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A tax on sugary drinks can make us healthier. It’s time for Australia to introduce one

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/peter-breadon-1348098">Peter Breadon</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/grattan-institute-1168">Grattan Institute</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jessica-geraghty-1530733">Jessica Geraghty</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/grattan-institute-1168"><em>Grattan Institute</em></a></em></p> <p>Sugary drinks cause weight gain and <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41574-021-00627-6">increase the risk</a> of a range of diseases, including diabetes.</p> <p>The <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2792842">evidence shows</a> that well-designed taxes can reduce sugary drink sales, cause people to choose healthier options and get manufacturers to reduce the sugar in their drinks. And although these taxes haven’t been around long, there are already signs that they are making people healthier.</p> <p>It’s time for Australia to catch up to the rest of the world and introduce a tax on sugary drinks. As our new Grattan Institute <a href="https://grattan.edu.au/report/sickly-sweet/">report</a> shows, doing so could mean the average Australian drinks almost 700 grams less sugar each year.</p> <h2>Sugary drinks are making us sick</h2> <p>The share of adults in Australia who are obese has tripled since 1980, from <a href="https://theconversation.com/mapping-australias-collective-weight-gain-7816">10%</a> to more than <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/health-conditions-and-risks/waist-circumference-and-bmi/latest-release">30%</a>, and diabetes is our <a href="https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/about-diabetes/diabetes-in-australia/">fastest-growing</a> chronic condition. The costs for the health system and economy are measured in the billions of dollars each year. But the biggest costs are borne by individuals and their families in the form of illness, suffering and early death.</p> <p>Sugary drinks are a big part of the problem. The more of them we drink, the greater our risk of <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41574-021-00627-6">gaining weight</a>, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2963518/">developing type 2 diabetes</a>, and suffering <a href="https://academic.oup.com/eurpub/article/31/1/122/5896049?login=false">poor oral health</a>.</p> <p>These drinks have no real nutrients, but they do have a lot of sugar. The average Australian consumes <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/health-conditions-and-risks/apparent-consumption-selected-foodstuffs-australia/latest-release">1.3</a> times the maximum recommended amount of sugar each day. Sugary drinks are responsible for more than one-quarter of our daily sugar intake, more than any other major type of food.</p> <p>You might be shocked by how much sugar you’re drinking. Many 375ml cans of soft drink contain eight to 12 teaspoons of sugar, nearly the entire daily recommended limit for an adult. Many 600ml bottles blow our entire daily sugar budget, and then some.</p> <p>The picture is even worse for disadvantaged Australians, who are more likely to have <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/health-conditions-and-risks/diabetes/latest-release">diabetes</a> and <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/health-conditions-and-risks/waist-circumference-and-bmi/latest-release">obesity</a>, and who also consume the most sugary drinks.</p> <h2>Sugary drink taxes work</h2> <p>Fortunately, there’s a proven way to reduce the damage sugary drinks cause.</p> <p>More than <a href="https://ssbtax.worldbank.org/">100 countries</a> have a sugary drinks tax, covering most of the world’s population. <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2792842">Research</a> shows these taxes lead to higher prices and fewer purchases.</p> <p>Some taxes are specifically designed to encourage manufacturers to change their recipes and cut the sugar in their drinks. Under these “tiered taxes”, there is no tax on drinks with a small amount of sugar, but the tax steps up two or three times as the amount of sugar rises. That gives manufacturers a strong incentive to add less sugar, so they reduce their exposure to the tax or avoid paying it altogether.</p> <p>This is the best result from a sugary drinks tax. It means drinks get healthier, while the tax is kept to a minimum.</p> <p>In countries with tiered taxes, manufacturers have slashed the sugar in their drinks. In the United Kingdom, the share of products above the tax threshold <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1003025">decreased dramatically</a>. In 2015, more than half (52%) of products in the UK were above the tax threshold of 5 grams of sugar per 100ml. Four years later, when the tax was in place, that share had plunged to 15%. The number of products with the most sugar – more than 8 grams per 100ml – declined the most, falling from 38% to just 7%.</p> <p>The Australian drinks market today looks similar to the UK’s before the tax was introduced.</p> <p>Health benefits take longer to appear, but there are already promising signs that the taxes are working. Obesity among primary school-age girls has fallen in <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1004160">the UK</a> and <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2786784">Mexico</a>.</p> <p>Oral health has also improved, with studies reporting fewer children going to hospital to get their teeth removed in <a href="https://nutrition.bmj.com/content/6/2/243">the UK</a>, and reduced dental decay <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33853058/">in Mexico</a> and <a href="https://www.ajpmonline.org/article/S0749-3797(23)00069-7/abstract">Philadelphia</a>.</p> <p>One <a href="https://www.ajpmonline.org/article/S0749-3797(23)00158-7/fulltext">study from the United States</a> found big reductions in gestational diabetes in cities with a sugary drinks tax.</p> <h2>The tax Australia should introduce</h2> <p>Like successful taxes overseas, Australia should introduce a sugary drink tax that targets drinks with the most sugar:</p> <ul> <li>drinks with 8 grams or more of sugar per 100ml should face a $0.60 per litre tax</li> <li>drinks with 5–8 grams should be taxed at $0.40 per litre</li> <li>drinks with less than 5 grams of sugar should be tax-free.</li> </ul> <p>This means a 250ml Coke, which has nearly 11 grams of sugar per 100ml, would cost $0.15 more. But of course consumers could avoid the tax by choosing a sugar-free soft drink, or a bottle of water.</p> <p>Grattan Institute <a href="https://grattan.edu.au/report/sickly-sweet/">modelling</a> shows that under this tiered tax, Australians would drink about 275 million litres fewer sugary drinks each year, or the volume of 110 Olympic swimming pools.</p> <p>The tax is about health, but government budgets also benefit. If it was introduced today, it would raise about half a billion dollars in the first year.</p> <p>Vested interests such as the beverages industry have fiercely resisted sugary drink taxes around the world, issuing disingenuous warnings about the risks to poor people, the sugar industry and drinks manufacturers.</p> <p>But our new report shows sugary drink taxes have been introduced smoothly overseas, and none of these concerns should hold Australia back.</p> <p>We certainly can’t rely on industry pledges to voluntarily reduce sugar. They have been <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/public-health-nutrition/article/trends-in-sugar-content-of-nonalcoholic-beverages-in-australia-between-2015-and-2019-during-the-operation-of-a-voluntary-industry-pledge-to-reduce-sugar-content/EE662DE7552670ED532F6650C9D56939">weak</a> and misleading, and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/apr/10/sugar-increase-in-fanta-and-sprite-prompts-calls-for-new-tax-on-australia-food-and-drinks-industry">failed to stick</a>.</p> <p>It will take many policies and interventions to turn back the tide of obesity and chronic disease in Australia, but a sugary drinks tax should be part of the solution. It’s a policy that works, it’s easy to implement, and most Australians <a href="https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/9/6/e027962">support it</a>.</p> <p>The federal government should show it’s serious about tackling Australia’s biggest health problems and take this small step towards a healthier future.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/228906/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/peter-breadon-1348098">Peter Breadon</a>, Program Director, Health and Aged Care, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/grattan-institute-1168">Grattan Institute</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jessica-geraghty-1530733">Jessica Geraghty</a>, Senior Associate, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/grattan-institute-1168">Grattan Institute</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/a-tax-on-sugary-drinks-can-make-us-healthier-its-time-for-australia-to-introduce-one-228906">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Food & Wine

