LOT'S WIFE

LOT’S WIFE

don’t look back

student newspaper



VOLUME LI, EDITION IV THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2011 FREE









osama, 70,000 Afghan civilians dead

TiMoTHY LAwSon

EDITOr-IN-chIEf



It has taken over 70,000 civil-

ian lives but the US finally got

their man



IN the late evening hours of

May 1, 2011, cIA paramilitary

operatives in conjunction with

two teams of twelve US Navy

SEALs carried out “Operation

Neptune Spear” – a late-night

raid on a compound believed to

be used by Osama bin Laden.

The US assault team stormed

bin Laden’s compound in Ab-

bottabad with two military heli-

copters. Abu Ahmed Kiwaiti,

bin Laden’s courier, fired upon

the US force from the guest-

house with an AK-47 assault ri-

fle – he and his wife were killed

by US commandos. The man’s

brother was killed by a separate

US assault team, which entered

the main house; he was shot im-

mediately on sight. Bin Laden’s

10 YEARS

22-year-old son was killed as he

rushed at the oncoming assault

oF wAR

team.

The most wanted man in the

world was finally within reach.

US forces killed bin Laden –

shooting him in his head and

chest as his attempt to flee into

an adjoining room was consid-

ered ‘hostile’. Bin Laden was

shot and killed – without trial.

The Pentagon has said that

Osama bin Laden’s body was

put into the waters of the North

Arabian Sea – after adhering to

traditional Islamic procedures.

A senior Pentagon intelligence

official – under the protection

of anonymity, a prerequisite

by the Pentagon – said that a

woman believed to be bin Lad-

en’s wife identified him by name

during the US military raid that

killed him in Pakistan. The offi-

cial also said that DNA analysis

confirmed the body was that of

Osama bin Laden.

On October 7, 2001, as a

reprisal for the horrific 2001

September 11 attacks, the US

armed forces invaded Afghani-

stan with the intention of kill-

ing Osama bin Laden as well

as dismantling al-Qaeda and en; they were also responsible tinue now under the new man-

ending its use of Afghanistan

as a base of operations. The US

for ethnic cleansing and com-

mitting massacres.

tras of building democracy and

freeing women from oppres-

Greens senator slams new

also stated its goal of removing

the Taliban regime – which har-

It is unfortunate that ‘better-

ing the country’ only came as a

sion. The murdering of Osama

bin Laden makes no difference immigration laws

boured and supported al-Qaeda secondary objective to the US to the narrative now.

– and creating a viable democ- TiMoTHY LAwSon

rampage of revenge and retri- A Daily Bell article states: EDITOr-IN-chIEf

racy. bution. It took ten years to find “The trouble with this rationale

Afghanistan has been the vic- Osama – there was a need for [the rationale that the war is for ThE Gillard government is gration spokeswoman Sena- er form of TPV; adding that the

tim of extensive human rights a removal of the Taliban, but freedom and democracy now] is foreshadowing new legislation tor hanson-Young who has minister already has the power

violations over the last twenty that is not why the US went that it is too little too late. Per- to combat the recent spate of slammed the new legislation to punish wrongdoers.

years. The Taliban – an Islamist in. The rationales for the war haps if it had been enunciated riots and protests that have been proposed by Mr Bowen. Senator hanson-Young

militia group – ruled Afghani- in Afghanistan have changed so sooner, it would have gained occurring recently at Australian “Based on what the minister speculated that the reason Mr

stan from September 1996 up much over time; initially it was traction as a credible dominant detention centres. Immigration has announced, I’m strongly op- Bowen is trying to bring for-

until the US invasion in 2001. to find and kill bin Laden and social theme. But in the current Minister chris Bowen has pro- posed, I don’t think we should ward legislation to toughen the

They were the perpetrators of destroy al-Qaeda, then the Tali- context of a ten-year-old war, posed new laws that strengthen be in any way going back to immigration character test is to

a range of ongoing horrific hu- ban, then to bring democracy the rationale looks more like a the immigration character test the failed policies of the how- present a position of strength:

man rights abuses against wom- and stability. The war will con- series of excuses than a galvaniz- to make sure any refugees con- ard government, we shouldn’t “The government doesn’t actu-

ing force that can cause Western victed of a criminal offence be even entertaining the idea ally need legislation to bring

populations to rally round. This while in detention would be de- of temporary protection visas back temporary protection vi-

is at least the second time that a nied a protection visa. (TPVs) and it’s very disappoint- sas, he [Mr Bowen] can do that

war has been waged against the “These changes will remove ing that the Labor government, anyway, but of course the justi-

Pashtuns, seeking to bring them any doubt around the charac- despite denouncing them, has fication, an excuse for bringing

fully within the ambit of the ter test and send a strong and now decided to back them and back temporary protection vi-

Anglo-American axis.” clear message that the kind of reintroduce them,” Senator sas, is that he wants to toughen

Let us hope that the new war unacceptable behaviour we saw hanson-Young said. up the character test.

narrative works towards limit- recently at the christmas Island According to an April 29 Na- “he [Mr Bowen] wants all the

ing human rights abuses and and Villawood detention cen- tional Vistas article, Scott Mor- papers to say he’s getting tough,

civilian deaths. tres will not be tolerated,” Mr rison, the Opposition Immigra- he wants people saying that he

Bowen said in a statement. tion spokesman, described Mr

continued PAGE 8 I spoke with Greens immi- Bowen’s new laws as just anoth- continued PAGE 7





Aussie war Crimes insidious Film

inside The Page 9 Review

Page 27









Page 6&7

Staff List Contents

Editors

03 Campus Life

Joshua Kenner

Timothy Lawson



Finance Director 06 nation news

fatima hakim



Photography 08 world news

richard Plumridge



nation news 13 Editorials/

christine Todd Letters

world news



Kimberly Doyle 14 opinion

Martin Shlansky



Creative writing and Books

19 Sport

Anastasia Pochesneva



Music

20 Science

Michael Stanisic



Film

22 Creative writing Appeared on the cover of the June 1985 issue of National Geographic

Magazine, Photo by Steve McCurry

Jessica Marshall



Stage

25 Music

Melinda Bladier



Science

27 Film

Aimee Parker

Lot’s Wife is your 100% student-produced newspaper It’s a great avenue

Sport

28 Stage to get your work in print, especially if you’re interested in photography,

writing, typesetting, design or investigative journalism. Anyone can

Andrew Mayes

submit articles, funky graphics, reviews or whatever else that will print.

Kiran Iyer

If you’re happy just to read it, you’ll find a new copy around campus

29 Visual Art monthly during semester.



Writer’s meetings: friday 12pm Lot’s Wife Lounge, first floor, campus

centre.

31 Extras









Thank You

A big thank you to Ishita Acharyya from Access Youth Network for providing heaps of great content; to Aimee Parker for always being prompt and grammatically correct;

and to all students who repeatedly submit.









Disclaimer

The Lot’s Wife editors aim to provide content which will be informative and entertaining for Monash students; and believe that all students should have the opportunity

to express themselves. Equally, we recognise the right of all students to read the publication without feeling threatened or offended by racist, sexist, militaristic, or

homophobic material; therefore we refuse to publish anything of this nature. The views presented in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors or

the Monash Student Association. Articles that are submitted are proof read and may be altered, chemically or otherwise.









Contact Details

Submissions: Please email content to: lotswife.msa@monash.edu



first floor http://www.msa.monash.edu.au/campus-life/lots-wife/

campus centre

Monash University Facebook group: 2011 Lot’s Wife

Wellington road

clayton, 3800 Twitter: @lotswife2011

Ph: (03) 9905 8174

fax: (03) 9905 4185









Lot’s Wife acknowledges the Kulin nations as the original and ongoing

owners of the land upon which the paper is produced.

CAMPUS LiFE 3



Fair fares for all students Monash Creative writers Club

EDUcATION PUBLIc AffAIrS OffIcEr ESTHER HooD looks at why international MELinDA BLADiER

students deserves concession cards STAGE EDITOr

PUBLIc transport is a neces- in Australia comes with a $550 international student numbers fAST fAcTS at the meetings are wide-rang-

sity for most students. Unfortu- price tag, $200 more than any will consequently result in few- ing; whether you’re a fan of po-

nately, current travel concession other English speaking country. er staff, fewer courses, and less President:Ellen coates etry, novels, fiction, non-fiction

schemes operate within highly After that, thousands of dol- options. The consequences are where:E152 or even scene writing, your in-

varied and restrictive frame- lars must be saved for upfront already being felt at Monash, when:Wednesdays 1.00 terests are sure to be covered.

works, and can exclude students fees to secure a university place. with approximately 600 staff How to sign up:go to a meeting Whilst forms such as poetry can

who study part time, work casu- With the current strength of the accepting voluntary separation Membership costs:$1 with MSA card, $6 without provide an important avenue of

ally, study postgraduate courses Australian dollar, these already packages at the start of this Further information:Monash creative Writers facebook self-expression for some people,

(i.e. Masters), travel interstate high prices are undoubtedly a year. from a business perspec- light-hearted works are also of-

(including for university intern- major setback for anyone want- tive is it not competitive to of- ArE you somebody who starts Ellen tells me, first and fore- ten discussed.

ships or placements), or who are ing to study in Australia. fer consumers something that every day bursting with crea- most, that the creative Writers In addition to weekly meet-

on international student visas. for those who fork out, the separates ourselves in the mar- tive energy? Are you somebody club gives people an opportu- ings, the club runs an annual

Students who travel interstate restrictive visa and work re- ket? Yes, international student who doesn’t start everyday nity to explore creative writ- camp in Lorne, and monthly

may be in luck. Labor back- quirements international stu- concession cards will not solely bursting with creative energy, ing, which is something many bookshop meetings. The occa-

bencher John hargreaves MLA dents must follow ensure that reverse this trend, but it will but thinks that it seems like students are interested in, and sional movie night is also on the

in the AcT has recently moved many will not be able to pay symbolize to anyone interested fun? Are you sick of being the rightfully so. It is a fantastic agenda. for those serious about

a motion to look into the crea- the ongoing costs of a univer- in studying here that we can be straight-laced wall flower to means of self expression. This producing quality writing, there

tion of a national concession sity education. Student visas a welcoming, supportive com- all of your über imaginative exploration does not only in- is the annual university wide

card scheme that has been sup- require a full time study load, munity. friends? Do you have a pen- volve students producing their writing competition, which is

ported by Joy Burch MLA, the and students are permitted to In saying this, the real argu- chant for the written word? own work; at their weekly open to all genres. The club also

Minister for Disability, hous- work a maximum of 20 hours ment should not be to ben- If you’ve answered yes to meetings, members of the club regularly disseminates informa-

ing and community Services. per week. While 20 hours may efit us. International students any of the questions above, the talk about writing and critique tion about publishing opportu-

While this motion is a good seem reasonable, many inter- should not be viewed as an en- creative Writers club could each others’ work. Each weekly nities and other competitions.

start, it does not do enough to national students do not have rollment fee. They are students. be for you. The creative Writ- meeting is centred on a certain I ask Ellen to describe what

ensure that all students have government support from their When they enroll at Monash ers club is an active club at theme, for example poetry, pub- the club means to her, and she

equal access to affordable trans- home country, and are too of- they face exactly the same costs Monash, with weekly meet- lishing or music. The meetings exclaims “it is my sanity!” She

port. ten exploited by employers as domestic students, and as ings where students have the provide a fun, relaxed environ- finds it grounding, and a good

According to the Victorian and landlords. Trying to earn we all know university doesn’t opportunity to share a passion ment where people can bounce source of stress relief, as well as

Department of Education and enough money to survive and come cheap. In some respects of a literary fashion. I recently ideas off one another and talk a creative outlet and rewarding

Early childhood, international successfully study full time can the challenges international caught up with President Ellen about writing with people of a social group. her message to

students make a ‘major contri- mean that covering the cost of students face can be even more coates to find out exactly what similar mindset. anybody interested in joining

bution the Victorian economy.’ rent, food, transport, health daunting – potential language the club offers. The forms of writing explored is simply “people should come

At Monash alone, enrollment services, printing and books is barriers, cultural difference along!”

contributes approximately $350 simply unachievable. and unfortunately, discrimina-

million to the university’s in- To put it simply the strength tion.

come every year. however, this of our dollar combined with The idea of concession is

income is on the decline, and at

the start of this year universities

restrictive visa and work con-

ditions have put Australia’s ap-

to relieve financial strain to

groups of the community who Monash University Student Theatre

across Australia felt the financial

strain of a national decrease in

peal by the wayside. This won’t

just affect the choices of inter-

need it, and it is only fair that

all students regardless of their

interview with Yvonne Virsik, Artistic Director

international enrollments. national students, it will affect ‘status’ should be eligible. The

Why does this mean interna- your choices too. After 12 years National Union of Students MELinDA BLADiER

STAGE EDITOr

tional students should get con- of the howard government’s and the MSA are calling on the

cession cards? neglect, the Australian educa- council of Australian Govern- ThE stage is a world with of students throughout the year,

When wanting to study in tion system is significantly un- ments to introduce a national which Yvonne Virsik is in- was a stand-out. Being “aston-

Australia, international students derfunded. The cost’s are not concession card scheme for all timately acquainted. As the ished by the strength of a play,”

face a string of financial barriers, covered by domestic students, students. To sign the petition Artistic Director of Monash and “the moments when things

starting before they leave. cur- and according to Ed Bryne in an supporting this, go to www. University Student Theatre finally come together,” are other

rently, owning a student visa interview on the ABc, a drop in unistudent.com.au (MUST), she has dedicated favourites. Perhaps even more

massive amounts of time to so, she loves being able to share

helping students to create al- her passion for theatre with

ternate realities that are often at St Martins Youth Arts centre. those around her, and manipu-

reflective of or a comment on Two ex-students have recently late this passion to tell stories.



Monash Christian Union our own. In doing so she has

changed the day to day real-

won the Arts Start grant for re-

cent graduates, to help them to

“There is room in theatre to set

something up that can really

ity of a generation of theatre kick start artistic careers. touch people.”

MELinDA BLADiER enthusiasts at Monash, allow- Virsik is proud of what She believes that theatre re-

STAGE EDITOr ing them space for creative MUST has to offer students lates to “something about truth,

exploration, and guiding, aid- whilst they are at university. She moments of human truth and

fAST fAcTS

ing and advising them in their describes having seen students acknowledging that in each

endeavours. grow immensely throughout other, telling a story, being

President: Susannah Boer

As a student, Virsik stud- the duration of their involve- stimulated by the wonder of

where and when: Tuesdays 1:00 – 2:00 in L5, Tuesday 4:00 –

ied directing at VcA before ment with MUST, finding a what human beings can do”. In

5:00 G11A, Tuesdays 5:00 – 7:00 E365 or Education Building,

gaining employment as a di- community and a place where Virsik’s opinion theatre “goes

room 164 (international students), Thursdays 1:00 – 2:00 G11A

rector. She has been the Ar- they have a definite, important to the core of meaning in this

Membership costs: $10 with MSA card, $15 without

tistic Director at Monash for role. This sense of community greater everyday struggle” and

Further information: http://www.monash.cu.org.au/

a number of years, and still builds confidence and gives the stories it tells are “a reflec-

which plays host to many dif- does some freelance directing tion of their times” and are able

students a sense of place in the

ferent religions. her reply is on the side when time allows. to chart societal progression.

SUSANNAh Boer, Presi- tion Building. Meals are pro- world. Often Virsik witnesses

two pronged. firstly, she says, She describes her job as “really,

dent of the christian Union at vided for all those who attend a students transform from being

Australia is still to some extent really tough,” saying that “the

Monash, takes a long time to Tuesday night meeting. extremely shy and lacking in

a christian country, given that mental and emotional energy

explain to me what it is that the The social aspect of the confidence to being outgoing

around 70% of people identify is enormous”. however, she

christian Union does. As far as I christian Union is something and sure of themselves. It is a

themselves as christian in the is “part of a community that

can tell, this is for two main rea- that Susannah greatly enjoys. transformation that she finds

census. The christian Union makes a difference in students’

sons. firstly, because the chris- When she started as a student immensely rewarding, and is

gives people who identify as lives and gives them an oppor-

tian Union is a very active group at Monash she was already a one of the main reasons why she

christian a way to explore this tunity to make working teams

that offers a lot to its members. christian, and felt she “needed is so happy working at Monash.

faith, especially if they haven’t and astonish themselves”. The

Secondly, because what it does support and encouragement in Members of MUST have reg-

otherwise been to church. Sec- enormous amount of passion

is not simple. Engaging people avoiding every-weekend-drunk- ular opportunities to audition

ondly, many international stu- she has for these students is self

in a faith and endeavouring to enness”. She doesn’t dispute that to perform in theatre pieces,

dents who have no exposure evident; she speaks enthusiasti-

explain it is not an easy task. this is a legitimate choice for to submit plays they have writ-

to christianity in their home cally throughout the duration

The overarching aim of the some students, but feels that the ten as potential performance

countries are curious about it; of our interview, and her office

christian Union is “to help peo- Union provides an important pieces, to work as part of a crew

thus the christian Union is an walls are covered with pictures Virsik is careful to stipulate

ple understand what christian- alternative. It has allowed her or to just enjoy the social side

important source for learning of past student performances. that she doesn’t mean to sound

ity is about and get involved”. to make many friends and learn of the organisation. MUST

and fostering understanding of The pressures of Virsik’s job overly philosophical; although

for those already committed new skills. for example, how to runs a three day training camp

different religious beliefs. go further than the hours that she speaks in depth about some

to the christian faith, the club conduct a Bible study and en- over the summer, developing

Like most other clubs on she dedicates to it. MUST has highly complicated, existential

aims to help them understand courage others in their faith. students’ theatre skills. MUST

campus, the christian Un- limited resources, meaning that concepts. She needn’t be con-

their faith more and meet other The christian Union not only also provides opportunities for

ion provides a unique means all involved in it have to learn cerned about coming across in

christians. encourages those who are chris- the reading and development

through which students can to be resourceful. Although this way. her passion for theatre,

The activities of the christian tian, or want to become chris- of students’ work. A lot of time

connect with others who share limitations on resources have which she sees as engendering

Union are as diverse as they are tian, to develop their faith, but is invested in mentoring direc-

the same interests. This social some obvious disadvantages, “shared, collective experience”

frequent. Every Tuesday after- also offers an avenue for others tors and producers, to the ex-

networking extends beyond Virsik suggests that it also has and the coming together of

noon they hold “God Talk” interested in the faith simply tent that the majority of mate-

campus activities to barbeques, a benefit, in that students are communities, is very grounded.

meetings, in which a particular to learn about it. Susannah rial performed by MUST comes

socials and two annual camps. then better equipped to deal Whilst creating a shared, collec-

topic relevant to christianity is recounts that non-christian from submissions by students.

The first camp is held over five with this when they enter the tive experience may be an ideal

discussed, and free tea, coffee students who have attended cabaret gig nights and fund-

days in Phillip Island, and is industry. that theatre pieces aspire to, it

and food are provided. These some of the group’s activities raiser trivia nights are occasion-

for both christian and non- “Ex-students are making is an ideal that she has already

meetings are aimed at people have been “full of praise for the ally run.

christian students. It includes noise,” is Virsik’s response achieved amongst students in-

new to the faith. Prayer sessions time had at that course”. She An important aspect of

social activities, Bible studies when I ask her about the suc- volved in MUST.

are held in the religious centre becomes slightly reflective, ex- MUST is the time people such

and talks on christianity. The cess of ex-Monash students There are around 500 stu-

twice a week. plaining that university serves as Virsik spend trying to help

second camp is held in can- who have entered the theatre dents involved in MUST, with

On Tuesday nights the group’s as a time of transition between students develop careers, wheth-

berra at the end of the year, industry. Whilst at university, representation across faculties.

largest meetings are held. People childhood and adulthood, and er this be trying to get students

and involves students from ex-student Declan Greene had for those interested in becom-

are divided into two sessions; that many people are sorting placements in the industry, or

universities all over Australia. a few plays he had written that ing involved, there is an infor-

those who are already chris- through issues at this stage in supporting and advising ex-

The christian Union is were produced by MUST after mation bulletin which is regu-

tians are taught skills that they their lives. These issues often in- students who are already in the

clearly something that Susan- he entered their playwrights’ larly disseminated. Students are

can use at church or at univer- clude questions of identity and industry. Information from in-

nah cares deeply about. Given competition; last year he won also welcome to drop by the

sity, whilst newcomers to the faith; the christian Union offers dustry professionals is dispensed

the amount of time that she the Green room Award for MUST office in the campus

faith partake in a session enti- “a non-threatening way to look to students when possible.

has dedicated to it, and the Best New Original Writing centre, and audition for up-

tled “Introducing God”. Susan- into ‘who is God’ and ‘who was When I ask Virsik what her

amount it has given back to for the Melbourne Stage for coming productions. Virsik says

nah tells me that many interna- Jesus’”. favourite memory from her

her in terms of faith develop- his play Moth. rebekah Berg- that “we try to keep it an open

tional students are interested in I am interested as to why Su- time at MUST is, she is unable

ment and the formation of im- er, another ex-student, has and encouraging atmosphere”

the christian Union; there is a sannah thinks religious groups to settle on just one – “I have

portant friendships, it seems achieved a position working and that “every audition is an

group run specifically for inter- such as hers are still so impor- so many memories”. Last year’s

this passion is more than justi- with catapult, a new scheme opportunity to reach out and

national students in the Educa- tant at universities in a country wrap party, celebrating the work

fied. touch somebody”.

4 CAMPUS LiFE



Food Society Diaries

JESSiCA TURnBULL

hELLO again. Did you enjoy 1 onion slimy like when you actually

Ugali lunch my scone recipe in last edition? handful of beans buy Asian takeaway is to hit it

No? Well you probably did it 1 carrot with a blunt instrument for a

share day at wrong then. Anyway, so it was Other vegetables if you want little while, coat it in a paste of

ANZAc day recently which oil and cornflower and cook it

Clayton got me feeling all patriotic and Method: on a low heat.

campus photos by Richard Plumridge



like I wanted to make some Soak the rice noodles in cold The singapore fried took me a

CRAiG BUTT

NEWS hIT

Australian food. I reckon most

diggers would have eaten meat

water for half an hour. cut up

the onion. cut up the carrot

while to make so I thought I’d

do a really easy desert…AN- The artwork

A Ugali lunch share day is be- and three veg, but honestly I and beans into small bits. fry ZAc ripple cake.

ing held at Monash clayton on

Tuesday May 24 to raise money

hate meat and three veg… it’s

really boring. By now I think

both the eggs (scrambled) and

set aside. fry the vegetables ANZAc rIPPLE cAKE

on our walls

for Kenyan children affected by most Australians have also real- with the curry power, sesame CAELLi GREEnBAnK

drought. The Lot’s Wife caught ised this and now we eat a heap oil, a slosh of soya sauce and Ingredients: IN the first ever edition of Lot’s coarse, offensive or crude, as

up with the lunch’s organiser, more Asian takeaway. normal oil (don’t be afraid cream Wife I read, some faceless vet- most graffiti these days seems

Lynette Phuong, about the of using quite a bit of oil and ANZAc biscuits eran of Monash told me that as to be; these scribblings told the

lunch and how people could SINGAPOrE frIED DO NOT put any water in). part of my sojourn at university stories of the lives of the wom-

help make poverty history in NOODLES (Serves 4) Once this is cooked, drain the Method: I needed to add to the toilet en who passed through these

Africa. noodles and add them in along Whip a bottle of cream. graffiti. At first, I was under- rooms and the university that

The Ugali Lunch Share Day’s Ingredients: with the egg. Mix it all up. Sandwich cream between AN- standably quite shocked. As a harboured them.

main objective is to raise aware- 2 sticks vermicelli rice noo- The meat that usually goes ZAc biscuits in a tray. Put it in prim, demure little high school I read about a girl who felt she

ness about the major drought dles in Singapore fried is char siew, the fridge overnight. girl, I’d never considered the was doing the wrong course; I

affecting all regions in Kenya, ½ tablespoon curry powder the red coloured marinated idea of defacing even so much heard of one woman’s struggle

in particular, the districts of 1 teaspoon sesame oil pork that hangs from hooks in I forgot that I had to wait until as my pencil case with the slo- with unplanned pregnancy and

Kitui, Makueni, Mwingi and Normal oil the windows of chinese restau- morning for this little ripper to gans and drawings that one sees an empathetic stranger’s offer of

Machakos; and the Kenya red Soya sauce rants. If you want to put other work its magic so I had to go to everywhere they go. support; I learnt about the story

cross School Lunch Program. 2 eggs meat in, the way to make it all bed without any dessert. I soon came to understand, of the university painting all the

It is hoped that through raising though, the intent of what they toilet doors black and of all the

awareness, people will be in- were saying. The writing that I writers breaking out their white-

spired and motivated to person- found on every door was not out in defiance. Love, sex, phi-

ally donate to the program and/ child a Unimix lunchmeal for and pestle made from Afromo- schoolprograms_iyp_kenya- only omnipresent, there was losophy – it was all written up

or commit to raising their own one month. sia wood! schools-lunch_about.htm also a real purpose behind it. there for everyone to see. Our

funds to donate to it. We will also be delivering a for me, food security and ac- how can people help more? On January 1st, 2005, a man own PostSecret walls – a kind

These funds will help Kenya short PowerPoint presentation cess to education is very impor- People can help more by at- in America called frank Warren of soul-sharing for the Monash

red cross to purchase Uni- about the cause and ways you tant. Striving to achieve both tending the Ugali Lunch Share started up a blog called PostSe- populace.

mix, a porridge-type food, for can host your own fundraiser for the drought-stricken school Day on Tuesday May 24, 2011 cret. PostSecret is a community I guess I’ve been a lot more

distribution to primary school with a live guest speaker from children in Kenya seemed to at Monash University (clay- art project where people from open to our graffiti ever since.

children in drought-stricken re- Mwingi (one of the regions af- make perfect sense. Australian ton) campus and buy food around the world send in their Nowadays I scour the backs of

gions. The distribution of Uni- fected by drought). There will red cross’s International Youth samples, raffle tickets and do- deepest, darkest secrets on the doors between classes, looking

mix lunches at schools in these also be a raffle of incredible Project 2010/11 is all about nate on the day. Otherwise, back of a homemade postcard. for another gem of wisdom or

regions will help children return prizes valued over $3 000, in- changing the lives of students in people can donate directly to Each week some of these se- humour to brighten my day.

to class, as many withdraw from cluding handmade table linen Kenya through the Kenya red the Kenya red cross School crets are posted on the blog and It’s kind of humbling to know

school to help their parents care from Zambia, Kenyan AA Ki- cross School Lunch Program. Lunch Program via the link: shared anonymously with the that you’re one of thousands of

for younger siblings. In addi- angombe coffee, genuine Afri- Being a red cross volunteer, it http://www.redcross.org.au/ world. The Monash Women’s students over the years to in-

tion to increasing their capacity can beaded butterfly hairclips, made even more sense to host ourservices_acrossaustralia_ Department has set up its own scribe your piece of history in

to learn, these lunches will also Kenyan hand drums and gourd an event like Ugali Lunch Share youtheducation_youthschool- version of PostSecret in the stone – or wood. So, ladies and

reduce malnutrition and mor- thumb guitar, ostrich egg tea- Day to bring awareness about programs_iyp_kenya-schools- Women’s Lounge, and fasci- gentlemen, take up your pens,

tality rates in children. light candles, African carving, a the drought while having a fun- lunch_donate.htm or.. host nated with the idea, I too added pencils and white-out and add

We will be selling Kenyan decoupage ostrich egg with buf- tastic afternoon! their own fundraising event to my own secrets to the wall. your own little piece of graffito

Ugali, a maize flour dish, and falo horn on brass base, double More information can be help ensure drought-stricken This was what the toilet door to the story in the artwork on

coconut & Sweet Potato pud- passes to the Immigration Mu- found at : http://www.redcross. children in Kenya get a good scribblings made me think of as our walls.

ding samples for $1.20 on the seum West Africa: rhythm and org.au/ourservices_acrossaus- school lunch! I went about my daily Monash

day because $1.20 gives one Spirit exhibition and mortar tralia_youtheducation_youth- life. These writings weren’t









President: Treasurer: Green Week are well under way, Male Queer:

with most of our efforts at the

Imogen Sturni Jenna Amos moment going into these events. Lance charisma

We are liaising with clubs to or-

WE are still in negotiations AS always, I have one eye on the ganise After Exams Party and NOW that Pride Week is over,

with the University for a fund- status of budgetary targets, I’ve have been in discussions with I’ve been catching up on all of

ing Agreement for the Monash met with various staff and OBs nightclubs to bring you a fan- the administrative details and

Student Association. currently regarding their financial reports, tastic night to celebrate the end provisions for the day-to-day

the MSA relies on University goings on in the Queer Depart-

funding in order to run essen-

I’ve signed numerous cheque

requisitions and worked to en-

OB REPORTS of exams. We have some great

Dj’s lined up for the night and ment. My major focus beyond

tial student services and student sure our financial procedures will have tickets on sale soon! this has been preparations for

representation, including our are being complied with. These OB reports are unedited Queer collaborations, the na-

Watch out for posters and more

Student rights Officers, clubs tasks are certainly time-consum- possible to arrange this. If you’re a campaign to have all lectures info on our facebook site. Good tional student queer conference

& Societies, as well as Sir John’s ing and account for most of my having trouble with this pro- recorded, across all faculties. luck for the rest of the semester. to be held in Perth in July. The

Bar and Wholefoods. job. however, because it is so cess, feel free to get in contact Join the ‘record My Lectures’ Queer Department endeavours

The University is yet to give routinely operational, I’d like to with us or with Student rights facebook page for updates on to aid queer students to attend

any funding to the MSA for take this opportunity to spruik for assistance. If you have some the campaign. I hope you all this conference as it is a valuable

2011 which will greatly strain one of our student services. kind of disability or condition had great holidays, and good and eye-opening learning expe-

the MSA’s ability to continue to Given exams are under a month which will affect your ability to luck in exams! women’s: rience.

provide these essential services away (I know I freaked out take exams, contact the Disabil- I’d like to take this opportu-

to students. It is disappointing when I realized this too), now

Vittoria careri and nity, given comments made in

ity Liason Unit now if not soon-

that the university continues to is the perfect time to talk about er, to arrange extra time or other Jasmine crooks the last edition of Lot’s Wife, to

ignore the needs of students. Student rights. The MSA’s Stu- alternative exam arrangements. remind the student body that

In happier news, we are cur- dent rights officers are there to

Environment and the Queer Lounge is a space

Over the past few weeks the ThIS month in the Monash

rently working on a ‘Student help you. They provide advice Ed Ac Department has been Social Women’s Department, we’ve only for queer identifying or

Advice’ section for the new regarding special consideration campaigning to the University Justice: been doing things that are just as questioning individuals. This is

MSA website to provide stu- procedures and can inform you on your behalf for more lectures exciting as they were last month. to ensure that it can be a safe

dents with information around of your exam rights and respon- to be recorded, and progress is Bianca Jewell and cas- We’re busily organising self-de- space for such students, particu-

education, health, transport, sibilities. So, if you feel you need being made on this important sie Speakman fence lessons and International larly those who are not comfort-

and housing. check it out at help navigating the University’s issue – but you can help by at- No Diet Day. International No able discussing or revealing their

http://www.msa.monash.edu. exam policies and procedures, tending the stalls and signing WE hope you all enjoyed your Diet Day is an important event sexual orientation to the wider

au/campus-life/student-advice take advantage of this wonder- the petitions in support of this break as much as we did (even which raises awareness of issues student community.

ful service! that will be run over the next though it wasn’t long enough). of negative body image and eat-

few weeks. hope to see you Most of our time has been filled ing disorders.

there! with meetings and following up Dissent is the Monash Wom-

Secretary: on things like the awards and en’s Department annual zine.

welfare:

grants we applied for over the Submissions have been opened

Sheldon Oski Education last few months, and we’re yet and the Women’s Department Matthew Polmear and

(Academic to hear whether we were suc- would love to see any essays, sto- Tom cheah

IT has been quite a busy period Education cessful or not. We’ve also been ries, or art that you might wish

these last few weeks. Since the Affairs):

last edition, we’ve had fantas- (Public Affairs): involved in the master planning to share. Please email any que- rEPOrT NOT

John Monroe and for Monash over 2011-2030, ries or submissions to vittoria.

tic events such as One World Esther hood so that’s been keeping us pretty

SUBMITTED

Week, the Environment & So- hannah Aroni careri@monash.edu, or drop by

busy with lots of negotiating the Women’s Office (first floor,

cial Justice Week and Education fOr the past few weeks the about what should be a prior-

ThE week of 30th May - 3rd campus centre, down the MSA

Week. I hope you all enjoyed Ed Pub department has been ity. The Monash Permaculture

June is SWOT VAc– the period corridor) to talk in person.

this wonderful weeks, run by working hard on the ‘fix Public Garden is also getting some up- Information on these issues

Female Queer:

fabulous MSA departments and in which there are to be no as- Transport to Monash’ campaign,

sessments due, new materials grades done and the planning can be found in the upstairs Katie heading

divisions! In the mean time, I’ve pushing for an effective and reli- for that has been happening

taught, or tests or exams. If any at the Women’s Department,

been writing hundreds of min- able public transport system for over the past couple of weeks rEPOrT NOT

of these are scheduled to occur along with totally free access to

utes, filled out various forms Monash students. Thanks to the and should be done soon. SUBMITTED

during that week in your unit, contraceptives, STI-preventa-

and organised various types of 400 hundred odd students who

you should let us know by send- tives, tampons and pads. Infor-

meetings. have signed a letter to the hon.

ing an email to hannah.aroni@ mation about events is posted

With semester nearing its Terry Mulder MP, Minister for

monash.edu or john.monroe@ on facebook, the MSA website,

end, make sure to attend the

monash.edu.

