Latest news with #Clausen
The Advertiser
16-07-2025
- Health
- The Advertiser
'Now I can help': Newcastle councillor welcomes Lifeblood changes to donation rules
GROWING up, Newcastle Labor councillor Declan Clausen heard Lifeblood's calls for donors. As a gay man, he wasn't allowed to help. "Not because my blood wasn't safe, but because of outdated rules rooted in stereotypes and stigma," he said. "Being denied the opportunity to help others in need has always felt deeply unfair." As of this week, he can make his first plasma donation after Australian Red Cross Lifeblood removed most sexual activity wait times for life-saving plasma donations. The change means many gay and bisexual men, transgender people, sex workers, and people on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can now help save lives. For decades, donor rules prevented many people from the LGBTQIA+ and sex worker communities from donating plasma if they had sex within the past three months. Cr Clausen has long championed reform, and said the changes introduced this week were a major step forward. "I've always believed that blood donation policies should be based on actual risk, not outdated assumptions tied to identity," he said. "They [the changes] recognise the science, and will finally allow thousands of Australians, including me, to contribute." Plasma, the "liquid gold" part of blood, is the donation type most needed by Australian patients, with treatment for more than 50 medical conditions reliant on its supply. In Newcastle and Maitland alone, about 100 plasma donors are still needed every day, seven days a week. Newcastle Pride committee member Krys Sutton has been in a long-term, committed relationship. Mr Sutton said he was disappointed he could not donate when Lifeblood put the call out, and expected it would take time for trust to be rebuilt with the LGBTQIA+ community. "I think it's something that everyone should do because they can, and it's free," he said. "Once the legislation changes [around blood donations], we can come through and do this, be part of the community and give back. I think that's really important." The new rules mean about 625,000 Australians may become eligible to donate plasma, and Lifeblood expects about 95,000 extra plasma donations will be made each year. The changes mean those on PrEP will become the first in the world to donate plasma without a wait period. Cr Clausen said what made Australia's system particularly special was that it relied on the generosity of voluntary, unpaid donors. "The need is real, and now that I'm eligible, I'm proud to help," he said. "Once the broader changes to blood donation rules come into effect next year, I absolutely intend to donate blood too. "Donating blood and plasma to help save lives shouldn't depend on who you love. It should depend only on whether you're healthy and willing to give." Over the next 12 months, Lifeblood estimates an extra 24,000 donors will give plasma. Lifeblood chief executive officer Stephen Cornelissen said patient safety would always be Lifeblood's top priority, and that extensive research and modelling had shown the changes can be implemented without compromising the safety of Australia's blood supply. "While the rules were put in place to ensure a safe blood supply in the past, we know they have contributed to the stigma faced by many and hope today will be a turning point for Lifeblood and the LGBTQIA+ community and that people will feel welcome to come forward to donate their life-saving plasma," he said. Lifeblood has made changes to blood and platelets donation eligibility, with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) recently approving a submission to remove gender-based sexual activity rules. The changes, known as gender-neutral assessments, are expected to be introduced next year. Once implemented, all donors will be asked the same questions about sexual activity, regardless of gender or sexuality, and most people in a sexual relationship of six months or more with a single partner will be eligible to donate blood. Lifeblood's chief medical officer, Jo Pink, said its submission to change rules for blood donation included data that showed, for now, a six-month wait was the safest option for Australian patients. Dr Pink said Lifeblood was committed to reviewing the wait as more evidence became available. "There are many steps that Lifeblood needs to take before we can implement the new gender-neutral assessments, including working with state and territory governments to change the donor questionnaire," she said. "We hope to be able to implement this part of the changes next year." To book a donation call 13 14 95, visit or download the Donate Blood App. GROWING up, Newcastle Labor councillor Declan Clausen heard Lifeblood's calls for donors. As a gay man, he wasn't allowed to help. "Not because my blood wasn't safe, but because of outdated rules rooted in stereotypes and stigma," he said. "Being denied the opportunity to help others in need has always felt deeply unfair." As of this week, he can make his first plasma donation after Australian Red Cross Lifeblood removed most sexual activity wait times for life-saving plasma donations. The change means many gay and bisexual men, transgender people, sex workers, and people on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can now help save lives. For decades, donor rules prevented many people from the LGBTQIA+ and sex worker communities from donating plasma if they had sex within the past three months. Cr Clausen has long championed reform, and said the changes introduced this week were a major step forward. "I've always believed that blood donation policies should be based on actual risk, not outdated assumptions tied to identity," he said. "They [the changes] recognise the science, and will finally allow thousands of Australians, including me, to contribute." Plasma, the "liquid gold" part of blood, is the donation type most needed by Australian patients, with treatment for more than 50 medical conditions reliant on its supply. In Newcastle and Maitland alone, about 100 plasma donors are still needed every day, seven days a week. Newcastle Pride committee member Krys Sutton has been in a long-term, committed relationship. Mr Sutton said he was disappointed he could not donate when Lifeblood put the call out, and expected it would take time for trust to be rebuilt with the LGBTQIA+ community. "I think it's something that everyone should do because they can, and it's free," he said. "Once the legislation changes [around blood donations], we can come through and do this, be part of the community and give back. I think that's really important." The new rules mean about 625,000 Australians may become eligible to donate plasma, and Lifeblood expects about 95,000 extra plasma donations will be made each year. The changes mean those on PrEP will become the first in the world to donate plasma without a wait period. Cr Clausen said what made Australia's system particularly special was that it relied on the generosity of voluntary, unpaid donors. "The need is real, and now that I'm eligible, I'm proud to help," he said. "Once the broader changes to blood donation rules come into effect next year, I absolutely intend to donate blood too. "Donating blood and plasma to help save lives shouldn't depend on who you love. It should depend only on whether you're healthy and willing to give." Over the next 12 months, Lifeblood estimates an extra 24,000 donors will give plasma. Lifeblood chief executive officer Stephen Cornelissen said patient safety would always be Lifeblood's top priority, and that extensive research and modelling had shown the changes can be implemented without compromising the safety of Australia's blood supply. "While the rules were put in place to ensure a safe blood supply in the past, we know they have contributed to the stigma faced by many and hope today will be a turning point for Lifeblood and the LGBTQIA+ community and that people will feel welcome to come forward to donate their life-saving plasma," he said. Lifeblood has made changes to blood and platelets donation