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Leaked photo of Sydney shark victim sparks urgent probe

<p>The sanctity of patient privacy has come under scrutiny at Sydney's St Vincent's Hospital following the leak of a graphic photograph depicting the treatment of <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/woman-bitten-by-shark-in-sydney-harbour-identified" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shark attack victim Lauren O'Neill</a>.</p> <p>The 29-year-old suffered a serious injury after being attacked by a bull shark near a private wharf in Elizabeth Bay, sparking both a medical and privacy crisis.</p> <p>The photograph in question, which we are not going to publish, shows Ms O'Neill's uncovered leg being attended to by medical staff, and has stirred concerns about the vulnerability of patient privacy in the digital age. St Vincent's Hospital has launched a comprehensive investigation into the breach, expressing deep regret and extending apologies to Ms O'Neill.</p> <p>"St Vincent’s has become aware of photos in the public domain that appear to have been taken in the Emergency Department and are related to those of a patient injury," said hospital spokesperson David Faktor.</p> <p>"We have sincerely apologised for any part St Vincent’s played in the photos being taken." </p> <p>The investigation aims to uncover the identity of the person responsible for taking the photograph and how it ended up in the public domain. Faktor aptly described the incident as a "wake-up call", highlighting the ease with which privacy can be compromised in today's digital landscape.</p> <p>Ms O'Neill, who is on track for a full recovery, expressed her gratitude to the heroic neighbours, emergency services and medical professionals who aided her. However, her appreciation comes amid the distressing breach of her privacy during a vulnerable moment.</p> <p>As the investigation unfolds, it is crucial for St Vincent's Hospital to implement robust protocols and security measures to prevent future breaches and reassure the public of their commitment to patient confidentiality.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

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"Be alert": Australia Post's urgent plea to motorists

<p>Australia Post has issued an urgent plea for motorists to look out for their local posties, after shocking new data revealed how many postal workers are injured on the job. </p> <p>The data has revealed that during the 2022-23 financial year, 65 posties were injured as a direct result of third-party traffic accidents, with injuries including everything from broken limbs to concussions.</p> <p>Many of these incidents resulted in hospital stays, extended periods of leave and lasting psychological trauma.</p> <p>Australia Post's General Manager of Safety and Wellbeing, Rod Maule, has said that even one vehicle-related accident is too many, and pleaded for motorists to drive safely at all times.</p> <p>"While we want our team to deliver for all Australians, we also want each of them to safely get home to their families at the end of the day," Mr Maule said.</p> <p>"Safety is our number-one priority, which is why we've invested millions of dollars into advanced technology and training to keep our team safe on the road. But it isn't just up to us," he added. "We are asking all drivers to be alert and keep an eye out for our posties, especially over the next few months as we ramp up deliveries in the lead-up to Christmas."</p> <p>The statement comes in the wake of shocking footage going viral of postal workers being hit by motorists.</p> <p>In an incident last month, a postie is seen riding across an intersection when, seemingly out of nowhere, he's struck by another motorist and knocked from his bike causing an injury to his leg.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Australia Post</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Urgent calls for help after blind dog stolen from home

<p dir="ltr">A desperate search is underway after a family’s beloved blind dog was stolen from their Gold Coast home in broad daylight.</p> <p dir="ltr">Police are calling for public assistance to help find Bowie, the beautiful Australian shepherd with black, white and gold fur, and blue eyes.</p> <p dir="ltr">They believe that the dog was stolen after a group of people broke into the family’s home along Regatta Parade in Southport some time between 10am and 1.15pm on Wednesday.</p> <p dir="ltr">Police also report that a few other things were stolen including the resident’s grey 2022 Hyundai Tucson station wagon with the Queensland plate number 021FO8.</p> <p dir="ltr">Anyone with information is urged to call the police.</p> <p><em>Images: Queensland Police Service</em></p> <p> </p>

Family & Pets

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URGENT RECALL of 44 different cough medicines

<p>Numerous cough medicines containing pholcodine are being stripped from pharmacy shelves after a safety investigation was undertaken by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).</p> <p>55 products are being cancelled from the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods.</p> <p>Of the 55 products containing pholcodine that were registered in Australia, 44 products are currently stocked on shelves in pharmacies and are subject to the recall, a spokesperson from the TGA told 7News.</p> <p>The discovery of a new link between pholcodine-containing medicines and an increased risk of anaphylactic reactions to certain medicines used as muscle relaxants during general anaesthesia prompted the action.</p> <p>Pholcodine has been used in a wide range of over-the-counter medicines to treat dry coughs, particularly present in syrups and lozenges. It is also used in combination with other medicines in products that treat the symptoms of cold and flu.</p> <p>“It is difficult to reliably predict who may be at risk of anaphylaxis during anaesthesia and some patients may not know if they have taken pholcodine medicines recently,” TGA Head Adjunct Professor John Skerritt said.</p> <p>“Some patients undergoing emergency surgery may not be in a position to talk to their anaesthetist at all. In addition, while surgical facilities may ask about which prescription medicines a patient is taking, they may not ask about over-the-counter products.</p> <p>“Fortunately, safer alternatives to treat a dry cough are available and consumers should ask their doctor or pharmacist for advice. I urge consumers to check if any of your over-the-counter cold and flu medicines contain pholcodine and, if they do, ask your doctor or pharmacist to suggest an alternative treatment.</p> <p>“If you will need general anaesthesia and have taken pholcodine in the past 12 months, I advise you to tell your health professional. Health professionals should also check whether patients scheduled to undergo general anaesthesia have used pholcodine in the previous 12 months.”</p> <p>The European Medicines Agency (EMA) had recently recommended the withdrawal of marketing authorisations for these products in Europe, prompting the review in Australia.</p> <p>Supported by a Western Australia study, the European findings showed that pholcodine was a risk factor.</p> <p>The TGA has received 50 reports of Australian cases of suspected pholcodine-related anaphylactic reactions to neuromuscular blockers, including one fatality earlier this year.</p> <p>Find the full list of recalled products <a href="https://www.tga.gov.au/safety/information-about-specific-safety-alerts-and-recalls/about-pholcodine-cough-medicines-cancelled-tga-and-recalled-pharmacies-safety-reasons" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Getty</em></p>

