Latest news with #Holden
West Australian
8 hours ago
- Business
- West Australian
Indigenous people left 'out in the cold' by super funds
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are being left "out in the cold" when trying to access their superannuation, consumer and Indigenous advocates say. Rigid identification policies, culturally insensitive customer service and a push towards digital systems mean many First Nations people are locked out of their superannuation, according to a report from Super Consumers Australia and Mob Strong Debt Help. Surveys of consumers in the Eastern Arnhem region and financial counsellors across Australia found more than half of Indigenous customers were unable to get through to their super fund, while 42 per cent did not understand the information they were given. Super funds often use jargon or complex language or don't have interpreters available, Mob Strong Debt Help senior solicitor Mark Holden said. "Financial counsellors try to be able to help out with the client to understand and try to advocate with the super funds, but the super funds don't accept their authority and leave both the financial counsellor and the client out in the cold," the Dunghutti man told AAP. People face similar barriers across remote, rural and urban communities, Mr Holden said, and the challenges are not unique to those customers surveyed. The system's rigidity also frustrates professionals working with communities, such as Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network financial counsellor Alex Price-Busch. He has spent on the phone to super funds and the Australian Tax Office on behalf of clients who struggle to access their super. "We see families fighting to claim death benefits while grieving. Many just give up because it's too hard," Mr Price-Busch said. Super Consumers Australia chief executive Xavier O'Halloran said the impact on resources is huge for financial counsellors dealing with these issues. "Some of the financial counsellors had told us they felt like they were working for the superannuation funds at times because they were spending hours on the phone dealing with really poor customer service processes ... having to teach the frontline staff at super funds what their actual obligations were," he said. Super funds do not have mandatory customer service standards, and Mr Holden says many lack any cultural safety standards or are not implementing them. This needs to change, says Mob Strong Debt Help, which also calls for better resourcing of financial counselling and legal support for First Nations people trying to access their superannuation. The organisation also wants the Australian Tax Office and super funds to provide culturally safe support and help with identity checks. "We need to see change now," Mr Holden said. "Any delay on this is going to further the intergenerational harm that our mob faces when it comes to superannuation."
Perth Now
8 hours ago
- Business
- Perth Now
Indigenous people left 'out in the cold' by super funds
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are being left "out in the cold" when trying to access their superannuation, consumer and Indigenous advocates say. Rigid identification policies, culturally insensitive customer service and a push towards digital systems mean many First Nations people are locked out of their superannuation, according to a report from Super Consumers Australia and Mob Strong Debt Help. Surveys of consumers in the Eastern Arnhem region and financial counsellors across Australia found more than half of Indigenous customers were unable to get through to their super fund, while 42 per cent did not understand the information they were given. Super funds often use jargon or complex language or don't have interpreters available, Mob Strong Debt Help senior solicitor Mark Holden said. "Financial counsellors try to be able to help out with the client to understand and try to advocate with the super funds, but the super funds don't accept their authority and leave both the financial counsellor and the client out in the cold," the Dunghutti man told AAP. People face similar barriers across remote, rural and urban communities, Mr Holden said, and the challenges are not unique to those customers surveyed. The system's rigidity also frustrates professionals working with communities, such as Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network financial counsellor Alex Price-Busch. He has spent on the phone to super funds and the Australian Tax Office on behalf of clients who struggle to access their super. "We see families fighting to claim death benefits while grieving. Many just give up because it's too hard," Mr Price-Busch said. Super Consumers Australia chief executive Xavier O'Halloran said the impact on resources is huge for financial counsellors dealing with these issues. "Some of the financial counsellors had told us they felt like they were working for the superannuation funds at times because they were spending hours on the phone dealing with really poor customer service processes ... having to teach the frontline staff at super funds what their actual obligations were," he said. Super funds do not have mandatory customer service standards, and Mr Holden says many lack any cultural safety standards or are not implementing them. This needs to change, says Mob Strong Debt Help, which also calls for better resourcing of financial counselling and legal support for First Nations people trying to access their superannuation. The organisation also wants the Australian Tax Office and super funds to provide culturally safe support and help with identity checks. "We need to see change now," Mr Holden said. "Any delay on this is going to further the intergenerational harm that our mob faces when it comes to superannuation."
