tag:theconversation.com,2011:/us/topics/victorian-government-2907/articlesVictorian government – The Conversation2024-01-31T19:08:10Ztag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2217472024-01-31T19:08:10Z2024-01-31T19:08:10ZA new government inquiry will examine women’s pain and treatment. How and why is it different?<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/572314/original/file-20240131-25-o9jwvw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=25%2C12%2C4228%2C2812&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/older-woman-massaging-tensed-rubbing-muscles-2365171835">Shutterstock</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>The Victorian government has announced an <a href="https://www.health.vic.gov.au/inquiry-into-womens-pain">inquiry</a> into women’s pain. Given women are disproportionately affected by pain, such a thorough investigation is long overdue. </p>
<p>The inquiry, the first of its kind in Australia and the first we’re aware of internationally, is expected to take a year. It aims to improve care and services for Victorian girls and women experiencing pain in the future.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/there-is-overwhelming-gender-bias-in-the-ndis-and-the-review-doesnt-address-it-220042">There is overwhelming gender bias in the NDIS – and the review doesn't address it</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>The gender pain gap</h2>
<p>Globally, more women report chronic pain than men do. A survey of over 1,750 Victorian women found 40% are living with chronic <a href="https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/gender-pain-gap-revealed-and-women-arent-surprised">pain</a>. </p>
<p>Approximately <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36038207/#:%7E:text=About%20half%20of%20chronic%20pain,a%20higher%20prevalence%20in%20men.">half of chronic pain conditions</a> have a higher prevalence in women compared to men, including <a href="https://academic.oup.com/painmedicine/article/22/2/382/5961453">low back pain</a> and <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/10/14/3178">osteoarthritis</a>. And female-specific pain conditions, such as endometriosis, are much more common than male-specific pain conditions such as <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3894747/">chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome</a>. </p>
<p>These statistics are seen <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/health-conditions-and-risks/stressors-and-bodily-pain/latest-release">across the lifespan</a>, with higher rates of chronic pain being reported in females <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304395911004751?casa_token=fDkFvlrL930AAAAA:SonUMuMgqohViJ2Ok9gGQ7K4G0hChxZYolroR7t5LVSd_uzMnSe_2EBZ4b8blh3GscewZ1bI7Ac">as young as two years old</a>. This discrepancy <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-disease/chronic-pain-in-australia/summary">increases with age</a>, with 28% of Australian women aged over 85 experiencing chronic pain compared to 18% of men. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/people-with-endometriosis-and-pcos-wait-years-for-a-diagnosis-attitudes-to-womens-pain-may-be-to-blame-179500">People with endometriosis and PCOS wait years for a diagnosis – attitudes to women’s pain may be to blame</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>It feels worse</h2>
<p>Women also experience pain differently to men. There is some evidence to suggest that when diagnosed with the same condition, women are more likely to report <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1526590011008728">higher pain scores than men</a>. </p>
<p>Similarly, there is some evidence to suggest women are also more likely to report higher pain scores during experimental trials where the same painful pressure stimulus is applied to <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304395911007019?casa_token=ZK8PjH4pXUYAAAAA:UI8K8sKlrWM3OCC7qBucplrA-mct4EU5NZUpQsLQ6WooNWlfxC6MCtTdTKmtyQYjh9kcE08okiQ">both women and men</a>. </p>
<p>Pain is also more burdensome for women. Depression is twice as prevalent in women with chronic pain <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0033318207710022">than men with chronic pain</a>. Women are also more likely to report <a href="https://journals.lww.com/spinejournal/FullText/2007/05200/Sex_Differences_in_Consequences_of_Musculoskeletal.17.aspx?casa_token=mgToFxqQuiwAAAAA:Plx0N_ILNIVK_D8NDODFYaYi_HDxbZN2enulMAS0VmIwyCNHd3c62lhEDi_AYDw8Dhz7uX2dPIZ3HoqwnuWoanLH">more health care use</a> and be <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/getmedia/10434b6f-2147-46ab-b654-a90f05592d35/aihw-phe-267.pdf.aspx">hospitalised due to their pain</a> than men. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/572316/original/file-20240131-16-pjgp8g.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="woman lies in bed in pain" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/572316/original/file-20240131-16-pjgp8g.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/572316/original/file-20240131-16-pjgp8g.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/572316/original/file-20240131-16-pjgp8g.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/572316/original/file-20240131-16-pjgp8g.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/572316/original/file-20240131-16-pjgp8g.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/572316/original/file-20240131-16-pjgp8g.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/572316/original/file-20240131-16-pjgp8g.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Women seem to feel pain more acutely and often feel ignored by doctors.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/young-woman-having-stomach-ache-on-1780468907">Shutterstock</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/whats-a-tens-machine-can-it-help-my-period-pain-or-endometriosis-201389">What's a TENS machine? Can it help my period pain or endometriosis?</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>Medical misogyny</h2>
<p>Women in pain are viewed and treated differently to men. Women are more likely to be told their pain is psychological and dismissed as <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/03630242.2017.1306606?casa_token=twusk7mU5EcAAAAA%3AG--5Y_nl_bDqsR9k4w-fF8sEMGuGiMlrifAGQKC_j6swOBhYdzzwXeXiNUoR4C9vM2CydSppwLN2">not being real or “all in their head”</a>.</p>
<p>Hollywood actor <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/selma-blair-ms-misdiagnosis-symptoms-b2454317.html">Selma Blair</a> recently shared her experience of having her symptoms repeatedly dismissed by doctors and put down to “menstrual issues”, before being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2018. </p>
<p>It’s an experience familiar to many women in Australia, where medical misogyny still runs deep. <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/09593535221083846?journalCode=fapa&">Our research</a> has repeatedly shown Australian women with pelvic pain are similarly dismissed, leading to lengthy diagnostic delays and serious impacts on their quality of life. </p>
<p><div data-react-class="Tweet" data-react-props="{"tweetId":"1752111921006797065"}"></div></p>
<h2>Misogyny exists in research too</h2>
<p>Historically, misogyny has also run deep in medical research, including pain research. Women have been viewed as smaller bodied men with different reproductive <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S156925580334024X">functions</a>. As a result, most pre-clinical pain research has used male rodents as the default research <a href="https://journals.lww.com/pain/fulltext/2005/09000/the_case_for_the_inclusion_of_female_subjects_in.1.aspx?casa_token=BcqYDDSRxo4AAAAA:nLvLqpNfuwSm6N4n1kn-Wcj4n9HW__ISaNz57PYp0zX8Nfu9a5cWZdJkjCXVXeU_HKjraI5NbND-rqqzanYuF864">subject</a>. Some researchers say the menstrual cycle in female rodents adds additional variability and therefore uncertainty to experiments. And while variability due to the menstrual cycle may be true, it may be no greater than male-specific sources of variability (such as within-cage aggression and dominance) that can also <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41583-020-0310-6">influence research findings</a>. </p>
<p>The exclusion of female subjects in pre-clinical studies has hindered our understanding of sex differences in pain and of response to treatment. Only recently have we begun to understand various genetic, neurochemical, and neuroimmune factors contribute to sex differences in <a href="https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/full/10.1146/annurev-neuro-092820-105941">pain prevalence and sensitivity</a>. And sex differences exist in pain processing itself. For instance, in the spinal cord, male and female rodents process <a href="https://theconversation.com/pain-really-is-in-the-mind-but-not-in-the-way-you-think-1151">potentially painful stimuli</a> through <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nn.4053">entirely different immune cells</a>. </p>
<p>These differences have relevance for how pain should be treated in women, yet many of the existing pharmacological treatments for pain, including opioids, are largely or solely based upon research completed on male rodents. </p>
<p>When women seek care, their pain is also treated differently. Studies show women receive <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11916-023-01135-0#ref-CR6">less pain medication after surgery compared to men</a>. In fact, one study found while men were prescribed opioids after joint surgery, women were <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11916-023-01135-0#ref-CR17">more likely to be prescribed antidepressants</a>. In another study, women were more likely to receive sedatives for pain relief following surgery, while men were <a href="https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/BF00289259.pdf">more likely to receive pain medication</a>. </p>
<p>So, women are disproportionately affected by pain in terms of how common it is and sensitivity, but also in how their pain is viewed, treated, and even researched. Women continue to be excluded, dismissed, and receive sub-optimal care, and the recently announced inquiry aims to improve this. </p>
<h2>What will the inquiry involve?</h2>
<p>Consumers, health-care professionals and health-care organisations will be invited to share their experiences of treatment services for women’s pain in Victoria as part of the year-long inquiry. These experiences will be used to describe the current service delivery system available to Victorian women with pain, and to plan more appropriate services to be delivered in the future. </p>
<p>Inquiry <a href="https://www.health.vic.gov.au/public-health/inquiry-into-womens-pain-submissions">submissions</a> are now open until March 12 2024. If you are a Victorian woman living with pain, or provide care to Victorian women with pain, we encourage you to submit.</p>
<p>The state has an excellent track record of improving women’s health in many areas, including <a href="https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/groundbreaking-clinic-improving-womens-heart-health">heart</a>, <a href="https://www.health.vic.gov.au/publications/victorian-womens-sexual-and-reproductive-health-plan-2022-30">sexual, and reproductive health</a>, but clearly, we have a way to go with women’s pain. We wait with bated breath to see the results of this much-needed investigation, and encourage other states and territories to take note of the findings.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/221747/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Jane Chalmers receives funding from The Hospital Research Foundation. </span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Amelia Mardon does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Women are disproportionately affected by pain in terms of how common it is and sensitivity, but also in how their pain is viewed, treated, and even researched.Jane Chalmers, Senior Lecturer in Pain Sciences, University of South AustraliaAmelia Mardon, PhD Candidate, University of South AustraliaLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2221562024-01-30T06:04:53Z2024-01-30T06:04:53ZAllowing duck hunting to continue in Victoria is shameful and part of a disturbing trend<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/572072/original/file-20240130-27-mofxc7.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=51%2C0%2C3755%2C2528&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/rifle-hunter-silhouetted-beautiful-sunset-summer-507952288">KOCHMARYOV, Shutterstock. </a></span></figcaption></figure><p>The Victorian government has <a href="https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/continuing-recreational-duck-hunting-victoria">confirmed</a> duck and quail hunting will continue in the state, albeit with changes which would purportedly ensure the practice “remains safe, sustainable and responsible”.</p>
<p>The controversial decision is a rejection of recommendations by a bipartisan <a href="https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/committees/select-committee-on-victorias-recreational-native-bird-hunting-arrangements/">parliamentary committee</a> chaired by a Labor MP, which <a href="https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/news/environment/birdhuntreport">recommended ending native bird hunting</a> this year.</p>
<p>I, along with my Elder Anthony McKnight, made a submission to the <a href="https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/inquiries/nativebirdhunting/submissions">inquiry</a>. To us as Yuin men, Yumburra (black duck) – one of the species being hunted – is a <a href="https://theconversation.com/humpback-whales-hold-lore-for-traditional-custodians-but-laws-dont-protect-species-for-their-cultural-significance-213073">culturally significant species</a> and our tribal totem. Yumburra is Country, we are Country. Harm to Yumburra is harm to us. </p>
<p>Our submission argued against recreational hunting of native birds based on concerns for the ongoing health of duck populations and questions over the ethics of the sport. We acknowledge that not all Traditional Custodians share the same position, but this is ours. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/572053/original/file-20240130-27-38gy0p.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="Artwork showing a family of Yumburra (black duck) swimming together, mother and three ducklings" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/572053/original/file-20240130-27-38gy0p.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/572053/original/file-20240130-27-38gy0p.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=442&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/572053/original/file-20240130-27-38gy0p.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=442&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/572053/original/file-20240130-27-38gy0p.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=442&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/572053/original/file-20240130-27-38gy0p.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=555&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/572053/original/file-20240130-27-38gy0p.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=555&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/572053/original/file-20240130-27-38gy0p.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=555&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Yumburra the black duck is a Yuin tribal totem.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Lyn Harwood</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/why-duck-shooting-season-still-isnt-on-the-endangered-list-92926">Why duck shooting season still isn't on the endangered list</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>Open season for controversy</h2>
<p>Duck hunting has <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-duck-shooting-season-still-isnt-on-the-endangered-list-92926">long been contentious in Victoria</a>. The issue emerges every autumn when the responsible minister is set to announce the details of the shooting season. Each year the same groups come out to wade through the muddy water and thrash out the same bloody arguments. </p>
<p>Advocates of the sport argue it brings money into regional communities and that it has become a tradition (albeit one with a short history in the context of this old land).</p>
<p>But the fact remains that waterfowl populations are in long-term <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/367180582_Eastern_Australian_Waterbird_Aerial_Survey_-October_2022_Annual_Summary_Report?channel=doi&linkId=63c5dd1bd9fb5967c2e03e4e&showFulltext=true">decline</a>. The inquiry heard that habitat destruction is the major contributor to this trend but that hunting was likely to be a small contributing factor. </p>
<p>Duck hunting also causes avoidable injuries to birds. The inquiry heard non-lethal wounding rates of ducks could be as high 6-40%, or 15,700 to 105,000 based on the 2022 season. </p>
<p>I cannot accept such high rates of injury to a significant totem. I hunt for feral deer, species that cause great damage to Country, but I only shoot when I’m confident of a humane kill. And I fish, but I only take fish when I’m comfortable that crayfish and abalone numbers are strong on the reefs where I have swum all of my life. </p>
<figure>
<iframe width="440" height="260" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TYBU9oSEKZ0?wmode=transparent&start=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
<figcaption><span class="caption">Legislative Council Select Committee Chair Ryan Batchelor talks about the report’s findings and recommendations.</span></figcaption>
</figure>
<p>In allowing duck hunting to continue, the Victorian government is ignoring the main recommendation of the committee.</p>
<p>The government says it will accept the other seven recommendations “in full or in principle”, by changing the rules from 2025. This includes:</p>
<ul>
<li>making education and training for hunters mandatory</li>
<li>improving compliance and toughening penalties</li>
<li>reducing the risk of wounding</li>
<li>increasing recognition of Traditional Owners’ knowledge of hunting and land management.</li>
</ul>
<p>In theory this addresses many of the problems. But in practice these measures will be resource-intensive and challenging to implement effectively. Education and compliance activities will need to be well funded and staffed. And hunting-related harm to individual ducks and populations can only be reduced, when it could have been eliminated. </p>
<p>Finally, these measures fail to address the issues that have been driving waterbird populations down over decades.</p>
<h2>A disturbing pattern of behaviour</h2>
<p>The Victorian government has form in ignoring evidence of the declining health of our environment.</p>
<p>In December 2021 I was <a href="https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/48e803/contentassets/5ebe773305454e0e80e02b78b3b62f39/6.-dr-jack-pascoe.pdf">invited to present an Indigenous perspective</a> to an <a href="https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/inquiries/inquiry-into-ecosystem-decline-in-victoria/">inquiry into ecosystem decline in Victoria</a>. I told them of watching the decline of the manna gum woodlands I had grown up in, and how that impacted me. </p>
<p>That inquiry found threatened native species are suffering severe declines and are not being holistically protected. It also recommended the Victorian government consider revoking the “<a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-09-29/dingo-wild-dog-unprotection-order-bait-trap-buffer-zone/102914828">unprotection order</a>” that allows dingoes, a <a href="https://www.wildlife.vic.gov.au/our-wildlife/:%7E:text=The%20dingo%20is%20listed%20as,under%20the%20Wildlife%20Act%201975.">threatened native species</a>, to be killed over vast areas of Victorian private and public land.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/the-boss-of-country-not-wild-dogs-to-kill-living-with-dingoes-can-unite-communities-214212">'The boss of Country', not wild dogs to kill: living with dingoes can unite communities</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>Three weeks afterward as part of the Independent Expert Panel reviewing the Wildlife Act, I submitted our report to the state government. The government commissioned the review because it was concerned about limitations of the laws following two high-profile cases, including the deliberate <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-04/wedge-tailed-eagle-deaths-prompt-review-of-wildlife-act/12210956">mass killing of wedge-tailed eagles</a>, a species acknowledged by many Indigenous Victorians as the Creator.</p>
<p>In the two years since we submitted our report, the Victorian government has not responded nor released our report publicly. </p>
<p>In September last year, the Barengi Gadjin Land Council called for an end to indiscriminate killing of dingoes, a species Indigenous Australians consider <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-boss-of-country-not-wild-dogs-to-kill-living-with-dingoes-can-unite-communities-214212">kin</a>. Just weeks later, the Victorian government extended the unprotection order for dingoes. </p>
<p>In October 2022 the Victorian Auditor General’s Office released a report titled <a href="https://www.audit.vic.gov.au/report/protecting-victorias-biodiversity?section=">Protecting Victoria’s Biodiversity</a>. It highlighted flaws in the state environment department’s threatened species protection and the data that informed decision-making. </p>
<p>That report also noted the department received less than half of the funding it requested to meet its own targets. What’s more, the most recent state budget <a href="https://greens.org.au/vic/news/media-release/labors-state-budget-fails-struggling-victorians-greens">decreased spending on the environment</a>.</p>
<p>So where does this get us? Late last year the Victorian State of the Environment <a href="https://www.ces.vic.gov.au/soe2023">report</a> was quietly tabled in parliament. Among the grim findings were that biodiversity continues to decline. Most biodiversity indicators assessed had deteriorated since 2018. These declines included “waterbird species in the Murray–Darling Basin” and “distribution and abundance of waterbirds in the Murray–Darling Basin”.</p>
<p><div data-react-class="Tweet" data-react-props="{"tweetId":"1751851975363187064"}"></div></p>
<h2>Demand more from the Victorian government</h2>
<p>The Victorian government’s support for recreational duck hunting is just one in a litany of failures to respond adequately to environment decline and to support the views of Indigenous Victorians. </p>
<p>The world is achingly beautiful, but that beauty is fading. It’s not fading in a faraway place, it’s happening on your doorstep, within your sphere of influence. </p>
<p>We, as Victorians, must accept our responsibility to care for this place that sustains us both physically and spiritually. We must demand that governments acknowledge the environment is being devastated and prioritise policies to reverse the trend. We cannot abdicate this responsibility to Country any longer.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/humpback-whales-hold-lore-for-traditional-custodians-but-laws-dont-protect-species-for-their-cultural-significance-213073">Humpback whales hold lore for Traditional Custodians. But laws don't protect species for their cultural significance</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/222156/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Jack Pascoe is affiliated with Back to Country and is Co-Chief Councilor of the Biodiversity Council. </span></em></p>Victoria’s decision this week to reject a ban on duck hunting is a shot to the heart for proud Yuin man Jack Pascoe, son of Bruce Pascoe. The black duck Yumburra is a Yuin tribal totem.Jack Pascoe, Research fellow, The University of MelbourneLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2139742023-09-20T06:27:56Z2023-09-20T06:27:56ZVictoria’s housing plan is bold and packed with initiatives. But can it be delivered?<p>Victoria has led the states and territories in setting out a detailed <a href="https://dtp.vic.gov.au/about/transport-news/news-archive/victorias-housing-statement">housing statement</a> that it says will help tackle the state’s housing shortage.</p>
<p>Broad in scope and ambition, the plan includes new dwelling supply targets for Melbourne and regional Victoria, new fast-track deadlines for dwelling approvals and legislative reforms to protect private tenants.</p>
<p>There are also major place-based initiatives that, if successful, will transform Melbourne as a city. These include the re-purposing of its 44 high-rise public housing towers, a new planning act, as well as a freshly minted tax on short-term rentals to help fund more social housing.</p>
<p>There is a lot to be done, but do the individual initiatives stack up as a coherent package and, more importantly, will they deliver the policy goods?</p>
<p>One answer to that is to be found in its vision. Instead of addressing itself to colourful and culturally significant questions that surround housing – such as whether or not the government wishes all Victorians to live in a home of their own or in secure social housing - the statement sets itself a much less interesting challenge.</p>
<h2>Affordable housing and plenty of it</h2>
<p>Top of the list is the need for more housing, for as the premier put it in his introduction to the statement, “It’s a simple proposition: build more homes, and they’ll be more affordable”. </p>
<p>And more housing delivered faster is said to be needed because of a booming population. Gone are the pandemic-era years of population decline. Victoria is now the <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-01-20/new-data-reveals-victorian-suburb-fastest-growing/101876638">fastest growing state in the country</a>, with 3.5 million more people expected to arrive over the next 28 years.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/the-greens-were-right-to-pass-australias-housing-future-fund-bill-the-case-for-further-delay-was-weak-213255">The Greens were right to pass Australia's Housing Future Fund bill – the case for further delay was weak</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>The number one goal is to build 800,000 new dwellings over the next decade, with 250,000 or almost a third of these to be a product of the housing statement. </p>
<p>That’s a powerful if uninspiring goal, but the statement has little detail of where all those dwellings are to come from. We do know 60,000 are to come from ten new activity centres, 13,000 from streamlined planning regulations for medium and high density developments overseen by the planning minister instead of councils. Another 10,000 will result from converting commercial buildings to residential, and 9,000 from using surplus government land.</p>
<p>What about the backlog of local council approvals that figured prominently in the pre-statement publicity? Well that amounts to only 1,400 permits as it turns out, with an indeterminate number being held up perhaps for good reason.</p>
<p>Around 10,000 will come from new social and affordable housing, accounting for barely 4% of the planned additional supply. By way of contrast, the plan is expected to boost the supply of private rental accommodation by 70,000, or 28% of the new stock. That’s not good news for Generation Rent, which might have been hoping for new ladders into homes of their own.</p>
<p>But the statement is by no means bad news for tenants. There are new initiatives designed to bolster tenant rights, including a ban on rental bidding, establishing a new rental disputes agency, and restricting landlords’ ability to raise rents in between successive fixed-term rental agreements.</p>
<p>Who might be the statement’s biggest winners? That would be the building industry and the developers who drive new housing supply. This is a statement that promises them more work more quickly with lower costs. Those lower costs will come even if those dwellings are not built, and it is here that the biggest problems with the statement are to be found.</p>
<h2>Potential problems</h2>
<p>Victoria’s housing system depends heavily on private markets, which in turn depend on consumers willing and able to fund them. Declining real incomes, insecure work together with HECS debts for graduates provide the unmentioned backdrop to the housing statement. </p>
<p>Today’s high interest rate environment is not one that is conducive to increased dwelling supply or improved affordability, and the current record level of migration sits next door to it as a housing policy contradiction.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/governments-are-pouring-money-into-housing-but-materials-land-and-labour-are-still-in-short-supply-205471">Governments are pouring money into housing but materials, land and labour are still in short supply</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>Yes town planners play a role, but research shows new housing supply may not be the problem it has been made out to be, including by <a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/publications/submissions/housing-and-housing-finance/inquiry-into-housing-affordability-and-supply-in-australia/pdf/inquiry-into-housing-affordability-and-supply-in-australia.pdf">respected economists at the RBA</a>.</p>
<p>Researchers have also pointed out planning laws and regulations have been subjected to countless reviews and reforms over the last two decades, including the introduction of a variety of fast tracks and templates, with no discernible impact on housing supply or affordability.</p>
<p>For all its ambition, the Victorian government’s housing statement sets bold targets, but has no clear means to achieve them. It offers a lot of individual initiatives, but in the end can be criticised for offering no compelling vision.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/213974/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>David Hayward Chaired the Victorian government’s Review of Social Housing Regulation (completed June 2022). </span></em></p>The thinking behind the state government’s ambitious housing plan is simple - build more homes and they’ll be more affordable.David Hayward, Emeritus Professor of Public Policy, RMIT UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2099612023-07-18T07:23:10Z2023-07-18T07:23:10Z‘Existential questions’: is this the beginning of the end of the Commonwealth Games?<p>Premier Daniel Andrews announced on Tuesday that the Victorian government has withdrawn from its commitment to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, citing an anticipated cost blowout from an original estimate of A$2.6 billion to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/jul/18/australia-commonwealth-games-2026-victoria-cancels-event-after-funding-shortfall">over $6-$7 billion</a>.</p>
<p>Commonwealth Games Australia chief executive Craig Phillips described the decision as “beyond disappointing”. Phillips questions the government’s figures, <a href="https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/2023/07/18/commonwealth-games-federation/">saying that the</a> cost of running the Gold Coast event in 2018 was $1.2 billion and the 2022 Birmingham Games was $1.8 billion.</p>
<p>The government said existing funding set aside for the games will remain invested in regional projects intended to create an event “legacy”. </p>
<p>Aside from the viability of the 2026 event, Victoria pulling out of hosting the event raises the broader question of whether the Commonwealth Games will survive.</p>
<h2>How has this happened?</h2>
<p>Victoria secured the Commonwealth Games in April 2022 with a unique multi-region model that sought to bring the event to regional Victoria.</p>
<p>Despite the obvious risks and costs associated with decentralising a major event away from pre-existing infrastructure in Melbourne, Andrews <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/victoria-confirms-bid-for-2026-commonwealth-games-20220216-p59wvp.html">noted</a> at bid submission that</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Victoria is Australia’s sporting state, and, if awarded the 2026 Commonwealth Games would demonstrate to the world a new way to deliver the competition.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Andrews made clear the decision to withdraw was entirely financial, stating that the new estimated cost of potentially over $7 billion “does not represent value for money”.</p>
<p>When pressed at his media conference to provide accountability as to how his government’s costing could have been so grossly inaccurate, Andrews said that certain event costs were unforeseeable.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>What could not be reasonably foreseen, and was not foreseen, was the costs incurred in terms of services, security, transport […] there were estimates that were made and those estimates are clearly well and truly under the actual cost.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The Commonwealth Games Federation and Commonwealth Games Australia dispute these costs estimates. They <a href="https://www.commonwealthsport.com/news/3594069/response-to-victoria-government-2026-commonwealth-game-host-withdrawal">signalled</a> the blame for any cost overruns lies with the Victorian government.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The numbers quoted to us today of $6 billion are 50% more than those advised to the Organising Committee board at its meeting in June. </p>
<p>Since awarding Victoria the Games, the Government has made decisions to include more sports and an additional regional hub, and changed plans for venues, all of which have added considerable expense, often against the advice of the Commonwealth Games Federation and Commonwealth Games Australia.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><div data-react-class="Tweet" data-react-props="{"tweetId":"1681087774110384128"}"></div></p>
<h2>The implications</h2>
<p>The decision to withdraw from hosting the event will still incur costs. This includes pre-existing costs related to staffing contracts, renting premises and marketing, as well as to-be-determined contractual break costs as negotiated with the Commonwealth Games Federation.</p>
<p>The financial costs of the withdrawal, however, may pale against the longer-term reputational damage done to Victoria and perhaps Australia more broadly.</p>
<p>This decision may also damage Andrews’ reputation. In proposing an untested regional games delivery model, it was incumbent on the government to adopt a particularly rigorous process to ensure the the event’s viability, which does not appear to have been done.</p>
<p><div data-react-class="Tweet" data-react-props="{"tweetId":"1681093832811905024"}"></div></p>
<h2>Is Victoria still Australia’s ‘sporting capital’?</h2>
<p>Victoria has long proclaimed itself Australia’s (and even the world’s) <a href="https://search.informit.org/doi/abs/10.3316/INFORMIT.143058285756777">sporting capital</a>. The state has developed an unparalleled portfolio of major sport events since the 1980s, and become a global exemplar in executing major events in the process. </p>
<p>But withdrawing from the 2026 Commonwealth Games arguably represents Australia’s most prominent sporting failure of the past half-century, and is a significant reputational blow to Victoria’s sporting pre-eminence.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/for-cities-hosting-major-sporting-events-is-a-double-edged-sword-76929">For cities, hosting major sporting events is a double-edged sword</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>What’s more, in an <a href="https://inqld.com.au/news/2023/07/12/take-that-melbourne-brisbane-now-rated-as-australias-sports-capital/">annual global ranking of sport cities</a> published last month, before the Commonwealth Games decision, Brisbane (15th) leapfrogged Melbourne (23rd) and Sydney (44th) to become Australia’s top ranked.</p>
<p>Brisbane’s success isn’t only attributable to its impending hosting of the 2032 Olympics. Its ranking also recognises that the FIFA Women’s World Cup is being played predominantly in the north-east Australian states due to <a href="https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/sport/soccer/not-a-realistic-option-why-the-matildas-aren-t-playing-at-the-mcg-20230717-p5doxk.html">stadium challenges</a> associated with <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/dec/03/melbourne-falls-short-in-womens-world-cup-venue-allocation">AFL-orientated</a> Victoria.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, South Australia’s recent sporting successes include the hosting of <a href="https://www.afl.com.au/news/906620/afl-to-gather-round-again-in-sa-for-next-three-years">AFL Gather Round</a>, LIV Golf and recent procurement of the <a href="https://supernetball.com.au/news/location-2024-ssn-grand-final-revealed#:%7E:text=Adelaide%20will%20host%20the%202024,at%20the%20Adelaide%20Entertainment%20Centre.">2024 Super Netball</a> final from Victoria.</p>
<p>Victoria’s grip on the “sports capital” title is increasingly tenuous.</p>
<h2>The end of the Commonwealth Games?</h2>
<p>Perhaps the most critical question is the viability not only of the 2026 Games, but also the broader Commonwealth Games movement.</p>
<p>Victoria’s withdrawal continues a trend of recent instability. In 2017, the South African city of <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-games-commonwealth-durban-idUSKBN16K1UN">Durban</a> was stripped of 2022 hosting rights for a failure to meet key obligations around governance, venues and funding.</p>
<p>However, whereas the Commonwealth Games Federation had just under 2,000 days to secure a replacement host for 2022, Victoria’s withdrawal has occurred only 973 days prior to the start of the event.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/major-sports-events-are-they-worth-it-80691">Major sports events: are they worth it?</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>The movement’s broader existence is perilous given there’s a shrinking pool of host cities. Victoria was the <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/sport/melbourne-set-to-step-into-breach-as-2026-commonwealth-games-host-city-20220118-p59p6r.html">only formal applicant</a> for the 2026 edition. </p>
<p>This is a challenge faced by large sporting events more broadly, with potential applicants <a href="https://www.routledge.com/Sport-Management-in-Australia-Organisation-Development-and-Global-Perspectives/Karg-Shilbury-Phillips-Rowe-Fujak/p/book/9781032330242?_ga=1233395845.1684800000">increasingly wary</a> of the significant costs.</p>
<p>Even the summer and winter Olympic Games have increasingly struggled to attract applicants. This resulted in the <a href="https://olympics.com/ioc/2024-2028-host-city-election">unprecedented</a> move to simultaneously award the 2024 and 2028 summer games to Paris and Los Angeles in 2017 – normally the summer games are awarded to one city at a time.</p>
<p>With seemingly little global appetite to host the event, and broader cultural discussions in Australia and abroad surrounding the role of the monarchy, existential questions surround the Commonwealth Games movement.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/209961/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>A shrinking pool of host cities, high costs, and cultural questions about the monarchy: why the Commonwealth Games are under threat.Hunter Fujak, Lecturer in Sport Management, Deakin UniversityDamien Whitburn, Lecturer, Sport Management, Deakin UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2065962023-06-04T20:05:10Z2023-06-04T20:05:10ZWe can’t just walk away after the logging stops in Victoria’s native forests. Here’s what must happen next<p>By the end of this year, native forest logging <a href="https://theconversation.com/after-the-chainsaws-the-quiet-victorias-rapid-exit-from-native-forest-logging-is-welcome-and-long-overdue-206181">will cease</a> in Victoria. Now begins a long and difficult process to recover vast areas of forest after more than 50 years of clearfelling and other destructive logging practices.</p>
<p>The supply of sawlogs in Victoria was close to being <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41559-017-0309-1">exhausted</a>, and the state’s logging industry had long been financially unviable. Restoring the forest offers the opportunity to put something better in its place. </p>
<p>For many years, we’ve <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s11056-018-9633-9">thought deeply</a> about the problem of these degraded forests and the restoration needed. It’s a huge job, but it can be done. Here, we outline what’s needed.</p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="protesters with sign 'logging fuels climate catastrophe'" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/529750/original/file-20230602-21-2owrp4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/529750/original/file-20230602-21-2owrp4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/529750/original/file-20230602-21-2owrp4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/529750/original/file-20230602-21-2owrp4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/529750/original/file-20230602-21-2owrp4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/529750/original/file-20230602-21-2owrp4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/529750/original/file-20230602-21-2owrp4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">After decades of protect, native logging in Victoria will end. Now beings the process of restoration.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Joe Castro/AAP</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>The scale of the problem</h2>
<p>Since the 1960s, clearcut logging has occurred across more than <a href="https://discover.data.vic.gov.au/dataset/harvested-logging-coupes-one-layer-per-logging-season2">300,000 hectares</a> of Victoria’s forests. Aside from the direct destruction, the logging has left remaining forest ecosystems badly fragmented.</p>
<p>Much logging was concentrated in the <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/aec.12805">most species-rich areas of the state</a>. Logging removed <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2016.04.017">critical habitat</a> for threatened animals such as Leadbeater’s possum and the southern greater glider. </p>