News

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URGENT RECALL: Popular almond milk brand linked to severe illness

<p>A popular brand of almond milk is being urgently recalled from stores around New South Wales after the product was linked to a case of botulism.</p> <p>Inside Out almond milk, which is stocked at Woolworths, is being removed from the shelves over fears that bottles may contain botulinum, a neurotoxin that can cause disease.</p> <p>NSW Health has confirmed one case of botulism, a rare but fatal illness caused by toxins attacking the body’s nerves, has been linked to the product.</p> <p>The person suffered “severe symptoms” and was admitted to the hospital.</p> <p>The director of NSW Health’s One Health branch said the illness can be fatal.</p> <p>"Early symptoms of foodborne botulism include weakness, fatigue and vertigo," Glasgow said.</p> <p>"While these symptoms occur commonly due to a number of health conditions, with botulism it is usually followed by blurred vision, dry mouth and difficulty swallowing. Nausea and vomiting may also occur."</p> <p>"These symptoms can progress to paralysis of the arm muscles and continue down the body to the trunk and legs, and paralysis of breathing muscles can be fatal." She added.</p> <p>"We are urging anyone who has consumed this product and experiences these serious symptoms to seek immediate medical attention.”</p> <p>Glasgow warned that “most cases” can recover if treated early.</p> <p>"In foodborne botulism, symptoms may begin from a few hours to several days after consuming the contaminated product," she said.</p> <p>Any affected products have a used-by-date of March 1, 2023.</p> <p>The warning comes just a day after a basketball ring set that was sold at leading sports stores across Australia for over two years was also recalled.</p> <p>In late January, Hyundai had to recall thousands of cars to fix a software glitch interfering with the “fail-safe” driving mode, a fault capable of causing a crash.</p> <p>Image credit: Getty</p>

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Urgent search underway for pregnant mother and her three sons

<p dir="ltr">A desperate search is underway for a heavily pregnant woman and her three sons.</p> <p dir="ltr">Elizabeth Harpley, 36, and her boys Mathew, 10, Christopher, nine, and Mitchell, five, were last seen on Sunday at Koshigaya Park, Campbelltown around 2pm.</p> <p dir="ltr">Police raised alarms on Monday when they were nowhere to be found, as they have launched a desperate appeal for any information.</p> <p dir="ltr">Harpley is described as being of Caucasian appearance, with medium-length brown hair.</p> <p dir="ltr">She is heavily pregnant and was last seen wearing jeans, a black t-shirt and a cardigan.</p> <p dir="ltr">Her three boys are also described as being of Caucasian appearance with a slim build.</p> <p dir="ltr">Mathew has short, blonde, curly hair and was last seen wearing blue jeans and a dark green hooded jumper.</p> <p dir="ltr">Christopher is described as having short, brown, curly hair and was last seen wearing blue jeans with a brown hooded jumper.</p> <p dir="ltr">Mitchell has short, blonde, wavy hair and was last seen wearing dark blue jeans and a yellow t-shirt.</p> <p dir="ltr">The family is known to frequent areas around Campbelltown and Wollongong in NSW, as well as Pullenvale in QLD.</p> <p dir="ltr">Police believe they are in the company of a 49-year-old man, who is known to the family, and may be travelling in a red Jeep with QLD registration plates 061 VKM.</p> <p dir="ltr">Anyone who sees the children are urged to immediately contact 000.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: NSW Police</em></p>

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Urgent search for four missing teens continues

<p>The search for four missing teenagers will resume this morning, as the teens are believed to have gone missing off the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria.</p> <p>Two 18-year-old men, an 18-year-old woman and a 19-year-old woman are believed to have been using inflatable paddle boards at Rosebud Beach off Point Nepean Road in Rosebud yesterday. The group were celebrating the end of their VCE.</p> <p>Somebody passing by found their belongings on the beach about 8 pm and reported it to police.</p> <p>Air and water police along and other emergency rescuers launched a search, which went on through the night, using a helicopter and boats.</p> <p>Due to poor conditions the search was halted at about 4 am and has resumed after sunrise this morning. Locals around the area have reported strong easterly winds which picked up over midnight, with high tide whisking water away from the shore at the same time.</p> <p>Anyone with information is urged to call Rosebud Police Station on 5986 0444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 000.</p> <p><em>Image: Nine News</em></p>

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Jimmy Barnes to undergo urgent surgery