eligibility, with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) recently approving a submission to remove gender-based sexual activity rules. The changes, known as gender-neutral assessments, are expected to be introduced next year. Once implemented, all donors will be asked the same questions about sexual activity, regardless of gender or sexuality, and most people in a sexual relationship of six months or more with a single partner will be eligible to donate blood. Lifeblood's chief medical officer, Jo Pink, said its submission to change rules for blood donation included data that showed, for now, a six-month wait was the safest option for Australian patients. Dr Pink said Lifeblood was committed to reviewing the wait as more evidence became available. "There are many steps that Lifeblood needs to take before we can implement the new gender-neutral assessments, including working with state and territory governments to change the donor questionnaire," she said. "We hope to be able to implement this part of the changes next year." To book a donation call 13 14 95, visit or download the Donate Blood App. GROWING up, Newcastle Labor councillor Declan Clausen heard Lifeblood's calls for donors. As a gay man, he wasn't allowed to help. "Not because my blood wasn't safe, but because of outdated rules rooted in stereotypes and stigma," he said. "Being denied the opportunity to help others in need has always felt deeply unfair." As of this week, he can make his first plasma donation after Australian Red Cross Lifeblood removed most sexual activity wait times for life-saving plasma donations. The change means many gay and bisexual men, transgender people, sex workers, and people on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can now help save lives. For decades, donor rules prevented many people from the LGBTQIA+ and sex worker communities from donating plasma if they had sex within the past three months. Cr Clausen has long championed reform, and said the changes introduced this week were a major step forward. "I've always believed that blood donation policies should be based on actual risk, not outdated assumptions tied to identity," he said. "They [the changes] recognise the science, and will finally allow thousands of Australians, including me, to contribute." Plasma, the "liquid gold" part of blood, is the donation type most needed by Australian patients, with treatment for more than 50 medical conditions reliant on its supply. In Newcastle and Maitland alone, about 100 plasma donors are still needed every day, seven days a week. Newcastle Pride committee member Krys Sutton has been in a long-term, committed relationship. Mr Sutton said he was disappointed he could not donate when Lifeblood put the call out, and expected it would take time for trust to be rebuilt with the LGBTQIA+ community. "I think it's something that everyone should do because they can, and it's free," he said. "Once the legislation changes [around blood donations], we can come through and do this, be part of the community and give back. I think that's really important." The new rules mean about 625,000 Australians may become eligible to donate plasma, and Lifeblood expects about 95,000 extra plasma donations will be made each year. The changes mean those on PrEP will become the first in the world to donate plasma without a wait period. Cr Clausen said what made Australia's system particularly special was that it relied on the generosity of voluntary, unpaid donors. "The need is real, and now that I'm eligible, I'm proud to help," he said. "Once the broader changes to blood donation rules come into effect next year, I absolutely intend to donate blood too. "Donating blood and plasma to help save lives shouldn't depend on who you love. It should depend only on whether you're healthy and willing to give." Over the next 12 months, Lifeblood estimates an extra 24,000 donors will give plasma. Lifeblood chief executive officer Stephen Cornelissen said patient safety would always be Lifeblood's top priority, and that extensive research and modelling had shown the changes can be implemented without compromising the safety of Australia's blood supply. "While the rules were put in place to ensure a safe blood supply in the past, we know they have contributed to the stigma faced by many and hope today will be a turning point for Lifeblood and the LGBTQIA+ community and that people will feel welcome to come forward to donate their life-saving plasma," he said. Lifeblood has made changes to blood and platelets donation eligibility, with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) recently approving a submission to remove gender-based sexual activity rules. The changes, known as gender-neutral assessments, are expected to be introduced next year. Once implemented, all donors will be asked the same questions about sexual activity, regardless of gender or sexuality, and most people in a sexual relationship of six months or more with a single partner will be eligible to donate blood. Lifeblood's chief medical officer, Jo Pink, said its submission to change rules for blood donation included data that showed, for now, a six-month wait was the safest option for Australian patients. Dr Pink said Lifeblood was committed to reviewing the wait as more evidence became available. "There are many steps that Lifeblood needs to take before we can implement the new gender-neutral assessments, including working with state and territory governments to change the donor questionnaire," she said. "We hope to be able to implement this part of the changes next year." To book a donation call 13 14 95, visit or download the Donate Blood App. GROWING up, Newcastle Labor councillor Declan Clausen heard Lifeblood's calls for donors. As a gay man, he wasn't allowed to help. "Not because my blood wasn't safe, but because of outdated rules rooted in stereotypes and stigma," he said. "Being denied the opportunity to help others in need has always felt deeply unfair." As of this week, he can make his first plasma donation after Australian Red Cross Lifeblood removed most sexual activity wait times for life-saving plasma donations. The change means many gay and bisexual men, transgender people, sex workers, and people on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can now help save lives. For decades, donor rules prevented many people from the LGBTQIA+ and sex worker communities from donating plasma if they had sex within the past three months. Cr Clausen has long championed reform, and said the changes introduced this week were a major step forward. "I've always believed that blood donation policies should be based on actual risk, not outdated assumptions tied to identity," he said. "They [the changes] recognise the science, and will finally allow thousands of Australians, including me, to contribute." Plasma, the "liquid gold" part of blood, is the donation type most needed by Australian patients, with treatment for more than 50 medical conditions reliant on its supply. In Newcastle and Maitland alone, about 100 plasma donors are still needed every day, seven days a week. Newcastle Pride committee member Krys Sutton has been in a long-term, committed relationship. Mr Sutton said he was disappointed he could not donate when Lifeblood put the call out, and expected it would take time for trust to be rebuilt with the LGBTQIA+ community. "I think it's something that everyone should do because they can, and it's free," he said. "Once the legislation changes [around blood donations], we can come through and do this, be part of the community and give back. I think that's really important." The new rules mean about 625,000 Australians may become eligible to donate plasma, and Lifeblood expects about 95,000 extra plasma donations will be made each year. The changes mean those on PrEP will become the first in the world to donate plasma without a wait period. Cr Clausen said what made Australia's system particularly special was that it relied on the generosity of voluntary, unpaid donors. "The need is real, and now that I'm eligible, I'm proud to help," he said. "Once the broader changes to blood donation