<p>Young trees now dominate much of Victoria’s forest. It can take more than 120 years for trees to mature and form the hollows that <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2017.02.014">animals require</a> to breed, nest and shelter. Until then, artificial hollows such as nest boxes will be required. They must be designed, built and installed properly, and replaced as needed.</p>
<p>In many parts of Victoria, extensive stands of trees need to be re-established. Preliminary assessments suggest regeneration of tree cover has partially or completely failed in <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-11-30/vicforests-accused-of-failing-to-regenerate-logged-forests/100652148">up to 30% of logged areas</a>. In addition, <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/epdf/10.1080/00049158.1998.10674726?needAccess=true&role=button">large parts</a> of a logging coupe can comprise cleared areas where trees were dragged, trimmed and loaded onto trucks.</p>
<p>It gets worse. Following successive major wildfires in many parts of Victoria, large areas of forest have <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11258-021-01217-2">failed to regrow</a>. Vast amounts of seed must now be collected and sewn to re-establish forest.</p>
<p>And in many areas, logging has altered the mix of tree species. The leaves of trees that remain are often <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2019.117585">unsuitable</a> as food for iconic animals such as the koala and southern greater glider. The right mix of tree species must now be restored. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/after-the-chainsaws-the-quiet-victorias-rapid-exit-from-native-forest-logging-is-welcome-and-long-overdue-206181">After the chainsaws, the quiet: Victoria's rapid exit from native forest logging is welcome – and long overdue</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="A logging area burnt after clearfelling." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/529725/original/file-20230602-15-2owrp4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/529725/original/file-20230602-15-2owrp4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/529725/original/file-20230602-15-2owrp4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/529725/original/file-20230602-15-2owrp4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/529725/original/file-20230602-15-2owrp4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/529725/original/file-20230602-15-2owrp4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/529725/original/file-20230602-15-2owrp4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Logging in Victoria’s native forests will be banned from next year. Pictured: a logging area burnt after clearfelling.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Chris Taylor</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Yet more challenges</h2>
<p>The types of restoration methods used needs careful consideration. Forestry industry advocates have <a href="https://ausfpa.com.au/publications/using-fire-and-machines-to-better-fire/">promoted</a> activities such as industrial tree thinning, but this can make things <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/conl.12766">worse</a>.</p>
<p>We must be careful, too, about industrial-scale prescribed burning. When done badly, it can harm forests and their biodiversity. This recently occurred south of Perth, when a population of the endangered western ringtail possum was <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.13264">decimated</a> by a prescribed burn.</p>
<p>Neither burning nor thinning on an industrial scale will be appropriate in some ecosystems. These include those dominated by mountain ash and alpine ash, where a lot of logging in Victoria was concentrated over the past few decades. Industrial-scale prescribed burning would likely lead to their <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/emr.12564">collapse</a>.</p>
<p>Yet another restoration challenge will be controlling feral animals such introduced deer, which do <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/WR16148">enormous damage</a>. Major and sustained efforts will be needed to control <a href="https://invasives.org.au/blog/the-rise-and-rise-of-feral-deer-in-australia">exploding numbers</a> of these pest animals. </p>
<p>Robust monitoring programs are <a href="https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2021.0082">essential</a> to guide forest restoration. Collecting reliable data on a forest’s condition and biodiversity can <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s11056-018-9633-9">help determine</a> whether restoration activities should continue or be changed.</p>
<p>Victoria <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/acv.12634">already has</a> monitoring programs that can perform this task. They should be maintained and expanded. Monitoring programs will also be crucial to the federal government’s so-called “nature repair market”, in which investors pay for habitat restoration in exchange for tradeable certificates. Monitoring is <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/emr.12573">needed</a> to ensure the integrity of this scheme.</p>
<p>Restoration programs must be coupled with an expansion of national parks and other protected areas in Victoria. In particular, the Victorian government should honour its <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/minister-flags-new-national-park-within-this-term-to-save-the-possum-20150502-1mydgl.html">2015 promise</a> to create a Great Forest National Park. This park along with others must be developed with First Nations people. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/hecs-for-farmers-nature-repair-loans-could-help-biodiversity-recover-and-boost-farm-productivity-204040">HECS for farmers? Nature repair loans could help biodiversity recover – and boost farm productivity</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>First Nations empowerment is key</h2>
<p>Restoring heavily logged forests will need an active workforce for many years to come. Meaningful and productive jobs will be available in areas such as tourism and forest management. </p>
<p>And First Nations people should now be <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-should-happen-to-native-forests-when-logging-ends-ask-victorias-first-peoples-206412">given the opportunity</a> to heal and manage Country. A Victorian government <a href="https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/new-jobs-back-aboriginal-workers-and-communities">program</a> to support Aboriginal jobseekers may be a way to support these activities.</p>
<p>First Nations people have already identified ways to heal and manage Country through self-determination and cultural practices. It’s involved a lot of work convening traditional knowledge-holders and working with government, including a <a href="https://www.deeca.vic.gov.au/futureforests/what-were-doing/victorian-cultural-landscapes-strategy">Cultural Landscapes Strategy</a> launched in 2021. The end to logging removes a key barrier to implementing the plan.</p>
<p>The First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria is making serious headway towards powerful and practical statewide and local treaties. These would <a href="https://www.firstpeoplesvic.org/treaty/">ensure</a> First Nations people have the power to make decisions that affect Country.</p>
<p>However, the Federation of Victorian Traditional Owner Corporations <a href="https://www.fvtoc.com.au/dont-stop-now">says</a> protection and restoration challenges must be urgently addressed, and land rights <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5b337bd52714e5a3a3f671e2/t/646c7440d57d9665a1a83aa6/1684829249204/20230523+Victorian+Traditional+Owners+must+lead+partnership+deciding+future+of+forested+Country.PDF">can’t wait</a> for treaties.</p>
<h2>Let’s get this right</h2>
<p>Many parts of the world have successfully moved away from heavy extraction-based industries – both ecologically and economically. It is time for Victoria to do this in forests.</p>
<p>The decision to end native forest logging in Victoria came decades too late, but vast areas of badly damaged forest can be restored. And if it’s done right, people and the economy will benefit too.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/logged-native-forests-mostly-end-up-in-landfill-not-in-buildings-and-furniture-115054">Logged native forests mostly end up in landfill, not in buildings and furniture</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/206596/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>David Lindenmayer receives funding from the Australian Government, the Victorian Government and the NSW Government. He is a member of the Biodiversity Council and Birds Australia.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Chris Taylor does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Now begins a long and difficult process to recover vast areas of forest after more than 50 years of destructive logging.David Lindenmayer, Professor, The Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National UniversityChris Taylor, Research Fellow, Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1901362022-09-21T22:08:39Z2022-09-21T22:08:39ZHow Victorian Labor’s failure on upper house electoral reform undermines democracy<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/485458/original/file-20220920-325-b0kwpz.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">AAP/Joel Carrett</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>At the 2018 Victorian state election, Labor easily won a majority in the lower house of the Victorian parliament, but the upper house result was an anti-democratic shambles, as the Greens won just one of the 40 upper house seats, while three parties with very small vote shares won seats.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/victorian-upper-house-greatly-distorted-by-group-voting-tickets-federal-labor-still-dominant-in-newspoll-108488">Victorian upper house greatly distorted by group voting tickets; federal Labor still dominant in Newspoll</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>The 2018 upper house result was due to “group voting tickets (GVT)”, in which parties choose the preferences of all people who vote for them “above the line”.</p>
<p>Results like in Victoria 2018 have led to GVT being scrapped in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Group_voting_ticket">New South Wales</a> before the 2003 election, the federal Senate before the 2016 election, and in South Australia before the 2018 election, while reforms to the Western Australian upper house <a href="https://antonygreen.com.au/wa-to-adopt-state-wide-election-for-the-legislative-council/">will be implemented</a> at the 2025 election.</p>
<p>Victoria is the last Australian jurisdiction that still uses GVT. All other jurisdictions that used GVT have replaced it with systems that allow voters to direct their own preferences above the line. Preferences are either completely optional (NSW, SA and WA) or require at least six boxes to be marked above the line (federal Senate).</p>
<p>GVT will be used at the November 26 Victorian state election, after no changes to the electoral law were made by Wednesday’s last Victorian <a href="https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/about/daily-calendar/yearly-sitting-dates">parliamentary sitting day</a> before the election.</p>
<p>Victoria uses eight upper house regions that return five members each, so a quota is one-sixth of the vote, or 16.7%. In 2018 the Greens won 9.3% of the statewide upper house vote, but just one of 40 seats (2.5%). There were three occasions where a party won a seat in a region from under 0.1 quotas (1.5% of votes).</p>
<p>GVT allow very small parties to overtake far bigger parties on 100% preference flows from other parties’ above the line votes. When voters direct their own preferences, the GVT preference spiral does not occur. At the last federal election, preferences were only decisive in one Senate seat: <a href="https://theconversation.com/act-senate-result-pocock-defeats-liberals-in-first-time-liberals-have-not-won-one-act-senate-seat-184738">David Pocock’s win</a> in the ACT Senate.</p>
<h2>Labor has neglected to reform GVT</h2>
<p>Labor has been the Victorian government since the November 2014 state election, under Premier Daniel Andrews. In the eight years Labor has governed, they have never proposed anything to scrap GVT and move to a more democratic system. This is a dereliction of Labor’s responsibility to ensure elections are democratic.</p>
<p>At the 2018 election, the upper house result was 18 Labor out of 40, 11 Coalition, one Green, three Derryn Hinch Justice, two Liberal Democrats, and one each for Animal Justice, Sustainable Australia, Transport Matters, Fiona Patten and Shooters, Fishers & Farmers. As tied votes fail, 21 votes are needed to pass legislation.</p>
<p>Labor and the Greens alone could not pass reforms scrapping GVT through the current upper house, and the crossbenchers who owe their seats to GVT are not interested in reforms. But at the 2018 election, the Coalition lost three seats that they would have won under a fairer system.</p>
<p>The Coalition and Labor still easily have a combined majority in the upper house. Labor should have made a concrete proposal for reform. If the Coalition rejected that proposal, then the current situation would be their fault.</p>
<p>Labor has not even attempted to abolish GVT in the last eight years, so we will be stuck with an upper house elected by GVT for at least the next four years.</p>
<h2>Labor likely to suffer losses in upper house if vote share falls</h2>
<p>If the major parties are strong, the effect of GVT is reduced as they will win a large share of seats on filled quotas. In Victoria, if Labor won 50% in a region and the Coalition 33.3%, Labor would win three seats and the Coalition two.</p>
<p>Upper house vote shares at the 2018 election were 39.2% Labor, 29.4% Coalition, 9.3% Greens and 3.8% Hinch Justice. Labor won 16 of its 18 seats on raw quotas, and received some assistance in Western Metro and Northern Victoria regions.</p>
<p>At the May federal election, the Victorian Senate result had the Coalition down 3.6% from the 2019 election, but Labor’s vote was only up 0.3% with the Greens up 3.2%. Lower <a href="https://theconversation.com/victorian-newspoll-gives-labor-big-lead-three-months-before-election-189473">house polling</a> for the state election suggests Labor’s primary vote will be down on 2018, with the Greens up.</p>
<p>If Labor’s vote falls, they will win fewer upper house seats on raw quotas, meaning they could be beaten by GVT snowballs. The Greens would benefit from a higher vote share to allow them to reach quota in the Southern Metro region as well as Northern Metro.</p>
<p>In 2018, Labor did well and the Greens and Coalition badly from GTV, but that will not necessarily apply at the forthcoming election. Even if Labor wins the lower house decisively, as polls currently indicate, the upper house could be a massive mess.</p>
<p>I have no idea which particular others will win seats: it’s a lottery that depends on preference deals. But Labor’s failure to do anything about this system could lead to anti-vaxxers winning seats.</p>
<h2>What voters can do to thwart preference deals</h2>
<p>For a valid vote, Victoria only requires <a href="https://www.vec.vic.gov.au/voting/2022-state-election/how-to-fill-out-a-ballot-paper">five preferences below the line</a>. The below the line section of the ballot paper has candidate names grouped by party. Voting below the line means the voter controls where their preferences go; it’s not up to party preference deals.</p>
<p>For a meaningful vote, it’s best if people vote at least 1-5 below the line. They can continue to number beyond 5, but only five preferences are required for a formal vote.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/190136/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Adrian Beaumont does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Victorian Labor has had ample time to reform upper house voting - its failure to do so is a blight on democracy in the state.Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist), The ConversationLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1629232021-06-17T05:42:40Z2021-06-17T05:42:40ZVictorian Labor holds comfortable lead; flawed climate change question in federal Resolve poll<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/406933/original/file-20210617-25-mvkrjx.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">AAP/Luis Ascui</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>A Victorian <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/voters-shun-labor-over-covid-but-andrews-still-preferred-premier-20210616-p581h1.html">Resolve poll</a> for The Age gave Labor 37% of the primary vote (42.9% at the 2018 election), the Coalition 36% (35.2%), the Greens 9% (10.7%) and independents 12% (6.1%).</p>
<p>This poll was presumably conducted at the same time as Resolve’s federal May and June polls, from a sample of 1,103. As usual with Resolve polls, no two party figure was provided, but <a href="https://www.pollbludger.net/2021/06/17/resolve-strategic-labor-37-coalition-36-greens-9-in-victoria/">The Poll Bludger</a> estimated 53-47 to Labor, about a 4% swing to the Coalition since the election.</p>
<p>On the high vote for independents, it appears some voters are dissatisfied with the three main options, and are parking their vote. It’s unlikely independents would get 12% at an election, as those who say they will vote for independents may not like the actual independents in a particular seat.</p>
<p>Incumbent Daniel Andrews led Opposition Leader Michael O'Brien as preferred premier by 49-23. Andrews had a net +10 likeability rating (42% positive, 32% negative), and O'Brien a net -8 rating (14% positive, 22% negative). Acting Premier James Merlino had a net +15 rating (30% positive, 15% negative).</p>
<p>The Age is comparing the Victorian ratings with the ratings for NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian in May’s NSW Resolve poll. Berejiklian was at a net +33 (51% positive, 17% negative).</p>
<p>In questions on the recent COVID crisis that were presumably asked in just the June sample, by 46-36 voters agreed that the government was too quick to lockdown large parts of the state. However, voters agreed 46-34 that the government has handled this outbreak well so far.</p>
<p>There is other evidence of a backlash against the Victorian government over its handling of COVID. In last week’s <a href="https://essentialvision.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Essential-Report-070621_V2.pdf">Essential federal</a> poll, 48% gave the Victorian government a good rating on COVID, down from 63% in the late May Essential before the current crisis.</p>
<p>It’s likely that the 2018 election landslide was a high water mark for Labor in Victoria, and that they would fall from that position even with better perception of handling of COVID. However, Labor is still comfortably ahead and the clear favourites for the November 2022 election.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/morrison-slumps-in-newspoll-but-coalition-gains-as-lockdown-shows-vaccination-is-essential-162166">Morrison slumps in Newspoll but Coalition gains, as lockdown shows vaccination is essential</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>Federal Resolve poll: flawed question on carbon price</h2>
<p>In a federal <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/interactive/2021/political-monitor/index.html">Resolve poll</a> for Nine newspapers, conducted June 8-12 from a sample of 1,600, the Coalition had 40% of the primary vote (up one since May), Labor 36% (up one), the Greens 10% (down two) and One Nation 3% (up one).</p>
<p>No two party vote was provided, but <a href="https://www.pollbludger.net/2021/06/16/resolve-strategic-coalition-40-labor-36-greens-10/">The Poll Bludger</a> estimated a 50.5-49.5 lead for Labor from these primaries, a 0.5% gain for the Coalition.</p>
<p>55% <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/voters-want-australia-to-set-a-net-zero-2050-emissions-target-but-no-carbon-tax-20210615-p5813w.html">supported the government</a> adopting a net zero emissions target by 2050, with just 12% opposed. However, when offered a choice between new technologies and putting a cost on emissions to reduce Australia’s carbon emissions, 61% supported new technology and just 13% the cost on emissions.</p>
<p>The problem with the second question is that voters were given a choice between something that sounds free (new tech), and something that has a cost (carbon price). It is completely unsurprising, given this framing, that voters massively prefer new tech. A better framing would be to ask whether the government should invest money in new tech, or put a price on carbon.</p>
<p>However, voters are reluctant to spend money on emissions reduction. In a <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20200224043158/https://theaustralianatnewscorpau.files.wordpress.com/2020/02/newspoll.jpg">February 2020 Newspoll</a>, 50% said they were prepared to pay nothing more on electricity to meet emissions targets, and a further 23% just $100 more a year. This poll was taken after the 2019-20 summer bushfires, and before COVID. Voters are unlikely to be so concerned about climate change now.</p>
<p>In other Resolve questions, Scott Morrison had a 48% good, 41% poor rating for his performance in recent weeks, with his +7 net rating down <a href="https://theconversation.com/coalition-has-large-lead-in-nsw-as-nats-easily-hold-upper-hunter-at-byelection-161273">eight points</a> since May. Anthony Albanese had an unchanged -13 net rating, and Morrison led Albanese by 46-23 as preferred PM (48-25 in May).</p>
<p>The Coalition and Morrison continued to hold large leads over Labor and Albanese on the economy and COVID. They led by 43-20 on the economy (46-20 in May) and by 40-20 on COVID (46-20).</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/has-a-backlash-against-political-correctness-made-sexual-misbehaviour-more-acceptable-158428">Has a backlash against political correctness made sexual misbehaviour more acceptable?</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>Essential and Morgan polls</h2>
<p>In last week’s Essential poll, Morrison had a net approval of +21, down five points since May, and Albanese a net approval of +3, down one point. Morrison led Albanese by 48-28 as better PM (50-24 in May).</p>
<p>53% gave the federal government a good rating on COVID and 24% a poor one, well down from the 58-18 rating in late May. In all states, the state government was ahead of the federal government, with the largest gap in WA (75% good for state government, just 49% for federal government).</p>
<p>In a <a href="http://www.roymorgan.com/findings/8726-federal-voting-intention-june-2021-202106090557">Morgan poll</a>, conducted May 29-30 and June 5-6 from a sample of over 2,800, Labor led the Coalition by 51-49, a 0.5% gain for Labor since March. Primary votes were 40% Coalition (down one), 35.5% Labor (up one), 11.5% Greens (down one) and 3% One Nation (up 0.5%).</p>
<h2>Netanyahu ousted in Israel, and other international politics</h2>
<p>I wrote for <a href="https://www.pollbludger.net/2021/06/14/netanyahu-ousted-in-israeli-knesset-confidence-vote/">The Poll Bludger</a> on Monday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had been ousted in a confidence vote, ending his 12 successive years as PM. Also covered: a German state election and federal polls ahead of the September 26 election; two UK byelections that occur in the next fortnight; and the far-left’s narrow win over the far-right in Peru.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/162923/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Adrian Beaumont does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Despite sending Victorians into their fourth lockdown, the Andrews government retains a healthy lead in polling and is favoured to win the next election.Adrian Beaumont, Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of MelbourneLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1603642021-05-09T19:46:17Z2021-05-09T19:46:17ZA great start, but still not enough: why Victoria’s new climate target isn’t as ambitious as it sounds<p>In a great start towards net zero emissions by 2050, the Victorian Government recently released their <a href="https://www.climatechange.vic.gov.au/victorian-government-action-on-climate-change">Climate Change Strategy</a>, committing to halving greenhouse emissions by 2030.</p>
<p>Victoria’s leadership, alongside <a href="https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/resources/what-does-net-zero-emissions-mean/">commitments from other Australian states and territories</a>, stands in stark contrast to the <a href="https://theconversation.com/spot-the-difference-as-world-leaders-rose-to-the-occasion-at-the-biden-climate-summit-morrison-faltered-159295">poor climate performance of our federal government</a>.</p>
<p>But is it enough? Climate scientists are urging Australia <a href="https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/resources/net-zero-emissions-plummet-decade/">to do more to reduce emissions and to do it quicker</a> if we’re going to avert dangerous global warming. In fact, a <a href="https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/resources/net-zero-emissions-plummet-decade/">recent Climate Council report</a> claims achieving net zero emissions by 2050 is at least a decade too late.</p>
<p>We think the Victorian government has the legal mandate to do more. But we also recognise that ambitious climate action at the state level is hindered by a lack of commitment at the federal level.</p>
<h2>Using law to drive emissions reductions</h2>
<p>Victoria’s new strategy was developed under the <a href="https://www.climatechange.vic.gov.au/legislation/climate-change-act-2017">Climate Change Act 2017</a>, state legislation requiring the government to set interim emissions reduction targets on the way to net zero by 2050. </p>
<p>It spreads the job of achieving these targets across the economy, with different ministers responsible for pledging emissions reductions actions and reporting on progress over time.</p>
<p>Laws like this are <a href="https://www.ecologic.eu/17233">emerging around the world</a> to set targets and hold governments accountable for delivering on them. They’re a key tool to deliver on international commitments under the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to well below 2°C.</p>
<p>Although Australia has set a national target for emissions reduction under the Paris Agreement, it’s widely <a href="https://climateactiontracker.org/countries/australia/">considered to be inadequate</a>, and there’s currently no framework climate law at the national level. Independent Zali Steggall introduced <a href="https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House/Environment_and_Energy/ClimateBills2020">such a bill in 2020</a>, but the Morrison government hasn’t supported it.</p>
<h2>Victoria’s new strategy lacks detail</h2>
<p>Victoria’s <a href="https://www.climatechange.vic.gov.au/victorian-government-action-on-climate-change">Climate Change Strategy</a> contains many exciting climate policy announcements, including: </p>
<ul>
<li><p>renewable energy zones and big batteries in the regions </p></li>
<li><p>all government operations including schools and hospitals powered by 100% renewables by 2025</p></li>
<li><p>targets and subsidies for electric vehicle uptake </p></li>
<li><p>commitments to support innovation in hard-to-abate sectors such as agriculture. </p></li>
</ul>
<p>It also recognises the need to phase out natural gas and accelerate Victoria’s renewable hydrogen industry.</p>
<p>These policies are designed to reduce emissions while supporting economic growth and job creation. Yet they are scant on detail. </p>
<p>There’s heavy reliance on achieving emissions reductions in the energy sector — arguably, this is the low-hanging fruit. Policies in transport and agriculture are far less developed, with no quantification of targeted emissions reductions to 2030. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/399375/original/file-20210507-18-9u9t6l.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="Cows in a paddock" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/399375/original/file-20210507-18-9u9t6l.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/399375/original/file-20210507-18-9u9t6l.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/399375/original/file-20210507-18-9u9t6l.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/399375/original/file-20210507-18-9u9t6l.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/399375/original/file-20210507-18-9u9t6l.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/399375/original/file-20210507-18-9u9t6l.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/399375/original/file-20210507-18-9u9t6l.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Victoria has committed to support innovation in hard-to-abate sectors such as agriculture.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>This makes it difficult to assess whether the sector pledges will drive enough change to achieve the government’s interim targets (ambitious or otherwise) and support a trajectory to net zero.</p>
<p>It has taken several years to develop the Climate Change Strategy. This makes the lack of detail and the undeveloped nature of some pledges a big concern. </p>
<p>There are also few safeguards in the Climate Change Act to ensure pledges add up to achieving targets, or that ministers across sectors deliver on them. Much depends on the political will of the government of the day.</p>
<h2>Why Victoria’s targets aren’t enough</h2>
<p>The Victorian Government proposes targets to reduce emissions by 28–33% on 2005 levels by 2025, and by 45–50% on 2005 levels by 2030.</p>
<p>The government claims these targets are ambitious. Compared to current federal government targets, this is true. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/australias-states-are-forging-ahead-with-ambitious-emissions-reductions-imagine-if-they-worked-together-160191">Australia's states are forging ahead with ambitious emissions reductions. Imagine if they worked together</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>However, the target ranges are lower than those recommended in 2019 by the <a href="https://www.climatechange.vic.gov.au/reducing-emissions/interim-targets">Independent Expert Panel</a>, established under the Climate Change Act to advise the government on target setting. </p>
<p>The panel recommended targets of 32–39% by 2025 and 45–60% by 2030 as Victoria’s “fair share” contribution to limiting warming to well below 2°C in accordance with Paris Agreement goals. And it acknowledged these recommended ranges still wouldn’t be enough to keep warming to 1.5°C, in the context of global efforts. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/399379/original/file-20210507-17-14wodee.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="Solar panels on a roof" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/399379/original/file-20210507-17-14wodee.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/399379/original/file-20210507-17-14wodee.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=362&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/399379/original/file-20210507-17-14wodee.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=362&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/399379/original/file-20210507-17-14wodee.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=362&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/399379/original/file-20210507-17-14wodee.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=455&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/399379/original/file-20210507-17-14wodee.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=455&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/399379/original/file-20210507-17-14wodee.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=455&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Reducing emissions in the energy sector is low-hanging fruit.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Ultimately, Victoria’s targets don’t match what <a href="https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/resources/net-zero-emissions-plummet-decade/">scientists are now telling us</a> about the importance of cutting emissions early to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. </p>
<h2>A pragmatic approach or a missed opportunity?</h2>
<p>In setting the targets, the state government has clearly taken a politically pragmatic approach.</p>
<p>The government claims the targets are <a href="https://www.climatechange.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0025/522169/Victoria-Climate-Change-Strategy-Accessible.pdf">achievable and suggests they would’ve set more ambitious targets if the federal government made a stronger commitment to climate action</a>. </p>
<p>Yes, the current lack of climate ambition at the federal level in Australia is a very real constraint on progress in some areas such as energy, where a coordinated approach is crucial. But this shouldn’t outweigh aligning to best available science.</p>
<p>State governments have many regulatory, policy and economic levers at their disposal, with opportunities to drive significant change and innovation. And Victoria has already demonstrated strong progress in emissions reduction and renewables in the energy sector, <a href="https://reneweconomy.com.au/victoria-passes-half-way-mark-on-road-to-50-renewables-by-2030/">easily meeting and exceeding previous targets</a>. </p>
<p>Under the Climate Change Act, the Victorian Government will need to set new, more ambitious targets in five years. </p>
<p>But waiting five years goes against Victoria’s aim to lead the nation on climate action and contribute fairly to global efforts to mitigate global warming. More ambitious, science-aligned targets now would’ve been a valuable signal for industry and a sign of real climate leadership.</p>
<h2>We need stronger laws</h2>
<p>Without doubt, the new Climate Change Strategy is a significant step forward on an issue that’s plagued Australian politics for years. Victoria has showed framework climate laws can drive government action on climate change.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/conservative-but-green-independent-mp-zali-steggall-could-break-the-governments-climate-policy-deadlock-131644">Conservative but green independent MP Zali Steggall could break the government’s climate policy deadlock</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>But there are also opportunities to bolster the Climate Change Act by aligning targets to science, strengthening legal obligations to drive timely progress, and including an ongoing role for independent experts to advise on target setting and oversee progress.</p>
<p>Finally, it’s important to get on with the job at a federal level. </p>
<p>Zali Steggall’s Climate Change Bill 2020 picks up on best practice climate laws from around the world. It’s also <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jan/30/zali-steggalls-climate-bill-gets-broad-backing-from-industry-groups-and-investors">supported by industry groups and investors</a>.</p>
<p>Victoria’s experience suggests it’s surely time for Australia to take this important step.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/160364/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>In 2020, Anita Foerster received funding from ClientEarth to conduct research into the early implementation of the Victorian Climate Change Act.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>In 2020, Alice Bleby received funding from ClientEarth to conduct research into the early implementation of the Victorian Climate Change Act. Alice Bleby is a PhD Candidate supported by a UNSW Scientia Scholarship.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>In 2020, Anne Kallies received funding from ClientEarth to conduct research into the early implementation of the Victorian Climate Change Act. </span></em></p>The Victorian Government recently released their Climate Change Strategy and committed to halving greenhouse emissions by 2030. Don’t applaud this just yet, there’s much more to do.Anita Foerster, Senior Lecturer, Monash UniversityAlice Bleby, PhD Candidate, UNSW SydneyAnne Kallies, Senior Lecturer, RMIT UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1515542020-12-07T04:59:17Z2020-12-07T04:59:17ZVictorian government must ensure its proposed healthcare database has iron-clad security and privacy<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/373231/original/file-20201207-13-df360m.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>Last weekend, The Age <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/planned-database-of-victorians-health-information-trashes-privacy-20201204-p56kpc.html">reported</a> on a Victorian government plan, quietly unveiled three months ago, that would revolutionise the collection of the private medical data of every Victorian who has ever used public hospitals or health services.</p>
<p>Known as <a href="https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/hospitals-and-health-services/quality-safety-service/digital-health/digital-health-initiatives/clinical-information-sharing">clinical information sharing</a> (CIS), the plan allows the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to gather and collate every patient’s medical records. The records will be stored on a government database and made available to clinicians as required. The database will include information such as clinical details, demographics, attendance information, medications, allergies and adverse reactions, discharge summaries and test results.</p>
<p>According to the proposal, CIS will be expanded over time to include information about treatment pathways, family and social history, and lifestyle factors. The department has also flagged extending the initiative to include patient details not only from public sources but also private hospitals, general practitioners, mental health systems and ambulance services.</p>
<p>The need for better sharing of medical data was highlighted in an independent report commissioned by the government in 2015. It followed several <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-10-14/victoria-health-overhaul-after-bacchus-marsh-baby-deaths/7931912">potentially preventable baby deaths</a> at the Bacchus Marsh Hospital.</p>
<p>While this all sounds highly meritorious, there is one problem: unlike the federal government’s controversial <a href="https://www.myhealthrecord.gov.au/">My Health Record</a>, it is not possible for anyone to opt out. About 10% of people have <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/my-health-record-opt-out-doubles-to-2-5-million-people-20190220-p50z3h.html">opted out of My Health Record</a>, which is not unexpected. </p>
<p>Victorians will have no such option. True, they will have access to the data through an electronic portal, but they won’t be able to change anything or delete information.</p>
<p>This creates a dilemma for the government: even with the best motives, when it comes to anything to do with human services, compulsion is always a sticking point. One abandons the requirement of consent at one’s peril. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/why-arent-more-people-using-the-my-health-record-73606">Why aren't more people using the My Health Record?</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>Let’s examine each side of the argument.</p>
<p>On the one hand, assembling all medical information of all eligible people from a broad range of sources into one database provides public hospitals and health services with an immediate and complete picture of any patient’s history. Health professionals will have quick access to medical images and laboratory results.</p>
<p>Indeed, it is sometimes impractical to obtain the consent of a person in emergency situations when treatment is required to prevent death, serious damage to health, or significant pain or distress. This is especially so when patients are not conscious and are not on record as having given any prior consent.</p>
<p>CIS is also designed to facilitate access to the information in a patient’s My Health Record, including information from other states and territories.</p>
<p>On the other hand, there are concerns.</p>
<p>While sensitive to the need for privacy safeguard mechanisms, the Victorian Healthcare Association strongly <a href="https://vha.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/20201123_VHA-Submission-Health-Information-Sharing-Legislation-Reform.pdf">recommends</a> there be a two-year pilot scheme before the plan is rolled out. This will help ease concerns the data will simply duplicate a lot of what is contained in the My Health Record system. </p>
<p>Others have been more scathing of the CIS proposal. In a <a href="https://aushealthit.blogspot.com/2020/12/if-this-is-accurate-and-it-seems-to-be.html">blog</a> on the Australian Health Information Technology site, a medical practitioner comments:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The idea of aggregating locally held clinical data from the private and public sector with the variably complete and timely data held in the #myHR is surely both overly complex and a uniquely difficult data management task – even if the private sector data was accessible. Of course, privacy, consent and data sensitivity issues seem not to even warrant a real mention and the claimed benefits are all pretty nebulous and unproven.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>So where do we go from here?</p>
<p>The starting point is that governments must ensure no policy sacrifices our right to keep private what we would prefer to be private in the pursuit of a goal that can be attained by less intrusive methods. This has been the <a href="https://theconversation.com/is-the-governments-coronavirus-app-a-risk-to-privacy-136719">successful mantra</a> of the drive to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>
<p>Certainly, legislative protections are in place in Victoria for health information when it is handled by public and private sector organisations. There are general data privacy rights under the <a href="https://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/in-force/acts/privacy-and-data-protection-act-2014/026">Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014</a>, but this act does not apply to health records. The protections for these data are contained in the <a href="https://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/in-force/acts/health-records-act-2001/046">Health Records Act 2001</a>, which is overseen by the <a href="https://hcc.vic.gov.au/">Health Complaints Commissioner</a>. It is a good system, but data protection is never completely foolproof.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/is-the-governments-coronavirus-app-a-risk-to-privacy-136719">Is the government's coronavirus app a risk to privacy?</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>Data leakage is the biggest risk to public confidence. The concern is that there are always risks associated with giving a broad range of service providers ready accessibility to highly sensitive personal records, which in turn might be used to discriminate, or even worse.</p>