<p dir="ltr">Jimmy Barnes has been forced to cancel his upcoming tour to undergo urgent surgery.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 66-year-old said the five decades rocking on stage and being bent at the waist will see him under hip and back surgery.</p> <p dir="ltr">His final performance will be held the first weekend of December at Valo Adelaide 500 before he goes in for surgery.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’ve been jumping off PAs and stomping around stages for nearly 50 years, but it’s finally caught up with me,” Barnes said in a statement.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’ve had niggling back and hip issues for years, but things suddenly got a lot worse over the last few weeks and I’m now in constant and severe pain.</p> <p dir="ltr">“As everybody knows, it’s against my religion to blow out gigs but the doctors tell me I need an operation as soon as possible and it will really limit my movement for a few months.</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/Clhaq9ghZdX/?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/Clhaq9ghZdX/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Jimmy Barnes (@jimmybarnesofficial)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“As much as it kills me to inconvenience everyone, I have to get this fixed so I can jump around onstage for another 50 years.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Barnes joked that his family would have to deal with him playing his record Blue Christmas during his recovery.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The operation will keep me cooped up over summer and I’m a notoriously cranky patient, so I probably need to buy noise cancelling headphones for my family too – that way they’ll hopefully still be talking to me when I’m back on my feet,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">He thanked The Hoodoo Gurus for stepping in and covering his shows as it means “other bands will still get their chance to rock”.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

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Bunnings issues urgent recall for popular garden product

<p dir="ltr">Bunnings has issued a nationwide recall of a popular gardening product that can cause severe eye irritation. </p> <p dir="ltr">Roundup F weedkiller fast ready-to-use herbicide (5 litres) has been recalled at all Bunnings stores.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to Product Safety Australia, due to the packaging damage, there is a risk that the user may be exposed to the contents of the product. </p> <p dir="ltr">Any exposure to the product could cause severe eye irritation and consumers are urged to stop using it immediately. </p> <p dir="ltr">The batch numbers that have been recalled include AAC2B5550, AAC2E5860, AAC2F5973 and AAC2G6035.</p> <p dir="ltr">The recalled herbicide was sold at Bunnings stores across Australia between March 1, 2022, and September 6, 2022</p> <p dir="ltr">“If you are in possession of a damaged container of product please contact the Evergreen Garden Care Consumer Advice Line on 1800 635 797,” Product Safety Australia advised.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Product Safety Australia/Shutterstock</em></p>

Home & Garden

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Urgent warning to pet owners in two major cities

<p>A Sydney council has issued a warning after a dog has fallen ill and passed away in the Eastern suburbs, due to a possible poisoning incident.</p> <p>Pet owners all around Sydney, and additionally in Perth, are being warned to look out for dog baiting that’s happening in both the major cities.</p> <p>The beloved dog fell ill last week after returning home from a walk around Bondi, Waverley Council warned.</p> <p>“Rangers visited the area with the owner, who remembers seeing the dog eat something in or near a pile of leaves under a tree on Ocean Street,” a spokesperson told 7NEWS.com.au</p> <p>While the dog’s cause of death has not been confirmed, the council added rangers also found two dead pigeons in the area.</p> <p>“Council has put signage up in the area and is asking dog owners to keep their dogs on a lead and always keep a watchful eye on what their dogs are eating during walks,” they said.</p> <p>“Our thoughts are with the owner of the dog at this very sad and difficult time.”<br />An additional post by a local pet shop warned potential baiting could also be happening across Bondi.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Dog owners! Unfortunately we're investigating a possible dog baiting on Ocean Street near the Bondi Road Post Office. Please keep your dog on the lead and be aware of what they might be eating. Report suspicious activity to Police on 131 444. <a href="https://t.co/wMTXMkd03q">pic.twitter.com/wMTXMkd03q</a></p> <p>— Waverley Council (@WaverleyCouncil) <a href="https://twitter.com/WaverleyCouncil/status/1570906128313106441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p>Pet shop Paddo Pets warned in a Facebook post that Waverley Oval may also be a target with more pets in the area falling victim to the potential poisoning, with one woman sharing on Facebook that her cat had gone missing and was worried he had been poisoned.</p> <p>On Tuesday, RSPCA WA also issued a warning after it received reports of “potentially dangerous dog baiting” in Perth’s Alexander Heights, where a 9-week-old puppy had fallen victim.</p> <p>All pet owners have been urged to keep an eye out on their yards for anything suspicious and to report anything unusual immediately to the RSPCA Cruelty Hotline on 1300 278 358.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Urgent recall of household appliance after injury risk

<p>An urgent national recall has been announced for a popular home product that could pose a serious injury risk. </p> <p>Earlier this week, Product Safety Australia recalled the Westinghouse black tempered glass gas cooktop after parts of the item have been found to shatter. </p> <p>The product, which does not comply with the Domestic Gas Cooking Appliances Standard, comes in a 60cm three-burner cooktop and a 90cm five-burner cooktop.</p> <p>The cooktop has been sold both nationally and internationally in stores such as Harvey Norman, JB Hi-Fi, The Good Guys, Reece Plumbing and Winning Appliances, and has been on sale since February 2020.</p> <p>Customers are being urged to check the model number of their cooktop to see if it is affected, with the faulty model numbers being WG638BC and WHG958BC or serial digits 5301134 – 22503805.</p> <p>Authorities said other identifying numbers on the device include AGA 8145G. </p> <p>Customers with an affected system are being urged to contact Electrolux to arrange a refund ,or for a service technician to attend free of charge to replace the product.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Home & Garden

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Australian veterans report calls for 13 "urgent" recommendations

