Public Health Organizations Nurse Headaches Over Malternatives

The Government appears to be determined in fighting the alcohol menace among underage drinkers. They have just launched their ‘Responsible Drinking’ ad campaign. ….. Supporting the Government in their efforts are Public Health Organizations

Despite all this fervour and commitment, the controversial Alco Pop legislation remains to be passed at the senate. As they fight one battle another one pops up…

Featured in this interview Public Health Association Chief – Michael Moore who begins by telling his views on whether Alco Pops taxes has given birth to ‘Malternatives’ the new alternative to RTD or ‘Ready To Drink’ beverages.

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Malternatives – the taxation slip between the lip and a sip

‘Necessity is the mother of all Inventions’. and ‘Malternatives’ is the new fizzy invention that has got Government and Health departments in a bit of tizzy.

The new drink is similar to beer but with a sweeter taste and certain distillers hope to woo back some of their prodigal consumers. The alcohol industry has apparently brewed this advantage through a loophole in the taxation system.

While the debate rages on over the outcomes of Alco Pop taxes, both parties remain busy. The Government appears to be focussed on plugging holes in the tax system while the Alcohol industry continues to be creative.

Featured in this interview Steve Riden, Manager Information & Research from the Distilled Spirits Industry Council

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Robyn Habel-Sun Come Shine

SUN COME SHINE is Robyn Habel’s third studio album, and is to be released on Saturday 29^th November at The Promnethean. She joined us on breakfast this morning to talk about it, and play some music.

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Japanese recession

Australia’s largest export market, Japan, is now officially in a recession.

Many economists predict the Japanese downturn will get worse before it gets better as the global financial crisis deepens.

It could even result in a change of government in the country with the ruling Liberal Democratic Party facing defeat, for only the second time in 53 years.

Would could this mean for Australia? Professor Ken Anderson, President of the Japanese Studies Association of Australia, spoke with Alex Cothren this morning…

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Quantum of Solace

Bond is back, and in the latest blockbuster the story continues on from where Casino Royale left off. But is Bond all he’s cracked up to be… Kat’s not a big fan!

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Alitalia airline strikes

Alitalia, Italy’s national airline is in trouble with industrial chaos, and Facebook the social networking website is bringing people together, face to face!

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Closure of SOLAR PANEL manufacturing plant

With the focus on renewable energy and the potential opportunities for Australia to be at the forefront of the development of those technologies… BP SOLAR announced yesterday they will close their solar photovoltaic cells manufacturing plant in Sydney.

The reason given was for the company to “focus its operations at larger scale plants in lowest cost manufacturing countries, in order to drive down the cost of solar power for consumers”.

That focus will cost 200 jobs. 

Paul Bastian is NSW Secretary of the AMWU.

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Indigenous Communities Seek Freedom From Gatekeeping

There is a common saying among many Aboriginal communities – “Upright and with a heart beat” ( If you are upright and have a heartbeat you are good enough to teach).

While that saying may hold great wisdom, voices within Indigenous communities echo a different truth.

The Education system is failing and the standard of external community workers involved is a compromise.

The indigenous community seem displeased with the treatment meted out to them and the community workers are definitely not happy about their abilities being questioned.

The reached a near flashpoint with some terse remarks from educator Dr.Chris Sarra.

Later, Indigenous leader and former Labour Leader Warren Mundine added that the gatekeeping attitude adopted by white community workers is one of the primary hindrances in the development of indigenous communities.

Featured in this story, Chris Graham, Editor of the National Indigenous Times.

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‘Jobless’ – The Blockbuster Tragedy Premiere’s Worldwide

The recent G 20 meeting has concluded on a presumptuous note.

Members or Masters of our crippled universe in an attempt to save the world from an economic wipe out, have agreed to support financial regulations, while maintaining free market discipline.

More fiscal stimulus is on the cards and governments across the globe continue to urge consumers to Spend More ….to Save.

Also listed on the cards is a steady flow of Pink Slip.

The International Labour Organisation has predicted 210 million job cuts across the globe in the next year.

The weather ahead definitely appears rough and confusing….

Featured in this report is Associate Prof. Steve Keen from University of Western Sydney who begins by telling whether this is an exaggeration or cause for concern….

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Anti-prostitution laws in Italy

As an exchange student studying political science in Italy, Marija is there at great time to experience events first hand. The student protests continue against the Berlusconi governments planned education reforms. And there are some new anti-prostitution laws in the wind that could have an effect on opther public behaviour too.

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