Refugee intake should increase by 50 per cent, Immigration Minister says

UPDATE 11.07am: THE Opposition says a proposal by Immigration Minister Chris Bowen to increase the refugee intake by 50 per cent would cost the government $1.35 billion over four years.

Mr Bowen will propose at the Labor Party's national conference this weekend to increase Australia's resettlement of refugees from 13,750 to 20,000.

"I have had the view for some time that we could and should take more refugees," Mr Bowen told ABC Radio.

"It's an aspiration ... there's no timeline that I'm putting on it," he said.

"I just think it's very important that the Labor platform, which is after all a statement of broad objectives, has that objective in it for the first time."

Immigration spokesman Scott Morrison said the proposal would cost the government $1.35 billion over four years.

"He wants to increase the refugee intake each year," Mr Morrison told Macquarie Radio.

"He wants to do this deal with the Labor left to get support for his already failed Malaysian people swap."

Mr Morrison said the government was capitulating to the Greens.

"More and more people are getting on each individual boat at the moment, which is increasing the risk for those people...

"This minister has simply lost control."

Liberal MP Kelly O'Dwyer said lifting the refugee intake was another Greens policy Labor was keen to introduce.

"(And) it's the policy of distraction," she told Sky News.

"It's something they said they were going to fix, they haven't fixed it, now they're looking to the next issue."

Mr Bowen said Australia's refugees intake was the highest per person of any country in the world.

"But that doesn't mean I don't think we can do more still," he said.

He said his proposal would make it clear that Labor's view was to take more refugees.

"We want to give more people a life in Australia but we need to tackle the dangerous boats coming to Australia," Mr Bowen said.

"Then we can have that conversation with the people of Australia to increase our refugee intake further."

Mr Bowen said the offshore processing of refugees had to be one of several measures to reduce the number of people jumping onto boats heading to Australia.

"Just increasing your refugee intake is not a deterrent to getting on a boat to come to Australia, but if it is part of a broader mix, which included offshore processing, that would be important," he said.

Labor abandoned a plan to put its bill to allow offshore processing of asylum seekers in Malaysia to a vote in October after it could not guarantee its passage through parliament.

The minister's proposal comes after Australian authorities intercepted a boat carrying more than 100 asylum seekers east of Christmas Island on Wednesday.

heraldsun.com.au 1 Dec 2011

What a joke at the expense of the Australian population.

Just another government policy to degrade the labour force value in Australia, to the financial advantage of the financiers.

An absolute moron ( rather a puppet for the order of the new world) for having these views in this economic climate.

BUSTED! Secret app on millions of phones logs key taps

Researcher says seeing is believing

By Dan Goodin in San Francisco • Get more from this author

Posted in Security, 30th November 2011 02:34 GMT

Free whitepaper – Achieve Workforce Continuity and Keep Your Business Running

An Android app developer has published what he says is conclusive proof that millions of smartphones are secretly monitoring the key presses, geographic locations, and received messages of its users.

In a YouTube video posted on Monday, Trevor Eckhart showed how software from a Silicon Valley company known as Carrier IQ recorded in real time the keys he pressed into a stock EVO handset, which he had reset to factory settings just prior to the demonstration. Using a packet sniffer while his device was in airplane mode, he demonstrated how each numeric tap and every received text message is logged by the software.

Ironically, he says, the Carrier IQ software recorded the “hello world” dispatch even before it was displayed on his handset.

Eckhart then connected the device to a Wi-Fi network and pointed his browser at Google. Even though he denied the search giant's request that he share his physical location, the Carrier IQ software recorded it. The secret app then recorded the precise input of his search query – again, “hello world” – even though he typed it into a page that uses the SSL, or secure sockets layer, protocol to encrypt data sent between the device and the servers.

“We can see that Carrier IQ is querying these strings over my wireless network [with] no 3G connectivity and it is reading HTTPS,” the 25-year-old Eckhart says.

The video was posted four days after Carrier IQ withdrew legal threats against Eckhart for calling its software a “rootkit.” The Connecticut-based programmer said the characterization is accurate because the software is designed to obscure its presence by bypassing typical operating-system functions.

In an interview last week, Carrier IQ VP of Marketing Andrew Coward rejected claims the software posed a privacy threat because it never captured key presses.

“Our technology is not real time,” he said at the time. "It's not constantly reporting back. It's gathering information up and is usually transmitted in small doses.”

Coward went on to say that Carrier IQ was a diagnostic tool designed to give network carriers and device manufacturers detailed information about the causes of dropped calls and other performance issues.

Eckhart said he chose the HTC phone purely for demonstration purposes. Blackberrys, other Android-powered handsets, and smartphones from Nokia contain the same snooping software, he claims.