<p>The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has handed down its report, calling for 13 "urgent" recommendations to be made.</p> <p>The Albanese government says it will look to implement all recommendations, which include an urgent elimination of the backlog of compensation claims for veterans. </p> <p>The report comes after nine months of hearings across the country, which detailed abuse at all ranks of the service.</p> <p>Commissioners heard that the Australian Defence Force (ADF) was not doing enough to address suicides and accounts of ex‑personnel who said they were left suffering from anxiety and panic attacks due to lack of resources. </p> <p>Chair Nick Kaldas and commissioners James Douglas and Peggy Brown said the prevalence of suicide and mental health issues among serving and ex-serving ADF members was something “that should concern us all”. </p> <p>Among the recommendations, the government has been told to simplify veteran compensation and rehabilitation laws, eliminate the claims backlog and improve administration of the scheme.</p> <p>Another key recommendation is that people who engage with the royal commission should have increased protections.</p> <p>Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Minister Matt Keogh said the Albanese government had only seen the “confronting” report 15 minutes before it was publicly released and would go through the recommendations in detail, while working to see how the recommendations can be implemented effectively. </p> <p>“Unfortunately, the rate of veteran suicide in Australia is a national tragedy … It is devastating that Australia has lost more serving and former personnel from suicide than it has lost through operations over the last 10 years,” Mr Keogh said. </p> <p>“We recognise the importance and the significance of this report.”</p> <p>The 13 urgent recommendations include:</p> <ul> <li>Simplify and harmonise veteran compensation and rehabilitation legislation </li> <li>Eliminate the claims backlog</li> <li>Improve the administration of the claims system</li> <li>The Department of Veterans' Affairs to provide advice on its funding needs</li> <li>Remove the Department of Veterans' Affairs Staffing Level Cap</li> <li>Increase protections for persons engaging in this Royal Commission</li> <li>Provide exemption from parliamentary privilege </li> <li>Limit public interest immunity claims</li> <li>Improve administrative release of information</li> <li>Co-design information to increase awareness of redactions for access requests</li> <li>Embed trauma-informed practices for information access</li> <li>Encourage up-to-date consent for information access</li> <li>Co-design education on information access mechanisms</li> </ul> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Caring

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URGENT RECALL: Lucas' Papaw Ointment pulled from shelves

<p>Several batches of Lucas’ Papaw Ointment have been urgently recalled, due to microbial contamination.</p> <p>The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) issued the nationwide recall of 11 batches of the topical ointment.</p> <p>The microorganisms in questions have been identified as Aspergillus tubingensis, Sordaria humana, Penicillium paneum and Paenibacillus glucanolyticus.</p> <p>The TGA said that while these moulds and bacteria pose “minimal risk” to the general population, there is a “remote risk” that individuals who are immunocompromised could become ill if exposed to these organisms.</p> <p>The impacted batch numbers are:</p> <ul> <li>00522D22, 15g, Expiry April 2025</li> <li>00822E25, 15g, Expiry May 2025</li> <li>00822E26, 15g, Expiry May 2025</li> <li>00822E27, 15g, Expiry May 2025</li> <li>00822F01, 15g, Expiry June 2025</li> <li>00822F03, 15g, Expiry June 2025</li> <li>00822F06, 15g, Expiry June 2025</li> <li>00822E31, 15g, Expiry May 2025</li> <li>00522E04, 75g, Expiry May 2025</li> <li>00522E05, 75g, Expiry May 2025</li> <li>00822E30, 200g, Expiry May 2025</li> </ul> <p>Those who use the cult product are urged to check the batch number which can be found at the ‘crimp’ at the top of the tube or at the bottom of the bigger containers.</p> <p>Those who have an ointment from an affected batch are advised to “immediately stop using it” and return it to the place of purchase for a refund.</p> <p>No other batches or other Lucas’ Papaw Remedies products are being recalled at this time.</p> <p><em>Images: Lucas Papaw.com.au </em></p>

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Urgent warning for parents after child exploitation quadruples in just a year

<p dir="ltr">Authorities have issued an urgent warning to parents and carers after the number of incidents where children have been exploited has quadrupled over the last year.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE), an increasing number of children, particularly young boys, have been the target of online predators who groom, trick and coerce children into sending sexually explicit photos and videos.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-9d394b9d-7fff-d41d-e70d-acb5dc8e8848"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">Predators then threaten to share the photos and videos unless the victim sends them money.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-669da0b9-7fff-6956-0bb5-f2f0a1dc9720">In New Zealand, the number of victims of child exploitation has doubled since 2019, with <em><a href="https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/128851693/online-child-exploitation-doubles-in-new-zealand-since-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stuff</a></em> reporting that 9971 reports were filed in 2021 versus 4739 two years prior.</span></p> <p dir="ltr">The increase has led the ACCCE to take the “unusual step” of releasing police intelligence to warn parents and carers, as reported by <em><a href="https://www.news.com.au/technology/online/child-extortion-incidents-on-the-rise-in-australia/news-story/01c618adc32f82be66d7ab9448032182" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a></em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Hilda Sirec, the ACCCE Commander, said that although blackmailing minors for these kinds of images wasn’t new, it has been “very rare” for police to receive reports of offenders demanding money.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Tactics vary, but child sex offenders commonly pose as girls and befriend boys via social media platforms, image-sharing apps or online games,” Ms Sirec said.<br />“These predators reveal they had footage of the child in compromising positions and demand money in return for not sharing the vision with family and friends or posting it online.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Sirec said predators often negotiated with the victim and requested multiple payments.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We have seen predators initially demanding an impossibly large sum of money, then, negotiating with the victim on a lower amount they could actually pay,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Once that money was paid - either by bank transfer, online game, gift cards or even cryptocurrency - the predator would demand even more money.</p> <p dir="ltr">“They are not deterred by the age of the victim, they care only about the profit they can make.</p> <p dir="ltr">“These offenders are very manipulative and they will threaten and frighten children to get what they want, including telling victims they will be in trouble with law enforcement if they speak up.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Sirec said these crimes have “devastating effects” on children and their families and stressed how important it was for parents to educate their kids about being safe online.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We are appealing to parents and carers to talk to their children about online safety, how to recognise suspicious behaviour online and speak out if they have been targeted,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“If your child is or has been a victim, reassure them that it’s not their fault and that there is help available.</p> <p dir="ltr">“By reporting what has happened, they may help us catch an offender and prevent other children from being harmed.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Warning signs to look for</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Australian families have been told to be on the lookout for several warning signs that their children could be at risk. These can include inconsistencies in a person’s online profile or language, being asked to continue the conversation on another platform after meeting, or a person claiming they cannot have a phone or video conversation because their camera or microphone doesn’t work.</p> <p dir="ltr">Victims are urged to make a report to the police immediately, collect screenshots and other evidence, speak to someone they trust for advice and support, and bolster their online security by changing passwords and reviewing privacy settings.</p> <p dir="ltr">If you believe your child is in immediate danger, call 000, Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or your local police station.</p> <p dir="ltr">Members of the public are also urged to call Crime Stoppers if they have any information about people involved in child abuse and exploitation.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-f5bb6829-7fff-f0a7-eafe-3fc6daf6bbf2"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

