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Perth Now
3 days ago
- Politics
- Perth Now
‘Outraged': Student protesters face expulsion
The University of Melbourne has formally notified four student activists that they are being recommended for expulsion and suspension, Unimelb for Palestine student group revealed on Monday. If the recommendations are upheld, the students will become the first pro-Palestine activists to be expelled over their protest actions in Australia. Two student organisers have been notified they 'are getting expelled, and another two have been suspended,' a statement from Unimelb for Palestine said. Two students 'are getting expelled' and another two 'have been suspended' over pro-Palestinian protest participation, Unimelb for Palestine said. NewsWire / David Crosling Credit: News Corp Australia 'If these decisions are upheld, Unimelb will become the first University in so-called Australia to expel students for protesting the genocide in Gaza.' the statement continued. 'The University of Melbourne has taken the extreme step of issuing expulsions and suspensions to students who participated in a peaceful protest. 'We were outraged, but not surprised.' The final decision now rests on the universities new Vice Chancellor Emma Johnston, who has been in her position for less than a year. In a statement to the Herald Sun, she said the University respects the rights of individuals to protest, which has not changed. 'Universities are places where free and open debate must take place, but the safety of our students and staff must also be protected as this is integral to enabling free and open debate. 'It's our responsibility to respond to any actions that may intimidate or threaten the safety of students and staff on our campuses. These matters are taken seriously and addressed under the appropriate policy which may include disciplinary procedures.' The disciplinary action comes after a period of heightened protests last year. NCA NewsWire / Blair Jackson Credit: News Corp Australia The students participated in a sit in at Jewish academic Steven Prawer's office, which ended only after police were called to disband protesters. Mr Prawer was specifically targeted as students campaigned for their university to cut ties with Israeli institutions, and Mr Prawer is affiliated with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The sit in was during height of a period of protests, where students hitched tents over campus in a peaceful protest. The students conducted a sit in at a Jewish Professors office. NCA NewsWire / Ian Currie Credit: News Corp Australia The universities major Arts West building was also occupied in May 2024, disrupting more than 16,800 students as classes and exams were all impacted. 'The University respects the rights of individuals to protest – this has not changed,' Ms Johnston said. 'Universities are places where free and open debate must take place, but the safety of our students and staff must also be protected as this is integral to enabling free and open debate. 'It's our responsibility to respond to any actions that may intimidate or threaten the safety of students and staff on our campuses. Four students are facing serious disciplinary action over pro-Palestine protests. NewsWire / David Crosling Credit: News Corp Australia 'These matters are taken seriously and addressed under the appropriate policy which may include disciplinary procedures.' If Ms Johnston signs of on the expulsions and suspensions, the students will have 30 days to appeal. Unimelb for Palestine are now campaigning to pressure Ms Johnston, who led her university's student union in the 1990s, to refrain from accepting the 'pathetic and desperate move from University executives'. This comes after the Australian National University's expulsion Beatrice Tucker over her support for Hamas on ABC radio was overturned on appeal.
Perth Now
15-05-2025
- Health
- Perth Now
Pets pip partners for best company
A majority of pet owners would prefer to spend time with their fluffy friends when they are stressed rather than with their partners, according to new research. A global survey of 30,000 pet owners found that 65 per cent of people would prefer to de-stress in the company of their dog, cat or other household pet – significantly more than those who said their partners (37 per cent), family (24 per cent), children (22 per cent) or friends (21 per cent). More than half of pet owners – 59 per cent – said their pets provided company without the need to talk during stressful times, while nearly a quarter said their pet provided a space for them to express worries or concerns without expecting a response. A majority of pet owners would prefer to spend time with their fluffy friends when stressed rather than their partners or friends, according to new research. NewsWire / David Crosling Credit: News Corp Australia But for most pet owners – 90 per cent of them – the simple presence of their pet is relaxing, offering a sense of calm that doesn't require words or actions. The findings, commissioned by pet care business Mars and mental health company Calm, also revealed how pets can reinforce other good mental health habits, such as encouraging us to step away from screens, spend more time outdoors and take a break from work and chores. Almost eight in 10 said their pet reminds them to pause and take a break from work, chores or tasks, while 77 per cent said their pet encourages them to take a break away from screens. The heartwarming results make it no surprise that nine in 10 Aussies surveyed said their pet had positively impacted their mental wellbeing. More than half of pet owners – 59 per cent – said their pets provided company without the need to talk during stressful times. NewsWire / David Swift Credit: News Corp Australia 'While we love our pets, we often don't realise how much they give back,' Dr Tammie King, a specialist in human-animal interaction and senior research manager at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute said. 