Botton of the class for Aussies students

More dollars but less sense training our teachers and kids

AUSSIE high school students have fallen up to two years behind Asian students in reading, maths and science.

Poor teacher training is blamed for the staggering divide.

"If a kid (in Australia) is that far behind (in a classroom) we would consider him disadvantaged. They would likely be put into the remedial class," said researcher Dr Ben Jensen, director of the school education program at the Melbourne-based think tank the Grattan Institute.

Its report, Catching up: Learning from the best school systems in East Asia, reveals Australian high school students are more than two years behind Shanghai students in maths and 15 months behind in science.

We trail Shanghai students by 13 months in reading and are also significantly behind Korea, Hong Kong and Singapore in key learning areas.

Researchers say that a huge increase in education spending - 44 per cent in the past decade - has been wasted because it failed to invest in making our teachers better.

Nor did universities properly train new teachers for the pressures of the classroom. "Being nearly two years behind (Shanghai) is staggering. It really is a long way," Dr Jensen said.

He said individual teachers were not to blame, because their training was not up to scratch. The answer lay not in hiring more teachers, but in more effective ways of helping students learn.

"Other Asian countries are constantly working out ways of how kids can be better taught. We don't," he said. "The main difference is (teachers overseas) are trained as researchers and they are continually trying new things with children's learning. If it has been successful, they keep it."

Dr Jensen said though spending in education had drastically improved, it was being diverted to new buildings and schools.

"We are spending a lot of money ... but we are spending in the wrong places. We should be spending it on how to better improve our students' learning," he said.

"The OECD and the World Bank are very clear that the most important economic reform is improving student performance."

US and UK students fare even worse than our own, with both nearly three years behind Shanghai students in maths.

heraldsun.com.au 18 Feb 2012

Another indication that educating the children of the masses is NOT a government priority and never will be.

Education is still kept in the hands of the ruling elite, whereas blue collar education and a focus on sport is giver to the children of the masses.

With a lack of education, the young minds can be easily steered in the direction that is beneficial to the powers at large.

Defence Department security bungle

THOUSANDS of high-level security assessments in the Defence Department were compromised by incorrect data that was used by ASIO to issue official clearances.

Many of the compromised clearances remain in place as Defence and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation wade through thousands of reports to remove incorrect data.

So far, about 3100 high-level clearances have been validated from around 5300 applications made before whistleblowers lifted the lid on poor work practices.

The Inspector General of Intelligence and Security, Dr Vivienne Thom, slams Defence management, and particularly the Defence Security Authority, for the huge breach, and she makes 13 recommendations to fix the problems.

Defence has accepted all of them.

The inquiry found a culture of mismanagement that included delayed and inadequate systems upgrades; inadequate formal documentation and manuals; and inadequate training.

heraldsun.com.au 10 Feb 2011

More News Melbourne ranked eighth most expensive city in the world

MELBOURNE might be the world's most livable city, but research has found it is almost 50 per cent costlier than New York.

The strong dollar is being blamed for squeezing Aussie wallets, with five of the nation's capitals ranked more expensive than destinations such as London, Hong Kong and Berlin.

Melbourne was named the eighth most expensive city, one place behind Sydney, in the Worldwide Cost of Living Survey.

The survey found the cost of a loaf of bread in Melbourne almost doubled in the past decade, while petrol prices rose three-fold and rice almost quadrupled.

Report editor Jon Copestake said the cost of living in Melbourne was up dramatically compared with 10 years ago when it was more than 25 per cent cheaper than the Big Apple.

"Exchange rates have been the greatest influence, with the Australian dollar seeing its value relative to the US dollar double," Mr Copestake said.

"Local price inflation, especially last year, has also played a part."

HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham said 20 years of economic growth had helped fuel the increases.

"The cost base does tend to increase when that happens," Mr Bloxham said. "In some ways, it's the cost of success."

But inflation remained in check and income growth outpaced price increases.

"That's supporting our ability to meet local costs," Mr Bloxham said.

"And then, of course, the strength of the Aussie dollar is also meaning that we can afford to buy more things from overseas."

The survey, conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit, compared the price of 160 products and services in 130 cities.

Zurich was the world's most expensive city, overtaking Tokyo. Perth (12th), Brisbane (equal 13th) and Adelaide (equal 17th) also made the top 20.

In a separate study, Melbourne rated best in the nation in the world's top 50 university cities.

