Latest news with #AlisonBarrett
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Landlord's 'unreasonable' request after tenant has a baby: 'It changes things'
Welcome to legal column where lawyers Alison and Jillian Barrett from Maurice Blackburn tackle problems everyday Aussies face — whether it be consumer, property, money matters impacting relationships or work. This week, a landlord questions their rights after a tenant has a baby. Question I'm a property investor and I've recently learned that my tenant had a baby and didn't tell me. I feel like it changes things and now there are more people living in the property than when we first made the lease agreement. Did I have a right to be told when she fell pregnant? Answer As a property investor, it's natural to be concerned about changes in your rental property, especially when it involves an increase in the number of occupants. If you've recently discovered that your tenant had a baby without informing you, you might be wondering about your rights and whether you should have been notified. In Australia, tenancy agreements are governed by state-specific Residential Tenancies Acts, which outline the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants. Generally, these agreements specify the number of occupants allowed in the rental property. However, the birth of a child is typically not considered a breach of the lease agreement. Tenants are not legally required to inform landlords about changes in their family composition, such as having a baby. The Residential Tenancies Acts in various states do not mandate tenants disclose personal events like pregnancy or childbirth. This means that while the addition of a new family member may change the dynamics of the household, it does not necessarily violate the terms of the Tradie turned landlord with $4 million portfolio reveals biggest property mistake: 'Lemons' $4,400 ATO car tax deduction that most Aussies miss: 'Easy win' Centrelink $1,011 cash boost for Aussie farmers doing it tough: 'Get back on track' The situation may be different if an additional family moved in. If, for example, your property is a 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom unit and the lease agreement stipulated one couple but another couple also moved in with their three children – so there are now four adults and three children – that would unlikely be reasonable and would be a breach of the lease agreement. As a landlord, you do have the right to ensure that the property is being used in accordance with the lease agreement. If the increase in occupants leads to issues such as overcrowding or excessive wear and tear, you may have grounds to address these concerns. It's important to approach the situation with sensitivity and understanding, as tenants have the right to privacy and to live comfortably in their rented home. Open communication can often resolve potential problems before they escalate. Additionally, you can review the lease agreement to ensure that it clearly outlines the expectations regarding occupancy and property use. You should be aware that your actions may be viewed as unreasonable and potentially a breach of discrimination laws if you evict your tenants for simply having a baby. These laws are designed to protect individuals from unfair treatment based on certain characteristics. Addressing this matter with sensitivity and ensuring that all parties are treated with respect and fairness is crucial. This legal information is general in nature and should not be regarded as specific legal advice. If you need legal advice, you should consult a solicitor.
Time of India
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Wildlife photography exhibition opens at British Council India
London's Natural History Museum 's prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition has opened at the British Council in India. The 60th edition of the acclaimed showcase, running from May 2nd to June 6th, 2025, presents award-winning photographs capturing the beauty and vulnerability of the natural world. The inauguration by UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy MP marks the beginning of a month-long celebration of art, biodiversity, and conservation. The British Council's hosting of this global exhibition reflects its dedication to promoting cultural exchange and fostering conversations around critical environmental concerns among diverse audiences. This initiative is a result of ongoing collaboration to share world-class British culture and spark discussions on climate and nature on the occasion, Alison Barrett MBE, Country Director India, British Council said, 'The Natural History Museum Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition is a testament to the power of art to inspire action. By hosting this showcase at the British Council, we aim to spark meaningful conversations about conservation and creativity, engaging young people we work with in the global movement to protect our planet's biodiversity.' Speaking on the annual exhibit's 60edition being featured at the British Council, Dr Doug Gurr, Director of the Natural History Museum, said, 'We're delighted to present Wildlife Photographer of the Year in New Delhi, India, with a showcase of our category winning are photographs that not only encourage further wildlife conservation efforts, but that spark the creation of real advocates for our planet on a global scale.'The Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition in New Delhi features extraordinary category-winning images from photographers all over the world, capturing rare moments in nature and highlighting pressing conservation challenges. The month-long exhibit will also feature a variety of engaging events and activities, including a digital library wall and curated book display, a drawing session for children on the theme of 'Wildlife Conservation', a creative writing competition for children participating in the British Council's Delhi Teaching Centre's Summer School, screening of Ashwika Kapur's documentary 'Catapults to Cameras', and a panel discussion with representatives from the Natural History Museum, London, and the British High Commission.