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"No-brainer": Call for Jack's law to be introduced nationwide

<p>A Queensland father whose son was stabbed on a night out is pushing for Jack's Law to be introduced nationwide in the wake of the <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/family-of-bondi-killer-break-silence" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bondi Junction attack</a> and <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/teenage-boy-in-custody-after-stabbing-at-sydney-church" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wakeley Church stabbing</a>. </p> <p>Brett Beasley is urging NSW premier Chris Minns and other states to introduce the anti-knife law which allows police officers to conduct random searches for knives at public transport hubs and Safe Night precincts using metal detecting wands.</p> <p>“It’s an absolute no-brainer,” he told <em>news.com.au</em>.</p> <p>“It’s absolutely extraordinary how well it’s working here in Queensland. I believe every single police officer Australia-wide should have the same powers.” </p> <p>Beasly and his wife Belinda have spent years campaigning for the law following the tragic death of their son Jack, who was stabbed by a group of teens outside a Surfers Paradise convenience store during a night out in 2019. </p> <p>It's been three years since the law was introduced in Queensland, and since then 55,000 people have been searched, 800 weapons have been confiscated and 1400 people have been charged. </p> <p>“It’s the same as being pulled over for a random breath test, it’s exactly the same and it’s working,” Beasly said. </p> <p>“I can guarantee the NSW government, if they were to adopt Jack’s Law, then they will start finding thousands of weapons. It’s scary to think how many of these young offenders are walking around actually armed and getting away with it.”</p> <p>Beasly, who was “absolutely devastated” after hearing about the Bondi Junction stabbing spree, said that the NSW premier should waste no time introducing the law. </p> <p>“Chris Minns shouldn’t even contemplate it. He should just say, ‘Absolutely. Let’s do this’.</p> <p>“I get thousands of messages from people in New South Wales who say ‘We want Jack’s Law down here, we need it down here’.”</p> <p>“To lose a child in any way is absolutely horrendous, and to lose a child to murder is the worst way possible. Your child’s life is taken from them.”</p> <p>Beasly is keen to meet with Minns to discuss rolling out Jacks law in NSW saying: “if Chris Minns is open to a meeting with me, I’ll be on the next flight to Sydney because this government need to make this happen. It’s as simple as that." </p> <p>A NSW government spokesperson has told<em> news.com.au</em> that they “need to look carefully at our current policies to ensure the public is safe”.</p> <p> “The NSW Sentencing Council is currently undertaking a review of the sentencing laws for firearms, knives and other weapons offences. The NSW Government will also look at knife laws,” they said.</p> <p>“We will await the review findings and consider all recommendations carefully.”</p> <p>Beasly is also planning to meet with  the Governor of Western Australia on Monday and hopes that they will also adopt the law. </p> <p>While waiting for other states to adopt the law, Beasly and the Jack Beasley Foundation are delivering free presentations about knife crime in schools. </p> <p>“Let’s work on this together and bond together and make a change and see if we can stop this,” he said.</p> <p><em>Image: Jerad Williams/ news.com.au</em></p>

Legal

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Heartwarming moment Gogglebox star introduces newborn to grandma

<p><em>Gogglebox </em>star Isabelle Silbery introduced her newborn daughter to her beloved grandmother, Emmie Silbery, for the first time over the weekend.</p> <p>The TV personality gave birth to Ruby Emily Richards, her first child with husband Alex Richard, <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/gogglebox-star-welcomes-baby-girl" target="_blank" rel="noopener">earlier this month</a>, and decided to share the moment little Ruby met her 94-year-old great-grandma for the first time.</p> <p>She also revealed the meaning behind her daughter's name, in the sweet post shared on Instagram. </p> <p>“My heart explodes. Ruby was the name of Emmie’s Aunty who adopted her when she was orphaned at age of 9," she began in the caption. </p> <p>"She saved Emmie from the horrible orphanages back in those days and cared for her like she was her own daughter.</p> <p>“I hope our Ruby inherits generations of maternal resilience and Emmie’s cheeky sense of humour.”</p> <p>In the video, Isabelle was joined by mum, Kerry, and grandma Emmie, who appeared on <em>Gogglebox </em>for six years with them, up until her dementia diagnosis earlier this year.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C08zg19PVow/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C08zg19PVow/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Isabelle Silbery (@isabellesilbery)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“Oh, she’s so dainty,” Emmie said, while approaching Ruby's pram. </p> <p>When Isabelle told her the baby's name,  Emmie replied, “Really? Oh, thank you, that’s lovely.”</p> <p>Emmie then goes to get a closer look at Ruby before saying: "Isn't she beautiful". </p> <p>Fans and co-stars were touched by the sweet interaction. </p> <p>"Aww Izzy that’s absolutely beautiful my heart is overwhelmed with love for your family," wrote Gogglebox co-stars Lee and Keith, while co-star Adam Densten added four red heart emojis.</p> <p>"All the goosebumps! What a beautiful bunch of strong women. Love you all immensely x," added former Gogglebox star Angie Kent. </p> <p>"Oh my goodness. That’s filled my heart and my eyes. What a legacy of women sits behind your beautiful girl ❤️" added one fan. </p> <p>"So beautiful. Ruby surely will continue the strong line of strength &amp; love 🙌🏾 ❤️" wrote another. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Robert Irwin introduces new addition to Australia Zoo family

<p>Celebrations are in order as a brand new member of the Australia Zoo family has been welcomed by Robert Irwin.</p> <p>The conservationist, 19, introduced an extremely rare species of turtle to the wildlife sanctuary after his father Steve Irwin discovered them in 1990.</p> <p>The 19-year-old introduced the extraordinary creature to his 3.7 million Instagram followers, explaining the freshwater species was named Elseya Irwin, or “Irwin’s turtle” after his late father.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CtYgcECNgiJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CtYgcECNgiJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Robert Irwin (@robertirwinphotography)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“For many years we've wanted to have them here at Australia Zoo, and finally we can say we've got them. We've actually rescued several Irwin's Turtles,” he said.</p> <p>“There's simply not enough data known about them to classify them as an endangered species because they're so incredibly rare.”</p> <p>He continued, “But what we do know is that they're very much at the mercy of human-created threats. Things like dams, mining, pollution, habitat degradation.”</p> <p>As he was gently handling the seemingly docile reptile, Robert went on to explain the Irwin’s Turtle lives “in very isolated pockets” of water.</p> <p>“So if anything were to happen to these waterways it would be game over for the entire species,” he said.</p> <p>“Which is why it's so incredibly important to have a population here at Australia Zoo to ensure that this species can survive on for generations to come,” he added.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Peppa Pig has introduced a pair of lesbian polar bears, but Aussie kids’ TV has been leading the way in queer representation