<p>This information might include historical data concerning sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy terminations, mental ill-health episodes, DNA tests and matters to do with family violence and child protection. This material can be highly embarrassing to some people. In the wrong hands (journalists, insurance companies, private investigators, personal opponents), it could be politically and personally damaging.</p>
<p>The CIS is a three-year initiative. The project is in phase one, and the DHHS is seeking feedback. The public will need assurances that CIS will be able to balance appropriately the public interest in the legitimate and essential use of that information with the public interest in protecting the privacy of health information.</p>
<p>If parliament is to amend the Health Records Act and abandon the requirement of consent, it will need to be rock solid behind data security assurances, and emphatic in its list of uses to which the data can be put. The Victorian government cannot afford to get this wrong.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/151554/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Rick Sarre serves on the State Council of the Australian Labor Party (SA). He is the current President of the SA Council for Civil Liberties.</span></em></p>A Victorian government proposal to build a clinical information system for every Victorian, with no opt-out, has merits, but the many risks to privacy must be addressed.Rick Sarre, Emeritus Professor of Law and Criminal Justice, University of South AustraliaLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1506742020-11-29T19:06:51Z2020-11-29T19:06:51ZVictoria just gave 2 billion litres of water back to Indigenous people. Here’s what that means for the rest of Australia<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/371657/original/file-20201127-22-1kal3ez.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C12%2C4121%2C2731&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">GLaWAC</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>For the first time in Victoria’s history, the state government has <a href="https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/water-traditional-owners-victorian-first">handed back</a> water to traditional owners, giving them rights to a river system they have managed sustainably for thousands of years. </p>
<p>The two billion litres of water returned to the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (<a href="https://gunaikurnai.org.au/">GLaWAC</a>) this month means traditional owners can now determine how and where water is used for cultural, environmental or economic purposes.</p>
<p>The decision recognises that water rights are crucial for Indigenous people to restore customs, protect their culture, become economically independent and heal Country. </p>
<p>The hand-back to Gunaikurnai people is the crucial first step in a bigger, statewide process of recognising Indigenous people’s deep connection to water. It also serves as an example to the rest of Australia, where Indigenous rights to water are <a href="https://theconversation.com/australia-has-an-ugly-legacy-of-denying-water-rights-to-aboriginal-people-not-much-has-changed-141743">grossly inadequate</a>. </p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="Water from the river has" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/371687/original/file-20201127-23-1rn3fs1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/371687/original/file-20201127-23-1rn3fs1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/371687/original/file-20201127-23-1rn3fs1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/371687/original/file-20201127-23-1rn3fs1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/371687/original/file-20201127-23-1rn3fs1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/371687/original/file-20201127-23-1rn3fs1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/371687/original/file-20201127-23-1rn3fs1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Gunaikurnai woman Alice Pepper on the banks of the Mitchell River. Water from the river has been handed back to traditional owners.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">GLaWAC</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Water’s rightful home</h2>
<p>Gunaikurnai people hold <a href="https://www.justice.vic.gov.au/your-rights/native-title/gunaikurnai-native-title-agreement">native title</a> over much of Gippsland, from the mountains to the sea. </p>
<p>The water hand-back comes ten years since this native title was secured, and since Gunaikurnai people entered into the state’s first Traditional Owner Settlement Agreement with the government. Under this agreement, GLaWAC is a <a href="https://gunaikurnai.org.au/jointly-managed-parks-reserves/">joint manager</a>, with Parks Victoria, of ten parks and reserves in Gippsland, including the Mitchell River National Park.</p>
<p>Victorian water minister Lisa Neville said the hand-back was a key milestone in her government’s 2016 <a href="https://www.water.vic.gov.au/water-for-victoria/progress-report-recognising-and-managing-for-aboriginal-values/implementationrecognising-and-managing-for-aboriginal-values">Aboriginal Water Policy</a>. That plan aims to:</p>
<ul>
<li>recognise Aboriginal values and objectives of water</li>
<li>include Aboriginal values and traditional ecological knowledge in water planning</li>
<li>support Aboriginal access to water for economic development</li>
<li>build capacity to increase Aboriginal participation in water management.</li>
</ul>
<p>GLaWAC engages closely with government agencies that control how water is shared and used and these partnerships are highly valued. But it is only through owning water that traditional owners can really control how water is used to care for Country and for people.</p>
<p>For the moment, the water will be staying in the river. Its use will be decided after discussions between GLaWAC and Gunaikurnai community members. </p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="The Mitchell River" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/371658/original/file-20201127-14-18wex8i.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/371658/original/file-20201127-14-18wex8i.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/371658/original/file-20201127-14-18wex8i.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/371658/original/file-20201127-14-18wex8i.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/371658/original/file-20201127-14-18wex8i.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/371658/original/file-20201127-14-18wex8i.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/371658/original/file-20201127-14-18wex8i.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Indigenous poeple must own water to control how they care for Country.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">GLaWAC</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Barriers to water ownership</h2>
<p>In 2016, the Victorian government committed A$5 million to a plan to increase Aboriginal access to water rights, including funding for traditional owners to develop feasibility plans to support <a href="https://www.water.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0030/493455/AWP_Progress-Snapshot-brochure-October_FINAL-WEB.pdf">water-based businesses</a>. </p>
<p>There are significant barriers to reallocating water to Victoria’s traditional owners. Water is expensive to buy, hold and use. Annual fees and charges can easily run to <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2468312418300348?via%3Dihub">tens of thousands of dollars a year</a> in some locations. </p>
<p>Using water to care for Country supports well-being, the environment and other water uses, including tourism and recreation. But, unlike using water for irrigation, there may not be any direct economic return from a water hand-back. This means water recovery for traditional owners must include ways to cover fees and charges.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/australia-has-an-ugly-legacy-of-denying-water-rights-to-aboriginal-people-not-much-has-changed-141743">Australia has an ugly legacy of denying water rights to Aboriginal people. Not much has changed</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>Victoria’s water entitlement framework is also consumption-based – it is designed for water to be taken out of rivers, not left in. This can make it hard for traditional owners to leave water in the river for the benefit of the environment. So water entitlements and rules should be changed to reflect how traditional owners want to manage water.</p>
<p>Lastly, many traditional owners lack access to land where they can use the water. Or they may wish to use water in areas that, under natural conditions, would be watered when rivers flood, but which are now disconnected from the waterway. To help overcome this, traditional owners should be given access to Crown land, including joint management of parks. GLaWAC’s partnership agreements are a good example of how this might happen in future.</p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="GLaWAC water team Uncle Lloyd Hood and Tim Paton." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/371689/original/file-20201127-17-i7nutr.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/371689/original/file-20201127-17-i7nutr.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/371689/original/file-20201127-17-i7nutr.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/371689/original/file-20201127-17-i7nutr.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/371689/original/file-20201127-17-i7nutr.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/371689/original/file-20201127-17-i7nutr.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/371689/original/file-20201127-17-i7nutr.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">GLaWAC water team Uncle Lloyd Hood and Tim Paton. Water rules should be changed to reflect how traditional owners manage water.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">GLaWAC</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Change is possible</h2>
<p>While significant barriers to water access remain, this hand-back shows how real water outcomes for traditional owners can be achieved when there is political will and ministerial support.</p>
<p>The water is part of six billion litres on the Mitchell River <a href="https://www.water.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0026/52883/DSE_GRWS_accessible_linked.pdf">identified</a> as unallocated, meaning no-one yet has rights over it. The remaining four billion litres will be made available on the open market, for use by irrigators or other industries. It can be extracted only during the colder months from <a href="http://www.srw.com.au/mitchell-river-winterfill/">July 1 to October 31</a>.</p>
<p>The extraction and use of the water by Gunaikurnai people will be linked to specific locations, and the licence is up for renewal every 15 years. GLaWAC will work with state agency Southern Rural Water to ensure that the licence conditions match the water plans of traditional owners.</p>
<p>This step is crucial. There have been many instances in other states where traditional owners have obtained water, but been <a href="https://theconversation.com/australia-has-an-ugly-legacy-of-denying-water-rights-to-aboriginal-people-not-much-has-changed-141743">unable to use it</a> due to barriers on how it can be used, and annual fees and charges.</p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="Mitchell River scene" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/371690/original/file-20201127-21-1ufaa2p.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/371690/original/file-20201127-21-1ufaa2p.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=337&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/371690/original/file-20201127-21-1ufaa2p.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=337&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/371690/original/file-20201127-21-1ufaa2p.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=337&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/371690/original/file-20201127-21-1ufaa2p.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/371690/original/file-20201127-21-1ufaa2p.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/371690/original/file-20201127-21-1ufaa2p.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Water extraction form the Mitchell River will be limited to colder months.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">GLaWAC</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Overcoming a history of injustice</h2>
<p>Traditional owners across Australia <a href="https://www.mldrin.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Echuca-Declaration-Final-PDF.pdf">never ceded</a> their rights to water. Yet Aboriginal people own <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264837719319799">less than 1%</a> of the nation’s water rights. Righting this wrong is the “<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/jun/29/ending-aqua-nullius-calls-for-laws-to-protect-indigenous-water-rights">unfinished business</a>” of national water reform.</p>
<p>Even when political commitments are made, there has been little progress. For example, in 2018 the federal government committed A$40 million to acquire water rights for Aboriginal people <a href="https://theconversation.com/deal-on-murray-darling-basin-plan-could-make-history-for-indigenous-water-rights-96264">in the Murray-Darling Basin</a>, but no purchase of water rights has yet occurred.</p>
<p>This woeful and unjust situation is also reflected in Victoria. Before the Gunaikurnai hand-back, only a tiny handful of Aboriginal-owned organisations and one traditional owner, <a href="https://taungurung.com.au/">Taungurung</a>, owned water rights in Victoria, and the volumes were small. In these cases, water recovery was not a formal hand-back from the state, and included a donation from a farmer. </p>
<p>Across Australia, Aboriginal people are watching the Victorian water reform process with great interest. The water returned to Gunaikurnai people builds momentum, and increases pressure on governments across Australia to take water justice seriously.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/aboriginal-voices-are-missing-from-the-murray-darling-basin-crisis-110769">Aboriginal voices are missing from the Murray-Darling Basin crisis</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/150674/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Troy McDonald is the Chair of the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC). Troy is also the GLaWAC representative on the First Peoples Treaty Assembly.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Erin O'Donnell receives funding from Murray and Lower Darling Rivers Indigenous Nations (MLDRIN), as part of a larger programme funded by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (Victoria). She has also consulted to the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (Victoria).</span></em></p>The decision recognises that water rights are critical for Indigenous people to restore customs, protect their culture, become economically independent and heal Country.Troy McDonald, Chairman of Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation, Indigenous KnowledgeErin O'Donnell, Early Career Academic Fellow, Centre for Resources, Energy and Environment Law, The University of MelbourneLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1503582020-11-18T18:55:39Z2020-11-18T18:55:39ZRenters in Victoria soon won’t have to deal with dodgy heaters and insulation. Now other states must get energy-efficient<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/369984/original/file-20201118-17-8tgn5a.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C0%2C5435%2C3612&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>Renters will no longer have to contend with poorly insulated homes and Victoria will move closer towards 7-star home efficiency standards under a A$797 million plan <a href="https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/helping-victorians-pay-their-power-bills">announced</a> this week. It’s purportedly the biggest energy efficiency scheme in any Australian state’s history.</p>
<p>Energy efficiency essentially means using <a href="https://www.eesi.org/topics/energy-efficiency/description">less energy</a> to perform the same job. It’s often the quickest and cheapest way to reduce emissions from energy use, yet state and federal governments in Australia have traditionally done little to seize the opportunity.</p>
<p>Australia’s <a href="https://www.energy.gov.au/government-priorities/energy-productivity-and-energy-efficiency/national-energy-productivity-plan">national energy productivity plan</a>, agreed by the nation’s energy ministers in 2015, <a href="https://theconversation.com/australia-has-failed-miserably-on-energy-efficiency-and-government-figures-hide-the-truth-123176">has stalled</a>. It aims for a 40% improvement in energy productivity by 2030, but has so far achieved only a fraction of that.</p>
<p>It’s clearly time to kickstart the energy efficiency revolution in Australia – to reduce energy bills, make homes more comfortable and meet our climate goals. So let’s examine Victoria’s plan, and how other states might follow.</p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="$50 note in socket" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/369989/original/file-20201118-13-1lrckoj.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/369989/original/file-20201118-13-1lrckoj.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/369989/original/file-20201118-13-1lrckoj.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/369989/original/file-20201118-13-1lrckoj.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/369989/original/file-20201118-13-1lrckoj.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/369989/original/file-20201118-13-1lrckoj.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/369989/original/file-20201118-13-1lrckoj.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Energy efficiency saves consumers money on power bills.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Julian Smith/AAP</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Better homes, lower bills</h2>
<p>The Victorian package is strongly focused on helping renters and low-income households in existing homes, and forms part of the state’s 2020-21 budget.</p>
<p>The measures include:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>A$335 million to replace old wood, electric or gas-fired heaters with more efficient systems. The program will be open to low-income earners</p></li>
<li><p>A$112 million to seal windows and doors, and upgrade heating, cooling and hot water in 35,000 social housing properties</p></li>
<li><p>minimum efficiency standards for rental properties, expected to benefit renters living in around 320,000 homes with poor heating and insulation</p></li>
<li><p>funding to help Victoria move to 7-star efficiency standards for new homes</p></li>
<li><p>a A$250 payment for those struggle to pay their bills</p></li>
<li><p>A$14 million to expand the Victorian Energy Upgrades program, including rebates for “smart” appliances.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>The package follows a <a href="https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/victorias-big-housing-build">A$5.3 billion announcement</a> earlier this month to build 12,000 new social and community housing units over four years. These new homes will meet a 7-star energy rating, rather than the mandatory 6 stars.</p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="Person applies seal to window" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/369986/original/file-20201118-19-1yco449.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/369986/original/file-20201118-19-1yco449.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/369986/original/file-20201118-19-1yco449.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/369986/original/file-20201118-19-1yco449.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/369986/original/file-20201118-19-1yco449.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/369986/original/file-20201118-19-1yco449.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/369986/original/file-20201118-19-1yco449.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Window seals help make homes more energy efficient.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>A new approach</h2>
<p>To date, energy efficiency policies and programs in Australia have mostly focused on new and owner-occupied homes. These homes are easy targets, because they’re on separate titles and don’t involve negotiations with owners’ corporations or landlords. </p>
<p>So Victoria’s program helps to fill a big gap. Currently, the <a href="https://www.victorianenergysaver.vic.gov.au/save-energy-and-money/get-a-home-energy-assessment/getting-an-assessment">average</a> Victorian home has a 3-star energy rating, so there is plenty of room for improvement in existing homes. The approach will ensure renters, and those in homes already built, see the benefits of energy efficiency. And it means emissions reductions are realised across the residential sector.</p>
<p>In the past, policy in this area has largely been debated on narrow economic assessments of “cost effectiveness”. And in my experience, powerful <a href="https://www.thefifthestate.com.au/columns/spinifex/building-energy-regulation-red-tape-or-green-bounty/">industry groups</a> and political agendas seek to slow progress behind closed doors, while consumers often lack a <a href="https://energyconsumersaustralia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/HS-S3-Alan-Pears-RMIT.pdf">voice</a> in decision-making.</p>
<p>Both the Victorian government announcement, and progress at the COAG level, follow advocacy from social justice groups and <a href="https://energyconsumersaustralia.com.au/news/housing-summit-2018-publications-resources">Energy Consumers Australia</a> (ECA) building on academic research (eg https://www.ahuri.edu.au/research/final-reports/338 ). These groups have helped highlight how poor housing affects vulnerable people, causing high energy bills and health problems. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/australia-has-failed-miserably-on-energy-efficiency-and-government-figures-hide-the-truth-123176">Australia has failed miserably on energy efficiency – and government figures hide the truth</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>In February 2019, COAG agreed to a national plan towards zero-net-energy new buildings for Australia. In November that year it <a href="http://coagenergycouncil.gov.au/publications/trajectory-low-energy-buildings">resolved to</a> extend the plan to existing homes. Proposed measures include national frameworks for use by states and territories, covering energy disclosure at the time of a home’s sale or lease, and minimum energy efficiency requirements for rental properties. </p>
<p>Victoria’s commitment this week to introduce minimum energy standards for rental properties puts it at the forefront of this process. </p>
<p>The Victorian government had earlier developed a Residential Efficiency Scorecard suitable for rating homes under an energy disclosure scheme <a href="https://www.victorianenergysaver.vic.gov.au/save-energy-and-money/get-a-home-energy-assessment/getting-an-assessment">assessment tool</a>. So far it’s been rolled out as a voluntary scheme and been trialled in other states. </p>
<p>In Melbourne, a 7 star building would require around 25% less heating and cooling energy than a 6 star home.</p>
<p>Of course, the devil is in the detail. When will energy disclosure and rental energy standards be introduced? How stringent will the standards be? Will there be sufficient focus on improving summer performance to cope with climate change? Will old gas appliances be replaced by alternatives that use renewable electricity? How much of the package will be implemented before Victoria’s next election in late 2022? Time will tell.</p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="Tenants talking to agent" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/369991/original/file-20201118-19-3q3t8m.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/369991/original/file-20201118-19-3q3t8m.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/369991/original/file-20201118-19-3q3t8m.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/369991/original/file-20201118-19-3q3t8m.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/369991/original/file-20201118-19-3q3t8m.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/369991/original/file-20201118-19-3q3t8m.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/369991/original/file-20201118-19-3q3t8m.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Renters would be told upfront about the energy rating of the property under the new plans.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Time to get on board</h2>
<p>Other Australian states and territories, including <a href="https://energysaver.nsw.gov.au/">NSW</a>, the <a href="https://www.environment.act.gov.au/energy/smarter-use-of-energy/energy-efficiency-improvement-scheme">ACT</a> and <a href="https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/energy-and-environment/using-saving-energy/retailer-energy-efficiency-scheme#:%7E:text=The%20Retailer%20Energy%20Efficiency%20Scheme%20%28REES%29%20is%20a,and%20costs%2C%20and%20lower%20their%20greenhouse%20gas%20emissions">South Australia</a>, have introduced impressive energy efficiency measures. The ACT, in particular, has had a mandatory <a href="https://www.environment.act.gov.au/energy/smarter-use-of-energy/energy-efficiency-improvement-scheme">energy disclosure scheme</a> at time of sale for many years. And NSW is <a href="https://energy.nsw.gov.au/government-and-regulation/consultation/energy-security-target-safeguard">introducing a scheme</a> to encourage a reduction in peak electricity demand.</p>
<p>Action by individual states and territories may encourage other jurisdictions to follow. However different energy efficiency approaches across states may dilute benefits while increasing confusion among households and complicating life for industry. This must be guarded against. </p>
<p>In June, the International Energy Agency released a global “green recovery” <a href="https://www.iea.org/news/iea-offers-world-governments-a-sustainable-recovery-plan-to-boost-economic-growth-create-millions-of-jobs-and-put-emissions-into-structural-decline">plan</a> to help economies recover from the pandemic. Many of the millions of new jobs created through the plan would be in retrofitting buildings to improve energy efficiency. Increasing energy efficiency would also improve electricity security, lowering the risk of outages.</p>
<p>But globally, improvements in energy efficiency have <a href="https://www.iea.org/news/why-energy-efficiency-is-so-important">slowed</a> in recent years, making it harder to curb climate changes. The federal government, so far fixated on a “gas-led” path out of recession, must also get on board the energy efficiency wagon. </p>
<p><hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/house-hunters-are-rarely-told-the-home-energy-rating-little-wonder-the-average-is-as-low-as-1-8-stars-144873">House hunters are rarely told the home energy rating – little wonder the average is as low as 1.8 stars</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/150358/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Alan Pears consults, provides strategic advice and participates in public education activities for governments (including Victoria and NSW), industry associations (including the Energy Efficiency Council and Australian Alliance for Energy Productivity), and community groups (eg Renew, Beyond Zero Emissions). </span></em></p>Victoria’s $800 million energy efficiency plan promises to lower power bills, make homes more comfortable and help meet our climate goals. It’s high time other states picked this low-hanging fruit.Alan Pears, Senior Industry Fellow, RMIT UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1470942020-11-06T06:03:38Z2020-11-06T06:03:38ZHotel quarantine interim report recommends changes but accountability questions remain<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/367899/original/file-20201106-17-18enos0.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">James Ross/AAP</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>The division of the findings of the Victorian COVID-19 Hotel Quarantine Inquiry into two – the <a href="https://www.quarantineinquiry.vic.gov.au/reports">interim report</a> published today, with a final report due December 21 – is aimed at making a timely contribution to the redesign of the quarantine systems that will remain key to Australia’s management of the COVID-19 pandemic for some time to come.</p>
<p>With a view to the expected influx of returnees at Christmas, the national cabinet is due to discuss necessary changes later this month. Justice Jennifer Coate’s clear recommendations for how to devise and operate a quarantine system will surely be pivotal to its deliberations.</p>
<h2>Key recommendations</h2>
<p>Coate’s primary message is that quarantine – in whatever form it might take – is a public health operation. So any future quarantine system needs to be designed in a manner that ensures the centrality of this public health imperative.</p>
<p>We must wait until the final report to find out what Coate has to say on the larger governance and accountability questions surrounding “the decision” to contract out the front line of Victoria’s hotel quarantine operation to private security provision. However, her interim report already tells us a lot – if indirectly.</p>
<p>The report states it “is clear from the evidence to date” that the majority of those involved in the hotel quarantine program who contracted the virus were:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>private security personnel engaged by way of contracting arrangements that carried with them a range of complexities.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>It is therefore unsurprising that the issue of the appropriateness of contracting-out is the elephant in the room across a number of its key recommendations.</p>
<p>In particular, the recommendations record that the expertise of those involved in future quarantine operations will be crucial. Moreover, every effort should be made to ensure people working at quarantine facilities are “salaried employees” who are “not working in other forms of employment”.</p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/367901/original/file-20201106-19-c0tmi2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/367901/original/file-20201106-19-c0tmi2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/367901/original/file-20201106-19-c0tmi2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/367901/original/file-20201106-19-c0tmi2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/367901/original/file-20201106-19-c0tmi2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/367901/original/file-20201106-19-c0tmi2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/367901/original/file-20201106-19-c0tmi2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Rydges on Swanston was one of the quarantine hotels where coronavirus outbreaks occurred.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">James Ross/AAP</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>It takes little effort to surmise that contracted-out service delivery is unlikely to meet any of these demands.</p>
<p>As I have <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5abb53e6372b9691939ac577/t/5f67e7bcff16fc496cb5d0b1/1600645090714/GDC+Policy+Brief+7_Reassessing+Contracting-Out_21.09.20%5Bfinal%5Dpub.pdf">explained elsewhere</a>, to contract out a statutory function in whole or in part requires that it be translated into a “service” that private sector providers are capable of delivering.</p>
<p>In the Victorian case, this meant the front line of the hotel quarantine operation was performed pursuant to an “observe and report” security services contract. It was carried out by an entirely casualised workforce with little infection-control training and no lawful powers of enforcement. Many or most of them worked in other jobs at the same time.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/melbournes-hotel-quarantine-bungle-is-disappointing-but-not-surprising-it-was-overseen-by-a-flawed-security-industry-142044">Melbourne's hotel quarantine bungle is disappointing but not surprising. It was overseen by a flawed security industry</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>Coate also recommended that, alongside the “embedded” presence of expert infection-control personnel, a 24/7 police presence be established at every facility-based quarantine operation. This clearly points to the failure of contracting-out from an enforcement perspective as well.</p>
<p>So, by implication or otherwise, the interim report confirms that too little thought was given to whether the contracted service could meet the dual public health and detention demands of the function at issue.</p>
<p>Coate’s conclusions on how a facility-based quarantine program should work make the multiple dimensions of this mismatch plain.</p>
<h2>Where to from here?</h2>
<p>The final report of the inquiry may well prove to be the most sustained critique of contracting-out, from the perspective of public expectations of government action, that Australia has yet seen. This would be a welcome shift from what has prevailed so far, with much more effort dedicated to refining and expanding the practice than to challenging it. </p>
<p>As for where the interim report fits with the “whodunnit” exercise that has dominated so much of the interest in the inquiry’s work so far, Coate makes clear we must wait until the final report to find out more. Whether Victoria ended up with private security at the front line of its hotel quarantine program as a result of a “decision” by one or more individuals, or (as counsel assisting <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/multitude-of-bad-decisions-led-to-hotel-quarantine-failure-inquiry-told-20200928-p55zv3.html">Rachel Ellyard described it</a>) a “creeping assumption that became a reality”, is something that ultimately might never be clear. </p>
<p>Either way, the question of accountability will remain. Providing a clear answer to it stands to be every bit as complicated as it has been so far.</p>
<p>The inquiry, which found the bungled scheme cost the state $195 million, has shown the relationship between contracting-out and political accountability is incoherent. Substantial reform in both directions is needed to make it otherwise. Coate’s final report will hopefully guide that much-needed conversation.</p>
<p>But, again, we can already take a lot from the interim report about where – minimally – we need to be. Any future Victorian quarantine program must be operated “by one cabinet-approved department”, in accordance with a “clear line of command vesting ultimate responsibility in the approved department and Minister”.</p>
<p>That department must in turn be “the sole agency responsible for any necessary contracts”. Among other things, its responsible minister must also ensure senior members of its governance structure “maintain records […] of all decisions reached”.</p>
<p>Such is the vision for the future. But it also highlights why it is so important not to lose sight of the “why” questions when the issue of accountability for what actually happened in Victoria’s disastrous hotel quarantine program is again upon us. </p>
<p>If the front line of the hotel quarantine system was simply too important a responsibility to be outsourced, it is time to get to the bottom of why this was the case, and why it might also be the case for other high-stakes government functions that carry serious consequences for public health or safety. </p>
<p>Providing sensible answers to those questions needs to be the goal. But what matters above all else is that we actually start asking them.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/grattan-on-friday-premiers-facing-elections-play-hardball-with-hard-borders-145563">Grattan on Friday: Premiers facing elections play hardball with hard borders</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p><em>This piece was co-published with the University of Melbourne’s <a href="https://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/">Pursuit</a>.</em></p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/147094/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Kristen Rundle does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Justice Jennifer Coate’s first report into the bungled hotel quarantine in Victoria maps out how processes can be changed to make sure it never happens again.Kristen Rundle, Professor of Law, The University of MelbourneLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1491472020-11-03T19:07:48Z2020-11-03T19:07:48ZAn open letter from 1,200 Australian academics on the Djab Wurrung trees<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/367135/original/file-20201103-21-fizkfa.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Sean Paris</span></span></figcaption></figure><p><em>In an open letter, more than 1,200 academics from universities and institutes across Australia have written to the Victorian government to protest against the destruction of Djab Wurrung country as part of a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/oct/29/removal-of-djab-wurrung-people-and-destruction-of-trees-on-sacred-site-lawyers-argue">highway duplication</a> in the west of the state.</em> </p>
<p><em>The letter follows the removal of the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/oct/27/djab-wurrung-directions-sacred-tree-cut-down-victoria-western-highway-upgrade">Directions Tree</a> last week. The signatories listed below are both Indigenous and non-Indigenous.</em></p>
<hr>
<p>We are Australian academics* writing to condemn the destruction of the 350 year-old sacred Djab Wurrung <a href="https://www.sbs.com.au/news/sacred-350-year-old-indigenous-tree-cut-down-for-victorian-highway-upgrade-activists-report">Directions Tree</a> at the hands of the Victorian government. We call on the government to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/oct/29/removal-of-djab-wurrung-people-and-destruction-of-trees-on-sacred-site-lawyers-argue">urgently halt</a> works and protect the remaining Djab Wurrung trees and land from destruction. </p>
<p>We are historians, geographers, lawyers, criminologists, sociologists, scientists, anthropologists, social workers, linguists, archaeologists, artists, architects, philosophers, psychologists and other academics from universities around Australia. We have come together in our sorrow and anger at the colonial violence currently being perpetrated by the Victorian government against the Djab Wurrung people, and against all First Nations people in Australia.</p>
<p>While all trees hold value, especially in a climate crisis, the Djab Wurrung trees are so much more than “just trees”; they are living entities with significant historical, cultural and spiritual value and meaning. They are part of an important <a href="https://www.commonground.org.au/learn/songlines">songline</a>, and have been physically shaped by hundreds of years of First Nations culture and ceremonial practice.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/churches-have-legal-rights-in-australia-why-not-sacred-trees-123919">Churches have legal rights in Australia. Why not sacred trees?</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>Take the Directions Tree, for example, which was <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/oct/27/djab-wurrung-directions-sacred-tree-cut-down-victoria-western-highway-upgrade">cut down with a chainsaw</a> last week, and carted away unceremoniously on the back of a dump truck. This massive and strikingly beautiful 350-year-old Yellowbox tree with distinctive swirling bark, had been planted as a seed with the placenta from a Djab Wurrung child’s birth and its branches actively shaped and directed over time. </p>
<p>It would have been difficult to look at this tree — to truly bear witness to it — without forever changing the way one understands trees, our interconnectedness with nature, and the strength, depth, beauty and longevity of First Nations culture.</p>
<p>Consider too, the Birthing Tree, also known as a <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/like-losing-my-son-why-trees-threatened-by-western-hwy-are-so-sacred-20190824-p52kcq.html">Grandmother Tree</a>, estimated to be 800 years old and currently under imminent threat of destruction. She has a hollow at her base where over <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/14/world/australia/djab-wurrung-trees.html">50 generations</a> of Djab Wurrung babies have been born, the fluids from their births merging with the root system and literally becoming part of the tree. </p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/367140/original/file-20201103-23-1fvpm6v.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/367140/original/file-20201103-23-1fvpm6v.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/367140/original/file-20201103-23-1fvpm6v.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/367140/original/file-20201103-23-1fvpm6v.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/367140/original/file-20201103-23-1fvpm6v.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/367140/original/file-20201103-23-1fvpm6v.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/367140/original/file-20201103-23-1fvpm6v.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption"></span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Sean Paris</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Nearby, and leaning towards it, is the Grandfather Tree, believed to have been planted at the same time and connected via underground root systems. And surrounding them both are hundreds of other significant trees and artefacts, many of which are yet to be formally documented.</p>