Public thus far! If you know of

and in our e-Bulletin. come indegenous:

last of your classes, study up

After that, the exam period

a certain route that needs to be Activities: visit us any time! Andrew robinson

hard and I wish you all the best fixed, please give the Minister a

of luck for your exams! I look begins, and any students need- call himself, on (03) 5231 5046, James Gordon and

forward to seeing you all back in ing assistance with special con- I’m sure he would love to hear Jenna conroy rEPOrT NOT

semester two! sideration should get in contact your concerns. Aside from this, SUBMITTED

with their faculty as soon as we have also started working on PLANS for both AXP and

CAMPUS LiFE 5



Mental health - dispelling the stigma Focus on employability for

TiMoTHY LAwSon Communication Students

EDITOr-IN-chIEf

if you are taking any of these Marketer www.awg.com.au

The purpose of this multi-au- impact on their mental health. St. John’s wart, passion flower, qualifications: film and Television floor Bookseller and Publisher

thor column is to present experi- Medications to treat social hops, skullcap, and valerian. Bachelor of Arts (communi- Manager weekly book newsletter www.

ences, advice and support on all anxiety disorder such as anti- Kava is known to be particu- cation) or (comparative lit- film and Television Producer booksellerandpublisher.com.

mental health issues being faced depressants – selective-seretonin larly effective for social anxiety. erature and cultural studies) film and Television Produc- au

by Monash students. Mental reuptake inhibitors (SSrIs), Please discuss using these sup- or (creative Writing) or (Eng- tion Assistant cOMjobs www.comjobs.com.

health issues are often difficult to like Zoloft, serotonin–norepi- plements with your doctor to lish) or (English as an Interna- film Educator au

bring up with someone for advice: nephrine reuptake inhibitors make sure they are appropriate tional Language) or (Journal- film Programmer communications and Media

A major goal of this series is to (SNrIs), like Avanza, tri-cyclic for you. ism) or (Journalism Studies) freelance Writer Law Association www.camla.

encourage a shift in how mental anti-depressants, like Endep, An excellent practice for sus- or (Professional Writing and Guide Proofreader org.au

illness is perceived in the student and monoamine oxidase inhibi- taining good mental health is Editing) or (Public relations) Internal communications Of- community Broadcasting As-

community and to move to break tors (MAOI’S) amongst others; meditation. People with Social or (Writing) ficer sociation Australia (cBAA)

the taboo. have seen considerable success Anxiety have trouble focusing Bachelor of communication Journalist www.cbaa.org.au

The first article presents some in treating social anxiety dis- their thoughts and attention, Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Language Skills Advisor community Broadcasting As-

ways in which students can begin order. They also have horrible for example they might be wor- communication Leader Writer sociation of Australia www.

to seek help with social anxiety side effects and difficulties with rying about what someone else Bachelor of Letters Librarian cbaa.org.au

disorder or social phobia. physical addiction. thinks of them instead of paying Bachelor of Professional com- Literature/English/cultural community Newspapers of

Antidepressant drugs work attention to the conversation munication Studies Teacher* Australia www.cna.org.au

I have an interest in this area by inhibiting the breakdown of they are having. Meditation Diploma in Arts (communi- Marketing and communica- freelance Journalism conven-

and I have read widely on dif- serotinin and norepinephrine, practice helps people to focus cations) tions Assistant tion http://freelance.alliance.

ferent methods to treat Social therefore the levels of these neu- their attention and to calm the Diploma in Arts (Visual cul- Marketing and Sponsorship org.au

Anxiety Disorder – but I am rotransmitters rise and cause a mind of nervous thoughts. I ture) coordinator Institute of Professional Edi-

not a mental health profes- decrease in anxiety – that is the believe that meditation is best Media Advisor tors Limited www.iped-edi-

sional. I am just hoping to share theory anyway. attempted with the guidance of Media consultant tors.org

some of the information I have Another way, which is a lot good teacher. The skills and attributes this Media coordinator International federation of

learnt because it may be of help more natural, to bring neuro- Although the condition itself qualification aims to devel- Media Exchange Operator Journalists www.ifj.org/en

to someone. transmitter levels into a healthy can be quite paradoxical – get- op: Media Liaison Officer Magazine Publishers of Aus-

There are a number of theo- balance, is supplementation ting out to meditation classes • Capability in analysing the Media Officer/Assistant tralia www.magazines.org.au

ries as to the causes of social with Amino Acids. The idea isn’t something easy for most origins, outputs and recep- Media Planner/Presenter Margaret Gee’s Australian Me-

anxiety disorder; there are also behind this treatment is that by with social phobia – self-taught tion of contemporary com- Media Presenter/Planner dia Guide (search in Monash

many different types of treat- providing the brain with the re- meditation is well worth it: get munication technology and Media Writer Library catalogue “Media

ments for the disorder. Medica- sources it needs to make neuro- yourself a good book, The Mira- digital media News reporter Guide Live”)

tions, in conjunction with vari- transmitters, it can balance itself cle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat • Awareness of technological Novelist Media Entertainment and Arts

ous psychological therapies, are out naturally. hahn is an excellent manual on and industrial change Policy Developer Alliance www.alliance.org.au

regarded as the most successful A healthy diet and a good meditation. • An understanding of the Policy Writer Media Entertainment and Arts

in the treatment. I will not go multivitamin will also help to These are a few options for social and cultural dimen- Production crew Member Alliance www.alliance.org.au

into too much detail about the provide our body with the re- treating Social Anxiety Disor- sions of the media and Production Manager/coordi- Media federation of Australia

mainstream methods of treat- sources it needs to stay in bal- der that I thought some people communication technolo- nator/Designer www. mediafederation.org.au

ment because your local doctor ance. Two other supplements might find useful. I have writ- gies, including practical is- Program curator/Selector Media federation of Australia

can refer you to a professional that are beneficial are a vita- ten this article as a rough guide sues around media produc- Project coordinator www.mediafederation.org.au

who can provide you with good min b complex and a good fats to some treatment options that tion Promotions Assistant Melbourne Writers festival

treatment information. source such as fish oil. are out there, these treatments • Critical analysis, compel- Promotions or Event coordi- www.mwf.com.au

It is commonly agreed upon herbal supplements can be should be further researched ling argument and practi- nator Motion Picture Distributors

in the mental health profes- extremely effective in reliev- and discussed with a health care cal skills in research writing Proof reader Association of Australia www.

sional community that when ing anxiety. Supplements that professional. and oral presentations Public relations coordinator/ mpdaa.org.au

a person’s brain chemistry is are well known for their anti- • Familiarity with a range Officer National Press club www.npc.

not in balance this can have an anxiety properties include kava, of theoretical methods for Publicist org.au

critical evaluation Publisher National Speakers Association

• A representation of gender, radio/Television Producer of Australia www.national-

race and class in relation radio/Television/Video Pro- speakers.asn.au

to film, television and new ducer Newmatilda online magazine

media technologies researcher www.newmatilda.com

• Capacity in applying re- reviewer Public relations Institute of

search and consideration in Script Writer Australia www.pria.com.au

the progression of produc- State Public Servant regional Journalism conven-

ing original media products Technical Writer tion http://regional.alliance.

• Proficiency in working col- Television Archivist org.au

laboratively and resource- Web/New Media Designer rostrum Australia www.ros-

fully in project manage- Note: further qualifications trum.com.au

ment and problem solving may be required for some The Advertising federation of

• Ability to apply numerous roles. Australia www.afa.org.au

tools for describing and The Advertising federation of

Back to it analysing communications

media in various ways

You could consider join-

ing or subscribing to one of

Australia www.afa.org.au

The Walkey Awards www.

GiLLiAn • Understanding histori- these professional associa- walkleys.com

ThIS is scary. duddy though. I’ve been keep- problems finding where she fits cal, critical and theoretical tions, many of which you can Victorian Society of Editors

After a long break due to ing up with technology. 31 years in, the idea of facing a brand methods of analysis appro- join at a much reduced rate www.socedvic.org

family commitments, I’m fi- of computing experience helps. new situation is terrifying. The priate to the study of com- for students: Victorian Writers’ centre

nally getting the act together I have a Twitter, a LiveJournal social rules. What is appropriate munications and media www.vwc.org.au

to go back to uni and get that and a facebook account; an wear? how does one tell wheth- studies Academy of Interactive Enter-

wretched piece of paper that’s Amazon ordering history and a er it’s the right time to ask the • Knowledge of specialised tainment www.aie.act.edu.au

been holding me back for so reasonable collection of fanfic- question? Luckily, four decades but flexible skills in de- Association for the Study of Clubs and societies at

long. I’ve got the transcripts, the tion. I know what Derp, MLP- of having to learn by rote how scribing and analysing the Australian Literature www. Monash

info, the time - so why am I so fiM and 2dGoggles are about. to ‘fit in’ have taught me a few organisation, processes, asaliterature.com

worried? I used to run a Dwarven Priest tricks and routines. Although diverse uses and effects Australian and New Zealand Berwick Arts Society (B)

It’s the time factor. I’m now through Azeroth and I adore I’ve only recently been diag- of `traditional’ and `new’ communication Association Email: Bas.monash@gmail.

old enough that both my sons Jonathan coultan’s work. Even nosed as Aspergers (medium, communications technolo- www.anzca.net com

have been to uni. I’m going to scarier, I know about News- high-functioning), I’ve had gies Australian Association of Na- Esperanto (caul)

be one of those wretched older groups and Thinwire Termina- more than long enough to learn • Realising media as produc- tional Advertisers www.aana. www.monsucaulfield.org.au/

students whose presence is tol- tors. I’ll cope in that arena. things such as “Ask the ques- tive of the ways in which com.au pubs

erated by the young, bright, rar- tion anyway. chances are you the social relations between Australian Association of Na- Lots Wife (cl)

ing-to-go critters who make up But my actual worries are won’t be the only person who individuals and social/po- tional Advertisers www.aana. www.msa.monash.edu.au/09/

the majority of students. I may many and various. Do I have the didn’t understand” and “have litical institutions are or- com.au lotswife

well be the first person of their energy to get back into it; the an outrageous, humorous exam- ganised Australian cinematographers Ink (B) www.mubs.com.au/

parents’ age that they’ve had discipline to sit down and do all ple for ‘favourite musical act’ so Society (AcS) www.cinema- content/view/15/32

to meet as a strict contempo- that extra work? Does the brain you won’t sound too odd when Previous students who have tographer.org.au Monash Association of Debat-

rary; the first older person with still work ok and how long will you’re asked.” Oh, and “look completed this degree’s first Australian Direct Marketing ers www.monashdebaters.com

whom they are encouraged to it take it to get its mojo back; to them in the eye from time to job titles have been: Association (ADMA) www. Monash Marketing Students

debate and disagree openly. And start being able to think in those time so they don’t get weirded adma.com.au Society (MMSS) (cl, caul, B)

then there’s the other scary stuff. long and deep ways that get so out.” I can cope in normal soci- Academic/Lecturer* Australian Direct Marketing www.mmss.com.au

Depending on the classes, there little use in these days of inter- ety. I don’t do too badly, actual- Account Manager Association (ADMA) www. Mooscoop Newsletter (B)

may well be discussions of per- net, text and cheesy novels? And ly. But this is yet another strange Advertising coordinator adma.com.au www.mubs.com. au/content/

sonal stuff, including (OMG) am I still up to it. place to learn the rules for, and Archivist Australian humanities review blogsection/4/31

sex. And now the big one. As that’s going to exhaust me more Author www.australianhumanitiesre- Society of Arts Students (cl)

I won’t be a left-behind fuddy- someone who has always had than anything. At least now I Biographer view.org www.sas. monashclubs.org/

know why it always seemed so Book Editor/Publisher Australian Indigenous com- Site/Welcome.html

hard. Broadcast Assistant/Monitor/ munications Association www. Monash creative Writers (cl)

So look out for that more- Operator aicainc.org.au www.creativewriters.monash-

mature, slightly-concerned new columnist Australian Interactive Media clubs.org

student wandering around the communications Officer/ Industry Association www.

place. Don’t assume that every consultant aimia.com.au

older person you see is a mem- community Broadcast Online Australian Interactive Media Anonymised data presented

ber of staff. And please don’t get Assistant Industry Association www. here on employment outcomes

annoyed when you ask them copy Writer aimia.com.au for Monash University gradu-

where the Geology rooms are critic Australian Press council ates has been gathered from the

and they just look confused. cultural Development Officer www.presscouncil.org.au national Australian Graduate

It’s not early-onset Alzheimer’s, curator (film, Image and Australian Press council Survey that is conducted twice

I hope. And if it is, I’m sure Sound collections) www.presscouncil.org.au a year by Monash University in

there’s a nice quite corner where Editor/Sub-editor/chief Sub- Australian Publishers Associa- association with Graduate Ca-

I can just sit and watch the sun editor/Associate Editor tion www.publishers.asn.au reers Australia. When it is your

dapple on the leaves for a while ESL/ EfL Teacher* Australian Society of Authors turn please remember to com-

whilst I try to remember why I Events Producer www.asauthors.org plete the form!

came there in the first place. Exhibition Project Officer Australian Writer’s Market- For further career options, see

feature film Panellist place www.awmonline.com. the Arts Careers Matrix www.

feature Writer au arts.monash.edu.au/careers-

film and DVD Distributor/ Australian Writers’ Guild matrix

6 nATion nEwS



Busting open the 2011/2012 Federal Budget

EDITOr-IN-chIEf TiMoTHY LAwSon and fINANcE DIrEcTOr FATiMA HAKiM gauge the political reaction





ON Tuesday May 10, Austral- GDP) – largely through disci- per year of the Low Income Tax “We are in the middle of a Infrastructure fund (rIf) will tor Brown has stated that he

ian treasurer Wayne Swan pre- pline on spending and relying Offset into pay packets and in- resources boom, this nation be funded through MrrT. will use his position to push for

sented the 2011-2012 federal on firmer economic growth creasing the family Tax Benefit is extraordinarily wealthy, but Though the funding will en- some changes; and that he was

budget; it was unveiled along to boost taxation receipts. The Part A for teenagers by up to instead of the Treasury-recom- courage development and job not surprised that the govern-

with the solemn promise to get government claims to have de- $4,208 per year. Maximum pen- mended super profits tax, we’re creation in mining communi- ment didn’t give attention to so-

the nation back into the black. livered $22 billion in savings.” sions will be $128 per fortnight seeing a $22 billion squeeze in ties and communities support- called middle-class welfare such

The central goal of the budget The government budget higher for singles and $116 for this budget – billions of which ing the mining sector, the rea- as negative gearing and capital

is be on track for a 2012/13 sur- website states that cuts have couples since pension reforms are unnecessarily targeted at son Brown may not agree could gains.

plus: “to avoid compounding been made in order to expedite began in September 2009. people who deserve a better go,” be the fact that the regional ar- Opposition Leader Tony Ab-

the pressures associated with the what could be the fastest fiscal regional investment: $4.3 Senator Brown said. eas have recently been attacked bott’s budget reply was univer-

unprecedented mining invest- consolidation in 40 years. Mr billion will be invested into re- “We [the Greens] would have by natural disasters, especially sally slammed as weak and stale.

ment boom, the government Swan said: “The economy and gional hospitals, health care, ensured that the mining boom in Queensland and Victoria In response to Tony Abbott’s

has made the difficult decisions the budget are also still feeling universities, and roads. This was brought into the nation’s and there arises the uncertainty budget response, a May 14 ar-

necessary to deliver $22 billion the after-effects of the global funding will also go towards services and wasn’t just lining that during the development ticle in The Australian stated:

in savings,” the key initiatives financial crisis, with losses that supporting big businesses the pockets of the big mining of infrastructure, there may be “Abbott’s speech was pathetic.

on the government budget web- accumulated during that period through tax relief and simplifi- corporations, who export tens failure to tackle another natural No new policies were on dis-

site stated. larger and lingering longer than cation as well as linking Austral- of billions of that money each disaster and with such increased play. Not even an attempt to tell

Among the other advanced previously anticipated.” ian suppliers and manufacturers year out of this country, Sena- MrrT will be difficult to pay anyone what he would actually

countries that were involved in here are the key initiatives to opportunities in the resourc- tor Brown said, “we believe this for. do if he were in government.”

the global financial crisis, Aus- as provided by the government es sector through the ‘Buy Aus- resources boom ... money from As stated by Glenn Stevens, however, the article moved

tralia seems to be the only coun- website: tralian at home and Abroad’ it should be put in a sovereign Governor of central Bank: deftly and swiftly to defend

try that seems to be financially Australia’s workforce: $558 package. wealth fund for the future”. “The natural disasters over the the Opposition Leader follow-

secure. The Labor government million will be spent to develop Greens Leader Bob Brown Senator Brown’s main criti- summer have reduced output ing this statement, despite the

is predicting that the federal the nation’s workforce – with has reprimanded the govern- cisms of the budget include its and the resumption of coal dimness of his budget reply. It

budget will get back to a sur- quality training places, an am- ment for presenting a budget he cuts in the Department of her- production in flooded mines stated: “This speech may have

plus, unlike the rest of the ad- bitious reform to the vocational says looks after the profits of the itage and its failure to mention is taking longer than initially been a woefully deficient budg-

vanced countries that are yet to education training system and a big mining companies at the ex- the environment or Indigenous expected.” however, Senator et reply, but it was a beautifully

struggle their way through their range of measures to boost work pense of the least fortunate. Australians. he also vehemently Brown praised the government’s scripted declaration of war. If it

budget deficits. participation. “This is a budget lacking vi- attacked the government’s deal “long overdue” mental health were ever doubted, it was also a

The commonwealth Bank of Transport: $36 billion will go sion,” Senator Brown said: “It with companies over the Miner- package. reaffirmation of the value of fo-

Australia’s Federal Budget 2011: towards roads, rails and ports has some clever components to als resource rent Tax (MrrT). The ALP minority govern- cus group research.”

Overview states that the under- – including a $1 billion dollar it, but it’s a great missed oppor- Based on the federal budget, ment is reliant upon the Greens Mr Swan has panned Tony

lying budget deficit for 2011/12 duplication of the Pacific high- tunity. I’d give it a six out of 10.” $5.6 billion of the regional to see its budget passed. Sena- Abbott’s budget reply speech

is projected at $22.6 bn (1.5 per way. for failing to explain how he’d

cent of Gross Domestic Product healthcare: In the health return to surplus; he said the

(GDP)) vs. the $49.4bn (3.6 care sector, the national mental opposition leader’s speech was

per cent of GDP) deficit now health reform will receive $2.2 sadly lacking and failed a fun-

expected in 2010/11). billion over 5 years, $717 mil- damental test: “I wouldn’t dig-

Last year, the federal budget lion into diagnostic imaging nify what he said last night as

stressed the fall in GDP by and affordable medicine, and a vision,” he told reporters at

0.5%. Decreased revenue and $53 million will go to public Ipswich, west of Brisbane, on

a rise in unemployment to 8.5 dental services. friday.

percent, led the country to be Education: $847 million will The treasurer described Ab-

part of the global financial cri- go into education – the money bot’s reply as“30 minutes of

sis. It required a strong focus on will go towards rewarding teach- mindless negative behaviour,”

changes of the fiscal policy as ers’ performance, additional this has been echoed by other

well as integrity to stabilise the funding for school students members of the ALP and mem-

financial system and national with disabilities and extending bers of The Greens.

debt. the National chaplaincy pro-

The reports stated: “The gov- gram. The chart above summarises Australian Government revenues and expenses for 2011 12 on an accrual basis. Total

ernment still expects the budget families and low income revenue for 2011 12 is expected to be $350.0 billion, a decrease of 1.5 per cent on estimated revenue since the Mid

to return to surplus in 2012/13 earners: changes here include Year economic and Fiscal Outlook 2010 11. Total expenses for 2011 12 are expected to be $365.8 billion, an increase

($3.5 billion or 0.2 per cent of - bringing forward up to $300 of 1.0 per cent on estimated expenses since the Mid Year economic and Fiscal Outlook 2010 11.









Q&A with Stephen King

Dean, Monash University’s Faculty of Business and Economics

iSHiTA ACHARYYA

AccESS



The most recent federal budget Management at the University of struggling to get out of their re- Our dollar would go down rap- mismanaged. It was relatively sure there’s a proper premium

has revealed that, while contend- Melbourne and Melbourne Busi- cession. idly, our unemployment would conservative banking manage- there and have the government

ing with the economic effects of ness School. In 1985, he received Throughout Asia, though, go up rapidly, and so on. ment that would underline and start acting like an insurer of the

natural disasters, we are still re- the University Medal from ANU china’s booming again, India’s There’s probably less of a protect our banking system in banking system.

covering from the effects of 2008 for his undergraduate studies growth is up, South-East Asia’s buffer there because, compare it Australia. We know politically that if a

Global Financial Crisis. In the in economics and completed his going well. That’s reflected in to, say, the ‘97 Asian (banking) We saw, of course, that as bank did something that was re-

wake of the GFC, commentators PhD from harvard University the Australian economy, be- crisis, when demand from Asia soon as the financial crisis start- ally stupid, even something the

and victims of the GFC eagerly in 1991. Professor King is also cause, like it or not, we provide dropped for our products, our ed, the Australian government government had decided against

sought explanations as to its cause. a Director and founder of CoRe a whole bunch of raw materials dollar dropped rapidly, and we jumped in and said, “oh, we’re insuring for, politically, they’re

Many contended that executive Research, and leading Australian for the Asian economies, both, replaced a lot of Asian demand going to insure all depositors going to come in and insure the

avarice and lax financial regula- economics blog, CoRe economics. natural resources and educa- with European demand. So, under a million dollars, we’re bank.

tion were the culprits, while oth- Professor King specializes in tional institutions. We provide all of a sudden Australian agri- going to provide partial insur- That means that the gov-

ers argued the inherent regulatory Trade Practices economics, regula- educated workforce, who go cultural products, for example, ance for depositors above a mil- ernment has to think about

incentives within the financial tion and industrial organization back to countries like china instead of going to Thailand, lion dollars!” whether it should actually re-

system caused the financial mael- and chaired the Mergers Review and feed into their economic Malaysia, china, were going When Bankwest, which is the strict banking activities of the

strom, and others still made clear Committee while at the ACCC. miracle. through to Europe. closest bank we’ve had to being entities that are insured and say,

that this was not as much a GFC his research in industrial eco- So, we probably have less in some kind of financial trou- “look, there are some things you

as it was a North Atlantic Finan- nomics and regulation is widely Do you think Australia is still resilience now because that al- ble because its owner hBOS in simply cannot do if you want

cial Crisis. published. feeling any effects at all of the ternative market isn’t available. the UK actually did need to be a banking license in Australia.

Now, the focus has turned to crisis? Other than that, i think we’re bailed out by the government, If you do them, we will revoke

how we recover from the GFC, Do you think the Global Fi- The most obvious effect of the being very lucky in getting the federal Government effec- your banking licenses and your

and particularly, how the inter- nancial Crisis (GFC) is over? crisis is the fact that the Austral- through the financial crisis the tively intervened and organized senior executives will go to jail”.

national regulatory environment Two things - firstly, when you ian dollar is so strong against way we have. We depended a for the commonwealth Bank to Now, that’s not unprecedent-

may guarantee against such crises say Gfc, it’s important to re- the US dollar. lot on china and we didn’t have buy it. ed, by the way. That’s exactly the

in the future. Basel III has been member it was really North-At- Are we feeling any ef- any significant banking crises So, we now know that de- sort of rules we had in Australia

formulated in response to the lantic; we’re referring to Europe fects.........we’re probably slight- here. spite what our official rules said, and in most other developed

GFC, to render the international and the US. In Europe and the ly less resilient than we would I think the bigger risk is that there’s no way politically that a countries between the early

financial sector more resilient. US, it’s not over. A substantial have been 5 years ago, when we don’t learn the lessons from government in Australia can al- 1930s and about the 1980s, and

however, there is concern that number of European econo- china had really taken off in the financial crisis. low a major bank to default. we actually got rid of them in

regulatory demands to hold high mies are still in trouble - Portu- terms of importing minerals It will protect the depositors, the 1980s and 1990s. So, what

investment grade assets will be gal, Ireland, Greece, Spain are around 2006. 2004/05 was the what are those lessons? it will probably protect bond we really need to learn is there

even greater under this new regu- all still in trouble. Ireland and turn-around, from when china The most obvious one, and holders and probably equity was good reason why we put

latory framework. Greece are being bailed out, was exporting coal to importing this is one I’ve blogged about, is holders. In that situation, it’s these rules in place after the

Preeminent Australian econo- Portugal and Spain are teeter- coal. There was a big increase in that the rules of banking inter- not very clear that we have an Great Depression.

mist and Dean of Monash Busi- ing. Other parts, the UK, for coal prices, iron ore prices and nationally and in Australia have insured banking system. It’s just

ness and economics, Professor example, are still very depressed so on, which had an effect on changed, whether we like it or that the banks don’t pay for it. And then 80 years down the

Stephen King, spoke with Monthy economically. Germany is prob- Australia. not. So, we’re now in a comfort- track, we’ll get rid of them

Access about the implications of ably the healthiest economy in Australia’s probably a lot more This goes back to the Wal- able situation where the banks again.

the GFC for international regula- the EU, but they’re getting a bit dependent on china now than lis enquiry, which set up our know that the government will Probably, because remember

tion, and Australian tertiary edu- sick of bailing others out. In the it was five years ago because the modern financial structure in bail them out, the government the banks have an incentive to

cation system. US, there are unprecedented European and US markets just Australia, very much premised knows it has to, but they’re both lobby to get rid of the restric-

Before joining Monash Uni- levels of unemployment, still aren’t as buoyant as they used on the idea that government pretending that doesn’t occur. tions. They argue for profits.

versity, Professor King was a up around 10%. Now.10% to be. regulated banks, but that the My reaction to that is we need But, the tax payer bails them

Member of the Australian Com- unemployment in the US was So, if there was a revolution government did not protect to rethink our banking rules to out if the risk goes bad.

petition and Consumer Commis- unheard of for generations, ear- in china tomorrow, Australia banks. That is, banks could go make the insurance that does

sion (ACCC). he has also been ly 70s was the last time it was would encounter significant bankrupt and depositors could exist explicit rather than im-

a Professor of economics and around that mark. They’re still problems in the short-term. lose their money, if banks were plicit. Put it on the table, make

nATion nEwS 7



Federal Budget 2011: That’s a bit rich

NATION NEWS EDITOr CHRiSTinE ToDD breaks it down





The Gillard government sits geted wage subsidies. These will hospitals and health care: entirely contradictory strategy, will see some families keep their of field decision to purchase set

on a $22.6 billion deficit for the be designed to encourage em- • $2.2 billion over five years although one could almost say taxable income below the point top boxes for the elderly. Nan

2011-2012 period, but expects ployers to hire those who have delivering on national mental the long-term benefits outweigh at which child welfare payments might not have anywhere to

a $3.5 billion cash surplus in not worked for more than two health reform. the short-term inadequacies. cease, a payment they hardly re- live, but by golly she’ll get access

2012-2013. how is that money years. • $16.4 billion in hospital The complete absence of any quire at their taxable income. to digital television.

being distributed? • To slow the growth of ap- growth funding to the states progress on the carbon emis- Tough new requirements to What is clear from this budget

plicants for Disability Support from 2014-2015. sions scheme, otherwise rhetori- access the disability support is that the Gillard government is

what the 2011 Federal Budg- Pensions, the government will • $717 million to expand access cally known as the ‘carbon tax’, pension are surprisingly brutal. serious about its reform of the

et Says: introduce strict new require- to diagnostic imaging services indicates it will be a substantial The Gillard government has social security system. Its plans

ments. These will include up- and make medicines more af- feature in future federal budg- withdrawn substantially from to severely cut the number of

Education: dating the definition of inca- fordable. ets. But at what cost for health, its Education revolution strat- high income families from ac-

• $425 million to reward top pacitated, introducing new • $53 million to improve ac- education, and employment re- egy, with some of its education cessing unnecessary family tax

performing teachers requirements for younger recip- cess to public dental services, forms? initiatives remarkably off course benefits is to be commended.