<p>Peppa Pig’s first same-sex couple, a pair of lesbian polar bears, were recently introduced after <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2022/sep/08/peppa-pig-introduces-its-first-same-sex-couple" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a petition to include a same-sex family</a> received nearly 24,000 signatures.</p> <p>Children’s television has often been a place to push the boundaries of diverse representations onscreen. In particular, Australian children’s TV has been a global leader in screen diversity, including gender and queer representation.</p> <p>Emmy-winning Australian series <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10614090/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">First Day</a> (2020-22) tells the story of a transgender girl starting high school.</p> <p>Another Emmy-winner, <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8747140/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hardball</a> (2019-21) includes gay dads for one of the lead characters.</p> <p>Even recent updates to The Wiggles’ line-up has placed a greater emphasis on gender diversity, including <a href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/the-wiggles-announces-four-new-band-members-with-focus-on-diversity-gender-equality/news-story/dbc914965a83332c857e7665b3639ba0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">adding a non-binary unicorn</a>.</p> <h2>Diverse representation</h2> <p>Children’s TV is often less risk averse than programming aimed at adults.</p> <p>The ABC is <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1329878X16687400" target="_blank" rel="noopener">empowered</a> to take risks with representations of gender and sexuality in children’s programming because of its publicly funded role.</p> <p>But such progressive portrayals can sometimes chafe with outdated expectations of children’s television. In 2004, Play School <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07380560802314128" target="_blank" rel="noopener">faced controversy</a> for showing lesbian mothers.</p> <p>As social acceptance has progressed, Australian children’s TV has been able to achieve more queer representations.</p> <p>Talking to the Queering Australian Screens <a href="https://djomeara.com/phd-research/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">research project</a>, television professionals often praised the genre for its openness to new ideas, representations and bringing in new talent.</p> <p>Tony Ayres, Creator of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nowhere_Boys" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nowhere Boys</a> (2013-18), observed those who commission children’s TV are “generally very open to diverse representation”.</p> <p>This representation happens behind the scenes, too, with Ayres describing how these shows often give new talent their first credit.</p> <p>David Hannam, who has written for several kids’ TV shows including <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dance_Academy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dance Academy</a> (2010-13), said children’s television “has led the way”.</p> <p>Speaking of his time at the Australian Children’s Television Foundation, Hannam noted the foundation had an “almost charter responsibility” to show diversity on screen, “with great caution and responsibility”.</p> <p>Julie Kalceff created First Day, which starred a young trans actor, Evie McDonald, as a trans girl starting high school.</p> <p>When she was developing the show, Kalceff shared that she was initially concerned about what would be allowed on children’s TV:</p> <p>There were no trans people on television. There were no TV shows with trans actors in the lead role. I thought there’s no way the ABC is going to do this. And there’s no way they’re going to do it with kids’ TV. But to their credit, the ABC was so supportive, and was so behind the project from the beginning.</p> <h2>What audiences want</h2> <p>It is not only TV producers who are eager to widen representation in children’s television. Audiences are also seeking out more inclusive content.</p> <p>Just like Peppa Pig in the UK, there have been calls in Australia for more diversity in animated hit Bluey, with the show adding its <a href="https://10play.com.au/theproject/articles/bluey-introduces-first-auslan-signing-character-in-a-new-special-episode/tpa220616bswgm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">first Auslan signing character</a> in June.</p> <p>One of our research projects, Australian Children’s Television Cultures’ <a href="https://www.swinburne.edu.au/news/2022/05/new-research-shows-the-way-families-watch-TV-is-changing/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2021 survey</a> found 90% of Australian parents believe diverse representation is an important element of children’s TV.</p> <p>As one father explained:</p> <blockquote> <p>Diversity on screen helps children learn about people with different upbringings from their own, expanding their empathy for and curiosity about other people.</p> </blockquote> <p>In contrast to the controversy Play School received nearly 20 years ago for its inclusion of same-sex parents, a mother praised the show for “doing a fantastic job” of depicting diversity in relationships.</p> <p>Not everyone believes Australian television is doing enough. One survey respondent praised the way shows like Bluey reflect Australian culture, but said he would “love to see more LGBT representation […] It would be nice as a kid to know you’re valid.”</p> <h2>Uncertain futures</h2> <p>The streaming era has changed how families and children watch TV. This raises concerns about the future of Australian children’s content.</p> <p>The recent <a href="https://theconversation.com/cheese-n-crackers-concerns-deepen-for-the-future-of-australian-childrens-television-147183" target="_blank" rel="noopener">removal of quotas</a> for Australian networks to air a minimum number of hours of children’s television, alongside the absence of quotas on streaming services, has led to <a href="https://tvtonight.com.au/2022/09/producers-slam-hypocritical-networks-as-australian-childrens-tv-plummets.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a reduction</a> in the production of local kids’ TV.</p> <p>From Play School to Bluey, children’s TV has reflected the richness of Australian cultural life. There is a risk that if Australian child audiences need to rely on international content, future generations will not see themselves on screen.</p> <p>With the loss of local voices, Australian kids’ TV may also lose its ability to push boundaries of diversity and inclusion.</p> <p><strong>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/peppa-pig-has-introduced-a-pair-of-lesbian-polar-bears-but-aussie-kids-tv-has-been-leading-the-way-in-queer-representation-190648" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.</strong></p> <p><em>Image: Peppa Pig</em></p>

TV

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Introducing the latest "Royal Lady of the Order of the Garter"

<p>Celebrating a royal milestone, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall is thrilled to stand alongside the Queen and Prince Charles for this special occasion.</p> <p>Camilla has been formally invited into the oldest order of chivalry in the UK, the Order of the Garter.</p> <p>The royal milestone took place in a private ceremony in the Garter Throne Room in Windsor Castle. Going forward, the duchess will be formally acknowledged as a Royal Lady of the Order of the Garter.</p> <p>Reportedly, the duchess was "very pleased" to have the honour bestowed upon her and to celebrate the momentous occasion, Camilla, Charles and Her Majesty appeared in a royal portrait together.</p> <p>Camilla was wearing an ostrich plume hat while she and Charles were both donned in traditional velvet robes. The Queen, who continues to struggle with mobility issues, stood in the middle of the royal couple wearing her Sovereign of the Garter sash and could be seen holding a cane.</p> <p>The official portrait is both a celebration of Camilla's achievement as well as a signal of the future of the monarchy. It comes after the Queen's announcement earlier this year that it was her "sincere wish" that <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/queen-consort-prince-charles-responds-to-her-majestys-announcement" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Camilla will become Queen Consort</a> once Charles takes the throne.</p> <p>Meanwhile, the Duke of York, Prince Andrew was banned from appearing at the ceremony. The senior royals reportedly told Her Majesty they would "pull out" of the royal event if the disgraced prince was given a public role. They feared "backlash" and insisted the Queen change the plans.</p> <p>Andrew was told to stay out of sight "for his own good" following the tense family orders, however an unknown source close to the Duke insisted that it was his own "personal decision" not to appear in public.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Beauty & Style