'Reframing your pet's daily 'interruptions' as loving reminders to pause, breathe and be present can be a powerful wellness tool. 'Research shows that touch-based pet interactions can boost oxytocin levels in humans. 'The findings of this survey will help more people reflect on and acknowledge the little wellbeing moments pets nudge us towards on a daily basis.' The survey marks the launch of a partnership between Mars – which produces pet care brands including Pedigree, Royal Canin and Whiskas – and meditation app Calm. The businesses have joined forces to shine a light on how our furry friends can boost our mental health through a pet-inspired content series. Findings also revealed how pets can reinforce other good mental health habits, including encouraging us to step away from screens and spend more time outdoors. NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui Credit: News Corp Australia The content is designed to help users relax, reflect and recharge. In addition to the content series, Mars and Calm have launched a social media campaign to find stories from pet owners of their pets, to explore how they help our mental health. The stories will become inspiration for Calm content later in the year. 'We know that small, intentional moments of calm can have a big impact on our overall wellbeing, and our pets have an incredible way of guiding us there,' Dr Chris Mosunic, chief clinical officer at Calm said. The heartwarming results make it no surprise that nine in 10 Aussies surveyed said their pet had positively impacted their mental wellbeing. NewsWire / Kelly Barnes Credit: News Corp Australia 'A quick dog walk or cat cuddle at our desk when they stroll in front of the screen, can provide a simple moment to reset and recharge. 'We're proud to partner with Mars and bring this data to the forefront to highlight the potential of our bond with pets and help more people discover the wonderful wellbeing benefits our relationship with pets can bring.' For more information on the Mars x Calm partnership, visit:
Perth Now
09-05-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
Farmers, fireys unite over ‘unfair' tax
Farmers have gathered on the steps of Melbourne's parliament to protest a proposed $616m hike to an emergency service tax by the Allan government to fund public servants. The tax is set to replace the Fire Services Levy and would leave many of the state's agricultural producers, who are also volunteer firefighters, footing the bill. Dozens of fire trucks were spotted heading towards Spring St on Friday morning, causing traffic chaos across the CBD and major delays on city arterials, including the West Gate freeway, as the mob made their way from Derrimut McDonald's. Fireys, farmers and local council members continue to outspokenly oppose the new levy. NewsWire/ David Crosling Credit: News Corp Australia The convoy, which was expected to be made up of more than 90 farmers, was joined by members of the United Firefighters Union. Protesters congregated on the steps of parliament, some donning cowboy hats and firefighter gear, to vent their anger. Several trucks lining the sidewalk displayed signs reading 'scrap the tax' and 'rural lives matter'. Protesters congregated outside Melbourne parliament on Friday morning. NewsWire/ David Crosling Credit: News Corp Australia Many of the farmers protesting are also volunteers with the Country Fire Authority (CFA). Fireys, farmers and local council members continue to outspokenly oppose the new levy that is projected to rake in an extra $2bn from landholders. Some were reporting cost increases of 400 per cent, the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) said. The government said the median levy on primary producers would rise from $621 to $1299 per assessment, a 109 per cent increase. Many of the farmers are also volunteers with the CFA and took to the streets of the CBD to stop the 'unfair' hike. NewsWire/ David Crosling Credit: News Corp Australia VFF president Brett Hosking said the 'unfair' tax hike had united the state's regional communities. 'This tax is unfair, unnecessary, and completely out of step with what Victorians expect from their government,' he said. 'This is a moment for the Victorian community to stand up and say 'enough is enough'. 'Don't burn regional Victoria with more taxes.' The controversial legislation was shelved in April due to a lack of parliamentary support. NewsWire/ David Crosling Credit: News Corp Australia The controversial legislation was shelved in April due to a lack of parliamentary support, but is reportedly set to put back to a vote next week when parliament resumes. The CFA and Premier Jacinta Allan have been contacted for comment. Opposition Leader Brad Battin leant his support. NewsWire/ David Crosling Credit: News Corp Australia