• $200 million to support ients, providing more wage sub- particularly for people on low An emphasis on the long- from its original strategic map. The focus on getting the chroni-

school students with disability sidies for prospective employers, income. term unemployed does not con- Spending $425 million to de- cally unemployed back into the

• $222 million to extend the and allowing more hours to be sider the transition from short- velop a merit-based system to workforce, while fanciful, does

National School chaplaincy worked before payments are Infrastructure: term unemployed to long-term reward top-performing teachers more for the ongoing problem

program. The program allows suspended. • $36 billion investment in unemployed. With provisions might sound productive, but it of long-term unemployment

for schools to apply for a grant roads, rails and ports. for employer subsidies regard- is far removed from the realities than any government has over

of up to $20,000 a year to em- rural Australia: ing the long-term unemployed, of classrooms at underperform- the past twenty years.There’s a

ploy a religiously affiliated chap- • $4.3 billion investment in Other: where does this leave the short- ing schools. It also needlessly lot of work to be done in terms

lain to provide students with regional hospitals, health care, • foreign aid increased by half a term unemployed with the same pits teachers up against one an- of putting their utopian welfare

emotional and spiritual guid- universities and roads. billion to $4.84 billion. desperation for work in an al- other when it would otherwise system into motion, but at heart

ance. • Supporting small businesses • The provision of a set top box ready stale job market? be more beneficial for them to it’s a good modest step in the

• $18 million to provide path- through tax relief and simplifi- for all pensioners, known as the Delays in the rollout of the work as a team. right direction.

ways into teaching careers cation. household Assistance Scheme, National rental Affordabil- A set top box? honestly? It’s not the most adventurous

at a cost of $319 million. ity Scheme will save the federal of reads, but for the most part

Employment: families and Low Income Earn- government $345 million, but this 2011 federal Budget comes

• $558 million to deliver tai- ers: will cost those who need it a hell what this means: across as not too shabby given

lored, quality training places • Bringing forward up to $300 what the 2011 Federal Budg- of a lot more. the awkward political circum-

through the National Work- per year of the Low Income Tax et Doesn’t Say: crucial reforms to the den- The 2011 federal budget is a see- stance of the Gillard govern-

force Development fund Offset into family pay packets. tal healthcare system have once saw of investment and tax cuts. ment. With their hands barely

• $1.75 billion towards reform • Increasing the family Tax The budget spends a great deal again been delayed due to lack Small reductions to expenditure keeping the leash on one of the

of the vocational education and Benefit Part A for teenagers of time selling its progressive of funds. Initiatives to improve are offset by equal increases in most tenacious pests in politics,

training system. by up to $4,208 per year, with mental health reforms, which access to dental services for the expenditure elsewhere, allowing Tony Abbott, and a minority

• Measures to boost participa- more flexible access. are a crucial necessity and to be disadvantaged are admirable, for worthwhile developments government teetering on implo-

tion by rewarding work, provid- • A freeze on the indexation of commended. however it’s fuzzy but ultimately a band-aid solu- such as mental health reform sion, the Gillard government

ing new opportunities through the family Tax Benefit Part A, on the diversion of funds for the tion. and eliminating welfare reli- had no space for a bold and in-

training, education and services, meaning those families with an endeavor. funding for mental New restrictions to counter ance. Some cost-cutting deci- ventive budget. It’s unlikely the

and introducing new require- income of $150,000 or more health reform will actually come the number of high-income sions, however,have been down- government will see a bounce in

ments for some groups. per year will be restricted from from a reduction in the number families applying for family tax right perplexing. Neglect of the the polls following its release,

• $101 million towards a na- applying for benefits they do of Medicare-funded psycholo- benefits aren’t entirely impen- National rental Affordability but it will provide a distraction

tional mentoring program to not need. gist visits, down from 12-10 etrable. Those families teetering Scheme amidst one of the worst from its recent refugee and car-

help apprentices finish training. • Seniors will be granted the per year. It will also include on the edge of the $150,000 cut periods of housing affordability, bon tax woes. It is, however, a

• $233 million to be invested freedom to earn an additional cuts in the Medicare rebate for off point are easily sidestepped. as well as an ill-advised rewards clever redistribution of spend-

in new support programs to get $125 per week before their aged all GP visits regarding mental Methods such as deferring in- scheme for top-performing ing priorities, so credit given

the long-term unemployed into pension is affected. health, leaving individuals out come and splitting superannua- teachers, border on the bizarre. where credit is due.

work, in addition to 35,000 tar- of pocket. This seems to be an tion contributions with a spouse Not to mention the entirely left









Greens senator slams new

immigration laws

continued From PAGE 1

is taking this issue seriously. It’s justify his stance. So what he Afghanistan and executed – so

not for any practical reason it’s wants to do is to ensure that any it’s a life sentence”.

all for show.” type of conviction, even if it’s a “Even though the courts

Senator hanson-Young plans good behaviour bond, even if decided when they convicted

to subject the new legislation to it’s a slap on the wrist because him they know the context

intense scrutiny: “Once we do somebody was protesting on of the situation; he’s not a

see it [the new legislation] we’ll the roof, even if it was because bad person, he’s a young boy

obviously go through it with somebody was involved in a who has severe mental health

a fine tooth comb, I’ll insist fight that broke out and subse- issues, has been locked up, suf-

that it goes to a senate inquiry

so that we can actually have

quently charged with assault –

regardless of the context. If the

fers from post-traumatic stress

disorder etc. The courts take

nuclear spin and solutions for students

a good look at the legislation court had convicted somebody, all those things into consid- AUSTrALIAN STUDENT ENVIrONMENT NETWOrK, PrESS rELEASE

rather than simply allowing the no matter how minor the of- eration when they make these

government to ram it through, fence was that would automati- decisions about what kind of IN the wake of the fukushi- day fukushima, today depleted edge to keep it safe.

which they sound as though cally mean a failure of the char- conviction or sentence some- ma crisis, people around the uranium ammunition spread Nuclear energy is dependent

they would like to do.” acter test. So then that person body should be given,” Sena- world are protesting the nu- throughout Libya. The dan- upon uranium, which, just like

“from what he [Mr Bowen] couldn’t challenge the minister’s tor hanson-Young said, “the clear industry. The earthquake gers posed by nuclear products coal, is a finite resource. Alterna-

said it is all about taking away... decision in a court. minister [Mr Bowen] with his and tsunami that hit Japan in the future are very real, and tive means of energy generation,

the discretions of the courts. So, “Anyone who is convicted of announcement [of the new was a human tragedy, however place millions of people’s lives at such as wind, solar, thermal and

currently [with] the character absolutely anything...automati- laws] wants to override all of it does offer the opportunity risk. We need people power to water turbine utilise renewable

test you have to have to be con- cally fails the character test – he that, it doesn’t matter what to reflect on the role of nuclear balance the spin of the powerful resources. Talk of nuclear power

victed of a very serious crime, [Mr Bowen] can write legisla- the court says he will make power as we move away from pro-uranium governments and as a safe alternative to fossil fu-

you have to have done jail for at tion to do that. Then the courts a decision by saying because fossil-fuel dependent forms of mining companies. els should be halted. It is clear

least 12 months...It doesn’t spe- would find it very difficult to you were given some type of energy production. On reflec- The nuclear spinners are cam- that the funding currently going

cifically say that, but that’s the argue because that’s the law; conviction you will automati- tion, we need to shut down ouflaged within the system. toward nuclear power could be

principle – that it’s meant to be and there is no kind of grey and cally fail the character test – no the uranium industry now. They are in our universities, better spent on further research

for a serious crime. ambiguity in it.” questions asked”. Ban it. Where will it end if we and they are educating peo- and development of renewable

Senator hanson-Young be- Mr Bowen has stated that The new legislation will be don’t? ple the wrong way. We have to energy sources.

lieves that Mr Bowen is seeking once somebody has failed the backdated. In response to this, Australian uranium is a demand accountability from how do we shut down the

to shield himself from potential character test they will be un- Senator hanson-Young stated: source for the nuclear industry our academics; there are too nuclear industry and avoid any

future legal proceedings: “What able to obtain a permanent pro- “I don’t think retrospectivity and therefore a starting point many in the university system future accidents?

he [Mr Bowen] wants to do is to tection visa (PPV) – even if they in law making is ever particu- for nuclear reactors and for with strong yet undeclared We need to get the truth out

amend it to take away any strict are found to be in genuine need larly smart. We don’t like it for nuclear weapons. however, al- links to the uranium industry. there. Protests, solidarity gath-

principle, because of course if of protection. a variety of reasons, and on though targeted communities Universities should be creating erings, education events and

he was to enforce the character “When their case for asylum something like this when it’s and environment/health or- graduates who are more than talking to people will all bring

test, as it is, somebody could has been assessed we won’t give meant to be a deterrent as the ganisations continue to strug- merely servants of capitalism, the power back into balance.

challenge that in court. them a protection visa, we will minister [Mr Bowen] argues, gle against nuclear projects, graduates who are entrusted We have to get together and

“And you could challenge put them on a temporary visa – a deterrent for people’s behav- anti nuclear activity was at its with the breadth of knowledge think about real solutions to

it because you could say well with less rights; all the negative iour, why would you decide to peak in the 70s and 80s when to criticise a rich and powerful close down the nuclear industry.

it doesn’t actually specifically elements that come with tem- implement it retrospectively. MAUM was organising. The industry, and the skills to assess Deep in the Northern Ter-

say I had to be convicted of porary protection visas of years If it is a deterrent then people Australian uranium industry whether we want nuclear prod- ritory is a beautiful and sacred

this crime...the persons lawyer gone past under the howard need to know about it before- has continued to flog nuclear ucts to be a part of our future. place called Muckaty, and it is

would be arguing that their cli- government: no family reun- hand. To me, it just proves spin throughout the fuku- Students have to demonstrate being considered as the site of a

ent has no character issues. They ion, probably very limited work that this is not about the prin- shima crisis and remains in the way out of a nuclear future national nuclear waste dump in

may have been imprisoned for a rights[and the constant fear of ciple of people who break the denial. Money and power feed for the planet. The first respon- Australia. ASEN Nuclear free

protest on the roof, but let’s un- being sent back]”, Senator han- law being dealt with through the denialism of the nuclear sibility of all humans is to look is actively campaigning against

derstand the context by which son-Young said, “the fear of be- the justice system or indeed industry and the victims of after their environment where this proposal and supports the

this took place: people’s applica- ing sent back is really even more the strengths and weaknesses this game are the people with they live, to keep it clean and Australian Nuclear free Alliance

tions are taking too long; they compounding than the fact that of the character test, this is all less power. The true cost of the free, to look after the air, the wa- each year.

have been pushed to breaking they got a slap on the wrist for about the government looking profits made by corporations ter and the earth. Our survival Please contact ASEN at info@

point they are in desperation. getting into a brawl in an over- as though they can compete trading in nuclear power and depends on these resources and asen.org.au or your campus en-

They could argue that in a court crowded detention centre with a with the coalition on looking weapons is the lives of hun- we cannot allow them to be poi- vironment officer to join the e-

of law. bunch of 17 year olds in Dar- tough.” dreds of thousands of people: soned. We have to get in touch list and come along to the next

“The minister [Mr Bowen] win; for example, a young... 66 years ago hiroshima, 25 with the environment that sup- national meeting in August.

would find it very difficult to boy fears he will be sent back to years ago chernobyl, Yester- ports us, and spread the knowl-

8 woRLD nEwS



Global Snapshot, May 2011

SHARnA THoMASon, MARCUS BURKE AnD RiCHARD GRiFFin

MONThLY AccESS EDITOrS

www.aiia.asn.au/access-home







THE AMERiCAS come to an end in the Ivory of Goldman Sachs told the and fuel prices as well as volatile ant living in Abbottabad un- free. Australia was ranked as

coast with the incumbent Pres- BBc it was a mystery as to why capital inflows. The benefits of knowingly tweeted about the equal 32nd.

Columbian drug smug- ident Laurent Gbagbo having South Africa had been invited boosting intra-regional trade military operation whilst it was In the Asia Pacific, there was

been placed under house arrest. to participate in their meeting, and strengthening connectivity underway. A number of com- a slight overall decline in press

glers using submarines After being captured on April “South Africa is small compared in specific areas are also high- puter hard drives, containing freedom. In particular, South

11 by forces loyal to Alassane to these countries. South Africa lighted. details of possible future attacks, Korea moved from free to

DrUG enforcement agencies in

Ouattara, AfP news reports is about half a per cent of global were also taken in the operation. Partly free and Thailand from

colombia and the United States

that there are preliminary inves- GDP.” The US Department of home- Partly free to Not free. cam-

have uncovered the increasing

tigations into crimes committed EURoPE land Security released a notice bodia, fiji, India, and Vanuatu

trend of using homemade sub-

by the Gbagbo regime. of a planned attack on the US also recorded a drop in freedom.

marines or semi-submersibles to

human rights activists now ASiA PACiFiC rail network on 11th September Bangladesh and the Philippines

traffic large amounts of cocaine

point to the challenge that in- Mugabe in Europe de- 2011. saw slight improvements.

from colombia to Mexico and spite travel ban

coming President Ouattara

other destinations. These sub-

faces to unite the country with China cracks down on

mersibles make it even harder Gaza-Egypt border cross- The world Economy

some form of reconciliation underground religious ThErE was outcry as Zimba-

for authorities to detect these

process whilst pursuing justice. movement bwe’s President robert Mugabe ing to open ThE International Monetary

large scale trafficking opera- was among the thousands of

This could be achieved either EGYPT is to permanently open fund (IMf) has released its lat-

tions. According to the BBc, a people who attended the beati-

through the Ivory coast’s le- TENSIONS between the chi- the rafah border, the Gaza est World Economic Outlook

vessel discovered in february by fication of Pope John Paul II in

gal system or through an in- nese government and the fast- Strip’s only crossing which by- predicting world economic

colombian officials had a stor- the Vatican on May 1st 2011.

ternational tribunal. President growing underground chris- passes Israel. Israel imposed the growth of 4.5% in 2011 and

age compartment in the bow The outcry stems from the fact

Ouattara is due to meet the tian movement increased last blockade on the Gaza strip in 2012, fuelled by continued

of the submarine capable of that Mugabe is subject to an

former United Nations Secre- month, particularly in the lead 2006 after hamas took control rapid growth in developing

storing eight tonnes of cocaine. EU-wide travel ban, as part

tary-General Kofi Annan and up to Easter. More than two of Gaza, meaning the 1.5 mil- countries. however, the IMf

The UN reports that “colombia of the sanctions placed on the

the Nobel peace prize laureate dozen chinese christians were lion inhabitants have relied on noted that there are a number of

remains the main source of the leader and Zimbabwe.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu to detained, with many more pre- a web of tunnels beneath the significant risks to this growth,

cocaine found in Europe, but Although the Vatican is not

discuss the proposed Truth and vented from holding services rafah border for their basic ne- including unemployment and

direct shipments from Peru and a member of the European Un-

reconciliation commission, over the Easter weekend. cessities. large government deficits in

from Bolivia are far more com- ion, Mugabe did have to travel

and learn from the post-Apart- The government said that Menha Bakhoum, a spokes- developed countries; the rising

mon than in the US market.” via rome. Italy, as a member

heid experience in South Africa. members of the Shouwang woman for the Egyptian for- cost of food, and rising inflation

church were breaking regula- of the EU, should have en- in developing countries.

US Storms forced the EU-wide travel ban. eign Ministry, stated that Egypt

Malaria tions by conducting services is “...opening a new page [and] The World Trade Organisa-

outside. Members of the Shou- In 2005, Mugabe attended the tion has also released its lat-

APrIL was a record setting Pope’s funeral, and has also at- resuming its role that was once

ThE BBc reports that scien- wang church claim they were abdicated,” with Egypt’s interim est world trade figures, which

month in the United States with forced to hold the outside ser- tended United Nations meet- showed that worldwide exports

tists claim they are closer to be- foreign Minister Nabil al-Arabi

453 tornadoes, breaking the re- vices as they were prevented ings held in rome. grew by a record 14.5% in

ing able to change the DNA of describing the support of the

cord of 267 in 1974, while the from acquiring the property 2010, but are expected to grow

wild mosquitoes in an effort to previous Egyptian government

average tornado count last April in which they had planned on EU-Japan Free Trade at the less rapid rate of 6.5% in

combat malaria. In laboratory for the blockade as disgraceful.

was around 163. Alabama was holding the services. The chi- 2011. The large 2010 growth

tests, scientists have witnessed Agreement to help Tsu- Although the government re-

hit particularly hard, with the nese government stated that offset a decline of 12% in 2009.

an engineered gene spread nami recovery mains an interim one, it is im-

path of devastation causing a the church operates illegally

through a mosquito popula- plementing the greatest shift in

number of fatalities and wide- as they are not registered as

tion, which could prevent the UK Prime Minister David foreign policy for three decades. Food Prices Fall... for

spread destruction. President a state-sanctioned operation.

spread of the malaria parasite. cameron has stated that the Egypt is now prepared to treat now

Obama declared a state of emer- State-sanctioning includes the

The World health Organisation European Union should offer hamas as a diplomatic partner

gency to assist the search and government censoring certain

reports that there are 250 mil- Japan a free trade deal to help rather than a security threat, a ThE latest figures from the

rescue effort and toured the religious material.

lion cases and nearly one mil- the Asian nation recover from sign that times are changing. food and Agriculture Organi-

devastated state. The Wall Street The government has, in the

lion deaths of malaria each year. the destructive earthquake and Israel has raised concerns over sation (fAO) show that food

Journal reports that the severe past, appeared willing to ac-

One in five childhood deaths in tsunami of March 2011. possible implications for re- prices have declined for the first

storms are the likely result of commodate the underground

Africa is due to the effects of the Prime Minister cameron gional security caused by open- time in eight months. Prices re-

a “rare collision of hot, humid movement and even helped the

disease. believes this would give Japan ing the border crossing. main high however, and foreign

air from the Gulf of Mexico church find a place of worship,

Dr Yeya Touré, of the World a trade boost and aid its eco- Policy Magazine is proclaiming

with frigid Arctic winds pushed despite the religion lying out-

health Organisation, said that nomic recovery. The estimated that with rising demand and

down across five Southern states side the state-sanctioned system

the discovery was very impor- rebuilding costs are over $300 falling capacity due to climate

by global climate patterns.”

tant, but cautioned that further for religious worship. however, inTERnATionAL

billion. The International Mon- change, “food is the new oil”,

studies must be carried out be- given the events of the past etary fund has stated that it be- and high prices may contribute

Donald Trump for Presi- fore the technology is used as month it seems unlikely that the lieves Japan’s economy is strong world Press Freedom to further political instability.

dent? a genetic control strategy. The government will compromise enough to cover the rebuilding Declining

challenge will be getting the any further. costs. * Sharna graduated with a Mas-

BILLIONAIrE businessman, genes to spread from the genet- Members of the church are frEEDOM house this month ter of Diplomacy and Trade from

Donald Trump caused a stir in ically-modified mosquitoes to now living in fear, knowing they released their latest report “free- Monash University, Melbourne.

US politics, announcing that the wider mosquito population are being closely watched by the dom of the Press 2011“ which She is a passionate human rights

he is considering running for across the globe. government. They must make MiDDLE EAST found that “only one in every advocate and is currently working

President of the United States in the decision to either worship six people live in countries with for the Victorian State Govern-

2012. The host of the hit reality Meeting of the BRiCS in state controlled churches or osama Bin Laden killed a free press”. The report found ment.

TV show “The Apprentice” and continue to worship outside of in Pakistan declines in press freedom in * Marcus is currently complet-

real estate mogul told fox News SOUTh Africa made its first the government sanctions. much of the Middle East and ing a Master in Diplomacy and

“Barack Obama has been the appearance at a BrIcS Lead- ThE long hunt for Osama bin North Africa, along with parts International Trade at Monash

worst President ever.” In con- ers Meeting, joining leaders Un report: Asia-Pacific Laden, which spanned almost of the Americas, in particular University. he also has a com-

trast, President Obama used the from Brazil, russia, India and developing nations to 10 years is finally over. US Navy Mexico. There were however, bined Law/Science degree from

White house correspondents’ china at the south china resort drive global economy in SEALs under Operation Nep- improvements in freedom in the University of Melbourne, and

Association annual dinner to city of Sanya, where the leaders tune Spear broke into Bin Lad- Sub-Saharan Africa. Of the 196 has most recently been working in

mock the reality TV star’s presi- 2011 en’s compound in Abbottabad, countries rated, 35% were rated

published the Sanya Declara- the IT industry.

dential ambitions, claiming he tion. South Africa’s The Times Pakistan killing him and taking free, 33% were rated Partly free * Richard completed an Arts/Law

would turn the White house A new regional report released his fourth wife captive. and 32% were rated Not free.

reports that South Africa’s invi- by the UN Economic and So- degree from Monash University

into a casino. The popular Don- tation to attend, “should be seen Abbottabad is a military Trends included greater use of in 2008. he was worked for the

ald Trump stated that he will cial commission for Asia and town, with the military acade- regulatory hurdles to hamper

as recognition of South Africa’s the Pacific (EScAP) has found Prosecutor at the United Nations

announce his intention “some- strategic role on the continent my located within metres of the press freedom, more attempts International Criminal Tribunal

time prior to June [2011].” that developing nations in the bin Laden compound. This has by governments to control new

and its ability to “punch above Asia-Pacific region will contin- for the former Yugoslavia and is

its weight internationally.” raised questions about what Pa- media, and greater violence currently a lawyer at Lander and

ue to drive the global economy kistan knew and why they kept against journalists in a number

The meeting raised concerns in 2011. The report projects a Rogers Lawyers.

AFRiCA regarding the weakness of the the information secret. Pakistani of countries.

strong economic growth rate of intelligence agencies continue The country ratings saw fin-

US dollar and its role as the 7.3% after last year’s 8.8%. If you would like to comment on

main reserve currency as well as to assert that they knew nothing land ranked as having the great- this column, please email month-

ivory Coast update The report warns that the pro- about bin Laden’s presence until est freedom of the press, fol-

volatile food prices on the open jected outlook is subject to cer- lyaccess.editor@aiia.asn.au

market. however, the creator of the US helicopters flew in. lowed by Norway and Sweden.

ThE majority of fighting has tain risks, primarily high food

the term “BrIc” Jim O’Neil, Interestingly, an IT consult- North Korea was ranked as least









osama, 70,000 Afghan civilians dead

continued From PAGE 1



In a September 2009 report over-reliance on firepower and in Kunduz Province; Two teen- prevented them from leaving;

Gen. Stanley Mcchrystal force protection have severely age boys were killed by NATO three civilians and 14 insurgents

wrote: “civilian casualties and damaged the International Se- helicopters while working on were killed when a NATO mis-

collateral damage to homes curity Assistance forces’ (ISAf) road and field drainage; a civil- sile hit a gathering of insurgents

and property resulting from an legitimacy in the eyes of the Af- ian child and adult were killed in a house; three men, three

ghan people.” by a NATO gunship in Khost women and four children as

This year in Afghanistan province; Two men, two women well as six Taliban militants

alone; as a direct result of ISAf and three children travelling in were killed in a night operation

forces: 65 civilians, including a car were killed by a NATO air in Pakita Province; and a twelve

50 women and children were strike targeting two vehicles in year old girl and her uncle were

killed in a NATO operation in helmand province; two civil- killed when NATO forces acci-

Kunar province; nine Afghan ci- ians were killed and four inured dentally raided the wrong house every facet of the war, Australia of us, and we need to work to

vilian-boys, aged seven-13, who when NATO troops opened outside Jalalabad. has to make a change now and make amends in any way we

were collecting firewood, were fire after a car with brake fail- In total, over 70,000 Afghan admit the ‘real’ situation and the can, as a nation, with account-

mowed down by a US chop- ure sped towards a checkpoint; civilians have died along the ‘real’ problems on the ground in ability and transparency. We

per gunner; one civilian woman six civilians were killed by a way in the ten years since the Afghanistan to the Australian can start by moving money into

was killed when German troops NATO-led night operation; hunt to murder bin Laden be- public. The conflicts, problems more initiatives for lowering ci-

fired upon civilian houses, after two women were shot by Brit- gan. As a country that has so-far and issues that are there now are vilian deaths in our military and

they were ambushed by gun fire, ish troops when an angry crowd been complicit with the US in there – at least in part – because ‘peacekeeping’ operations there.

woRLD nEwS 9



Diggers kill children: military cover-ups of Aussie war crimes

in Afghanistan continue

GLEn HAYwooD



AUSTrALIAN commandos, that thieves were trying to rob sources of intelligence and the dent” will never be made public. stand the situation in Afghani- “privately expressed frustration

who killed Afghani children their house. like, may potentially afford ad- The Afghan government has stan, rather than by the Icc, with the decision to lay such

outside Surkh Morghab, Oruz- Jamela Khan, Zaahir Khan’s vantage to those opposed to the repeatedly warned that when where it’s trial by judge alone, charges”, but publicly backs

gan province, in february 2009, sister, survived the raid. Australian forces”. foreign soldiers kill civilians, with no combat experience”. Brigadier McDade’s decision to

will face charges in a secret mili- Jamela Khan said that “when “National security” was used especially women and children, Defence Minister Stephen charge the commandos.

tary trial, in part designed to they started firing my nephew by the commonwealth lawyer it “plays into the hands of the Smith declined to comment Neil James, head of the Aus-

prevent their prosecution by the stood up here. he stood up, said Tom Begbie to argue in the insurgents”. on whether his department was tralian Defence Association said

International criminal court ‘What is it?’ and they shot him”. closed courtroom that “open Anti-war advocates suggest contacted by the Icc. that by having charged the sol-

for war crimes, following revela- “Some were rolling in their justice” should not proceed. that this case poses a serious The charges come while the diers, Australia was demonstrat-

tions that the soldiers’ evidence blood and some were killed”, The key document – the challenge for the public’s sup- system of military justice is in ing that the “rule of law” is what

of ‘insurgents’ and ‘human she said. “rules of Engagement” – was port of the war, as they are being a state of flux. Twelve months “separated us from the barba-

shields’ contradicts the version Shapero Khan, the wife of considered to be “too sensitive”, asked to support the notion that ago, the high court declared rism of the Taliban”.

of events given by the survivors. Amrullah Khan also survived since it has been classified by Australian soldiers should be al- the Australian Military court Queensland president of the

The killings occurred during a the raid. “My white trousers and Defence as “secret”. lowed to kill children. unconstitutional. 4th royal Australia regiment

‘capture or kill mission’ target- my dress were covered with the however, in order to deter- There has been little Austral- Until new legislation is enact- (4rAr) Association, Alan Price,

ing Taliban commander Mul- blood of my children,” she said. mine whether or not the ac- ian media interest in the victims ed, enshrining the powers of a said that during 9-11, “innocent

lah Noorullah on february 12, “My oldest son was cut to cused soldiers breached the and survivors of the raid, with new military court administered civilians [were killed] in an area

2009, codenamed ‘Pakula’. pieces” Shapero Khan said. “My roE, the court would need to most media attention focusing by the federal court, the old where no soldiers were evident

The soldiers involved were daughter was shot in the head view the document. on the plight of the Australian court martial system will remain or visible”.

from the 1st commando regi- and chest, and she died,” she chief of Defence Air chief soldiers alleged to have perpe- in place and will hear the cases Like many pundits, Price ar-

ment, part of the Special Op- said. Marshal Angus houston in- trated the massacre. of the charged soldiers. gued that because Al Qaeda,

erations Task Group (SOTG), Zaahir Khan said that there structed commonwealth law- The herald Sun argued that Defence sources suggest that and by association, the Taliban,

which includes reservists, and was no warning before the raid. yers to have the roE “protected” the public should not “dismiss this will benefit the charged killed civilians, Australian forces

police officers. Khan also said that his brother throughout the courts-martial lightly the suggestion that [Brig- soldiers since high-ranked mili- should not have to follow the

The SOTG group involved in Amrullah was “not a Talib” and and hidden from public view. adier McDade’s] actions could tary officers will be prosecuting, rules either. “Where were the

the raid was codenamed force that there were no Taliban in Begbie claimed that if the lead to Australian deaths”. defending and judging the case, rules of Engagement employed

Element charlie. the area. roE were to be subjected to Similarly The Australian edi- instead of via the civilian system by [Al Qaeda] in this instance”,

The soldiers attacked the Zaahir Khan also denied that public scrutiny, it would put torialised that the numbers of of law. Price asked referring to 9-11.

house containing children at there was any gunfire directed Australian lives at risk, and give dead civilians and dead Austral- Defence sources said that ci- “It is the Taliban leaders who

2am, february 13. towards the Australian soldiers. aid to Afghan insurgents. ian soldiers alike would “soar vilians do not understand the should be charged with war

four children, a teenager and After entering the second “The possible consequences if Diggers became reluctant to circumstances that soldiers crimes, that of deliberately ex-

an adult were killed: Amrullah compound, the commandos are about as extreme as they open fire for fear of repercus- are involved in and therefore posing and using innocent ci-

Khan, 30; Elsanulah Khan, 10; woke Zahir Khan, dragged him can be” Begbie said.“These are sions”. should not have the power to vilians as human shields” Price

Nawab Qayam, 11; Esmatul- out of his bed, put a hood on matters, genuinely at this time, Sections of the Australian me- determine whether or not sol- said.

lah, 1; Gulsima, 2; and Zakira his head, and prepared him to matters of life and death,” he dia, like serving and retired sol- diers commit war crimes. “We have tied the hands of

Khan, 19, the teenage sister of be taken into custody. said. diers, believe that legal charges The announcement of charg- the Australian soldier behind his

Zaahir Khan, a survivor of the Soon after the arrest of Zaahir The prosecutor in the case, against soldiers who kill chil- es has enraged both former and back” Price said.

raid. Khan, the commandos entered Lieutenant colonel Tom Berk- dren may deter other soldiers current soldiers. “Why are we to be placed in

Two children and two adults another room to find his broth- ley, argued that the public must from displaying the appropriate Serving and former soldiers this predicament, when all that

were injured. er, Amrullah Khan, allegedly have confidence in the case. aggression required to engage in have flooded internet comment we did was to attempt to pro-

Two Australian soldiers and pointing a weapon at them. The ‘concept of Operations’ warfare. banks with justifications sup- tect the innocent on the orders

one senior officer have been According to Zaahir Khan, in document (cONOPS) – the contrary to the commonly porting the alleged soldiers’ ac- of the Australian government

charged. an interview broadcast by SBS’s complex plan covering tactics, held view that Australian sol- tions. and by succession at the behest

The accused soldiers had Dateline program, the Austral- strategy, regulations and legal diers are winning the “hearts One former soldier said “it’s of the Australian people?” asked

claimed that they had no choice ian soldiers opened fire on an framework prepared before eve- and minds” of Afghans with fashionable to blame the men the charged soldiers said in their

but to throw grenades into the unarmed Amrullah Khan and ry major operation – is a central reconstruction works like build- we send to fight, rather than statement.

house, as Amrullah Khan was threw two grenades into the component in the case. ing schools and hospitals, the the savages who use children as A veteran commando said on

allegedly firing at the comman- room, casting doubt on the The prosecution will argue SOTGis used for “targeted as- shield”. the 4rAr veterans’ website that

dos from inside the house. version of events given by the that the second raid resulting sassinations” of suspected Tali- “They are not cops they are “Its [sic] not the commando’s

however, some other soldiers charged soldiers. in the massacre was not out- ban and insurgent leaders. combat troops, trained by our [sic] that are killing the chil-

have given evidence that con- The initial Defence statement lined in the cONOPS, and A journalist with The Austral- governments to kill” the former dren, its [sic] the left wing loon-

tradicts the evidence given by immediately following the raid was therefore potentially ille- ian embedded in Afghanistan soldier said. “[Soldiers are] sent eys [sic] like McDade” he said.