<p>The Victorian government’s decision to clear this sacred Djab Wurrung land to make way for a particular version of highway re-routing that will save drivers <a href="https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/world/2019/04/21/djab-wurrung-trees/">two minutes</a> travel time, is completely unnecessary. It represents the ongoing violence of our colonial state and its contempt for First Nations culture and people. It makes any talk of a <a href="https://www.aboriginalvictoria.vic.gov.au/treaty">Treaty with First Nations Victorians</a> completely disingenuous.</p>
<p>We, as academics, therefore condemn the cutting down of the Directions Tree and the planned destruction of further sacred trees and artefacts. We condemn <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-54700074">the timing</a> of the destruction, under the cover of ongoing COVID rules, preventing defenders from traveling to the site, and under the cover of media and public focus on Melbourne’s long-awaited easing of lockdown. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/what-kind-of-state-values-a-freeways-heritage-above-the-heritage-of-our-oldest-living-culture-122195">What kind of state values a freeway's heritage above the heritage of our oldest living culture?</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>We condemn the Victorian government’s apparent attempts to <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-10-27/djab-wurrung-tree-protesters-arrested-on-western-highway/12816628">create doubt</a> about which tree was destroyed and its significance, and to <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-10-28/western-highway-works-on-hold-after-supreme-court-order/12820806">imply agreements with one group</a> of government-recognised stakeholders amounted to respectful consultation. And we condemn the <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-10-27/djab-wurrung-tree-protesters-arrested-on-western-highway/12816628">use of police</a> and <a href="https://www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au/articles/police-move-on-djab-wurrung-camp-as-western-highway-work-starts/?section=1045">security</a> to violently evict the peaceful <a href="https://dwembassy.com">Djab Wurrung Embassy</a>, which was established by local elders to protect the site.</p>
<p>We urge the Victorian government to take up one of the other options for highway improvements that do not involve further destruction of this significant site, to urgently have these trees recognised as the culturally significant entities they are, and to enable the Djab Wurrung people to continue protecting them for future generations.</p>
<p>*<em>The views expressed in this letter are those of the signatories and not their universities or institutions</em>.</p>
<h2>Open letter signatories</h2>
<ul>
<li>Professor Aileen Moreton-Robinson, Indigenous Studies, RMIT University</li>
<li>Professor Irene Watson, Law, University of SA</li>
<li>Professor Bronwyn Fredericks, Education and Health, University of Queensland</li>
<li>Dr Vicki L Couzens, Media, RMIT University </li>
<li>Dr Gary Foley, History, Victoria University</li>
<li>Tiriki Onus, Fine Arts and Music, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Lou Bennett AM, Social and Political Science, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Associate Professor Chelsea Bond, Social Sciences and Health, University of Queensland</li>
<li>Alison Whittaker, Law, University of Technology Sydney</li>
<li>Amanda Porter, Law, University of Queensland</li>
<li>Kim Kruger, Moondani Balluk Academic Centre, Victoria University</li>
<li>Professor Bronwyn Carlson, Indigenous Studies, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Professor Gregory Phillips, Indigenous Health, Griffith University</li>
<li>Professor Peter Anderson, Education, Queensland University of Technology</li>
<li>Professor Yin Paradies, Sociology, Deakin University</li>
<li>Dr Ali Gumillya Baker, Indigenous and Australian Studies, Flinders University</li>
<li>Associate Professor Leesa Watego, Business, Queensland University of Technology</li>
<li>Associate Professor Sana Nakata, Political Science, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Associate Professor Sandy O'Sullivan, Indigenous Studies, University of the Sunshine Coast</li>
<li>Dr Nikki Moodie, Sociology, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Sharlene Leroy-Dyer, Aboriginal Studies, University of Queensland</li>
<li>Dr Anthony McKnight, Education, University of Wollongong</li>
<li>Dr Summer May Finlay, Public Health, University of Wollongong</li>
<li>Dr Suzi Hutchings, Anthropology, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Tess Ryan, Leadership and Research Pathways, Australian Catholic University</li>
<li>Dr Danièle Hromek, Indigenous Design, Queensland University of Technology</li>
<li>Dr Crystal McKinnon, Social and Global Studies, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Jessa Rogers, Indigenous Studies, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Dr Julia Hurst, Aboriginal History, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Aleryk Fricker, Indigenous Education, RMIT University</li>
<li>Ashley Perry, Indigenous Culture and Visual Art, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Brett Biles, Indigenous Health, University of NSW</li>
<li>Cammi Murrup-Stewart, Aboriginal Wellbeing, Monash University</li>
<li>Catherine Doe, Indigenous Studies, RMIT University</li>
<li>Charlotte Franks, Indigenous Education, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dale Rowland, Psychology, Griffith University</li>
<li>Dominique Chen, Indigenous Studies, University of Queensland</li>
<li>Eddie Synot, Law, Griffith University</li>
<li>Emma Gavin, Indigenous Knowledges, Swinburne University</li>
<li>Aileen Marwung Walsh, History, Australian National University</li>
<li>Eugenia Flynn, Literary Studies, Queensland University of Technology</li>
<li>Holly Charles, Law, RMIT University</li>
<li>Jacynta Krakouer, Social Work, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Jason Brailey, Indigenous Education, RMIT University</li>
<li>Latoya Rule, Social Work and Social Planning, Flinders University</li>
<li>Lewis Brown, Indigenous Education, RMIT University</li>
<li>Luke Williams, Science, RMIT University</li>
<li>Maddee Clark, Literature, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Michael Colbung, Education, University of Adelaide</li>
<li>Mykaela Saunders, Indigenous Studies, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Natasha Ward, Indigenous Education and Research, RMIT University</li>
<li>Nicole Shanahan, Indigenous Education, RMIT University</li>
<li>Robyn Oxley, Criminology, Western Sydney University</li>
<li>Stacey Campton, Indigenous Engagement, RMIT University</li>
<li>Natalie Ironfield, Criminology, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Neika Lehman, Film and Media, Anthropology, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Aaron Collins, Medicine, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Aaron Magro, History, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Associate Professor Abby Mellick Lopes, Design, University of Technology Sydney</li>
<li>Adam Crowe, Geography, Curtin University</li>
<li>Adam Spellicy, Media, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Adam Starr, Music, Melbourne Polytechnic</li>
<li>Associate Professor Adele Wessell, History, Southern Cross University</li>
<li>Dr Adrian Farrugia, Sociology, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Agata Pukiewicz, Legal Studies, Australian National University</li>
<li>Dr Aidan Craney, Anthropology, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Ainslee Meredith, Conservation, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Ainslie Meiklejohn, Humanities, Griffith University</li>
<li>Aisha Malik, Humanities, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Emeritus Professor Alan Rumsey, Anthropology, Australian National University</li>
<li>Associate Professor Alana Lentin, Humanities, Western Sydney University</li>
<li>Dr Alana Piper, History, University of Technology Sydney</li>
<li>Alana West, Sociology, University of Technology Sydney</li>
<li>Professor Alex Broom, Sociology, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Alex Cain, Philosophy, Monash University</li>
<li>Dr Alex Gawronski, Art, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Dr Alex Hansford-Smith, Physiotherapy, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Alex Kusmanoff, Conservation, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Alexandra Crosby, Design, University of Technology Sydney</li>
<li>Alexandra Haschek, Psychology, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Alexandre da Silva Faustino, Geography, RMIT University</li>
<li>Alexia Adhikari, Development, University of Adelaide</li>
<li>Alice Bellette, Literature, Deakin University</li>
<li>Associate Professor Alice Gaby, Linguistics, Monash University</li>
<li>Dr Alice Jones, Ecology, University of Adelaide</li>
<li>Alice Wighton, Anthropology, Australian National University</li>
<li>Alicia Flynn, Education, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Alisa Yuko Bernhard, Musicology, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Alison Burns, International Studies, Deakin University</li>
<li>Dr Alison Holland, History, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Dr Alison Lullfitz, Ethnobiology, University of WA</li>
<li>Dr Alison Peel, Science, Griffith University</li>
<li>Alison Winning, Social Science, James Cook University</li>
<li>Professor Alison Young, Criminology, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Alissa Flatley, Geography, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Alissa Macoun, Politics, Queensland University of Technology</li>
<li>Professor Alistair McCulloch, Education, University of SA</li>
<li>Dr Alistair Sisson, Geography, University of NSW</li>
<li>Allison Larmour, Politics, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Alys Young, Ecology, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Alyssa Choat, Design, University of Technology Sydney</li>
<li>Alyssa Sigamoney, Criminology, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Amal Osman, Health, Flinders University</li>
<li>Dr Amanda Coles, Employment Relations, Deakin University</li>
<li>Professor Amanda Kearney, Anthropology, Flinders University</li>
<li>Dr Amelia Hine, Geography, Queensland University of Technology</li>
<li>Dr Amelia Johns, Media, University of Technology Sydney</li>
<li>Amélie Scalercio, Fine Arts, Monash University</li>
<li>Dr Amie O'Shea, Health, Deakin University</li>
<li>Dr Amy Barrow, Law, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Dr Amy Carrad, Public Health, University of Wollongong</li>
<li>Amy Cleland, Social Science, University of SA</li>
<li>Amy Hampson, Neuroscience, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Amy McKernan, Education, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Amy McPherson, Education, Australian Catholic University</li>
<li>Dr Amy Prendergast, Geography, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Amy Thomas, Education, University of Technology Sydney</li>
<li>Amy-Jo Jory, Art, Swinburne University</li>
<li>Dr Ana Maria Ducasse, Languages, RMIT University</li>
<li>Ananya Majumdar, Social Science, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Anastasia Kanjere, Humanities, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Dr Anastasia Powell, Criminology, RMIT University</li>
<li>Professor Andrea Lamont-Mills, Psychology, University of Southern Queensland</li>
<li>Professor Andrea Durbach, Law, University of NSW</li>
<li>Associate Professor Andrea Rizzi, Arts, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Associate Professor Andrew Bonnell, History, University of Queensland</li>
<li>Dr Andrew Brooks, Humanities, University of NSW</li>
<li>Associate Professor Andrew Butt, Urban Planning, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Andrew Lapworth, Geography, University of NSW</li>
<li>Dr Andrew Miller, Art, Flinders University</li>
<li>Associate Professor Andrew Murphie, Media, University of NSW</li>
<li>Andrew Murray, Architecture, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Professor Andrew Scholey, Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University</li>
<li>Andrew Treloar, Art, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Professor Andrew Vallely, Public Health, University of NSW</li>
<li>Dr Andrew Whelan, Sociology, University of Wollongong</li>
<li>Andy Bates, Design, Queensland University of Technology</li>
<li>Dr Andy Kaladelfos, Criminology, University of NSW</li>
<li>Andy White, Music, Melbourne Polytechnic</li>
<li>Dr Angela Dean, Environment Studies, Queensland University of Technology</li>
<li>Associate Professor Angela Kelly-Hanku, Anthropology, University of NSW</li>
<li>Angela Kintominas, Law, University of NSW</li>
<li>Angela Osborne, Communication, Deakin University</li>
<li>Dr Angelika Papadopoulos, Social Work, RMIT University</li>
<li>Angus Burns, Psychology, Monash University</li>
<li>Ani Landsu-Ward, Social Science, RMIT University</li>
<li>Professor Anina Rich, Neuroscience, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Dr Anita Trezona, Public Health, Deakin University</li>
<li>Associate Professor Anitra Nelson, Social Science, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Anja Dickel, Pharmacy, University of SA</li>
<li>Dr Anja Kanngieser, Geography, University of Wollongong</li>
<li>Dr Anna Bowring, Public Health, Burnet Institute</li>
<li>Anna Dunn, Anthropology, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Anna Gross, Resources, University of Newcastle</li>
<li>Dr Anna Hermkens, Anthropology, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Dr Anna Hopkins, Ecology, Edith Cowan University</li>
<li>Anna Krohn, Education, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Anna Loewendahl, Arts, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Anna Nervegna, Architecture, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Anna Tweeddale, Architecture, Queensland University of Technology</li>
<li>Dr Anna Willis, Archaeology, James Cook University</li>
<li>Dr Annalea Beattie, Writing, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Anne Décobert, Anthropology, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Anne Elvey, Theology, Monash University</li>
<li>Associate Professor Anne Junor, Employment Relations, University of NSW</li>
<li>Dr Anne Marie Ross, Education, University of Newcastle</li>
<li>Dr Annette Kroen, Urban Planning, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Annie Delaney, Industrial Relations, RMIT university</li>
<li>Dr Annie Gowing, Education, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Associate Professor Anthony Hopkins, Law, Australian National University</li>
<li>Dr Anthony Kent, Social Science, RMIT University</li>
<li>Associate Professor Anthony Langlois, International Relations, Flinders University</li>
<li>Anthony Schulx, Music, Melbourne Polytechnic</li>
<li>Anthony Smith, Sociology, University of NSW</li>
<li>Antoine Mangion, Education, Australian Catholic University</li>
<li>Anwar Hossain, Ecology, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr April Reside, Ecology, University of Queensland</li>
<li>Arden Haar, Geography, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Arlo Mountford, Arts, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Ascelin Gordon, Conservation, RMIT University</li>
<li>Ash Johnstone, Humanities, University of Wollongong</li>
<li>Ashley Barnwell, Sociology, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Ashley Thomson, Anthropology, Australian National University</li>
<li>Dr Astrida Neimanis, Cultural Studies, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Badrul Hyder, Urban Studies, RMIT University</li>
<li>Associate Professor Barbara Kelly, Linguistics, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Barry Morris, Anthropology, Newcastle University</li>
<li>Associate Professor Bastien Llamas, Evolutionary Genomics, University of Adelaide</li>
<li>Dr Bek Christensen, Ecology, Queensland University of Technology</li>
<li>Dr Ben Silverstein, History, Australian National University</li>
<li>Associate Professor Ben Spies-Butcher, Sociology, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Dr Ben Vezina, Biology, Monash University</li>
<li>Dr Benjamin Cooke, Geography, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Benjamin Habib, International Relations, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Dr Benjamin Hegarty, Anthropology, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Bernard Keo, History, Monash University</li>
<li>Dr Beth Cardier, Communications, Griffith University</li>
<li>Beth Marsden, History, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Bethany Kenyon, Social Sciences, RMIT University</li>
<li>Bethia Burgess, Criminology, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Betty Luu, Psychology, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Dr Bianca Fileborn, Criminology, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Bianca Hennessy, Pacific Studies, Australian National University</li>
<li>Professor Billie Giles-Corti, Public Health, RMIT University</li>
<li>Associate Professor Bina Fernandez, Development Studies, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Bindi Bennett, Social Work, University of the Sunshine Coast</li>
<li>Dr Blair Williams, Political Science, Australian National University</li>
<li>Dr Blue Mahy, Education, Monash University</li>
<li>Professor Bob Hodge, Communication studies, Western Sydney University</li>
<li>Dr Bonny Cassidy, Writing, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Brian Cuddy, History, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Dr Bridget Harris, Criminology, Queensland University of Technology</li>
<li>Dr Bridget Lewis, Law, Queensland University of Technology</li>
<li>Dr Brigid Magner, Literature, RMIT University</li>
<li>Briony Neilson, History, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Dr Briony Towers, Psychology, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Brodie Evans, Social Justice, Queensland University of Technology</li>
<li>Bronwyn Ann Sutton, Education, Deakin University</li>
<li>Dr Bronwyn Cumbo, Education, Monash University</li>
<li>Dr Brooke Wilmsen, Geography, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Associate Professor Cai Wilkinson, International Studies, Deakin University</li>
<li>Professor Callum Morton, Fine Art, Monash University</li>
<li>Cally Mills, Nursing, Australian Catholic University</li>
<li>Cameron Coventry, History, Federation University</li>
<li>Professor Cameron Tonkinwise, Design, University of Technology Sydney</li>
<li>Dr Can Yalcinkaya, Media, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Dr Candice Boyd, Geography, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Professor Carey Curtis, Planning, Curtin University</li>
<li>Professor Carla Treloar, Social Science, University of NSW</li>
<li>Dr Carly Monks, Archaeology, University of WA</li>
<li>Carmen Jacques, Anthropology, Edith Cowan University</li>
<li>Carol Que, Arts, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Associate Professor Carol Warren, Anthropology, Murdoch University</li>
<li>Dr Caroline Mahoney, Education, Deakin University</li>
<li>Dr Caroline Wake, Theatre, University of NSW</li>
<li>Carolyn D'Cruz, Gender Studies, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Dr Carolyn Eskdale, Art, RMIT University</li>
<li>Professor Carolyn Whitzman, Urban Planning, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Casey Hosking, Psychology, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Cat Macleod, Architecture, Melbourne Polytechnic</li>
<li>Professor Catherine Althaus, Public Administration, University of NSW</li>
<li>Professor Catherine Greenhill, Mathematics, University of NSW</li>
<li>Dr Catherine Hartung, Education, Swinburne University</li>
<li>Dr Catherine Innes Clover, Fine Art, Swinburne University</li>
<li>Professor Catherine McMahon, Health, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Dr Catherine Phillips, Geography, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Catherine Townsend, Architecture, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Catherine Weiss, Philosophy, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Cayne Layton, Ecology, University of Tasmania</li>
<li>Associate Professor Cecily Maller, Geography, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Chantel Carr, Geography, University of Wollongong</li>
<li>Charity Edwards, Architecture, Monash University</li>
<li>Associate Professor Charles Livingstone, Public Health, Monash University</li>
<li>Dr Charles Robb, Visual Arts, Queensland University of Technology</li>
<li>Professor Charles Sowerwine, History, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Charlie Cooper, Psychology, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Charlie Sofo, Visual Art, Monash University</li>
<li>Charlotte Day, Art, Monash University</li>
<li>Dr Chin Jou, History, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Dr Chloe Ward, European Studies, RMIT University</li>
<li>Associate Professor Chris Healy, Cultural Studies, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Chris Maylea, Social Work, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Chris Pam, Anthropology, James Cook University</li>
<li>Dr Chris Peers, Education, Monash University</li>
<li>Dr Chris Urwin, Archaeology, Monash University</li>
<li>Christel Antonites, Humanities, Queensland University of Technology</li>
<li>Dr Christina David, Social Work, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Christine Agius, Politics, Swinburne University</li>
<li>Dr Christo Bester, Neuroscience, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Christopher Cordner, Philosophy, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Christopher Hallam, Ecology, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Christopher McCaw, Education, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Associate Professor Christy Newman, Sociology, University of NSW</li>
<li>Professor Ciaran O'Faircheallaigh, Politics, Griffith University</li>
<li>Dr Ciemon Caballes, Ecology, James Cook University</li>
<li>Claire Akhbari, Indigenous Studies, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Claire Loughnan, Criminology, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Claire Nettle, Politics, Flinders University</li>
<li>Dr Claire Spivakovsky, Criminology, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Clare Cooper, Design, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Associate Professor Clare Corbould, History, Deakin University</li>
<li>Dr Clare Land, History, Victoria University</li>
<li>Clare Rae, Fine Art, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Clare Southerton, Sociology, University of NSW</li>
<li>Dr Clare Weeden, Medicine, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Professor Clare Wright, History, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Dr Claudia Marck, Public Health, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Clemence Due, Psychology, University of Adelaide</li>
<li>Connor Jolley, Geography, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Coralie Boulet, Microbiology, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Professor Corey Bradshaw, Ecology, Flinders University</li>
<li>Dr Corrinne Sullivan, Geography, Western Sydney University</li>
<li>Dr Courtney Babb, Urban Planning, Curtin University</li>
<li>Dr Courtney Morgans, Ecology, University of Queensland</li>
<li>Dr Courtney Pedersen, Visual Arts, Queensland University of Technology</li>
<li>Craig Lyons, Geography, University of Wollongong</li>
<li>Dr Cristy Clark, Law, University of Canberra</li>
<li>Dr Crystal Legacy, Urban Planning, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Cullan Joyce, Philosophy, University of Divinity</li>
<li>Dr Cynthia Hunter, Anthropology, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Daisy Bailey, History, Monash University</li>
<li>Daisy Gibbs, Public Health, University of NSW</li>
<li>Dr Dallas Rogers, Urbanism, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Associate Professor Damien Cahill, Politics, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Dr Dan Golding, Media, Swinburne University</li>
<li>Dr Daniel Brennan, Philosophy, Bond University</li>
<li>Dr Daniel Lopez, Philosophy, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Dr Daniel Ohlsen, Botany, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Professor Daniel Palmer, Art, RMIT University</li>
<li>Daniel Reeders, Regulation and Governance, Australian National University</li>
<li>Associate Professor Daniel von Sturmer, Fine Art, Monash University</li>
<li>Dr Daniella Forster, Education, University of Newcastle</li>
<li>Professor Danielle Celermajer, Sociology, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Dr Dara Conduit, Politics, Deakin University</li>
<li>Professor Darryl Jones, Environmental Science, Griffith University</li>
<li>Dr Dave McDonald, Criminology, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr David Brophy, History, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Professor David Carlin, Writing, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr David Coombs, Public Policy, University of NSW</li>
<li>Dr David Hurwood, Ecology, Queensland University of Technology</li>
<li>Dr David Kelly, Geography, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr David Pollock, Politics, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr David Ripley, Philosophy, Monash University</li>
<li>Dr David Rousell, Education, RMIT University</li>
<li>Emeritus Professor David Rowe, Sociology, Western Sydney University</li>
<li>Dr David Singh, Sociology, University of Queensland</li>
<li>Associate Professor David Slucki, Sociology, Monash University</li>
<li>Dr David Smith, Politics, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Dr David Spencer, Communication, University of Canberra</li>
<li>Associate Professor Dawn Darlaston-Jones, Behavioural Science, University of Notre Dame</li>
<li>Dr Deb Batterham, Social Science, Swinburne University of Technology</li>
<li>Dr Debbi Long, Anthropology, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Deborah Apthorp, Psychology, University of New England</li>
<li>Dr Deborah Cleland, Governance, Australian National University</li>
<li>Deborah Lee-Talbot, History, Deakin University</li>
<li>Dr Deborah Moore, Education, Deakin University</li>
<li>Dr Debra McDougall, Anthropology, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Declan Martin, Urban Planning, Monash University</li>
<li>Professor Deirdre Coleman, English, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Deirdre Hayes, Australian Studies, University of SA</li>
<li>Professor Devleena Ghosh, Social Science, University of Technology Sydney</li>
<li>Dr Diana Johns, Criminology, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Diana Shahinyan, English, Sydney University</li>
<li>Dimity Hawkins, History, Swinburne University</li>
<li>Dion Tuckwell, Design, Monash University</li>
<li>Dr Dolly Kikon, Anthropology, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Dominic De Nardo, Medicine, Monash University</li>
<li>Dr Dominique Moritz, Law, University of the Sunshine Coast</li>
<li>Dr Dominique Potvin, Ecology, University of the Sunshine Coast</li>
<li>Associate Professor Donna Houston, Geography, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Dr Duc Dau, Humanities, University of WA</li>
<li>Dr Eden Smith, History, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Eduardo Jordan, Journalism, Griffith University</li>
<li>Dr Effie Karageorgos, History, University of Newcastle</li>
<li>Dr Elena Benthaus, Humanities, Deakin University</li>
<li>Dr Elena Prieto, Education, University of Newcastle</li>
<li>Elena Tjandra, Geography, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Elese Dowden, Philosophy, University of Queensland</li>
<li>Dr Elise Klein, Public Policy, Australian National University</li>
<li>Dr Elizabeth Branigan, Anthropology, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Elizabeth Culhane, Philosophy, University of Queensland</li>
<li>Elizabeth Duncan, Geography, Sydney University</li>
<li>Elizabeth King, English, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Dr Elizabeth Orr, Social Work, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Professor Elizabeth Povinelli, Anthropology, Charles Darwin University</li>
<li>Dr Elke Emerald, Education, Griffith University</li>
<li>Ellen Corrick, Geography, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Elliot Gould, Ecology, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Ellyse Fenton, Politics, University of Queensland</li>
<li>Dr Emily Brayshaw, History, University of Technology Sydney</li>
<li>Emily Corbett, Gender Studies, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Dr Emily Gray, Education, RMIT University</li>
<li>Emily McColl-Gausden, Ecology, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Emily Miller, Justice Studies, University of SA</li>
<li>Emily Miller, Archaeology, Griffith University</li>
<li>Dr Emily O'Gorman, Geography, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Associate Professor Emily Potter, Literature, Deakin University</li>
<li>Dr Emily Rugel, Epidemiology, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Emily Toome, Social Sciences, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Emily van der Nagel, Communication, Monash University</li>
<li>Emma Barnes, Social Science, University of NSW</li>
<li>Dr Emma Colvin, Criminology, Charles Sturt University</li>
<li>Emma George, Occupational Therapy, University of Adelaide</li>
<li>Professor Emma Kowal, Anthropology, Deakin University</li>
<li>Dr Emma Rehn, Environmental Science, James Cook University</li>
<li>Dr Emma Robertson, History, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Dr Emma Russell, Legal Studies, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Dr Emma Whatman, Gender Studies, Deakin University</li>
<li>Emmalee Ford, Biochemistry, University of Newcastle</li>
<li>Emmeline Kildea, Media, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Emmett Stinson, Literature, Deakin University</li>
<li>Epperly Zhang, Translation and Interpreting, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Erica Millar, Legal Studies, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Professor Erik Eklund, History, Federation University</li>
<li>Dr Erin Fitz-Henry, Anthropology, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Erin O'Donnell, Law, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Erina McCann, Conservation, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Associate Professor Euan Ritchie, Ecology, Deakin University</li>
<li>Associate Professor Eva Alisic, Social Science, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Eve Mayes, Education, Deakin University</li>
<li>Dr Eve Vincent, Anthropology, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Dr Ewan McDonald, Nursing, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Dr Fabian Kong, Epidemiology, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Faith Valencia-Forrester, Education, Griffith University</li>
<li>Felicia Jaremus, Education, University of Newcastle</li>
<li>Felicity Gray, Governance, Australian National University</li>
<li>Associate Professor Felicity Meakins, Linguistics, University of Queensland</li>
<li>Fernanda Quilici Mola, Fashion, RMIT University</li>
<li>Fernanda Soares, International Relations, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Fincina Hopgood, Screen Studies, University of New England</li>
<li>Dr Fiona Cameron, Heritage studies, Western Sydney University</li>
<li>Professor Fiona Haines, Criminology, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Fiona Lee, English, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Associate Professor Fiona Miller, Geography, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Professor Fiona Paisley, History, Griffith University</li>
<li>Professor Fiona Probyn-Rapsey, Humanities, University of Wollongong</li>
<li>Fran van Riemsdyk, Fine Art, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Francesca Dominello, Law, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Dr Francis Markham, Geography, Australian National University</li>
<li>Dr Freya Higgins-Desbiolles, Tourism, University of SA</li>
<li>Freya McLachlan, Justice, Queensland University of Technology</li>
<li>Freya Scott, Linguistics, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Gabriel Caluzzi, Public Health, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Dr Gabriel da Silva, Engineering, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Gabriela Franich, Criminology, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Garrity Hill, Sociology, Swinburne University</li>
<li>Dr Gemma Hamilton, Criminology, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Geoff Browne, Urban Planning, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Geoffrey Brown, Humanities, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Emeritus Professor Geoffrey Samuel, Anthropology, University of Sydney</li>
<li>George Burdon, Geography, University of NSW</li>
<li>Dr George Dertadian, Criminology, University of NSW</li>
<li>George Hatvani, Social Sciences, Swinburne University</li>
<li>Associate Professor George Newhouse, Law, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Georgia Carr, Linguistics, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Dr Georgia Garrard, Conservation, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Gerald Roche, Anthropology, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Gerard Ryan, Ecology, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Gerlinde Koeglreiter, Information Systems, Australian National University</li>
<li>Gerry McLoughlin, eUrbanism, Swinburne University</li>
<li>Professor Ghassan Hage, Anthropology, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Gilad Bino, Science, University of NSW</li>
<li>Dr Giles Fielke, Art History, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Associate Professor Gillian Kidman, Education, Monash University</li>
<li>Professor Gillian Wigglesworth, Linguistics, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Giselle Newton, Sociology, University of NSW</li>
<li>Gisselle Vila Benites, Geography, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Giulia Torello-Hill, Languages, University of New England</li>
<li>Dr Glenda Mejia, Global Studies, RMIT University</li>
<li>Glenn Abblitt, Education, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Glenn Althor, Environmental Science, Australian National University</li>
<li>Dr Graham Fulton, Biology, University of Queensland</li>
<li>Associate Professor Grant Hamilton, Ecology, Queensland University of Technology</li>
<li>Dr Greg Giannis, Education, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Professor Greg Hainge, Languages, University of Queensland</li>
<li>Professor Greg Restall, Philosophy, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Guy Webster, Literature, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Hanna Torsh, Linguistics, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Dr Hannah McCann, Cultural Studies, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Hannah Reardon-Smith, Music, Griffith University</li>
<li>Dr Hannah Robert, Law, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Hannah Weeramanthri, Social Work, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Hanne Worsoe, Anthropology, University of Queensland</li>
<li>Associate Professor Hans Baer, Anthropology, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Haripriya Rangan, Geography, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Harriette Richards, Cultural Studies, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Harrison Spratling, Education, Deakin University</li>
<li>Adjunct Professor Hartmut Fünfgeld, Geography, RMIT University</li>
<li>Hayden Moon, Theatre, Sydney University</li>
<li>Dr Hayley Henderson, Urban Planning, Australian National University</li>
<li>Dr Heather Francis, Neuropsychology, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Heather Jarvis, Media, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Helen Corney, Urban Studies, RMIT University</li>
<li>Professor Helen Dickinson, Public Administration, University of NSW</li>
<li>Dr Helen Grimmett, Education, Monash University</li>
<li>Dr Helen Johnson, Fine Art, Monash University</li>
<li>Dr Helen Keane, Sociology, Australian National University</li>
<li>Dr Helen Mayfield, Conservation, University of Queensland</li>
<li>Dr Helen Ngo, Philosophy, Deakin University</li>
<li>Dr Helen Pringle, Politics, University of NSW</li>
<li>Helen Rowe, Urban Policy, RMIT University</li>
<li>Helen South, Education, Charles Sturt University</li>
<li>Helen Taylor, Management, University of Technology Sydney</li>
<li>Dr Henk Huijser, Education, Queensland University of Technology</li>
<li>Hiranya Anderson, Health, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Dr Hoda Afshar, Humanities, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Holly Doel-Mckaway, Law, Macquarie Law School</li>
<li>Associate Professor Holly High, Anthropology, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Dr Holly Sitters, Ecology, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Holly Smith, Palaeontology, Griffith University</li>
<li>Dr Honni van Rijswijk, Law, University of Technology Sydney</li>
<li>Dr Hugh Davies, Ecology, Charles Darwin University</li>
<li>Professor Hugh Possingham, Ecology, University of Queensland</li>
<li>Dr Ibolya Losoncz, Governance, Australian National University</li>
<li>Associate Professor Ilana Mushin, Linguistics, University of Queensland</li>
<li>Dr Imogen Bell, Mental health, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Imogen Carr, Geography, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Imogen Richards, Criminology, Deakin University</li>
<li>Dr Indigo Willing, Sociology, Griffith University</li>
<li>Associate Professor Iris Duhn, Education, Monash University</li>
<li>Dr Iris Levin, Urban Planning, Swinburne University</li>
<li>Isabel Mudford, Sociology, Australian National University</li>
<li>Dr Isabel O'Keeffe, Linguistics, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Isabella Capezio, Photography, RMIT University</li>
<li>Isabella Saunders, Social science, University of NSW</li>
<li>Ishita Chatterjee, Architecture, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Ivy Scurr, Anthropology, University of Newcastle</li>
<li>Associate Professor Jaap Timmer, Anthropology, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Dr Jack Noone, Psychology, University of NSW</li>
<li>Jackson Holloway, Philosophy, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Jaclyn Hopkins, History, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Dr Jacqueline Bradley, Visual Arts, National Art School</li>
<li>Dr Jacqueline Gothe, Design, University of Technology Sydney</li>
<li>Dr Jacqui Shelton, Fine Art, Monash University</li>
<li>Dr Jacquie Tinkler, Education, Charles Sturt University</li>
<li>Professor Jago Dodson, Urban Policy, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Jamee Newland, Health, University of NSW</li>
<li>James Barker, Ecology, University of Wollongong</li>
<li>James Blackwell, Politics, University of NSW</li>
<li>Dr James Bradley, History, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr James Cleverley, Cultural Studies, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr James Dunk, History, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Dr James Findlay, History, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Dr James Flexner, Archaeology, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Dr James Lesh, Heritage Studies, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Professor James McCaw, Science, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>James Meese, Communications, RMIT University</li>
<li>Associate Professor James Oliver, Design, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr James Radford, Ecology, La Trobe University</li>
<li>James Upjohn, Science, Monash University</li>
<li>Dr Jan-Hendrik, Geography, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Jane Carey, History, University of Wollongong</li>
<li>Professor Jane Wilkinson, Education, Monash University</li>
<li>Associate Professor Janet Hunt, Development Studies, Australian National University</li>
<li>Associate Professor Janet Stanley, Interdisciplinary, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Janice Wright, Social Sciences, University of Wollongong</li>
<li>Janine Gertz, Sociology, James Cook University</li>
<li>Jannett Nieves, Social Studies, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Jarrod Hore, History, University of NSW</li>
<li>Jasmin McAleer, Archaeology, Australian National University</li>
<li>Dr Jasmine Westendorf, Politics, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Rev/Dr Jason Goroncy, Theology, University of Divinity</li>
<li>Javed Anwar, Education, RMIT University</li>
<li>Professor Javier Alvarez-Mon, Archaeology, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Dr Jay Daniel Thompson, Communications, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Jaye Early, Art, University of SA</li>
<li>Jaye Hayes, Arts Therapy, MIECAT Institute</li>
<li>Dr Jayne Rantall, History, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Professor Jayne White, Education, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Jayne Wilkins, Archaeology, Griffith University</li>
<li>Dr Jaz Hee-jeong Choi, Design, RMIT University</li>
<li>Professor Jeanette Kennett, Philosophy, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Jeanine Hourani, Public Health, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Jeannette Walsh, Social work, University of Wollongong</li>
<li>Associate Professor Jeannie Rea, Planetary Health, Victoria University</li>
<li>Associate Professor Jeff Babon, Biologist, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute</li>
<li>Jen Hocking, Midwifery, Australian Catholic University</li>
<li>Dr Jen Martin, Science, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Jenna Mead, English, University of WA</li>
<li>Jenna Mikus, Creative Industries, Queensland University of Technology</li>
<li>Dr Jennifer Audsley, Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Associate Professor Jennifer Balint, Criminology, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Associate Professor Jennifer Biddle, Visual Anthropology, University of NSW</li>