The inaugural QS Best Student Cities survey said Paris was the world's best location for education with Melbourne fourth and Sydney sixth.

heraldsun.com.au 15 Feb 2012

Another report from credible sources, that puts Melbourne in the list of the most expensive cities to live in the world.

Politicians lawmakers and fianciers are responsible for the financial climate of the nation.

If the report is to be believed then this is an assault on the average citizen to put them into financial slavery at the mercy of the banking elite.

High unemployment, large unskilled migrant labour influx, together with a lack of infrastructure compounds to the daily struggle that Melbournians face.

A direction that is tightly controlled by the ruling elite.

Asylum Seekers $10000 welcome pack

The $10,000 welcome pack for asylum seekers who wait for their refugee claims to be processed.

Range $7100-$9800 depending on size of family

Washing machine

Fridge

Lounge, min 4-seat

Table & chairs, min 5 piece

Coffee table

Radio alarm

Wall clock

Heater or fan

TV, min 21-inch

TV stand

DVD player

Phone

Bed base, mattresses

Bedside tables

Mattress protectors

Wardrobe, if none built in

Clothes hangers

Pillow, pillow cases

2 blankets per person

Quilt

2 sheet sets per person

2 towels per person

2 face washers per person

Microwave

Rice cooker

Toaster

Electric kettle

Frypan or wok

Pots and pans

Knife set

Dinner ware including plates, mugs, bowls, cutlery and glasses, min 16 pieces

Chopping board

Ovenware

Baking items

Glass container set

Measuring cups and spoons

Salt and pepper shakers

Colander

Salad bowl

Food storage, 15 pieces

Canister set: sugar, bread, biscuits, tea, coffee

Kitchen utensils: Slotted spoon, ladle, egg flip, potato masher, wooden spoon, vegetable peeler, scissors, can
opener, tongs, whisk, grater

Dish cloths

Tea towels

Pot holder, oven mitts

Mop and bucket

Broom, dustpan, brush

Toilet brush

Iron and ironing board

Indoor rubbish bin

Vacuum cleaner, bagless

Laundry basket

Clothes pegs

Shower curtain

Shower caddy

Cleaning bucket

Smoke detector

Fire extinguisher

Fire blanket

First aid kit


CAN BE ASKED FOR

Rugs

Additional heaters/blankets

Additional fans


ITEMS WHICH CAN BE APPROVED

Computers and internet access

Mobile phones

Bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades

Sewing machines

Student desks

iPod or other music storage device

Game consoles

Baby kit: Mattress, blackets, towels, baths, high chairs and prams worth $750

heraldsun 17 Feb 2012

Home and Away star accuses show of racism

A former Home and Away actor has accused the show's producers of being racist and dumping him because they only wanted one ethnic star.

Jay Laga'aia, who was born in New Zealand and is of Samoan descent, attacked the Channel Seven soapie on Twitter.

"As someone who lost his job on H&A because they couldn't write two ethnics that weren't together, I'd like the chance to ply my trade," he tweeted. Laga'aia joined Home and Away in November 2009 playing Reverend Elijah Johnson.

He worked on the show for several months before leaving to work on a separate project and agreeing to return in November 2010.

He was dropped from the soapie at the end of last year, but his character will continue to appear on the show until April.

It is believed the other ethnic character his tweet refers to is long-running Home and Away star Ada Nicodemou, who is Greek-Cypriot. Laga'aia's character shared a romance with Nicodemou's character during Laga'aia's first stint on Home and Away.

His attack comes after Underbelly actor Firass Dirani accused commercial TV networks of having a "white Australia" policy and called for them to write shows for "different cultural backgrounds".

Laga'aia backed his calls, saying: "Hats off to you Firass Dirani, for a call to stop commercial network producers casting only white actors. Only on Australian screens. Shame!"

But Channel Seven has denied Laga'aia's accusations, saying his contract ended because his character's storyline had "reached its natural conclusion".

16 Feb 2012

The Australian mass media, has a strong Anglo-Masonic influence.

There is definitely a racist undertone from the corporate media rulers, as it is also about giving money for their brethren.

Jay's words definitely do have merit, but since he is up against a corporate Goliath who has the final word, there is no hope of the truth ever coming out from the media.

Deception and false information is the order of the mass media, and 'circumstantial' evidence is the reasons for his dismissal.


To make matters worse the mass media has 'twisted' the facts around and have defamed the soapie star, accusing him of being racist.

Since they hold the balance of power, they can print whatever they like without any consequences.

Audit bags carbon ads

A Multi-million-dollar carbon tax ad blitz was sloppy and breached several financial regulations, an AuditorGeneral’s report has found.