Sergeant ‘J’ and Lance corporal said “the soldiers were fired gal, depending on who gave the described SOTG’s role as “com- by our governments to kill and “There is no way these clowns

‘D’. upon by Taliban insurgents”. command to move to raid the monly used by defence ... to de- they are suppossed [sic] to do all will ever control commandos.

Most chillingly, some soldiers A follow-up statement by De- second house. scribe elite [Australian] Special this with a leash around their We cannot be controlled” the

will testify that they “heard fence softened the initial claim Adding to the difficulties of Air Service operatives author- necks” he said. veteran nicknamed ‘Australian

women and children screaming and said that “we can confirm the prosecution, investigators ised to hunt and kill Taliban “Let the boys get on with it commando’ said.

before the second grenade was that Australian forces were in- could not visit the scene of the leaders in an Afghan variation and not [be] held accountable Another veteran said of Mc-

thrown,” indicating that the ac- volved in an exchange of fire massacre, nor any survivors, on the Vietnam-era Phoenix for every fart” the former sol- Dade that “this woman repre-

cused soldiers were aware that with an Afghan man”. because the area was deemed Program”. dier said. sents a terror worse than any

children were inside. A neighbour of the Khan not to be safe, and the required A similar “bungled raid” by Peace campaigners say that Taliban soldier”, while another

The accused soldiers claim family, haji Dastegar said “the military escort was engaged in SOTG in 2008 resulted in the this reluctance of serving and said that he was “surprised this

that they made “split-second people [were] sleeping and [the other operations, according to accidental targeting and killing former soldiers to be account- McDade is still alive”.

decisions, under fire, which al- Australian commandos were] a Defence source known to The of a key coalition ally, district able for war crimes is just an- retired Squadron Leader Bill

most certainly saved the lives of coming and killing them”. Age. governor rozi Khan. other reason why the govern- Murray said that “decisions [to

our fellow Australian and Af- “how can I be happy with The commandos had been critics of the war suggest that ment should withdraw troops charge soldiers] should never be

ghan soldiers”. these Australians?” haji ‘hunting’ the Taliban leader in once the SOTG embark on so- from Afghanistan. left to ‘people’ of your ilk” refer-

Defence Minister Stephen Dastegar asked. the first compound, detailed by called “targeted killings”, one Another soldier called Mc- ring to McDade. “They belong

Smith told parliament that Two secret investigations were intelligence in the cONOPS, can guarantee that killings take Dade a “mole” for charging the in the hands of those who truly

“Australian forces take all pos- conducted by the military. The but found it to be ‘dry’. De- place, but not necessarily tar- soldiers and that “this should be understand the demands, both

sible steps to ensure that opera- investigations’ findings remain fence sources said that after they geted killings. the end of her career”. physical and emotional, of op-

tions do not endanger the lives classified. failed to find the Taliban leader Defence officials have indicat- While another soldier called erational service” SQNLDr

of civilians”. “As the chief of the Defence theymoved to a second house in ed that had Brigadier McDade McDade a “political attention Murray said.

The accused Lieutenant colo- force has previously indicated, search of him. not charged the three soldiers, whore” and said that he is “not “Should another soldier die

nel is said to have used “flawed he intends to make public the The charged soldiers released the International criminal surprised one bit, from the fact in Afghanistan, you will have

intelligence” to target the house, outcomes as soon as is possible,” a public statement, cleared with court would have. A spokes- that [that] Brigadier is [a] wom- put the round in the chamber”

and it is said that he conducted a Defence force spokesman Special Operations headquar- man for the Opposition De- an.” Murray said.

a “rapid review of intelligence” said. It appears that making cer- ters, defending their actions. fence minister stated that the Yet another soldier said that rAf veteran Leonard clam-

which then changed the objec- tain aspects of the investigation Sergeant “D” and Lance cor- Icc contacted Defence depart- he would “love a face to face pett said that McDade’s pros-

tive of the soldiers. public are still not possible. poral “J” offered their “regret ment officials and said “unless chance with that bitch”. ecutions are “no more than a

The Lieutenant colonel is in Director of Military Pros- that women and children were you charge them, we will”. With all of the vitriol from dog and pony show to satisfy

line for a leadership medal. ecutions Brigadier Lyn McDade killed and injured”, but claimed Legal experts state that if the former and serving soldiers some imagined group, probably

The Age reported that the charged the soldiers in Novem- that “these were the people we soldiers are found guilty by the against Brigadier McDade, the Moslems”.

prosecution may rely on evi- ber last year. were risking our lives to pro- secret military court, the rules Defence chief Angus houston Alan Evered, national secre-

dence given by other officers Pre-trial directions are already tect”. of double jeopardy would pre- cautioned serving members not tary of the Korea Veteran As-

that expressed “reservations proceeding for two of the three regardless of any “regret” vent the Icc from charging to vilify McDade. sociation of Australia said that

about the training and behav- soldiers charged, Sergeant “J” felt by the charged soldiers, the soldiers, even if their pun- As part of the abusive internet the charges “encourage terrorist

iour” of the soldiers charged. and Lance corporal “D”. The they clearly blame the massa- ishment is minor and results in campaign, former soldiers and organisations to blatantly force

The raided house is said to charges range from “manslaugh- cre on the victims themselves. the docking of pay and a brief veterans’ organisations have put women and children to be their

have not been originally target- ter” to “dangerous conduct with “The casualties were ultimately confinement to base. together an online petition to ‘human shields’”.

ed, and was allegedly attacked negligence as to consequence”. caused by the callous and reck- however, some pro-war pun- have the charges dropped. “Our enemy is now within.....

without appropriate command The courts-martial are set to less act of an insurgent” the dits are not convinced and be- More than 19,000 people and must be stopped” Evered

approval. begin on July 11 in Sydney. charged soldiers said in their lieve that Australian soldiers signed the petition in a matter said.

The soldiers moved on to a The third soldier will face a statement. should be unencumbered by of days before it was removed. A serving commando

second house after failing to general court-martial at a later The soldiers claim that their legal restraints and war crimes. The petition claims that the ‘Sloaney’ asked “my God,

find the targeted insurgent lead- date with the charge “failure to role in the massacre “certainly The herald Sun’s Alan howe ar- charges will “paralyse troops in how many of us now could

er in the initial compound. comply with a general order” saved the lives of our fellow gued that if any of the soldiers the field” and that the soldiers be charged with murder or

While the accused soldiers and in the alternative, “prejudi- Australian and Afghan soldiers” are convicted, “they will have were only following orders. manslaughter if this crap goes

claim that accompanying Af- cial conduct”. even though weapons fire had been sacrificed to the political Law professor Tim Mccor- ahead”.

ghan soldiers gave verbal warn- The third soldier charged was ceased before the lethal second correctness that sees us signa- mack said that the petition It is the first time that an

ings identifying themselves as the most senior Special forces grenade was thrown into the tories to deeply flawed interna- could prejudice the trial and Australian soldier has ever been

coalition soldiers, in the local officer in Afghanistan at the house. tional conventions like ... war can be seen as “interference” charged with an offence against

language, the Afghan soldiers time, a Lieutenant colonel. The soldiers have confidence crimes”. and “contempt of court”. civilians in a warzone.

state that they provided no such The commonwealth had an that they will be found not Neil James, head of the Aus- Opposition leader Tony Ab- Anti-war campaigners have

warnings. application approved for pro- guilty because “when all the tralian Defence Association, bott claimed that the charging questioned the nature of the

One of the survivors, Zaahir tective orders in relation to what facts of this incident are made while concerned about the of the soldiers was equivalent to “military culture” that would be

Khan, said that he was sleeping they described as sensitive intel- known to the public, it will be charges, said that “they’ll get a “being stabbed in the back by harmed, and why the military

when the Australian comman- ligence matters. clear to everyone that we made far fairer trial in an Australian their own government”, onAlan should see itself as “unaccount-

dos burst in. Judge Advocate Brigadier Ian the correct decision.” court martial where their guilt Jones’2UE radio program. able” for its actions.

Zaahir Khan’s brother Amrul- Westwoodagreed saying that “it however, if the soldiers’ de- or innocence will be judged by Defence force chief houston The case continues.

lah Khan, the “suspected insur- is self-evident that disclosure of fence lawyers continue to get professional peers who under- was reported by The Age to have

gent”, is said to have thought material in relation to tactics, their way, the “facts of this inci-

10 woRLD nEwS



The rearguard rallying of Gaddafi’s regime

DR DEnniS wALKER MONASh ASIA INSTITUTE

GLEN haywood’s article “War manitarian mission of the inter- Americans and British, and also Algeria’s is the only Arab regime just genuinely neutral elections teeth snarling – “Allah towers

in Libya hits stalemate” (Lot’s national community as headed condemned “the traditional aiding him (=supplies and a few in Libya. above the pitiful aggressors”

Wife, May 2, 2011) focuses on by the UN, any longer. Arab rulers” (“the Arabian be- fighters). The youth who over- In some aspects, Gaddafi had (Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar

the military aspects of the civil Libyan state TV in Arabic trayal”) for their complicity. threw Mubarak in Egypt dislike far from modified the old Lib- fawqal-Mu’tadi).

war in Libya and the Western is the chief conduit now for One phoned in and said that Gaddafi as cut from the same yan society over forty years: his It was all of the Third World

powers’ interventions in it. he the Gaddafi regime to trans- Gulf rulers were paying for each cloth of the anachronistic mili- TV appealed to “the immemo- nationalisms of the 1950s and

wonders if a de facto partition, mit its motifs and representa- rocket fired by NATO to the tary tyrants who have to exit. rial tribes of the Great State of early 1960s: could those old im-

with Gaddafi in control of the tion of Libya and the world to tune of $US 2 million for each. The Egyptian armed forces may the Masses” to join the “rallying ages from a previous century get

populous West and the rebels the masses, given that it can An unnamed officer in the Jor- be giving weapons and training around the Brother Leader”. the IT new generation to die to

controlling the East with its oil, no longer retail its print-media danian army sent his solidarity. to the rebels, although Gaddafi’s (he had not tried to end tribes save Gaddafi? religions contin-

“a two-state partitioned Libya” in quite a few stretches of the however, the sense of a wide TV is wary to denounce the much, since his “Third Inter- ued in international relations,

might be the outcome. country. pan-Arab nation (al-Ummat al- new Egypt. Going on the Ara- national Theory” had defined and yet in condemning only

After the initial havoc and By late March, the Gaddafi ‘Arabiyyah) was subordinate to bic transmissions of Libyan TV, tribes as useful units in society new “crusaders” Gaddafiite dis-

loss of control in Eastern Libya, regime’s TV was whipping up “the Libyan people” (al-sha’b al- Gaddafi has received few or and its integration that might course lets christianity in gen-

Gaddafi then started to recover a rearguard ideological stance Libi) in the station’s discourse. It no messages of sympathy from carry on for a long time). Bat- eral off the hook: christianity,

some strength and fight back for ordinary Libyans who were perhaps voiced more pan-Afri- Arab governments or any or- tling malevolent neo-crusaders hinduism, Buddhism, confu-

with ruthless disregard of how less and less certain about eve- canism than pan-Arabism. The ganized Arab political parties or or not, Gaddafi’s polity clearly cianism etc can play for non-

far it was devastating Libya. If rything. The degrading of Lib- Gaddafi of 2011, long a dimin- movements. was no Islamist state on any Muslim peoples the functions

and how far Gaddafi survives yan communications by U.S./ ished, shrinking figure, did not Too often dysfunctional in recognisably traditional or of Islam in Libya in a range of

will be in part determined by NATO bombing and the rebels have much sympathy among his interactions with the Arab modernist-Ikhwanite model. new “Masses States” (Jamahiri-

how far the NATO powers are had limited the capacity of that outside Arabs for the time, al- regimes, Gaddafi had sought here the regime was gradating yyah) systems to be modeled on

prepared to aid the rebels (could state television to receive visual though that might change as not solace in Black Africa, where and blending two clusters of im- Libya, as a more positive young-

they send in ground-troops?). reports from the rest of the just the military aid but grow- his regime made investments ages. Its cool male, and its non- er Gaddafi had once groped

But psychological or spiritual country. Thus those transmis- ing direction by Western pow- of benefit to both parties. Some hijabed female, broadcasters, all in his Third Universal Theory

swings of the Libyans them- sions had a primitive and thin ers of the insurrection became support was now coming to him garbed in tasteful Western suits that was so local in its motifs.

selves will also figure. Sending air as a cool raven-haired young more glaring. It was a straw in from the sub-Saharan African or female executive’s dresses, Gaddafi’s followers have never

in American military or just man in a gleaming Western suit the wind that, albeit some time states. After a NATO air-strike were not appealing to any old hated christianity the religion.

cIA trainers, a ground inva- and a quasi-executive woman of after Sayf al-Islam’s death in her failed to kill Gaddafi but did pietist nativism or any politi- Just crusader invaders.

sion, might lose the rebels sup- like youth sat in a small (=mo- case, Muna the daughter of Ga- terminate his son Sayf al-‘Arab, cally assertive salafist Islam of After all his losses Gaddafi has

port as easily as shore them up. bile?) studio reading faxes of mal ‘Abdul Nasser sent in her messages of condolence came the type of the Muslim Broth- been able to project himself as

The question here is how far solidarity with Libya from com- condolences to Gaddafi from from Musaveni of Uganda, ers (“Ikhwan”) who had tried so still a player in Libya. his re-

Gaddafi’s now shaky commu- munist movements in Britain Egypt. True Dr Muna Nasser is Ahmad Tomani Toure of Mali, often to kill Gaddafi. Suits and gime continues to operate intact

nications media can continue (mere cliques now), and from a university lecturer with no in- and the Kingdom and govern- dresses not quite casual and not although degraded in much of

to reach the Libyan masses, and a few Islamic imams in Gambia struments of power in the high ment of Lesotho as well as hugo quite serious – the good cheer Libya. his TV still is presenting

how many among them they West Africa who all condemned politics of Egypt, yet “Nasser” chavez of Venezuela: they were of neo-bourgeois modern pro- him as a victim of the West who

can convince that Gaddafi fights the bombardments by “the ma- is a name still to conjure with read to the people over Libyan fessionals who want to be cool with his back to the wall fights

less for himself than for Libya’s levolent crusader imperialist on Libyan TV because about state TV. It caught attention and of our shared globe. Yet a for Libya’s sovereignty against

interests. After all his brutali- invasion”, and from the leftist 50% of Egyptians still like him that the Sudanese-Libyan writ- narrow low-key Islam had to a huge neo-crusader camp. At

ties, could the surviving estab- president of Nicaragua. in their folklore as a ruler whose er Muhammad al-fayturi, the remain important to the relaxed the same time, he is holding to

lishment make a fair portion of A hoary white-beard academ- socialism would have fostered greatest poet of Africanist iden- regime Libyans of the modern a position of admitting women

Libyans credit that Gaddafi is ic dredged up from the early many who withered under the tification in Arabic, telegraphed age: they had their chirruping into public life and politics that

defending Libya’s sovereignty days of “the Popular commit- thirty years-long free market his condolence for Sayf al-‘Arab hopeful modernity but Gaddafi- his Islamist enemies denounce

against an invasion by anti-Is- tees” of the 1980s also often sits regime of the pro-U.S. husni also (this by now very old self- ite Islam did order them to de- as one component in his com-

lam Westerner imperialists? At in. he aims acidic satire at the Mubarak. Some ordinary Sunni dubbed “Black Arab” author has fend the Brother Leader against plex wide apostate Infidelity.

the inception of the uprising, rebels in Eastern Libya. With Muslims in Lebanon are tend- remained true to the regime he a “crusaderist” attack from [Arabic programs transmitted

‘Umar, one of the young anti- trenchant detail he carves up the ing more towards Gaddafi the had served as a diplomat in the Western regimes. There were from Libyan State TV March

Gaddafi activists in Manchester, shambolic bad vaudeville of the more Westerners bomb him 1980s). some brief shots of large crowds 29, 2011, and 5-11May 2011].

worried over the BBc that the efforts of the rebels to bring to- – “al-Gaddafi samid samid”: Libyan State TV read out the of Libyans praying together in I believe there is more chance

dictator already was defaming gether inter-tribal alliances and Gaddafi is standing steadfast statement of russia’s leader Pu- the courtyard of a perhaps re- now that Gaddafi may retain

the uprising as a neo-crusad- set up institutions. his clarity against the onslaught as he re- tin that the allies should grant cently-constructed mosque, and enough resources and build

er Western invasion and that of all that information menaces fuses to give up even one inch, the mission of inquiry of the of white-uniformed Libyan mil- enough minority support to

“some Libyans are buying into that Gaddafi’s decades-old intel- they exult. While Libyan TV Union of African states unfet- itary marching to trombones. maintain a rump state in a par-

it”. Because the NATO pow- ligence networks survive intact deserves good marks for some- tered entry throughout Libya so The TV would then play a video titioned Libya, as Glen hay-

ers have progressively widened in Eastern Libya even under the how keeping going – it does that it could ascertain the real of the old Egyptian Arabist war- wood’s article has prefigured.

their intervention on both land rebels. The intent is to charac- emit a sort of down-at-heel bat- facts on the ground. however, song radio cairo played before But it might have little oil, and

and sea to maximize the slaugh- terise the rebels as temporary tered grandeur as Gaddafi faces the NATO powers have worked the tripartite invasion by Israel, Gaddafi in May 2011 could col-

ter of Gaddafi’s forces, those and fleeting in cyrenaica (al- the huge West – the sympathy it against any mediatory role by Britain and france in 1956: lapse at any moment.

powers are now considered by Barqah). is garnering in the Arab world the African states that could Libyan soldiers leaping through

many in the West or the Arab Some Arabs in the Gulf and among Libyans may not lead to any compromise settle- flames and explosions, their

world not to be enforcing a hu- did phone in to condemn the prove enough to save his skin. ment --- power sharing or even bayonets fixed and their white









Contemporary debate:

terrorism and Libya

JULiA RABAR

AccESS

ThE UN Security council sanctions on Libya. Only five them from the east, where the

(UNSc) endorsed the use of the years ago the US removed Libya rebels are strongest - according

responsibility to Protect doc- from its list of states that spon- to a study conducted at West

trine (r2P) in Libya on March sor terrorism. Point in 2007.

11, 2011 in order to protect Some analysts maintain that Even US Secretary of State

Libyan civilians from President Gaddafi will not hesitate to re- hillary clinton has admitted

colonel Muammar Gaddafi’s sort to terror tactics if he finds that the rebels and the LTNc

planned rampage of the eastern himself backed into a corner by are yet to be clearly understood.

city Benghazi. the rebel and coalition forces. In order, perhaps, to minimise

The mission was driven by That said, he himself is not an public concern about west-

france and the UK, and joined al-Qaeda supporter - he origi- ern involvement reports have

by an initially reluctant US, and nally declared that the rebels begun to surface in the New

criticised from the sidelines by had been infiltrated by al-Qaeda York Times that American and

key UNSc abstainers, namely and had been given drugs. British intelligence groups the

Germany and russia. Imple- There seems to be very little cIA and the British Special Air

menting r2P has raised ques- known about the rebel group, Service (SAS) have been on the

tions about the parameters of which appears to be basically ground for several weeks under-

the doctrine, including whether a disparate, rag-tag group uni- taking covert intelligence-gath-

or not regime change is a justifi- fied only by their desire to top- ering. This may be an effort to

able goal. ple Gaddafi. A group called the assure the public that the situa-

But a new issue is now com- Interim Transitional National tion is under control, especially

ing to light, namely al-Qaeda council (LTNc) has been rec- in the recent wake of setbacks

emerging within the rebel forc- ognised by coalition forces as for the rebel forces, but there

es. With US President Barack legitimate representatives. But is still very little public infor-

Obama refusing to rule out on the ground they don’t seem mation on the makeup of rebel

arming the Libyan rebels, ques- to have effective command and forces.

tions are being raised as to who control. If the US decides to arm to

the coalition has jumped into Early this week a top NATO the Libyan rebel forces it will

bed with, and what the possible commander and US Admiral need to proceed carefully, and

strategic ramifications might be. James Stavridis claimed that understand all possible ramifi-

Libya under Gaddafi has there were ‘flickers’ of al-Qaeda cations that may come of that

sponsored and carried out sev- emerging in intelligence reports decision. If there are indeed al-

eral terrorist acts, including the on the situation in Libya. re- Qaeda forces within the rebel-

La Belle disco bombing in Ber- bel leader colonel Ahmed Bani lion, the US would essentially

lin in 1986, which targeted US downplayed the connection, be providing arms (and perhaps

soldiers, and the 1988 bombing claiming that any rebels with training and logistical support

of Pan Am flight 103 over the links to al-Qaeda were in Libya as well) to a group it has been

Scottish town Lockerbie which to fight for Libya. Their pres- fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq

caused 270 fatalities. following ence might well be marginal, since 2003.

the discovery of a Libyan nucle- but it cannot be ignored if there however ultimately it is un-

ar program in 2003, the Libyan is the possibility of coalition likely that a post-Gaddafi Libya

government declared to the UN weapons making their way into will end up as an al-Qaeda-run

Security council that it had re- Libya. state, as argued by US Senator

nounced terrorism, and agreed Of all the nationalities that Lindsay Graham (r: South car-

to pay compensation to victims compose foreign jihadists in olina) in this cNN interview.

of the Lockerbie bombing. In Iraq, the Libyans are the sec-

response, the UNSc lifted its ond largest group - and most of

woRLD nEwS 11



Achieving peace in Afghanistan

Human rights for the disappeared

RACHAEL HAnKEY

AccESS

JAnE BARnETT

AccESS PrOfESSOr richard Tanter, to do so will only prolong the ple nor the coalition are fully

Senior research Associate at conflict; it is the Afghan people satisfied.

ON December 23, 2010 the In- ances. The Working Group importance to families. Usu- the Nautilus Institute, spoke who must drive the peace pro- Afghanistan is a very poor

ternational convention for the was initially established in re- ally, those who are taken away to the Australian Institute of cess. country, and the need for eco-

Protection of All Persons from sponse to numerous allegations are the primary breadwinners International Affairs about his A key part of achieving peace nomic support will play an

Enforced Disappearance came of disappearances in the 1970s, of the family. furthermore, proposed steps towards achiev- is a reassessment of the UN’s important role in the country’s

into force as the newest opera- particularly in Latin America. not knowing whether they are ing sustainable peace in Af- approach towards Afghanistan, reconstruction. Prof. Tanter

tional human rights treaty, four The main tasks of the Work- alive or dead can impact on ghanistan. although Prof. Tanter recognises proposes that conditions should

years after it was first adopted. ing Group were to investigate the ability of families to claim Prof. Tanter claims that that this will be a “bitter, diffi- be placed on economic aid,

‘Enforced disappearance’ refers cases of disappearances, open welfare. This is in addition to Australia must follow other cult and complicated” process. which will help to ensure effec-

to the deprivation of liberty by channels of communication the pain resulting from the loss members of the coalition, the The current agenda is based on tive post conflict reconstruction

agents of, or with the complicity between states and the families of the family member and the Netherlands and canada, and a now outdated resolution, and in the region.

of, the State, followed by refusal of victims, and attempt to bring fear that the family is also at make a firm plan for a with- the result is a government with

to acknowledge this deprivation information to families regard- risk of disappearing. drawal of armed forces. failure which neither the Afghan peo-

of liberty, or by concealment ing the victim’s whereabouts or Another element of the

of the fate or whereabouts of fate. In addition, the Working convention is that it removes

the disappeared person, which Group helps the enforcement enforced disappearances from

places a person outside the pro- of the Declaration on Enforced a statute of limitations, in line

tection of the law. Simply put, it and Involuntary Disappearanc- with other crimes against hu- and Uruguay, demonstrating forced disappearance in another are complicit or supportive in

means that a person disappears es, a document which preceded manity. This ensures that fami- support from all corners of the state is residing in Australia. these actions in the name of the

due to the actions of the govern- the legally binding treaty, by lies are not denied a remedy, world. An additional 70 States The phenomenon of enforced fight against terrorism. for ex-

ment, leaving no way of finding drawing the attention of gov- nor do those responsible ob- have indicated their intention to disappearances has been almost ample, the UK government has

out what happened to them. ernments and non-government tain impunity due to the pass- ratify the convention by sign- constant following their preva- acknowledged that British terri-

Enforced disappearances al- organisations [NGOs] to its ing of time. This may be par- ing it, although Australia is not lence in the Second World War. tory has been used by the US for

ready violate a number of exist- provisions and encouraging its ticularly relevant in countries one of them. however, as the They have been particularly rendition flights.

ing rights. for example the In- implementation. This is done where it takes a long period International criminal court common in internal disputes All these examples show that

ternational covenant on civil through reporting, country vis- of time for the rule of law to (consequential Amendments) and civil wars, such as the Bos- there is a need for widespread

and Political rights protects the its and the provision of advice be established after a period of Act 2002 (cth) incorporates nian War, Indonesia’s occupa- adoption of the convention on

right to life, the right to liberty when requested. civil war where disappearances all crimes against humanity, tion of Timor-Leste and the Sri Enforced and Involuntary Dis-

and security of the person, and The most important provi- have taken place. finally, the enforced disappearances would Lankan civil war. In these situ- appearances, not just to ensure

the right to recognition as a per- sion of the new convention, convention makes preventing also become a crime in Austral- ations, a disappearance is often the end of this phenomenon,

son before the law. however, compared with the preceding disappearances a non-deroga- ian law. used to dispose of people who but also to ensure justice for the

the new convention confirms Declaration, was to make wide- ble duty of the state, meaning The difference that becom- are seen as political problems. families who have suffered and

that there is a right in itself to spread enforced disappearances that they are unacceptable in ing a party to the convention Though all these situations that those responsible are held

not be enforcedly disappeared. a crime against humanity. It any circumstances, including would make is that the provi- may seem very far from home, to account. As the United Na-

furthermore, it declares the use also introduced other legal pro- times of war or when a state is sions other than incrimination NGOs, particularly Amnesty tions high commissioner for

of extensive enforced disappear- visions. Similar to the tasks of under threat. would come into force, such as International, have drawn at- human rights said, “an impor-

ances a crime against humanity. the Working Group, the con- The convention came into ensuring the family rights dis- tention to actions by the USA tant legal gap in international

This carries the consequence vention Against Enforced and force following the 20th rati- cussed above were respected. and other Western govern- human rights legislation has

of being under the jurisdiction Involuntary Disappearances fication of the treaty in No- Australia would also have an ments. The American policy been filled in the fight against

of the International criminal also puts a focus on the fami- vember 2010. The 20 states obligation to investigate non- of detaining persons, usually enforced disappearance, one of

court. lies of victims, defining them as that have ratified it thus far are state actors that may make use outside of America, and trans- the most serious and distress-

The ratification of the onven- victims of the crime of enforced Albania, Argentina, Bolivia, of enforced disappearances. In ferring them extra-judicially ing crimes on the international

tion closely follows the 30th disappearances, and attributing Burkina faso, chile, cuba, addition, the convention has to detention centres, usually stage… By [signing and ratify-

anniversary of the establish- rights to information, remedies Ecuador, france, Germany, a requirement of international in secret, can also be defined ing the convention, states] may

ment of the United Nations and retribution for the crimes honduras, Iraq, Japan, Ka- cooperation, which may mean as an enforced disappearance. help save lives both now and in

Working Group on Enforced to the families of those who are zakhstan, Mali, Mexico, Ni- extradition in the event that a recently, reports have shown the future.”

and Involuntary Disappear- disappeared. This can be of great geria, Paraguay, Senegal, Spain person responsible for an en- that many other governments

12 woRLD nEwS



The Arab revolutions continue

KiMBERLY DoYLE

WOrLD NEWS EDITOr



ThE national boundaries in the the overthrow of the regime, an Other cities and towns fol- eight people. living conditions, the more they ers. Before they began to mo-

Middle East have been drawn event that so terrified the neigh- lowed, and the protests gained In Yemen, after two months challenge the foundations of bilise around the Tahrir Square

and redrawn by imperial forces bouring Saudi autocrats and support across ethnic and reli- of demonstrations and the de- this regime. protests, Egyptian workers or-

from the British to the french their Western patrons that the gious lines. A huge mobilisation fection of key elements of the Across the Middle East and ganised over 3,000 strikes since

to the Americans – the root and US gave the green light for Sau- on friday, April 15, rocked the country’s military to the pro-de- North Africa the revolutions 2004, with women sometimes

beneficiaries of a succession of di intervention to crush local regime. mocracy forces, dictator Ali Ab- have been an incredible empow- taking the lead. During the

puppet regimes, client mon- pro-democracy supporters, con- The following week, in the dullah Saleh seemingly agreed to ering event, mobilising some of height of the protests against

archies and dictatorships that duct secret trials and sentence capital city of Damascus, a go within 30 days. Whether this the most oppressed across the Mubarak, unionised workers

have oppressed the Arab people. protesters to death. however, in massive security deployment represents a real offer remains to globe. This feature of the revo- even formed a nationwide um-

Since World War II, Wash- spite of the interference of the started as early as Thursday in be seen, and more importantly, lutions has been shown spec- brella trade union.

ington has taken charge of the US, the revolutions continue to preparation for what has be- whether the offer, including im- tacularly by the central role of In Libya, women’s protests

region, initially through local spread and deepen. come a common feature of the munity from prosecution for women in the uprisings. proved vital to the movement

proxies then through military In Saudi Arabia, protesters in- Arab revolutions: the growing him and his family, is acceptable Women were a huge driv- of entire cities out of the control

bases and finally direct occupa- stigated their own Day of rage. demonstrations after prayers on to the Syrian people is another ing force in the Tunisian up- of col. Muammar Gaddafi, as

tion. Democracy was never a In Syria, reprisals for the friday. matter. rising that sparked the Arab with Dirna in the western part

concern. democratic uprising are becom- On the day of protest dem- The revolution in Egypt revolutions, often marching up of the country in february.