The 17-minute video concluded with questions, including: “Why does SMSNotify get called and show to be dispatching text messages to [Carrier IQ]?” and “Why is my browser data being read, especially HTTPS on my Wi-Fi?”

The Register has put the same questions to Carrier IQ, and will update this post if the company responds. ®

Update

More than 19 hours after this post was first published, Carrier IQ representatives have yet to respond to a request for comment. Meanwhile, computer scientists have uncovered anunrelated Android glitch that could also invade smartphone users' privacy.

theregister.co.uk 30 Nov 2011

Another example how corporations are getting away with 'hacking', theft of information, and various other breaches of privacy.

No action is ever taken against these global giants in the age of Information Terrorism.

Former Tas MP avoids jail over child sex

A former Tasmanian MP has dodged an immediate jail term after being found guilty of having sex with a 12-year-old.

Terry Martin, 54, was last week found guilty of unlawful sexual intercourse with a person under 17 and of producing child exploitation material.

On Tuesday, Justice David Porter sentenced Martin to 10 months in jail, wholly suspended, the ABC reports.

Judge Porter linked Martin's offending to medication for Parkinson's disease which triggered hypersexual desire, the report said.

Martin, a former MLC and Glenorchy mayor, responded to an advertisement for adult sexual services in 2009 placed by the girl's mother and a pimp.

He paid the girl $600 to perform sex acts and also photographed them.

Martin denied the charges on the grounds that he thought the girl was 18.

heraldsun.com.au 29 Nov 2011

Another timeless example of how the government supports child abuse, especially if the perpetrator is one of their own.

Excuses are given so that the 'mates' are not incarcerated.

Judges that make these seemingly 'poor' decisions should be remove from their positions, but by whom, other corrupt judges?

Rarely do government officials end up incarcerated for the same crimes the masses get convicted and imprisoned for.

Another example of how these people are above the law.

Social workers take obese boy from mother's care

AN eight-year-old American boy, who weighs more than 90kg, has been taken from his family and placed into foster care after social workers said his mother wasn't doing enough to control his weight.

The Plain Dealer newspaper reports the Cleveland boy is considered severely obese and at risk from such diseases as diabetes and hypertension.

The case is the first state officials can recall of a child being put in foster care strictly for a weight-related issue.

Lawyers for the mother say the county overreacted when authorities took the boy last week, saying the medical problems he's at risk of developing don't yet pose an imminent danger.

heraldsun.com.au 28 Nov 2011

Child abuse can occur in many forms, some of which are more clearer than others.

Apart from the more obvious abuse for egample physical or sexual, emotional abuse through bad parenting is also child abuse

Parents, society and the law have taken far too long to recognise that child obesity is actually child abuse.

Schoolgirl Erin McKernan sinks EastLink speed camera fine

THE State Government has sought a briefing on possible legal ramifications for speeding fines after a policewoman beat one of Melbourne's most hated speed cameras.

Rosebud Senior Constable Faye Pitman used the evidence of a 16-year-old work experience student to raise enough doubt that she had been travelling at the clocked speed of 106 km/h along the notorious EastLink stretch.

The EastLink cameras have angered scores of drivers who claim they have been unfairly fined.

But until yesterday no one managed to have an infringement overturned.

Have you ever been clocked doing 106km/h on East Link? Mobile pics or video: MMS us on 0404 333 444

Sen-Constable Pitman, a 20-year police officer, was in tears after the charge was dismissed.

The crucial evidence came from high school student Erin McKernan, who was in the police car at the time on work experience.

Ms McKernan, now 18, told the court she looked at the car's speedometer just before reaching the Dandenong bypass, where the camera was mounted.

She said the marked police car had been travelling at 95-96 km/h. Sen-Constable Pitman said she had been doing 98km/h.

Magistrate Gerard Bryant threw out the case, despite prosecutor Rob Taylor's argument that tests on the speed camera showed it was accurate and that evidence from Sen-Constable Pitman was "slight and unconvincing".

Police Association secretary Greg Davies said the decision to dismiss the fine could open avenues for other drivers.

Legal experts agreed the surprise victory could open the floodgates.

Prosecutors have not ruled out an appeal, but the Herald Sun believes it is unlikely.

Police Minister Peter Ryan was on the back foot last night.

"In light of today's ruling, I have sought a briefing from Victoria Police and the Department of Justice as to how this decision relates to the current legislative framework," he said.

Legal experts and police officers said the case would be a launching pad for others.

"This could open Pandora's Box for everyone else," one officer said.

Barrister and traffic law expert Michael Kuzilny said it would have significant ramifications.