<li>Dr Jennifer Bleazby, Education, Monash University</li>
<li>Jennifer Campbell, Engineering, Griffith University</li>
<li>Dr Jennifer Caruso, History, University of Adelaide</li>
<li>Dr Jennifer Dowling, Languages, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Professor Jennifer Firn, Ecology, Queensland University of Technology</li>
<li>Dr Jennifer McConachy, Social Work, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Jennifer Newsome, Musicology, Australian National University</li>
<li>Dr Jennifer Seevinck, Design, Queensland University of Technology</li>
<li>Dr Jennifer Silcock, Ecology, University of Queensland</li>
<li>Jennifer Witheridge, Urban Studies, Swinburne University</li>
<li>Dr Jeremiah Brown, Financial Wellbeing, University of NSW</li>
<li>Jeremy Eaton, Visual Art, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Jeremy Gay, Social Science, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Jess Coyle, Indigenous Australian Studies, Charles Sturt University</li>
<li>Jess Hardley, Media, Murdoch University</li>
<li>Dr Jess Reeves, Environmental Science, Federation University</li>
<li>Dr Jessica Birnie-Smith, Linguistics, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Dr Jessica Campbell, Speech Pathology, University of Queensland</li>
<li>Dr Jessica Edwards, Health, University of Adelaide</li>
<li>Dr Jessica Gannaway, Languages, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Jessica Gerrard, Education, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Jessica Gibbs, Archaeology, University of Queensland</li>
<li>Dr Jessica Hazel Horton, History, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Dr Jessica Kean, Gender Studies, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Jessica Lea Dunn, Design, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Dr Jessica Manousakis, Neuroscience, Monash University</li>
<li>Dr Jessica Megarry, Political Science, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Jessica Priemus, Design, Curtin University</li>
<li>Dr Jessica Roberts, Ecology, Monash University</li>
<li>Associate Professor Jessica Wilkinson, Creative Writing, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Jessie Wells, Environmental Science, University of Queensland</li>
<li>Jidde Jacobi, Cognitive Sciences, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Dr Jill Fielding-Wells, Education, Australian Catholic University</li>
<li>Jill Pope, Anthropology, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Jill Vaughan, Linguistics, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Jillian Healy, Biological Science, Deakin University</li>
<li>Dr Jing Qi, Education, RMIT University</li>
<li>Jo Grant, Medical Anthropology, University of Newcastle</li>
<li>Dr Joanna Cruickshank, History, Deakin University</li>
<li>Dr Joanna Kyriakakis, Law, Monash University</li>
<li>Dr Joanne Dawson, Astronomy, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Dr Joanne Faulkner, Cultural Studies, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Dr Joanne Quick, Languages, Deakin University</li>
<li>Dr Joanne Watson, Disability and Inclusion, Deakin University</li>
<li>Jocelyn Bosse, Law, University of Queensland</li>
<li>Dr Jodi McAlister, Writing, Deakin University</li>
<li>Dr Joe Fontaine, Environmental Science, Murdoch University</li>
<li>Dr Joe Hurley, Urban Planning, RMIT University</li>
<li>Joe MacFarlane, Criminology, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Joel Barnes, History, University of Technology Sydney</li>
<li>Dr John Cox, Anthropology, La Trobe University</li>
<li>John Cumming, Creative Arts, Deakin University</li>
<li>Professor John Frow, English, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Professor John Langmore, Politics, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Professor John Sinclair, Sociology, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr John Taylor, Anthropology, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Professor Jon Barnett, Geography, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Jon Roffe, Philosophy, Melbourne School of Continental Philosophy</li>
<li>Jonas Ropponen, Fine Art, Monash University</li>
<li>Dr Jonathan Dimond, Arts, Melbourne Polytechnic</li>
<li>Dr Jonathan Symons, Politics, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Dr Joni Meenagh, Criminology, RMIT University</li>
<li>Jordan Hinton, Psychology, Australian Catholic University</li>
<li>Dr Jordana Silverstein, History, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Professor Joseph Pugliese, Cultural Studies, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Dr Josephine Browne, Sociology, Griffith University</li>
<li>Joshua Badge, Philosophy, Deakin University</li>
<li>Joshua Hernandez, Philosophy, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Joshua Hodges, Ecology, Charles Sturt University</li>
<li>Dr Jovana Mastilovic, Law, Griffith University</li>
<li>Judy Annear, Art History, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Judy Bush, Urban Planning, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Judy Taylor, Health, James Cook University</li>
<li>Dr Julia Dehm, Law, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Julia Hartelius, International Studies, RMIT University</li>
<li>Julia Lane, Cultural Studies, Edith Cowan University</li>
<li>Julian Aubrey Smith, Fine Arts, RMIT University</li>
<li>Julian McKinlay King, Political Science, University of Wollongong</li>
<li>Dr Julie Dean, Health, University of Queensland</li>
<li>Professor Julie Fitness, Psychology, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Dr Julie Healer, Science, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute</li>
<li>Dr Julie Kimber, Politics, Swinburne University of Technology</li>
<li>Dr Julie Moreau, Biology, Monash University</li>
<li>Associate Professor Julie Rudner, Community Development, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Juliet Gunning, Performing Arts, Swinburne University</li>
<li>Associate Professor Juliet Rogers, Criminology, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Jumana Bayeh, Arts, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Dr June Rubis, Geography, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Justin McCulloch, Geography, University of SA</li>
<li>Dr Justine Shih Pearson, Literature, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Jutta Beher, Ecology, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Kai Tanter, Philosophy, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Professor Kama Maclean, History, University of NSW</li>
<li>Professor Kane Race, Humanities, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Kara Sandri, Social Science, RMIT University</li>
<li>Karen Carlisle, Health, James Cook University</li>
<li>Dr Karen Cheer, Health, James Cook University</li>
<li>Dr Karen Crawley, Law, Griffith University</li>
<li>Associate Professor Karen Jones, Philosophy, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Karen Marangio, Education, Monash University</li>
<li>Professor Karen Trimmer, Education, University of Southern Queensland</li>
<li>Dr Kari Lancaster, Social Science, University of NSW</li>
<li>Karly Cini, Health, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Kassel Hingee, Statistics, Australian National University</li>
<li>Kate Barber, Art, Monash University</li>
<li>Kate Brody, Medicine, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Kate Clark, Cultural Studies, Monash University</li>
<li>Dr Kate Davison, History, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Kate Dooley, Political science, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Kate Helmstedt, Mathematics, Queensland University of Technology</li>
<li>Dr Kate Howell, Food Systems, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Kate Hume, Environmental Sciences, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Kate Johnston-Ataata, Sociology, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Kate Just, Art, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Kate O'Connor, Education, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Professor Kate Sweetapple, Design, University of Technology Sydney</li>
<li>Associate Professor Kate Thompson, Education, Queensland University of Technology</li>
<li>Kate Toone, Social work, Flinders University</li>
<li>Dr Kate Young, Public Health, Queensland University of Technology</li>
<li>Katerina Kokkinos-Kennedy, Performing Arts, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Associate Professor Katerina Teaiwa, Pacific Studies, Australian National University</li>
<li>Professor Kath Gelber, Political Science, University of Queensland</li>
<li>Katherine Berthon, Ecology, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Katherine Curchin, Public Policy, Australian National University</li>
<li>Associate Professor Katherine Ellinghaus, History, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Dr Katherine Giljohann, Science, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Professor Katherine Johnson, Community Psychology, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Kathleen Aikens, Education, Monash University</li>
<li>Dr Kathleen Flanagan, Sociology, University of Tasmania</li>
<li>Dr Kathleen Neal, History, Monash University</li>
<li>Kathleen Pleasants, Education, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Kathleen Smithers, Education, University of Newcastle</li>
<li>Dr Kathleen Tait, Education, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Dr Kathryn Coleman, Visual Art, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Kathryn Knights, Ecology, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Kathryn Reardon-Smith, Ecology, University of Southern Queensland</li>
<li>Dr Kathryn Sellick, Social Work, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Professor Kathryn Williams, Psychology, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Professor Kathy Bowrey, Law, University of NSW</li>
<li>Associate Professor Katie Barclay, History, University of Adelaide</li>
<li>Professor Katie Holmes, History, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Dr Katie O'Bryan, Law, Monash University</li>
<li>Dr Katie Woolaston, Law, Queensland University of Technology</li>
<li>Katitza Marinkovic, Health, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Katrin Koenning, Visual Art, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Katrina Raynor, Urban Planning, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Kavita Gonsalves, Urban Studies, Queensland University of Technology</li>
<li>Dr Kaya Barry, Geography, Griffith University</li>
<li>Keagan Ó Guaire, Social Science, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Associate Professor Keely Macarow, Art, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Keith Armstrong, Visual Arts, Queensland University of Technology</li>
<li>Dr Kelly Donati, Food studies, William Angliss Institute</li>
<li>Dr Kelly Gardiner, English, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Dr Kelly Hussey-Smith, Art, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Kelsie Long, Palaeoenvironments, Australian National University</li>
<li>Dr Kerrie Saville, Management, Deakin University</li>
<li>Dr Kerryn Drysdale, Health, University of NSW</li>
<li>Dr Kevin Lowe, Education, University of NSW</li>
<li>Kia Zand, Art, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Kieran Stevenson, Writing, Deakin University</li>
<li>Dr Kim Davies, Education, Deakin University</li>
<li>Kim Newman, Archaeology, Griffith University</li>
<li>Kimberley de la Motte, Science, University of Queensland</li>
<li>Dr Kirrily Jordan, Politics, Australian National University</li>
<li>Dr Kirsten Small, Health, Griffith University</li>
<li>Kirstin Kreyscher, Humanities, Deakin University</li>
<li>Kirsty Howey, Cultural Studies, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Kris Vine, Health, James Cook University</li>
<li>Dr Kristal Cain, Biology, Australian National University</li>
<li>Kristen Bell, Urban Planning, RMIT University</li>
<li>Kristina Tsoulis-Reay, Fine Art, Monash University</li>
<li>Associate Professor Kurt Iveson, Geography, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Dr Kyle Harvey, History, University of Tasmania</li>
<li>Associate Professor Kym Rae, Indigenous Health, University of Queensland</li>
<li>Kymberly Louise, Disability Studies, Flinders University</li>
<li>Dr Lana Hartwig, Geography, Griffith University</li>
<li>Lanie Stockman, Social Policy, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Lara Palombo, Cultural Studies, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Dr Laresa Kosloff, Art, RMIT University</li>
<li>Larissa Fogden, Social Work, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Larissa Sandy, Criminology, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Laura Alfrey, Education, Monash University</li>
<li>Dr Laura Henderson, Cultural Studies, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Lauren Gawne, Linguistics, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Lauren Gower, Fine Art, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Lauren Istvandity, Cultural Studies, University of the Sunshine Coast</li>
<li>Dr Lauren Pikó, History, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Leah Barclay, Design, University of the Sunshine Coast</li>
<li>Dr Leah Lui-Chivizhe, History, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Dr Leah Williams Veazey, Sociology, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Dr Leanne Morrison, Accounting, RMIT University</li>
<li>Lee Valentine, Health, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Lenise Prater, Literary Studies, Monash University</li>
<li>Lenka Thompson, Social Science, University of Technology Sydney</li>
<li>Leonetta Leopardi, Linguistics, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Leonie Brialey, Creative Writing, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Professor Lesley Head, Geography, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Professor Lesley Hughes, Ecology, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Professor Lesley Stirling, Linguistics, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Leslie Eastman, Fine Art, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Leslie Roberson, Conservation, University of Queensland</li>
<li>Letitia Robertson, Finance, University of Southern Queensland</li>
<li>Dr Lew Zipin, Education, Victoria University</li>
<li>Dr Liam Ward, Media, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Libby Kruse, Medical Biology, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Professor Libby Porter, Urban Planning, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Ligia Lopez Lopez, Education, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Lila Moosad, Public Health, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Lina Koleilat, Ethnography, Australian National University</li>
<li>Lindall Kidd, Ecology, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Lindy Orthia, Science Communication, Australian National University</li>
<li>Dr Lisa Carson, Politics, University of NSW</li>
<li>Lisa de Kleyn, Social Science, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Lisa Hunter, Education, Monash University</li>
<li>Lisa Siegel, Education, Southern Cross University</li>
<li>Lisa Theiler, Anthropology, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Dr Lisa Vallely, Public Health, University of NSW</li>
<li>Associate Professor Lisa Wynn, Anthropology, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Dr Liz Barber, Public Health, University of SA</li>
<li>Dr Liz Brogden, Architecture, Queensland University of Technology</li>
<li>Associate Professor Liz Conor, History, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Liz Dearn, Mental Health, RMIT University</li>
<li>Liz McGrath, Social Work, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Lizzil Gay, Media, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Llewellyn Wishart, Education, Deakin University</li>
<li>Dr Lloyd White, Anatomy, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Dr Lobna Yassine, Social Work, Australian Catholic University</li>
<li>Professor Lorana Bartels, Criminology, Australian National University</li>
<li>Loretta Bellato, Social Sciences, Swinburne University</li>
<li>Dr Lorna Peters, Psychology, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Dr Louisa Willoughby, Linguistics, Monash University</li>
<li>Professor Louise D'Arcens, English, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Dr Louise Dorignon, Geography, RMIT University</li>
<li>Louise Weaver, Fine Art, RMIT University</li>
<li>Lu Lin, Cultural Studies, RMIT University</li>
<li>Luara Karlson, English, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Luci Pangrazio, Education, Deakin University</li>
<li>Lucinda Strahan, Writing, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Lucy Buzacott, Arts, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Lucy Gunn, Urban Studies, RMIT University</li>
<li>Associate Professor Lucy Nicholas, Sociology, Western Sydney University</li>
<li>Dr Lucy Van, Literature, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Luigi Gussago, Languages, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Professor Luke McNamara, Law, University of NSW</li>
<li>Luke Stafford, Biology, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Lydia Pearson, Fashion, Queensland University of Technology</li>
<li>Lyndall Murray, Cognitive Science, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Professor Lyndsey Nickels, Cognitive Science, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Dr Lyrian Daniel, Architecture, University of Adelaide</li>
<li>Madeline Dans, Biomedics, Burnet Institute</li>
<li>Dr Madeline Mitchell, Plant Sciences, RMIT University</li>
<li>Madeline Taylor, Design, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Maia Gunn Watkinson, Cultural Studies, University of NSW</li>
<li>Dr Maia Raymundo, Ecology, James Cook University</li>
<li>Dr Mandy Truong, Public Health, Monash University</li>
<li>Dr Marc Mierowsky, English, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Marc Pruyn, Education, Monash University</li>
<li>Dr Marcelo Svirsky, Politics, University of Wollongong</li>
<li>Marco Gutierrez, Environmental Policy, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Marcus Banks, Economics, RMIT University</li>
<li>Professor Marcus Foth, Design, Queensland University of Technology</li>
<li>Dr Maree Pardy, International Studies, Deakin University</li>
<li>Margareta Windisch, Social Work, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Margot Ford, Education, University of Newcastle</li>
<li>Dr Maria Giannacopoulos, Law, Flinders University</li>
<li>Dr Maria Karidakis, Linguistics, The University Of Melbourne</li>
<li>Maria Korochkina, Cognitive Science, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Dr Mariana Dias Baptista, Forest Science, RMIT University</li>
<li>Professor Marie Brennan, Education, University of SA</li>
<li>Dr Mariko Smith, Museum Studies, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Marita McGuirk, Ecologist, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Mark Bahnisch, Sociology, International College of Management</li>
<li>Associate Professor Mark Kelly, Philosophy, Western Sydney University</li>
<li>Mark Parfitt, Humanities, Curtin University</li>
<li>Dr Mark Shorter, Fine Arts, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Markela Panegyres, Visual Arts, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Dr Marnee Watkins, Education, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Marnie Badham, Creative Arts, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Martin Breed, Ecology, Flinders University</li>
<li>Associate Professor Martin Porr, Archaeology, University of WA</li>
<li>Professor Mary Lou Rasmussen, Sociology, Australian National University</li>
<li>Dr Mary Tomsic, History, Australian Catholic University</li>
<li>Dr Mathew Abbott, Philosophy, Federation University</li>
<li>Matt Novacevski, Planning, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Matthew Champion, History, Australian Catholic University</li>
<li>Professor Matthew Fitzpatrick, History, Flinders University</li>
<li>Dr Matthew Harrison, Education, Melbourne Graduate School of Education</li>
<li>Matthew Mitchell, Criminology, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Matthew Selinske, Conservation, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Max Kaiser, History, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Meagan Dewar, Biology, Federation University</li>
<li>Dr Meagan Tyler, Industrial Relations, RMIT University</li>
<li>Professor Meaghan Morris, Cultural Studies, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Dr Meera Varadharajan, Education, University of NSW</li>
<li>Dr Meg Foster, History, University of NSW</li>
<li>Dr Megan Evans, Environmental Policy, University of NSW</li>
<li>Dr Megan Good, Ecology, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Megan McPherson, Creative Arts, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Megan Tighe, Politics, University of Tasmania</li>
<li>Dr Megan Weier, Social Policy, University of NSW</li>
<li>Mel Campbell, Media, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Melanie Ashe, Media, Monash University</li>
<li>Dr Melanie Baak, Education, University of SA</li>
<li>Dr Melanie Davern, Public Health, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Melinda Mann, Education, Central Queensland University</li>
<li>Dr Melissa Hardie, English, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Professor Melissa Haswell, Health, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Melissa Laing, Social work, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Melissa Lovell, Political Science, Australian National University</li>
<li>Dr Melissa Neave, Urban Planning, RMIT University</li>
<li>Associate Professor Melissa Norberg, Psychology, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Dr Melissa Wolfe, Education, Monash University</li>
<li>Mercedes Zanker, Philosophy, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Dr Meredith Turnbull, Fine Art, Monash University</li>
<li>Dr Mia Martin Hobbs, History, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Micaela Pattison, History, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Dr Micaela Sahhar, Palestine Studies, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Michael Bojkowski, Communications, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Michael Callaghan, Ethics, Deakin University</li>
<li>Professor Michael Gard, Human Movement, University of Queensland</li>
<li>Dr Michael Griffiths, English, University of Wollongong</li>
<li>Michael Julian, Indigenous Arts, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Professor Michael McCarthy, Ecology, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Michael McNally, Education, University of Queensland</li>
<li>Michael Pearson, History, Australian Catholic University</li>
<li>Dr Michael Richardson, Cultural Studies, University of NSW</li>
<li>Dr Michael Savic, Sociology, Monash University</li>
<li>Professor Michael Stumpf, Biology, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Michal Glikson, Visual Arts, Charles Darwin University</li>
<li>Michel Gerencir, Visual Language, Griffith Film School</li>
<li>Professor Michele Acuto, Politics, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Associate Professor Michele Ruyters, Legal Studies, RMIT University</li>
<li>Professor Michelle Arrow, History, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Dr Michelle Carmody, Latin American Studies, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Michelle Langley, Archaeology, Griffith University</li>
<li>Dr Michelle Ludecke, Education, Monash University</li>
<li>Dr Michelle Redman-MacLaren, Public Health, James Cook University</li>
<li>Michelle Toy, Law, University of Technology Sydney</li>
<li>Professor Miguel Vatter, Politics, Flinders University</li>
<li>Dr Mike Jones, History, Australian National University</li>
<li>Dr Millicent Churcher, Philosophy, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Associate Professor Miranda Forsyth, Law, Australian National University</li>
<li>Dr Miranda Smith, Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Miri Forbes, Psychology, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Mittul Vahanvati, Urban Planning, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Moira Williams, Biology, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Dr Monica Barratt, Social Sciences, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Monica Behrend, Research Education, University of SA</li>
<li>Dr Monica Campo, Sociology, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Monica Sestito, Italian Studies, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Monika Barthwal-Datta, International Relations, University of NSW</li>
<li>Monique Moffa, Criminology, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Morgan Harrington, Anthropology, Australian National University</li>
<li>Dr Morgan Tear, Psychology, Monash University</li>
<li>Morganna Magee, Design, Swinburne University</li>
<li>Muhammad Ali, Education, University of Queensland</li>
<li>Dr Nadia Rhook, Indigenous Studies, University of WA</li>
<li>Nahum McLean, Design, University of Technology Sydney</li>
<li>Naimah Talib, Geography, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Professor Nan Seuffert, Law, University of Wollongong</li>
<li>Dr Naomi Indigp, Science, University of Queensland</li>
<li>Dr Naomi Parry, History, University of Tasmania</li>
<li>Dr Natalie Hendry, Media, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Natalie Osborne, Geography, Griffith University</li>
<li>Dr Natalya Turkina, Business, RMIT University</li>
<li>Natasha Cadenhead, Conservation, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Natasha Heenan, Politics, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Dr Natasha Pauli, Geography, University of WA</li>
<li>Natasha Ufer, Ecology, University of Queensland</li>
<li>Dr Nathalie Butt, Ecology, University of Queensland</li>
<li>Nathan Pittman, Urban Planning, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Neil Maclean, Anthropology, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Nicholas Carson, Sociology, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Nicholas Hill, Sociology, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Nicholas Mangan, Fine Art, Monash University</li>
<li>Nicholas Ross, Politics, Australian National University</li>
<li>Dr Nicholas Tochka, Music, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Nick Brancazio, Philosophy, University of Wollongong</li>
<li>Dr Nick Kelly, Design, Queensland University of Technology</li>
<li>Dr Nick Schultz, Ecology, Federation University</li>
<li>Associate Professor Nick Thieberger, Linguistics, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Nicky Dulfer, Education, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Nicola Carr, Education, RMIT University</li>
<li>Associate Professor Nicola Henry, Social Sciences, RMIT University</li>
<li>Nicola Laurent, Archives, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Nicole Davis, History, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Professor Nicole Gurran, Urban Planning, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Associate Professor Nicole Rogers, Law, Southern Cross University</li>
<li>Dr Nikita Vanderbyl, Indigenous Studies, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Professor Nikos Papastergiadis, Media, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Nikos Thomacos, Psychology, Monash University</li>
<li>Dr Nilmini Fernando, Sociology, Griffith University</li>
<li>Dr Nina Williams, Geography, University of NSW</li>
<li>Dr Niro Kandasamy, History, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Olivia Price, Public Health, University of NSW</li>
<li>Dr Olwyn Stewart, Philosophy, University of Auckland</li>
<li>Dr Orana Sandri, Environmental Studies, RMIT University</li>
<li>Padraic Gibson, History, University of Technology Sydney</li>
<li>Pamela Buena, Education, University of NSW</li>
<li>Paris Hadfield, Geography, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Pashew Nuri, Education, Monash University</li>
<li>Emeritus Professor Patricia Grimshaw, History, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Patrick Kelly, Media, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Paul Munro, Geography, University of NSW</li>
<li>Professor Paul Patton, Philosophy, Flinders University</li>
<li>Professor Paul Tacon, Archaeology, Griffith University</li>
<li>Dr Paula Satizabal, Geography, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Payal Bal, Ecology, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Peta Malins, Criminology, RMIT University</li>
<li>Peta Phelan, Health, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Peta White, Education, Deakin University</li>
<li>Dr Peter Balint, Politics, University of NSW</li>
<li>Dr Peter Chambers, Criminology, RMIT University</li>
<li>Associate Professor Peter Christoff, Geography, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Associate Professor Peter Ellis, Fine Art, RMIT University</li>
<li>Peter Hogg, Architecture, Melbourne Polytechnic</li>
<li>Professor Peter Marius Veth, Archaeology, University of WA</li>
<li>Professor Peter Otto, Literary Studies, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Philippa Chandler, Geography, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Phillipa Bellemore, Sociology, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Dr Phoebe Everingham, Geography, University of Newcastle</li>
<li>Dr Phoebe Smithies, Physiotherapy, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Pia Treichel, Geography, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Pip Henderson, Public Health, Flinders University</li>
<li>Dr Piper Rodd, History, Deakin University</li>
<li>Polly Bennett, Sociology, Deakin University</li>
<li>Dr Poppy de Souza, Media, University of NSW</li>
<li>Dr Prashanti Mayfield, Geography, RMIT University</li>
<li>Priya Kunjan, Politics, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Quah Ee Ling Sharon, Sociology, University of Wollongong</li>
<li>Dr Rachael Burgin, Criminology, Swinburne University</li>
<li>Dr Rachael Dwyer, Education, University of the Sunshine Coast</li>
<li>Rachael Fernald, Social Work, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Rachel Buchanan, Education, University of Newcastle</li>
<li>Dr Rachel Burke, Linguistics, University of Newcastle</li>
<li>Dr Rachel Busbridge, Sociology, Australian Catholic University</li>
<li>Dr Rachel Chapman, Education, Melbourne Polytechnic</li>
<li>Dr Rachel Deacon, Health, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Rachel England, Environmental Studies, Australian National University</li>
<li>Dr Rachel Forgasz, Education, Monash University</li>
<li>Associate Professor Rachel Heath, Psychology, University of Newcastle</li>
<li>Rachel Iampolski, Geography, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Rachel Joy, Criminology, Australian College of Applied Psychology</li>
<li>Dr Rachel Loney-Howes, Criminology, University of Wollongong</li>
<li>Professor Rachel Nordlinger, Linguistics, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Rachel Thompson, Public Health, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Dr Rachel Toovey, Physiotherapy, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Rachele Gore, Microbiology, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Radha O’Meara, Creative Writing, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Radha Pathy, Psychology, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Associate Professor Raimondo Bruno, Psychology, University of Tasmania</li>
<li>Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah, Sociology, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Dr Rea Saunders, Indigenous Studies, University of Queensland</li>
<li>Dr Rebecca Ananian-Welsh, Law, University of Queensland</li>
<li>Rebecca Clements, Urban Planning, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Rebecca Colvin, Social Science, Australian National University</li>
<li>Dr Rebecca Defina, Linguistics, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Rebecca Hiscock, Criminology, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Rebecca Olive, Cultural Studies, University of Queensland</li>
<li>Dr Rebecca Runting, Geography, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Rebecca Wheatley, Ecology, University of Tasmania</li>
<li>Dr Renae Fomiatti, Sociology, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Renee Cosgrave, Fine Art, Monash University</li>
<li>Dr Rhian Morgan, Anthropology, James Cook University</li>
<li>Dr Riccarda Peters, Neuroscience, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Associate Professor Richard McDermid, Science, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Rifaie Tammas, Politics, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Dr Rimi Khan, Cultural Studies, RMIT University</li>
<li>Ritika Skand Vohra, Fashion, RMIT University</li>
<li>Professor Rob Moodie, Public Health, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Robert Boncardo, European Studies, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Associate Professor Robert Parkes, Education, University of Newcastle</li>
<li>Robert Polglase, Urban Studies, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Robin Bellingham, Education, Deakin University</li>
<li>Dr Robin Torrence, Archaeology, Australian Museum</li>
<li>Dr Robyn Babaeff, Education, Monash University</li>
<li>Robyn Boldy, Environmental Science, University of Queensland</li>
<li>Dr Robyn Schofield, Environmental Science, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Robyn Williams, Indigenous Health, Charles Sturt University</li>
<li>Dr Roger Alsop, Arts, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Romana Begicevic, Health, Curtin University</li>
<li>Dr Ronnie Scott, Writing, RMIT University</li>
<li>Rosalie Willacy, Conservation, University of Queensland</li>
<li>Rose Macaulay, Psychology, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Rosemary Gilby, Education, Monash University</li>
<li>Dr Rosey Billington, Linguistics, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Roshan Sharma, Conservation, RMIT University</li>
<li>Rosie Joy Barron, Education, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Rosie Welch, Education, Monash University</li>
<li>Professor Rosita Henry, Anthropology, James Cook University</li>
<li>Rowena Booth, Education, RMIT University</li>
<li>Associate Professor Rowena Maguire, Environmental Law, Queensland University of Technology</li>
<li>Emeritus Professor Russell Meares, Psychiatry, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Dr Russell Richards, Systems Modelling, University of Queensland</li>
<li>Dr Ruth De Souza, Nursing, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Ruth Ford, History, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Dr Ruth Gamble, History, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Dr Ruth Morgan, History, Australian National University</li>
<li>Dr Ruth Richards, Feminist Theory, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Ryan Al-Natour, Teacher Education, Charles Sturt University</li>
<li>Dr Ryan Frazer, Indigenous Studies, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Dr Ryan Gustafsson, Philosophy, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Sab D'Souza, Visual Arts, University of Technology Sydney</li>
<li>Sabrina Nemorin, Health, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Sadhbh Byrne, Psychology, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Sahar Ghumkhor, Criminology, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Sal Clark, International Relations, Swinburne University</li>
<li>Dr Sally Baker, Education, University of NSW</li>
<li>Sally Olds, Creative Writing, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Associate Professor Sally Treloyn, Ethnomusicology, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Sam Schulzq, Education, Federation University</li>
<li>Associate Professor Samantha Ashby, Occupational Therapy, University of Newcastle</li>
<li>Dr Samantha Balaton-Chrimes, Politics, Deakin University</li>
<li>Samantha Bennett, Education, RMIT University</li>
<li>Samantha Colledge, Public Health, University of NSW</li>
<li>Samantha Mannix, Public Health, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Samantha McMahon, Education, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Sancintya Simpson, Fine Art, Griffith University</li>
<li>Associate Professor Sandie Suchet-Pearson, Geography, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Dr Sandra D'Urso, Theatre and Performance Studies, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Sandra Penman, Forest Science, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Associate Professor Sango Mahanty, Geography, Australian National University</li>
<li>Sara Fuller, Geography, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Associate Professor Sara Motta, Politics, University of Newcastle</li>
<li>Professor Sarah Bekessy, Ecology, RMIT University</li>
<li>Sarah Callahan, Gender Studies, Swinburne University</li>
<li>Dr Sarah Casey, Communication, University of the Sunshine Coast</li>
<li>Sarah Gurr, Education, University of Newcastle</li>
<li>Dr Sarah Holcombe, Anthropology, University of Queensland</li>
<li>Sarah Jane Jones, Communications, University of Technology Sydney</li>
<li>Professor Sarah Larkins, Health, James Cook University</li>
<li>Dr Sarah MacLean, Sociology, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Professor Sarah Maddison, Politics, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Sarah McColl-Gausden, Ecology, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Sarah McCook, Gender Studies, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Sarah Milne, Human Geography, Australian National University</li>
<li>Dr Sarah Pinto, History, Deakin University</li>
<li>Sarah Robertson, Geography, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Sarah Young, Education, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Sascha Fuller, Anthropology, University of Newcastle</li>
<li>Scheherazade Bloul, Politics, Deakin University</li>
<li>Scott Lyon, Communications, Swinburne University</li>
<li>Dr Scott Webster, Cultural Studies, Sydney University</li>
<li>Dr Seán Kerins, Politics, Australian National University</li>
<li>Dr Sean Lowry, Art, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Sebastian Cordoba, Social Work, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Serene Ho, Land Administration, RMIT University</li>
<li>Sertan Saral, Gender Studies, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Shaez Mortimer, Criminology, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Shakira Hussein, Sociology, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Shannon Woodcock, Indigenous Education, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Sharon Andrews, Public Policy, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Sharon Cooper, Education, University of Newcastle</li>
<li>Sharon Reid, Environmental Science, Federation University</li>
<li>Sharon Simon, Criminology, RMIT University</li>
<li>Shaunagh O’Sullivan, Mental Health, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Shayne beaver, Design, Queensland University of Technology</li>
<li>Associate Professor Shelley Marshall, Law, RMIT University</li>
<li>Shelly McGrath, Indigenous Studies, University of Newcastle</li>
<li>Dr Sherridan Emery, Education, University of Tasmania</li>
<li>Shirley Clifton, Education, University of Newcastle</li>
<li>Dr Sianan Healy, History, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Associate Professor Sigi Jottkandt, English, University of NSW</li>
<li>Professor Simon Batterbury, Environmental Studies, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Simon Christie, Linguistics, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Simona Castricum, Architecture, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Simone Louwhoff, Conservation, Federation University</li>
<li>Dr Simone Schmidt, Mental Health, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Simone Sherriff, Public Health, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Siobhán Costigan, Communications, University of Technology Sydney</li>
<li>Dr Siobhan Irving, Anthropology, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Dr Siobhan McDonnell, Law, Australian National University</li>
<li>Siri Hayes, Fine Art, Monash university</li>
<li>Dr Sky Croeser, Internet Studies, Curtin University</li>
<li>Somaieh Ebrahimi, Sociology, RMIT University</li>
<li>Sonia Hines, Public Health, Flinders University</li>
<li>Sonia Qadir, Law, University of NSW</li>
<li>Soon-Tzu Speechley, Architecture, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Sophia Imran, Professional Studies, University of Southern Queensland</li>
<li>Sophie Hindes, Criminology, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Sophie Hollitt, Physics, University of Adelaide</li>
<li>Sophie Langley, Creative Arts, RMIT University</li>
<li>Sophie Pezzutto, Anthropology, Australian National University</li>
<li>Dr Sophie Rudolph, Education, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Sophie Russell, Law, University of Technology Sydney</li>
<li>Sophie Smit, Cognitive Science, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Sophie-May Kerr, Geography, University of Wollongong</li>
<li>Soraya Zwahlen, Biology, Australian National University</li>
<li>Dr Stefan Lie, Design, University of Technology Sydney</li>
<li>Dr Stefanie Plage, Sociology, University of Queensland</li>
<li>Stella Marr, Archivist, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Stephanie Lavau, Sociology, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Stephanie Lusby, Anthropology, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Dr Stephen Atkinson, Art, University of SA</li>
<li>Dr Stephen Bell, Social Sciences, University of NSW</li>
<li>Dr Stephen Dann, Marketing, Australian National University</li>
<li>Professor Stephen Muecke, Cultural Studies, Flinders University</li>
<li>Dr Steven Geroe, Law, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Steven Kickbusch, Education, Queensland University of Technology</li>
<li>Stevie Howson, Law, University of Wollongong</li>
<li>Stuart Geddes, Communications, RMIT University</li>
<li>Professor Stuart Parsons, Biologist, Queensland University of Technology</li>
<li>Professor Stuart Phinn, Geography, University of Queensland</li>