Since January, from Tunisia ing increasingly brutal. Tens of onstrators were summarily at- continues despite the Supreme Bourguiba Avenue in the capi- On April 15th, Yemeni presi-

to Egypt, Yemen to Bahrain and thousands took to the streets tacked with tear gas and live council of the Armed forc- tal Tunis with their husbands dent for life Ali Abdullah Saleh

beyond, the people of the Mid- across the country following ammunition. Nevertheless, es holding state power since and children in tow. In Yemen, scolded women for “inappro-

dle East and North Africa are prayers in both mosques and thousands came out to dem- Mubarak’s resignation on feb- columns of veiled women have priately” mixing in public with

putting democracy on the agen- churches on Good friday, or onstrate in Damascus and sur- ruary 11 after the sweeping 18 come out in Sanaa and Taiz, men at the mass protests being

da. On January 14, as protesters “Great friday” as it is known in rounding towns. day uprising. The departure of while in Syria, facing armed se- staged in the capital, as well as

converged on the ministry of Arabic, in the most recent chal- Demonstrations continued in Mubarak was not enough to cret police, women have block- in the cities of Taiz and Aden.

the interior, Tunisian dictator lenge to Syrian despot Bashar the city of Daraa, the site of the contain the outrage of workers’ aded roads protesting for the re- The response from women was

Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and al-Assad and his regime. arrest and torture of the teenage that has expressed itself in thou- lease of their husbands and sons unequivocal. They came out

his family were forced to flee to At least 72 unarmed peaceful boys in March. There were sig- sands of protests since 2004. from prison. in unprecedented numbers all

Saudi Arabia. On february 11, demonstrators were killed by nificant protests in neighbour- While the Egytian military re- In Tunisia, women make up over the country, day after day,

the uprising in Egypt toppled government security forces in ing villages of houran, most gime has called for a return to 43% of the nearly half-million accusing the president of “be-

the 30 year dictatorship of hos- the most brutal crackdown yet. notably in Izraa, where at least business as usual, workers have members of 18 local unions. smirching their honor”, turning

ni Mubarak as mass rebellion Subsequently, in the early ten people were killed by gov- surged forward holding strike Most of these unionised women his attempt to invoke sexist at-

erupted in Libya and Yemen. hours of April 24, security forc- ernment security forces, includ- after strike in both private and fall under the General Union titudes about women’s seclusion

Even in occupied Iraq, dem- es raided the homes of opposi- ing a seven-year-old child. public sectors. of Tunisian Workers which had from the public sphere into a

onstrators protested against the tion activists. London-based The city of homs saw some “On top of the challenges increasingly come into conflict rallying cry against him.

corrupt Government of Nouri Syrian Observatory for human of the most militant demonstra- facing workers after the revo- with the Ben Ali regime, and so It is this inspiring and em-

al-Maliki and, more recently, rights estimates dozens have tions in response to the regime’s lution is the existence of a its rank and file eagerly joined powering organisation by the

against the presence of Ameri- been arrested. deployment of live ammunition Mubarak in each company and escalating street protests. Today, oppressed peoples of the Mid-

can troops and bases. Jordan was Demonstrations in Syria be- on a peaceful sit-in at what has firm,” says Kamal al-fayoumi, the union continues to put pres- dle East and North Africa that

rocked by nationwide strikes, gan in early March in the city of now been renamed freedom a 46-year-old labour activist. sure on the government formed shows the way forward for the

and the brutal and bloodthirsty Daraa after police arrested and Square. Locals formed com- “Unfortunately, the remnants after Ben Ali fled to move for- revolutions and humanity.

Ba’athist regime in Syria, under tortured teenagers and boys for mittees to defend their com- of Mubarak’s regime are still ward with real reforms.

attack from its people, is strug- writing anti-regime graffiti in- munities from attack by regime there.” As in Tunisia, Egyptian wom-

gling for survival. Protests in spired by slogans from the Tuni- forces. Unfortunately, this did The more the workers of en make up a little more than

Bahrain escalated into calls for sian and Egyptian revolutions. not prevent the killing of at least Egypt strike to demand better one-fifth of wage earning work-









Q&A with Benjamin MacQueen

GARY PAUL

AccESS



OVeR the past months the up- will western involvement with the outbreak of revo- what are the underlying The other thing would be the Do you see the future of po-

risings in the Middle east have have an impact on terrorist lution, has terrorism been grievances of the protests? Are age of the leaders. The leaders litical islamism as working

dominated the news across the movements? superseded as people’s main they regional or only context- that are being challenged now within the democratic pro-

world. In a region that has long form of activism? is terrorism specific? are older; you’ve not seeing as cess, such as in Turkey, or do

been the home of many terrorist Potentially. I’m quite supportive relevant nowadays? overt a challenge to King Mo- you foresee islamism’s future

organisations, how will the po- of the way the Obama admin- It’s a blend of both, and it’s a hammed in Morocco. Bashar al- as similar to the iranian mod-

litical changes taking place affect istration, as one example, has Terrorism, or political violence, very academic answer I’m giv- Asad’s Syria would seem like the el?

these groups? What are the under- played this; they have kept dis- was always justified, or looked ing. A good example is Egypt, prime candidate for a lot of this

lying causes of the uprisings and tance, deliberate distance, from at, or had some sort of reso- in that there was a combination unrest, but he’s been able to de- I see them in the short to me-

what will the outcome be? these protest movements. Even nance as a vehicle for fighting of factors: high unemployment, flect that. Whether that’s some dium term as working through

the intervention in Libya, it’s oppression when there was no housing shortages, removal of element of hope that with Asad the system. One thing there is

Dr Benjamin MacQueen is a been very hard for terror move- other form of opposition. Now food subsidies. There were basic being a young new ruler there they haven’t traditionally been

Lecturer in the School of Po- ments to turn around and label that there are new potential av- human economic needs which is reform coming. In Jordan, as that successful in elections. Al-

litical and Social Inquiry at this as, playing into that tradi- enues of opposition, it might were motivating factors. But in well, the ruler has managed to geria was a bit of a different ex-

Monash University. his research tional narrative again. undercut this current of support Egypt there was a more overt deflect a lot of that attention. It ample, but when you do get to

interests include conflict resolu- In addition, the regimes that for political violence. I wouldn’t political angle to it, because of is something we’re yet to fully cases where they are allowed to

tion, politics and society in the have fallen have been Western draw that conclusion yet, but I the presence of Mubarak, be- understand, but there are cer- run reasonably freely, they don’t

Middle East and North Africa, allies. There’s Ben-Ali, Mubarak. think that’s a very good ques- cause of the centrality of Egypt tainly region-wide factors that do very well. I think it’s more a

International relations Theory, Gaddafi is a bit of an exception tion to posit, and explore as in the US strategic structure play through the context spe- misconception on our part that

and US and Australian foreign but Britain moved very close to events unfold. and the amount of aid going cific factors. we expect that there’s this natu-

Policy. Dr MacQueen was pre- Gaddafi after 2004 and then it to Mubarak. That’s a way the ral reflexivity towards ‘we vote

viously an Australian research looks like Saleh in Yemen, that why has the Libyan narrative context-specificity overlays the Can you identify any self-in- for the Muslim Brotherhood

council Post-Doctoral fellow his regime’s about to topple as captured international atten- more general cause. Similarly in terested motives on behalf of because we are Muslims.’ That’s

at the University of Melbourne well. So, Western intervention tion and action, as opposed to Bahrain: low GDP, food short- external countries for inter- not the reality. With regards to

and Monash University. is supporting the uprisings, the other uprisings? ages, the economy’s not doing vening in the uprisings? how the Islamist movements ac-

and again its counterintuitive so well (it’s got a bit more cash cept that, I’d like to be optimis-

How will the current events in for terrorist organisations to try That is a tricky one. I would say than Egypt, but in term of the Well certainly, they want to be tic. I choose to be optimistic,

the Middle East affect the ter- and make hay out of this. They the personality of Gaddafi in Gulf it’s not doing that well) ahead of the game, once they that they see a place for them-

rorist groups in the region? would have to change their sto- this cannot be underplayed; he overlaid with the sectarian in- sense that this is an inevitability, selves in a pluralist political

ry, basically. is an easy villain. The oppression fluence. they want to make sure. David system. There are models there

I see it as undercutting momen- during his regime, or the vio- In Algeria, we see a similar cameron going to Egypt with a like you said in Turkey. There

tum to groups. If you take a is the future terrorist threat lence imposed after the upris- thing. You’ve got the economy delegation of arms dealers, that are potential models in places

traditional view of these groups, from individuals or larger ing, is not exceptional because taking a downturn, but the is really ham-fisted evidence of like Morocco. The King has

they’ve largely been motivated groups? we saw violence in Tunisia, and country went through a ten- such a process. These states [in full executive power but there

by, articulated, and generated we are seeing violence in Yem- year civil war during the 1990s. the Middle East] are really im- is a parliament and the Islam-

support in this narrative of re- Will we see resurgence in ‘lone en and Syria at the moment as So a part of the reason why un- portant; they’re critical strategi- ists are part of that parliament.

gimes supported by the West, wolf ’ terrorism, for example? well. So there is violence there, rest hasn’t sparked there is be- cally in terms of resources et ce- The same in Jordan. It is not

leading to oppression. The cur- Well we haven’t really seen it but the difference is the scale cause of a general war-weariness tera. We shouldn’t fool ourselves so much a party system in the

rent events have created new in the Middle East. It’s been of violence – Syria’s using the of the population and wariness that the Western countries are Gulf, but people who sympa-

avenues of opposition, and a group-based phenomenon in army, but again it’s much more about what unrest can bring. So acting through altruism, they thise with Islamist-type causes

these movements have been op- Egypt going back to the 70s, visible in Libya I think. I don’t it can work both ways, the con- are acting through national in- participate there too. I’d like to

positional movements, so it will with Islamic Jihad and Tak- subscribe to a conspiracy theory text can work to amplify unrest, terest, and the national inter- be optimistic, and there’s a po-

diffuse popular support for the fir wal-hijra. Even the smaller that it’s all about oil, but that but it can also work to deflate it. est may be to just make sure tential that going through the

terrorist groups and I think un- groups, in Algeria in the 1980s helps focus attention, it’s one of I think there are certainly ways that these states function, that system, the two reinforce each

dercut a bit of their rationale. before the civil war you had the the factors. But I would say the of mapping it out, but those they’re relatively stable. That in other.

Boyali group et cetera, so it’s a main factor is Gaddafi himself, three key economic factors (un- itself is sort of a selfish interest

group based movement in the and our desire to watch him and employment, housing shortages but it benefits the greater good.

region. I can’t see that changing. view him as delusional, which and food prices) are probably

helps justify our own actions. the main cause.

EDiToRiALS/LETTERS 13



Dear Lot’s Wife,



I write in response to the in providing adequate sup- sexual violence. Whilst the light of the recent election of hope, too, that fellow women a long way to go in recognis-

recent Op-Ed from Laura port services for women with official report won’t be released Liberal State Governments in students view those success- ing and defending the rights

Lloyd (Lot’s Wife Issue 3, families who return to study, until later in May, you can read Victoria and NSW, a direct ful candidates with the respect of women, in representing

2011), in which she sought and at a postgraduate level in about some of the preliminary result of which has been a drop they deserve, and appreciate the women on campus and in

to attack the MSA Women’s the participation of women results here: http://www.crikey. in the number of elected wom- services that their governance ensuring they have their own

Department. The phrase, in early academic careers and com.au/2011/03/24/s-xual- en representatives. Like Ms generates and provides, and space to use should they seek

“Don’t get me wrong, I’m all their ascension to senior levels assault-harassment-plague- Lloyd, I remain unconvinced that women students are also assistance of a counselling,

for equality, but…” has only of academia. This is a fact that female-university-students/. on the merit of quotas – which encouraged to go on to fight advocacy or, yes, napping and

ever been zero steps away is acknowledged at Monash The cAPA Women’s Depart- is exactly why encouraging for women’s representation well food-warming nature.

from “I’m not sexist, but…” University by the presence of ment supports the conduct of womens’ active participation into the future. This “newspaper” this year

and Ms Lloyd’s Op-Ed is no the Monash University Vice this study and looks forward during their studies is crucial. Boiling the role of the has been an ongoing disap-

exception to that rule. chancellor’s Taskforce for the to working alongside the NUS At a campus level, the provision Wom*n’s Space and the pointment to students who

The role of the Women’s Advancement of Women and Women’s Department to do of a Women’s Officer role is but Women’s Officer down to came to expect a higher

Officer is a vital one to the the resulting Gender Equity more to ensure the safety of one method of addressing this microwaves, self-defence classes standard from Lot’s Wife fol-

MSA and to all student Strategy 2010-2015, a process women on campus. here issue. The broader statement and free tampons and con- lowing the award-winning

organisations, and seeking that student representatives at Monash, for example, the that goes with guaranteeing doms - all important facilities publication of 2010. I hope

to eradicate this elected role participated in. Monash Postgraduate Associa- that this one role on an organi- - displays a naivety unsuited the standard of editorial

only does a disservice to A recent in-depth study into tion’s Women’s Officer, Janice sation’s Board must be filled by to a tertiary environment. content improves.

women students across all women’s safety on campus Boey, has been vocal in her a woman, for women, is one Ms Lloyd, your stereotypical

levels of the university. It entitled Talk About It, con- advocacy for late-night shuttle way of encouraging women’s portrayal of “radical” feminists Sincerely,

is a simple fact that women ducted by the National Union bus services on campus to pro- participation in the electoral appals me. To automatically

continue to face barriers of Students and their 2010 and tect the safety of the signifi- process and in organisational classify anyone who seeks to Meghan B. hopper

to participation in tertiary 2011 Women’s Officers, Kee- cant number of postgraduate governance. We can only hope use the Wom*n’s room or the

education. These barriers lia fitzpatrick and courtney students who stay on campus that the experience of run- services provided by Women’s National Vice President

exist in enrolling women into Sloane (respectively), demon- late into the evening, a service ning for the role of Women’s Officers and the collective (Equity) and Women’s Of-

traditionally male-dominated strated results that should be which would greatly benefit Officer, being elected by their they oversee, as a “radical” is ficer, council of Australian

courses such as engineer- alarming to all students across women students. peers and governing within that simplistic and assumptive in Postgraduate Associations

ing and science (and, where all Australian campuses, regard- Women also face traditional role for a term, will encourage the extreme. I am a National

they do enrol, seeing them less of gender. Of the more barriers to representation on Women’s Officers at the MSA, Women’s Officer and am not, Monash Academic Board

through to graduation), in than fifteen hundred women the Boards of student unions across all Monash campuses by any measure of the word, a rep, MPAEc Gippsland

keeping women students students who participated in (and indeed, on the Boards of and at student organisations radical. In fact, in the spirit of rep and Immediate Past

from equity backgrounds (in- the online survey (including unions and organisations at all across the country to con- full disclosure, I am a member President, Monash University

digenous, low-SES, queer and a significant number across levels across Australia). The tinue to put their hands up for of Labor Unity, the moderate Gippsland Student Union.

rural being just a few exam- all Monash campuses), more level of involvement of women leadership positions on Boards branch of the Party. I shave my

ples) at university in spite of than a third reported having in politics is also an ongoing is- and in organisations, and in armpits and, as Amy Gard-

significant outside commit- been sexually harassed whilst sue that we, as a country, must traditionally patriarchal fields ner would say, I like my bras.

ments and potential ongoing undertaking tertiary study and continue to seek to address. like politics and business, long however, I also acknowledge

socio and economic barriers, one in ten had experienced This is particularly relevant in after graduation. We can only that as a community, we have









Dear Meghan B. hopper



ThANK you for your letter. argument. Instead, they have nese whispers. The contention led you to mistakenly assume continue nonetheless. I also of human debate is hopelessly

You have provided an excel- stereotyped both author and of Ms Lloyd’s opinion piece, that by ‘radical’, Ms Lloyd agree with your arguments that circular. The other person

lent example of insalubrious argument and assume they “A new age of sexism” (Lot’s refers to “anyone who seeks to sexism towards women still may be wrong, but you may

debate that has appeared in know the rest already. Thus Wife Ed. III, 2011), is that the use the Women’s room or the exists in our society and should not be right.

Lot’s Wife now one too many in responding, they often end Women’s room is sexist. That services provided by Women’s be actively addressed. This is finally Meghan, I would

times, and so I feel compelled up creating and fighting an you somehow took from this Officers”. Even though Ms true, and you argue and sup- like to say I find your random

to speak up. invisible enemy, and in the the fantasy that Ms Lloyd was Lloyd, in the very first line of port it adequately, but Laura insult against our editorial

Everyone is entitled to end merely state their opinion advocating the eradication of her article, admits to occasion- Lloyd never said otherwise. content this year to be petty,

opinions, indeed, the ability about a tangential issue – the role of Women’s Officer ally using these services herself. There is no reason to invent juvenile and offensive. Also I

to form individual beliefs which is fine! In and of itself is quite a feat of imagination. Even so, Meghan, though your an argument simply to state admit I’m very curious how

is essential to our so-called stating one’s opinion is fine, Particularly when Ms Lloyd membership of Labor Unity your opinion on this. In this you can speak for the opinion

humanity. And in most cases, even admirable, as I’ve said. expressly stated, “I am not nec- would indeed classify you as a light especially, there is really of all Monash students

respect and deference should But why fall into insult and essarily arguing for the abolish- political fence-sitter, by virtue no need to include so many when you call Lot’s Wife an

be shown to those with the derision when no conflict really ment of the Wom*n’s room or of your automatic refusal to seemingly impressive titles “ongoing disappointment”.

fortitude to express their be- exists? the Wom*n’s Department”. even consider an opposing after your name in an effort to Did you take a poll? Your

liefs openly. Especially when I fully understand the hy- Ms Lloyd’s repeated mis- argument about feminism, I subliminally bolster your argu- assertion that our editorial

opposed to the opinions pocrisy of this editorial insofar spelling of ‘Women’s room’ would also classify you as a ment with phantom authority. content is of a lower stand-

of others, reason and care as I am doing just that. But I and ‘Women’s Officer’ with an ‘radical’ feminist, in a sense. rather, it makes me think you ard than last year is in direct

should be taken in public swear it to be the one and only asterisk to avoid the inclusion You don’t have to burn your need a boost of self-esteem. opposition to the single most

discussion. however, not time. I have been goaded into of the word ‘men’ is a bygone bras to have radically rigid Public debate, especially common and widely held

referring to any one article in this response, Meghan, by your of the days before 2006, really beliefs. about issues as important as so- compliment we have received

particular but rather reoccur- unwarranted and personal at- not that long ago, when the The interesting thing is that cial discrimination, should take from students.

ring trends, some Monash tack on our editorial content. I Women’s Office indeed used I agree with both the argu- the form of civil repartee, based certainly ranting and

students this year have chosen would not see Lot’s Wife devolve such a spelling. Surely Ms ments given by you and Ms on reason and the merits of insults have their place, but

to respond to the opinions of into a tawdry forum for ranting Lloyd can be forgiven for being Lloyd. I think certain aspects of individual arguments. It should only in specific circumstanc-

others with insulting diatribes and character assassination. a little out of date, rather than feminism, such as the Women’s be a convergent path, whereby es. As Amy Gardner would

that often completely miss With respect to your letter, I accused of active misrepresenta- room, are over-zealous and two parties walking on either also say, the line after, “I ring

the point. find it fairly difficult to believe tion. even sexist. And though I am side in the same direction will your bell when it’s impor-

I don’t quite understand it; that you actually read Laura She prophetically predicts quite sure one such as you with eventually arrive together at a tant”. Would you please?

at some point while read- Lloyd’s article to which you are that radical feminists will get your close-minded, presump- greater truth. Very rarely is any-

ing an article, some students responding, and not just heard annoyed by her article. The fact tive reading will at this point one absolutely irrefutably right. Sincerely,

keep reading the words on about it from a friend of yours that you are among those who reflexively gawk at my ‘ar- The universe is an enormous

the page, but they are no who’d read and already misin- have been annoyed, but don’t rogant’ attempt as a male to paradox built up of infinite in- Joshua Kenner

longer following the author’s terpreted it, like a game of chi- consider yourself radical, has discuss a ‘women’s’ issue, I will congruous puzzle pieces. Much Editor-In-chief









Don’t look back

IN the last edition of where we are going with Lot’s journalism. Most of our news international papers, such as hard to provide independent European style of journalism,

Lot’s Wife an editorial was Wife for the rest of the year. and opinion pieces are written Le Monde, Diplomatique, are news for students; we admire such as in publications like

published that addressed Lot’s wife is not striving for with a certain amount of politi- making appeals to readers as to the integrity and honesty Al Le Monde; and the watchdog-

the criticism directed at the objectivity in the traditional cal bias – students often write ‘where to go next’, it is good for Jazeera strives for with its role taken on by The Guard-

publication for the political sense. Our content is student about issues they are passionate us to be thinking about the di- broadcasting of shocking ian and The New York Times.

slant of its content. I would produced and written primarily about. rection this fifty-year old print images and footage; the well We are aiming to bring Lot’s

like to provide our readers by people who have not been In a time where newspaper publication is going in. thought through polemics Wife back to the forefront of

with some information about trained in writing objective sales are dwindling and major The editorial team is working found more frequently in the activism-media.

14 LETTERS/oP-ED



Dear Lot’s Wife, furthermore, Samuel’s asser- as well as the rest of us that Dear Lot’s Wife, describe themselves. an illegal act even in war, not

tion that same-sex relationships adopted children can have just In my experience, it’s the a foundation for peace. A fair

IT is strange and a little sad are “second best” is not only as fulfilling, loving upbring- IN regards to Samuel Ellemor’s cranky old homophobes trial for all these war mongers

that Samuel Ellemor (‘homo- homophobic, but unfounded. ings as biological offspring. I opinion piece (‘homosexual that tend to ever-so-carefully could create peace.

sexual he seems to be labouring would, in fact, contend that marriage: burden of proof not refer to gays, lesbians, queers,

marriage: burden of proof under the impression that the there are already far more un- being met’, ed. 3), trotting out bisexuals etc, only as “homo- Sincerely,

not being met’, Lot’s Wife, nuclear family has been the wanted or parentless children the same old arguments as to sexuals”, and of course the Marlow Von Trier

May 2011) and fellow ardent dominant mode of child-rear- in the world than there are why same-sex couples should “LGBTI” community, but only

traditionalists fail to grasp that ing over the course of human willing foster parents; thus, to not be allowed to be married in apostrophes. Dear Lot’s Wife,

inclusion of same-sex couples history. This error is about as deny them the chance of a lov- with a somewhat ‘reasonable’

within marriage legislation ac- laughable as the Australian ing upbringing on the basis of IT is easy to recommend that

tone does not equate to, as you rania Labaki

tually serves to strengthen the christian Lobby’s breathless sexuality makes little sense. others not ourselves be sent

say, “homosexual activists” fail- Arts/Law

institution. The essence of the assertion that polygamous In the end, same-sex marriage to Malaysia and live at best as

ing to provide the “burden of

same-sex marriage argument marriage is the next step on the is not harmful, and nor is there refugees without health care,

proof ” that you so desperately

is to include disadvantaged road to societal breakdown - as justification for its continued Dear Lot’s Wife, educational opportunities,

need.

members of society within the if their own Good Book didn’t prohibition. Those who sup- proper housing or the right

Whinging about Elton John

dominant, widely accepted tra- already provide numerous ex- port the status quo support If Bin Laden should have been to work. Gillard and others

becoming a father, the absurd

dition. It surely doesn’t require amples of Biblical heroes who the perpetuation of unjust put on trial rather than exe- would oppose the policy they

notion that having two fathers

the mind of a brain surgeon thought they’d give it a crack. discrimination; as such, the cuted then what about George recommend if they experi-

or two mothers is somehow

to realise that advocation of a I confess that surrogacy is a onus is on them to provide the Bush, Tony Blair and John enced it. Their abstraction is

not ideal enough, and that

viable popular alternative (such difficult ethical issue, but the burden of proof. howard? If the war in Iraq the source of others suffering.

same-sex relationships are not

as civil unions) would have a fact is that law already allows was illegal why are they not on The source of our ineffective

“philosophically” and “morally”

far more damaging effect on infertile couples to make use of David heslin trial? If Bin Laden should have opposition to these policies is

equal to heterosexual relation-

the perceived legitimacy or ne- it. I don’t recall seeing Samuel Second year Journalism stu- been put on trial for instigat- also abstraction. We will never

ships shows your bias and lack

cessity of marriage in the long or the Australian christian dent ing the killing of thousands, effectively immediately oppose

of self-analytical thought.

run. It staggers me that this Lobby on the streets protesting what about those who created what we never experience.

Let me guess, you still don’t

elementary point is so often about that. The reason they the opportunity for hundreds

like those ho-mo-sexuals using

overlooked. don’t is because they know of thousands to be killed? The Sincerely,

a word that means “happy” to

execution of Bin Laden was Marlow Von Trier









The informed case for equal marriage

LAnCE CHARiSMA

MALE QUEEr OffIcEr



ThE equal marriage debate is to their health and well being, filled the criteria that will estab- place for a full literature review, which has allowed same-sex same-sex parenting will damage

the current hot topic in refer- the benefits to the institution lish them as a de facto couple but this is not an isolated study, marriage for the longest period children is both unreasonable

ence to Queer society, however of marriage as a whole and the under each state’s system. This a number of researchers have of time, has the lowest divorce and unfounded. What allow-

it generally takes not so much benefits for children. represents a clear inequality shown a direct link between rates in all of America. In addi- ing equal marriage will do for

the form of a debate as it does I applaud the Australian beyond mere symbolism; to my legal bans on same-sex marriage tion to this, studies by Balsam children is ensure that they are

the form of a childish shout- government’s reforms of 84 eyes the most logical solution and higher levels of stress and et al and roisman et al. showed entitled to a legally secure fam-

ing match. “MArrIAGE IS pieces of legislation in 2009 to this inequality is to grant the anxiety, lower self esteem, and that same-sex couples are no ily environment, with all the

MY rIGhT!” “NO, MAr- which granted same sex couples legal right of marriage to all greater incidence of mental less committed to each other rights afforded to a heterosexual

rIAGE IS MY rIGhT, AND many of the same legal rights couples. and physical health problems and no less functional than family, and provide a flow-

YOU’rE GETTING IT ALL as those in heterosexual mar- We’ve all heard assertions among homosexuals. Legalising their heterosexual counterparts. on effect from the improved

DIrTY!” So far in this year’s riages. however, while these that recognising equal mar- equal marriage therefore not This means that legalisation of health and wellbeing of their

Lot’s Wife the fight has played reforms were a great step in riage will reduce discrimina- only represents an improve- equal marriage is not a threat to parents (as discussed above).

out with David heslin’s “Why the right direction, they’re not tion against queer individuals, ment of social justice, but also traditional marriage, but rather So legalising equal marriage is

we need same-sex marriage” quite the same as the rights of so I’m not dragging that one of public health. (And who an affirmation of its core values. hardly a danger to our children,

and Samuel Ellemor’s “ho- a married couple. As soon as out again, however less widely doesn’t like public health) One area which was focused but a stabilising influence upon

mosexual marriage: burden of a heterosexual couple is issued discussed is the health and well- I, personally, am rather on heavily in “homosexual them.

proof not being met.” I guess with a marriage licence they being impact upon heterosex- amused by accusations that marriage: burden of proof not So there we go, a few points

it’s my turn. are immediately granted all the ual individuals. hatzenbuehler equal marriage activists are being met” was the children. It that illustrate the benefits of

While “homosexual mar- rights entitled to them. homo- et al. examined data from the secretly trying to destroy the in- is certainly a powerful emo- legislating equal marriage, I

riage: burden of proof not sexual couples are required to National Epidemiologic Survey stitution of marriage; it makes tive argument, and one that hope I have helped lift the bur-

being met” left me absolutely meet additional standards and on Alcohol and related condi- the cause so much more dra- is raised often in this debate. den of proof somewhat. This

furious (not least because the prove these to the government tions (N = 34,653), a longitu- matic. It also makes no sense, if It’s also not backed by any evi- is by no means an exhaustive

author felt the need to inform before they are afforded such dinal, nationally representative we hated marriage so much the dence and is little more than an case and I have not addressed

me that my inability to have rights. If a heterosexual couple’s study of noninstitutionalized logical course of action would assertion. chan et al. showed and rebutted every argument

a child with another male was rights are challenged, say for US adults; in states which be to have no part in it. The no difference in wellbeing or that can be made against equal

a biological fact, as though I the purposes of medical power introduced a same sex marriage truth is that equal marriage is development between children marriage. I’m sure I’ll be writ-

would be offended by basic of attorney in an acute medical ban, in the observed period a good for the institution of mar- raised by lesbian couples or ing to argue the point further

science) I’m sure other people setting, a marriage certificate rise of mood disorders (36.6%), riage; it affirms that the core heterosexual couples, flaks in the future, not that I have

are busy writing articles tearing will easily and quickly resolve generalised anxiety disorder value of marriage is love, not et al. showed no significant any delusions about the efficacy

apart Mr Ellemor’s argument, any issues. A homosexual (248.2%), alcohol use disor- biology. In Scandanavia, where differences between parent- of student newspaper articles

and the angry and emotive couple is once again required ders (41.9%) and psychiatric same-sex couple recognition ing skill or child wellbeing in affecting public opinion. To

arguments typical of these to prove their status through co-morbidities (36.3%) in LGB has been in place for a genera- between families with lesbian quote Tim Minchin “If per-

debates nauseate me. I’m going a much more lengthy and communities was discovered. tion and same-sex marriage is parents or heterosexual parents chance I have offended, think

to try a different approach, arduous process. heterosexual These increases were not widely legalised, heterosexual and rosenfeld found children but this and all is mended:

and attempt to set the founda- couples can move from state observed in LGB populations marriage rates have increased raised by same-sex couples We’d as well be ten minutes

tions for an actual discussion to state without concern about in states that did not enact a and divorce rates have dropped. made normal progress through back in time, for all the chance

of equal marriage. I’d like to their rights being recognised, marriage ban and were not The US states that allow same- school, and this is just the tip you’ll change your mind.”

discuss the legal benefits to for homosexual couples they observed in heterosexuals in sex marriage have the lowest di- of the research body iceberg.

same-sex couples, the benefits must ensure that they have ful- any states. Lot’s Wife is not the vorce rates, and Massachusetts, So arguing that encouraging









Response to Ellemor

AnonYMoUS

I pored through three ver- ment; it’s also about getting commitment is the same. Go induction after another, with with their biological identity”. investment required to make

sions of roget’s, two reverse recognition from the people figure. no empirical support and often Dear God. Let’s look at this these children happen.

dictionaries and a book of around us of our relation- Ellemor also claimed that losing relevance to his point. in a broader context. Gay marriage would be “a

obsolete words, but none ship. If we (by which I mean same-sex marriage would The second issue raised by heterosexual couples who tremendous affirmation of

could adequately explain how the entire population) didn’t “weaken the marriage cov- Ellemor was the supposed ill- can’t conceive – do they, too, untraditional family structure”.

intensely, thoroughly, wrong care about whether people enant”. Pardon me, but how effects of same-sex marriage on have no right to IVf or adop- Wake up and smell the geneti-

each of Samuel Ellemor’s points recognised our relationship exactly does he propose that by children, and the commoditisa- tion? cally modified roses. Version

were (“homosexual Marriage or not, why would we bother one little minority group gain- tion of children. What about couples where 2.0 of family structure was

– burden of proof not being with weddings at all? We’d just ing access to marriage, it will Not being one to make rashly there are genetic issues or released a long time ago.

met”). privately agree. somehow mean less? “Barbara, unfounded claims myself, I ac- illnesses that would be danger- (Also, what was with the

It was with nothing short of It’s not just a social thing did you know that that fellow tually bothered to look up the ous to the mother or child if a polyamorous family stuff? At

shocked amusement that I read either though. It also has legal down the street got married to a literature on this. (Pardon me natural pregnancy went ahead? which point did the movement

his admirably self-righteous repercussions. currently, same- man?I just don’t think I’m capa- for not considering the internet Does that mother have no right for same-sex marriage advocate

drivel on how to deny people of sex partners in Australia cannot ble of loving you anymore!” diatribes of virginal bigots to be to adoption or surrogacy? polyamorous families? how

inherent rights by completely be recognised as a married There are a great deal of valid evidence). According the how about state wards? completely not relevant do you

and utterly missing the point. couple; the best they can hope places Samuel could have American Paediatric Society, Abandoned; neglected; sexu- want to be?)