Perth Now
01-05-2025
- Health
- Perth Now
Your guide to major parties' key policies
Australians across the nation are set to head to the polling booths to decide who will lead the nation for the next three years. Throughout a rapid election campaign period, the parties have revealed (and sometimes rolled back) their policies on key issues such as health, the cost of living, housing, energy, defence, migration, crime and Indigenous affairs. To help you decide who gets your vote, we've compiled a quick guide outlining the major policies on key issues from Labor, the Coalition and the Greens. An early voting centre in Kew, Victoria NewsWire/ David Crosling Credit: News Corp Australia Health What the major parties agree on: The Albanese government's flagship campaign promise was $8.5bn to deliver an additional 18 million bulk-billed GP visits each year if re-elected. The Labor government also pledged a cap of $25 per prescription for medicines covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Both of these policies were matched by the Coalition. The Coalition will also match Labor's $575m plan to add oral contraceptives, menopause hormone therapies, endometriosis and IVF drugs to the PBS. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has promised 50 Medicare urgent care clinics. Jason Edwards / NewsWire Credit: News Corp Australia Labor: In addition to the above policies, Labor pledged a $1bn boost for headspace clinics and specialist centres for youth, $644m for 50 Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, and $16.7m to bolster mental health support services for new parents. Coalition: The Coalition has promised a $5m review of women-specific items listed on the Medicare Benefits Schedule and PBS, $500m to raise Medicare-subsidised mental health sessions from 10 to 20, $400m for youth mental health and a $15m boost to the National Suicide Prevention Research Fund. Greens: The Greens also support an expansion of Medicare but at a far greater level. They have pledged $195bn to Medicare to expand the system to include dental and extended mental health support. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and Liberal candidate for Lyons Susie Bower stop for fuel to talk about the Coalition's petrol price policy. Richard Dobson / NewsWire Credit: News Corp Australia Cost of living What the major parties agree on: The Coalition has backed Labor's position to freeze the alcohol excise on draught beer for two years, starting from August 1, 2025. Both parties have also agreed to extend energy bill rebates for all households until the end of 2025, saving $150 per household at a cost of $1.8bn. Labor: Effective from June 1, 2025, the Labor government will implement a 20 per cent reduction on all student loan debts, including HELP, VET Student Loans and Australian Apprenticeship Support Loans. A re-elected Labor government would introduce an instant $1000 tax deduction for work-related expenses, and tax breaks announced during the federal budget for those in the lowest bracket would be made permanent. Coalition: The Coalition has pledged a one-time tax offset of up to $1200 for workers earning up to $144,000. If elected, the Coalition would cut the fuel excise in half for 12 months starting in July, but it would repeal the changes that give people in the lowest bracket a tax break. Greens: The Greens have pledged to make all public transport cost 50c, wipe all student debt and provide universal mental health care with unlimited sessions. Reality TV star and podcaster Abbie Chatfield with Greens leader Adam Bandt. NewsWire/ Glenn Campbell Credit: News Corp Australia Housing What the major parties agree on: Both have promised to ban foreign investors and temporary residents from buying existing homes for two years and have ruled out changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax. Labor: Labor will expand its Homes for Australia plan to build an extra 100,000 homes specifically for first-time buyers, and all first-home buyers will be eligible for 5 per cent deposits. Mr Albanese on the campaign trail in Adelaide. Jason Edwards / NewsWire Credit: News Corp Australia Coalition: TheCoalition will allow first-home buyers to take 40 per cent of their superannuation, up to $50,000, for a home deposit. First-home buyers of new properties will be able to claim the interest paid on the first $650,000 of a mortgage as a tax deduction. The Coalition has also vowed to maintain the Home Guarantee Scheme program, which includes a 5 per cent deposit program for first-homebuyers, and a 2 per cent deposit scheme for single parents or eligible single legal guardians with at least one dependent. Greens: The Greens will phase out tax handouts for property investors with more than one investment property by scrapping the negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount. They also pledge to limit rent increases to 2 per cent every two years. Energy What the major parties agree on: Both Labor and the Coalition have committed to a $10m investment in a new Bureau of Meteorology weather radar for regional Queensland. Labor: Labor will slash the cost of solar battery installations by up to $4000 per household from July 1 and extend the energy bill rebate until the end of the year, saving households $150. Labor will also aim to source 82 per cent of the electricity