How are our female politicians portrayed in the media?

Too wooden, uninspiring, the ice queen, then a women who has a decent heart…We’re talking about Julia Gillard.

Compare that to honest, decisive, inspiring…who are we talking about now? Captain Anna Bligh of course.

The comparison between two of our female political leaders in Australia couldn’t be more stark. But is this a case of style over substance, or are our expectations of our women at the top driving them to try to be different to who they really are?

To explore the notion of how female leaders are being presented in the media, Catherine was joined by communications and media expert at UniSA, Dr Collette Snowden. She asked Dr Snowden what she thinks about this sudden change in Julia Gillard’s personality.

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Female Politicians

Arkaroola Sanctuary mining threat

Mining conglomerate Marathon Resources are fighting to explore for uranium resources in the Arkaroola Wildlife Sanctuary in the Flinders Ranges.

There has been much controversy over the granting of an exploratory license to Marathon Resources, who were caught illegally dumping waste in the Flinders Ranges in 2008.

Although operations within this area were suspended as a result, the company has now agreed to a number of conditions that have been imposed by the South Australian government to keep exploring the region for uranium and other minerals.

However, environmentalists and opposition parties such as Greens MLC Mark Parnell have slammed this decision, suggesting it is a “betrayal” that had been condemned by such environmental groups.

So as the struggle continues, how do those at Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary feel?

We were joined by Marg Sprigg, owner of the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary, to find out her thoughts on the matter. She told Catherine about the problems Arkaroola have had with Marathon Resources in the past.

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Arkaroola

Carbon emissions on the rise

 A recent government report has shown that Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions are increasing at a faster pace than previously expected.

It is believed that they will increase by twenty-four per cent between now and 2020, especially as we have no carbon price. This increase in carbon dioxide pollution will occur as a result of higher export demand for resources such as coal and liquefied natural gas.

As the rest of the world transitions to a lower-carbon economy, it is predicted that there will be a lower export demand for Australian coal, with a higher demand for cleaner natural gas. However, this may also increase Australia’s pollution levels.

The federal government has now promised to introduce a carbon price during this term of parliament.

So what exactly does this mean?

Climate Change manager for the Australian Conservation Foundation, Tony Mohr, joined Catherine to explain why Australia is so behind in this area.

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Carbon emission rise

Can we close the gap?

Yesterday, Prime Minister Gillard delivered the third annual Closing the Gap statement to parliament. During the address she urged indigenous communities to change their behaviour to help close the gap between themselves and other Australians.

Gillard suggests the government must provide the necessary conditions for opportunities in life for all Indigenous people, but this can only be achieved through work and effort.

 The report suggests that Indigenous disadvantage is caused by three factors: under-investment in services and infrastructure; family and community functioning; and respect between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

So how challenging will it be to close this gap?

Larissa Behrendt, Professor from the Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning at Sydney’s University of Technology, joined Catherine to discuss her thoughts on the report.

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Closing the gap

The climber who fell 1000ft…and survived!

This week on London Calling, Dermot spoke to Catherine about an English charity aiming to cull predatory birds.

He also tells us about the miraculous story of a mountain climber who fell 1000ft off a Scottish mountain and managed to survive!

First, we find out why the boys at Top Gear are in trouble with Mexico.

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London Calling