Samuel’s apocalyptic inter- for in a civil union is to be an usefully pointed his finger in children with same-sex parents ally, physically or emotionally Ellemor said that we don’t

pretation of same-sex marriage ‘official’ de facto couple. Woop- regards to weakening the mar- “…have the same advantages abused? Do they have no right institutionalise single parents.

was that it was a sick conspira- de-freaking-doo. riage covenant – Vegas, Britney and the same expectations for to non-biological parents? May I point out, single parents

cy, designed to destroy mar- Because of this ‘titling’ issue, Spears, drunken hitches and health, adjustment, and devel- family isn’t about whose are institutionalised – they are

riage, heterosexual families, and there’s a plethora of financial the commercialisation of an opment as can children whose sperm took root in whose legally recognised as such. hell,

the nation’s children. When and institutional discrimina- emotional and spiritual com- parents are heterosexual.” There egg and in which womb that they even receive compensation

2012 comes for Samuel, I dare- tion to deal with.Same-sex mitment. is a substantial body of other happened. family is about the for it!

say she’ll be in a bridegroom’s couples and families get fewer I particularly enjoyed the evidence that confirms this. people in your life and the roles Any family can be a good,

suit and waving a rainbow flag. leave entitlements, less work- subtle suggestions that homo- And in regards to Samuel’s that they took. Take it from stable, functional family. Par-

first, to the issue of marriage. ers’ compensation, fewer tax sexual couples would struggle comment about Elton John’s someone who knows – biologi- ents’ sexuality does not deter-

It is not an attack on human- concessions, fewer veterans’ with the concept of fidelity. son – sorry, what were the ill- cal identity is only an issue for mine the fate of their child. The

ity; it’s about recognition and entitlements, fewer health care I’ve listened to a lot of big- effects to that baby again? Oh those who choose to make it world will not spontaneously

equality. subsidies, less superannuation oted, narrow-minded people, wait, there weren’t any? haha. one. combust if one day, same-sex

To understand this (oh slow and pay more for residential and I have never seen a more My mistake. I thought you Might I add that the new couples are allowed to marry.

learners of the university), we aged care than opposite-sex desperately crappy contention. were trying to provide some parents of these children – And that’s a fact.

have to ask ourselves “So what couples in the same circum- I was impressed, needless to say. kind of proof for your argu- sexual orientation aside – might

is marriage then? What does it stances. All this because de Its complete falsity doesn’t even ment, not mine. have a better appreciation than

mean to be married nowadays?” facto couples simply don’t have merit comment. To quote his next argument, some unwilling parents, given

A marriage isn’t just an the same rights as married In all, his views on mar- children of same-sex couples the different kind of financial,

acknowledgement of commit- couples, even if the level of riage were just one fallacious would have “no connection emotional and often physical

oPinion 15



Selfish Monash Library

MARLow Von TRiER

Pro-choice: a victory for pessimism

IT is now easier for staff and out of the library cannot be SAMUEL ELLEMoR

postgraduate research students perused. Borrowers who need

in particular to acquire and books for months should ThE issue of abortion is Vittoria careri sees the a multitude of ways. former the child’s life is being ‘pro-

horde library books, and harder electronically copy them or highly emotive, and not unborn as a “non-sentient Governor-General Bill hayden, hope’ – looking beyond the

for ordinary students to borrow buy them. without reason. The issue of collection of tissue.” Exactly speaking of euthanasia, said immediate difficulty and seeing

them. from the start of this Library administers in the abortion in the case of rape is why the unborn child, who can that “succeeding generations the possibilities of the future.

semester staff and postgraduate past deregulated borrowing even more so. harry Sabolcki be terminated under Victo- deserve to be disencumbered of children are a blessing, not a

research students can bor- to reduce book shelving staff, argues the pro-life position rian law just prior to birth, some unproductive burdens”. curse. A woman who, herself

row an unlimited number of because library funding is based on two arguments, is non-sentient and therefore The message is simple. If a having been wronged, carries

books at 6 week intervals for connected with the number of firstly that people should be nothing more than a collection person is no longer valued by the child through to birth has

a maximum of six times. They books out, and because library take responsibility for their of tissue, but just after birth is the definitions of the powerful shown heroic virtue in the

can potentially borrow every staff do not like being abused actions, and secondly, that if afforded the protection of the in society, it would be better if face of an evil situation. Some

book in their research area for by students who refused to we don’t afford legal protec- law is unclear. Indeed, Profes- they did not exist. will rear the child, others will

all the semester by renewing pay fines. The reason for this tion to the unborn then we sor Peter Singer is quite blunt This depressing and danger- adopt out. But in either case,

online once, and for 42 weeks deregulation can be simi- devalue human life. when he declares that he does ous utilitarianism has been seen the child has been given the op-

or roughly nine and a half larly explained by the need The first argument is insuf- “not think new-born infants before. have we forgotten our portunities of life. And that is a

months by renewing online six to attract research staff with ficient. In the case where have an inherent right to life.” twentieth century history? tremendous blessing.

times. Postgraduate students, significant research dollars to abortion is being used as a It is after all rather arbitrary to however such philosophis- Advocating for abortion is

honour students and open the university. Someone in the contraceptive, it might work. allow abortions but not infan- ing can seem a long way from ultimately a victory for pes-

university postgraduates can administration of the univer- The argument fails in the case ticide since both the unborn reality. for the woman who is simism. It fails to appreciate the

now borrow 60 books from the sity has instructed the library of rape, and in any instance it and newborn has practically pregnant after being a victim intrinsic right to life because it

library for four weeks and can to make these changes because does not provide an adequate the same level of sentience and of rape, an abortion may well denies the intrinsic value of life.

renew books online six times the priority of the university is practical framework for male cognitive ability. seem the best option. I can It is a short term fix, by letting

for a maximum period of seven big money research projects, responsibility, leaving women It is this ideology that says sympathise with her while be- the problems of the immediate

months. Undergraduates can not ordinary student and to shoulder the burden of the value of human life is ing aware that I’ll “never be in situation cloud out the hope

now borrow 30 books for two community research, teach- what ought to be a twin determined by how ‘successful’ that position” myself and so, of the future. The woman who

weeks and can renew six times ing and learning. University responsibility. Those who it is that the pro-life movement like all men and most women, carries the child through to

for a maximum of three and a library books should be for advocate the pro-life position rejects. Mr Sabolcki’s point will never understand the full birth has acted selflessly, and

half months. all students, staff and some should not do so because they exactly: if we don’t protect the emotional impact of it. being selfless is not easy. But

considering the lack of a others not for a few selfish want women to be respon- unborn, then logically we have In this situation, we need to it is right. The challenge for

recall option this is the worst individuals with big research sible for their actions. They no intrinsic reason for our own look beyond the immediate society is to take an optimistic

and potentially most abusive dollars. should argue their position right to life. This right must ‘now’ and see the larger picture. view of human life and dignity,

university book borrowing de- This policy will further because they are concerned be earned, by somehow being An abortion, while it might rather than a pessimistic one.

regulation in Australia. It may impair the quality of Monash for the lives of unborn chil- ‘valuable enough.’ This “culture seemed justified, is still the de- hope is always better than

appear great for those that have University education. Stu- dren. of death” manifests itself in nial of a human life. Being ‘pro’ despair.

books but could be a disaster dents cannot be required to

for those who need them. It is read books they cannot readily

unnecessary and it grossly vio- borrow. The unavailability of

lates the rights of all students a library book is a legitimate

and staff to have reasonable ac- reason for students to demand

cess to books. Salaried staff and an improvement in grades.

scholarship-holding students in Monash should acquire some

particular should not be able to responsibility and students

stack a library of books in their should demand the adoption

offices or at home on the off of La Trobe University library



HiV/AiDS and stigma

chance they may need them. policies including the return

Nobody can read more than a of all requested books within

few books at a time and books two weeks.



AnonYMoUS

IN March 1981, eight young association with IV drug users was its role in healthcare. The selves of this social prejudice.

gay men were in hospital in did not improve this. By the obvious initial concern was that So what can we do to remove

New York. Each of them was end of 1982, when it became hIV, being a virus, was con- stigma? first of all, know the

suffering from an aggressive clear that hIV was progressing tagious. At first, many doctors facts.

form of Kaposi’s Sarcoma, a into the ‘normal’ population, didn’t want to treat hIV/AIDS AIDS is not God’s bounty-

relatively benign cancer that the blame already lay strongly patients for fear of contract- hunter, out to get gay people

covers the skin in purplish-red with the perceived origin of the ing their mystery disease. This and sinners. AIDS is an

sores. They were all violently disease - gays. posed difficulties for some hIV acquired condition caused by

ill and clearly suffering from Imagine the climate - a new positive people for receiving hIV. hIV is a virus, contracted

the same thing, but no doctor and aggressive disease had sud- treatment, and also discouraged in a variety of ways not limited

could tell them exactly why. denly appeared. Nobody knew people with high-risk life- to having unprotected sex

A new and frightening disease what exactly caused it, or how styles from getting tested, thus (oral or otherwise) with, or

was on the world’s doorstep, to fix it. They were guaranteed inadvertently encouraging the sharing needles with, a hIV

and it was killing off gay a slow and miserable death. spread of the disease. Unfor- positive person. It can also be

people. Scare campaigns like the Grim tunately, this is still an issue. contracted by health workers

By the end of 1981, 121 reaper hIV ad encouraged the People least expect prejudices through needlestick injuries,

people had died from it. development of this culture to come from doctors, who are or in barfights by getting hIV

Labelled an epidemic, of fear, where it was perceived usually characterised as being positive blood in the eyes or

slapped with homophobic that homosexuals with their concerned with social justice mouth. It can be passed from

and junkie connotations, this lascivious ways were responsible and human compassion; but in mother to child. It can be con-

would be the beginning of for the killing off of the general a survey done of hIV positive tracted via blood transfusions.

two decades of malignant stig- population. What one Ameri- people, 34% of people reported hIV cannot be contracted by

ma towards hIV/AIDS. The can congressman called the ‘less than favourable’ medical touching someone, having

connotations associated with ‘moral majority’ was convinced treatment - of those people, them cough on you, shar-

the hIV retrovirus showed that AIDS was a direct punish- 37% reported that they were ing their cups, or making out

some of the worst sides of hu- ment from God and that hIV ‘avoided’ by their doctor, 25% with them (unless the person

man nature, even amongst the positive people were a threat, were refused treatment, and carrying the disease produces a

health care providers. Guilty not only physically, but mor- 10% were directly abused. This half gallon of saliva per mack).

Photo by Richard Plumridge

by association, AIDS became ally. This kind of erroneously study was done in 2003, not hIV is not the adult’s version

the ultimate dirty word and ‘righteous’ thinking, combined back in the 80s – evidence that of cooties.

having it was indicative of a with the atmosphere of stigmatism persists into the Second of all, acknowledge



Super Rich Monash filthy, sinful lifestyle.

In 1982, doctors’ under-

epidemic-induced fear resulted

in a rise of anti-gay violence,

new millennium.

Because of the social response

that a person with hIV is just

that – a person. They have

standings of what hIV was attacks on families with hIV to a biological condition, families and friends, fears and

Vice-Chancellor hadn’t really advanced. It

was often just referred to by

positive members and the forg-

ing of a long-lasting stigma.

people are now less likely to

disclose their hIV status for

dreams, favourite pets and

football teams. People with

its symptoms and associated In Maine in 1984, 23 year old fear of being rejected by sexual hIV live normal lives, with

MARLow Von TRiER

conditions (e.g. lymphad- charlie howard was beaten, partners. More people are thus the exception of a few more

ThE salary package of the high considering that the fed- enopathy) rather than having pushed off a bridge, and being put at risk of a serious doctors’ appointments than the

Monash University Vice- eral Treasury Secretary who one all-encompassing name. drowned because of the sup- and preventable disease because average person.

chancellor, now Professor Ed administers the latter budget Despite that, a strong correla- posed threat posed by his sexu- of the negative connotations we rather than someone to be

Byrne, is $810,000 a year (The is paid around $500 thousand tion had been made between ality. A family in America with have heaped on this condi- blamed and vindicated, some-

Age, 9/5/2011, page 4.) The a year. They are absurdly high the disease and homosexual three haemophiliac sons who tion. Those that are honest are one with AIDS is chronically

University council argues that considering Ted Baillieu’s sal- men, leading to names such had contracted hIV via blood often rejected anyway, with ill, and in our society, a chroni-

it is necessary to pay this and a ary of around $300 thousand, as ‘Gay related Immune transfusions were forced to gay-dating sites reinforcing the cally ill person is viewed as

descending hierarchy of huge Julia Gillard’s salary of around Disease’, ‘Gay compromise leave their town after abuse and stigma with descriptions such vulnerable and to be cared for.

administration salaries to com- $340 thousand and Barak Syndrome’, ‘Gay cancer’, or discrimination – the final straw as ‘disease-free’ and ‘clean’ as Not abused or discriminated,

pete with the salaries paid in Obama’s salary of around my personal favourite, the being their house burnt down selling points. Not only are but accepted, appreciated, and

the private sector, to attract the A$470 thousand. ‘Gay Plague’. The punitive in suspicious circumstances. A hIV positive people alienated ideally healed.

best research staff with the big- We need to replace the belief that hIV was a punish- classmate related to us the story in the general public, but also hIV should not be what

gest research budgets in a glob- present mostly unelected, ment for homosexuality was of how some young hIV posi- within the gay community. defines a person, nor should

ally competitive environment. unrepresentative and academi- being institutionalised. tive orphans who lived near her The discrimination faced by we allow the negative social

This argument is false. While it cally unaccountable Monash Unsurprisingly, this stigma- in Malaysia would have rocks hIV positive patients is one of connotations associated with

may be necessary to pay some University council. The huge tisation worsened the health thrown at them on a daily the major contributors to asso- it to swerve our judgement as

research staff over $200 thou- cost of Monash University of AIDS sufferers, in more basis. This begs the question: ciated adjustment disorders and to how we treat someone with

sand it is not necessary to pay administration, reported to than the obvious ways. The how do we, as human beings, depression, and it’s commonly it. Next time you come across

administrators more, for they be at least $35 million a early association with the gay expect to be treated when we acknowledged that mental someone with hIV or AIDS,

do not do academic research, year, should not be borne by community is believed to be have a chronic illness beyond health issues can dramatically show your solidarity and just

publish or teach. students, staff and the Austral- the reason why so little fund- our control? affect the prognosis of someone remember: stigma will never be

Monash is a publicly owned ian tax payer. A very good ing was put into hIV research The second major effect with a serious illness – all the a cure.

statutory body with an annual Monash Vice-chancellor, in the 1980s, and the later of the stigmatisation of hIV more reason to try and rid our-

budget of around $1.3 billion dedicated to research and

compared with the federal teaching and appointed after

Government budget of around real consultation with stu-

$350 billion. Monash adminis- dents and staff, could be paid

tration salaries are ridiculously around $200 thousand.

16 oPinion



The real battle over religious education

SAMUEL MASon-SMiTH

ThIS is intended as a re- This recommendation is instruction in paragraph 13: promotion of an ideal, namely standing it betrays, and how ard Dawkins is not opposed

sponse to the opinion piece taken from the ‘fairness in “One solution to the… con- that matters of church and state widespread this misunderstand- to educating children about

by Barney Zwartz titled ‘Why religions in School’ website, troversial problems of r.I. is to be kept separate. This ideal has ing is amongst the religious religion per se – if you read the

christianity should be taught, which is critical of Special re- abolish all teaching of religion its roots in the Enlightenment and non-religious alike. Just book, you’ll find that what he

properly, in our schools’ (The ligious Instruction: “We need or religious matters from State era, when ideological opposi- as there is no necessary link considers abusive is teachers,

Age, 11/04/2011), which can to educate our children about Schools. Both the United States tion to the arbitrary authority between secularism and athe- parents and clergymen terrify-

be found at: educated but that this should much greater emphasis on Eth- by definition, it does not allow True, you could fairly say that believe the truth of it is hardly

The issue of religious educa- be outside of the normal school ics and comparative religion. any religion to be favoured by atheism necessarily implies that an excuse, any more than the

tion has probably always been curriculum. Ultimately schools Even the much-maligned the state over another. religion is incorrect (at least belief that one’s religion is

a matter of controversy as far should teach about religion, richard Dawkins (the only The second point I wish to those religions that profess the correct is an acceptable excuse

as humanists are concerned. not instruct children in reli- atheist and secularist specifical- make on this front is that there existence of a god), but the idea for seeking to impose it on

The recent complaints to the gion.” ly mentioned in Zwartz’s piece) is no necessary link between that religious activity ought others, or killing people in its

Victorian Equal Opportunity Going back further, the stresses – in The God Delusion, secularism and atheism. While to be suppressed, or to be name. These kinds of behav-

and human rights commis- humanist Society of Victoria no less (chapter 9) – that the I have little doubt that most forcefully eradicated, requires a iour are examples of why even

sion have only served to bring (hSV) made a submission to study of religion is important: self-described atheists would ‘middle term’ to complete the the devout ought to support

the matter to public attention the ‘russell report’ in 1973, “[A]n atheistic world-view pro- also describe themselves as syllogism. I am unconvinced of secularism in all governmental

once again. which was supposed to consider vides no justification for cut- secularists – as I do – it is the existence of any such term, matters, including education

I was interested to see the alternatives to religious instruc- ting the Bible, and other sacred perfectly possible for religious which is why I happily tolerate – which brings us back, neatly

matter discussed by Barney tion as it existed then. Part IV books, out of our education… people to be secularists. In fact, people practising religion in enough, to where we started.

Zwartz, religion editor at The of the hSV’s submission sets We can give up our belief in as author and atheist christo- their private lives. I chose to offer a rebuttal

Age, and after reading his out “Guidelines for Ethics and God while not losing touch pher hitchens is fond of point- If you think I’m defining to Mr Zwartz’s piece because,

opinion piece I was compelled comparative religion”. These with a treasured heritage.” ing out, the ‘wall of separation’ atheism too simplistically – as ironically, I think the concerns

to offer a response from my guidelines propose exposure to Even were we to adopt the between church and state summarised by the statement he raises and the system he

perspective as an advocate of a variety of religious institu- strong secular position as exem- which Thomas Jefferson helped “I don’t believe in a god” – I advocates are potent argu-

secularism in political matters. tions, practices and beliefs, plified by the U.S. and french to erect in the United States would challenge you to look at ments in favour of secularism,

Zwartz expresses the view as well as ethics, civics and education systems, this would served, in no small measure, to what prominent atheists actu- and against the influence of

that the current system of politics. In paragraph 16 of that still not be tantamount to ‘ad- protect christian groups from ally profess to believe, even the religious ideologies, in educa-

religious education, provided same submission, the authors vocating’ atheism. This brings persecution by other christian supposedly incorrigible Profes- tional matters – it’s just that,

mainly by Access Ministries, stated: “[W]e define the subject me to Mr Zwartz’s claim that denominations. I don’t think sor Dawkins (see, for example, in my opinion, his misunder-

is “no longer adequate”, and ‘Ethics and comparative reli- there is a “battle taking place I’m exaggerating when I suggest the seven-degree ‘spectrum’ in standing of secularism and the

that instead we need “a formal gion’ as ‘the factual inter-com- within secularism as to whether that the cultural survival and The God Delusion, chapter 2), motivations behind it lead him

course taught by trained teach- parison of various religious and atheism should be an unofficial flourishing of religious mi- and I think you’ll find that this to the opposite conclusion. The

ers, introducing students to the moral philosophies without state ideology”. I wish to take norities in the west would have interpretation is by far the most misunderstanding is a com-

various religions and non- implying the superiority of any Mr Zwartz to task on seman- been impossible were it not for common amongst self-identify- mon one, and my only aim is

religious ethical theories but one philosophy’.” tics, specifically for his usage the rise of secularism. ing atheists. to clear it up so that the debate

advocating none”. This strikes Sound familiar, Mr Zwartz? of the words ‘secularism’ and Thirdly, to speak of atheism citing richard Dawkins as is directed at concrete issues

me as an entirely reasonable Admittedly, this is not an ‘atheism’. as an ‘ideology’ is meaningless. an example (his only one), Mr rather than straw men.

proposition – in fact, a rather exhaustive statement of the Mr Zwartz is right, in my This point is only tangential to Zwartz takes issue with the

familiar one, since it is essen- secular position. The 1973 opinion, to point out that the piece to which I’m respond- idea that teaching religion to

tially what secularists have been hSV submission identified secularism is not “ideologi- ing, but still needs to be reiter- children is a form of abuse. As

arguing for. another alternative to religious cally neutral”. It is indeed the ated because of the misunder- I have already shown, rich-









Secularism, islamophobia and the veil in France

PAUL GiFFARD-FoRET

“The veil is not removed from wear the hijab, to this pressure struggle. exists other divisions besides as well as secularist demands its authority by declaring an

the countenance of the social life is now added pressure by the By largely supporting the ban class, such as race, gender, as superficial, if not damag- artificial state of emergency.

process, i.e. the process of mate- state not to on the pretext that on the hijab and the Burqa, ethnicity or religion, as well as ing. Neither can the ‘veil’ of Islamophobia is a dangerous

rial production, until it becomes state schools must remain secular. the french Left ironically fell recognize (along with the tra- alienation – to return to Marx game, but a game the state is

production by freely associated This fits with the Marxist belief short of its alleged commit- ditional/secularist french Left) – be removed through further all too ready to play and that

people and stands under their that under capitalism, free- ment to the enhancement of that identity politics, whether retrenchment into communal- Marxists must fight against

conscious and planned control”. dom of choice is an illusion, the class struggle and the class communalist-reactionary or ism (a romantic and highly without embracing commu-

(Marx, capital) for these Muslim women in struggle only. A strict dialec- emancipatory as in the various dangerous stance) nor can it be, nalism or clericalism, and by

particular are now left with tical-materialist approach to Liberation Movements of the indeed, through some vague making clear that although we

MArXISM is the theory of no choice at all, being torn on religion, and only this, can in 60s, ultimately stands in the and idealist secularist stand- support all forms of oppres-

the advancement and self- both sides. turn unlock a rigidified secular- way of progress, and not the point. sion, and although we support

emancipation of the working The Manichean logic of the ist/progressive vs. clerical/back- opposite. The current political climate freedom of religion, we do not

class and the oppressed through french State – between secular- ward outlook that has a long however, Marxists (un- around the world seems to be support religion per se.

revolutionary struggle by the ism and clericalism, state and history in france. like postmodernists) thus towards further retrenchment In the end, Marx’s worldview

working class and the op- religion, the political/public So too has Islamophobia believe that identity politics and communalism. The reason is materialist, not idealist. Thus,

pressed. Another Marxist tenet and the private – is nothing but and racism. from the french- must be subordinated to the for this is purely material: we should always be careful

is that through struggle itself a divide-and-conquer strategy Algerian War to the french class struggle. Similarly, we it follows more than three in how we stand in relation

do people transform themselves and a lure. The secular state riots in 2005, largely led by believe (unlike the traditional/ decades of right wing attacks to religious groups, through

and are able to lift the ‘veil’ that and the public can, and already disenfranchised french Arab secularist french Left) that on working class standards, and determining their class-based

cloaks over the true nature of does, function while coloured and Black-Muslims, the Left’s identity politics is an unavoid- a renewed imperialist agenda nature and whether or not

their oppression. by clericalism/religion and the response has been timid , to say able parameter that needs to in the Middle East over oil in their position is progressive or

It follows that, banning private. the least. This, in turn, opens be understood and approached a post-colonial era where the reactionary when placed into

the wearing of the Burqa in Although not the state reli- up space for the growth of Is- from a materialist perspective, (ex-)colonized are now fighting the larger context.

public spaces or the hijab in gion any longer, catholicism lamic fundamentalism amongst not condemned, dismissed or both inside and outside the A call for a french-modeled

state schools is not to liberate in france still permeates all as- the youth, as evidenced by the ignored on ‘purist’ grounds. West. ban of the Burqa in public

Muslim women; in fact, it does pects of french society, albeit in riots. In an article published in To say this so-called ‘New spaces in Australia last year

the exact opposite by focusing a hidden way. The resurgence had there been at the time the Marxist Left Review, 2011, World (dis)order’ has in some “has split opinion and sparked

on appearances, i.e. the ‘veil’ of so-called neo-christian a revolutionary left commit- Mick Armstrong argues from way entailed a so-called ‘clash outrage from the Muslim

which in most cases is not a veil values in recent times is thus ted to anti-Muslim racism, a materialist perspective how of civilizations’ is to avoid con- community, who labelled it

but actually a headscarf. Marx’s legitimized – indeed, it is often the outcome might have been “there is no contradiction fronting the tree hiding in the a political stunt” and “Un-

usage of the word ‘veil’ in the extolled, and not just by the slightly different. Instead, Lutte between supporting Muslim forest. Arab-Muslims in france Australian.” Unlike france’s

above quote specifically alludes far right. In contrast, Islam is Ouvriere (LO), one of the larg- women protesting the ban occupy the bottom of the spurious universalist-egalitarian

to alienation and commodity demonized, thus becoming a est Trotskyist groups in france, on headscarves in france and social ladder. In some largely tradition, Australia is officially

fetishism. political and public issue for supported the ban of the hijab championing Afghan women in Arab-Muslim suburbs around multicultural and at least on

My analogy with the Muslim the Muslim community, which in schools in 2004, one year their fight against the manda- Paris, unemployment amongst paper acknowledges difference.

headscarf applies as much to has fought back in various ways before the riots. This is in part tory wearing of the burqa,” for the youth has risen above 40 In practice, multicultural-

women’s (here Muslim) oppres- against not only the ban on the due to france’s colonial past. “both are fighting against state- per cent. ism serves to contain difference

sion as it does to the far-left’s hijab/burqa but other issues from a chapter in Rethinking imposed oppression – and for In the end, the french within the narrow boundaries

mitigated response to the ban such as the building of mosques Marxism, Saroj Giri’s comment the right to self-determination.” secular state is not so much of the nation-state and has been

in france. for the external sign and minarets in Switzerland. on post-colonial India is also In turn, a class analysis and scared of Islam and Islamic used as a cover-up for assimi-

of oppression to be removed, This fight for self-determina- relevant in the case of post- an understanding of the nature fundamentalism as it depends lation, just as secularism has

the internal source of oppres- tion, Marxists should support colonial france: “The secu- of the modern state allow us to on it, in the same way that U.S. been. To conclude, a radical,

sion must be overthrown (i.e. unconditionally, for the same larism versus communalism support Islamist groups such imperialism supported and fi- Marxist approach to multi-

capitalism) by the oppressed reasons that some in the french debate seems to correspond to as hezbollah and hamas in nanced Islamic fundamentalism culturalism would thus move

themselves. In the end, hyste- Left have chosen to condemn a left political field structured their struggle against the state in the Middle East as a way to beyond the veil of superficial

ria over a piece of fabric only or ignore it on the basis that between social democracy/tra- of Israel, and for the right to curb down popular revolts for ‘boutique multi-culinarism’

serves to reinforce sectarianism. it consists of a diversion from ditional left versus postmodern- self-determination as well as the past 40 years. Secularism – that of ethnic restaurants

Most importantly, it is ‘real’ working class issues, ist/subaltern/identitarian left, condemn proto-fascist religious is a veil and a veil only – and and high flirtation with the

fundamentally racist. Muslim and that it is reactionary and excluding any third revolution- entities such as the christian the french State knows this. Its ‘inscrutable Other’ – and to-

women should have the right communalist. Marx’s hostility ary position from the field of evangelists in America or the stigmatization of the Muslim wards a material conception of

to choose whether or not they towards religion in particular vision.” hindu far right in India for community participates in the islamophobia and the ongoing

wish to wear the hijab and and communalism in general This ‘third space’ would their co-optation with the rul- latter’s further marginalization. Inquisition-style ‘War on (T)

practice their religion as they is well known. however, even recognize (along with the ing class. recourse to ‘reluctant’ error’.

wish. If indeed there exists in more well known is Marx’s view postmodernists, particularly Most importantly, a class- (Islamic) terrorism and riot by

some cases pressures by the that secularism should never be vocal amongst the french intel- oriented worldview regards this same community allows in From a member of Socialist

Muslim male community to an end in itself, but rather class ligentsia/academia) that there both culturalist/postmodernist turn the french State to solidify Alternative

oPinion 17





The white Australian narrative: How a people can be dehumanized, and why.

AnonYMoUS



I came to Australia from India that a collective narrative is key ‘White Australia’ is desperate larly their coercive sense of na- epitomized in modern legal and moral and social onus on white

in 1993, with little idea of what to fostering a collective national to maintain an identity that is tionhood. As fanon writes, “the political institutions, most no- Australians to share the pain

it was to be an Indian, let alone identity. for example, Benedict congruous with elitist Eurocen- native laughs in mockery when tably, in Native Title legislation. of the injustices suffered by In-

an Australian. Over the years, Anderson in his seminal book, trocism is ultimately to the det- Western values are mentioned Only where Aboriginal people digenous Australians. The idea

I have come to consider myself Imagined Communities, explains riment of our social conscious- in front of him”. have maintained traditional law of bearing the burden of such

an Indian, not because there how national identities are “im- ness. Indigenous culture has The objectification of In- and links with the land and Na- guilt and pain, for the suffer-

is some clearly defined Indian agined” and created through been left deprived of dignity, digenous Australia began with tive Title has not been rendered ings of one’s own community,

identity that applies to me, but collective narrative. Australia is and patronised as lacking intel- colonization. Most significant- obsolete by any act of govern- is at best confronting, and at

because, despite being raised in bereft of a genuinely collective lectual integrity. for example, ly, an academic discourse arose ment may Indigenous land worst, disorienting.