rules come into effect next year, I absolutely intend to donate blood too. "Donating blood and plasma to help save lives shouldn't depend on who you love. It should depend only on whether you're healthy and willing to give." Over the next 12 months, Lifeblood estimates an extra 24,000 donors will give plasma. Lifeblood chief executive officer Stephen Cornelissen said patient safety would always be Lifeblood's top priority, and that extensive research and modelling had shown the changes can be implemented without compromising the safety of Australia's blood supply. "While the rules were put in place to ensure a safe blood supply in the past, we know they have contributed to the stigma faced by many and hope today will be a turning point for Lifeblood and the LGBTQIA+ community and that people will feel welcome to come forward to donate their life-saving plasma," he said. Lifeblood has made changes to blood and platelets donation eligibility, with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) recently approving a submission to remove gender-based sexual activity rules. The changes, known as gender-neutral assessments, are expected to be introduced next year. Once implemented, all donors will be asked the same questions about sexual activity, regardless of gender or sexuality, and most people in a sexual relationship of six months or more with a single partner will be eligible to donate blood. Lifeblood's chief medical officer, Jo Pink, said its submission to change rules for blood donation included data that showed, for now, a six-month wait was the safest option for Australian patients. Dr Pink said Lifeblood was committed to reviewing the wait as more evidence became available. "There are many steps that Lifeblood needs to take before we can implement the new gender-neutral assessments, including working with state and territory governments to change the donor questionnaire," she said. "We hope to be able to implement this part of the changes next year." To book a donation call 13 14 95, visit or download the Donate Blood App.
The Advertiser
05-06-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
Clausen accuses Newcastle lord mayor of 'rewriting history' over deleted airport posts
NEWCASTLE Labor councillor Declan Clausen has accused Ross Kerridge of "quietly re-writing airport history" after a series of posts raising concerns about its financial position were deleted from the lord mayor's Facebook page. Cr Clausen said this week that, over the past few days, several of the lord mayor's "most inflammatory posts" about Newcastle Airport, including one where he "boasted" about writing to the Minister and Office of Local Government, have "quietly disappeared". "Every major decision about the airport was made lawfully, responsibly, and with proper controls and oversight, including from a professional board and external auditor," Cr Clausen said. "But instead of correcting the record or apologising to the airport and our fellow shareholder, Port Stephens Council, lord mayor Kerridge is quietly deleting the evidence. This isn't leadership." Cr Clausen said that following the Davidson Business Advisory review, which was released last month, he went looking to confirm "false claims" in one of Cr Kerridge's past posts when he noticed they had been deleted. The lord mayor said there were differing opinions about how to handle past Facebook posts. "I was getting messages from the airport indirectly and advice that I should take them down," he said. "Other people think, 'No, hang on, you should leave them up because you're trying to change history, ' but I made a decision to take them down, and coincidentally, almost immediately, criticism started that I'd taken them down." The lord mayor's posts were made following a Newcastle Herald investigation revealing the airport faced significant financial pressures. Cr Kerridge also wrote to the NSW Office of Local Government calling for an investigation of the "true" financial position of Newcastle Airport, a move he raised in one of his now-deleted posts. The airport, which in recent days has announced a new route to Perth and its first year-round international flights, has repeatedly denied any financial issues. Cr Clausen said deleting social media posts "doesn't undo the damage" to the airport or ratepayers and said the community deserves public accountability from the lord mayor, "not revisionism". He said the outcomes of the Davidson Business Advisory review confirmed there "was no financial mismanagement" or "governance failures" at the airport. The Davison review into the council's policies, processes and procedures did not conduct a detailed financial analysis of Newcastle Airport's financial positions and operations. However, the review report said it is "considered unlikely" that any significant financial risks will be transferred to the City of Newcastle and said the appointment of board directors was carried out with the "necessary governance and council approvals" The review found enhanced oversight by the council's Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) will be beneficial and has been established with annual reporting and, from December 2024, quarterly reporting. Asked whether an apology or correction, as requested from his fellow councillors, would be forthcoming, Cr Kerridge said he thinks it's time to "move on". "I think some people are getting a little bit heated and emotive and trying to prolong this discussion," he said. "I think the rights and wrongs of this argument are going to go on for a long time, and I think it would be far better if we moved on. "Not only that, I think the general community is getting distressed by watching all this behaviour, and I think we need to move on." NEWCASTLE Labor councillor Declan Clausen has accused Ross Kerridge of "quietly re-writing airport history" after a series of posts raising concerns about its financial position were deleted from the lord mayor's Facebook page. Cr Clausen said this week that, over the past few days, several of the lord mayor's "most inflammatory posts" about Newcastle Airport, including one where he "boasted" about writing to the Minister and Office of Local Government, have "quietly disappeared". "Every major decision about the airport was made lawfully, responsibly, and with proper controls and oversight, including from a professional board and external auditor," Cr Clausen said. "But instead of correcting the record or apologising to the airport and our fellow shareholder, Port Stephens Council, lord mayor Kerridge is quietly deleting the evidence. This isn't leadership." Cr Clausen said that following the Davidson Business Advisory review, which was released last month, he went looking to confirm "false claims" in one of Cr Kerridge's past posts when he noticed they had been deleted. The lord mayor said there were differing opinions about how to handle past Facebook posts. "I was getting messages from the airport indirectly and advice that I should take them down," he said. "Other people think, 'No, hang on, you should leave them up because you're trying to change history, ' but I made a decision to take them down, and coincidentally, almost immediately, criticism started that I'd taken them down." The lord mayor's posts were made following a Newcastle Herald investigation revealing the airport faced significant financial pressures. Cr Kerridge also wrote to the NSW Office of Local Government calling for an investigation of the "true" financial position of Newcastle Airport, a move he raised in one of his now-deleted posts. The airport, which in recent days has announced a new route to Perth and its first year-round international flights, has repeatedly denied any financial issues. Cr Clausen said deleting social media posts "doesn't undo the damage" to the airport or ratepayers and said the community deserves public accountability from the lord mayor, "not revisionism". He said the outcomes of the Davidson Business Advisory review confirmed there "was no financial mismanagement" or "governance failures" at the airport. The Davison review into the council's policies, processes and procedures