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Introducing the Maccas Creme Brulee Mcflurry

<p dir="ltr">Sydney-based FoodToker Adrian Widjonarko (<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@adrianwidjy">@adrianwidjy</a>) dropped this exciting news recently, revealing that two new, limited-edition desserts will be available at select Macca’s stores from Thursday the 17th of February onwards.</p><p dir="ltr">The first one is a crème brûlée pie, which is like Macca’s classic apple pie but with two different fillings: custard and caramel.</p><p dir="ltr">The second dessert is a McFlurry, but instead of the usual toppings, Macca’s iconic soft serve is accompanied by smashed up crème brûlée pie pieces and a generous drizzle of caramel sauce.</p><p dir="ltr">Crème brûlée expert, food blogger Adrian managed to get his hands on the desserts early, and he reckons they are amazing. But in his opinion, the pie is better.</p><blockquote class="tiktok-embed" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@adrianwidjy/video/7064755092708248834" data-video-id="7064755092708248834"><section><a title="@adrianwidjy" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@adrianwidjy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@adrianwidjy</a> This is too good! Its coming this Thursday at select @mcdonaldsau! It’s Crème Brûlée Pie! &amp; McFlurry! <a title="placesinsydney" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/placesinsydney" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#placesinsydney</a> <a title="mcflurry" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/mcflurry" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#mcflurry</a> <a title="maccas" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/maccas" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#maccas</a> <a title="mcdonalds" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/mcdonalds" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#mcdonalds</a> <a title="♬ original sound - Places in Sydney Foodie" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-7064755077470325506" target="_blank" rel="noopener">♬ original sound - Places in Sydney Foodie</a></section></blockquote><p><span id="docs-internal-guid-0d3e6cfc-7fff-b617-fb52-776aa173eb32">“With the two desserts I prefer the pie itself because I am just a huge fan of the pie,” he told <a href="https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/food/eat/maccas-drop-two-new-mcflurry-pie-flavours/news-story/7475326ed75cb7aa74beca26e6d45c3b">news.com.au</a>.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;background-color: #ffffff;margin-top: 0pt;margin-bottom: 0pt;padding: 0pt 0pt 18pt 0pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt;font-family: Arial;color: #000000;background-color: #ffffff;font-weight: 400;font-style: normal;font-variant: normal;text-decoration: none;vertical-align: baseline">“However in saying that, the McFlurry has extra caramel on top of the broken pies, so that’s a great addition of flavour to my McFlurry.”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;background-color: #ffffff;margin-top: 0pt;margin-bottom: 0pt;padding: 0pt 0pt 18pt 0pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt;font-family: Arial;color: #000000;background-color: #ffffff;font-weight: 400;font-style: normal;font-variant: normal;text-decoration: none;vertical-align: baseline">“Definitely eat it slowly to avoid burning your mouth like I did, because I was too eager!”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;background-color: #ffffff;margin-top: 0pt;margin-bottom: 0pt;padding: 0pt 0pt 18pt 0pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt;font-family: Arial;color: #000000;background-color: #ffffff;font-weight: 400;font-style: normal;font-variant: normal;text-decoration: none;vertical-align: baseline">Both the desserts are available at select Macca’s stores from Thursday the 17th, so get in quick. We’re not sure which specific stores, but Adrian found the menu items at his local Macca’s in Haberfield in Sydney’s inner-west. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;background-color: #ffffff;margin-top: 0pt;margin-bottom: 0pt;padding: 0pt 0pt 18pt 0pt"><em>Image: TikTok</em><span id="docs-internal-guid-41caf352-7fff-5315-5078-d2704cebbf3f"></span></p>

Food & Wine

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Introducing new “Reds Hot Fried Chicken”

<p dir="ltr">Nothing beats biting into freshly cooked, crunchy fried chicken.</p><p dir="ltr">Fast food restaurant chain Red Rooster have added a new glossy yet spicy sauce to their signature fried chicken.</p><p dir="ltr">They will be serving the new spicy Reds Hot Fried chicken nationally from February 23rd via drive thru, dine in, takeaway and delivery.</p><p dir="ltr">Keen Australians can get their hands on the meal that packs a peppery punch from Feb 16 if they order through Menulog’s week-long promotion.</p><p dir="ltr">In 2021, the popular chain introduced Crunchy fried chicken to its longstanding menu and has now decided to turn up the heat and include the spicy flavouring.</p><p dir="ltr">Director of Marketing Ashley Hughes said the franchise decided to add the fried option as part of their transformation to being a brand that offers more “treat and indulgence” meals.</p><p dir="ltr">“We’ve been entrenched in being a brand that is mum’s helper with a roast chicken for so long, but we decided we needed to expand our range,” he said.</p><p dir="ltr">“We tried hundreds of fried chicken options in the US and then developed our own interpretation to bring to Australia.</p><p dir="ltr">“We like to do something that is distinctively us”.</p>

Food & Wine

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Why dingoes should be considered native to mainland Australia – even though humans introduced them