Australia and being of Austral- narrative, given the divisions in Dreaming is little understood that scrutinized the ‘Aborigine’ ownership be upheld. Such The implicit, and explicit,

ian nationality, speaking in an identity that exist and continue given the Judeo-christian within an elitist Western ideo- is how the academic legacy power relationships that ‘White

Australian accent, and so forth, to be entrenched, the unneces- belief systems that underscore logical framework and contin- of Aboriginalism pervades Australia’ has consolidated

I do not feel that I am ac- sarily antagonistic relationship Australian institutions. Dream- ues to legitimize this characteri- current institutions. That the subject to Indigenous Aus-

cepted as a member Australian between these disparate identi- ing is exploited as an objectified zation in current political and origins of identity alienation tralia provide the premise for

society. I do not feel accepted ties, and the insecurities that spectacle at sporting events, economic institutions. are enshrined in academia lends inherently biased political

because I am visibly not what arise from such antagonism. with Indigenous Australians In his influential book, intellectual, albeit obviously institutions (and vice-versa). A

an Australian ‘is meant to’ look By this, I refer to the unneces- relegated to being perceived as Orientalism, Edward Said fallacious, justification to the sizeable constituency within the

like. Many ‘white’ Australians sarily disparate identities of mere entertainers. It and most, explained (for the benefit of continuingly disparate identity media and politics exploit the

interpret the colour of my skin Indigenous Australians, white if not all, Indigenous stories, Westerners) the process by discourse. identity issue, in its exclusion-

as an open invitation to ask Anglo-Australians, and, more are seen as peripheral frivolities which the West had effectively To appreciate why the Indig- ary form, reinforce the political

what my nationality is. I feel recently, those of non-white without modern cultural or monopolized the construction enous Australian identity is not currency of monopolizing the

that whereas ‘white’ Australians background, and the unwilling- intellectual import. I empathise of identity through depicting acknowledged as significant in national identity and perpetu-

would like to see themselves ness of ‘middle Australia’ to with such objectification; as a the ‘other’, which, in Said’s our national narrative, I con- ate the idea of the ‘other’ with

as ‘tolerant’, their tolerance of answer questions of cultural hindu, I am often subjected case, was the Oriental. The sider what ‘White Australia’ has immunity. for example, the

my ‘alien ways’ is particularly definition. ‘White Australia’s’ to generalizations about my Oriental became the object of to lose by incorporating a more Australian communications

patronising. unwillingness to relinquish this religion as being devoid of any study, and Western academics inclusive national identity. and Media Authority alleged

That ‘White Australia’ is yet identity engenders a cultural substance because of its misrep- became the foremost authori- first, it is a daunting prospect in 2007 that radio jockey,

to accept the reality of Aus- antagonism, and betrays their resented polytheism. I am only ties on the subject, thus further to have to question one’s iden- Alan Jones’ comments before

tralia’s diversity, and, more per- insecurity about the prospects subjected to this because of the subjugating the ‘other’. The tity, because others question the 2005 cronulla riots “were

tinently, Australia’s violent past, of confronting becoming one christian subtext of all cultural Oriental as a subject of study it. As a non-white person in likely to have encouraged

has made me acutely sensitive of the ‘other’. That the ‘Aus- analysis that takes place in Aus- was never afforded the human- Australia, and as non-white brutality and vilified people of

to the wanting national nar- tralian identity’ remains so tralia. The ‘White Australian’ ity that Westerners granted Australians, we are expected to Lebanese and Middle Eastern

rative in this country. Anthro- exclusive renders it bereft of identity does not include any themselves, and endured question our own identities, background”. Jones was record-

pologist Ghassan hage explains any tangible cultural legacy and such nuance. presumed ‘knowledge’ gathered by virtue of ‘White Australia’s’ ed as having said on air “these

in his book White Nation: auspicious future. In light of such cultural dis- about her/him. Thus, the West- monotone national narrative. Middle Eastern people must be

Fantasies of white supremacy in a It appears that at best, Indig- placement, Australian citizen- ern imperialists demarcated It is a privilege on one level, treated with a big stick; it’s the

multicultural society that regard- enous Australia adds an exotic ship is particularly meaningless the boundaries of discourse, and a source of comfort, that only thing they fear, they don’t

less of whether a white person flavour to the ‘White Austral- for Indigenous Australians. and derived power from their ‘White Australians’ need not fear fines and they laugh at the

is a ‘white racist’ or a ‘white ian’ narrative – as Indigenous On the one hand, for an monopoly over knowledge of question their own identi- courts”. far from condemning

multiculturalist’, there is a artwork adorns the carpets and Indigenous Australian to be the ‘other’. An ideological prog- ties. It is assumed that there is the dehumanization of “these

shared consensus that both are walls of the most elite galleries, an Australian citizen, given eny of Michel foucault, Said something uniquely ‘Australian’ Middle Eastern people”, politi-

“in one way or another, masters an elitism that Indigenous artist the very alienating and not argues, “to have knowledge of about being white in Australia, cal leaders unambiguously en-

of national space, and that it may not commonly avail. At civic definition of Australian such a thing is to dominate and this is taken for granted. dorsed Alan Jones’ tactics, most

is up to them to decide who worst, Indigenous Australia is a identity, she/he surrenders her/ it, to have authority over it.” Those that represent the ‘other’ notably, the Prime Minister at

stayed in and who ought to be stubborn primitive stain on the his Indigenous identity (as it is furthermore, such objectifica- are expected to consciously the time, and opposition leader.

kept out of that space”. I har- story of Western advancement. not recognised as a significant tion disempowers the ‘other’. affirm their commitment to More specifically to Indig-

bour a deep cynicism towards Given how Indigenous Austral- part of the Australian Iden- Always a subject of study, and Australia, while those that enous Australia, it is puzzling

White Australia for ‘tolerat- ians are still considered ‘wards’ tity). Paradoxically, despite never a thought-leader, the have never engaged in such that the veracity of the Stolen

ing my difference’, for being of the State and deprived of this surrender, the Indigenous ‘other’ is kept at the bounda- self-analysis set the parameters Generation and accounts of

shamefully ignorant of this any cultural sovereignty, I fear Australian is not necessarily ries of Western consciousness. of identity. More importantly, Indigenous experiences are

attitude’s blatant hypocrisy in that the latter depiction is more accepted as an Australian, but Empowering the ‘other’ in for ‘White Australia’ to embark so easily challenged by white

light of our past acts of depriv- prevalent in modern Australia. as ‘the primitive’, in need of discourse would challenge the upon consciously including Australians. It is implied that

ing Indigenous Australians of Only a conditional tolerance is civilising. Moreover, even to be political and social interests others in a national narrative the Indigenous experience is

their institutional and cultural extended to those of non-white considered an Australian, one of those that define identities would be an admission of the an attempt to hoodwink white

place, and for coercing my fam- ethnicity, a conditional toler- must hope to be accepted by the within Western paradigms. ‘white’ privilege that has been Australians into accepting re-

ily, me, Indigenous Australians ance that is based on fear of the mainstream. It was only upon Early Europeans in Australia afforded to them. This would sponsibility for their collective

and those that are not white ‘other’. As written in the 1978 being granted the right to be similarly objectified the ‘Abo- mean ‘White Australia’ would narrative. Ironically, white Aus-

to bear the burden of proving Galbally report, which pre- included in the census in 1967 rigine’. In The Australian Abo- be forced to confront its own tralians are willing to extend

our ‘Australianness’. Only to ceded Australia’s official policy that first Australians were even rigine, Elkin alleges that there guilt and to renounce the privi- their sympathies to victims of

the extent that my inclusion of multiculturalism, “migrants considered constitutionally are definite “physical charac- lege assumed. With respect to injustice overseas, while they do

does not pose a challenge to the have the right to maintain their Australian. Acknowledgement teristics of the Aborigine,” and Indigenous Australians, ‘White not adhere to the same moral

dominant national identity am cultural and racial identity… of first Australians’ impor- that “no one could mistake an Australia’ would also be forced code at home. Perhaps the

I accepted at the periphery of provided that ethnic identity is tance in our national narrative Aborigine”. he contends that to confront the full extent international empathy affords

the Australian identity. not stressed at the expense of has always been contingent these features distinguish the of the social, moral, political them a degree of civilized moral

My cynicism prompts me to society at large…” In similar upon the consent of ‘White Aborigine from the “other great exclusion of those of their own superiority, while to implement

examine Australia’s deficient vein, Indigenous Australians Australia’. According to Aron divisions of mankind…repre- community. such empathy at home would

national narrative, specifically are at the mercy of ‘White Aus- Paul, in an article published on senting a generalized though As explained earlier, national compel them to contend with

in relation to the exclusion of tralia’s’ cultural volition. Crikey in April 2010, the use primitive modern type…best identity is usually constructed their own barbarism.

Indigenous Australians from revolutionary and philoso- of the defence force during the classified in a special group.” by first constructing the ‘other’. It is not only Indigenous

national dialogue, why they are pher frantz fanon writes in The Northern Territory interven- Whiteness and non-white- It would challenge all political, Australia that must contend

excluded and the lasting impact Wretched of the earth, “the na- tion illustrated how ‘White ness have been integral in academic and social institutions with the pain and implicit

of this exclusion on Australia’s tive is declared [by the colonial Australia’ has endorsed the establishing the conditions of to admit the ‘other’ within the violence of exclusion. ‘White

culture. settler] insensible to ethics; he criminalization of an entire Australian, and Indigenous borders of the strictly defined Australia’ inadvertently divulges

In this essay, I first argue represents not only the absence people. This endorsement is identity. The discourse of dif- Australian identity. Thus far, its cultural stagnation while

that ‘White Australia’ is the of values, but also the negation made possible only by virtue of ference about the civilized and ‘White Australia’ has deprived feigning ignorance on the sub-

only Australian narrative, and of values”, a depiction which the assumption that Indigenous the Noble Savage continues to Indigenous Australia of its ject of national identity. This

that incorporating Indigenous has retained considerable cur- people are somehow socially inform contemporary atti- humanity. Indigenous Australia stagnation threatens to further

Australians and others into in- rency in modern cultural and inept, and not quite deserving tudes about identity, depriving has remained at the outskirts of fragment Australian society,

terpretations of any Australian institutional dialogue, however of the respect granted to white Indigenous Australians of any the national narrative, posited and compounds the implicit

identity threatens the cultural disguised in politically correct citizens. ‘White Australia’ con- cultural sovereignty. as the ‘other’, and dehumanized violence of our institutions

hegemony of ‘White Australia’. rhetoric. for ‘White Australia’ tinues to consider Indigenous The persistence of Abo- such that the ethical sensi- in that they are at their heart

Second, I examine the role this to empathise with the Indig- Australians as wards of the riginalism in the late seventies bilities afforded to the ordinary exclusive. Mainstream Australia

discourse on ‘Aboriginalism’ has enous Australian experience in state, thus depriving them of academic literature evinces its ‘White Australian’ are not ex- would be required to muster

had in objectifying Indigenous defining the Australian identity their cultural sovereignty, and intellectual dominance within tended to Indigenous Austral- great courage to confront the

identity within Australia’s would be to threaten their thin- fail to accept the necessity of identity discourse, and thus ians (and non-white citizens). abject discrimination Indig-

white colonial identity. finally, ly veiled assumption of civilized dialogue with Indigenous com- Aboriginal culture has subse- The dehumanization suffices as enous Australians contend

I argue that the hegemony of superiority. The exclusion of munities in addressing Indig- quently been grossly dimin- reason enough to continue to with, particularly given the

the ‘White Australian’ identity Indigenous Australians from enous community issues. The ished. five hundred nations exclude Indigenous Australians. extent to which the discrimina-

exposes its insecurities about what is currently the Australian implicit notion that Indigenous have been simplified as being a To acknowledge Indigenous tion perpetuates the Anglo-

the ‘other’. It is not my inten- identity is a means of maintain- Australia is a burden on mod- static community, a vestige of Australia’s place as the found- Australian discourse. however,

tion to stipulate the position ing this colonial superiority. ern Australian society reinforces the past and lacking in intel- ers of the Australian narrative such an exercise would be more

of Indigenous Australia within Specifically, the attitude that that Indigenous Australia’s lectual complexity. The Abo- would require ‘White Australia’ likely to enrich the Australian

the Australian narrative, but Australia is a Western nation, legacy is of little importance in riginal identity only extends to reassess their objectification narrative and indicate a cultural

to critique the extent to which with a Western narrative, is Australian narratives. In light to symbolism through objects. of the Indigenous ‘other’ and maturity. As long as the Aus-

‘White Australia’ has excluded upheld by our institutions, and of this exclusion, Indigenous for example the boomerang or to be held accountable for the tralian discourse continues to

Indigenous people from dis- most conspicuously in having Australians have a right to feel didgeridoo are seen as suffi- plight of their own. Dissolving construct a Eurocentric narra-

course on national identity. alienated first Australians from little empathy for the values of cient depictions of Indigenous the ‘other’ within the Austral- tive, Australian society remains

Nationalism theorists posit any meaningful dialogue. That ‘White Australia’, and particu- culture. This patronization is ian narrative would place a regressive.

SPoRT 19



The world Xi

Sports fans are obsessed with lists and SPOrTS EDITOr KiRAn iYER is no exception. This is his cricket dream team-

the World Test Cricket XI, based on form during the 2010 calendar year.



1. Alastair Cook (England) makes him a strong candidate average of 78.10. Tendulkar’s depth of this World XI. Kallis valuable for an England side international cricket, form-

for the opening spot, Sehwag’s maturity has been his defining remains the best all-rounder in which depended for too long ing a fearsome partnership

Leading into the 2010-11 Ash- raw impact as an opener is characteristic in recent years. World cricket and could com- on pedestrian holding spinners with Morne Morkel. Steyn’s

es series, cook’s presence at the unsurpassable. While he may no longer bat as mand a place in the team based such as Ashley Giles. Swann is lethal combination of pace and

top of the English batting order flamboyantly as he did in the on his batting alone. however, not the biggest turner of the accuracy saw him pick up 60

is unlikely to have inspired fear 3. Hashim Amla (South 1990s, Tendulkar’s value to he remains a useful option with ball in world cricket, but his wickets with a miserly average

in the hearts of Australian sup- Africa) the team has grown as he has the ball, picking up 12 wickets exceptional control and subtle of 21 in 2010. What makes

porters. After scoring 766 runs taken on the responsibility of in 2010 with his sharp medium variations has added a crucial Steyn unique is that he does

in seven innings in a dominant Amla in full flight is the most shepherding the middle order pace. dimension to the English at- not require helpful conditions

Ashes performance, cook has attractive batsman to watch through difficult periods. tack. Taking 64 wickets at an to destroy elite batting attacks.

stamped himself as one of the in world cricket. his unhur- 7. Mahendra Singh Dhoni average of 26 in 2010 stamps his 7 for 51 against India in

most exciting young bats- ried presence at the crease, 5. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri (india- Captain/wicket- Swann as the best spin bowler Nagpur made the world’s best

men in international cricket. precise footwork and wristy Lanka, Vice-Captain) keeper) in world cricket. batting lineup look inept in

his solid technique provides flicks through the legside are relatively benign conditions for

the perfect counterpart to the reminiscent of VVS Laxman in Although Sangakkara only Playing Sangakkara as a special- 9. Zaheer Khan (india) batting.

swashbuckling Sehwag at the his prime. however, it is Amla’s played two series in 2010, his ist batsman justifies the inclu-

top of the order. tenacity which caught the eye unbelievable average of 99.28 sion of Dhoni in the World XI. Zaheer Khan’s value as a fast 11. Morne Morkel (South

in 2010. his unbeaten 253 justifies his inclusion in the Dhoni’s glovework is consistent bowler is an unerring ability Africa)

2. Virender Sehwag (india) against India in Nagpur, which World Test XI. Sangakkara has if not exceptional at Test level to pick up wickets when they

led South Africa to an innings always been a class player, but and he has not yet fulfilled his are most needed. Khan has The final bowling spot is a toss-

In 2010, Sehwag piled on 1422 victory against the Number 1 he has blossomed since hand- potential as a Test batsman. consciously reduced his pace up. James Anderson, Mitchell

runs at an average of 61.82. ranked team in world cricket, ing over the wicketkeeping however, it is Dhoni’s calm, since 2007, picking up wickets Johnson and Stuart Broad all

however, the run tally does not was a testament to his remark- gloves to Prasanna Jayawardene assured captaincy which guar- through subtle variations and performed impressively at dif-

do justice to Sehwag’s impact able concentration and mental in 2007. Equally accomplished antees him a spot in the World changes of pace with the older ferent stages in 2010. however,

as a batsman. his electrifying strength. against pace and spin, Sang- XI. Dhoni has added an extra ball. As a left arm paceman, he Morkel uniquely complements

strike rate of 90 runs per 100 akkara would form an ideal degree of tenacity to a per- provides a perfect counterpart Steyn in the World XI bowling

balls in Test cricket altered the 4. Sachin Tendulkar (india) partnership with Tendulkar in petually talented Indian side, to Steyn and Morkel, without attack. his steeping bounce

gravity of tense contests against the middle order. reflected through their superb the inconsistency risked by troubles the best batsmen,

Sri Lanka, New Zealand and There is little to say about comeback after an innings loss other options such as Mitchell while his accuracy maintains

South Africa in 2010, demoral- Tendulkar that has not already 6. Jacques Kallis (South to South Africa in centurion. Johnson. pressure and allows his bowling

ising elite bowling attacks and been said. At 38 years old, the Africa) partners to attack more aggres-

leaving India with enough time Little Master shows no sign of 8. Graham Swann (England) 10. Dale Steyn (South Africa) sively.

to push for victories. While slowing down. In 2010, Ten- Batting a player of Kallis’ cali-

Shane Watson’s versatility dulkar scored 1560 runs at an bre at 6 highlights the immense Swann’s rise has been extremely Steyn is the best pace bowler in









How the Bombers are flying up

ADAM CLAnCY takes a look at essendon’s rise in 2011



IT is hard to tell whether What a difference a summer inherited a playing list devoid chris heffernan. richard cole stark reminder to the football ing gods in much the same way

Essendon won more respect and a new coach can make. The of much quality and who real- and Mal Michael (all picked up community that there are as Joel Selwood.

from the AfL community after return of hird – prodigal son, ised that club champions such in the dying years of the reign plenty of gems to be found out- Given the remarkable lack of

losing to collingwood by five premiership captain and third- as Lloyd and Lucas – while still of King Sheedy I). Instead, side the first round of the draft. turnover in the playing group,

goals on ANZAc Day or after greatest Bomber of all time capable of playing good footy – players such as Pears, hooker, Similarly, Kyle hardingham it is clear the foundations of a

it pummelled the hapless Gold – has lifted flagging spirits, had to be moved on in order to hocking, hurley, Zaharakis, was picked up in the pre-season top side had nearly been com-

coast by ten thousand points boosted membership numbers get games into younger players. Melksham, howlett, crameri draft prior to 2010 and played pleted by the time hird arrived

this weekend. regardless, it and, most importantly, turned They were painful decisions and hardingham were added a handful of games last year in November last year. More

is clear that under new coach the Bombers into a hungry, that would only reap a benefit to the list during Knights’ three as a high-leaping, wayward- than a new gameplan, a new

James hird, the resurgent competitive unit. Essendon years down the track; in the years in charge of the draft. kicking forward. Under hird coaching staff or new players,

Bombers are unrecognisable were undoubtedly correct to immediate term, they cost Indeed, in terms of person- he has shifted to the last line of James hird’s greatest contribu-

from the team that crashed to sack Matthew Knights after its Knights any goodwill support- nel, the Bombers are relatively defence where he has provided tion so far has been to instil in

14th place last season. After dismal end to last season – the ers may have been willing to unchanged from 2010. first- the. Bombers with the ability to his team a sense of self-belief

delivering nine goal beltings former richmond wingman grant the new coach. It was round draftee, Dyson heppell, both lock down defensively as which had utterly evaporated

to two of last year’s top four had lost the respect of the also Knights who shrewdly has slotted seamlessly onto a well as provide drive out of the by the end of round 22, 2010.

teams, pushing highly-rated playing group, the death-knell anointed Jobe Watson cap- half-back flank and must be back half. Although crameri If and when Essendon become

carlton to a draw with only for any coach. Despite the sour tain and helped him develop the favourite for the rising and hardingham both debuted legitimate premiership con-

two fit players for the last three ending, hird and the Bombers into Essendon’s first A-grade Star award this year. At the under Knights, hird and his tenders, James hird will rightly

quarters, and suffering a close owe Knights more than they midfielder in a decade. And other end of the draft, Stewart new coaching regime can take receive much kudos. hopefully,

(and somewhat dubious) loss to may want to admit. finally, it was under Knights crameri has been elevated off credit for the way they’ve devel- so will Matthew Knights.

the Swans in Sydney, it would It was Knights who took on (and his recruiting team) that the rookie list and cemented a oped this year. As for heppell,

surprise few footy observers to the unenviable job of replacing the Bombers stopped selecting spot in the best 18. crameri’s taken at pick number eight,

see the Dons playing meaning- Kevin Sheedy after 27 years at retreads and focused on youth. four goals against the miserly in a very short time he will be

ful games late into September. the helm. It was Knights who No more Scott camporeale, collingwood defence were a viewed as a gift from the draft-

20 SCiEnCE



True or false

Science Q&A

ScIENcE EDITOr AiMEE PARKER sets the record straight



Glass is a liquid, not a shown it to be an amorphous Australian scientists have gravity. Using a 23 metre high ing. The air around us (which such as emphysema, asthma

solid. solid substance. Many solids been working on a beer ‘drop tower’ the beer experi- we get to breathe for free!) is and heart disease. however,

have a crystalline structure in ences about 2 seconds at zero composed of approximately some studies have shown that

which the molecules form into

specifically designed to gravity, allowing the scientists 21% oxygen, a concentration breathing increased concen-

fALSE. This idea arose from be consumed in space.

the observation that very old a rigid, repeating pattern at to examine changes in its prop- which we are well adapted to. trations of oxygen can cause

glass windowpanes are thicker the atomic level. Amorphous erties. They were able to tinker The blood which leaves our increased formation of free rad-

at the bottom than at the top, solids do not have a crystal- with the recipe then pass it on lungs after picking up a load of icals, the chemical compounds

which was interpreted to mean line structure; at the molecular to the Brewery to improve the oxygen is about 97% satu- which cause cell damage and

that glass flowed downward level, glass looks like a liquid, taste. The beer was taste-tested rated, almost at its full oxygen- death and accelerated aging.

very slowly over time. however, with a disordered molecular in february on a microgravity carrying capacity. So breathing Prolonged exposure to high

there is no scientific support pattern. however, it has the flight in florida and given ap- in extra oxygen doesn’t do us concentrations of oxygen can

for this interpretation. Not all mechanical properties of a solid proval by a microgravity expert. much good, and can actually cause oxygen toxicity which

antique glass is thicker at the and it cannot flow as a liquid cause harm. damages the central nervous

can. The physicist Edgar D. TrUE. It may not seem like ‘Oxygen bars’ are a big trend system, lungs and eyes and

bottom than at the top, and Breathing extra oxygen,

Zanotto wrote in the American the most productive use of our in the US and can gain ap- can cause death. This is mostly

there is no correlation between brightest minds or govern- such as at ‘oxygen bars’,

the relative thickness of differ- Journal of Physics that the re- proval from the food and Drug a concern for scuba divers

laxation time for glass (the time ment funds, but scientists from is good for you. Administration to operate, but and patients on supplemental

ent parts of the windowpane Saber Astronautics have been

and the age of the glass. The it would take to flow) is 1032 they are very careful to claim oxygen.

years, much longer than the age working on producing the fALSE. ‘Oxygen bars’ encour- that they are for recreational So save your money, and po-

basis for this observation lies in perfect beer for space tourists. age people to pay to inhale

the way glass was manufactured of the Universe. purposes only. The levels of tentially a few months of your

In collaboration with Sydney’s high concentrations of oxygen, oxygen used should not be life. All the oxygen you need is

at the time, which led to varia- 4 Pines Brewery, the scientists claiming that it will reduce

tions in thickness. dangerous to a normal, healthy already floating around in the

are trying to optimise the taste stress, enhance concentration, person, but can be for those air at 21% O2 and 100% free.

Modern investigations into of the beer and the carbona- cure hangovers and improve

the properties of glass have with certain medical conditions

tion, which are affected by zero overall health and wellbe-









Cack-handers: the unfair maligning of the Left

Written by the right hand of ScIENcE EDITOr AiMEE PARKER



Southpaw. Lefty. Squiffy. Gar- ies just an unfairly maligned Analysis of archaeological hander appear to be greater

pawed. Molly-Dooker. Cack- minority? samples indicates there was a coordination when using both

hander. Keck-fisted. The determination of prevalence for right handed- hands, enhanced creativity,

handedness, as with so many ness in Neanderthals, with a and a strategic advantage in

ThESE are some of the names things, starts within our genes. small proportion of left handers sports and physical brawls. This

used to describe those who Two right-handed parents will present. 37,000 years later, advantage comes from being

show a preference for us- produce the lowest number of a similar distribution is still different. right-handers are

ing the left hand in common left-handed progeny and two observed. This suggests that more common, hence more

tasks. Approximately 10% of left-handed parents the highest, left-handedness does convey likely to be encountered during

the population is left-handed, at approximately 30-40%. Left- some sort of survival advantage, such tests of skill. The left-

and some will tell you that handed sons are more likely but it also comes at a cost. hander has encountered many

this makes them better driv- from a left-handed Mother, Decreased longevity of left- right-handers and knows its

ers, quick-thinkers and more while it seems that the handed- handers as compared to their style of fighting/playing, yet

creative, as well as providing an ness of the father may have right-handed counterparts has the left-hander has a rare style,

evolutionary advantage if they more influence on daughters. been reported. Some explana- which catches its opponent off

find themselves in a fight which Also, slightly higher numbers tions for the shortened lifespan guard. hence the left-hander

leads to fisticuffs. of males than females are left- are that the factors present dur- wins the fight/game, leading to

the brain receives and processes are receiving language informa-

Left-handedness has histori- handed, suggesting a role for ing foetal development result in its survival/pick of the mating

information from the opposite tion from the left hemisphere

cally been viewed as a negative the male hormone testosterone a less effective immune system, partners, and ultimately lead-

side of the body, then shares it of the brain, but carrying it out

trait. The Latin word sinistra, in determining hand prefer- hence greater susceptibility to ing to the production of more

with the relevant parts of the with their left hand. This does

from which ‘sinister’ is derived, ence. infection and illness, and that offspring carrying its traits.

opposite hemisphere. While not go very far toward explain-

originally meant ‘left’ but came Environmental influences left-handers are more likely to for this advantage to remain

both hemispheres are similar, ing the handedness bias that

to mean ‘evil’ or ‘unlucky’. On also contribute to hand prefer- die from accidents prompted effective, the number of left-

each has functional specializa- exists among humans.

the other hand (pun intended), ence. The foetal environment by the use of equipment de- handers must be few, which has

tions, or a greater capacity to The low but persistent

‘right’ has simultaneous mean- during development, the role signed for right-handed opera- possibly kept the proportion of

process a particular function. proportion of left-handers sug-

ings of ‘correct’, ‘proper’, and models available when learning tion. however, with all the left- left-handers low but present.

In the majority of people, the gests that a selective pressure

‘moral’ in the English language. handed tasks, and the biases of hand products now available, Long lists of famous left-

left hemisphere of the brain has kept this trait within the

The Latin word for right-hand- a culture or society all seem to from scissors, computer mice handed politicians, artists,

is responsible for language. population over time. Evolu-

ed is dexter, meaning skillful, have a role in the development and can openers, to left-handed authors, musicians, athletes and

As handedness often refers to tionary theory dictates that

and many other languages of preferred handedness. pianos, cameras and guns, the actors can be found, suggesting

the hand with which a person the individuals best suited to

(french, German, Spanish, The reason for right-handed right-hander oppression of left- that the clumsy cack-handers

writes, it makes sense for the the environment will survive

Italian) contain bias in naming dominance within the human ies by equipment design must have been sneakily using their

left hemisphere of the brain to and procreate, while the less

left and right handedness. ‘Two population is unclear. The same be decreasing. It is also thought excess creativity and element of

send instructions about lan- well-adapted die without pass-

left feet’ is a common saying widespread preference for using that the lack of lefties among surprise to dominate a range of

guage to the right hand. ing on their genes. A trait that

that insinuates clumsiness and a particular hand across a range the older generation is because pursuits.

however, a small number does not provide any selective

lack of skill in areas of danc- of tasks has not been observed they were forced to abandon But don’t worry right-hand-

of right-handers are right advantage often disappears

ing or sport, and many other in any other animal popula- their natural inclination toward ers, it seems you will always be

hemisphere dominant for the from the population, while a

examples of the left side being tion. It is suggested that the left hand use for socially in the (fame-less) majority, and

processing of language, and particularly useful trait will

associated with clumsiness and prevalence of right-handedness favoured right-handedness. Not if the lefties really get to you,

only a minority of left handers be present in the majority of

awkwardness can be found. among humans is due to the because they all died already swap their scissors for right-

(approximately 30%) are right individuals. Left-handedness

So is right-handedness really left hemisphere of the brain using right-handed carving handed ones and see how they

hemisphere dominant for lan- falls somewhere between these

synonymous with ‘correct- being in charge of language knives. fare.

guage. This means that the rest two extremes.

handedness’ or are the left- processing. Each hemisphere of The benefits of being a left-









How to... make your own glowsticks!

AiMEE PARKER

ScIENcE EDITOr

IT may seem like more effort carbonate, copper sulfate, • Pour equal amounts of tube containing a chemical results in chemiluminescence; order to emit light. The fluo-

than it’s worth, but for those ammonium carbonate and solution 1 and solution 2 mixture inside a plastic tube the emission of light due to a rescent dye used will determine

industrial-strength raves, this is 1 litre of water in a second into each container. containing a different mixture. chemical reaction. the colour of the glowstick as

the kind of glowstick you can bowl (not metal). • Watch those chemicals When you bend the plastic In this reaction, hydrogen per- it emits light of a particular

make in a 2 litre bottle. • Find some clear, sealable glow tube, the glass tube inside oxide interacts with the other wavelength.

what you need: containers to contain your what’s happening: breaks, allowing the two solu- chemicals to release energy. The rate of the chemical reac-

• 2 litres of distilled water glowsticks. clean and dry commercially available tions to combine. This causes Luminol is a fluorescent dye tion is dependent upon tem-

• 50 millilitres of hydrogen thoroughly glowsticks are made with a glass a reaction to take place which which accepts this energy in perature. Placing the glowsticks

peroxide (Bleach. Available in the freezer will slow down

as cleaning product) the rate of the reaction, preserv-

• 0.2 grams of luminol ing the chemiluminescence for

(Available on eBay) when you thaw them out later.

• 4 grams of sodium carbon- Placing the sticks in hot water

ate (Washing soda. Avail- will increase the rate of the

able in supermarkets with reaction, causing the sticks to

the laundry products) glow more brightly, but for a

• 0.5 grams of ammonium shorter time.

carbonate (Available on-

line)

• 0.4 grams of copper sulfate

pentahydrate (Available on

eBay)

• protective eyewear

what to do:

• Don protective eyewear

• Mix hydrogen peroxide

with 1 litre of water. DO

NOT use a metal bowl as

it will react.