did not conduct a detailed financial analysis of Newcastle Airport's financial positions and operations. However, the review report said it is "considered unlikely" that any significant financial risks will be transferred to the City of Newcastle and said the appointment of board directors was carried out with the "necessary governance and council approvals" The review found enhanced oversight by the council's Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) will be beneficial and has been established with annual reporting and, from December 2024, quarterly reporting. Asked whether an apology or correction, as requested from his fellow councillors, would be forthcoming, Cr Kerridge said he thinks it's time to "move on". "I think some people are getting a little bit heated and emotive and trying to prolong this discussion," he said. "I think the rights and wrongs of this argument are going to go on for a long time, and I think it would be far better if we moved on. "Not only that, I think the general community is getting distressed by watching all this behaviour, and I think we need to move on." NEWCASTLE Labor councillor Declan Clausen has accused Ross Kerridge of "quietly re-writing airport history" after a series of posts raising concerns about its financial position were deleted from the lord mayor's Facebook page. Cr Clausen said this week that, over the past few days, several of the lord mayor's "most inflammatory posts" about Newcastle Airport, including one where he "boasted" about writing to the Minister and Office of Local Government, have "quietly disappeared". "Every major decision about the airport was made lawfully, responsibly, and with proper controls and oversight, including from a professional board and external auditor," Cr Clausen said. "But instead of correcting the record or apologising to the airport and our fellow shareholder, Port Stephens Council, lord mayor Kerridge is quietly deleting the evidence. This isn't leadership." Cr Clausen said that following the Davidson Business Advisory review, which was released last month, he went looking to confirm "false claims" in one of Cr Kerridge's past posts when he noticed they had been deleted. The lord mayor said there were differing opinions about how to handle past Facebook posts. "I was getting messages from the airport indirectly and advice that I should take them down," he said. "Other people think, 'No, hang on, you should leave them up because you're trying to change history, ' but I made a decision to take them down, and coincidentally, almost immediately, criticism started that I'd taken them down." The lord mayor's posts were made following a Newcastle Herald investigation revealing the airport faced significant financial pressures. Cr Kerridge also wrote to the NSW Office of Local Government calling for an investigation of the "true" financial position of Newcastle Airport, a move he raised in one of his now-deleted posts. The airport, which in recent days has announced a new route to Perth and its first year-round international flights, has repeatedly denied any financial issues. Cr Clausen said deleting social media posts "doesn't undo the damage" to the airport or ratepayers and said the community deserves public accountability from the lord mayor, "not revisionism". He said the outcomes of the Davidson Business Advisory review confirmed there "was no financial mismanagement" or "governance failures" at the airport. The Davison review into the council's policies, processes and procedures did not conduct a detailed financial analysis of Newcastle Airport's financial positions and operations. However, the review report said it is "considered unlikely" that any significant financial risks will be transferred to the City of Newcastle and said the appointment of board directors was carried out with the "necessary governance and council approvals" The review found enhanced oversight by the council's Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) will be beneficial and has been established with annual reporting and, from December 2024, quarterly reporting. Asked whether an apology or correction, as requested from his fellow councillors, would be forthcoming, Cr Kerridge said he thinks it's time to "move on". "I think some people are getting a little bit heated and emotive and trying to prolong this discussion," he said. "I think the rights and wrongs of this argument are going to go on for a long time, and I think it would be far better if we moved on. "Not only that, I think the general community is getting distressed by watching all this behaviour, and I think we need to move on." NEWCASTLE Labor councillor Declan Clausen has accused Ross Kerridge of "quietly re-writing airport history" after a series of posts raising concerns about its financial position were deleted from the lord mayor's Facebook page. Cr Clausen said this week that, over the past few days, several of the lord mayor's "most inflammatory posts" about Newcastle Airport, including one where he "boasted" about writing to the Minister and Office of Local Government, have "quietly disappeared". "Every major decision about the airport was made lawfully, responsibly, and with proper controls and oversight, including from a professional board and external auditor," Cr Clausen said. "But instead of correcting the record or apologising to the airport and our fellow shareholder, Port Stephens Council, lord mayor Kerridge is quietly deleting the evidence. This isn't leadership." Cr Clausen said that following the Davidson Business Advisory review, which was released last month, he went looking to confirm "false claims" in one of Cr Kerridge's past posts when he noticed they had been deleted. The lord mayor said there were differing opinions about how to handle past Facebook posts. "I was getting messages from the airport indirectly and advice that I should take them down," he said. "Other people think, 'No, hang on, you should leave them up because you're trying to change history, ' but I made a decision to take them down, and coincidentally, almost immediately, criticism started that I'd taken them down." The lord mayor's posts were made following a Newcastle Herald investigation revealing the airport faced significant financial pressures. Cr Kerridge also wrote to the NSW Office of Local Government calling for an investigation of the "true" financial position of Newcastle Airport, a move he raised in one of his now-deleted posts. The airport, which in recent days has announced a new route to Perth and its first year-round international flights, has repeatedly denied any financial issues. Cr Clausen said deleting social media posts "doesn't undo the damage" to the airport or ratepayers and said the community deserves public accountability from the lord mayor, "not revisionism". He said the outcomes of the Davidson Business Advisory review confirmed there "was no financial mismanagement" or "governance failures" at the airport. The Davison review into the council's policies, processes and procedures did not conduct a detailed financial analysis of Newcastle Airport's financial positions and operations. However, the review report said it is "considered unlikely" that any significant financial risks will be transferred to the City of Newcastle and said the appointment of board directors was carried out with the "necessary governance and council approvals" The review found enhanced oversight by the council's Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) will be beneficial and has been established with annual reporting and, from December 2024, quarterly reporting. Asked whether an apology or correction, as requested from his fellow councillors, would be forthcoming, Cr Kerridge said he thinks it's time to "move on". "I think some people are getting a little bit heated and emotive and trying to prolong this discussion," he said. "I think the rights and wrongs of this argument are going to go on for a long time, and I think it would be far better if we moved on. "Not only that, I think the general community is getting distressed by watching all this behaviour, and I think we need to move on."