<li>Sudha Soma, Business, University of Southern Queensland</li>
<li>Professor Sue Jackson, Geography, Griffith University</li>
<li>Dr Sue Meares, Psychology, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Professor Sue O'Connor, Archaeology, Australian National University</li>
<li>Professor Sujatha Fernandes, Sociology, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Dr Susan Clarke, Health, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Dr Susan Olney, Public Policy, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Susan Potter, Film Studies, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Dr Susanne Gannon, Education, Western Sydney University</li>
<li>Associate Professor Susie Moloney, Urban Planning, RMIT University</li>
<li>Suzannah Henty, Art History, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Suzanne Macqueen, Education, University of Newcastle</li>
<li>Dr Suzy Killmister, Philosophy, Monash university</li>
<li>Taiba Khelwaty, Education, Flinders University</li>
<li>Dr Tal Fitzpatrick, Visual Arts, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Talei Mangioni, Pacific Studies, Australian National University</li>
<li>Tallace Bissett, Criminology, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Tamara Borovica, Social Sciences, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Tania Canas, Arts, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Tanja Dreher, Media, University of NSW</li>
<li>Tanya Eccleston, Fine Art, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Tanya King, Anthropology, Deakin University</li>
<li>Tasnim Sammak, Education, Monash University</li>
<li>Tayhla Ryder, Anthropology, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Taylah Gray, Law, University of Newcastle</li>
<li>Taylor Hardwick, Media, Swinburne University</li>
<li>Professor Ted Goranson, Information Science, Griffith University</li>
<li>Teresa Capetola, Health Promotion, Deakin university</li>
<li>Terri Ann Quan Sing, Literary Studies, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Dr Terry Leahy, Sociology, University of Newcastle</li>
<li>Tessa Toumbourou, Geography, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Professor Thalia Anthony, Law, University of Technology Sydney</li>
<li>Thao Nguyen, Art History, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Thao Phan, Media Studies, Deakin University</li>
<li>Associate Professor Theresa Petray, Sociology, James Cook University</li>
<li>Dr Thomas Baudinette, International Studies, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Thomas Moore, Sociology, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Thomas Mullaney, Ecology, University of NSW</li>
<li>Dr Thomas Naderer, Biochemistry, Monash University</li>
<li>Thomas Norman, Public Health, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Professor Thomas Reuter, Anthropology, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Tianna Killoran, History, James Cook University</li>
<li>Tierney Marey, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, University of NSW</li>
<li>Tim Calabria, History, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Dr Tim Curran, Ecology, Lincoln University</li>
<li>Dr Tim Doherty, Ecology, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Dr Tim Werner, Geography, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Timo Rissanen, Fashion, University of Technology Sydney</li>
<li>Dr Timothy Jones, History, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Tina Grandinetti, Urban Studies, RMIT University</li>
<li>Tinonee Pym, Communications, Swinburne University</li>
<li>Dr Toby Fitch, Creative Writing, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Dr Toby Freeman, Public Health, Flinders University</li>
<li>Dr Toby Reed, Architecture, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Tom Heenan, Australian Studies, Monash University</li>
<li>Dr Tom Roberts, Geography, UNSW Canberra</li>
<li>Professor Tony Bennett, Cultural Studies, Western Sydney University</li>
<li>Emeritus Professor Tony Dalton, Urban Policy, RMIT University</li>
<li>Tony Williams, History, Monash University</li>
<li>Associate Professor Tooran Alizadeh, Urbanism, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Dr Trent Brown, Geography, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Tresa LeClerc, Communications, RMIT University</li>
<li>Professor Trevor Lithgow, Microbiology, Monash University</li>
<li>Dr Trevor Mccandless, Education, Deakin University</li>
<li>Dr Tristan Duncan, Public Health, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Tristan Ryan, Heritage, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Tyler King, Environmental Science, Deakin University</li>
<li>Tyler Riordan, Tourism, University of Queensland</li>
<li>Dr Tyne Daile Sumner, Literature, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Una Stone, Criminology, RMIT University</li>
<li>Professor Valerie Harwood, Education, University of Sydney</li>
<li>Professor Vanessa Lemm, Philosophy, Flinders University</li>
<li>Vicki Holliday, Health, University of Newcastle</li>
<li>Associate Professor Vicki McKenzie, Educational Psychology, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Vickie Zhang, Geography, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Victoria Mason, Political Science, Murdoch University</li>
<li>Dr Victoria Stead, Anthropology, Deakin University</li>
<li>Dr Victoria Tedeschi, Literary Studies, Deakin University</li>
<li>Dr Vince Polito, Cognitive Science, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Professor Wanning Sun, Media, University of Technology Sydney</li>
<li>Dr Wendy Bunston, Social Work, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Associate Professor Wendy Steele, Urban Planning, RMIT University</li>
<li>Associate Professor Wendy Wright, Conservation, Federation University</li>
<li>Yasaman Samie, Fashion, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Yasmine Musharbash, Anthropology, Australian National University</li>
<li>Adjunct Professor Yoland Wadsworth, Sociology, RMIT University</li>
<li>Dr Yung En Chee, Ecology, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Yuri Cath, Philosophy, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Professor Yves De Deene, Biomedical Engineering, Macquarie University</li>
<li>Dr Yves Rees, History, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Dr Zoe Dzunko, Writing, RMIT University</li>
<li>Professor Zoë Laidlaw, History, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Zoe Teh, Mental Health, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Dr Zoe Thomas, English, La Trobe University</li>
<li>Dr Zora Simic, History, University of NSW</li>
<li>Dr Zukeyka Zevallos, Sociology, Swinburne University</li>
</ul><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/149147/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Kim Kruger is a member for the First Peoples Partnership Group for Creative Victoria. </span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Crystal McKinnon, Paola Balla, and Peta Malins do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>After the Directions Tree was cut down last week, Australian academics - both Indigenous and non-Indigenous - have come together in ‘sorrow and anger’.Peta Malins, Senior Lecturer in Criminology and Justice Studies, RMIT UniversityCrystal McKinnon, Indigenous Research Fellow, RMIT UniversityKim Kruger, Aboriginal Lecturer and Researcher, Moondani Balluk Academic Centre, Victoria UniversityPaola Balla, Lecturer in Indigenous Education and Indigenous art, PhD Candidate, Victoria UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1442082020-08-12T20:12:34Z2020-08-12T20:12:34ZThese historic grasslands are becoming a weed-choked waste. It could be one of the world’s great parks<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/352444/original/file-20200812-22-a29gby.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=25%2C75%2C5582%2C3657&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Adrian Marshall</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>Volcanic plains stretching from Melbourne’s west to the South Australian border were once home to native grasslands strewn with wildflowers and a vast diversity of animals. Today, this grassland ecosystem is <a href="https://theconversation.com/ecocheck-victorias-flower-strewn-western-plains-could-be-swamped-by-development-57127">critically endangered</a>. </p>
<p>To protect the last remaining large-scale patch, the Victorian government proposed the “<a href="https://www.msa.vic.gov.au/conservation-actions/western-grassland-reserve/western-grassland-reserve">Western Grassland Reserve</a>”. But in June, a damning <a href="https://www.audit.vic.gov.au/report/protecting-critically-endangered-grasslands">Auditor General’s report</a> revealed this plan has fallen flat. </p>
<p>With weeds choking the native grasses and many animals now locally extinct, the deteriorating reserve represents a failure of imagination. </p>
<p>Debate has raged about funding, timelines and bureaucratic processes. But what the debate is missing is a new vision, with funding and management models, for the Western Grassland Reserve, that recognises its deep culture and history, and its potential to be one of the great parks of the world.</p>
<h2>Failing our flora and fauna</h2>
<p>The Victorian government’s plan was to acquire 15,000 hectares of mostly farmland beyond Melbourne’s outer limit between 2010 and 2020. The money is coming from <a href="https://theconversation.com/can-we-offset-biodiversity-losses-13805">offsets</a>, where developers are, in effect, charged a fee to be allowed to destroy federally protected remnant grassland within the urban growth boundary.</p>
<p>But the <a href="https://www.audit.vic.gov.au/report/protecting-critically-endangered-grasslands">Auditor General’s report</a> found a scant 10% of Western Grassland Reserve land has been purchased, with little offset money remaining for further purchases. </p>
<p>In addition, delays in purchasing land are costing taxpayers <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/state-faces-hundreds-of-millions-in-compensation-over-neglected-grassland-reserve-20200724-p55f39.html">hundreds of millions of dollars</a> because of rising land prices. A <a href="https://theconversation.com/no-snapback-reserve-bank-no-longer-confident-of-quick-bounce-out-of-recession-144117">predicted</a> substantial downturn in development further exposes the flaws of a funding model inadequate to its conservation task. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/can-we-offset-biodiversity-losses-13805">Can we offset biodiversity losses?</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>We urgently need to investigate new funding and management models that embrace the reserve as a cultural landscape for people. </p>
<h2>A quintessential Australian experience</h2>
<p>As a patchwork of farms overlaid on traditional Wadawurrung land*, the Western Grassland Reserve could be shaped into one of the greatest large parks of the world – a cultural landscape capturing a quintessential Australian experience, speaking of Indigenous culture, our colonial past, and who we are today.</p>
<p>A well-designed reserve could show us the history of grassland pastoralism that gave rise to the saying “Australia rides on the sheep’s back”. It could immerse us in Dorothea MacKellar’s “land of sweeping plains”. It can give us back the immense flowered landscape that <a href="https://australian.museum/about/history/exhibitions/trailblazers/thomas-mitchell/">so stunned</a> the explorer Thomas Mitchell, he coined the phrase “Australia Felix”, which means “happy Australia”. </p>
<p>And it could show us something of the profound knowledge Indigenous people hold. Few know this, but the stone circle near Little River – though as yet undated – may well be one of the <a href="https://www3.astronomicalheritage.net/index.php/show-entity?identity=15&idsubentity=1%22%22">oldest known astronomical structures</a> in the world, far predating Stonehenge or the pyramids. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/352447/original/file-20200812-16-1barpf9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="Dark boulders on grasslands represent the Wurdi Youang stone circle" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/352447/original/file-20200812-16-1barpf9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/352447/original/file-20200812-16-1barpf9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/352447/original/file-20200812-16-1barpf9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/352447/original/file-20200812-16-1barpf9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/352447/original/file-20200812-16-1barpf9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/352447/original/file-20200812-16-1barpf9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/352447/original/file-20200812-16-1barpf9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">This stone circle may be one of the oldest astronomical structures in the world.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Wikimedia</span>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/">CC BY-SA</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Imagine its potential</h2>
<p>Imagine a picnic under a spreading gum beside an old farm dam. There’s a bluestone dairy repurposed to fine dining, a grand farmhouse for overnight stays, bike trails, and a series of regional playgrounds emphasising natureplay and adventure for all abilities. </p>
<p>With the right conservation, <a href="https://info.ghcma.vic.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Seasonal_Herbaceous_Wetlands_Handbook.pdf">ephemeral wetlands</a> and creeklines could be bursting with birdlife and ready to explore, and even working farms retained for school visits.</p>
<p>Nearby, at <a href="https://www.mtrothwell.com.au/">Mount Rothwell</a>, a fenced conservation area contains almost extinct small marsupials – bandicoots, potoroos and <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/272359466_What_is_an_apex_predator">apex predator</a> quolls. These were once commonplace, and still a night visit is an unforgettable experience, yet one few Melburnians have enjoyed. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/352448/original/file-20200812-24-3pbyke.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="A small brown bird with a spotted neck walks on the ground" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/352448/original/file-20200812-24-3pbyke.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/352448/original/file-20200812-24-3pbyke.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=425&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/352448/original/file-20200812-24-3pbyke.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=425&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/352448/original/file-20200812-24-3pbyke.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=425&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/352448/original/file-20200812-24-3pbyke.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=535&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/352448/original/file-20200812-24-3pbyke.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=535&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/352448/original/file-20200812-24-3pbyke.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=535&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">The critically endangered plains wanderer, the world’s most unique bird, once lived in these grasslands.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Innovation in management</h2>
<p>Part of a bigger picture for the Western Grassland Reserve is a new management model beyond a <a href="https://vnpa.org.au/protecting-parks/parks-funding/">poorly-funded</a> Parks Victoria asset being managed solely for environmental values. </p>
<p>Options abound for innovation and leadership here. We can create a well-coordinated network of different management approaches and protection levels with traditional publicly owned national parks, conservation reserves, <a href="https://www.trustfornature.org.au/images/uploads/landServices/Covenant-Properties/TFN4041-ConservationCovenantBrochure_WEB.pdf">private land covenants</a>, private protected areas and Indigenous protected areas. </p>
<p>Funding for management also needs rethinking. Market-driven models can ensure performance-based outcomes. For example, farmers can be paid to <a href="https://theconversation.com/regenerative-agriculture-can-make-farmers-stewards-of-the-land-again-110570">graze sustainably</a>. And a new model leveraging resources and expertise could encourage the involvement of NGOs, <a href="https://theconversation.com/when-rehoming-wildlife-indigenous-leadership-delivers-the-best-results-143890">traditional owners</a> and community groups, species-specific teams, the Royal Botanic Gardens, with research input by universities. </p>
<p>Built-in commercial seed production, which is fundamental to restoring degraded areas, can kick-start the native seed industry in a win–win for commerce and the environment. </p>
<p>These sorts of alternative management and funding have been achieved in the south of France, within the Carmague and the stony plains of <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259923481_The_plain_of_La_Crau_Provence">Le Crau</a>. There, 10,000 hectares of grassland and wetland complexes are managed by broad alliance of NGOs and conservation agencies across defence land, national parks and private protected areas. </p>
<p>And in the USA, <a href="https://kpbs.konza.k-state.edu/">the largest tallgrass prairie in the country</a> is managed by Kansas State University and the Nature Conservancy, with federal and philanthropic input. It also has an educational program that brings in more than 100 school and public events a year. </p>
<p>So what are we waiting for? The Great Ocean Road was built during the Great Depression, let the Western Grassland Reserve be a visionary project for these difficult times under COVID-19.</p>
<p><em>Correction: This article has been amended to correct the name of the traditional owers and remove a culturally sensitive place name.</em></p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/144208/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Adrian Marshall is a member of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects and the Victorian National Parks Association.</span></em></p>The deteriorating Western Grassland Reserve in Victoria represents a failure of imagination. When the grasslands are steeped with history and culture, imagine its potential.Adrian Marshall, Academic, Landscape Architecture and Urban Ecology, The University of MelbourneLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1420412020-07-06T04:18:25Z2020-07-06T04:18:25ZMelbourne tower lockdowns unfairly target already vulnerable public housing residents<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/345701/original/file-20200706-33926-97qfe4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=39%2C7%2C5199%2C3479&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://photos.aap.com.au/search/tower%20lockdown">James Ross/AAP</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>This week, the Victorian government unilaterally placed the residents of nine public housing towers in inner Melbourne under “hard lockdown” due to the “<a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-06/why-melbourne-locked-down-public-towers-are-a-coronavirus-worry/12423934">explosive potential</a>” of increasing COVID-19 cases. </p>
<p>The lockdown requires all residents of these estates to remain inside their homes for at least five days, placing around 3,000 residents under special punitive measures that apply to no one else in Victoria. Residents are “<a href="https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/6819717/victorias-public-housing-ambush-has-left-residents-reeling/#gsc.tab=0">reeling</a>”.</p>
<p>The lockdown is being enforced by a significant police presence on the estates, with officers on every floor, no warning and immediate effect. Other outbreak areas have been given more than 24 hours’ notice for similar numbers of <a href="https://www.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-covid-19-restrictions-victoria#update-on-restrictions-for-certain-postcodes-from-1159pm-on-saturday-4-july-2020">coronavirus cases</a>. </p>
<p>Outbreaks in <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/news/melbourne-covid-19-hot-spot-suburbs-at-risk-of-vicious-cycle-experts-966620/">more affluent areas</a>, such as the <a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/socialites-at-war-as-rich-suburbs-cop-a-coronavirus-hit/news-story/74e7b12d645ac1e079551ef619f7e732">Mornington Peninsula</a>, have not been met with the same harsh restrictions. </p>
<p><a href="https://theconversation.com/newsletter"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/320030/original/file-20200312-116261-a6ugi0.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=90&fit=crop&dpr=2" alt="Sign up to The Conversation" width="100%"></a></p>
<p>Emma King, the Victorian Council of Social Service CEO, described the lockdown of the estates as looking “<a href="https://twitter.com/VCOSS/status/1279563625372381184">like a crime scene</a>”. A pandemic response should not be a crime scene. It is a collective, public health issue from which no one is immune. </p>
<p>The government’s justification for this action is that residents of public housing are vulnerable and living in high density with many shared spaces. The latter is true of any large apartment building in Melbourne. </p>
<p>Quarantine from Toorak to Broadmeadows should look the same if we are following public health guidelines. If living conditions in public housing are riskier than elsewhere then we need to ask why. </p>
<p>If it is true that <a href="https://theconversation.com/overcrowding-and-affordability-stress-melbournes-covid-19-hotspots-are-also-housing-crisis-hotspots-141381">communities in housing stress</a> are more susceptible to pandemics, we need to ask how and why this should be true in such a privileged country as Australia. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/overcrowding-and-affordability-stress-melbournes-covid-19-hotspots-are-also-housing-crisis-hotspots-141381">Overcrowding and affordability stress: Melbourne's COVID-19 hotspots are also housing crisis hotspots</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>Public housing has been suffering for decades</h2>
<p>What is unfolding in Melbourne this week is the product of a punitive public housing system whose residents have been neglected for decades. The status of “vulnerable” that governments so blithely apply to public housing tenants does not come from nowhere. </p>
<p>Vulnerability is not an objective condition, but the result of a system geared toward inequality and enabled by policy choices. Public housing in Victoria is the product of decades of neglect, disinvestment and stigmatisation by governments and media.</p>
<p>The amount of public housing in Victoria has been declining in real terms for at least two decades, with <a href="https://www.pc.gov.au/research/ongoing/report-on-government-services/2020/housing-and-homelessness/housing/rogs-2020-partg-section18-data-tables.xlsx">fewer dwellings</a> in 2019 (64,428) than in 2009 (65,064). Victoria has the <a href="https://theconversation.com/public-land-is-being-sold-exactly-where-thousands-on-the-waiting-list-need-housing-139118">lowest proportion</a> of public housing of all the Australian states. </p>
<p>At the same time, the number of people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity in Victoria has <a href="https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/images/stories/committees/SCLSI/Inquiry_into_Homelessness_in_Victoria/Submissions/S168_-_Vic_Public_Tenants_Association.pdf">increased</a> to 100,000, according to waiting lists. Repeated <a href="https://www.audit.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/20170621-Public-Housing.pdf">inquiries and reports</a> point to inadequate investment, poor maintenance and lack of strategy. Overcrowding is a function of a broken system. </p>
<p>These conditions directly feed a narrative of decline that is used to stigmatise, detain, constrain and displace public housing residents. </p>
<p>It is no coincidence the estates under lockdown are also earmarked for “socially-mixed” <a href="https://mvcc.vic.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/May-2020-issue.pdf">redevelopment and privatisation</a>, which will break up the existing communities and provide even fewer places for those on lowest incomes. </p>
<h2>There are alternatives to a hard lockdown</h2>
<p>The public housing lockdowns are a police-led intervention in an already <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-05-05/victoria-police-should-face-second-discrimination-case-lawyer/8496348">over-policed community</a>. There is now welcome evidence of <a href="https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/supporting-public-housing-residents-through-quarantine/">social services engagement</a>, but this comes as a secondary consideration. </p>
<p>The residents of the affected towers do not need more policing. They have community-based and grassroots organisations such as <a href="https://www.riserefugee.org/north-melbourne-and-flemington-hard-lockdown/">RISE</a> that have been actively engaged as members of the community. The spike in cases demands a health care response, not a police response.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/nine-melbourne-tower-blocks-put-into-hard-lockdown-what-does-it-mean-and-will-it-work-142033">Nine Melbourne tower blocks put into 'hard lockdown' – what does it mean, and will it work?</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>The Victorian government did not have to look far for existing models, such as the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYXi2R9a-2g">Aboriginal-led COVID-19 response</a> across Australia, which demonstrates the effectiveness of community-led initiatives.</p>
<p>The most effective models for delivering public housing at a scale that can address need are also <a href="https://www.ahuri.edu.au/research/final-reports/306">well-known</a> to policy-makers and academics. Yet this government continues to pursue policies that <a href="https://theconversation.com/shh-dont-mention-the-public-housing-shortage-but-no-serious-action-on-homelessness-can-ignore-it-124875">reduce the amount of public housing available</a>.</p>
<p>What Victoria needs is more and better quality public housing and supportive community-building practices that grant everyone the same dignities. Let’s trust those living in public housing. </p>
<p>If the right information, in the right language, with trusting relationships with government and other authorities were enabled, this public health crisis could be worked through in a just and equitable way. As it seems to be in all other sections of Victorian society.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/victoria-is-on-the-precipice-of-an-uncontrolled-coronavirus-outbreak-will-the-new-measures-work-141706">Victoria is on the precipice of an uncontrolled coronavirus outbreak. Will the new measures work?</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/142041/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>David Kelly has previously received funding from the City of Darebin, City of Yarra and Moreland City Council for public housing research. He is a member of the Save Public Housing Collective</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Kate Shaw has received funding from the Australian Research Council and the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Libby Porter receives funding from Australia Research Council and the Cities of Yarra, Darebin and Moreland. She is a member of the Save Public Housing Collective. She is a member of the Planning Institute of Australia.</span></em></p>The public housing hard lockdown is the product of a punitive public housing system whose residents have been neglected for decades.David Kelly, Research Fellow, Centre for Urban Research, RMIT UniversityKate Shaw, Honorary Senior Fellow, The University of MelbourneLibby Porter, Professor of Urban Planning, Centre for Urban Research, RMIT UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1275092019-11-26T05:52:41Z2019-11-26T05:52:41ZResearchers allege native logging breaches that threaten the water we drink<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/303304/original/file-20191124-74599-1goescn.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=3%2C0%2C2113%2C1416&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Researchers have uncovered what appears to be widespread logging of steep slopes in Victoria, which has the potential to damage critical water supplies.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Chris Taylor</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>The Victorian government’s logging business is cutting native forests on steep slopes, in an apparent rule breach that threatens water supplies to Melbourne and rural communities.</p>
<p>Our research indicates that across <a href="http://vro.agriculture.vic.gov.au/dpi/vro/vrosite.nsf/pages/landuse-water-supply-catchments">vital water catchments</a> in the Central Highlands of Victoria, state-owned VicForests is logging native forest on slopes steeper than is allowed under the <a href="https://www.forestsandreserves.vic.gov.au/forest-management/environmental-regulation-of-timber-harvesting">code of practice</a>. Logging also appears to be occurring in other areas <a href="https://discover.data.vic.gov.au/dataset/forest-management-zones-simplified-view">supposedly excluded from harvesting</a>.</p>
<p>Logging operations are prohibited from taking trees from slopes steeper than a certain gradient, because it can lead to soil damage which compromises water supplies. There are far better commercial alternatives to this apparent contravention of the rules, which must immediately cease. </p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/303419/original/file-20191125-74567-1339p9h.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/303419/original/file-20191125-74567-1339p9h.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/303419/original/file-20191125-74567-1339p9h.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/303419/original/file-20191125-74567-1339p9h.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/303419/original/file-20191125-74567-1339p9h.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/303419/original/file-20191125-74567-1339p9h.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/303419/original/file-20191125-74567-1339p9h.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">A steep slope recently logged measuring 33 degrees on site near Mount Matlock in the Upper Goulburn Catchment.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Chris Taylor</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Logging on steep slopes matters</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.abc.net.au/science/catchmentdetox/factsheet/">Water catchments</a> are areas where the landscape collects water. They are defined by natural features such as mountain ridgelines and valleys. Rain drains into rivers and streams, which supply water to reservoirs. </p>
<p>Forest cover <a href="http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTBIODIVERSITY/Resources/RunningPure2003+.pdf">protects</a> the soil in water catchments by preventing erosion and other damage which can pollute water. </p>
<p>Areas that provide water for drinking, agriculture and irrigation are known in Victoria as special water supply catchments. Under the state’s <a href="https://www.forestsandreserves.vic.gov.au/forest-management/environmental-regulation-of-timber-harvesting">Code of Forest Practice</a>, logging in these catchments is prohibited on slopes steeper than 30 degrees (or 25 degrees in some catchments). VicForests <a href="http://www.vicforests.com.au/static/uploads/files/vicforests-2019-high-conservation-values-assessment-wfdbmspnfvwo.pdf">claims</a> it does not log trees on such slopes.</p>
<h2>Sobering evidence</h2>
<figure class="align-right ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/303639/original/file-20191126-84231-o1xp7r.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/303639/original/file-20191126-84231-o1xp7r.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=906&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/303639/original/file-20191126-84231-o1xp7r.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=906&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/303639/original/file-20191126-84231-o1xp7r.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=906&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/303639/original/file-20191126-84231-o1xp7r.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=1138&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/303639/original/file-20191126-84231-o1xp7r.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=1138&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/303639/original/file-20191126-84231-o1xp7r.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=1138&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Water in some affected catchments ends up in Melbourne’s drinking water supply.</span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>We analysed slopes across multiple special water supply catchments. We first examined the relationships between slope and logging disturbance using data from the <a href="https://data.vic.gov.au/">Victorian government</a>, <a href="http://www.ga.gov.au/scientific-topics/national-location-information/digital-elevation-data">Geoscience Australia</a>, and the <a href="https://sentinel.esa.int/web/sentinel/missions/sentinel-2">European Space Agency</a>. To confirm the results, we visited multiple sites in the Upper Goulburn catchment, which supplies water to Eildon Reservoir, to measure the slopes ourselves. </p>
<p>We found logging in many areas steeper than 30 degrees. In larger catchments such as the Upper Goulburn, around 44% of logged areas contained slopes exceeding this gradient. In many instances, logged slopes were far steeper than 30 degrees and some breaches covered many hectares. </p>
<p>In the <a href="https://theconversation.com/logging-must-stop-in-melbournes-biggest-water-supply-catchment-106922">Thomson</a>, Melbourne’s largest water supply catchment, 35% of logged areas contained slopes steeper than 30 degrees. </p>
<p>We also found areas that should have been formally excluded from logging but where the forest had been cut. Many of these exclusion zones were around steep slopes. In the Upper Goulburn catchment, nearly 80% of logged areas contained exclusion zones that should not have been cut. </p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/303411/original/file-20191125-74542-1pobaqg.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/303411/original/file-20191125-74542-1pobaqg.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=852&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/303411/original/file-20191125-74542-1pobaqg.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=852&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/303411/original/file-20191125-74542-1pobaqg.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=852&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/303411/original/file-20191125-74542-1pobaqg.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=1070&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/303411/original/file-20191125-74542-1pobaqg.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=1070&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/303411/original/file-20191125-74542-1pobaqg.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=1070&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Recently logged areas near Mount Matlock in the Upper Goulburn Water Catchment. The top map shows where we detected slopes exceeding 30 degrees in logged areas (red). The bottom map shows areas designated by the Victorian government as exclusion zones (magenta).</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">DELWP 2019, ESA 2019, Gallant et al. 2011</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Why is this happening?</h2>
<p>Last week, VicForests <a href="http://www.vicforests.com.au/static/uploads/files/191120-vicforests-strongly-rejects-allegations-about-harvesting-on-slopes-final-wftppyfrofcx.pdf">rejected</a> our allegations of slope breaches. VicForests claimed it was complying with a <a href="https://www.forestsandreserves.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0023/29309/Management-Standards-and-Procedures-for-timber-harvesting-operations-in-Vics-State-forests-2014.pdf">rule</a> under which 10% of an area logged can exceed 30 degrees. This rule applies to general logging areas; our interpretation is this exemption does not apply to the <a href="https://www.forestsandreserves.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0023/29309/Management-Standards-and-Procedures-for-timber-harvesting-operations-in-Vics-State-forests-2014.pdf">special water supply catchments</a>. </p>
<p>Forest on steep and rugged terrain is economically marginal for wood production because the trees are relatively short and widely spaced. Almost all timber from these areas is pulpwood for making paper.</p>
<p>So why are such areas being logged at the risk of compromising the water catchments that supplies Melbourne and regional Victoria?</p>
<p>We suspect pressure to log steep terrain is tied to the Victorian government’s <a href="http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/Domino/Web_Notes/LDMS/PubStatbook.nsf/f932b66241ecf1b7ca256e92000e23be/8a17d67408a70821ca256e5b00213b6f/$FILE/96-016a.pdf">legal obligation</a> to provide large quantities of pulp logs for making paper until the year 2030 (coincidentally the year the government plans to <a href="https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/securing-the-future-for-forestry-industry-workers/">phase out</a> native forest logging). </p>
<p>This pressure is reflected in recent <a href="http://www.veac.vic.gov.au/documents/Fibre-and-Wood-Supply-Assessment-Report.pdf">reductions in log yields</a>. Some commentators have <a href="https://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/news/opinion/heyfield-timber-mill-this-is-possum-folly/news-story/8da7e7a864789335948456ba505c7ed5">blamed</a> efforts to protect the critically endangered Leadbeater’s possum for this trend. However, only <a href="https://www.wildlife.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0033/73869/eadbeaters-Possum-Review-Report-July-2017.pdf">0.17%</a> of the 1.82 million hectares of forest allocated to VicForests for logging has been taken out of production to protect this species.</p>
<p>In our view, other possibilities for declining yields are past over-cutting and bushfires. VicForests failed to take into account the effects of fire on its estimates of sustained timber yield - despite some of Victoria’s forests being some of the world’s most fire-prone environments. </p>
<h2>There are alternatives</h2>
<p>Pulp logs sourced from native forests is not a commercial necessity; there are viable alternatives. Victorian hardwood plantations produced <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/research-topics/forests/forest-economics/forest-wood-products-statistics">3.9 million cubic metres of pulp logs</a> last year. Most of this was exported. </p>
<p>If just some of these logs were processed in Victoria, it would be enough to replace the pulpwood logged from native forests several times over. Plantation wood is <a href="http://www.vicforests.com.au/static/uploads/files/review-of-issues-affecting-the-transition-of-victoria-s-hardwood-processing-inud.pdf">better</a> for making paper than native forest logs, and processing the logs in Victoria would boost regional employment. </p>
<p>Degrading soil and water by logging steep terrain is not worth the short-term, marginal gain of meeting log supply commitments, especially when there are viable alternatives. The Victorian government must halt the widespread breaches of its own rules.</p>
<hr>
<p><em>In a statement, VicForests said it “strongly rejects” the allegations raised by the authors.</em></p>
<p><em>In addition to the refutations included in this article, the company said:</em></p>
<ul>
<li><p><em>Any concerns about its practices should be referred to the Office of the Conservation Regulator</em></p></li>
<li><p><em>VicForests does very little harvesting in catchments, where restrictions are in place</em></p></li>
<li><p><em>In the Thompson catchment, VicForests only harvests on average 150ha a year out of about 44,000ha in the catchment – which is 0.3%, or around 3 trees in 1000</em></p></li>
<li><p><em>VicForests only asks contractors to harvest on slopes if it complies with regulation.</em></p></li>
</ul><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/127509/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>David Lindenmayer receives funding from the Australian Government, the Australian Research Council and the Victorian Government. </span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Chris Taylor is a social chamber member of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Australia</span></em></p>Researchers have uncovered what appears to be widespread logging of steep slopes in Victoria, which has the potential to damage critical water supplies.David Lindenmayer, Professor, The Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National UniversityChris Taylor, Research Fellow, Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1086742018-12-12T02:47:02Z2018-12-12T02:47:02ZWhat the Victorian government’s decision not to sign on to the Gonski reforms means for schools in the new year<p>Victorian schools could potentially be without federal funding after 31 December 2018 if the state government refuses to sign up to the <a href="https://docs.education.gov.au/system/files/doc/other/662684_tgta_accessible_final_0.pdf">Gonski 2.0</a> funding reforms. In a <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/morrison-says-andrews-gonski-funding-snub-will-hurt-schoolchildren-20181210-p50ldk.html">letter</a> to Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews on Monday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison stated he was committed to coming to an agreement by today, when the <a href="https://www.coag.gov.au/">Council of Australian Governments</a> meets. The Victorian government has raised its portion of school funding from 66% to 75%, and is asking that the federal government also raise their share by an additional 5% to 25%.</p>
