduction of a general public interest defence. This says that if publication of a story is in the public interest, and the publisher has a reasonable belief that it is, then publication can be defended on that ground.

There has been only one major test of that new defence, and it went against the media.

That case showed “reasonable belief” depended on the journalism being sound. In this case, the court found that the defendant, which was the ABC, had relied on shaky testimony that had not been sufficiently verified and had not given the subject of the story a fair opportunity to respond.

At odds with practicalities

This brings us to the question of how the courts interpret the law.

One of the big disappointments in this respect has been the way the courts have interpreted what, at the time, was hoped to be a significant addition to Australia’s threadbare free-speech jurisprudence.

In a case brought against the ABC by a late prime minister of New Zealand, David Lange, the High Court established the principle that freedom of speech on matters of government and politics trumped a person’s case for protection for their reputation.

If a person wanted to sue for defamation, they had to do so in a way that did not burden freedom of speech on matters of government and politics.

However, the High Court attached a test of reasonableness to this freedom. In several ways, it’s similar to the “reasonable belief” test in the new public interest defence.

Unfortunately, successive courts have applied the Lange reasonableness test in ways that are so strict they require journalists to meet standards demanding more powers of investigation than they possess or to exceed the usual journalistic standards of verification. Journalists can’t subpoena documents or compel people to speak to them.

The result is that this defence has become more or less a dead letter for journalistic purposes.

Is a story worth the cost?

Those accused of defamation can also defend it by saying it was comment or honest opinion. The first requirement of this defence is that the material be a comment and not a statement of fact.

But courts have interpreted this in different ways.

This uncertainty was illustrated by a famous case that became known as “Leo the Lobster”. A restaurant and restaurateur in Sydney successfully sued the Sydney Morning Herald over a review of a lobster dinner written by one Leo Schofield.

Schofield, who was a colourful writer, said the lobster had been overcooked:

the carbonized claws contained only a kind of white powder which might have been albino walrus.

Despite the amusing language, the court interpreted that as a literal factual description, not a statement of opinion.

Courts have a limited sense of humour, which makes satirical writing a chancy business, since the sharper the satire, the closer it is to literal truth.

Cartoons, which are satirical by definition, have more leeway but are not immune to defamation suits.

Then there’s the costs of defamation, particularly for media outlets. They’ve become exorbitant.

It has been estimated that the costs involved in the case brought by Ben Roberts-Smith against The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times amounted to about $25 million. The newspapers won, although the matter has gone to appeal.

But even if the verdict is upheld, experience shows it is unlikely they will recoup anything like their full costs.

At a time when all major news media organisations are under acute financial pressure because of the inroads the internet has made on their revenue, there is a strong temptation not to risk publishing material the public has a right to know because of the financial impact an action for defamation would have.The Conversation

Denis Muller, Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Advancing Journalism, The University of Melbourne

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

What are ‘rent tech’ platforms? Action on reining in these exploitative tools is long overdue

Bernard Hermant/Unsplash
Linda Przhedetsky, University of Technology Sydney

This week the New South Wales government announced it would introduce legislation that ensures renters are offered convenient, fee-free options to pay their rent.

The announcement is just one of many state and territory reforms that aim to address issues arising from the use of rental technology platforms.

In recent years these platforms and the landlords who use them have come under fire for intruding on renters’ privacy and charging additional fees. While practices such as “rent bidding” have already been outlawed around Australia, governments are now starting to turn their attention to other harmful practices facilitated by new technologies.

Action on these issues is long overdue, and there’s much more that needs to be done to ensure rental technology platforms actually benefit consumers.

An expanding industry

A wide range of digital technology platforms are used to facilitate the use, trading, operation and management of real estate assets. A well-known example is AirBnb, a technology platform that facilitates short-term rentals by connecting hosts with guests.

The property technology industry in Australia is rapidly expanding. In 2023, there were more than 478 products, start-ups and established companies ranging from marketing tools to data analytics platforms. This was up from 188 in 2019.

A portion of these companies make services typically designed to be used by renters, real estate agents or landlords.

A major selling point of rental technology platforms is that they promise to streamline a range of processes. To renters, these technologies are billed as quick, easy and effective ways to submit property applications, request maintenance or pay rent.

If designed well, these platforms can certainly offer convenience. But many have expressed dissatisfaction with rental technology businesses that pressure renters to pay for costly background checks, collect too much personal data, or use opaque algorithms to “score” applicants.

People who struggle to access or use technologies may also find these platforms difficult to use. This makes it harder for them to access an essential service.

Some 41% of renters report feeling pressured to use a third-party rental technology platform to apply for a property. And 29% say they have opted not to apply for particular rentals because they do not trust rental technology platforms. This suggests that the use of these technologies may sometimes deter, rather than attract, applicants.

Additional fees

Over 30% of Australians rent their homes, a figure that continues to grow as people find themselves priced out of home ownership. Rising rents and the overall increase in the cost of living have put many renters under substantial financial pressure.

With this in mind, it’s concerning that some renters have found themselves with little choice but to use rental technology platforms that charge fees to process rental payments.

For example, renters using a popular platform called Ailo are typically charged between 0.25% to 1.50% to make automated rental payments, depending on the method of payment they use. A rough estimate shows that a household paying the median weekly rent (A$627 per week) on a fortnightly basis might see themselves paying between $81.51 and $489.06 in additional fees each year.

As required by law, Ailo does offer a fee-free option to pay rent. But this option is highly inconvenient: it requires renters to enter their bank details anew each time they make a payment.

The fee-free options offered by some other rental technology platforms are equally inconvenient. They include paying rent in cash at the local post office.

For renters who have been asked to use a rental payment platform, this may mean spending additional time and effort every time they pay their rent to avoid paying additional fees.

The NSW government already requires lessors to offer fee-free ways to pay rent (similar protections are legislated in other states and territories). However, the key element of this week’s announcement is a commitment to making sure these fee-free methods are actually convenient. This should hopefully close the legislative loophole that is enabling these rental technologies to unfairly profit at renters’ expense.

While the draft legislation is yet to be seen, these reforms might see renters reverting to tried and tested payment methods such as bank transfers and bypassing rental technology payment platforms altogether.

Effective enforcement

Introducing laws that ensure renters have access to convenient, fee-free ways to make rental payments is a no-brainer. The next step is ensuring these laws are enforced effectively.

To achieve this, the regulator must be well resourced to carry out compliance and enforcement activities that ensure lessors and rental technology businesses comply with these protections.

Beyond these reforms, there is more work to be done to ensure renters are effectively protected from a range of harms that are created or exacerbated by rental technology platforms.

Issues such as discrimination and unfair treatment through rental technology platforms warrant further attention.

The key challenge for governments and regulators is to keep up with technological developments so they can identify and address issues as they arise.


Correction: this article has been amended to reflect the fact that Ailo requires renters to enter their details for each payment, rather than monthly as originally stated.The Conversation

Linda Przhedetsky, PhD Candidate, Faculty of Law, University of Technology Sydney

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Disclaimer: These articles are not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.  Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Pittwater Online News or its staff.