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Poverty isn’t a temporary experience in Australia. We need urgent policy tackling persistent disadvantage

<p>We often hear a job is the best way to get someone out of poverty. In many cases this is true, and anti-poverty strategies should prioritise improving people’s access to jobs.</p> <p>But this isn’t the complete solution. For many – particularly those with disability or substantial caring responsibilities that limit their scope to work – the income support system remains crucial to avoiding persistent poverty.</p> <p>It may not feel like it at a time of rising living costs, but the incomes of Australians have on average risen substantially over the last three decades and continue to trend upwards – we have never been richer.</p> <p>However – <a href="https://www.pc.gov.au/research/supporting/deep-persistent-disadvantage" target="_blank" rel="noopener">as highlighted by the Productivity Commission</a> – some in the community continue to be left behind.</p> <p>Our new <a href="https://melbourneinstitute.unimelb.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/4107629/Breaking-Down-Barriers-Report-4-May-2022.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">study of income poverty</a> shows persistent poverty remains a significant problem in Australian society.</p> <p>Looking back over the first two decades of this century, we found around 13% of the population are persistently poor.</p> <p>We defined these as people who persistently have to live on incomes that are <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Glossary:At-risk-of-poverty_rate" target="_blank" rel="noopener">less than 60% of</a> the median income in Australia (a definition employed by Eurostat for European Union member countries).</p> <p>Poverty then isn’t simply a temporary experience in Australia, and tackling persistent disadvantage needs to be a policy imperative.</p> <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/461194/original/file-20220504-21-epehk7.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/461194/original/file-20220504-21-epehk7.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/461194/original/file-20220504-21-epehk7.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=400&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/461194/original/file-20220504-21-epehk7.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=400&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/461194/original/file-20220504-21-epehk7.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=400&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/461194/original/file-20220504-21-epehk7.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=503&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/461194/original/file-20220504-21-epehk7.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=503&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/461194/original/file-20220504-21-epehk7.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=503&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 2262w" alt="" /></a><figcaption><em><span class="caption">Poverty isn’t simply a temporary experience in Australia.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span></em></figcaption></figure> <p><strong>Why do people descend in poverty – and often stay there?</strong></p> <p>Understanding what drives poverty and its persistence is an essential first step to alleviating it.</p> <p>Using data from the longitudinal Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (<a href="https://melbourneinstitute.unimelb.edu.au/hilda" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HILDA</a>) Survey, we examined the extent and nature of persistent poverty among the same sample of Australians tracked over time.</p> <p>Specifically, we looked at</p> <ul> <li>why do people descend into poverty?</li> <li>why do some people remain in poverty, while others escape it?</li> <li>why some of those who escape poverty remain out of poverty while others fall back into it.</li> </ul> <p>We also examined the degree to which the depth of poverty (how far someone’s income is below the poverty line) impacts on the likelihood of staying in poverty.</p> <p>We found persistent poverty is more prevalent among:</p> <ul> <li>women</li> <li>single-parent families</li> <li>older people</li> <li>Indigenous Australians</li> <li>people with a disability</li> <li>less-educated people, and</li> <li>people living in more disadvantaged regions.</li> </ul> <p>This is consistent with <a href="https://povertyandinequality.acoss.org.au/poverty-in-australia-2020-overview-html-version/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">previous studies of poverty</a> made at a single point in time.</p> <p>Perhaps unsurprisingly, those in deep poverty – the poorest of the poor – are the most likely to be persistently poor (up to five times more likely than the average person in the community).</p> <p>The very poor are therefore a policy priority – not only because they are very poor now, but because they are more likely to remain poor.</p> <p><strong>‘Falling’ into poverty</strong></p> <p>Similarly, among those initially not in poverty, those with incomes closest to the poverty line – the poorest of the non-poor – are at greater risk of falling into persistent poverty.</p> <p>Another policy priority therefore needs to be preventing those close to the poverty line falling into actual poverty.</p> <p>When we examined the “trigger events” for people falling into poverty or rising out of it, we found the household’s success in the labour market is critical. In other words, people need to be able to get a job.</p> <p>An increase in the number of employed people in the household is strongly associated with lifting people out of poverty.</p> <p>There is also a strong association between a lack of work and the risk of persistent poverty.</p> <p>Clearly, then, policy measures geared towards increasing employment, and retaining employment for those already employed, are key to reducing persistent poverty.</p> <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/461457/original/file-20220505-24-cgvjbn.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/461457/original/file-20220505-24-cgvjbn.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/461457/original/file-20220505-24-cgvjbn.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=400&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/461457/original/file-20220505-24-cgvjbn.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=400&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/461457/original/file-20220505-24-cgvjbn.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=400&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/461457/original/file-20220505-24-cgvjbn.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=503&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/461457/original/file-20220505-24-cgvjbn.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=503&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/461457/original/file-20220505-24-cgvjbn.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=503&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 2262w" alt="" /></a><figcaption><em><span class="caption">Another policy priority needs to be preventing those close to the poverty line falling into actual poverty.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span></em></figcaption></figure> <p><strong>It’s not just about jobs, though</strong></p> <p>But employment isn’t the only factor of importance. Any change in family type, but particularly becoming a single-parent family, increases the risk of poverty.</p> <p>More broadly, the household context plays a crucial role in determining individuals’ poverty experiences.</p> <p>Who you live with, what they do, and what happens to them are important. The household perspective then is critical to understanding poverty and designing appropriate policy responses.</p> <p>The onset of disability or substantial caring responsibilities is also much more likely to tip you into poverty and keep you there.</p> <p>Put simply, those who are more likely to experience persistent poverty tend to be constrained in their ability to participate in the labour market. Having a job may not be an option at all.</p> <p>Focusing only on labour market-related anti-poverty policy measures therefore isn’t enough to fully address persistent poverty in the Australian community.</p> <p>Many of those highly exposed to persistent poverty have very constrained access to paid work, because of factors such as:</p> <ul> <li>long-term health conditions</li> <li>high caring responsibilities for young children or</li> <li>significant disabilities.</li> </ul> <p>Even among couple-parent households, we found the more dependent children in the household, the lower the probability of exiting poverty.</p> <p>This highlights the importance of child care assistance to facilitate employment participation and sustained income adequacy for families with young children.</p> <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/461458/original/file-20220505-26-km89qo.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/461458/original/file-20220505-26-km89qo.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/461458/original/file-20220505-26-km89qo.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=338&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/461458/original/file-20220505-26-km89qo.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=338&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/461458/original/file-20220505-26-km89qo.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=338&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/461458/original/file-20220505-26-km89qo.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=425&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/461458/original/file-20220505-26-km89qo.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=425&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/461458/original/file-20220505-26-km89qo.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=425&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 2262w" alt="" /></a><figcaption><em><span class="caption">Many of those highly exposed to persistent poverty have very constrained access to paid work, because of factors such as long-term health conditions.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span></em></figcaption></figure> <p><strong>An unavoidable conclusion</strong></p> <p>But even improvements in child care assistance aren’t enough. The simple fact is that, for a significant number of people, income support will continue to determine their living standards.</p> <p>The unavoidable conclusion is that boosting income support payments beyond their current austere levels remains a crucial pillar of policy for governments genuinely committed to reducing persistent disadvantage.</p> <p>Unfortunately, this does not appear to be on the agenda of either of the major parties.<!-- 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/181343/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/esperanza-vera-toscano-788145" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Esperanza Vera-Toscano</a>, Senior research fellow, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The University of Melbourne</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/roger-wilkins-95906" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Roger Wilkins</a>, Professorial Fellow and Deputy Director (Research), HILDA Survey, Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The University of Melbourne</a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/poverty-isnt-a-temporary-experience-in-australia-we-need-urgent-policy-tackling-persistent-disadvantage-181343" target="_blank" rel="noopener">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