<p>Dingoes are <a href="https://academic.oup.com/cz/article-abstract/57/5/668/5004458">often demonised</a> as a danger to livestock, while many consider them a natural and essential part of the environment. But is our most controversial wild species actually native to Australia?</p> <p>Dingoes were brought to Australia by humans from Southeast Asia some 4,000 years ago. Technically, this means they are an introduced species, and an “alien” species by <a href="https://academic.oup.com/bioscience/article-abstract/68/7/496/5050532">classic ecological definitions </a>. By contrast, most legal definitions consider dingoes native, because they were here before Europeans arrived.</p> <p>Though it sounds academic, the controversy has real consequences for this ancient dog lineage. In 2018, the Western Australian government declared dingoes <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-the-wa-government-is-wrong-to-play-identity-politics-with-dingoes-102344">were not native fauna</a> due to crossbreeding with domestic dogs. This potentially makes it easier to control their numbers.</p> <p>In a <a href="https://meridian.allenpress.com/australian-zoologist/article-abstract/41/3/358/472935/An-eco-evolutionary-rationale-to-distinguish-alien">new research paper</a>, I find dingoes do indeed fit the bill as an Australian native species, using three new criteria I propose. These criteria can help us answer questions over whether alien species can ever be considered native, and if so, over what time frame.</p> <h2>Why does alien or native status matter?</h2> <p>Humans have been moving animal species around for millennia. Thousands of years ago, neolithic settlers <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-2907.1992.tb00129.x">moved rabbits</a> to Mediterranean islands, traders unwittingly took black rats from India to Europe and Indigenous Southeast Asian people took pigs to Papua New Guinea.</p> <p>The rate of species introductions has ramped up with the movement and spread of people, with many recent arrivals posing a major threat to biodiversity.</p> <p><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/435486/original/file-20211203-25-eianud.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/435486/original/file-20211203-25-eianud.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="" /></a> <span class="caption">Pigs were introduced to Papua New Guinea by Indigenous people thousands of years ago. Does that make them native?</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span></p> <p>Researchers often distinguish between alien and native using the year the species was introduced. There are obvious problems with this, given the dates used can be arbitrary and the fact perceptions of nativeness can be based on how much <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0309132507079499">humans like the species</a>, rather than its ecological impact. For example, there has been strong opposition to killing “friendly” hedgehogs in areas of Scotland where they are introduced, but less cute animals like American mink get no such consideration.</p> <p>For conservationists, alien status certainly matters. <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/abs/10.1098/rspb.2006.0444">Alien species act differently</a> to native species in their new environments, which can give them an advantage over locals in terms of competition for food, predation and spreading new diseases. This can cause native population declines and extinctions.</p> <p>As a result, species considered alien in their ecosystems are often targets for control and eradication. But species considered native are usually protected even if they have extended their range significantly, like eastern water dragons or the Australian white ibis.</p> <p>Native status is, of course, a human construct. Past definitions of nativeness have not directly considered the ecological reasons for concern about alien species.</p> <p>This is what <a href="https://meridian.allenpress.com/australian-zoologist/article-abstract/41/3/358/472935/An-eco-evolutionary-rationale-to-distinguish-alien">my new research</a> seeks to address.</p> <h2>An ecological definition of nativeness</h2> <p>What I propose are three staged criteria to determine when an introduced species becomes native:</p> <ol> <li> <p>has the introduced species evolved in its new environment?</p> </li> <li> <p>do native species recognise and respond to the introduced species as they do other local species?</p> </li> <li> <p>are the interactions between introduced and established native species similar to interactions between native species (that is, their impacts on local species are not negative and exaggerated)?</p> </li> </ol> <p>For dingoes on mainland Australia, the answer is yes for all three criteria. We should consider them native.</p> <p><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/435474/original/file-20211203-23-1o19jql.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/435474/original/file-20211203-23-1o19jql.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="" /></a> <span class="caption">Dingoes on mainland Australia meet the criteria for native status.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Peter Banks</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span></p> <p>Firstly, dingoes are not the same dogs first brought here. Dingoes are now <a href="https://www.mapress.com/j/zt/article/view/zootaxa.4564.1.6">quite different</a> to their close ancestors in Southeast Asia, in terms of behaviour, how they reproduce and how they look. These <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-14515-6">differences have a genetic basis</a>, suggesting they have evolved since their arrival in Australia. Their heads are now shaped differently, they breed less often and have better problem solving skills than other close dog relatives.</p> <p>Second, it is well established that native prey species on mainland Australia <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/abs/10.1098/rspb.2018.0857">recognise and respond to dingoes</a> as dangerous predators – which they are.</p> <p>Finally, dingo impacts on prey species <a href="https://meridian.allenpress.com/australian-zoologist/article-abstract/41/3/338/447847/Introgression-does-not-influence-the-positive?redirectedFrom=fulltext">are not devastating</a> like those of alien predators such as feral cats and foxes. While hunting by dingoes does suppress prey numbers, they don’t keep them as low (and at greater risk of extinction) as do foxes and cats.</p> <p>Of course, dingo impacts were unlikely to have always been so benign. Dingoes are <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1191/0959683603hl682fa">linked to the extinction</a> of Tasmanian tigers (Thylacines), Tasmanian devils and the Tasmanian flightless hen, which disappeared from mainland Australia soon after the dingo arrived.</p> <p>In my paper, I argue such impacts no longer occur because of evolutionary change in both dingoes and their prey. We can see this in Tasmania, which dingoes never reached. There, prey species like bandicoots still show <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0161447">naiveté towards dogs</a>. That means we should not consider dingoes to be native to Tasmania.</p> <p><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/435484/original/file-20211203-23-101r65w.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/435484/original/file-20211203-23-101r65w.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="" /></a> <span class="caption">Native prey species on the mainland recognise and respond to dingoes.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span></p> <h2>Alien today, native tomorrow?</h2> <p>This idea challenges the dogma alien species remain alien forever. This is an unsettling concept for ecologists dealing with the major and ongoing damage done by newer arrivals. <a href="https://academic.oup.com/bioscience/article-abstract/62/3/217/358332">Some argue</a> we should never embrace alien species into natural ecosystems.</p> <p>This makes no sense for long-established introduced species, which might now be playing a <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-dingo-fence-from-space-satellite-images-show-how-these-top-predators-alter-the-desert-155642">positive role</a> in ecosystems. But it’s a different story for recently introduced species like cats, given not enough time has passed to get past the exaggerated impacts on local species.</p> <p>These ideas are not about considering all species present in an ecosystem to be native. Introduced species should still be considered alien until proven native.</p> <p><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/435482/original/file-20211203-27-1atm2p2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/435482/original/file-20211203-27-1atm2p2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="Cat sitting in the outback" /></a> <span class="caption">Cats are a bigger threat to Australian wildlife than dingoes.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span></p> <p>This approach suggests ways of classifying species which might be native to a country but have moved to new places within the country through mechanisms like climate change or re-wilding. For example, we can’t simply assume returning Tasmanian devils to <a href="https://theconversation.com/bringing-devils-back-to-the-mainland-could-help-wildlife-conservation-43121">mainland Australia</a> more than 3,000 years after dingoes drove them extinct there would count as reintroducing a native species.</p> <p>Defining nativeness in this ecological way will help resolve some of the heated and long-running debates over how to distinguish alien and native species.</p> <p>How? Because it targets the key reason conservationists were worried about alien species in the first place – the damage they can do.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/172756/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><span><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/peter-banks-7272">Peter Banks</a>, Professor of Conservation Biology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a></em></span></p> <p>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-dingoes-should-be-considered-native-to-mainland-australia-even-though-humans-introduced-them-172756">original article</a>.</p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

Domestic Travel

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McDonald's introduce cult favourite milk nation wide