The audit found that major statements in a $4.2 million mailout of a Clean energy future booklet last year were not properly referenced.

And a rushed process to get the pamphlets into letterboxes ‘‘further eroded the capacity of the tender process to maximise value for money’’.

The Opposition has leapt on the report’s findings, saying further advertising in the lead-up to the carbon tax’s introduction on July 1 should be halted.

But the Government said the Auditor-general eventually found the ads were ‘‘factually accurate’’ and not party-political.

The audit found the campaign could have had ‘‘greater discipline’’.

heraldsun.com.au 9 Feb 2012

Here is another example of the 'money for mates' deals where for breaching the law regarding misinformation, it is seen that the ads were ‘factually accurate’’ is a blatant lie.

The truth on the other hand is that the 'top dogs' will never be penalised for same offenses the masses commit.

West Gate Bridge cracks 'no risk', Government says

THE State Government has assured motorists the West Gate Bridge is safe after reports of cracks.

A VicRoads briefing obtained by the Opposition reveals at least $10 million a year will need to be spent on bridge maintenance.

"Growth in average vehicle weight and traffic volume will continue to exacerbate fatigue crack issues," the briefing says.

The briefing refers to a major structural review conducted in 2004, and the strengthening work that was recently completed.

Roads Minister Terry Mulder said there was nothing alarming in the briefing.

"That bridge has been given a sign of approval by the Auditor-General and it's won an award for the work that's been carried out on it," Mr Mulder said.

VicRoads chief operating officer Bruce Gidley said the bridge was safe.

"The work that we've done in the last three years has put it into tip-top condition," Mr Gidley said.

He said fine cracks in the steel needed to be treated, but were not a concern to engineers at this time.

Opposition infrastructure spokesman Tim Pallas said the Government had ignored safety warnings.

"Twelve months after receiving advice, the Baillieu Government has failed to announce any major plans," Mr Pallas said.

heraldsun.com.au 9 Feb 2012

Another blatant lie perpetuated by the government in the face of the public, which can endanger the lives of motorists travelling along the bridge.

Candid interviews have been made with engineers working on the project tell a different story.

The bridge was NOT designed to carry the current throughput of vehicles, neither in weight nor with the oscillations they produce.

This problem is further compounded by the fact that the government has opened up a previosuly designated emergency lane to traffic.

A coverup is the order of the day in order not to alarm the masses, nor to show inadequate planning or rather a failure of town planning by authorities.

Australia is truly a 'backwards country' with respect to road planning as described by a German engineering consultancy firm hired to asses Melbournes traffic woes.

More News Problem gamblers 'help line' bet link shock

PROBLEM gamblers trying to quit the habit by excluding themselves from Victorian gaming venues are being redirected, via a pamphlet, to a phone line that invites them to set up a phone betting account.

Anti-gambling groups have lashed the Baillieu Government, AHA Victoria and Clubs Victoria for approving the pamphlet, which last night was still available at hundreds of venues throughout the state.

After being contacted by the Sunday Herald Sun, which obtained a copy of the leaflet and recorded the phone message, the Government said it had ordered a review of self-exclusion advertising.

The self-exclusion leaflet details how gamblers can seek help and ban themselves from state gaming venues.

Under a section titled "Can I exclude myself from Crown casino and the TAB?", it lists a number to call for help. But a punter calling the "help line" is patched through to TAB Sportsbet and given only two options - setting up a new phone betting account or accessing an existing one.

"If you have an existing TAB account, press 1," the recording says.

"If you wish to make inquiries about opening an account, press 2."

Anti-gambling campaigner Tim Costello said desperate punters trying to quit their habit could be led to temptation.

But he was not surprised at the gaffe, saying "countless people" told him similar stories.

"The fact self-exclusion is run by the gambling giants is also a case of Dracula running the blood bank or the fox in charge of the chicken coop," he said.

"It takes an enormous amount of strength to make a phone call to seek exclusion. It takes overcoming shame and to then be treated with such contempt is quite devastating."

Paul Price, a spokesman for Gaming Minister Michael O'Brien, said the brochure was funded by the Government and distributed in March last year.

The Department of Justice became aware the number connected to the TAB instead of its self-exclusion program on January 5 and ordered that the number be removed from future pamphlets.

"The Government agrees that it is more appropriate for a dedicated telephone number to be available for this service," he said.

"The minister has also asked Tabcorp to review its own material promoting BetCare, including Tabcorp's website, to ensure that the direct number is promoted. Tabcorp has undertaken to do so.