Scotsman
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Get the look: Amanda Holden's polka dot dress
Amanda Holden stuns in a polka dot dress from under-the-radar British brand Odd Muse | Getty This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement. Celebs go dotty for polka dots and Amanda Holden Stuns in must have dress for summer. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Its official polka dots are having a major moment, and the latest celebrity to embrace the timeless trend is none other than Amanda Holden. The Britain's Got Talent star turned heads recently in a classic-yet-modern number from Odd Muse London, proving once again that some prints never go out of style. Holden was spotted wearing The Ultimate Muse Cap Sleeve Gathered Midi Dress in White Polka Dot £185, a striking piece from the coveted British brand Odd Muse London. Known for its structured silhouettes and unapologetically feminine designs, Odd Muse has become a go-to for women who want to turn heads without trying too hard and Amanda Holden's look is a perfect example of this effortless glamour. David Gandy and Amanda Holden during Queen Camilla's visit to unveil the new RHS and BBC Radio 2 'Dog Garden', | Getty Images The dress features a flattering gathered waist, sophisticated cap sleeves, and a midi-length hemline that balances playful charm with grown-up elegance. Its crisp white backdrop and bold black dots channel old-school Hollywood vibes, while the tailored fit gives it a contemporary edge. You can pair it with heels or dress down with flats. It's a versatile statement piece. The Ultimate Muse Cap Sleeve Gathered Midi Dress The Ultimate Muse Cap Sleeve Gathered Midi Dress | Odd Muse The TV star's polka dot moment is part of a broader trend that's swept through celebrity wardrobes this season. From red carpets to casual brunch dates, A-listers are reaching for spots in all sizes and shades, a nod to the print's enduring appeal. But Amanda Holden's choice stands out not only for its timeless aesthetic, but also for its wearable elegance, courtesy of Odd Muse's signature craftsmanship. This dress isn't just fashion-forward it's an investment in style that lasts beyond one season. And if Amanda Holden's approval is anything to go by, it's clear that this is the polka dot dress to be seen in right now. Whether you're headed to a wedding, garden party, a day at the races, or a night out, The Ultimate Muse Midi Dress offers the kind of polish and poise that turns a simple look into a showstopper. Natalie Dixon is NationalWorld's Lifestyle reporter . If you liked this article and want to read more about fashion, beauty and lifestyle you can follow Natalie Dixon on X here . You can also Get the best style and fashion news with Natalie Dixon in Tuesday's NationalWorld newsletter - sign up now
Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Holden will run for Democratic nomination for NY-24
Jul. 21—Steven W. Holden Sr. is running for Congress again — and he's returning to the 24th Congressional District to compete for the seat against Congresswoman Claudia L. Tenney and at least two other Democrats. Holden, 52, said he fell in love with the 24th Congressional District, covering northwestern Jefferson County and most of the Lake Ontario shoreline out to Niagara Falls, when he first ran to unseat Tenney there in the 2022 campaign, and circumstances have permitted him to return to the district to mount another run for office. Holden said 2022 was a bad year for Democrats — the Democratic party was incumbent and held trifecta control in Washington D.C. for two years after 2020, and voters started to turn on them in the 2022 election. "2022 was not a good year for Democrats in the state, it just wasn't for anybody," Holden said. That same year, Governor Kathleen C. Hochul was up for her first run for a full term in office, and netted the narrowest win for a Democrat gubernatorial candidate in a generation. Holden said he has heard a distinct lack of enthusiasm for Tenney, R-Cleveland, who was first elected to the newly constituted NY-21 in 2022 and beat Holden 65% to 34% in the final tally. "What we're already hearing on the ground not just from Democrats, but from a lot of people, and this will come out more in the next weeks and months, is that there's a general dissatisfaction," he said. "We hear from everyone, they're not satisfied with the representation Claudia is giving right now." He pointed to recent legislation the Congresswoman has introduced to undo a federal ban on plastic straws, and other issues related to the culture war that Tenney has championed. Holden said he sees many people in the district concerned over the rising cost of living, now-in-place federal cuts to SNAP and Medicaid, and the ongoing uncertainty of the Social Security program. "These issues are compounding on each other, and these are things that we've said for a few years will come to fruition," he said. Holden for years has campaigned on his rural and military background — having grown up on a farm in Oklahoma, and a 20-year-plus career in the Army with four combat deployments and time as a senior officer. As recently as 2019, Holden was a consultant for the Army. He calls himself a "practical progressive," and in the face of a Republican-controlled Congress and Presidency, has said he would focus on pushing back on the GOP agenda. If elected, Holden said he sees the best strategy for a Democrat lawmaker would be to work to convince moderate Republicans to oppose the most controversial GOP policies. "Not being in power, there's only some much that can be done, but there is more than can be done," he said. "We can be vocal, try to build coalitions issue by issue." If there is a Democratic majority in the House, Holden said he would have an inroad with the likely Democratic Speaker of the House, current minority leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-Brooklyn. Holden has run, or tried to run, for Congress now three times in northern New York — his 2022 competition against Tenney that ended with her double-digit victory margin, then a campaign to be the Democrat against Congresswoman Elise M. Stefanik in NY-21 in 2024. In that campaign, Holden wasn't able to make it onto the primary ballot. In December of that year, when it appeared Congresswoman Elise M. Stefanik would be stepping down from her seat to take a job with the Trump administration, Holden started a public campaign for the anticipated special election. He ultimately was not chosen, and the nomination was preliminarily handed to Blake Gendebien. This time, Holden said he thinks the difference that could spell victory for him lies in a grassroots opposition to the Trump administration's actions locally — and the way Tenney has tied herself to Trump. "There's an energy that's arising because, people are waking up and going 'wait a second, these issues affect me,' and that's the difference," he said. "And now she's nationalized herself, which makes her a target across the country. She's on the DOGE caucus, she wants to make Trump's birthday a national holiday, and she's involved in the immigration issue." Assuming all candidates are able to submit petitions to appear on the 2026 ballot, Holden is on track to head into as Democratic primary against Diana Kastenbaum, a former manufacturing CEO of Batavia, whose been organizing a series of town hall events across the district since the start of the year. On Friday, a former federal employee laid off in the government efficiency efforts led by Trump's 'Department of Government Efficiency,' from Lockport also announced her campaign to be the next Democrat to run in NY-24 — Alissa Ellman. Tenney has no apparent Republican challengers as of now. The primaries will happen in June of next year ahead of the November general election.