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Police urgently sworn in after MAJOR bungle

<p dir="ltr">More than 1000 officers have been <a href="https://7news.com.au/news/victoria-police/hundreds-of-vic-police-wrongly-sworn-in-c-5819028" target="_blank" rel="noopener">urgently sworn in</a> by Victoria Police after news emerged of an admin stuff-up.</p> <p dir="ltr">A change in legislation in 2013 has meant assistant commissioning officers have been swearing in graduating police officers without the appropriate power.</p> <p dir="ltr">As a result, affected officers have been making arrests, pressing charges and issuing orders without the valid powers to do so.</p> <p dir="ltr">The mistake extended beyond the officers, with a final tally of 1076 police officers, 157 protective service officers and 29 police custody officers being incorrectly sworn-in over the last eight years.</p> <p dir="ltr">Victoria Police said three assistant commissioners have already sworn in about 660 officers and protective service officers via videolink, with another 570 remaining.</p> <p dir="ltr">Officers have taken their oath during their first shift back at work, commencing their duties immediately afterwards.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This is an oversight, it’s an administrative oversight, it has some significant consequences for a short period of time,” Chief Commissioner Shane Patton told reporters.</p> <p dir="ltr">Though it is unclear how many court cases have been affected by the error, Mr Patton said it would be a “case by case analysis” to determine whether people could contest arrests or charges.</p> <p dir="ltr">“If someone wants to contest a matter, we would adjourn it and step through and analyse the specifics of that,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It may be that an officer, who comes within the scope of what we’ve been discussing here, is with another police officer who is not so affected and therefore the arrest may be totally valid.</p> <p dir="ltr">“There’s a whole range of scenarios.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The state government has also promised to introduce legislation addressing the situation at parliament’s next sitting.</p> <p dir="ltr">Police Minister Lisa Neville said the new laws would address past decisions, including arrests and charges issued by affected officers.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We’ve got to get this right, it will rectify all that and all those matters will stand,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Now someone in the meantime might try to contest, but with the support of the opposition … we’ll get this through very quickly and it won’t really be an opportunity for people to have any matters overturned.”</p> <p dir="ltr">However, Ms Neville said certain instances - such as family violence safety notices - “still have validity” since they are approved by a sergeant.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Police Association of Victoria also said it would support members affected by the error and ensure their legal and industrial rights were protected.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-941e0e7e-7fff-2b40-ec12-24bf59529def"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: @victoriapolice (Instagram)</em></p>