"It's a really great thing. Previously, it has been impossible for people to prove that they weren't speeding," he said.

"It means there will be a floodgate opening of people challenging, and many, many more people and angry drivers questioning their fines."

Barrister Theo Alexander said the decision would likely "embolden many motorists who have been charged in similar circumstances to challenge their speeding fine".

A colleague said Sen-Constable Pitman was regarded as a careful driver who did not speed.

"She's like Driving Miss Daisy - that's why everyone's been on her side."

heraldsun.com.au 6 Sep 2011

Gambling Venue attendance fraud

Many illegitimate deals happen on the seedy grounds of gambling venues across Australia. This is a well known fact to authorities and governments alike.

In Victoria the Premier of the day, Jeff Kennett helped set up a Melbourne casino, where many crime deals have occurred, and subsequently the authorities support this money laundering business.

Gambling venues have been involved in a money laundering fraud, which involves the faking of attendees for quite some time.

CCTV cameras record the traffic, and compulsory registration of patrons coming into the venue, either for a club lunch or drinks. The gambling venue uses this information to ‘cook the books ‘, that these patrons were gambling, and in effect launder the illicit drug money.

This practice is known to authorities, but is deliberately overlooked, as these premised are employment providers, and the business owners are cronies of the politicians, law makers and others highly placed in the business community.

The newly elected Victorian police head claims that in his sights, corruption and crime will be on the list. Many are aware that corrupt police are on the payroll of well established drug gangs. Since the drug industry in Australia is worth an approximate $1.2 billion per month, there is plenty of funds to supply corrupt persons.

Smart meter shock

Family forced to move after suffering health problems

A SMART meter health scare has driven residents from their homes amid fears they are being exposed to high levels of electromagnetic radiation. 
 
A young family and another resident have fled the Keilor East street, claiming constant headaches and sleep deprivation is making their lives a misery, but authorities say the controversial devices are safe.

Marc and Maureen Florio, who have been staying with friends since Friday, said they and their four children had suffered side-effects since a neighbour's smart meter was installed three weeks ago.

Do you have a smart meter horror story to tell? Email publicdefender@heraldsun.com.au

Tests found radio frequency emissions more than 30 times stronger than "precautionary levels" in their 14-year-old son's bedroom and high levels elsewhere. All readings were within Australian standards.

"It's like an absolute nightmare," Ms Florio said.

"I do not know what we are going to do ... we are smart meter refugees."

Mr Florio said a doctor attributed constant headaches to the meter. He and his eldest son are also sensitive to other emissions.

"We are not after compensation," he said. "We just want it switched off."

Kathi Buzza, who had the meter installed, also wants the device gone.

YSHIELD general manager David Mould, who tested the Florios' house, recommended the smart meter be removed.

He said while readings were within Australian standards some people appeared sensitive to weaker emissions and he recommend lower levels as per European guidelines.

Power company Jemena said tests of the meter and another across the road had shown no problems. Other residents had not expressed health concerns.

The Baillieu Government has ordered independent checks to allay concerns about potential health risks from smart meters.

A spokesman for the Energy Minister said testing so far showed they had complied with standards and emitted weaker electromagnetic emissions than other sources such as baby monitors and mobile phones.

MAXIMUM READINGS AT THE FLORIO HOME

CHILD'S bedroom, 182 (5 precautionary guidelines)
DOWNSTAIRS study, 167 (10 precautionary guidelines)
MASTER bedroom, 130 (5 precautionary)
UPSTAIRS kitchen, 114 (10 precautionary)
UPSTAIRS table tennis area, 101 (10 precautionary)
Source: YSHIELD. Density measured in microwatts/m2. Precautionary figure based on guidelines from Building Biology and Ecology Institute, Germany.
RADIO FREQUENCY EMISSIONS
Normal distance from a smart meter 50
Immediately next to a smart meter 88,000
Standing near an operating microwave oven 100,000
Wi-fi wireless routers, laptop computers, cyber cafes 100,000-200,000
Mobile phone at head up to 300,000-100,000,000

Source: Silver Spring NetworksPower density measured in microwatts/m2

heraldsun 1 Nov 2011

The installation of Smart meters is another government sponsored rort.

The public are being 'duped' into installing meters on their property, where there is no obligation under any law to comply as such.

This is purely a money for mates business proposition, that will not benefit the public in any way.

One excuse given is for it's 'green' properties, which is utterly a downright lie.

Parents slam spin king Shane Warne over junk-food ads

SHANE Warne has come under fire for promoting junk-food to impressionable children.

McDonald's use of cricket legend to push its chicken pieces and the Kellogg's 4D Choc Bar ad outraged The Parents' Jury, a group of 5000 parents and grandparents.