Hindustan Times
28-04-2025
- Science
- Hindustan Times
Insights on Leadership, Barriers, and Gender Equity: A Discussion
HT Smartcast met Alison Barrett MBE, Country Director India, British Council for an insightful discussion around Women's Day. Alison spoke to RJ Sarthak about her journey, the need to foster inclusion in workplace policies and the benefits of gender balanced leadership mix Women leaders are reshaping industries, redefining power dynamics, challenging status quo, and driving meaningful change in workplaces worldwide. Yet, challenges persist, riddled with systemic barriers, unconscious bias, and lack of representation at the highest levels. Achieving true gender parity demands more than just policies. It requires unwavering commitment, structural change, and a cultural shift in how leadership is perceived. In a recent episode of HT Smartcast, titled 'Empowering Women in Leadership,' Alison Barrett MBE, Country Director India at British Council, shared her powerful journey, insights, and strategies to elevate women in leadership roles. Reflecting on her 27-year career across 14 countries, Alison spoke about how diverse experiences have shaped her leadership style—giving her a potent combination of global awareness, insights from working in the field with beneficiaries and stakeholders, adaptability, empathy and increasingly playing an active role in mentoring the next generation of leaders. While progress has been made on gender equity, she acknowledged the persistent structural barriers and lack of mentorship that hinder women's advancement. She stressed the importance of strong policies, leadership training, and mentorship programmes designed to support women at every stage of their careers. A significant challenge discussed was the gender gap in STEM fields. Alison pointed out a stark reality—while many young women pursue science education, far fewer continue into STEM careers. She also touched upon the British Council's Gender Advancing Transforming Institutions Project (GATI), that works to transcend systemic barriers to foster an inclusive environment for women in STEM. This collaborative project with the Government of India's Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the UK's Advance HE, is working to develop a comprehensive gender equality framework for research and higher education institutions across India. Alison touched upon another topic that she is passionate about: the critical role that women play in sustainability and climate action. As the leader of the Climate Connection programme, she has seen first-hand the spirited drive led by young people. She highlighted that there is great need for women in climate leadership roles, as they are disproportionately affected by climate change, yet often excluded from decision-making processes. Discussing the challenges that women face at workplaces, Alison reflected on the gender biases and challenges she encountered in her journey and how she tackled them. While workplace policies are evolving, behaviour change and shifting societal mindsets remain essential to true progress. On workplace inclusion, Alison discussed the importance of gender-balanced hiring policies. While achieving a 50-50 workforce gender mix is a positive step, she believes real transformation lies in cultivating an environment where women are valued and encouraged. This includes implementing flexible work arrangements, ensuring pay equity, and creating leadership development programmes tailored to women's needs. The podcast concluded with Alison expressing optimism about the future of women in leadership roles. She envisions a world where gender equity is not just an ambition, but a reality woven into the fabric of organisations and societies. As parting advice, she called upon all leaders to take collective action as allies in dismantling barriers and creating meaningful opportunities for women. 'It's really about being an ally and providing that support, advice and encouragement in whatever way you can,' she summed up. For more information about the British Council's initiatives in India, please visit Note to readers: This article is part of HT's paid consumer connect initiative and is independently created by the brand. HT assumes no editorial responsibility for the content, including its accuracy, completeness, or any errors or omissions. Readers are advised to verify all information independently. Want to get your story featured as above? click here!
Time of India
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Climate futures: An initiative that supports artist-led climate solutions in South Asia
In a move to champion creative climate action, the British Council—the UK's international organization for cultural relations and educational opportunities—has announced the 11 beneficiaries of its 2025 Climate Futures: South Asia programme. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This pioneering initiative empowers artists and cultural organizations across India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka to develop and implement innovative, artist-led solutions to address the climate crisis and foster sustainable change within their communities. Through grants, mentorship, and collaborative support, the 2025 Climate Futures: South Asia grantees will lead impactful projects focusing on cultural preservation, community engagement, and environmental resilience. The programme aims to elevate the arts as a vital force in climate action, strengthen grassroots responses, and nurture meaningful UK–South Asia collaborations. Speaking about the programme, Alison Barrett MBE, Country Director India at the British Council , said: 'These projects are more than just creative expressions—they are essential responses to the urgent need for climate action. By supporting these visionary initiatives, we are helping to safeguard cultural heritage, promote sustainability, and empower communities across India and the region to take meaningful action on climate change. We believe the ripple effects of these projects will inspire others to join the movement. In India, such initiatives bring together the country's deep-rooted cultural traditions with bold, innovative climate solutions, driving meaningful, community-led change for a more resilient future.' Adding to this, Jill Richens, British Council Regional Arts Director, South Asia, noted: 'The grantees of Climate Futures: South Asia are leading the charge in using the power of art to confront the climate emergency. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now These projects demonstrate the ability of culture to spark action and inspire communities to adapt, preserve, and innovate. We are thrilled to support them and look forward to the lasting impact they will have—both locally and globally. This is just the beginning; we hope to see even more groundbreaking projects emerge from the region in the future.' The 2025 Climate Futures: South Asia grantees are spearheading diverse and impactful projects across the region. Using creative arts as a vehicle for climate engagement, the selected initiatives include: India : Emerging Ecologies, documenting reforestation efforts; Mapping Nature's Palette, promoting sustainable dyeing practices. : Emerging Ecologies, documenting reforestation efforts; Mapping Nature's Palette, promoting sustainable dyeing practices. Bangladesh : Crafting Togetherness, preserving traditional crafts; Discovering Matarbari Folk Tales, archiving local heritage; Shak Pitari, capturing women's ecological knowledge. : Crafting Togetherness, preserving traditional crafts; Discovering Matarbari Folk Tales, archiving local heritage; Shak Pitari, capturing women's ecological knowledge. Nepal : Carbon Footprint Mapping for artisans; Enhancing Women's Climate Resilience through storytelling. : Carbon Footprint Mapping for artisans; Enhancing Women's Climate Resilience through storytelling. Pakistan : Eco Block Tower, raising awareness about ecosystem diversity; Weaving Together, promoting coastal resilience through textile art. : Eco Block Tower, raising awareness about ecosystem diversity; Weaving Together, promoting coastal resilience through textile art. Sri Lanka: Circular Creative Companions, advocating for sustainable exhibition practices; Regenerating South Asian Climate Futures, encouraging cross-sector collaboration in biodiversity hotspots. Each project exemplifies the transformative potential of art in addressing the climate emergency—fostering dialogue, amplifying community voices, and inspiring sustainable action.