<p><em>Image: Getty </em></p> <p>McDonald’s have announced the long-awaited introduction of a cult favorite milk to its menus nationwide.</p> <p>The fast food giant revealed on Thursday the exciting news that oat milk would finally be available for customers to have in their McCafe drinks.</p> <p>“Together, at last. MILKLAB Oat Milk has officially joined the McCafe line-up,” a post from the restaurant’s Facebook account read.</p> <p>In a comment, a McDonald’s employee confirmed extra charges would apply for people who opted to have oat milk, which only be available at “participating restaurants”.</p> <p>The announcement comes as a welcome to hundreds of new Aussies who flooded the comments with excitement over the new inclusion.</p> <p>“I have been waiting so long to get an iced vanilla latte with oat milk from Maccas”, one woman wrote.</p> <p>Someone else joked the news was so good that “this might be the best day of my life”.</p> <p>While McDonald’s is yet to release a full list of stores, it was understood those with a McCafe would stock oat milk.The production of the plant milk contributes 80 per cent less greenhouse gas emissions and uses 60 per cent less energy than cow milk, while also using about ten times less water.</p> <p>It has earned hype among lactose intolerant people, vegans and meat eaters alike for its texture and likeness to cow’s milk.</p> <p>Nutritionists warn, that while it is lower in saturated fat than cow milk, it also contains less protein and calcium.</p>

Food & Wine

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Facebook introduces new safety measures for kids

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After damning testimony about the safety of Facebook for children, the social media giant </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">plans to introduce several features to protect young people.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">These features include instructing teens to take a break from using photo-sharing app Instagram, and ‘nudging’ those who repeatedly look at content that is not conducive to their well-being.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Facebook is also going to allow parents and guardians to monitor their teens' social media usage. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The new initiative comes after facebook announced they are pausing work on their Instagram for Kids project. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Critics of the project are skeptical of the new feature, saying the plan lacks details and clarity. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The new controls were outlined by Facebook’s vice president for global affairs Nick Clegg, where he was grilled about Facebook’s use of algorithms as well as its role in spreading harmful misinformation ahead of the January 6th Capitol riots.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We are constantly iterating in order to improve our products,” Clegg told Dana Bash on State of the Union Sunday.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We cannot, with a wave of the wand, make everyone’s life perfect. What we can do is improve our products, so that our products are as safe and as enjoyable to use.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In an attempt to keep the platform safe, Clegg said Facebook has invested $US13 billion ($A18 billion) over the past few years, as 40,000 people work on user safety. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The series of interviews came after Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen, a former data scientist with the company, appeared before Congress last week to accuse the social media platform of failing to make changes to Instagram after internal research showed apparent harm to some teens.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">She also accused the company of being publicly dishonest in its fight against hate and misinformation, which Facebook has denied. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Senator Amy Klobuchar, who is the chair of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Competition Policy, Antitrust, and Consumer Rights, said it is time to update children’s privacy laws and offer more transparency in the use of algorithms.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I appreciate that he is willing to talk about things, but I believe the time for conversation is done,” said Klobuchar, referring to Clegg’s plan.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The time for action is now.”</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image credit: Shutterstock</span></em></p>

Technology

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British Airways introduces gender neutral greetings

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">British Airways are adopting new tactics to make their journeys more inclusive to all travellers. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The UK airline giant is joining a growing list of travel companies that are implementing more gender-neutral language, by ditching the traditional "ladies and gentlemen" greeting.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While the move falls in line with an industry-wide global trend, the decision is also due to a change in the airline’s clientele, with the carrier reporting more children onboard since COVID-19 restrictions have been lessened. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">According to the </span><a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2021/10/09/hello-passengers-inclusive-welcome-announcement/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Telegraph</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, the new policies would adhere to changing social norms, as well as make younger customers feel more included. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The airline is just one of many to make the important change. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Japan Airlines was one of the first major carriers to ditch the traditional “ladies and gentlemen” titles for inflight announcements back in 2020. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">German carrier Lufthansa also changed their language to a more inclusive tone in July, as they pledged their commitment to diversity. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Qantas has also made strides towards inclusivity in 2018, as they changed the use of “mother and father” to “parents” on all flights to include parents of different sexualities. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">At the time, the airline introduced a new staff booklet highlighting language geared towards the</span> <a href="https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantas-releases-video-to-celebrate-the-spirit-of-australia/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">"Spirit of Inclusion"</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">which advised against using language that could be deemed offensive to the LGBTQ+ community. </span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image credit: Shutterstock</span></em></p>

Travel Tips

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Coles introduces big change from today

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After announcing a new Sustainability Strategy in February, Coles will no longer be selling single-use plastic tableware across more than 2500 its supermarkets, Coles Express outlets, and Coles Liquor stores from Thursday, July 1.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Single-use plastic cups, plates, bowls, straws and cutlery have been taken off the shelves and replaced with a range of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified tableware and other reusable options.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Stores in South Australia phased out single-use plastic tableware in March to comply with state law, with the rest of the country phasing the products out by July 1.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The decision to phase out the plastic products will divert 1.5 million kilograms of single-use plastic from landfill every year, according to a press release Coles released in February.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The move has received praise from both the Honourable Sussan Ley, the Federal Minister for the Environment Honourable Susan Ley, and Pip Kiernan, the chairperson of Clean Up Australia.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It’s heartening to see Coles making impactful changes to reduce waste to landfill and providing customers with options that are kinder on the planet,” Kiernan said.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">“These items are not recyclable, they are designed to be used once and discarded, going to landfill and many ending up in our environment as litter.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Last year our volunteers reported that over half of all items they collected were plastic or contained plastic.”</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Today we released our Sustainability Strategy, setting out plans to work with customers, suppliers, team members and the community to achieve our ambitions around <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TogethertoZero?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TogethertoZero</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BetterTogether?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BetterTogether</a>. <a href="https://t.co/ncaIDJ7eU6">https://t.co/ncaIDJ7eU6</a> <a href="https://t.co/fLEYvfANLy">pic.twitter.com/fLEYvfANLy</a></p> — Coles Supermarkets (@Coles) <a href="https://twitter.com/Coles/status/1410013713986326529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2021</a></blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Coles’ Sustainability Strategy - made up of two sections called ‘Together to Zero’ and ‘Better Together’ - outlines several commitments the supermarket giant is making to become more eco-friendly.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Together to Zero sets our ambition to reduce our impact on the environment.” the strategy says.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Better Together recognises that when we work together, we can make a real difference to our team, our suppliers, our customers and to the communities in which we live and work.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The strategy targets nine of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs): zero hunger, good health and wellbeing, gender equality, decent work and economic growth, reduced inequalities, responsible consumption and production, climate action, and life below water and life on land.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Under our important new sustainability pillars - Together to Zero and Better Together - we have set our aspirations and the pathway to meet the many challenges and opportunities we face,” Coles Group CEO Steven Cain said in a press release.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Coles Group has committed to phasing out “problematic” and “unnecessary” single-use plastic packaging for Coles Brand products and to ensuring all Coles Brand packaging will be 100 percent recyclable, reusable, or compostable by 2025.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The supermarket giant will also continue to focus on reducing food waste by donating unsold, edible food to organisations including SecondBite and Foodbank.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Coles.com.au</span></em></p>