The Advertiser
03-06-2025
- General
- The Advertiser
'Deeply disrespectful': Kerridge supporters hit back at Clausen 'conspiratorial' claims
ROSS Kerridge's supporters have hit back at Declan Clausen after the Labor councillor publicly questioned the "appropriateness" of a submission-writing help session the lord mayor's Our Newcastle team held during an independent council inquiry. Our Newcastle, a grassroots group formally formed during the 2024 Newcastle council government elections, supported Cr Kerridge in his successful campaign for lord mayor. At last week's council meeting, Cr Clausen described those involved in the help session as having "conspiratorial views", believing "some malfeasance" in the Newcastle council. Our Newcastle has refuted the claims, saying it held the January 23 session to support community members, particularly those who were older and needed technical assistance to prepare and lodge submissions to the Davidson Business Advisory review. "We are disappointed by recent comments made by Cr Declan Clausen, who questioned the 'appropriateness' of our sessions and described those involved as holding 'conspiratorial views'," Our Newcastle president Leisha Parkinson said in a statement. "Those remarks are not only unfounded but deeply disrespectful to the many older residents who simply sought help navigating an online process in order to express their views, something they have every right to do. "Increasingly, we are seeing a pattern in Newcastle politics where those who hold views different to the Labor councillors are dismissed as 'conspiratorial' or accused of spreading 'misinformation'." The statement went on to say that Labor councillors are "not the sole arbitrators of truth in our city". Ms Parkinson stood for a position on Newcastle council in Ward 2 on the Our Newcastle independent ticket. More than 840 submissions were made to the Davidson review into the council's policies, processes and procedures. Almost 30 submissions were made about a perceived lack of respect among councillors, including towards the lord mayor. Cr Clausen said on Tuesday that Our Newcastle had misrepresented his position and the nature of his remarks. "I did raise concerns during the council meeting about the secret Our Newcastle letter-writing sessions," he said. "It is entirely appropriate to question whether a secretive political group holding private letter-writing sessions tried to unduly influence the outcome of the Davidson review." Cr Clausen said that if Labor, the Liberal Party or the Greens organised similar sessions, he suspected there would be "loud public outcries" condemning the action and said Our Newcastle should be held to the same standard. He went on to say the level of "unsolicited coaching" in the submission-writing session remains unanswered. The Newcastle Herald is aware of only one help session being held on January 23. Ms Parkinson maintains the session was open to all and "strictly non-partisan". "At no point did we influence or advise participants on what to write, nor did we question the content of their submissions," she said. "Our sole aim was to ensure that everyone in Newcastle had the opportunity to contribute freely and independently, without barriers due to technology or access." Cr Clausen said he fully supported community engagement, including providing help to those who needed it to ensure their views were considered. "The issue in this case was not whether the public should be supported, it was whether a single party-political group with strong pre-existing views should be positioning themselves as a neutral provider of that support," he said. Cr Kerridge has denied attending the help session and has said he was not involved in its organisation. An email written under the Our Newcastle letterhead invited recipients to drop in if they would like help with their submission or to chat through their ideas. The letter requested recipients to tell Our Newcastle when they had made a submission. Ms Parkinson said Our Newcastle believed support should have been provided by the council to make submissions, particularly for those with limited technological literacy. "Ensuring members of our community can participate in local democracy is a basic responsibility of good governance," she said. Ms Parkinson went on to accuse Labor councillors of a "broader pattern of ageism" including "repeated derogatory references to the lord mayor's age". "These are not only inappropriate but appear intended to dismiss and silence the voices of older residents," she said. "We believe that every person-young or old, deserves a place in our political conversation." The Newcastle Herald asked for clarification about comments Our Newcastle claims Labor councillors have made about the lord mayor's age. In response, Ms Parkinson referred to a comment made by Cr Clausen on one of his Facebook posts 39 weeks ago that said, "For too long, local government in NSW has been 'male, pale and stale'". Cr Clausen said he did not believe he had ever made a comment about the lord mayor's age, derogatory or otherwise. "The lord mayor has never raised any such concern with me," he said. "I also raise the irony of this line of criticism from Our Newcastle." Cr Clausen said both the lord mayor and the Herald's Facebook pages continue to include comments by members of the public describing him as a "boy" and "kid". "I am the longest-serving councillor in our chamber, having served on council for over a decade, and for seven consecutive years as the deputy lord mayor," he said. "Newly-elected councillors, regardless of their age, could benefit from listening to others with more experience." ROSS Kerridge's supporters have hit back at Declan Clausen after the Labor councillor publicly questioned the "appropriateness" of a submission-writing help session the lord mayor's Our Newcastle team held during an independent council inquiry. Our Newcastle, a grassroots group formally formed during the 2024 Newcastle council government elections, supported Cr Kerridge in his successful campaign for lord mayor. At last week's council meeting, Cr Clausen described those involved in the help session as having "conspiratorial views", believing "some malfeasance" in the Newcastle council. Our Newcastle has refuted the claims, saying it held the January 23 session to support community members, particularly those who were older and needed technical assistance to prepare and lodge submissions to the Davidson Business Advisory review. "We are disappointed by recent comments made by Cr Declan Clausen, who questioned the 'appropriateness' of our sessions and described those involved as holding 'conspiratorial views'," Our Newcastle president Leisha Parkinson said in a statement. "Those remarks are not only unfounded but deeply disrespectful to the many older residents who simply sought help navigating an online process in order to express their views, something they have every right to do. "Increasingly, we are seeing a pattern in Newcastle politics where those who hold views different to the Labor councillors are dismissed as 'conspiratorial' or accused of spreading 'misinformation'." The statement went on to say that Labor councillors are "not the sole arbitrators of truth in our city". Ms Parkinson stood for a position on Newcastle council in Ward 2 on the Our Newcastle independent ticket. More than 840 submissions were made to the