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Urgent health warning after child loses leg

<p>An athlete who caught chickenpox as a little boy resulted in him nearly dying. He entered cardiac arrest, lost 70% of his hearing and had to have his right leg amputated. As a warning to others, Brendan Hall has now issued an urgent warning about the virus and its devastating effects.</p> <p>Australian health authorities recently revealed chickenpox is still running rampant through the community despite Covid restrictions drastically reducing other common viruses such as the flu.</p> <p>Paralympic swimmer Brenden Hall, aged 28, caught chickenpox from his brother in 1999. His sibling got through chickenpox unscathed, but Hall suffered immensely from the common ailment, with his parents fearing the worst as he went into cardiac arrest for 27 minutes.</p> <p>Hall described the moment he woke up in hospital to find out he'd lost his leg from a condition that gives many young people only mild symptoms.</p> <p>'I wasn't aware my leg was going to be amputated until I came back around a few weeks after it happened.</p> <p>'I was in severe pain and constant screaming, I can't remember a lot from at the time but my parents made the best decision they could,' Hall told Daily Mail Australia.</p> <p>Chickenpox is one of a number of infectious diseases such as measles, mumps and shingles that doctors remain concerned about.</p> <p>It was recently revealed that last year there were more than 10,000 cases of the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox, in Queensland alone.</p> <p>Hall now has a 10-week-old child of his own and wants other parents to know that it is vital to keep up routine immunisations and safety precautions for common childhood diseases whether they be measles, mumps or chicken pox.</p> <p>'I'd like to be in the group that puts themselves out there to spread the word, to remind people of a serious danger that, for a lot of people, slips under the radar,' he said.</p>

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URGENT RECALL: Fears for deadly contamination in baby formula

<p>Australia and New Zealand's food standards watchdog have issued an urgent recall for a batch of baby formula over fears it could be contaminated with Salmonella and Cronobacter bacteria.</p> <p>Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) on Saturday issued the recall notice for some EleCare, Similac and Alimentum infant formula products.</p> <p>The products were manufactured in the United States but were available nationally in Australia through prescription at pharmacies, hospitals and via direct mail order.</p> <p>Abbott’s Executive Vice President Joe Manning said the company was voluntarily recalling products out of an abundance of caution.</p> <p>“We deeply regret the concern and inconvenience this situation will cause parents, caregivers and health care professionals,” he said.</p> <p>According to FSANZ, the recalled products can be identified by the “7 to 9 digit code and expiration date on the bottom of the package”.”.</p> <p>FSANZ says the recall notice is due to a potential microbial contamination of Cronobacter and Salmonella.</p> <p>According to the US Food and Drug Administration, which issued a warning against using the products on Thursday, the complaints registered related to Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella Newport.</p> <p>“To date, this investigation has been associated with four illnesses (three for Cronobacter and one for Salmonella),” it said in a statement.</p> <p>“All four cases related to these complaints were hospitalised and Cronobacter may have contributed to a death in one case.”</p> <p>It continued to note that Cronobacter bacteria can cause life-threatening infections, including sepsis and meningitis.</p> <div>EDITOR'S NOTE:<br />According to an Abbott spokesperson, for Australian consumers, the recall only impacts specific batches of EleCare in Australia. No other nutrition products – or Similac products – distributed by Abbott in Australia are affected by this recall.</div> <div>Alimentum and Similac Human Milk Fortifier (HMF) are not sold by Abbott in Australia and these products are not available in Australia by prescription at pharmacies and hospitals.<br />In Australia, two batches of EleCare are impacted by the recall:</div> <ul data-stringify-type="unordered-list" data-indent="0" data-border="0"> <li style="list-style-type: none;" data-stringify-indent="0" data-stringify-border="0">EleCare Unflavoured 400 g can (lot number: 26811Z200)</li> <li style="list-style-type: none;" data-stringify-indent="0" data-stringify-border="0">EleCare LCP 400 g can (lot number: 27871Z202)</li> </ul> <div>If parents have EleCare, they should call 1800 225 311 or email <a tabindex="-1" href="mailto:NutritionANZ@abbott.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-stringify-link="mailto:NutritionANZ@abbott.com" data-sk="tooltip_parent" aria-haspopup="menu" aria-expanded="false" data-remove-tab-index="true">NutritionANZ@abbott.com</a> to find out if they have impacted product. Do not use the impacted product. Parents should talk to their child’s healthcare professional about suitable, alternative feeding options. No other nutrition products distributed by Abbott in Australia are affected by this recall, and you can continue to use those.</div> <p><em>Image: NBC</em></p>

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Urgent butter recall amid contamination fears