grid from renewables by 2030. Peter Dutton's campaign was interrupted by nuclear protesters at the Francis Ryan Sporting Fields in Sanctuary Point. Adam Head / NewsWire Credit: News Corp Australia Coalition: One of the Liberal Party's flagship policies is its nuclear plan. A Coalition government will build seven government-owned nuclear reactors co-located alongside retiring coal-fired generators by 2050, with the first two smaller generators in operation by 2035. Under a Coalition government, the energy mix will be 54 per cent renewables, 33 per cent nuclear, with the remaining 13 per cent battery storage and gas. Greens: The Greens have pledged to block all new coal and gas projects. The Greens' climate and energy plan includes expanding the Net Zero Economy Authority to support all fossil fuel workers and invest $10bn in clean industries and infrastructure in transitioning regions. Defence What the major parties agree on: Both parties have pledged to regain ownership of the Port of Darwin. Labor: Labor has pledged at least $50.3bn into defence over the next decade, with Anthony Albanese leaving the door open to further increases. An additional $262m has been allocated to bolster local defence industries and develop Australia's nuclear-powered submarine supply chain under the AUKUS partnership. Mr Dutton visits Blacktree Technology at Belmont in the Swan electorate of Perth with Liberal candidate for Swan Mic Fels and opposition defence spokesman Andrew Hastie. Richard Dobson / NewsWire Credit: News Corp Australia Coalition: The Coalition's flagship defence policy is a $21bn boost to the defence budget over the next five years, pushing total military spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP. The Coalition has pledged to speed up the AUKUS submarine agreement, though it has not detailed how. The Greens: The Greens have pledged to withdraw from the AUKUS political pact and renegotiate Australia's position in the ANZUS treaty. As a result, the Greens would attempt to stop the $375bn purchase of AUKUS nuclear submarines. Migration What the major parties agree on: Both parties have announced they will increase the cost of student visa applications. The Coalition pledged to triple the cost of student visa applications to $5000 (up from $1600), while a re-elected Labor government would increase the cost of student visa applications to $2000. Mr Albanese visits Winthrop Primary School in Perth. Jason Edwards / NewsWire Credit: News Corp Australia Labor: Labor has been relatively silent on the issue of migration but canned the Coalition's policies as 'savage'. Coalition: The Coalition has pledged to reduce the permanent migration intake by 25 per cent. The cuts would target those on skilled visas in an effort to lower permanent migration from 185,000 in 2024-25 to 140,000 in 2025-26. Mr Dutton has also said the party would slash the number of international students by 80,000. The Coalition has also made a commitment to reduce the humanitarian intake from 20,000 to 13,750 per year. Greens: The Greens want to expand Australia's humanitarian intake to 50,000 places per year and create additional places via a new private humanitarian sponsorship program. Crime Labor: Labor has promised $157m over two years to crack down on the trade of illicit tobacco and $8.6m in funding for management of domestic violence perpetrators. It has pledged to take steps to prevent domestic violence perpetrators from using the tax and corporate systems to create debts as a form of coercive control. Coalition: The Coalition announced a $750m package to tackle crime across the nation. Dubbed 'Operation Safer Communities', the Opposition Leader's plan would implement a national drug strike team and a 12-month pilot of a National Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme. The Coalition has also pledged $90m to tackle domestic violence, including implementing a National Domestic Violence Register to ensure police and relevant agencies can share information about violent offenders. A Greens supporter yells at Mr Albanese in Perth. Jason Edwards / NewsWire Credit: News Corp Australia Greens: The Greens have pledged to fund the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children with $12n over 12 years. They have also earmarked $3.3m for a national Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme to help people who may be at risk of domestic violence to find out if their current or former partner has a history of violent criminal offences. Indigenous affairs Labor: Labor has broadly committed to a continuation of efforts to close the gap. It has promised an extra $5mn towards pre-existing plans for a TAFE Centre of Excellence with hubs in Alice Springs and Tennant Creek and $77m towards sea wall and wastewater infrastructure in the Torres Strait Islands. Coalition: The Coalition has vowed to establish a royal commission into allegations of child sexual abuse in Indigenous communities and reintroduce compulsory income management via the Cashless Debit Card. Greens MP Max Chandler-Mather, Mr Bandt and senator Larissa Waters in Brisbane. NewsWire/Tertius Pickard Credit: News Corp Australia Greens: The Greens have pledged $250 to establish a National Truth and Justice Commission to acknowledge and document historic and ongoing injustices. They will also introduce a federal Act to protect First Nations cultural heritage.