Davidson review into the council's policies, processes and procedures. Almost 30 submissions were made about a perceived lack of respect among councillors, including towards the lord mayor. Cr Clausen said on Tuesday that Our Newcastle had misrepresented his position and the nature of his remarks. "I did raise concerns during the council meeting about the secret Our Newcastle letter-writing sessions," he said. "It is entirely appropriate to question whether a secretive political group holding private letter-writing sessions tried to unduly influence the outcome of the Davidson review." Cr Clausen said that if Labor, the Liberal Party or the Greens organised similar sessions, he suspected there would be "loud public outcries" condemning the action and said Our Newcastle should be held to the same standard. He went on to say the level of "unsolicited coaching" in the submission-writing session remains unanswered. The Newcastle Herald is aware of only one help session being held on January 23. Ms Parkinson maintains the session was open to all and "strictly non-partisan". "At no point did we influence or advise participants on what to write, nor did we question the content of their submissions," she said. "Our sole aim was to ensure that everyone in Newcastle had the opportunity to contribute freely and independently, without barriers due to technology or access." Cr Clausen said he fully supported community engagement, including providing help to those who needed it to ensure their views were considered. "The issue in this case was not whether the public should be supported, it was whether a single party-political group with strong pre-existing views should be positioning themselves as a neutral provider of that support," he said. Cr Kerridge has denied attending the help session and has said he was not involved in its organisation. An email written under the Our Newcastle letterhead invited recipients to drop in if they would like help with their submission or to chat through their ideas. The letter requested recipients to tell Our Newcastle when they had made a submission. Ms Parkinson said Our Newcastle believed support should have been provided by the council to make submissions, particularly for those with limited technological literacy. "Ensuring members of our community can participate in local democracy is a basic responsibility of good governance," she said. Ms Parkinson went on to accuse Labor councillors of a "broader pattern of ageism" including "repeated derogatory references to the lord mayor's age". "These are not only inappropriate but appear intended to dismiss and silence the voices of older residents," she said. "We believe that every person-young or old, deserves a place in our political conversation." The Newcastle Herald asked for clarification about comments Our Newcastle claims Labor councillors have made about the lord mayor's age. In response, Ms Parkinson referred to a comment made by Cr Clausen on one of his Facebook posts 39 weeks ago that said, "For too long, local government in NSW has been 'male, pale and stale'". Cr Clausen said he did not believe he had ever made a comment about the lord mayor's age, derogatory or otherwise. "The lord mayor has never raised any such concern with me," he said. "I also raise the irony of this line of criticism from Our Newcastle." Cr Clausen said both the lord mayor and the Herald's Facebook pages continue to include comments by members of the public describing him as a "boy" and "kid". "I am the longest-serving councillor in our chamber, having served on council for over a decade, and for seven consecutive years as the deputy lord mayor," he said. "Newly-elected councillors, regardless of their age, could benefit from listening to others with more experience." ROSS Kerridge's supporters have hit back at Declan Clausen after the Labor councillor publicly questioned the "appropriateness" of a submission-writing help session the lord mayor's Our Newcastle team held during an independent council inquiry. Our Newcastle, a grassroots group formally formed during the 2024 Newcastle council government elections, supported Cr Kerridge in his successful campaign for lord mayor. At last week's council meeting, Cr Clausen described those involved in the help session as having "conspiratorial views", believing "some malfeasance" in the Newcastle council. Our Newcastle has refuted the claims, saying it held the January 23 session to support community members, particularly those who were older and needed technical assistance to prepare and lodge submissions to the Davidson Business Advisory review. "We are disappointed by recent comments made by Cr Declan Clausen, who questioned the 'appropriateness' of our sessions and described those involved as holding 'conspiratorial views'," Our Newcastle president Leisha Parkinson said in a statement. "Those remarks are not only unfounded but deeply disrespectful to the many older residents who simply sought help navigating an online process in order to express their views, something they have every right to do. "Increasingly, we are seeing a pattern in Newcastle politics where those who hold views different to the Labor councillors are dismissed as 'conspiratorial' or accused of spreading 'misinformation'." The statement went on to say that Labor councillors are "not the sole arbitrators of truth in our city". Ms Parkinson stood for a position on Newcastle council in Ward 2 on the Our Newcastle independent ticket. More than 840 submissions were made to the Davidson review into the council's policies, processes and procedures. Almost 30 submissions were made about a perceived lack of respect among councillors, including towards the lord mayor. Cr Clausen said on Tuesday that Our Newcastle had misrepresented his position and the nature of his remarks. "I did raise concerns during the council meeting about the secret Our Newcastle letter-writing sessions," he said. "It is entirely appropriate to question whether a secretive political group holding private letter-writing sessions tried to unduly influence the outcome of the Davidson review." Cr Clausen said that if Labor, the Liberal Party or the Greens organised similar sessions, he suspected there would be "loud public outcries" condemning the action and said Our Newcastle should be held to the same standard. He went on to say the level of "unsolicited coaching" in the submission-writing session remains unanswered. The Newcastle Herald is aware of only one help session being held on January 23. Ms Parkinson maintains the session was open to all and "strictly non-partisan". "At no point did we influence or advise participants on what to write, nor did we question the content of their submissions," she said. "Our sole aim was to ensure that everyone in Newcastle had the opportunity to contribute freely and independently, without barriers due to technology or access." Cr Clausen said he fully supported community engagement, including providing help to those who needed it to ensure their views were considered. "The issue in this case was not whether the public should be supported, it was whether a single party-political group with strong pre-existing views should be positioning themselves as a neutral provider of that support," he said. Cr Kerridge has denied attending the help session and has said he was not involved in its organisation. An email written under the Our