<p>Another <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/federal-labor-promises-to-backdate-school-funding-if-it-s-withheld-20181211-p50lf7.html">letter</a>, this time written by shadow federal education minister Tanya Plibersek to Andrews, circulated this morning. In the letter, Plibersek promised Labor would backdate any school funding withheld from Victorian students if it wins the May election.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/factcheck-does-victoria-have-australias-lowest-rate-of-public-school-funding-106772">FactCheck: does Victoria have Australia's lowest rate of public school funding?</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>The federal government has responded by saying Victoria isn’t entitled to federal funding after 31 December if the state doesn’t sign on to the reforms. The Victorian government claims it has legal advice that says the state would be entitled to funding come 2019. </p>
<p>In what essentially amounts to a game of political chicken, who wins? The federal government is right that it doesn’t have to fund Victorian schools in 2019 if they don’t sign an agreement. But that would be a poor political move at a time when the Coalition faces mounting criticism in the lead-up to an election.</p>
<h2>The Australian constitution, money, and schools</h2>
<p>The standoff is underpinned by the financial relationship between state and federal government, established by the <a href="https://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Senate/Powers_practice_n_procedures/Constitution.aspx">Australian constitution</a>. What does the constitution require the governments to do in this situation? Basically, nothing. Neither the state nor the federal government is under any constitutional obligation to fund schools. Nor does the constitution give Victoria an entitlement to federal funding.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/state-governments-are-vital-for-australian-democracy-heres-why-101109">State governments are vital for Australian democracy: here's why</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>The constitution leaves responsibility for running schools to state governments. The federal parliament is not given power to make laws about schools. So why does the federal government have anything to do with schools? </p>
<p>The answer lies in a very powerful provision of the constitution: <a href="http://classic.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/coaca430/s96.html">section 96</a>. This section allows the federal government to give money to state governments, <em>on such terms and conditions as the federal Parliament thinks fit.</em> For example, the federal government may give a state money to run schools, on the condition the money is distributed in a certain way, or even that particular teaching methods are adopted. </p>
<h2>What can state government do if it doesn’t like the conditions?</h2>
<p>There are three options: </p>
<ol>
<li>the state can accept the money on those conditions, even though it doesn’t like them </li>
<li>the state can refuse to accept the money at all </li>
<li>the state can try to negotiate with the federal government to secure the money on more appealing conditions. </li>
</ol>
<p>From a constitutional point of view, the states are in a weak position here. The federal government can simply refuse to hand over the money, leaving the states with empty pockets. Australian state governments rely heavily on section 96 grants from the federal government. </p>
<p>The states are unable to collect enough tax to fund crucial government responsibilities (such as education and health). Under the constitution, the federal government has greater ability to collect tax, so the states rely on the federal government for a large chunk of the state budget each year. It’s called a <a href="https://theconversation.com/renewing-federalism-what-are-the-solutions-to-vertical-fiscal-imbalance-31422">vertical fiscal imbalance</a>.</p>
<h2>But what about the politics?</h2>
<p>From a political point of view, the playing field is more even. For many years, the federal government has given the states money to pay for schools. There is now a strong public expectation it will continue to do so. If the federal government were to refuse to fund Victorian schools in 2019, this would be rich fodder for the government’s political opponents. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/what-kind-of-prime-minister-will-scott-morrison-be-102050">What kind of prime minister will Scott Morrison be?</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>Similarly, though, if the Victorian government refuses to accept money on the conditions offered by the federal government, it will be partially responsible if schools don’t have enough funding to operate in 2019.</p>
<p>The constitution leaves both governments with a lot of freedom to choose what to do here. But for either government to be responsible for shutting down Victoria’s schools would be extremely unattractive, politically. There is a strong political incentive on both sides for the Victorian and federal governments to reach agreement very soon - certainly in time for the new school year to proceed as usual.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/108674/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Anna Olijnyk does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Victorian schools could potentially be without federal funding after 31 December if the state government refuses to sign up to the Gonski 2.0 funding reforms.Anna Olijnyk, Lecturer, Adelaide Law School, University of AdelaideLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1005172018-08-03T02:29:24Z2018-08-03T02:29:24ZVictorian government should be wary of introducing a stand-alone offence of non-fatal strangulation<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/230500/original/file-20180803-41351-1h55lwx.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Joy Rowley's 2011 murder has raised the question of whether a stand-alone offence of non-fatal strangulation would prevent the escalation of family violence.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Supplied: Domestic Violence Victoria</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>This week, the state coroner released <a href="http://www.coronerscourt.vic.gov.au/resources/cde663e8-492f-400f-bf76-2fd6e71583d8/joymareerowley_394711.pdf">the findings</a> into the death of Victorian woman Joy Rowley. </p>
<p>In October 2011, James Mulhall killed Joy Rowley. Mulhall had a documented history of violence against previous female partners. In the nine months leading to her death, Rowley had reported incidents of family violence by Mulhall to Victoria Police, including one in which he threatened to kill her with a knife and choked her to the point of unconsciousness. At the time of her death, Mulhall was facing outstanding criminal charges for a previous assault on Rowley and was in violation of a current family violence intervention order. </p>
<p>During the <a href="http://www.coronerscourt.vic.gov.au/home/coroners+written+findings/findings+-+inquest+into+the+death+of+joy+maree+rowley">coronial inquest</a>, Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Dean McWhirter recommended to government the introduction of a stand-alone offence of strangulation. The coroner’s findings conclude: </p>
<blockquote>
<p>The introduction of a stand-alone offence for strangulation, suffocation or choking in Victoria may significantly help to ensure strangulation is treated commensurate with the risk it poses to victims, and remove the need to prove particular bodily harm or intent to cause injury. Such an offence will more effectively hold perpetrators to account for serious offending. Further, the new offence may build further awareness of the dangers and potential lethality of strangulation among police members, courts and community services practitioners. </p>
</blockquote>
<p>The coroner does not go as far as recommending the introduction of the new offence. However, many are likely to read this conclusion as an endorsement of it. </p>
<p>Although strangulation is a significant risk indicator for intimate partner homicide, we urge caution to the government in considering the introduction of such an offence. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/victoria-leads-the-way-on-family-violence-but-canberra-needs-to-lift-its-game-74036">Victoria leads the way on family violence, but Canberra needs to lift its game</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>Strangulation as a key risk indicator of intimate partner homicide</h2>
<p>Strangulation is a leading cause of death among women killed by a current or former male intimate partner. In Australia over the past ten years, an act of strangulation/suffocation <a href="https://www.whiteribbon.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/ADFVDM-Report_2018.pdf">has been cited</a> as the cause of death of 14-16% of male-perpetrated intimate partner homicides. <a href="http://classic.austlii.edu.au/au/journals/SydLawRw/2014/11.pdf">Research</a> has also consistently found an incident of non-fatal strangulation greatly increases the risk of escalated harm or death in an intimate relationship. </p>
<p>Despite acknowledgement of the key risk it presents, <a href="http://www.rcfv.com.au/MediaLibraries/RCFamilyViolence/Reports/RCFV_Full_Report_Interactive.pdf">recent reviews</a> suggest that police often fail to identify and flag strangulation when responding to intimate partner violence incidents. It can be difficult to identify injuries from non-fatal strangulation, which may contribute to it not being taken seriously. </p>
<h2>Offences of strangulation in Australia</h2>
<p>The <a href="http://www.coronerscourt.vic.gov.au/resources/cde663e8-492f-400f-bf76-2fd6e71583d8/joymareerowley_394711.pdf">coroner’s findings</a> into Joy Rowley’s death state that an act of non-fatal strangulation can be captured under a number of existing offences in Victoria. These include unlawful assault, intentionally or recklessly causing serious injury and endangerment.</p>
<p>The findings also acknowledge the difficulties that are often encountered in criminal cases where visible physical injuries do not present. </p>
<p>Several Australian jurisdictions have gone beyond the traditional criminal offences that would cover strangulation and introduced a stand-alone offence of strangulation. The specifics of the legislation differ by jurisdiction. For example, <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-04-02/simon-corbell-proposes-changes-to-act-domestic-violence-laws/6366342">the ACT offence</a> requires the victim to be rendered “insensible” and “unconscious” by strangulation. The <a href="https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/acts/2014-23.pdf">NSW legislation</a> applies to conduct involving “attempts to choke suffocate or strangle” a person. </p>
<p>In 2015, the <a href="https://www.communities.qld.gov.au/resources/gateway/campaigns/end-violence/about/special-taskforce/dfv-report-vol-one.pdf">Queensland Special Taskforce</a> led by Dame Quentin Bryce concluded there were “gaps in the existing Criminal Code”. It recommended the introduction of a separate criminal offence of strangulation, with a penalty reflecting that it is “a predictor of escalation and increased risk to the victim”. </p>
<p>The taskforce argued that a stand-alone offence would help to ensure better recording of acts of non-fatal strangulation, increased protection for victims and better risk-assessment practices. </p>
<p>In April 2016, the Queensland government <a href="http://www5.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/qld/consol_act/cc189994/s315a.html">introduced the new offence</a>, with a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment. The offence applies to unlawful non-fatal choking, suffocation and strangulation committed in a domestic setting and carried out by a person in a domestic relationship with the victim and/or as conduct associated with domestic violence. </p>
<p>While there have been prosecutions, there is no evidence yet as to the effectiveness of the offence in enhancing women’s safety. </p>
<h2>Arguments against a stand-alone offence of strangulation</h2>
<p>Despite the proliferation of strangulation offences in Australia, there is no reliable evidence that this has improved safety for victims. </p>
<p>There are <a href="http://files.rcfv.com.au/Reports/Final/RCFV-All-Volumes.pdf">concerns</a> that introducing new family violence offences such as strangulation may distract attention from systemic failures to properly utilise existing laws, and from police failure to comply with operational policies and procedures related to family violence.</p>
<p>Marianne Jago from Women’s Legal Service Victoria <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/strangulation-a-red-flag-for-murder-so-does-victoria-need-new-law-20180526-p4zhpm.html">has argued</a> that Victorian law: </p>
<blockquote>
<p>contains provisions for strangulation to be criminalised. Unfortunately, we regularly see cases where police have not followed existing good practices and policy.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>This critique is particularly poignant in the context of the inquiry into Joy Rowley’s death. McWhirter <a href="http://www.coronerscourt.vic.gov.au/resources/cde663e8-492f-400f-bf76-2fd6e71583d8/joymareerowley_394711.pdf">delivered an apology</a> to Rowley’s family, acknowledging that prior to her death there was a failure to comply with relevant Victoria Police policy. </p>
<p>As the coroner states:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Ms Rowley’s case demonstrates a failure by frontline Victoria Police officers to implement policies relevant to family violence which were in existence at the time of the family violence incidents involving Ms Rowley, and at the time of her death. </p>
</blockquote>
<p>To this end, the coroner has recommended that Victoria Police engage in systematic reviews of family violence-related homicides to ensure police policies are as effective as possible in preventing and dealing with family violence. We support that recommendation. </p>
<h2>Where to next?</h2>
<p>The coroner’s findings state that the need for a stand-alone offence of non-fatal strangulation will next be considered by the Victorian Department of Justice and Regulation. In lieu of any evidence from other Australian jurisdictions that the introduction of this offence improves safety for women experiencing intimate partner violence, we would urge caution. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/how-victorias-family-violence-system-fails-some-victims-by-assuming-theyre-perpetrators-87184">How Victoria's family violence system fails some victims – by assuming they're perpetrators</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>The Victorian government presently faces the significant challenge of overseeing the implementation of the 227 recommendations of the <a href="http://www.rcfv.com.au/MediaLibraries/RCFamilyViolence/Reports/RCFV_Full_Report_Interactive.pdf">Royal Commission into Family Violence</a>. These recommendations are considered and evidence-based. The introduction of a stand-alone offence of strangulation was not one of these recommendations. </p>
<p>We must remain focused on the long-term goal of achieving whole-of-system change to improve legal, policy, support service and specialist responses to family violence. </p>
<p>We must not be distracted by the lure of short-term gains, which are unlikely to deliver the safety outcomes we so desperately need for the many women and children impacted by family violence in the Victorian community.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/100517/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Kate Fitz-Gibbon is a member of the Monash Gender and Family Violence Research Program. Kate receives funding for family violence related research from the Australian Research Council, ANROWS, and Family Safety Victoria.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>JaneMaree Maher is Professor in the Centre for Women's Studies & Gender Research, Sociology, Monash University. She is a member of the Monash Gender and Family Violence Research Focus Program (<a href="http://artsonline.monash.edu.au/gender-and-family-violence/">http://artsonline.monash.edu.au/gender-and-family-violence/</a>). She receives funding for family violence related research from the Australian Research Council, ANROWS, and Family Safety Victoria.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Jude McCulloch is Director of the Monash Gender and Family Violence Prevention Centre. Jude receives funding for family violence related research from the Australian Research Council, ANROWS, and Family Safety Victoria.
</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span> Sandra Walklate is Eleanor Rathbone Chair of Sociology at the University of Liverpool, U.K. conjoint Chair of Criminology, Monash University Australia. She is a member of the Monash Gender and Family Violence New Frameworks for Prevention Focus Program at Monash University.</span></em></p>A stand-alone offence of non-fatal strangulation would be difficult to prove and detract from the ways in which family violence victims are being failed in other policy areas.Kate Fitz-Gibbon, Senior Lecturer in Criminology, Monash UniversityJaneMaree Maher, Professor, Centre for Women's Studies & Gender Research, Sociology, Monash UniversityJude McCulloch, Professor of Criminology, Monash UniversitySandra Walklate, Eleanor Rathbone Chair of Sociology, University of LiverpoolLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/961022018-05-04T03:50:21Z2018-05-04T03:50:21ZFree TAFE in Victoria: who benefits and why other states should consider it<p>The Victorian government’s budget announcement on May 1 included a significant reinvestment in TAFE. Courses in <a href="http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/educationstate/Pages/freetafe.aspx">30 key skill priority areas</a> will be free from the beginning of 2019. </p>
<p>This bold move signals a shift away from the <a href="http://www.voced.edu.au/content/ngv%3A67289">market approach</a> to technical and vocational education. This approach saw many people caught up in <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/a-serious-matter-tafe-freezes-enrolments-amid-concerns-of-rorting-20170919-gyk867.html">fees debacles</a> who received low quality training through the dodgy market practices of predatory education providers pursuing financial advantage and profit. This policy puts TAFE squarely back at the centre of a trusted technical and vocational education and training system. </p>
<h2>What’s changing?</h2>
<p>The market approach treated TAFEs as no different from private providers, putting them in direct competition with each other. Yet, TAFE institutions are not able to just target profitable courses and are required to offer the social support in ways private providers do not. </p>
<p>The Victorian government’s new <a href="https://www.budget.vic.gov.au/explore-our-priorities/right-skills-job">budget policy for TAFE</a> represents a measured shift away from an over focus on how easily bodies can move in and out of education markets. TAFE institutions across the state can now consolidate their role as key public education institutions. These institutions are part of the critical infrastructure that builds community and individual abilities to cope with and adjust to changing social and economic circumstances. </p>
<p>TAFE has occupied that middle institutional role of attending to local, community and industry and employment needs in ways that universities and school don’t and can’t. </p>
<p>State governments, as the owners of TAFE institutions, have a vital role in ensuring skills and education infrastructure is sustainable. This budget investment moves a significant way toward ensuring just that. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/new-vet-loan-scheme-to-exclude-shonky-providers-66507">New VET loan scheme to exclude shonky providers</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>The TAFE teaching workforce in Victoria recently reached <a href="https://www.aeuvic.asn.au/new-tafe-agreement-puts-teachers-centre-rebuilding-tafe">a new enterprise agreement</a> that will also improve teaching conditions. This will ensure TAFE has a workforce that can ensure quality education. </p>
<h2>Who benefits?</h2>
<p>The <a href="http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/educationstate/Pages/freetafe.aspx">free courses</a> being made available from 2019 will significantly contribute to skills mix required for the Australian state with the <a href="http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/3218.0">fastest growing population</a>. Many of the pre-apprenticeship, Certificate II level courses will open options for senior school aged students not seeking a path to university, and provide them with the opportunities to learn skills for work. </p>
<p>Certificate III courses in agriculture, aged care, civil construction and concreting will ensure Victoria develops the right skills mix for the growing population. It will also ensure skilled workers can participate in the road and <a href="https://www.budget.vic.gov.au/explore-our-priorities/right-skills-job">rail infrastructure projects</a> that have already started. </p>
<p>Metropolitan and rural communities around Victoria will also benefit immensely. In some rural settings, where school <a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/opinion/the-education-system-has-failed-students-in-rural-and-regional-areas/news-story/ebac4766ef978588f4754068aee0da14">completion rates are lower</a> than those in metropolitan areas, Certificate II, III and IV courses will provide a way for young people to stay connected to education and ensure transitions to employment. </p>
<p>The abolition of fees for diploma level courses in nursing, building and construction, community services and accounting is a game changer. It will ensure TAFEs in Victoria are full service education institutions. This means pre-tertiary and tertiary level education options will be freely available to people who will make their future through going to TAFE. Tertiary education in the form of diplomas has been a tradition for many individuals, families and communities. </p>
<h2>Private providers say the policy isn’t equitable</h2>
<p>The peak member organisation representing private providers, <a href="https://www.acpet.edu.au/">ACPET</a>, was quick to <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/victoria/private-training-providers-fear-they-ll-be-penalised-under-tafe-boost-20180502-p4zcva.html?csp=d42371e611111c536bdbc91b68e4a696%200">express concern</a> about this budget initiative. This bold move by the Victorian government to fund publicly-owned TAFE institutions is being lambasted as not equitable. This notion of equity is curious, as it’s more concerned with equity as revenue and capital, rather than access and participation for those who are often left behind as a consequence of social changes. </p>
<p>Private providers will not be funded by the state government as part of this initiative, so they have argued students will be limited in their choice of providers. </p>
<h2>Re-centring TAFE as a key institution</h2>
<p>The Victorian government’s commitment to TAFE through the provision of free courses will re-instill trust in a technical and vocational education and training system. The sector badly let down the Australian public when the VET FEE HELP loans scandals got out of hand and did much to undermine TAFE and the wider VET system.</p>
<p>As Professor Leesa Wheeahan, from the University of Toronto, <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-10-22/tafe-at-tipping-point/9071838">has eloquently argued</a> :</p>
<blockquote>
<p>we’ve got to move back from the disastrous policies of the last 10 years and start reinvesting in TAFE as the key anchor institutions of communities and regions.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The opportunities that will be afforded through free TAFE will build the basis for a more equitable Victoria. Those who are sufficiently prepared will now be able to access education options that will have personal and economic benefits. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/learning-from-victorias-tafe-mistakes-34646">Learning from Victoria's TAFE mistakes</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>The policy misadventures that saw TAFE emaciated, and the community lose faith in the vocational education and training sector, caused considerable individual and social damage.</p>
<p>The Andrews labor government was elected on platform to <a href="https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/under-labor-tafe-has-a-future-and-students-have-a-choice/">rescue TAFE</a>. The progress has been slow, and it would be premature to say this has been fully achieved. But this reinvestment in TAFE in Victoria resets the course of TAFE as a key public education institution for the community, industry and individuals. This represents long awaited signs for cautious optimism about TAFE’s future in Victoria. </p>
<p>Other states and territories could follow suit and similarly reinvest in their TAFE systems through a comparable policy initiative.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/96102/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>John Pardy does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>30 skill priority areas will be free from the beginning of 2019 in Victoria. Students will feel the most benefit, while private providers say the policy is not equitable.John Pardy, Education Lecturer and Researcher, Monash UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/897532018-01-09T19:36:47Z2018-01-09T19:36:47ZWithout culling, Victoria’s feral horse plan looks set to fail<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/201285/original/file-20180109-83585-icq287.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Feral horses in the eastern Alps.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Griff en/Wikimedia Commons</span>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/">CC BY-SA</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>Victoria’s new <a href="https://engage.vic.gov.au/alpine-national-park-feral-horse-strategic-action-plan">draft feral horse management plan</a>, released on the last working day before Christmas, will be open for comment until February 2. But will it protect the Alpine National Park? The answers are yes on the Bogong High Plains, and no in the eastern Alps.</p>
<p>The government deserves congratulations for planning to remove all horses from the most sensitive alpine areas around Falls Creek by 2020. These areas of the Bogong High Plains have fewer than 100 horses, but also rare snow-patch and bog communities that are extremely vulnerable.</p>
<p>But elsewhere, the goal of removing 400 horses a year from the eastern Alps doesn’t seem to go far enough. And by refusing to countenance the idea of culling, the state government is passing up the only realistic chance of getting feral horse numbers under control.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/the-grim-story-of-the-snowy-mountains-cannibal-horses-31691">The grim story of the Snowy Mountains' cannibal horses</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>The bulk of the plan provides grounds for cautious optimism. It acknowledges that feral horses threaten a range of native mammals, frogs and lizards, as well as displacing kangaroos and wallabies. Horses have enormous impacts on vegetation in alpine bogs and streams, and in many other ecosystems too.</p>
<p>The plan also makes clear that reducing horse numbers is a legal requirement. Victoria’s <a href="https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/conserving-threatened-species/flora-and-fauna-guarantee-act-1988">Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988</a> lists “degradation and loss of habitats caused by feral horses” as a threatening process. The Victorian <a href="http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/315933/National-Parks-Act-1975.pdf">National Parks Act 1975</a> calls for “exotic species” such as horses to be exterminated or controlled within national parks.</p>
<p>The plan also sets a realistic time frame for review (annual reviews and major review after three years), and suggests that management plans will be altered if adequate environmental protection is not achieved. All of this is extremely promising, suggesting the state government is genuinely interested in delivering tangible environmental benefits.</p>
<h2>Numbers game</h2>
<p>But while the aspirations are good, the details present some problems. The draft plan promises to “explore all possible control options” to deliver a low horse population in the eastern Alps. </p>
<p>But the proposed reliance on trapping and removal, rather than culling, suggests the government is reluctant to enter what would be a tough debate against the often vocal pro-brumby lobby groups. This reluctance is to the detriment of our native species and apparently at odds with legislation.</p>
<p>The problem is that the New South Wales government has already tried trapping and removing horses in Kosciuszko National Park, and it <a href="http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/protectsnowies/knp-horse-plan-review-160272.pdf">hasn’t worked</a>. Horses have continued to spread northward onto the <a href="http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/protectsnowies/knp-wild-horse-plan-draft-160271.pdf">main range</a>, where environmentally sensitive alpine tarn and snow-patch communities occur. </p>
<p>It is unclear whether Victoria’s “aspirational goal” of removing 400 horses each year over three years will actually be enough to reduce horse numbers, or even to stabilise them. The report mentions modelling showing that the population can be stabilised by taking 200 horses per year, and that it would start to decline if 400 were taken per year. </p>
<p>But none of this modelling is published, so it can’t be evaluated in detail. And simple calculations suggest that these figures are incredibly optimistic.</p>
<p>The report says there were 2,350 horses in the eastern Victorian Alps in 2014. Horse populations can <a href="https://theaustralianalps.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/2009feralhorsealpssurvey.pdf">increase at up to 20% per year</a>, so by now there could be more than 4,000 feral horses. </p>
<p>This means that even if the government does manage to remove the full quota of 400 horses each year, it would only take a 10% population growth rate for the numbers to keep rising. At a rate of 20%, there could be well over 5,000 horses by 2020, even with trapping and removal.</p>
<h2>Culling option</h2>
<p>Based on this rough calculation, the plan needs to eradicate many more horses. The draft plan claims that feral horses in the eastern Alps are “well established and are considered beyond eradication using currently available control tools”. Yet this claim ignores aerial culling, which is the cheapest, most effective, and most ethical way to reduce feral horse numbers. </p>
<p>Highly trained sharp-shooters and helicopter pilot teams can destroy more than 50 horses per day (based on previous culls in NSW, in which three teams of three people <a href="http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/pestsweeds/englishReport.pdf">destroyed 606 horses over three days</a>). Three teams could solve the feral horse problem in the Victorian alpine country in a month, and at lower cost. </p>
<p>It <a href="https://engage.environment.nsw.gov.au/protectsnowies/forum_topics/it-costs-npws-on-average-1074-to-passively-remove-a-wild-horse-from-the-national-park-is-that-cost-appropriate-to-protect-the-snowies">cost taxpayers more than A$1,000</a> for each horse trapped and removed from Kosciuszko National Park. Using the NSW cull as a guide to the resources required, and assuming A$300 per day per person, and A$10,000 per day per helicopter, it might have cost around A$150 per horse using aerial culling. That’s roughly 15% of the cost of trapping and removal.</p>
<p>Despite the risks to wildlife canvassed in the draft plan, and <a href="http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/protectsnowies/knp-wild-horse-plan-draft-160271.pdf">similar reports from NSW</a>, there is no peer-reviewed research that defines the threats to native animals. A revised plan must include research to understand both the impacts of feral horses on native animal populations and their welfare.</p>
<p>The debate over culling horses typically ignores the unseen suffering that horses cause to native animals. Quantifying that suffering will be crucial for making informed decisions around feral horse management.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/the-ethical-and-cultural-case-for-culling-australias-mountain-horses-64602">The ethical and cultural case for culling Australia's mountain horses</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>It is great that we have a plan for managing horses in the Victorian Alpine National Park – albeit one that seems unlikely to work in the eastern Alps. But the Victorian government needs to show courage and leadership on the issue of culling feral horses. Our alpine natural heritage will continue to decline until horses are taken out of our national parks, and that will only happen when managers can include culling among their suite of management tools. </p>
<p>In NSW, the feral horses in Kosciuszko National Park are growing in number, and doing real damage to Australia’s highest mountains. Hopefully both states can take back the reins of feral horse management from single-issue lobby groups and exercise some real control over their feral horses.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/89753/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Don Driscoll is president of the Ecological Society of Australia and is a member of the Society for Conservation Biology. He is Director of the Center for Integrative Ecology at Deakin University.</span></em></p>Victoria’s new plan to control feral horses aims to remove up to 400 a year from the eastern Alps. But without considering aerial culling, the plan seems unlikely to get to grips with the problem.Don Driscoll, Professor in Terrestrial Ecology, Deakin UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/814012017-07-21T06:53:52Z2017-07-21T06:53:52ZVictoria may soon have assisted dying laws for terminally ill patients<p>An independent group of experts set up by the Victorian government has today delivered its <a href="https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/about/health-strategies/voluntary-assisted-dying-bill">final report</a> outlining 66 recommendations for how voluntary assisted dying would work in the state.</p>
<p>Chaired by former head of the Australian Medical Association, Brian Owler, the Ministerial Advisory Panel’s role was to work out how legislation should be drafted to allow terminally ill people to receive assistance to die. The panel based its report on the recommendations of the <a href="http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/lsic/inquiry/402">Parliamentary committee’s Inquiry into end of life choices</a> in December 2016.</p>
<p>Legislation giving effect to the report is likely to be tabled in the Victorian Parliament <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/assisted-dying-new-laws-could-see-victorians-get-lethal-medicine-within-10-days-20170720-gxfbcn.html">within a month</a>.</p>
<h2>Who does the law cover?</h2>
<p>At the heart of debates about assisted dying are eligibility criteria – who can get assistance to die and who cannot. The panel’s recommendations are broadly consistent with the report of the parliamentary committee. Access is allowed for an adult who can make their own decisions, is terminally ill and their suffering cannot be relieved. They must also be a resident of Victoria.</p>
<p>But the panel widens the committee’s earlier recommendation that a person must be “at the end of life (final weeks or months of life)” to be granted their request. Instead, the current report states the “incurable disease, illness or medical condition” must be expected to cause death in no later than 12 months. </p>
<p>While we agree eligibility should be based on a terminal illness, we don’t favour time limits as they are arbitrary and difficult to accurately predict. They can also lead to people taking harmful steps to fall inside them, such as starving themselves. </p>
<p>But the panel’s recommendation to extend the time to 12 months is still a better approach than the committee’s, as it is likely forming a clinical view about prognosis will be more manageable in that time. Providing a set time frame also avoids the uncertainty of the vague use of the phrase “at the end of life”.</p>
<figure>
<iframe width="440" height="260" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tyY1SrbYu6k?wmode=transparent&start=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
<figcaption><span class="caption">Former AMA president, Professor Brian Owler, chaired the Ministerial Advisory Panel.</span></figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Also of note is that the panel specifically stated mental illness alone and disability alone will not satisfy eligibility requirements; but nor will they exclude access to voluntary assisted dying.</p>
<h2>What assistance can be provided?</h2>
<p>This is primarily a physician-assisted dying model, which means the patient is expected to take the lethal dose of medication themselves. This is a narrow approach to assisted dying as it is the person themselves who takes the final step to end life, not the doctor.</p>
<p>The panel’s approach is consistent with the committee’s report – both are broadly along the lines of the US assisted dying model such as the one in Oregon. </p>
<p>There are downsides to this and we favour a more inclusive model (like in Canada or under the European model) that permits assistance to die being directly provided by a doctor as well. This choice better reflects the autonomy that underpins these laws. </p>
<p>But the panel (and the committee) did recommend an exception where the person is physically unable to take the medication or digest it themselves. This may not be used often but helps address potential discrimination, for example on the grounds of physical disability which prevents someone taking the medication themselves.</p>
<h2>What safeguards are there?</h2>
<p>The panel has proposed a very rigorous process - comprised of 68 safeguards – that involves three separate requests for voluntary assisted dying (one which is witnessed by two independent witnesses) and two independent medical assessments.</p>
<p>A patient seeking assistance to die must be provided with a range of information including about diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options available, palliative care, and the expected outcome and risks of taking the lethal dose of medication. Doctors involved will have to receive special training about the law and how it operates.</p>
<p>Other safeguards are at the systems level, with a Voluntary Assisted Dying Review Board recommended to examine each case and also to report on how the scheme as a whole is operating. The panel has also proposed a range of new offences specifically about voluntary assisted dying to deter conduct outside the scope of the regime, such as an offence against inducing someone to request assisted dying.</p>
<h2>Will these recommendations become law?</h2>
<p>Strong public opinion, shifting views in the health and medical professions and international trends towards allowing assisted dying mean it will become lawful in Australia at some point. But will it be in Victoria, and soon? </p>
<p>The politics of assisted dying are notoriously fickle and this is the latest of <a href="https://eprints.qut.edu.au/95429/1/Failed%20Voluntary%20Euthanasia%20Law%20Reform%20UNSWLJ.pdf">over 50 bills</a> in Australian parliaments addressing this issue over the past two decades.</p>
<p>But as we <a href="https://theconversation.com/victorias-model-for-assisted-dying-laws-may-be-narrow-enough-to-pass-70120">have argued in the past</a>, features of this law reform effort suggest it could happen. The process of examining the issue has been very careful, inclusive and thoughtful with multiple reports and engagement with expert opinion and national and international evidence. </p>
<p>This is a narrow assisted dying model with a lot of safeguards. There is also high level and public support of senior politicians on both sides of politics. But as always, the ultimate test is what happens on the floor of parliament.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/81401/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Ben White receives funding from the Australian Research Council and the National Health and Medical Research Council for research into law, policy and practice relating to end-of-life care</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Lindy Willmott does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Public opinion, shifting views in the health profession and international trends allowing assisted dying mean it will be lawful in Australia at some point. But will it be lawful in Victoria soon?Ben White, Professor of Law and Director, Australian Centre for Health Law Research, Queensland University of TechnologyLindy Willmott, Professor of Law and Director, Australian Centre for Health Law Research, Queensland University of TechnologyLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/490502015-10-22T19:08:17Z2015-10-22T19:08:17ZFrom farm to pharmacy: regulating medicinal cannabis in Australia<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/98972/original/image-20151020-23260-svvaxc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">A national regulator is proposed to oversee cultivation of cannabis for medicinal purposes in Australia.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/dankdepot/5456981099/in/photolist-9jdsn2-8B4uXT-8VP99d-9hwwTs-8FDa14-7TKsfj-9o9EJb-9jdsfX-9o9EHy-9bX7mJ-8cwDCv-9o9EZj-9cc8bJ-a9Pr3B-7PSHbT-9hwzaF-9o9ETC-9hzFCw-9hwzmk-8mdNZs-9hwSeU-9htJTn-9hwA8J-9htuaD-9htsrM-9htrWD-9hwJ73-9jdsua-9hwzxL-9hwAiQ-9hwAM1-9htD7K-9htJwc-9htJ4n-9htMEX-9hwVGo-9hwwFb-9hwQyj-9htPpz-9hwVUb-9hwLhs-9hwNN1-9hwRw1-9hwSSQ-9htM1i-9hwToq-9bX7j1-9o9EBu-9hwzgi-9jdszc">Dank Depot/Flickr</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC BY</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>The Commonwealth government <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-10-17/federal-government-to-legalise-growing-of-medicinal-cannabis/6862294">announced plans</a> on the weekend to legalise growing cannabis for medicinal and research purposes in Australia.</p>