Perth Now
24-04-2025
- General
- Perth Now
Where to find your city's Dawn Service
Australians and New Zealanders will rise early on Friday morning to reflect and remember those who died and the sacrifices made by veterans and serving Defence Force members. Anzac Day is a national day of commemoration in Australia and New Zealand, and this year marks 110 years since the landing at Gallipoli in World War I. Services will be held across the country from dawn to sunset. Here's where to find them: A trumpeter playing the Last Post at the 2024 ANZAC Day Dawn Service at the Cenotaph, Martin Place, Sydney. NCA NewsWire / Monique Harmer Credit: News Corp Australia SYDNEY Thousands of people are expected to gather at the Cenotaph in Martin Place from 4.20am for NSW's official Dawn Service. Three public viewing areas will remain open until capacity is reached, located outside Challis House, on George Street and between Pitt Street and Castlereagh Street. Those interested in attending Sydney's Dawn Service are able to choose from three public viewing areas which will remain open until capacity is reached. NCA NewsWire / Monique Harmer Credit: News Corp Australia At 9am, more than 10,000 current serving members and veterans of the ADF will march past the Anzac Memorial to pay their respects to the fallen. The public can show their support by lining Elizabeth Street, before the march makes its way to Liverpool Street to conclude about 12.30pm. Melbourne's Dawn Service will be held at the Shrine of Remembrance in Kings Domain at 5.30am. NCA NewsWire / David Crosling Credit: News Corp Australia MELBOURNE Victorians are invited to gather at the Shrine of Remembrance in Kings Domain from 5.30am to pause and reflect on the service and sacrifice of those who suffer the consequences of war. The shrine will be open for viewing to the public from 6.30am, and at 9am about 10,000 participants will take the streets and march. It will start at Swanstown Street near Federation Square, head down St Kilda road and finish at the shrine around midday. Anzac Day services in the nation's capital take place at the Australian War Memorial from 4.30am. NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman Credit: News Corp Australia CANBERRA Anzac Day services in the nation's capital take place at the Australian War Memorial from 4.30am, with Australian Defence Force representatives reading letters and diary entries from Australians who witnessed the horrors of war. This will be followed by an Anzac Day Dawn Service at 5.30am, and at 7.30am, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Veterans and Services Association Commemorative Ceremony. At 9.30am, the RSL ACT Branch Veterans March will make its way through the Parade Ground at 9am before a final service is held at 4.30pm with the Last Post. The day gives Australians and New Zealanders an opportunity to reflect and remember those who died and the sacrifices made by veterans and serving Defence Force members. Russell Millard Credit: News Corp Australia ADELAIDE The National War Memorial in SA will host a Dawn Service at 6am on the corner of North Terrace and Kintore Avenue. It will be followed by the Light Horse Memorial at 8am, before veterans and current serving members will then march from the North Terrace and Gawler Place intersection, making their way to the Cross of Sacrifice at 9.30am. Queensland Premier Steven Miles lays a wreath during the 2024 ANZAC Day Dawn Service held in Brisbane. NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard Credit: News Corp Australia BRISBANE The Anzac Day Dawn Service will be at the Shrine of Remembrance at Anzac Square, starting at 4.28am. Brisbane's Anzac Day march will begin at 9.45am at the CBD. Those interested in viewing can find a spot on Adelaide Street, between George and Creek Streets. The State War Memorial in Kings Park, Perth, will be the gathering place for the city's Dawn Service. Photo: Ross Swanborough. Credit: News Corp Australia PERTH Kings Park and Botanic Garden's State Ware Memorial will be the gathering place for Perth City's Dawn Service, starting at 5.45am. It will be closely followed by a Gunfire Breakfast at the Government House Gardens at 7am, hosted by RSL WA with complimentary tea and coffee. Starting at 9am at the St Georges Terrace, the march will head down Adelaide Terrace before congregating at Langley Park. Thousands are expected to attend, or tune in to, their city's Dawn Service's on April 25. NCA NewsWire / David Crosling Credit: News Corp Australia DARWIN Those wishing to join the Dawn Service are asked to assemble at the Cenotaph in Bicentennial Park from 5.30am onwards. The Service will then begin at 6am, and at 9am the march will move off from the Esplanade, along Knuckey Street and conclude at Bennett Street. The Darwin and Hobart Dawn Service's will start at 6am. NCA NewsWire / Monique Harmer Credit: News Corp Australia HOBART Tasmanians can join the Dawn Service, starting at 6am, at the Cenotaph in Queens Domain. Attendees are asked to arrive an hour prior due to large crowds. Elizabeth Street will be shut from 11am for the annual march. HOW TO WATCH FROM HOME Those who prefer to join the commemorations from the comfort of their home can tune in to Sydney's Dawn Service on ABC TV and ABC iview. It will also be broadcast through ABC Radio.
