Latest news with #RoyalCommission
Arab News
2 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
AlUla's fruitful summer harvest marks community celebration
RIYADH: The Royal Commission of AlUla on Monday announced the start of the much-anticipated Summer Fruits of AlUla Season. The first event in the annual Khayrat AlUla harvest celebrations runs from July 22 to 28 at Al-Manshiyah Farmers Market. Khayrat AlUla celebrates the region's agricultural heritage. (SPA) It highlights the produce of local farmers and productive families, and includes events for the display of dates, citrus, pomegranates and honey. The initiative supports the commission's goals of driving economic growth through community engagement and development projects tied to AlUla's harvest cycles. AlUla's mango farms cover 125,000 hectares and yield over 1,125 tonnes, including the sanarah and zubda varieties. AlUla is home to more than 5,000 farms and more than 50,000 trees. Its mango farms cover 125,000 hectares and yield over 1,125 tonnes, including the sanarah and zubda varieties. The region also produces over 3,141 tonnes of figs, grapes, and pomegranates across more than 348 hectares. Khayrat AlUla is held annually to celebrate the region's centuries-old agricultural heritage, known for its high quality, distinctive produce. The event reflects a deep-rooted culture of farming, passed down through generations, balanced with modern sustainability practices that safeguard natural resources. The commission places strong emphasis on agriculture as a pillar of local economic development, which includes a boost for the tourism industry.
ABC News
3 days ago
- Business
- ABC News
Peter Ryan
The ABC is deeply saddened by the death of our great friend and esteemed colleague Peter Ryan. After a distinguished 45-year career in journalism Peter retired from the ABC last month due to ill health. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Peter's family. A tribute to Peter on his retirement can be read here: Listen to The World Today's tribute to Peter Ryan Watch here: After 45 years, business reporter Peter Ryan has called time on his career Peter's many career highlights include being the ABC's Washington Bureau Chief, head of TV news and current affairs in Victoria, Executive Producer of Business Breakfast , founding editor of Lateline Business , which later became The Business, and Business Editor. Since 2016 he has held the role of Senior Business Correspondent. In 2017 Peter won a Walkley Award for his expose on the Commonwealth Bank scandal. His coverage contributed to the calling of the banking Royal Commission and in 2018 he was the National Press Club finance journalist of the year for his coverage of the commission. In 2022 he was recognised with the Order of Australia medal for his significant service to journalism. ABC Director, News Justin Stevens: Peter leaves a significant legacy. Through his mentorship, friendship and professionalism he directly touched the lives of many at the ABC. Through his journalism he had a profound impact on the lives of Australians and our society. It was a privilege to know him and work alongside him. Peter's parting words of advice: Peter Ryan shares his highs and lows from 45 years So what have I learned from 45 years in journalism? This is for younger and older colleagues alike. When I look back at my start on Sydney's Daily Mirror in 1980, as an 18-year-old straight out of school, we were still printing newspapers off hot metal. People were smoking in newsrooms and there was a lot of yelling as deadlines ran down to the wire. My parents were absolutely delighted when I was finally hired by the ABC in 1984. Our TV always seemed to be stuck on Channel 2, we were forced to watch the 7pm news every night and I had to listen to AM and PM in the kitchen. I'd love to be with you all there, but one strong message I have is, never let anyone tell you the good old days were really that good – that's a bit of a myth. I'd like to thank the ABC for taking so many risks with me over the years, giving me my dream of a foreign posting in Washington and then into big editorial roles. But for me in the end it's all about being a reporter out in the real world telling it as it is. I'm always chuffed when I hear people tell me you're able to take complex issues and break them down into three good parts. When someone tells me that, that's more important than a whole lot of awards. A few words of editorial advice. Avoid cynicism – be passionate. A good team can often be a very small team – I've worked in some of the best. Be proactive – come to the table with a great story so no one else comes up with a dud that might waste your time. Work closely with top people – shut up and absorb like a sponge. Maintain a fastidious contact book – some low-profile contacts could soon move into higher powered roles or more importantly work in backrooms where the big decisions are often made. Show up to work early and prove that you're ready to take on the big story of the day. Try to have a Plan B in your back pocket just in case your original brilliant idea doesn't go anywhere and the EP comes walking your way. Finally: Be kind and caring to people who need it. Media contact Sally Jackson, ABC Communications
Sky News AU
4 days ago
- Politics
- Sky News AU
Attorney-General prioritising national Working With Children Check system after horrific alleged childcare crimes