<p>The news follows the <a href="http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/medicinal-cannabis-to-be-legalised-in-victoria">Victorian government’s announcement</a> earlier this month that it will legalise access to medicinal cannabis products for patients with severe symptoms from 2017. </p>
<p>Meanwhile, the New South Wales government <a href="http://www.governmentnews.com.au/2015/07/first-australian-medical-cannabis-clinical-trial-greenlighted-in-nsw/">will provide up to $A9 million</a> to support cannabis clinical trials. </p>
<p>It also launched the <a href="http://www.nsw.gov.au/tics">Terminal Illness Cannabis Scheme</a> to allow people medically certified as terminally ill and their carers to register to use cannabis for therapeutic purposes. </p>
<p>But Australia is a signatory to three international drug control agreements, including the <a href="https://www.unodc.org/pdf/convention_1961_en.pdf">Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961</a>, which limit narcotic drug production, trade and use to medical and scientific purposes. </p>
<p>To legalise cannabis cultivation, the Commonwealth must be able to keep track of production and report to the International Narcotics Control Board.</p>
<p>Establishing what the federal health minister, Sussan Ley, calls “a safe, legal and sustainable” framework for regulating the supply of medical cannabis from the farm to the pharmacy will require co-operation between the Commonwealth, states and territories. </p>
<h2>Existing laws</h2>
<p>Cannabis and its products are regulated under various federal and state laws. But the states don’t have legal authority to set stand-alone rules for the cultivation of cannabis and production of medicinal products.</p>
<p>The recent Victorian Law Reform Commission’s <a href="http://lawreform.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/VLRC_Medicinal_Cannabis_Report_web.pdf">report</a> on medical cannabis recommended Victoria collaborate with the Commonwealth as this is the only practical approach to legalising medical access to the drug.</p>
<p>Several Commonwealth laws apply to cannabis. The Narcotics Drugs Act 1967 regulates the manufacture of narcotic products, including cannabis. </p>
<p>The Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 forms a national system for regulating medicines. Products listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods can be sold in Australia. </p>
<p>And the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) reviews the efficacy, safety and quality of a product before it is registered. </p>
<p>One cannabis-based drug, Sativex® (nabiximols), is currently registered for use by people with multiple sclerosis to help control muscle spasticity. The drug is not covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme so it is costly and not readily available. </p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/99292/original/image-20151022-8019-tpoo4k.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/99292/original/image-20151022-8019-tpoo4k.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/99292/original/image-20151022-8019-tpoo4k.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/99292/original/image-20151022-8019-tpoo4k.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/99292/original/image-20151022-8019-tpoo4k.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/99292/original/image-20151022-8019-tpoo4k.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/99292/original/image-20151022-8019-tpoo4k.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">New South Wales allows people medically certified as terminally ill to register to use cannabis for therapeutic purposes.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">from shutterstock.com</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Federal customs laws regulate the import of cannabis into Australia, for instance, to be used in clinical trials. International sources of the drug for medical purposes are very limited, however, which is why a domestic supply is preferred.</p>
<h2>Offence laws</h2>
<p>The Therapeutic Goods Act also sets a framework for drugs that states and territories adopt in their laws. Cannabis is a “prohibited poison” unless used for medicine or research. </p>
<p>Commonwealth, state and territory laws create offences for growing, possessing and selling cannabis. The severity of the penalty depends on the seriousness of the <a href="https://ncpic.org.au/professionals/publications/factsheets/cannabis-and-the-law/">offence</a>. </p>
<p>A person found in possession of a small quantity of the drug for personal use, for instance, may receive a warning or fine. </p>
<p>Under the NSW Terminal Illness Cannabis Scheme, police officers have discretion not to charge people authorised to possess and use cannabis to relieve their symptoms.</p>
<p>Such an approach is only a partial solution, though. Legal changes, such as the ones under discussion, are needed to support the production and supply of safe, quality cannabis crops and products.</p>
<p>Otherwise, people seeking the drug to help manage medical symptoms may buy it from illicit sources. </p>
<h2>A national regulator</h2>
<p>At the end of last year, the Regulator of Medicinal Cannabis Bill 2014 was referred to a <a href="http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Legal_and_Constitutional_Affairs/Medicinal_Cannabis_Bill/Report">Senate committee</a>. The committee released its final report and recommendations in August. </p>
<p>The bill proposes a national regulatory body to set up a system to license people to grow cannabis for medical uses, manufacture medicinal cannabis products and supply regulated medicinal products to authorised patients. </p>
<figure class="align-right ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/99293/original/image-20151022-7995-ef6nfd.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/99293/original/image-20151022-7995-ef6nfd.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=900&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/99293/original/image-20151022-7995-ef6nfd.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=900&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/99293/original/image-20151022-7995-ef6nfd.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=900&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/99293/original/image-20151022-7995-ef6nfd.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=1131&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/99293/original/image-20151022-7995-ef6nfd.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=1131&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/99293/original/image-20151022-7995-ef6nfd.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=1131&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">The Regulator would identify where cannabis plants would be grown and issue licences for authorised cultivators.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">from shutterstock.com</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Doing so would help Australia meet its international obligations under the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs. </p>
<p>States and territories would enter an agreement with the Commonwealth to participate in the scheme. </p>
<p>The Regulator would identify where cannabis plants would be grown and issue licences for authorised cultivators. Cultivation under a national scheme would provide a source of raw materials needed to manufacture therapeutic cannabis products that meet quality, safety and dosage standards. </p>
<p>The bill also proposes a register for medicinal cannabis products that meet standards set by the law. This system would be separate from the Therapeutic Goods Act. But pharmaceutical companies could still choose to apply to the TGA to sell cannabis-based therapeutic products.</p>
<p>The regulator would also establish an authorised patients and carers scheme to allow medicinal cannabis use. Doctors would provide medical supervision for patients using regulated medicinal cannabis products.</p>
<p>The proposed Regulator of Medicinal Cannabis Bill will likely be put to Parliament in November.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/49050/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Nola Ries does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>The Commonwealth plans to legalise local production of cannabis for medical and research purposes; as do Victoria and NSW. But what laws need to change for all of this to work?Nola Ries, Senior Lecturer , University of NewcastleLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/427462015-06-03T05:55:51Z2015-06-03T05:55:51ZJoan Kirner united farmers and conservationists to care for the land<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/83781/original/image-20150603-2337-11276dz.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Mixed farming country near Binalong, New South Wales. </span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Andrew Campbell</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>The <a href="https://theconversation.com/joan-kirner-a-pioneering-leader-for-the-left-as-well-as-women-42639">plaudits</a> for Joan Kirner, who died on Monday, highlighted her achievements as a teacher, education activist, feminist and politician. It is also worth noting her pivotal role in the development of <a href="http://www.landcareonline.com.au/">landcare in Australia</a>.</p>
<p>Joan Kirner’s first ministerial role was as Victoria’s Minister for Conservation, Forests and Lands in the Labor government under <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Cain_%28junior%29">John Cain</a> from 1985-88. She was a very effective minister, working very hard, travelling tirelessly, seemingly remembering the name of every public servant and community volunteer she ever met. She brought in the <a href="http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/environment-and-wildlife/threatened-species-and-communities/flora-and-fauna-guarantee-act-1988">Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act</a>, delivering Victoria’s first effective controls on land clearing.</p>
<p>However in the views of many, including me, Joan Kirner’s most enduring legacy will be Australia’s <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/236627393_Landcare_communities_shaping_the_land_and_the_future">landcare movement</a>, beginning in Victoria and spreading nationally. </p>
<p>I worked as the first National Landcare Facilitator from April 1989 to August 1992. This coincided with Joan Kirner’s time as Victorian Premier, and from meetings with her during that time and in conferences and airport lounges since, I know she was extremely proud of her landcare legacy.</p>
<h2>The birth of landcare</h2>
<p>In 1985, Kirner’s new department of Conservation, Forests and Lands brought together five separate agencies (the Forests Commission, National Parks, Fisheries and Wildlife, Lands, and the Soil Conservation Authority) that had apparently overlapping roles but very different institutional cultures and a track record of collaboration that was patchy at best.</p>
<p>It required considerable strategic nous and political skill to get this new department working cohesively, and Kirner proved to be a good fit as minister.</p>
<p>The new department needed to work across private and public lands to tackle issues at a large scale (such as erosion, salinity, pests and weeds), and they needed to involve the community.</p>
<p>From prior experience in soil conservation, senior officials knew that individual landholders and local communities need to “own the problem” and be involved in designing and implementing solutions in order to ensure lasting environmental improvement. Joan Kirner understood this implicitly, possibly from her long grassroots community experience with State School mothers’ clubs.</p>
<p>Senior soil conservation staff designed a new program in late 1985 to support voluntary neighbourhood groups to tackle land degradation problems, that they proposed to call Total Land Care. When the Minister saw the acronym, she stated that she definitely did not want to be known as “the Minister for TLC!”. So it became Land Care, soon shortened to LandCare.</p>
<p>The pioneering Victorian <a href="http://www.landcarevic.net.au/">LandCare</a> program was born, and the first LandCare group was launched at Winjallok near St Arnaud on 25 November 1986. </p>
<p>Crucially, Joan Kirner understood from the outset that the new program needed to have bipartisan support, and that this was most likely if it was seen to be led and owned by the farming community, working with conservationists. Joan Kirner invited Heather Mitchell, then President of the <a href="http://www.vff.org.au/">Victorian Farmers’ Federation</a> to co-Chair the program. This formidable duo emphasised the partnership at the heart of LandCare.</p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/83778/original/image-20150603-2340-ynlm8o.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/83778/original/image-20150603-2340-ynlm8o.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=506&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/83778/original/image-20150603-2340-ynlm8o.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=506&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/83778/original/image-20150603-2340-ynlm8o.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=506&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/83778/original/image-20150603-2340-ynlm8o.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=636&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/83778/original/image-20150603-2340-ynlm8o.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=636&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/83778/original/image-20150603-2340-ynlm8o.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=636&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Community-based catchment planning through landcare.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Andrew Campbell</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The number of LandCare groups grew rapidly, building on the network of Farm Tree Groups and soil conservation groups across the state, and the innovative community education work in schools pioneered through the Victorian Salinity Program. Within five years, LandCare involved more than one third of farming families — an extraordinary achievement on a relatively modest budget.</p>
<h2>Landcare goes national</h2>
<p>Joan Kirner was quick to promote the Victorian program as a model for the nation, recommending it to Peter Cook, then Minister for Resources in the Labor government under Bob Hawke.</p>
<p>Around this time another unlikely but extremely strategic alliance was forming, between <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-happened-to-brave-leaders-a-look-at-the-life-of-rick-farley-5376">Rick Farley</a> of the National Farmers’ Federation and <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2012/03/21/3460338.htm">Phillip Toyne</a> of the Australian Conservation Foundation.</p>
<p>I was asked by Toyne and Farley to work with Jane Elix of the ACF and Philip Eliason of the NFF on a proposal for a national initiative based on the Victorian model of facilitating partnerships between farmers and conservationists. </p>
<p>In late 1988, the ACF and NFF jointly proposed to Prime Minister Bob Hawke a A$340m, ten-year program for a Decade of Landcare. This represented a radical boost in Commonwealth funding - the then National Soil Conservation Program was about A$1m per year.</p>
<p>Bob Hawke agreed with alacrity, and the new national program was launched at the junction of the Murray and Darling rivers in July 1989. Crucially, both Labor and Coalition ministers stood on the podium, emphasising the bipartisan thread that began with Joan Kirner and Heather Mitchell and extended through Farley and Toyne. </p>
<p>As it had done in Victoria, the new program took off nationally, and in the 25 years since the Australian landcare model has spread to more than 20 <a href="http://www.worldagroforestry.org/downloads/Publications/PDFS/B16017.pdf">other countries</a>. Landcare is an unsung Australian export success story - a great example of soft diplomacy.</p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/83779/original/image-20150603-2316-c43yfc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/83779/original/image-20150603-2316-c43yfc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/83779/original/image-20150603-2316-c43yfc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/83779/original/image-20150603-2316-c43yfc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/83779/original/image-20150603-2316-c43yfc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/83779/original/image-20150603-2316-c43yfc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/83779/original/image-20150603-2316-c43yfc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Landcare tree planting, Molonglo Catchment Group.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Andrew Campbell</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Forging bipartisanship</h2>
<p>From this distance, those early days of landcare seem both inevitable and extraordinary.</p>
<p>It seems common sense now that farmers need to work together to tackle problems that cross farm boundaries, that planting trees on farms and protecting creeks and rivers is good farming practice, and that looking after the land for future generations is in the interests of the whole community, so it is fair that the whole community contribute to this effort — even better if such help can be practical as well as financial.</p>
<p>But this was not so obvious in the mid 1980s. Joan Kirner instinctively “got” landcare from the outset. She understood its community base and the dynamics of voluntarism. </p>
<p>She reached out. She understood the political potency of bipartisanship and unlikely alliances — she and Heather Mitchell were more than twice as powerful working together than either could be working from within their own political tribe. </p>
<p>She understood the importance of community ownership of problems, and empowerment to develop and implement solutions. She took the long view. Given the right information and support, she trusted grassroots community groups to do the right thing on the ground.</p>
<p>Against this backdrop, today’s politics seem depressingly partisan, glib, austere and myopic.</p>
<p><a href="https://theconversation.com/another-broken-promise-budget-switches-landcare-for-green-army-26818">Government programs</a> tend to be prescriptive and paternalistic, rather than imaginative, catalytic and empowering. Government agencies (more <a href="http://www.themandarin.com.au/1591-terry-moran-knew-know-now/">closely coupled with Ministerial offices</a> than ever) seem allergic to risk, wedded to incremental tweaking of the status quo and fearful of anything transformative. </p>
<p>After years of cuts, redundancies and “efficiency dividends”, too many agencies lack sufficient technical expertise to be intelligent purchasers or to take well-considered risks in developing innovative new programs with a clear eye on the long-term public interest.</p>
<p>Perhaps landcare has simply been lucky over the last 30 years to have grown under the wise political stewardship of people such as Joan Kirner and Heather Mitchell among many others, matched at a grassroots level by countless community leaders across the continent.</p>
<p>But I’d like to think that when wise leaders design policies that deliberately make space for people at lower levels to innovate, to own their own agenda and to grow, then great things happen and lasting benefits can be delivered.</p>
<p><em>If you’re interested in reading more on landcare, see the following titles:</em></p>
<p>Campbell, Andrew (1994) <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/236627393_Landcare_communities_shaping_the_land_and_the_future">Landcare: communities shaping the land and the future</a>. Allen & Unwin, Sydney. ISBN 1863735550 </p>
<p>Catacutan, Delia, Constance Neely, Mary Johnson, Horrie Poussard and Rob Youl (Eds) (2009) <a href="http://www.worldagroforestry.org/downloads/Publications/PDFS/B16017.pdf">Landcare: local action-global progress</a>. World Agroforestry Centre, Nairobi. ISBN 9789290592457</p>
<p>Youl, Rob (Ed) (2006) Landcare in Victoria. Rob Youl, South Melbourne. ISBN 0977524000</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/42746/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Andrew Campbell does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Among the plaudits for Joan Kirner it is also worth noting her pivotal role in the development of landcare in Australia.Andrew Campbell, Director, Research Institute for Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/317822014-09-28T19:18:49Z2014-09-28T19:18:49ZDirty air, dodgy politics: why it’s easier to attack science than listen to Morwell fire death stats<p>I’m quite nervous about writing this. I’m going to stray from my familiar academic world into a political one, and it’s on an issue that may very well have killed several people. My reputation has already been debased in the Victorian Parliament, by Health Minister David Davis. I’m expecting more political dirt to come my way.</p>
<p>First, the back story. The issue is the <a href="https://theconversation.com/uk/topics/hazelwood">Hazelwood coalmine fire</a>, which burned from February 9 to March 10 this year in Victoria’s Latrobe Valley. It covered the surrounding area in thick smoke and ash, and caused <a href="https://theconversation.com/young-and-old-told-to-leave-morwell-south-amid-smoke-fears-23823">eye-wateringly high levels</a> of particulate pollution in the nearby town of Morwell. </p>
<p>The scientific literature on exposure to coal smoke is crystal clear. London’s famous 1952 smog caused <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1241789">an estimated 12,000 deaths</a>, whereas Dublin’s 1990 ban on coal has saved <a href="http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0140673602112815">350 lives a year</a>. </p>
<p>So it’s understandable that a group of local residents has <a href="http://www.votv.org.au">raised concerns</a> about their health after being exposed to the Hazelwood pollution. They enterprisingly collated death notices from local papers and, based on some troubling numbers, they then sought out the official numbers of monthly deaths. </p>
<p>With help from an <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-09-12/morwell-residents-fear-fire-was-fatal/5741170">ABC journalist</a> they passed this data on to me and I ran a statistical analysis that compared average death rates during February and March 2014 with monthly average data going back to 2009. </p>
<p>My <a href="http://eprints.qut.edu.au/76230">results</a> revealed an 89% probability that death rates were above average during this period, with an estimated 11 to 14 extra deaths.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/60132/original/vfw42zmf-1411699897.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/60132/original/vfw42zmf-1411699897.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/60132/original/vfw42zmf-1411699897.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=480&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/60132/original/vfw42zmf-1411699897.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=480&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/60132/original/vfw42zmf-1411699897.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=480&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/60132/original/vfw42zmf-1411699897.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=603&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/60132/original/vfw42zmf-1411699897.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=603&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/60132/original/vfw42zmf-1411699897.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=603&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Deaths in the Morwell area for selected months in 2014 (red line) and the preceding years. High numbers in early 2009 are probably due to extreme heat and high pollution levels from bushfires.</span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Disappointing response</h2>
<p>The Victorian health minister’s response to these figures has been disappointing. Rather than consider the evidence, Davis tried instead to blacken my reputation and has claimed publicly that my analysis is biased. He (or his staff) has trawled the archives of <a href="https://theconversation.com/creating-a-stink-about-traffic-pollution-7661">The Conversation</a> and <a href="http://www.hlth.qut.edu.au/ph/about/staff/barnett/cv_Adrian_Barnett.pdf">my CV</a> for ammunition. </p>
<p>First he appeared on <a href="http://blogs.abc.net.au/victoria/2014/09/debate-over-latrobe-valley-deaths-during-mine-fire.html?site=gippsland&program=gippsland_mornings">ABC radio</a> and stated that it was “important for the community to know” that I have “done work for a political party”, referring to my “expert review work for the Queensland Greens”. </p>
<p>Back in 2008 I read the Queensland Greens’ policy on air pollution and provided some comments. It took me about 30 minutes and I did it for free. I was happy to do it and would do it again. Hopefully I was able to update the policy with the latest scientific evidence.</p>
<p>Next, Davis used parliament to accuse me of presenting the results “in a certain way for political purposes”. He also called me an “ideologue”, a “well-known activist”, and (most bizarrely) a “<a href="http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/images/stories/Council_Daily_Extract_Tuesday_16_September_2014_from_Book_13.pdf">climate change person</a>”.</p>
<p>To claim that I would skew an analysis to misrepresent the data is a very serious allegation and one that I wholly reject. I’ve made my analysis <a href="http://eprints.qut.edu.au/76230">publicly available</a> – if you can see where I’ve added a political bias then let me know.</p>
<h2>Political attacks on science</h2>
<p>While irritating on a personal level, this episode is yet another example of a political attack on science. Clearly, the message that the Hazelwood fire may well have killed people won’t be a popular one with the state government. Disappointingly, it seems the government has responded by trying to discredit the messenger.</p>
<p>We have seen similar attacks by politicians before, most notably against climate science, when scientists are harangued for <a href="https://theconversation.com/an-insiders-story-of-the-global-attack-on-climate-science-21972">making perfectly legitimate statistical adjustments</a> or the Bureau of Meteorology is <a href="http://theconversation.com/no-the-bureau-of-meteorology-is-not-fiddling-its-weather-data-31009">wrongly accused of fiddling data</a>.</p>
<p>Mr Davis’s logic is that because I once gave advice to a political party, all of my subsequent scientific research can be discredited. The message he is sending to scientists is: don’t ever work with political parties. </p>
<p>This is exactly the opposite of what’s currently needed. If more scientists talked to politicians, we would probably have more evidence-based policy on <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/baillieus-wind-farm-crackdown-20110829-1jig4.html">wind farms in Victoria</a>, a national <a href="http://theconversation.com/states-should-stand-up-to-the-food-industry-on-traffic-light-labelling-4504">food labelling system</a>, and <a href="http://theconversation.com/how-to-reduce-opioid-overdose-deaths-in-australia-10197">supervised drug-injection facilities</a>. </p>
<p>Sadly, these are just a few of the many areas where current government policy is completely at odds with the science.</p>
<p>Australia’s air is relatively clean. A <a href="http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736%2812%2961766-8/abstract">global analysis</a> ranked particulate air pollution as the 26th biggest health problem in Australasia, whereas it was the 4th biggest in East Asia. </p>
<p>Nevertheless, given that <a href="http://www.bitre.gov.au/publications/2005/wp_063.aspx">1,400 Australians are killed every year by traffic pollution</a> and that there is no real safe level for air pollution, we could still deliver massive health benefits by making our air cleaner.</p>
<p>How would our politics rank on a global table of cleanliness? Wherever we sit, we can always do better. One thing our air and our politics have in common is that the cleaner they get, the better off we are.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/31782/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Adrian Barnett receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council.</span></em></p>I’m quite nervous about writing this. I’m going to stray from my familiar academic world into a political one, and it’s on an issue that may very well have killed several people. My reputation has already…Adrian Barnett, Associate Professor of Public Health, Queensland University of TechnologyLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/185162013-10-03T05:36:32Z2013-10-03T05:36:32ZHidden flaws in Victoria’s new native vegetation clearing rules<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/32370/original/q8z62g22-1380769111.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Will new Victorian land clearing rules clear up confusion, or just create more?</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">www.shutterstock.com/123250027</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>The Victorian government is overhauling its rules on native vegetation clearing, the first major change in this area for more than a decade.</p>
<p>Vegetation management policy rarely makes it into the news - but it is important, not least because <a href="http://www.landcaretas.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/NatVegManageOnAgLand20121116_Ver1.0.0.pdf">native vegetation provides vital environmental services</a> including pasture for animals to eat, erosion control, nutrient cycling for healthy soils, water purification and habitat for plants and animals.</p>
<p>The new Victorian government regulations have some positives, including clear, <a href="http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/_rework/environment-and-wildlife/biodiversity/native-vegetation/?a=180645">step-by-step processes</a> that are underpinned by a set of <a href="http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/_rework/environment-and-wildlife/biodiversity/native-vegetation/?a=180649">publicly-available biodiversity information maps</a>. </p>
<p>Yet the <a href="http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/145528/Future-directions-Consultation-Paper-September-2012.pdf">consultation paper</a> about these current changes attracted more than 200 <a href="http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/land-management/land/native-vegetation-home/native-vegetation-review-submissions">submissions</a>, largely expressing concern. And much to the consternation of local governments, environmental groups and academics, <a href="http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/_rework/environment-and-wildlife/biodiversity/native-vegetation/?a=180641">the new reforms were announced in May</a> with no further opportunity for comment.</p>
<p>So why are <a href="http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/167638/NVR_30.pdf">local governments</a>, <a href="http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/167825/NVR_134.pdf">landcare groups</a> and <a href="http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/168193/NVR_176.pdf">scientists</a> like me deeply uneasy about these changes, which will change the way land is managed right across Victoria?</p>
<h2>From ‘net gain’ to ‘no net loss’</h2>
<p>One of the most significant changes is in the stated goal of the native vegetation rules. </p>
<p>In the <a href="http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0016/102319/Native_Vegetation_Management_-_A_Framework_for_Action.pdf">original 2002 regulations</a>, the objective was to achieve “a reversal, across the entire landscape, of the long-term decline in the extent and quality of native vegetation, leading to a net gain”. Now, the goal is for <a href="http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/_rework/environment-and-wildlife/biodiversity/native-vegetation/?a=180645">“no net loss in the contribution made by native vegetation to Victoria’s biodiversity”</a>.</p>
<p>The original “net gain” objective was a recognition that Victoria had already lost a significant amount of its native vegetation. Incremental loss was continuing, particularly on private land, and native vegetation management was a cost-effective way to protect the productive capacity of land, the quality of water resources and biodiversity. More than a decade on, <em>none</em> of these facts have changed.</p>
<p>Given this context, adopting a goal of “no net loss” effectively acquiesces to continued long-term decline, instead of aspiring to improve the situation.</p>
<h2>Chipping away at biodiversity</h2>
<p>The new rules aim to cut environmental regulation, or “green tape”, by minimising the need for expert on-site assessment and relying on modelled maps. </p>
<p>Previously, all applications for clearing required on-site assessments by consultants. Now, only those deemed to be “moderate” or “high” risk require comprehensive assessment and matching of clearing to offsets, if rare or threatened species are affected.</p>
<p>“Low” risk applications will be assessed solely using modelled information, and can expect land clearing to be allowed as long as compensatory offsets (also calculated using modelled data) are provided.</p>
<p>The risk level of an application depends on the size and location of the proposed clearing. All of Victoria has been mapped into three categories (A, B and C) that supposedly reflect “<a href="http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/169961/Location_risk_fact_sheet_NVR.pdf">the likelihood that removing a small amount of native vegetation at a location could have a significant impact on the habitat of a <em>rare or threatened species</em></a>”. </p>
<p>By focusing narrowly on potential impacts to just rare or threatened species, 91% of Victoria ends up in lowest Location Risk A category (shown in light blue on the map below), with clearing permitted as a right as long as it is less than 1 hectare and offsets are provided (Figure 1).</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/32280/original/s7hpfk9v-1380678393.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/32280/original/s7hpfk9v-1380678393.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/32280/original/s7hpfk9v-1380678393.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=380&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/32280/original/s7hpfk9v-1380678393.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=380&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/32280/original/s7hpfk9v-1380678393.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=380&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/32280/original/s7hpfk9v-1380678393.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=477&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/32280/original/s7hpfk9v-1380678393.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=477&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/32280/original/s7hpfk9v-1380678393.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=477&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">The modelled Location Risk map for Victoria, shown with 25m resolution.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Native Vegetation Regulation Location Risk map, version 2, 2013, DataSearch Victoria.</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>This limited interpretation runs contrary to the <a href="http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/_rework/environment-and-wildlife/biodiversity/native-vegetation/?a=180645">government’s own definition of biodiversity</a>, which includes “the variety of all life forms, the different plants, animals and microorganisms, the genes they contain and support, and the ecosystems of which they form a part”.</p>
<p>This decision to ignore broadly-defined biodiversity at the risk assignment stage leaves remnant native vegetation vulnerable to being chipped away by permitted clearing and undermines the “no net loss” objective.</p>
<h2>Can we rely on our maps?</h2>
<p>If this new permitting process is to work properly, the accuracy of modelled maps at the intended scale of use will be crucial. But when I took a closer look, I discovered some worrying surprises. </p>
<p>For example, car parks and construction areas within the grounds of Melbourne Airport and the <a href="http://www.calderpark.com.au/track-hire.aspx">infield parking and viewing area within Calder Park Raceway</a> have been classified as higher risk categories B and C (see Figure 2 below).</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/32282/original/tfnttbcy-1380679029.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/32282/original/tfnttbcy-1380679029.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/32282/original/tfnttbcy-1380679029.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=240&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/32282/original/tfnttbcy-1380679029.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=240&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/32282/original/tfnttbcy-1380679029.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=240&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/32282/original/tfnttbcy-1380679029.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=302&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/32282/original/tfnttbcy-1380679029.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=302&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/32282/original/tfnttbcy-1380679029.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=302&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">On the left, car parks and construction areas in Melbourne Airport grounds have been classified as Location Risk B (shown in purple) and C (orange). On the right, parts of Calder Park Raceway have been classified as Location Risk B (purple).</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">ArcGIS satellite World Imagery map overlaid with Native Vegetation Regulation Location Risk map, version 2, 2013, DataSearch Victoria.</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Conversely, <a href="http://www.biosphere.net.au/downloads/BioMappingAudit.pdf">well-documented locations of high-conservation value threatened flora and fauna</a> in places like Bungalook Conservation Reserve in Kilsyth South and the Dandenong Ranges National Park have inexplicably been classed as Location Risk A. These are unlikely to be isolated instances.</p>
<p>Instead of experiencing greater certainty and efficiency under these new rules, developers seeking to clear native vegetation that has been misclassified as “moderate/high” risk (at sites like the Calder Park Raceway) may face being unfairly burdened with excess costs in assessment and offsets.</p>
<p>In a similarly perverse way, permitted clearing of high conservation value native vegetation that is misclassified as “low” risk becomes a cost borne by the wider community.</p>
<p>Some of these errors are probably due to <a href="http://yungresearch.wordpress.com/">problems with the input data</a> used in the modelling.</p>
<p>Historically, the various species databases managed by the state have been chronically under-resourced, resulting in <a href="http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/167609/NVR_4.pdf">uneven data capture, lack of quality control and assurance and database maintenance and updating</a>.</p>
<p>Furthermore, <a href="http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304380012003286">species occurrence data is heavily biased towards public land</a>. Common landscapes that are poorly represented include arable, lowland areas that are predominantly on a freehold title.</p>
<p>Ironically, this means our knowledge of biodiversity is poorest and possibly most error-prone in freehold areas that are most depleted in native vegetation, and also most likely to be subject to applications to clear for urban development or increased agricultural use.</p>
<h2>Where do we start to fix the new system?</h2>
<p>Errors are neither unexpected nor unusual given the complexity of the modelling involved with creating maps like these. But we could have more confidence in the permitting process if it included processes for handling inevitable errors and problems. </p>
<p>A good start can be made by: a) addressing data deficiencies on freehold land; b) conducting independent peer review and quality assurance testing by end-users such as local councils and planning authorities; c) providing avenues for error-reporting; and d) committing resources to quality assurance, improvement and regular updating of the biodiversity information maps.</p>
<p>There are real opportunities to make improvements to Victoria’s clearing regulations that will make life easier for landholders, farmers and developers, but also result in better environmental outcomes. </p>
<p>However, those opportunities can only be realised if the Victorian government is willing to properly address the concerns and solutions raised in <a href="http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/land-management/land/native-vegetation-home/native-vegetation-review-submissions">submissions from the wider community</a>. </p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/18516/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Yung En Chee receives funding from research grants and contracts from the Australian Research Council, the federal government's Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, Victorian government agencies and statutory authorities (Department of Sustainability and Environment, Parks Victoria and Melbourne Water) and non-profit organisations (Victorian National Parks Association and Trust for Nature).</span></em></p>The Victorian government is overhauling its rules on native vegetation clearing, the first major change in this area for more than a decade. Vegetation management policy rarely makes it into the news…Yung En Chee, Research Fellow, Environmental Science, The University of MelbourneLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.