"The Government is currently undertaking a review of self-exclusion programs and will examine access to wagering self-exclusion as part of that process."

Opposition gaming spokesman Martin Pakula called on the Government to pulp all remaining pamphlets.

"People trying to quit punting through this are actually being told how to bet more," he said.

heraldsun.com.au 5 Feb 2012

Gambling destroys lives, as portrayed by television commenrcials sponsored by the government, so a 'helpline' is allegedly set up to 'help' problem gamblers.

The government obtains approximately $5,000,000,000 annually from gambling venues.

There is no policy, or even implied intnetion to reduce this income for the government to the benefit of the community.

Another farce in the face of the general populous.

Teens walk free from court over gang sex attack

Two young men who became "friends" with a teenage girl on Facebook and later had group sex with her have avoided jail.

Waide Symes, of Cribb Point, and Neil Raymond Clark, of Hastings, are now registered sex offenders for life and have been ordered to perform unpaid community work. They have also had jail terms suspended.

The 19-year-olds pleaded guilty in the County Court to several sex offences including, respectively, four and three counts of sexual penetration of a child under 16.

In sentencing this morning, Judge Paul Lacava said jail terms for the teenagers would not be in the interests of them or the community given their remorse, plea of guilty, strong family support, work history and prospects of rehabilitation.

The Office of Public Prosecutions did not oppose the imposition of a non-custodial term.

A third offender has pleaded guilty in a Children's Court to the group sex counts.

Judge Lacava said Symes filmed Clark and the co-offender having sex with the girl, but noted that apart from showing Clark and the co-offender later, the video, taken on a mobile phone, had not been distributed and was deleted.

The judge said that the sex was consensual and there was no drugs, alcohol or inducement involved.

Symes' offending also included two other young girls, who he asked to touch his penis on separate occasions. Both refused but he forced one to do so.

Judge Lacava ordered Clark to perform 200 hours of unpaid community work over two years, and Symes to perform 300 hours over three years.

Neither had any prior convictions or other matters pending, he said.

He suspended jail terms of two years for each for two years. The judge said if there had been no plea of guilty, he would have jailed Clark for three years, with a minimum of 18 months, and Symes for three-and-a-half years, with a minimum of two.

theage.com.au 9 Feb 2012

The Australian government letting rapists go free, is another example of how little regard there is for sex crimes comitted against women.

If the sex crimes were committed against the judges own children, then the punishment would be different.

Since these crimes are committed against the children of the canon fodder, there is little consequence.

This is a policy rather than an exception.

More News Police in new racist abuse claims

POLICE are facing another racism row with officers accused of abusing and assaulting a young Ethiopian man suspected of stealing a car.

Nasir Bare claims he was handcuffed, kicked and had his teeth chipped by officers who pulled him over in February 2009.

Mr Bare, who was 18 at the time, claims the arresting officers said: "You black people think you can come to this country and steal cars" before he was sprayed with capsicum.

Mr Bare, who is backed by the Young People's Legal Rights Centre, complained almost a year later, claiming Victoria's Human Rights Charter gave him the right not to be "treated or punished in a cruel, inhuman or degrading way".

"He said that one or more police officers had used force against him; pushed him against a car; handcuffed him; kicked his legs from under him ... and kicked him in the ribs," court documents allege.

The allegations were aired in the Supreme Court this week during legal argument over the Office of Police Integrity's decision not to investigate directly, but refer the complaint to the police ethical standards department.

The court rejected arguments the OPI had abused its power, but the incident is the latest in a series of racism rows involving Victoria Police and the state's African community.

Last month, two African men launched a compensation claim with the County Court alleging they had been called "black c---s" during a raid over a stolen packet of chips in 2009.

The compensation case is at least the third launched this year by Africans claiming racial abuse by police.

African youths living in the Flemington area also have complained they have been subjected to racial taunts by police after being backed by community legal groups.

Despite the allegations aired on Monday, Victoria Police said it had no record of Mr Bare's complaint.

heraldsun.com.au 21 Dec 2011

Despite the fact that there is racism amongst minority sections of the community and also from governance, the racist slur is being thrown around too much.

Many migrants also use the 'racist' excuse as a means of getting away with either crime or even work.

In the services fields for example cleaning, where migrants are used as cheap labour by the corporations, there are many examples of African nationals accusing their co-employees or even bosses of racism when they are told to do some work, and not to stand around.

This is more common than the 'alleged' isolated cases of racial abuse by authorities, as shown in this example.