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Uncategorised2012 Indigenous Engagement Survey
Open Forum | December 4, 2012
The Business Council of Australia has released its 2012 Indigenous Engagement Survey, the fourth annual report of BCA member company Indigenous engagement activities. BCA President Tony Shepherd said the 2012 survey attracted a record 81 per cent response rate from member companies (up from 74 per cent last year), with 76 per cent of respondents reporting they had formal Indigenous engagement strategies in place. The survey results show that Indigenous engagement is fast becoming an essential aspect of business practice among Australia’s large companies. Employers see it as a practical way of contributing to significant social change that simultaneously makes them better businesses, and employees are starting to really value and expect it in the workplace.
Key findings from the 2012 survey include:
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Vote 1 Badgerys Creek Sydney’s next airport
Fergus Neilson | December 4, 2012The debate around the future of air travel in Sydney is an ongoing tale of twists and turns. Fergus Neilson steps up to the plate to share why Badgerys Creek is his choice for a new airport.
Yet again the issue re-oxygenates! It does with each new state premier and every new survey of Australian in-bound tourism numbers. Now given even greater prominence with the threat of a third major airport in Melbourne.
Does Sydney need a second airport? And if so where?
There would appear to be three main schools of thought: a) just make Mascot bigger; b) move to the suburbs; and c) let technology provide the answer.
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Protecting your online privacy
Rosalie O'Neale | December 3, 2012Rosalie O’Neale, Senior Advisor with the Australian Communications and Media Authority’s (ACMA) Cybersmart programs section outlines how to protect your privacy online.
This summer I’m planning to take a holiday. I’m going overseas—I’ve been saving for ages, and I’m really looking forward to it.
I’ll be taking the usual collection of devices so I can stay in touch: my phone, possibly a laptop or tablet. I’ll need some way of uploading my photos, posting updates about where I am, (finding where I am!) and checking with my family back at home that all is well.
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Future of collaborative cancer research
Leanne Warner | December 3, 2012Cure Cancer Australia chief executive officer Leanne Warner explains how cancer research is changing in Australia and the rise of collaborative research projects.
Cancer research has undoubtedly been the key factor in improving the survival rate for many common cancers in Australia over the past two decades. Fortunately due to research we have experienced vast improvements in early detection, treatment, services and prevention in cancer. The dedication, focus and passion of those working in the area is undeniable.
Last year, almost $300 million was spent on Australian cancer research, with over $83 million of this money coming from the community funded part of the sector. Something I am passionate about, is determining how we can improve efficiencies so that we can make the most out of every dollar the community entrusts to us.
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Reversing the trend in HIV
Levinia Crooks | November 29, 2012Australasian Society for HIV Medicine (ASHM) chief executive officer Levinia Crooks voices her concerns about the rise of HIV infections in Australia and discusses what is being due to reduce the toll.The reported 8 per cent increase in new HIV infections in Australia, issued from ASHM's Australasian HIV Conference in October, surprised few who work in the sector. There has been concern for some time now we are “dropping the ball” on HIV. The Melbourne Declaration, a joint call to action issued by community organisations, research institutes and health care workers to curb HIV in Australia, was organised before the new infection statistics were released. So recognition of the need for more concerted action has existed for a while.
Recharging our response to HIV
Rob Lake | November 29, 2012As World AIDS Day approaches on 1 December, Rob Lake executive director of the Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations looks at the changing approach to treating the HIV infection.
World AIDS Day 2012 looms. Thirty years into the AIDS epidemic, it seems amazing we are now hearing frequent, credible references to an end to new HIV infections, to getting to zero and to universal access to HIV treatments. UNAIDS characterised its 2012 Global Report on HIV as moving from despair to hope, though not without some caveats about significant and worsening epidemics and poor responses in Eastern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.
Why Australia can lead the world in making products and services better
Tom Voirol | November 28, 2012User focused design has helped with the success of products like the iPhone. Tom Voirol explains how, by implementing this approach, Australian organisations and users can reap the significant benefits.
You may not have heard the term, but user experience design (or UX) is getting increased traction in developing services and products that are more useful, usable and even desirable. It is the practice of putting the users and their needs, wants and preferences at the centre of the design process.
This sounds like an obvious thing to do, and you'd be forgiven for thinking that this is how most products and services are developed today. Unfortunately, as evidenced by convoluted telephone menus, labyrinthine banking procedures and mysterious control panels on microwave ovens, this is not always the case.
A Slice of Orange
Cherisse Khoury | November 27, 2012Adapting to a new area can be an exciting challenge. Cherisse Khoury shares how her family has benefited from a move to Orange, NSW.Just as you pass the last lights of Bathurst, the road opens up and gives way to a spectacular open land as far as the eye can see. The trees are bigger, the air is crisper and the road curves and bends, wrapping itself around the beautiful hills that remain oblivious to the lights and smog; the hustle and bustle that lies just 3 short hours behind them.
I live in the city of Orange; population 39,329. I never imagined that I would ever say that! I have lived my life as the quintessential city girl, never venturing past the city limits without much protestation and yet here I am. By living in Orange, my husband Bryan fulfils his legislated obligation as a foreign-trained doctor to serve 10 years of medical service in an area of need
Strike at the heart of our food security
Julian Cribb | November 26, 2012Australia has enough water for all its food and export needs, to protect and sustain its native landscapes and to embark on new industries in aquaculture, algae culture and irrigation potentially worth $30-40 billion – but to do that, it needs good science, technology and education, argues Julian Cribb.
If Australia’s security agencies got wind of a terrorist plot to destroy vital national infrastructure, eliminate companies and thousands of jobs, cost the Australian public billions of dollars and undermine the health of the community, our governments would – presumably – mobilise all our national resources and defence forces to prevent it.
The trouble is the perpetrators in this scenario are Australian governments themselves – federal and state and of both political complexions. And the scenario is real.
UncategorisedCanberra passes new law on workplace gender equality
editor | November 23, 2012
The Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012, passed by federal parliament on 22 November 2012, is a landmark development on the journey to gender equality in Australian workplaces.It focuses on gender equality including equal pay between women and men and promotes the elimination of discrimination on the basis of family and caring responsibilities.
The Act is a significant advance on its predecessor, the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Act 1999, shifting the focus from equal opportunity for women to gender equality, which is more contemporary and relevant.
Keep positive and be proud of your achievements
Jeremy Liddle | November 21, 2012Success is not something that comes out of no-where and sometimes the most successful people can make it appear almost effortless. Jeremy Liddle says maintaining a positive attitude goes a long way.
UncategorisedAustralians’ aspirations for national progress
editor | November 21, 2012
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released a landmark report detailing Australians’ views of what progress means to them.
Since it was first published in 2002, Measures of Australia’s Progress (MAP) has been bringing together selected statistics about society, the economy and environment to provide insight into national progress. MAP aims to answer the question, ‘Is life in Australia getting better?’ by showing whether progress is being made across the social, economic and environmental domains of life.