The jury's annual media campaign targets food companies which advertise their products to children.

Mother-of-two and jury member Natalie Wischer slammed Warne's involvement with McDonald's and said there was no place for junk-food advertising in sport.

"I am disappointed Shane Warne, who is such a role model to kids like mine, has chosen to be associated with McDonald's," Ms Wischer said.

The group of health-conscious parents said Kellogg's used dishonest advertising to promote sugar-laden cereal.

Kellogg's Nutri-Grain cereal, marketed as an energy-packed breakfast for boys training as ironmen, has been named the most shady advertising campaign by The Parents' Jury.

Jury manager Corrina Langelaan said the aim of the group was to fight back against the marketing techniques of the food industry.

"The industry may be getting smarter about getting around its self-regulatory code, but parents tell us they are fed up with unhealthy food advertisements being shown during their kids' favourite (TV) programs," Ms Langelaan said.

Kellogg's said in a statement it has made "significant changes to the way we work" in recent years.

"We now focus much of our efforts on promoting healthier cereals such as Sultana Bran, Mini Wheats, Just Right and All Bran," the statement said.

"Our advertising is aimed at parents so that they can make informed choices about the best foods for their family."

news.com.au 8 Nov 2011

A surprise entry for the category 'Occupational H'S', as traditionally this is seen to bee a domain occupied by females.

Good ol' newly touched up, Warne prostitutes himself to anyone who throws the cash.

McDonald's is widely regarded as the Junk Food Kings who's products are detrimental to the consumers, being responsible for diabetes, obesity and cancer.

Inquiry hangs over former Victoria Police detective Bill Nash

A FORMER Victoria Police detective has been under investigation for three years over a story published in the Herald Sun.

Former detective senior sergeant Bill Nash said his career remained tarnished by corruption authority inquiries over the leak.

Mr Nash was assigned in 2003 to review a police taskforce investigation into Denis Tanner, a former police officer suspected of murdering his sister-in-law, Jennifer Tanner, and transsexual prostitute, Adele Bailey.

He found taskforce head Insp Paul Newman and Sen-Sgt Marty Allison should have been charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice, concluding they dishonestly strengthened their case against Denis Tanner in a number of listening-device and telephone-intercept affidavits. Neither was charged.

When part of his report concerning non-prosecution of the case was published in the Herald Sun in 2008, Mr Nash said he became the subject of an investigation, which remains unresolved.

He said he did not leak the information to the paper but the damage had been done.

Mr Nash said he had kept the victims, who were former police members, fully updated on the progress of the investigation.

He said this was done to ensure the alleged victims did not accuse the force of a whitewash of the matter.

"It was provided as feedback under the Victim's Charter," Mr Nash said.

The information was later published.

Mr Nash said he was disgusted at not having received his certificate of service because of the probe, which he said should have been sorted out either way by now.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman would not comment as it was a "personnel matter".

heraldsun 29 Aug 2011

Another story of corrupt police, that the government not only hides, but also supports via the corrupt court system, with the lack of incarceration time.

Top Cop promises gloves coming off

The new head of police state Victoria, Ken Lay promises to tackle crime, motorists being high on the agenda, according to a news report from the 15^th of November.

As reported by the Herald Sun, the official priority hit list is in the following order:

1). Domestic Violence

2). Cybercrime and fraud

3). Organised crime

4). Street violence assaults

5). Solving Hodson murders

6). Fixing police I.T. system

His election as Top Cop comes in the wake of his two predecessors leaving under disgraced circumstances.

Victoria’s previous Top Cop, Simon Overland was linked with providing fraudulent information, and allegations of involvement with the drug syndicates. As yet no formal charges have been laid against Overland.

Overland was given the position, after his predecessor, Christine Nixon, was given the tile of Top (female) Dog, without the qualifications or experience necessary, giving the phrase ‘Money for Mates’ credibility.

She left under disgraceful circumstances, when the state of Victoria was under emergency, during the bushfires, she nonchalantly disregarded her role, attending a formal function, whilst the emergency services, including the police were working overtime.

The Herald Sun has published his weak educational achievements, which consist of a Diploma in Police Studies, together with a Bachelor of Arts.

Organised crime, which includes the drug gangs is a large contributor to other crimes committed. The industry is worth an approximate $1.2 billion per month, yet the news media rarely reports on $200 million dollar drug hauls, which should happen on a weekly basis, and not on monthly or two monthly cycles.

Many police, politicians, law makers, high profile business leaders are involved in the slae or use of illicit drugs, yet the government deliberately turns a blind eye.

The leaders have again demonstrated that a ‘Money for Mates’ system is alive and strong within the police state of Victoria.