Attorney-General Michelle Rowland has promised action to unify child safety checks across Australia, following a series of shocking abuse cases in childcare centres. Ms Rowland told Sky News Sunday Agenda that establishing a national Working With Children Check system will be the top priority at the upcoming Standing Council of Attorneys-General meeting. 'We've got a pilot that's being established now… what is essential here is twofold,' Ms Rowland said. 'We've got different states and territories with their own schemes for Working With Children Checks and reportable conduct. They do not talk to other states… 'This was actually a recommendation coming out of a 2015 series of responses on the Royal Commission into child sexual abuse. 'We're now in 2025. What is important here is that we have action,' she said. The national reform aims to create near real-time reporting, ensure consistent access to data, and bring uniformity across jurisdictions to improve child safety. Ms Rowland acknowledged the reforms will not solve all the challenges in the system but said they will be a significant step forward. The push comes amid growing public concern after disturbing allegations of child sexual abuse in childcare centres. Calls to ban men from working in childcare have also emerged but Education Minister Jason Clare has dismissed such measures. Mr Clare told reporters, 'Just cutting blokes out altogether is not going to be the solution. In none of the reports do they recommend (banning men)'. He has instructed his department to draft legislation allowing the government to withhold public funding from childcare centres that fail to meet safety standards. Meanwhile, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has fast-tracked reforms including a ban on personal devices in childcare centres from September 26. She has also flagged the possible installation of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras to boost child safety. Ms Rowland welcomed the momentum for change. ' We need to be honest. This is not going to resolve everything… but it will be a significant step forward,' she said.
Asharq Al-Awsat
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Riyadh Film Music Festival Returns for Second Year
The Royal Commission for Riyadh City announced the launch of the second annual Riyadh Film Music Festival, scheduled to take place July 30 to August 9 at the Red Hall Theater of Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University. The festival will bring together renowned film composers from around the world. This year's festival offers a unique audio-visual experience that combines screenings of iconic films with live orchestral performances, underscoring the commission's commitment to fostering the arts and stimulating cultural activity in the capital, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. The Riyadh Film Music Festival is one of the key initiatives under the Lifestyle Sector of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City and is part of the events held in conjunction with the Esports World Cup. It aims to host some of the world's largest cultural and entertainment events, offering diverse artistic and recreational options for residents and visitors alike, while reinforcing Riyadh's position on the global cultural map.
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- New Straits Times
Mixed reaction among social media users over apology and compensation to Teoh's family
KUALA LUMPUR: There was mixed reaction from social media users over the apology to Teoh Beng Hock's family and the subsequent rejection by the family, with many calling for a closure of the case which has dragged on for 16 years. The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's (MACC) had apologised to Teoh's family over his death, adding it was prepared to offer a goodwill contribution to support the welfare and education of Teoh's child. Several social media users urged the family to accept the apology and compensation and move on but there were others who voiced doubts over the apology and called for greater accountability. One user, Boon Kiat Kor, commented: "How can an apology be enough? I just want to know why close the case and protect those responsible for his death?" Another user, Metafora Estetika said: "It seems this story is not easily concluded. A mysterious death deserves clear answers, regardless of the outcome. The apology by the MACC chief holds little value in buying the public's emotions." Pak Lah questioned the lack of action: "How did this happen? Who was involved? What action was taken?" User Meight QuanQuan added:: "One can come to terms with death, but the perpetrator should not go unpunished. Compensation and truth should not be boxed into the same solution especially if the perpetrator is protected." Teoh Beng Hock, a 30-year-old political aide, died on July 16, 2009, after falling from the 14th floor of the MACC Selangor office while being questioned. His death led to a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) and further investigations, but the case was eventually classified as No Further Action (NFA) by the Attorney-General's Chambers. While some Malaysians are still demanding answers, others believe it is time for the family to move on. Facebook user Hishamuddin Bin Mohd Shah wrote plainly: "Just move on." Another commenter, Azmi Ab Rahman, said: "Don't entertain this anymore. They asked for a Royal Commission, it was done. The police ruled NFA. Compensation has been offered. Why make more noise?" Meanwhile, Kok Yuen Loh added: "What does the family expect? An apology is useless, do they want those allegedly involved to go to jail?" Others, like Mat Shuk, called for closure. "Close the case. No need to entertain it. They've taken the compensation, enough time has been wasted." And Muhd Syapiq said: "Still not over it? The man won't come back to life. No one will ever be caught. Just accept the compensation." However, the family stood their ground, with Teoh's sister, Lee Lan, rejecting the MACC's apology during a press conference with the Teoh Beng Hock Association for Democratic Advancement (TBH-ADA). She described it as a publicity stunt tied to the 16th anniversary of his death and said an apology without accountability was meaningless.
