NewsMatch Alert: Press Release Summary | 20 December 2024
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Today's highlights
ADHD drug shows promise for treating methamphetamine dependence, landmark Australian study shows
A prescription medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) could be repurposed as the first pharmacotherapy for people with methamphetamine dependence, according to a study published in Addiction. Results from the landmark ‘LiMA’ trial show that the psychostimulant lisdexamfetamine can drastically reduce the need to use methamphetamine among those who are dependent on the illicit drug. Lead author and addiction medicine specialist Professor Nadine Ezard, who is Director of the National Centre for Clinical Research on Emerging Drugs (NCCRED), said the results were promising.
GADAus receives extra funding – boost to Family Violence Training for Frontline Responders
Gender and Disaster Australia (GADAus)
As announced in the recent press release from the Minister for Social Services, The Hon Amanda Rishworth MP, and Assistant Minister, The Hon Justine Elliot, the Federal Government is furthering its commitment to ending violence against women and children by announcing $2 million in additional funding for the Gender and Disaster Recovery Training Program. Gender and Disaster Australia (GADAus) is a key partner in the Federal Government’s initiative to end violence against women within one generation, providing training and resources to first responders, including community members.
New year, new gear: New Vehicle Efficiency Standard revs off the starting line at the stroke of midnight
The Climate Council
The Climate Council says the Albanese Government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) that will come into effect on January 1 will see cleaner and cheaper to run cars sold in Australia, cutting climate pollution produced by new cars by more than half. The policy is a huge win for our climate, our health and our hip-pockets, preventing 20 million tonnes of climate pollution by 2030.
Approving coal mines is the opposite of climate action
In response to Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek’s approval of three coal mine extensions – Boggabri, Caval Ridge and Lake Vermont Meadowbrook – the Australian Conservation Foundation’s climate program manager Gavan McFadzean said: “Approving coal projects is the opposite of climate action. Together, these three coal mine extensions will generate more than 850 million tonnes of lifetime emissions, undermining Australia’s emissions targets and our claims to be a good global citizen and a good neighbour to Pacific nations."
Labor’s coal mine expansions fly in the face of science
The Climate Council
The Albanese Government's approval of four coal mine expansions locks in decades of climate pollution and flies in the face of science, says the Climate Council. Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek has justified the mine approvals because they will mostly produce coal for steelmaking, with some thermal coal also produced for burning in power stations.
Israel’s forced displacement orders in Lebanon may constitute grave breaches of International Humanitarian Law, say aid agencies
The 136 forced displacement orders Israel imposed on 25 per cent of Lebanon during its 62 - day war were woefully inadequate, unnecessarily dangerous and likely illegal, aid agencies said today. In a joint report released today, Forced Displacement Orders: Debunking the Myth of Humane Attacks, ActionAid and Oxfam reveal that so-called evacuation orders between September 23rd and October 31s may amount to a campaign of forcible transfer— a grave breach of International Humanitarian Law (IHL).
New approach to international education inconsistent and lacks integrity
The Australian Government’s newly announced policy approach for the international education sector is causing significant frustration and uncertainty for members of the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA). ITECA is the peak body representing independent skills training, higher education, and international education providers.
Christmas win: New deal for independent school teachers and staff
In last-minute talks ahead of a hearing at the Fair Work Commission today, theIEU reached a deal with the Association of Independent Schools NSW (AIS) that includes substantial pay rises and improved conditions in new three-year multi-enterprise agreements (MEAs) covering about 30,000 employees in 244 schools across NSW and the ACT.
Pill testing a welcome start to saving lives
Today’s announcement by the NSW Government of a music festival-based pill testing trial is a small step towards reducing the harms of illicit drug use. President of the Law Society of NSW Brett McGrath said pill testing can help those who choose to use illicit drugs make safer, potentially life-saving choices.
CMHA and PWDA demand justice and urgent reform following death of Simon Cartwright at Silverwater Jail
Community Mental Health Australia (CMHA) and People with Disability Australia (PWDA) are united in their condemnation of the systemic failures in Australia’s mental health and justice systems and the regulated violence documented in the coroner’s report into Simon Cartwright’s death in 2021 at Silverwater jail. The report revealed that prison guards deliberately cut off his water supply, mocked his desperate pleas for help and fudged observation records to cover up systemic torture and restrictive practices.
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Harbison Burradoo receives largest Federal Government grant
Harbison Care
Harbison Burradoo’s Stage 2 construction will commence in 2025 following the receipt of a Federal Government grant of $27.5 million – the largest grant in the latest funding round. “We are thankful and grateful for the grant, which will allow us to achieve the next stage of our vision for improving how people age in the Southern Highlands and Illawarra Shoalhaven,” said David Cochran , Chief Executive Officer of Harbison.
Monash expert: Author John Marsden’s legacy
Award-winning Australian author John Marsden, best known for his multimillion-selling Tomorrow series, has died aged 74. Monash experts are available to comment.
Monash expert: Remembering Michael Leunig
Australian cartoonist, poet and writer Michael Leunig has died aged 79. His death was announced on social media: "The pen has run dry, its ink no longer flowing – yet Mr Curly and his ducks will remain etched in our hearts, cherished and eternal." Monash experts are available to comment.
Road trip report – Winton Qld to the Plenty Highway and back in December
Road Report: Winton to Gemtree and Back, along the Kennedy Development Road, onto the Donohue then crossing into the NT and onto the Plenty Highway with Mayor Rick Britton, Karen Stephens, Manager Outback Regional Gallery, Winton: "What a trip! From the 14-18th of December 2024 Mayor Rick Britton, Karen Stephens, and I set out on a road trip to pick up the three striking billboards from the Outback Way’s Outdoor Gallery, purchased by the Boulia Shire Council. These billboard artworks are bound for public art in Boulia."
South Australians urged to take bucket on beach strolls to save the bay
OzFish, Australia’s fish habitat charity, are warning that unless they get more Posidonia seagrass fruits for this summer’s Seagrass for Snapper planting in the Gulf St Vincent, they may not have enough for their annual seagrass restoration work. They are asking the public to keep an eye out for the washed-up or floating seagrass fruits, identify them correctly then gather them in buckets of seawater. Seagrass can then be dropped at designated collection locations.
2024 Christmas message from Wesley Mission CEO Rev Stu Cameron and Christmas Day lunch event
Wesley Mission is decking the halls and prepping the puddings in readiness for their much-loved Christmas Day lunch celebration in the city. Wesley Mission CEO, Rev Stu Cameron , says Wesley Mission’s Christmas lunch is for all our city neighbours. “While the food will be fancy with an abundant buffet boasting all the Christmas trimmings, the company will be cheerful and casual. Everyone is welcome just as you are! And there will be carol singing, games and gifts for us all to enjoy at our tables."
Coles helps families get ready for Rudolph
Coles is bringing extra festive joy to households this Christmas by giving away free carrots to families to ensure Santa’s reindeer are fuelled up and ready to deliver gifts around the world next week. From Friday 20 December until Christmas Eve, customers can collect a free Reindeer Carrot from the special collection point as they leave their local Coles store. A recent survey of Coles customers revealed that more than three quarters of households with young kids leave snacks out for Santa and his reindeer, with cookies and carrots topping the list.
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