Newcastle letterhead invited recipients to drop in if they would like help with their submission or to chat through their ideas. The letter requested recipients to tell Our Newcastle when they had made a submission. Ms Parkinson said Our Newcastle believed support should have been provided by the council to make submissions, particularly for those with limited technological literacy. "Ensuring members of our community can participate in local democracy is a basic responsibility of good governance," she said. Ms Parkinson went on to accuse Labor councillors of a "broader pattern of ageism" including "repeated derogatory references to the lord mayor's age". "These are not only inappropriate but appear intended to dismiss and silence the voices of older residents," she said. "We believe that every person-young or old, deserves a place in our political conversation." The Newcastle Herald asked for clarification about comments Our Newcastle claims Labor councillors have made about the lord mayor's age. In response, Ms Parkinson referred to a comment made by Cr Clausen on one of his Facebook posts 39 weeks ago that said, "For too long, local government in NSW has been 'male, pale and stale'". Cr Clausen said he did not believe he had ever made a comment about the lord mayor's age, derogatory or otherwise. "The lord mayor has never raised any such concern with me," he said. "I also raise the irony of this line of criticism from Our Newcastle." Cr Clausen said both the lord mayor and the Herald's Facebook pages continue to include comments by members of the public describing him as a "boy" and "kid". "I am the longest-serving councillor in our chamber, having served on council for over a decade, and for seven consecutive years as the deputy lord mayor," he said. "Newly-elected councillors, regardless of their age, could benefit from listening to others with more experience." ROSS Kerridge's supporters have hit back at Declan Clausen after the Labor councillor publicly questioned the "appropriateness" of a submission-writing help session the lord mayor's Our Newcastle team held during an independent council inquiry. Our Newcastle, a grassroots group formally formed during the 2024 Newcastle council government elections, supported Cr Kerridge in his successful campaign for lord mayor. At last week's council meeting, Cr Clausen described those involved in the help session as having "conspiratorial views", believing "some malfeasance" in the Newcastle council. Our Newcastle has refuted the claims, saying it held the January 23 session to support community members, particularly those who were older and needed technical assistance to prepare and lodge submissions to the Davidson Business Advisory review. "We are disappointed by recent comments made by Cr Declan Clausen, who questioned the 'appropriateness' of our sessions and described those involved as holding 'conspiratorial views'," Our Newcastle president Leisha Parkinson said in a statement. "Those remarks are not only unfounded but deeply disrespectful to the many older residents who simply sought help navigating an online process in order to express their views, something they have every right to do. "Increasingly, we are seeing a pattern in Newcastle politics where those who hold views different to the Labor councillors are dismissed as 'conspiratorial' or accused of spreading 'misinformation'." The statement went on to say that Labor councillors are "not the sole arbitrators of truth in our city". Ms Parkinson stood for a position on Newcastle council in Ward 2 on the Our Newcastle independent ticket. More than 840 submissions were made to the Davidson review into the council's policies, processes and procedures. Almost 30 submissions were made about a perceived lack of respect among councillors, including towards the lord mayor. Cr Clausen said on Tuesday that Our Newcastle had misrepresented his position and the nature of his remarks. "I did raise concerns during the council meeting about the secret Our Newcastle letter-writing sessions," he said. "It is entirely appropriate to question whether a secretive political group holding private letter-writing sessions tried to unduly influence the outcome of the Davidson review." Cr Clausen said that if Labor, the Liberal Party or the Greens organised similar sessions, he suspected there would be "loud public outcries" condemning the action and said Our Newcastle should be held to the same standard. He went on to say the level of "unsolicited coaching" in the submission-writing session remains unanswered. The Newcastle Herald is aware of only one help session being held on January 23. Ms Parkinson maintains the session was open to all and "strictly non-partisan". "At no point did we influence or advise participants on what to write, nor did we question the content of their submissions," she said. "Our sole aim was to ensure that everyone in Newcastle had the opportunity to contribute freely and independently, without barriers due to technology or access." Cr Clausen said he fully supported community engagement, including providing help to those who needed it to ensure their views were considered. "The issue in this case was not whether the public should be supported, it was whether a single party-political group with strong pre-existing views should be positioning themselves as a neutral provider of that support," he said. Cr Kerridge has denied attending the help session and has said he was not involved in its organisation. An email written under the Our Newcastle letterhead invited recipients to drop in if they would like help with their submission or to chat through their ideas. The letter requested recipients to tell Our Newcastle when they had made a submission. Ms Parkinson said Our Newcastle believed support should have been provided by the council to make submissions, particularly for those with limited technological literacy. "Ensuring members of our community can participate in local democracy is a basic responsibility of good governance," she said. Ms Parkinson went on to accuse Labor councillors of a "broader pattern of ageism" including "repeated derogatory references to the lord mayor's age". "These are not only inappropriate but appear intended to dismiss and silence the voices of older residents," she said. "We believe that every person-young or old, deserves a place in our political conversation." The Newcastle Herald asked for clarification about comments Our Newcastle claims Labor councillors have made about the lord mayor's age. In response, Ms Parkinson referred to a comment made by Cr Clausen on one of his Facebook posts 39 weeks ago that said, "For too long, local government in NSW has been 'male, pale and stale'". Cr Clausen said he did not believe he had ever made a comment about the lord mayor's age, derogatory or otherwise. "The lord mayor has never raised any such concern with me," he said. "I also raise the irony of this line of criticism from Our Newcastle." Cr Clausen said both the lord mayor and the Herald's Facebook pages continue to include comments by members of the public describing him as a "boy" and "kid". "I am the longest-serving councillor in our chamber, having served on council for over a decade, and for seven consecutive years as the deputy lord mayor," he said. "Newly-elected councillors, regardless of their age, could benefit from listening to others with more experience."