7NEWS
2 days ago
- 7NEWS
Fourth victim of horror crash on Capricorn Hwy in Queensland's Central Highlands identified
The fourth victim of a horrific head-on crash on a Queensland highway has been identified. Corey Bietzel was returning home from a camping trip with his friend Shaun Ranger and Ranger's two children Baylee, 7, and Chandler, 6, when they were involved in a collision on the Capricorn Hwy, between Comet and Blackwater in the state's Central Highlands, just before 11am on Sunday. Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today The group were travelling in a Holden Commodore towards Blackwater when it struck a Toyota Hilux ute driving in the opposite direction. All four were declared dead at the scene. It is understood Ranger's fiancee, Renee Carla, was travelling in another car behind. Carla has been left a single mother to the couple's youngest daughter, Saphora, 2. Bietzel's family on Monday revealed he was also involved in the crash as they shared a touching tribute, describing him as a 'loving son, grandson, a devoted father, brother, cousin and friend'. His cousin Taya-Marie Harper said he 'touched the hearts of many people and left an irreplaceable void' and the family are 'heartbroken over this unexpected loss'. 'Corey was loved and cherished by many and brought much joy and light to people's lives,' she said. Harper has launched a GoFundMe to help support her family as they prepare to give Bietzel 'the send off he deserves'. The tributes for Bietzel come after it was revealed earlier on Monday a family of five had been torn apart by the deaths of Ranger and his two children. Chantel Semple, a friend of Carla's, said Baylee had a cheeky smile and a love for horses, while Chandler 'was a sweet and kind-hearted little boy' who enjoyed the outdoors. 'Shaun (was) a dedicated and selfless father, supportive friend and loving partner,' Semple said in a fundraiser she set up for the family. 'We are all very heartbroken over this unexpected loss and want to give them the send-off they deserve, a meaningful goodbye, surrounded by the people who love them.' The two men inside the ute were both taken to hospital. A 28-year-old man is in a serious but stable condition, while a 27-year-old man was airlifted to Brisbane and is fighting for life. It is believed the pair had been travelling for work. The Capricorn Hwy was closed in both directions for several hours while police remained at the scene. The Holden was completely destroyed in the crash and the wreckage was left crumpled on the side of the highway while the ute had flipped onto its roof. Inspector Ben Wiltshire said both of the vehicles had caught fire on impact. He said it was a 'high-speed' crash but that the exact circumstances were still being investigated. Wiltshire said the injuries the victims sustained were 'horrific'. 'There is a complex investigation that takes place for every fatal traffic accident and this was no exception,' he said. 'We need to conduct a thorough investigation before we make any decisions about charges.' Wiltshire said the tragedy would reverberate throughout the entire Central Highlands community. As a result of the accident, police will be ramping up traffic enforcement efforts throughout the region. 'This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of road safety,' Wiltshire said. 'These lives were cut short far too soon leaving families and loved ones to grapple with the unimaginable grief.' Eleven people were killed on Queensland's roads over the weekend, including three teens who crashed into another car while trying to overtake a semi-trailer in Mackay on Friday night. Two of the teens have been identified as T-Jay Petrass and Liam Doumergue, both 19, while a 19-year-old girl also travelling in their car was killed. Also on Friday a 21-year-old girl was killed in a head-on collision in the Gympie Region, while a 26-year-old man died falling out of a car in Tamborine. Police are also investigating after a car hit and killed an 18-year-old man lying on the road in the South Burnett region on Saturday morning. Later that morning a 45-year-old motorbike rider died when he crashed into a trailer being towed by a ute in Mackay. Wiltshire urged motorists to drive to the conditions and said a split-second decision could be a matter of life or death. 'Don't speed, drive to the conditions, avoid distractions and ensure that you're well rested before embarking on any long journey,' he said. 'Our families, our friends and our children are depending on you.'