Food & Wine

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Ewan McGregor’s secret baby introduced

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ewan McGregor and his girlfriend Mary Elizabeth Winstead have welcomed their first son together into the world.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The couple kept their pregnancy secret until McGregor’s eldest daughter Clara, 25, confirmed the birth on Sunday, May 27.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Clara shared two adorable photos of herself cradling the newborn along with a congratulatory post to her father, 50, and Mary, 36.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Welcome to the world little brother,” she wrote.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Congratulations to my Dad &amp; Mary - this is the greatest gift”</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CQo3DK8rY0A/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CQo3DK8rY0A/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Clara McGregor (@claramcgregor)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ewan and Mary Elizabeth have been together since they met on the set of </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Fargo</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> in 2017.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The actor met his ex-wife Eve Mavrakis, who is a production designer, in a similar scenario, while they were both working on the British TV crime series </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Kavanagh QC</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Their 22-year-long marriage ended in 2017, though their divorce was only finalised last year.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ewan shares daughters Clara, Esther, 19, Jamyan, 20, and Anouk, 10, with his ex-wife.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This is the second time McGregor has surprised fans with baby news, having revealed in 2011 that he adopted a girl.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Earlier this month, Clara made headlines after attending a red carpet event with cuts on her face from an earlier dog attack.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The 25-year-old was in the hospital just 30 minutes before the premiere of the film <em>The Birthday Cake</em>, which she co-produced and also stars her father.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CQERwjKlTe8/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CQERwjKlTe8/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Clara McGregor (@claramcgregor)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Taking to social media, she explained what happened: “When a dog bite lands you in the ER 30 minutes before the red carpet.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Along with the caption, she shared photos from the event.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Clara McGregor / Instragram</span></em></p>

Family & Pets

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Melbourne cafe introduces surcharge for Dan Andrews supporters

<p>A cafe in Melbourne’s southeast is charging Daniel Andrews supporters an extra dollar for their coffee orders but the owners insist the surcharge is not politically motivated.</p> <p>Franz Madlener is the co-owner of Arcobar in Moorabbin.</p> <p>Earlier this week, he put up a sign that says: “Do you support Dan? Add $1 to your order.”</p> <p>It continues to explain that the cafe introduced the surcharge for those “who think Dan is doing a great job”.</p> <p>However, he says the sign is not anti-Dan Andrews but rather a warning against lecturing small businesses about the pandemic. </p> <p>“Customers have been coming in every day and lecturing us about how lucky we are to be able to open,” Franz told <a rel="noopener" href="https://7news.com.au/" target="_blank">7NEWS.com.au</a>.</p> <p>“They ask us ‘aren’t you grateful?’ and the answer is no.”</p> <p>The hospitality industry has been hit the hardest due to Victoria’s second lockdown, with the Premier promising to ease restrictions by November 1.</p> <p>Franz said the surcharge is comparable to a “swear jar” for those who “think paying $3 for a coffee allows them to lecture us”.</p> <p>“The first thought in the morning and the last at night is about the lockdown.</p> <p>“It doesn’t lead to healthy banter, it’s vicious.”</p> <p>He said the sign would have gone up regardless of which government was in power.</p> <p>The cafe is not actively enforcing the surcharge, he said, and any money that did go into the “swear jar” was divided among the staff.</p>

Food & Wine

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Should the government introduce “pandemic leave”?

<p><a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/the-legal-obligations-of-parents-whose-children-are-learning-from-home/">COVOID-19</a> effectively brings Australia to a grinding halt, workplace laws are set to change to provide more entitlements to employees in the face of ‘pandemic’.</p> <p>The Fair Work Commission has announced plans to give unpaid <a href="https://coronavirus.fairwork.gov.au/">pandemic leave</a> to any Australians who need it.</p> <p><strong>What is ‘Pandemic leave’?</strong></p> <p>The changes were prompted by the realisation that gaps in the current laws meant some employees did not have a legal entitlement to ‘self-isolate’ unless their employers gave express permission. Essentially, this left employees exposed and placed in a position which meant they could commit the <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/the-offence-of-failing-to-comply-with-a-public-health-order/">offence of failing to comply with a public health order</a>, or put their job in jeopardy.</p> <p>In particular, in the current context, this would be of concern to people who had just returned from overseas, or who felt perfectly healthy but had come into contact with someone who had a confirmed case of Coronavirus.</p> <p>Under the changes, all workers, whether full-time, part-time or casual, would be able to access the leave if they had been told to self-isolate by the government or advised by a doctor. It means re-working 103 of the 122 industrial awards that exist in Australia, covering about 20% of all workers</p> <p>The proposal includes two weeks of unpaid pandemic leave accessible to all workers, whether full-time, part-time or casual. Anyone required to isolate by a government mandate or on medical advice would be able to access the leave.</p> <p>The commission has also proposed allowing businesses to offer their workers twice their annual leave at half the regular rate of pay.</p> <p>Similar provisions have already been added to major industry awards, including one covering more than a million administrative workers, through negotiations between employer and i</p> <p><strong>Additional annual leave entitlements</strong></p> <p>The commission also proposes to allow businesses to offer their workers twice their annual leave entitlement at half the regular rate of pay.</p> <p>This provides more flexibility for employers, offering an alternative to standing down workers without pay.</p> <p>Employees would have the options to take leave at half pay.</p> <p><strong>Protecting workers and protecting jobs</strong></p> <p>It’s imperative for the legislation to be changed to protect workers like the 20,000 Qantas employees who were told last week they would be temporarily stood down, but not be eligible for paid sick leave  or carer’s leave— leaving staff who may have been exposed to coronavirus in financial peril, and also terminating the sick leave entitlements of staff already receiving it for long-term illnesses.</p> <p>Instead, Qantas told staff they could access their annual leave and have early access to future annual leave and any accrued long-service leave.</p> <p>The Government has agreed to the reforms after discussions with a number of industry representatives and unions, including the Australian Council of Trade Unions, the Australian Industry Group and unions like the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association. They will take effect as soon as possible.</p> <p>It will also help thousands of small businesses trying to work out how to deal with the current crisis. The Federal Government has made <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/should-australia-shut-down-for-30-days/">provision for extra welfare payments</a>, as well as financial assistance to businesses in an effort to make sure people don’t fall into financial hardship at this time.</p> <p><em>Written by Sonia Hickey. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/should-the-government-introduce-pandemic-leave/">Sydney Criminal Lawyers.</a> </em></p> <p> </p> <p><em> </em></p>