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Simpsons' Icon Dead at 84 After Private Health Battle
'Simpsons' Icon Dead at 84 After Private Health Battle originally appeared on Parade. The Simpsons icon, Emmy-winning composer , is dead at 84 after working for 27 years on the beloved show. On Thursday, May 29, Clausen died at his Valley Village home in Los Angeles, Calif., according to The Hollywood Reporter. His death came after he was diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) in 2017. 🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 In 1990, the composer joined The Simpsons for Season 2; his work continued on the show until Season 28 in 2017. Clausen won two Emmys and was nominated 21 other times for his music in the animated Fox series. In addition to The Simpsons, Clausen's work appeared in Moonlighting and ALF. Fans took to social media with touching tributes in the wake of Clausen's death. One X user wrote, "RIP to Alf Clausen an incredibly talented man who did so much for @TheSimpsons." Another fan shared via X, "This one's a really sad loss. Alf Clausen, who scored every episode from seasons 2 to 28, has passed away. I could go on and on about how much his tunes for the show have lived rent free in my head." Someone else commented, "He will be greatly missed. I really love his compositions in the show," alongside a dove emoji. A different X user replied, "His composition in the episode 'Colonel Homer' was some of the best. May he rest in peace." Meanwhile, yet another fan declared, "RIP Alf Clausen, former Simpsons composer. Was truly one of my favorite composers of all time," adding a red heart emoji. Next: 'Simpsons' Icon Dead at 84 After Private Health Battle first appeared on Parade on Jun 2, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
Toronto Sun
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Toronto Sun
Alf Clausen, Emmy-winning composer for 'The Simpsons,' dies at 84
Published Jun 02, 2025 • 2 minute read Animated character Homer Simpson is projected on screen at the 71st Primetime Emmy Awards, Sept. 22, 2019, at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. Photo by Chris Pizzello / Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. LOS ANGELES — Alf Clausen, the Emmy-winning composer whose music provided essential accompaniment for the animated antics of 'The Simpsons' for 27 years, has died. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account His daughter Kaarin Clausen told The Associated Press that Alf Clausen died Thursday at his home in Los Angeles after struggling with Parkinson's Disease for about a decade. He was 84. Clausen, who also scored TV series including 'Moonlighting' and 'Alf' ('no relation,' he used to joke) was nominated for 30 Emmy Awards, 21 of them for 'The Simpsons,' winning twice. Al Jean, an early 'Simpsons' writer who was one of the key creative figures on the show in the 1990s, said in a post on X Friday that 'Clausen was an incredibly talented man who did so much for The Simpsons.' While Danny Elfman wrote the show's theme song, Clausen joined the Fox animated series created by Matt Groening in 1990 and provided essentially all of its music until 2017, composing nearly 600 scores and conducting the 35-piece orchestra that played it in the studio. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. His colleagues said his music was a key component of the show's comedy, but Clausen believed the best way to back up the gags of Homer, Marge Bart and Lisa was by making the music as straight as possible. 'This is a dream job for a composer,' Clausen told Variety, which first reported his death, in 1998. 'Matt Groening said to me very early on, 'We're not a cartoon. We're a drama where the characters are drawn. I want you to score it like a drama.' I score the emotions of the characters as opposed to specific action hits on the screen.' Groening, in a 1996 interview, called him 'one of the unacknowledged treasures of the show.' Clausen was born in Minneapolis and raised in Jamestown, North Dakota. He graduated from the Berklee College of Music in 1966, and moved to Los Angeles seeking a career in music. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. In the 1970s he was a musical director on several TV variety shows including 'Donny & Marie.' Clausen worked as an orchestrator for composer Lee Holdridge in his scores for 1980s films including 'Splash' and 'The Beastmaster.' It was Holdridge who first got the composing job on 'Moonlighting,' the late-80s ABC rom-com detective series starring Bruce Willis and Cybil Shepherd, but he handed the gig off to Clausen, who would get six Emmy nominations for his music on it. Clausen won his Emmys for 'The Simpsons' in 1997 and 1998 and also won five Annie Awards, which honor work in animation in film and television. He was fired from 'The Simpsons' in a cost-cutting move in 2017, to the outrage of his collaborators and fans. He sued over his dismissal. Clausen is survived by his wife Sally, children Kaarin, Scott and Kyle, stepchildren Josh and Emily, and 11 grandchildren. Olympics Toronto Maple Leafs News Sunshine Girls Celebrity