<p dir="ltr">An urgent recall<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/butter-product-recalls-devondale-butter-varieties-recalled-over-bacterial-fears/e6f53bb8-475c-4a05-8da9-08a0d98da7c5" target="_blank">has been issued</a><span> </span>for a range of Devondale butter varieties sold at Woolworths, Coles, Aldi and Costco due to fears of bacterial contamination.</p> <p dir="ltr">Saputo Dairy Australia Pty Ltd, which operates Devondale and cheese brands Cracker Barrel and Mersey Valley in Australia, issued the recall on Thursday via Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ).</p> <p dir="ltr"><img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7846937/butter2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/2be7f9a6b24c4f37afe87f165caac873" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>FSANZ has advised that these specific products carrying these best before dates are being recalled due to contamination concerns. Image: FSANZ</em></p> <p dir="ltr">Specific batches of unsalted and salted Devondale, as well as Woolworths brand unsalted and salted butter, have been recalled due to a “potential microbial contamination”.</p> <p dir="ltr">FSANZ advises that consuming the products could cause illness.</p> <p dir="ltr">The full list of products includes:</p> <ul> <li> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Devondale Spreadable Dairy Soft Original 500g</strong><span> </span>- Best Before: 06 Jan 22, 06 Apr 22, 11 May 22, 12 May 22, 26 May 22</p> </li> <li> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Devondale Spreadable Dairy Soft Salt Reduced 500g</strong><span> </span>- Best Before: 10 May 22</p> </li> <li> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Devondale Unsalted Butter 500g</strong><span> </span>- Best Before: 30 Apr 22</p> </li> <li> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Devondale Salted Butter 250g</strong><span> </span>- Best Before: 18 May 22, 04 Jun 22</p> </li> <li> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Devondale Salted Butter 500g</strong><span> </span>- Best Before: 30 Apr 22, 01 May 22, 24 Jun 22</p> </li> <li> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Devondale Salted Butter 3x500g</strong><span> </span>- Best Before: 01 May 22</p> </li> <li> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Woolworths Australian Butter Salted 250g</strong><span> </span>- Best Before: 16 Oct 21, 21 Apr 22, 12 May 22, 13 May 22</p> </li> <li> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Woolworths Australian Butter Unsalted 250g</strong><span> </span>- Best Before: 16 Oct 21, 11 May 22, 12 May 22</p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">The products were available for sale across Australia at outlets including Woolworths, Coles, Aldi, Costco and independent supermarkets.</p> <p dir="ltr">Customers who have purchased the affected products are urged not to consume them and should return them for a full refund instead.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Consumers should not eat these products. Any consumers concerned about their health should seek medical advice,” the recall reads.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Consumers should return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Customers seeking further information can contact the customer service team at Saputo Dairy Australia on 1800 032 479.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Saputo Dairy Australia Pty Ltd</em></p>

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Calls for urgent changes in building regulations as family home demolished

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The mother of a disabled woman is calling for urgent changes to be made to building regulations in Australia following the demolition of their brand-new, purpose-built home. 24-year-old Paige was left with severe brain damage as a child after a hospital mistake, and was awarded $5.5 million in compensation from Queensland Health four years ago. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img style="width: 500px; height: 280px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844345/screen-shot-2021-09-23-at-35143-pm.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/b2850aa7004940eea0c1eefa38f90da4" /></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Part of that money was used to build a home that would meet all of her needs, but after less than a year of living in their new Redcliffe home, the house had such a severe mould problem that it was decided it had to be demolished.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Paige’s mum, Linda Hartman, told </span><a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/new-development-severely-disabled-queensland-womans-toxic-house-demolished/765a998a-a0d2-40ef-a74d-feb6d86e58e1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">A Current Affair</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">that the situation has caused her and Paige severe stress, but the minister responsible, Mick de Brenni, won’t agree to meet with them to discuss the issue.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A Current Affair </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">initially met the family when they were attempting to dry the moisture in order to keep the mould at bay, but those attempts failed, and the only remaining solution was demolition.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ms Hartman told reporters she was relieved that the entire building, including the concrete slab, had to go, as it meant she wouldn’t have to deal with the builder anymore. "I'm quite relieved because now I don't have to deal with the builder because dealing with the builder it was just horrific.”</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 277.86624203821657px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844346/screen-shot-2021-09-23-at-35148-pm.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/c63309e684504d57b3425856725c68ab" /></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The builder in question was PJ Burns – the director Rick Burns admitted to </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">ACA </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">that there were problems at the property and that he was “going to fix them”. In early March, the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) identified the cause of the mould as "rising damp through the slab due to faulty installation of the damp proof membrane" and found that Burns had failed to rectify structural defects, ultimately deciding that the "demolition and rebuilding of the dwelling" was "reasonable and necessary". </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">QBCC approved a claim of $200,000 under the Queensland Home Warranty Scheme, which was less than a third of the actual cost. The trustee of Paige’s settlement money has now commenced legal proceedings against PJ Burns, as well as finding a new builder, with the hope of having a new home ready for the family by Christmas 2022.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img style="width: 500px; height: 284.5786963434022px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844347/screen-shot-2021-09-23-at-35210-pm.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/194a66899a64440b95b790b9dada2ea6" /></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"The builder has to be held accountable for what he has done to us and I don't want this to happen to anybody else," Ms Hartman told </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">ACA.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Ms Hartman believes that QBCC’s lack of action “ruins people’s lives”. She believes PJ Burns’ work is so bad that it should be listed as Tier 1 defective work, which would result in an automatic three-year ban. Ms Hartman feels like the QBCC is “protecting the builder”, while the QBCC claims it is “empathetic to [her] situation” and that its officers have “worked continuously to keep her updated and informed during her case.” A spokesperson for the regulator said, "This builder has been subject to regulatory action and may be subject to further regulatory action in the future.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mr de Brenni said in a statement that the QBCC had been in regular contact with Ms Hartman, and his recommendation is that homeowners check the QBCC website before hiring a builder.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Images: A Current Affair</span></em></p>

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