Retirement Life

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Rare video of baby Archie as Harry and Meghan introduce him to Archbishop Desmond

<p>The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have shared a special behind-the-scenes video of their four-month-old son, Archie for the first time ever. </p> <p>The royal couple took to Instagram to give fans a glimpse into their Africa tour, showing the moment before their tiny bub met with Archbishop Desmond Tutu. </p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B22GTGdFtWA/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B22GTGdFtWA/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">Thanks Cape Town for another impactful and memorable day! A few more highlights of this very special visit with Archbishop Desmond Tutu #RoyalVisitSouthAfrica Video ©️SussexRoyal</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/sussexroyal/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> The Duke and Duchess of Sussex</a> (@sussexroyal) on Sep 25, 2019 at 12:06pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Duchess Meghan was seen holding Archie as they walked down a corridor while Prince Harry attempted to get his son giggling. </p> <p>Looking relaxed and at ease, the couple playfully responded to Archie’s cheeky smile and gargles as he leant into his dad. </p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B21FUmYFgHb/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B21FUmYFgHb/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">Arch meets Archie! This morning The Duke and Duchess were honoured to introduce their son Archie, to Archbishop, Desmond Tutu and his daughter, Thandeka. The Archbishop, a globally respected figure in anti-apartheid movement, is one of the world’s great champions of equality, and has spent his life tirelessly battling injustice. Their Royal Highnesses have joined The Archbishop and Thandeka to learn more about the work of The Tutu and Leah Legacy Foundation, and see first-hand how they are focussing on global awareness of the critical issues affecting the world. #RoyalVisitSouthAfrica • Photo ©️ Reuters</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/sussexroyal/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> The Duke and Duchess of Sussex</a> (@sussexroyal) on Sep 25, 2019 at 2:37am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The one-minute long video featured two separate shots of the family, with the second one showing Archie making happy noises when they met the Archbishop at his legacy foundation. </p> <p>SEE MORE:<span> </span><a href="https://o60.me/tVWGHH">Looks just like daddy! Baby Archie’s first ever royal appearance</a></p> <p>It seems the family-of-three purposefully matched with baby Archie looking dapper in a light blue and white striped overalls while his papa wore a navy suit with a matching tie. Duchess Meghan added to the complementing outfits by wearing a printed dress navy blue heels. </p> <p>Royal watchers were also treated to a glimpse of baby Archie’s tiny tufts of ginger hair. </p> <p>It is also the first time in awhile the public have been able to see the tiny tot since July when he spent a day out at a polo match with his big cousins, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. </p>

Relationships

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Weight conscious airline introduces diet meals for in-flight crew

<p>The people in charge at Air India have reportedly switched their crews’ in-flight meals with lighter, low-fat options.</p> <p>The airline made an announcement on Monday, revealing the new menu, which are mainly vegetarian, saying that the decision is more cost-effective compared to their previous meals.</p> <p>But in the past, the airline has cracked down on the weight of their flight attendants.</p> <p>At the moment, the meals are only available on routes originating in New Delhi and Mumbai, but they plan on rolling out low-fat options to other routes in the future.</p> <p>“All the dishes in the food menu are low on cholesterol and fat. This initiative will help our crew to remain healthy and fit,” said an Air India official to<span> </span><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/" target="_blank">The Times of India</a>.</em></p> <p>Crew members were informed of the changes through a company memo, which explained the “special low-fat diet meal” as a consideration for “the health factor” of the crew.</p> <p>The news has come after Air India fired 10 flight attendants for being overweight.</p>

Travel Trouble

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Kmart introduces new rule that prevents workers from announcing missing children

<p>Kmart has angered parents with their new policy that forbids them from announcing that children are missing inside their stores.</p> <p>As a Sydney mum quickly found out when her son went missing in the store, the announcements that detailed what the child looked like, what they were wearing as well as their age and name are simply a thing of the past.</p> <p>She shared her experience on the Northern Beaches Mums Facebook Group.</p> <p>"My mum and dad took my three-year-old son to Kmart today and my son decided to hide,” she wrote.</p> <p>"He was missing for 15 minutes.</p> <p>"My dad stayed at the front entrance to catch him on the way out if he tried to leave.</p> <p>"They asked to make an announcement and they were refused saying they couldn’t due to [a] child protection issue.</p> <p>"What else could be done in this situation to help find a lost or hiding child in a store?"</p> <p>Many were surprised by the change, as they questioned what could be done to locate their children if they went missing inside the store.</p> <p>'I would have freaked ... if they can’t call it out where was the help,' said one commenter.</p> <p>One of the group members mentioned that they work in retail and were able to explain why there was a change in policy.</p> <p>"I work in a retail store and when we have a missing child, we call all available staff to the front and let them know the situation and then go looking for the child," she said.</p> <p>"We’re not allowed to announce that there’s a missing child anymore.</p> <p>"[It’s] because of Child Protection Policies.</p> <p>"We used to announce what the child was wearing, but now we’re not allowed to even mention there’s a child missing."</p>

Legal

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Rome introduces new rules to curb unruly tourist behaviour

<p><span>Rome has introduced a slew of new rules and regulations in the city to crack down on unruly tourist behaviour.</span></p> <p><span>Visitors are now banned from carrying out a range of activities, including eating messily around monuments, touching lips on public fountains and dragging wheeled suitcases down historic steps.</span></p> <p><span>Locals who dress up as Roman legionnaires with breastplates and swords to demand money from tourists from photos are also banned along with public transport buskers and illegal street-traders and ticket-touters outside tourist sights.</span></p> <p><span>Fines will also apply for tourists who attach “<a href="https://www.lonelyplanet.com/news/2019/06/12/rome-new-tourist-rules/">love padlocks</a>” to monuments and men who walk around the city bare-chested.</span></p> <p><span>The new rules, which are part of the updates and expansions on the statute since 1946, are aimed at reducing anti-social behaviour and managing tourist strains on Rome’s historic sites. </span></p> <p><span>“Old regulations have been updated to adapt to the needs of a modern society,” said Marco Cardilli, deputy chief of staff and security delegate at the city’s council.</span></p> <p><span>Virginia Raggi, the mayor of Rome, said <a href="http://www.traveller.com.au/rome-new-rules-for-tourists-ban-on-bare-chests-sucking-on-drinking-fountains-and-eating-in-public-h1f7vc">she would write to foreign embassies</a> to raise awareness of the new regulations.</span></p> <p><span>“Rome is, and always will be, welcoming, but that does not mean tolerating bad behaviour and damage being done to our city,” she said.</span></p> <p><span>“The Rome city centre is an area protected by UNESCO, so clearly our centre is our business ticket. For sure there will be zero tolerance for those marring our city.”</span></p> <p><span>While it remains unclear how these new rules will be enforced, it has been announced that the police will be patrolling historic sites for any infractions.</span></p>

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