• Mix luminol, sodium

LOT’S WIFE

don’t look back

student newspaper









edition IV

Liftout

Culture

22 CREATiVE wRiTinG Culture front page photo by Richard Plumridge









The Magical Land Of Stocktake

Chapter 17: Dick, Bessy and Fanny Visit the Land of Stocktake



david Heslin

(with apologies to Enid Blyton)





“WhErE shall we go today?” asked fanny breathlessly, as the intrepid By and by, a nice automaton came over to where Dick, Bessy and

trio of travellers perched atop the faraway Tree. “I want to go to the fanny

Land of Ponies,” said Bessy, affecting a rather quaint clichéd British were standing. “hullo chaps,” he whispered rather loudly, “my name is

accent. “I want to go to the Land of Striptease,” said Dick, who Percy!”

really was rather too young to know what he was talking about. “NO TALKING! Get back to work,” said a robot slave master, who

Suddenly, there was a flash of lightning combined with a sudden then accidentally chopped Percy’s head clean off with an axe. fanny be-

increase in third world debt, and the mighty corporation Man stood gan to cry again, which made Dick cross. “Oh, grow up,” he said. “It’s

before them. nowhere near as bad as what’s happening to the baby seals”. fanny

“ho ho ho,” he laughed, quite evilly, “I am sentencing you all to a wiped her tears away and grinned - Dick always knew how to cheer her

day at the Land of Stocktake. It is a horrible place where nobody up!

talks, nobody gets to do anything fun, and you never, ever, get to go One robot slave master realised that the children were standing around

home.” fanny started to cry, and Dick gave corporation Man quite a without working, so he gave them all a jolly good spanking, then

glare! But there was nothing they could do – they had to follow his presented them with scanning guns and sent them outside to scan

instructions, or else be cast into the eternal depths of the Land of earthworms.

centrelink. Dick, fanny and Bessy decided that lots of fun could be had with their

“Golly, Bessy,” said Dick, as the three clambered through the scanning guns. “What if we all scan something at the same time?”

physically inexplicable hole in the sky into the Land of Stocktake, suggested Dick, who was quite mischievous. “Oh let’s,” said Bessy, and

“what a queer place!” they all pressed their scanners simultaneously. Were they surprised!

It certainly was. They had found themselves in a strange shop where The sound of the beep was so loud that Dick was thrown back several

people were standing, sitting, kneeling, all the while repetitively miles, and the shop began to cave in. “We really ought to escape,”

scanning things with glazed looks on their faces. robot slave masters said fanny, and Bessy gave her a slap for speaking out of turn. Dick

stood near them, poking them with pitchforks. “heavens, how picked both of the girls up under his arms and sprinted back to the

monotonous!” whispered fanny. collapsing shop. “Save yourselves,” said Dick heroically, ditching the

Suddenly, a voice called out from a back room: “Grub’s up, fellows!”. girls and leaping through the magical portal head-first. Bessy and

“Oh, hurrah!” said all the people (who were really just clever fanny were confused, but they followed Dick’s lead. “Ow ow ow,” said

automatons), and they made a jolly good dash off in that direction. fanny, who realised too late that a robot slave master had grabbed

Dick, fanny and Bessy followed after them. “Very curious indeed!” hold of her ankle on the way through.

frowned Dick. The three jumped from the top of the faraway Tree with the robot slave

What they found was a small table, and a few stale sandwiches. Bessy master in hot pursuit, their fall broken by a plot contrivance. “run,”

was very dismayed, and fanny began to cry again. “Oh Dick,” she panted Dick, but it was no use – they were cornered. “ha!” said the

sobbed, “is this all we shall have to eat today? Is it?” She ate a robot slave master triumphantly: “I have invaded your land now. from

sandwich anyway, and everyone laughed. here on, there shall be stocktakes 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365

Soon, it was time for everyone to return to their curious activities. days a year. Even” - he paused for effect – “on christmas.” fanny

One automaton knocked down an entire shelf of stock. “Bollocks,” he began to cry. “Oh, cheer up, fanny,” said Dick quite cheerfully, “at

swore, quite rudely. None of the children had heard such language least we didn’t get eaten by piranhas!” They all laughed – even the

since Dick’s Uncle Quentin had received a subpoena in the mail for his robot slave master!

naughty smuggling activities. Then, everyone went home and had scones and tea.









The Shrug

MaHalia leHMann





I am young.

I touch my chest and feel it tumble, beating like a dying bird.

This isn’t where I would’ve done this, not a hallway. I lean against the wall and press sweaty palms onto cool glass.

People rush past.

No one stops, because nothing is wrong with me.

They blur, become one, a colourful dragon of a hundred voices.

In another time, here I might pause for a quiet reflection of my life. Or maybe I’d panic, or scream for help. Instead, all I can

think of is my body. I can feel my hands, but not the glass. My toes, but not the floor. My thoughts shrink inwards to flutter under my skin, desper-

ately trying to make things work. Anything.

My mind becomes nothing but my body.

Pumping, gasping, shying. I watch it try to fix itself, activate one last plan after another.

Pumping, gasping, sighing.

A shrug. The body has no regrets.

I fall.

CREATiVE wRiTinG 23



An open letter to the French Embassy

Harry sabolki





Dear french ambassador,



I had a dream last night.

I had a dream that charles Taylor, almost universally regarded as a sonofabitch, tortured me. As

implausable as it may seem, since I am no diamond dealer and he’s in a Dutch dungeon, it was

terrifying - as only dreams can be.

Locking me in a cell, he proceeded to use a psychological torture on me - he tortured me by

playing ungodly music at volume eleven (which is really, really loud) in order to impart a sublimi-

nal message. he played it for an eternity.



When I screamed at him to tell me what the music was, for it was unbearable, he told me that it

was Greek folk music.



Greek folk music played backwards.

Greek folk music played backwards to impart a subliminal message.

I asked charles Taylor, “Seriously, what the fuck?”, and he just laughed at me. Laughed a dicta-

tor’s laugh.

he told me that Greek worked better than English for subliminal messages. Something to do

with their alphabet. And since it was a dream, it seemed fair enough to me at the time.

Letting me into his cunning plan, he confided that the subliminal message was meant to cause

weird dreams and interrupt a person’s sleep, like they do in Gitmo to terrorists.

furthermore, he said, if the french invade the Ivory coast, he will do the same to the entire

french army, and the torture would foil their invasion plans. It was a warning.



I awoke at four o’clock in the morning, drenched in sweat and shivering. As I fetched a pint of

water and towelled myself dry in the bathroom, I thought to myself, ‘Charles Taylor, you sneaky

motherfucker...’



Not only did I have a weird dream, but also it was a dream about having weird dreams.



Not only was it a dream about having weird dreams, it was a warning unto others that they too

would have weird dreams.

It was a warning, sent in a dream, about having weird dreams.

charles Taylor sending dreams, from a prison in The hague...

You get the drift.

So, in all truth I tell you this, ambassador: - charles Taylor, the Liberian dictator, sent me a mes-

sage in the night to warn the french. And you should take heed.

for, from this dream, sent halfway around the globe, one can only conclude two things:

charles Taylor, apart from being a right cunt, is a Jedi. An evil Jedi. ani poCHesneva

And that’s why the french should not invade the Ivory coast.

out of eighteen cherries you picked mine. sweet, wet. red.

Yours sincerely,

harry Sabolcki inside exists a sourness that makes you want to close your

eyes. her cherries are all you want. ten times seven,



cherished time, rainy grime/ broken cherries



soul -

and body . categorised afterthoughts.your ideal woman -a

strong cherry. cherry hair, cherry lips, cherry ears. in her

hair she combed through cherries. drank cherry juice. you

just wanted one taste. but you ate her whole.









A Different Kind of Wonderland

MiCHelle li



head-light eyes, cupid’s bow slowly parting—

The Scream takes shape on a blank canvas.

I lunge in with needle and thread,

Poised to stitch her underneath my skin.



This isn’t a wonderland

That you’ve stumbled into, my dear.

Your nascent hips and quivering lips belie

That there are no woods around here.



Ghosts rise in the chill night air,

Spectators to our midnight tryst,

from the hollows of your rising lungs

Into the velvet expanse of what could have been.



Panic blooms like a London blitz

In those impossible, Scheherazade eyes.

And so you turn your guileless gaze from mine,

for you need someone else to lie.

24 CREATiVE wRiTinG



Cuton dogor, the spaniel

Defence

lorraine ng

I had a meaty lamb shank

I hid it somewhere safe

Tucked behind a big red bag Accusation of fatty content and high calories. Such a Big accusation!

In some dark secret place.

Vital nutrients and vitamins A, c, E contribute to a healthy body

I couldn’t get back to it!

I tried and tried and tried. only with rich contents of Good fats called monounsaturated fats

The bag had moved and blocked my way.

I barked and howled and cried. Creamy taste and yellow flesh mislead always

The lamb shank started smelling - Antioxidants, anti-cholesterol ,anti-viral but the truth

So sweet and stinky-good,

But out of reach behind that bag, Do wonders for your skin, your heart and your body

My poor, lost, smelly food.

order an amazing Avo to crackers, bread, salad, pasta and pizza today!

The nights became much warmer,

My humans came to bed

And muttered loud about the scent

That wafted past their head.



They did not know about my stash

So checked under the house

And wondered if a rat had died

Or some large, noisome mouse.



They then discovered where the source

Of wondrous odours lay

When they delved deep into the place

My shank had gone astray.



They opened up the wardrobe door

And pulled out dress and shoe,

And every time they thought they’d won

The smell would start anew.



Until the man removed the bag

That covered my poor shank,

And to my joy, the meat was green

And boy, that lamb shank stank!



Then, woe is me, he took my prize,

My sweetly hoarded bone,

Wrapped it up in many bags

And threw it from our home!



I’ve tried again, a dozen times

To re-create my prize,

I left them bones out in the sun,

Encouraged bugs and flies,



But never since have I achieved

The truly putrid clone

Of nearly-rotted yet-still-whole

My long lost special bone.

MUSiC 25

an hour of obscure bluesy ar-

rangements of his less popular no school like the old school

songs, and refused to speak

to the crowd or have the Shifty Gypsies – Burn Like A Butterfly

camera feed displayed on the Label: highly Evolved Music

big screens. Despite playing a JoSHUA KEnnER

nearly identical set list on the EDITOr-IN-chIEf

Tuesday, he was much more

enjoyable if you lowered your A few years ago at rainbow any more would be reading this album. As a whole, I think

expectations the second time Serpent festival, standing in too much into it. It could be Burn Like A Butterfly somewhat

around. the middle of the dancefloor trance, maybe. lacks shape. This is partly just

Those who could deal with at the main stage on a dusty The opening track, ‘Lost my general preference in that

the constant rain and ankle Sunday morning, a knowl- On Venus’ is a well-titled and I like an album to have an

deep mud of the Tuesday were edgeable friend expressed to evocative psychedelic funk with overall mood and evolution as

rewarded with a stellar set by me with a hint of sadness that in-built wiggle, probably my fa- a greater composition, and on

Paul Kelly, who played with much of psychedelic elec- vourite on the album. As befits this album each track is quite

IT’S been a fantastic semester

sisters Vika and Linda Bull tronica these days was made an opener, tasty little morsels individual.

for radio Monash. Thanks to

and guitarist Ash Naylor. by nerds. “But,” he said, a of melody introduce them- The production quality isn’t

everyone who has presented a

The draw card act on the satisfied smile spreading over selves gradually until a bouncy fantastic but neither is it re-

show, written a review for our

final day was George clinton, his face as he turned to the as new technology continu- and symbol-rich beat breaks ally lacking. The sounds have

website or at attended one of

an act many may have missed stage to see Dick Trevor and ally emerges. My friend was in in. Number two, ‘Tickle’, is character and harmonize well.

our events. Next semester we’ll

in favour of Bob Dylan’s sec- his fellow Green Nuns Of The fact alluding to a dichotomy more traditionally trancy, and however as I’ve expressed,

be putting on a whole new

ond set. The timetable clash revolution start setting up, of those who created the scene creates an eerie aquatic feel while I appreciate such music,

season of radio programming

was unfortunate as clinton’s “these guys are trippers!” and those who have been with its pulsing bass line and it isn’t really my cup of tea. The

and we’ll be seeking applica-

P-funk Allstars delighted the This attitude is not un- influenced by it. But the nerds echoing droplet notes above. percussion I find far too repeti-

tions during the holidays. Ap-

crowd with a slew of Parlia- common among long-time are trippers too, just the new The tracks ‘Primal Desires’ and tive and it lacks emotive peaks

plications are open to all radio

ment and funkadelic classics. devotees of psychedelic dance generation. ‘contiguous’ are both excellent and troughs. But for a debut

Monash members so if you’d

‘We Want the funk’ and music, that the scene has lost however I do appreciate and dancefloor stompers. While release, the Shifty Gypsies have

like to be notified of how and

‘Psychoalphadiscobetabio- something, a certain je ne sais understand the ethos behind later on in the album I really done well.

when to apply then come by

aquadooloop’ were favourites quoi, perhaps purity. Though, old-school tripper music, even enjoyed the off-kilter quality

the studios in the next couple

for a crowd of diehards that I would generally disagree. if more often than not I don’t to ‘Tinker’, and ‘Turbulence’ Burn Like A Butterfly is avail-

of weeks and join up.

was eager to dance. Perhaps It is in the nature of musical really like the music itself. really does invoke for me the able for purchase on iTunes and

If you’re looking to unwind

the high point was a rendition genre to evolve and change, Though there is the odd tasty feeling of being uncomfortably Beatport.

once the exam season is over

on the ten-minute guitar solo particularly with respect apple. Shifty Gypsies is tripper airborne. Though I have no

make sure you come down to

track ‘Maggotbrain’ which to electronic music, which music. It is made for trippers, particular dislikes, I only really

the radio Monash room at the

was remarkably true to the advances in leaps and bounds by trippers, and to genre-fy it like about half the tracks on

After Exams Party. Our best

DJs will be spinning some of original recording. having

their favourite records until late reached the age of seventy

into the night. clinton’s extravagant lifestyle

Until then good luck for the has taken its toll and his voice

exam period, and keep loving

good music.

lacks its previous sonority, but

his band are intergalactic funk Slice 1: A slice of things to come

pioneers of the highest order.

CAMPBELL MCnoLTY, JoSHUA KEnnER

rADIO MONASh EDITOr-IN-chIEf

PrESIDENT SO the other night I went particularly when it sounds like outbreak of melody mingled

to a gig where a bunch of a film noir mystery that’s some- with distorted spoken french

amateur electronic musicians how also a goofy comedy. Thus in a pleasant female voice – a

were showcasing their nascent is ‘OcD’. It sounds funny, but cool effect.

talents. A friend of mine also mysterious, and plenty of Track 9 by Garagee, ‘Time’,

had organised the night and oddly placed beats and a weird is a breakbeaty groove with

Byron Bay Bluesfest, asked me to review it for Lot’s. bassline usually make me feel acoustic guitar layered over the

Tyagarah nSw, April however, in the end I was a like a good wiggle. top and a consistent vocal sam-

disloyal friend and left the gig A sample from Cube!!! Track ple about the nature of time

21 - 26 really early. But on the way 6 by random Lamb, entitled – in a similar vein to music

out I picked up a copy of the ‘Paranoid Again’ begins with such as Lemon Jelly. This track,

CAMPBELL MCnoLTY done.

accompanying compilation a manipulated sample from however, I cannot say all that

AnD LEiGH The second track by fate

album. one of my favourite movies of much in favour of. Yet before

MACDonALD Æffect, ‘Deathmask’, begins

London Elektricity - The first track by Tøn,

ominously, before breaking

all time, I’m sold. And then my shameful early exit from

entitled ‘To Shine’, is a solid becomes… wait, I have no idea the Slice gig, Garagee was one

BYrON Bay was swamped by Yikes! progressive trance groove into a bouncy, foresty stomp- how to describe this. This track of the few acts I actually hap-

nearly 120,000 music fans of er. Sifting symbols and plenty

with a growling baseline and is awesome. Weird and awe- pened to see. And the quality

all ages over the six-day festival. AnDREAS of other percussion help keep

a melody that moves back some. Lots of strange noises. A of the music on the night was

The line-up was the most spec- LiMBERoPoULoS the track lively, while subtle

and forth between notes in real shame it only lasts for two very impressive. If I’d had the

tacular in Bluesfest’s 22-year soundscapes develop in the

a reverberating fashion. It minutes. money, I would have bought

history. hospital Records, background to a very pleasant

doesn’t achieve any remark- Track 7 ‘Universal con- the Garagee album there for

ZZ Top played on the first 25th April finale.

able heights, but neither is sciousness’, by Entatic, is true sale.

night, and they were still glori- The third track by Syncron,

it boring. The sounds sound psy-trance, full-on psy-trance. The final track by Arcane

ously bearded. It was hard to AT a time when the world ‘Moments’, is progressive

good, but the track as a whole The kind that just gets into Trickster, entitled ‘Interloper’, I

tell whether they were trying seems to be falling apart, Lon- psy-trance. Though while

sounds not quite finished. your head with a constant don’t like for the same reasons

to parody themselves, but they don Elektricty injects some I find the majority of this

More could definitely be bouncy bassline and plethora of as Aerobiotic. It just seems

were as entertaining as ever. warmth into the soul of the genre quite tedious, this is psychedelic melody. Though I’ll mostly the same the whole

The Snowdroppers dem- drum and bass scene with his not so. An excellent kick and admit I’ve developed a strange track long, and there’s nothing

onstrated the perfect fusion fifth studio album Yikes! deep bassline just seem to get

The second half of the sort of aversion to this genre in the sound to make want to

of balls to the wall rock with Tony colman has never funkier and funkier as the

album takes a drastically over time; in an attempt to be listen. A disappointing finish.

a blues and country knack been one to follow trends and track progresses. Syncron pos-

different turn. ‘fault Lines’ objective, I think this track is Overall, Slice is a solid com-

for storytelling. The addition Yikes! shows no indication sesses a very satisfying grasp

is a down-tempo sullen track really good. The sounds are pilation, if you like electronic

of banjo to some otherwise of that changing. The album of the climax and anticlimax,

that comes in directly after well-produced, and Entatic dance music. If you don’t then

straight up rock tunes not only is overflowing with carefree and very psychedelic sounds.

the euphoria of ‘Yikes!’ It is clearly has a knack for musi- I wouldn’t recommend it. I

justified their inclusion on the piano hooks and poign- Track 4 by Aerobiotic,

eerily relevant to the natural cal composition, capturing the wouldn’t call any of the tracks

bill but added a flair which ant lurching bass while the called ‘friday 303’, is less

disasters that struck Japan and essence of the genre perfectly, really fantastic, but many of

many modern rock bands lack. lyrical content is, surprisingly, enthralling. The one repeat-

New Zealand several weeks while rising well above the these musicians are still in their

The front man was in equal bursting with meaning and ing symbol sound that cuts

prior to the album’s release. purely generic. larval stage of development.

parts irritating and incan- relevance. The album features through everything else really

The track was however writ- The eighth track by Shifty The futures of random Lamb

descent, but his dominating, vocals from Swedish singer/ gets on my nerves. Nor do I

ten and completed over a year Gypsies, ‘When The Music and fate Æffect in particular

often maniacal stage presence songwriter Elsa Esmeralda and like most of the other sounds

ago. ‘U Gotta B crazy’ is an Turned french’, is really happy. I look forward to with great

raised the final song, a cover of a drum session from Pendu- really, especially when they

odd track; it does however Actually not happy exactly, but relish. A slice of things to come

‘Shout’, to fever pitch. lums’ KJ Sawka. continue for seven and half

serve to lift the murky dark- cheeky, in a way that makes indeed.

The Blind Boys Of Alabama ‘Elektricity Will Keep Me minutes without really chang-

ness that stemmed from ‘fault you smile and feel happy. And

played to a full house, and Warm’ is an emotional piece ing at all.

Lines’. ‘round the World In its groovy, very very groovy, Slice 1: A slice of things to come

were so enthusiastic that they sparsely decorated with airy Track 5 by Stickleback,

a Day’ features Pendulums’ with lots of fun squeaks and is available for purchase on

repeatedly had to be sat down piano stabs and sombre vocals ‘OcD’, is much more my

KJ Sawka on the drums. The r2-D2 noises. The track iTunes and Beatport.

by their minders to stop them that hints to the reflective style. Glitch!! I love glitch,

first minute of the track was climaxes with an awesome

hurting themselves. sound that the album is to

Jackson firebird’s dirty blues- recorded in 1978 by London

maintain.

rock got the crowd excited, Elektricity and has an anti-

but no one was as geared up as

Kram, who made a spectacu-

‘Meteorites’ piercingly

breaks the gloomy hold of the

quated vibe that strangely fits

with the live drumming. The

Editor’s Recommendations:

opening track. The trance like

larly drunken guest appearance, song sounds like it is futur-

synth stabs and piano rolls ac-

dancing on stage before being istic rock and roll with a fast

company not only the tone of

escorted away for his own soul music edge. ‘flesh Music’ josh - ‘what I was listening Tim

Esmeraldas voice but the story

safety. is a full tempo roller that feels to while making this page’

that she is telling. Buoyant,

Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson as though it was purposely

panned and filtered percus-

provided a master class in squeezed in near the end to

sion stochastically punctuate

keeping young. Unlike many of round off the album and un-

the silent parts of the track.

the older acts on the Bluesfest fortunately would have been ediT - crying Saigon - The

‘had a Little fight’ and

lineup, the band lived up to better left out.

‘The Plan That cannot fail’

‘Invisible Worlds’ captures over pros for no Greatest Story

the live performance that made are indicative of older London

the state of the world today reason ever Told

them famous. central to their Elektricity works. Modulated

live show is Anderson’s acrobat- and is a perfectly executed

and swelling bass lines com-

ics on the flute. far beyond be- closing track. It concludes

plement the euphoric chord

ing a gimmick, the addition of both the album and Esmeral-

progressions. Esmeraldas voice

the woodwind instrument takes da’s story fittingly. As a whole,

is replaced by equally tender

the band far beyond a simple London Elektricity’s tracks

lead synths that almost have a

male-fronted 70’s era rock seem to progress in a way that

story to tell themselves. The Dave

band. Over the course of their The title track ‘Yikes!’ is

not many in the scene are do- Monsta island

one-hour set the band played a truly danceable track. The

ing today. The second drop of Brubeck Czars - escape

many of their best-known each song is different from the Quartet - Jazz

syncopated Jungle drums

first; not by too much to dis-

from Monsta

songs, mostly from ‘Aqualung’. are carefully coated in vocal Impressions of Island!

On Monday night, Bob tract from the song structure,

tweaks that intensify the in- Japan

Dylan was as disappointing as but just enough to keep you

credibly upbeat and optimistic

everyone expected. he played listening and wanting more.

feel of the track.

26 MUSiC



Six organs of Admittance -

Asleep on The Floodplain

Label: Drag city



Adalita at The Toff MiCHAEL STAniSiC

MUSIc EDITOr

April 19, 2011 DESPITE recent high-profile for a much more tonally con- key track here is the 12-minute

(relatively speaking) collabo- sistent record than any chasny long ‘S/Word And Leviathan’.

MiCHAEL STAniSiC rations with the likes of Brit- has produced recently. After beginning with some

MUSIc EDITOr

ish apocalyptic-folk mystics ‘Brilliant Blue Sea Before Us’ off-kilter finger-picking,

current 93 and former Sun is an early highlight, featur- droning wordless vocals and

city Girl richard Bishop, as ing a droningly morose organ ominous layers of noise are

well as membership of cur- accompanied by splashes of slowly introduced creating an

rently dormant psych-rockers electric guitar. It’s an affecting entrancing effect which isn’t at

comets On fire, US guitarist piece which is vintage Six Or- all diminished when chasny’s

Ben chasny’s primary focus gans in its simplicity. ‘hold But vocals and electric guitar even-

has always been his solo ven- Let Go’, by contrast, represents tually breakthrough in the final

ture Six Organs Of Admit- more in common with empty the more classically folky aspect minutes. The album finishes

tance. having released at least The Sun, the sparse musical of chasny’s work. Both the with ‘Dawn, running home’,

an album a year since the late accompaniment that chasny vocals and the guitar work are a deceptively low-key cut where

90’s it would be all too easy created for Joseph Mattson’s gorgeous and the piece proves chasny’s voice is frequently

to dismiss new offerings as novel from that same year. chasny’s growing maturity pitched at a high register than

simply variations on the same Though, not nearly as stripped as a lyricist (perhaps one of usual, adding poignancy to the

‘new-folk’ theme. however, back as that release, but the most obvious flaws in his already arresting instrumental

since the middle of last decade Floodplain is still quite removed previous works). Elsewhere, interplay.

chasny has seemed creatively from the gloriously varied and ‘Poppies’ is a minute-long romp Asleep On The Floodplain isn’t

fEW Australian albums this the songs on the album were replenished and, partnering overwhelming contents of which positively bounds along a radically different Six Organs

year will be as hotly anticipated played over the next hour or with Drag city, has recently Luminous Night. It begins with before coming to the most Of Admittance album from

as Adalita Srsen’s self-titled so. The pall cast by the death released the most consistent ‘Above A Desert I’ve Never abrupt of halts. It feels like it those which have come before,

debut was, and it seems likely of Magic Dirt bassist Dean and captivating music of his Seen’, an acoustic instrumental could have been four minutes nor is it an exceptional one.

that those which are couldn’t Turner (who produced this career to date. work that is reminiscent of longer, but perhaps this is an rather, it is yet another solid

possibly live up to the hype album) was inevitably going While Asleep On The Flood- the virtuoso finger-picking of occasion where less is indeed entry into an already impres-

in the way this sensational to extend to this tour, even plain is most correctly viewed Brit James Blackshaw (who has more. sive body of work. And that in

record has. having already had though most of the material as the follow-up to 2009’s also recently collaborated with Yet despite the largely acous- itself means that people should

a month to digest it, the sold from the album was written superb Luminous Night, it has current 93). It’s an impressive tic nature of the album, the endeavour to hear it.

out crowd that gathered at The and recorded before Turner’s opening which sets a precedent

Toff for the Magic Dirt front- death. Adalita mentioned him

woman’s only Melbourne show on a couple of occasions and

on this album launch tour, had the song which most obvi-

reason to suspect it would be ously deals with his illness,

something special. We were not ‘The repairer’, was treated to

disappointed. a scintillating rendition. Other

In support were local singer/ album highlights such as

songwriters Amaya Laucirica ‘Jewel Thief ’, ‘fool Around’,

and Spencer P. Jones. hav-

ing only caught the tail end

and ‘Invite Me’ were equally

captivating in their live incar-

Peaking Lights - 936

of Laucirica’s set I couldn’t nations.

Label: Not Not fun

really offer an opinion, but the A number of guests made

smallish early evening audience their way onto the stage MiCHAEL STAniSiC

seemed appreciative. Jones fol- throughout the show, includ- MUSIc EDITOr

lowed with a typically ram- ing Magic Dirt’s raúl Sánchez

shackle set, with one particular and Amaya Laucirica. The L.A. imprint Not Not fun of ‘Synthy’ (and yes, it’s just But things don’t stay light for

moment worthy of mention. latter’s contributions included has been synonymous with that), the album quickly finds long. running almost 8-min-

During the second song some the duet ‘Good Girl’ which that city’s highly prolific DIY its rhythm with ‘All The Sun utes in length, ‘Tiger Eyes (Laid

oaf decided to approach the was one of the warmest mo- noise/drone/psych scene for That Shines’, a track which Back)’ lives up to its name by

stage to offer some advice to ments of the evening. With some time, putting out semi- features generous bouts of taking Dunis’ now droning

the performer: “Play some the diminutive Laucirica nal releases from the likes of repetitive dubby beats and vocals and pairing them with

power cords!” he enthused sar- strummed an almost comi- Pocahaunted, robedoor, and vocal melodies, as well as some a scatter-shot drum-machine

castically, helpfully strumming cally large acoustic guitar, the raccoo-oo-oon (indeed, label pleasantly subtle lead-guitar beat and a low-end overloaded

an air guitar in demonstration in-contrast seemingly giant co-founders and husband- wife duo Peaking Lights (Indra work from coyes. ‘Birth Of bass riff. It probably wouldn’t

before retreating back into the Srsen prowled the stage with wife duo Amanda Brown and Dunis and Aaron coyes, both Paradise (Dub Version’) is a work if coyes wasn’t there to

shadows. At first Spencer seem her electric, both obviously Britt Brown are respectively formerly of rahdunes) are base-heavy, almost danceable keep the melody bubbling away

perplexed, before proceeding to enjoying themselves and shar- key members of the first two proof of that. Although their jaunt which frequently features just below the surface, only oc-

call out the heckler regarding ing smiles throughout. mentioned projects). More latest album 936 finds them Dunis’ vocals alternating be- casionally allowing it to come

his own creative achievements. The only instrumental of recently it has been expand- refining their pop sensibili- tween mundane mantras such to the fore so as to remind the

Shortly after he came out with the set, ‘Lassa hanta’, saw ing into the more blissed-out ties with more stripped back as “run, run, run, run along”, listener just exactly where their

the line plenty were probably Srsen and Sánchez creating pop sound that has (rightly arrangements and Dunis’ ever and wordless soaring. It never head should be (i.e. still on

already thinking: “They’re some hypnotic soundscapes, or wrongly) become known more prominent vocals (though sounds cluttered or forced with their shoulders). Despite the

all fucking power cords!” giving pause for the whole as the ‘L.A. sound’, with acts these are still often buried in everything being given ample apparent simplicity of their

he snarled, before lurching crowd to share a reflective mo- such as Sun Araw and Duck- the woozy swirl of the mix), the room to breathe, until it fades approach, Peaking Lights have

through a set which lacked any ment. After a brief encore, the tails giving the label greater band never sounds like they’re into oblivion before it overstays created something really special

real cohesion but contained set finished with a startling exposure than ever before. shooting for an easily catego- its welcome. ‘Key Sparrow’, with 936; while not necessar-

some impressive moments. version of ‘Summer high’, Even Pocahaunted’s later rised sound. rather, they seem by contrast, is a disarmingly ily demanding close attention

By the time the curtains originally recorded by Magic releases delved into dub and content to straddle the bound- simple ditty complete with from the listener, it certainly

opened for Adalita’s set the Dirt with the late roland S. psych-rock to varying degrees ary between free-form freak- grainy production and sing- rewards it in spades. This might

band room was packed and howard for their 2009 White of success. out and carefully controlled song vocals, which proves more just prove to be one of the great

humming. Standing solo, Boy EP. Joining Adalita and That’s not say the label has exposition. and more contagious with each unsung records of 2011.

sombrely dressed in black and Sánchez on guitar and vocals lost its edge. husband and After the low-key opening subsequent listen.

wielding a white SG, Srsen for this performance was J.P.

cut an imposing figure at the Shilo, a long time collaborator

front of the Toff’s low stage. and friend of howard’s. The

Beginning with ‘hot Air’, the three guitars together created

opening track from both the a truly raw and captivating

album and last year’s EP, she platform on which for Shilo

had the room captivated from and Srsen’s haunting vocals

the very beginning. Playing to build, before Sánchez set

the feedback-drenched melody

over the top of a looped guitar

about creating a cacophony as

the two vocalists slowly drifted

nick Cave tribute

rhythm, her gorgeous half- away from their mics, con-

spoken vocals floated above tinuing to sing all the while. ELiSE HUGHAn

the music. finishing with After briefly acknowledging NEWS hIT

some extended soloing before the crowd, the three left the ThE modern influence of from there the acoustic another rendition that tries

everything fading to silence, the stage to rapturous applause. It Nick cave is still going strong focus of the new album divides too hard to depict the dark-

cheer which followed prompted was a fitting end to a special after three and a half decades from cave’s originals, with my ness cave is renowned for.

the songstress to take several gig, a celebration instead of a of musical genius. having personal favourite ‘Where the While the original is almost

steps back in only half-jesting mourning, and a testament to fronted The Birthday Party, Wild roses Grow’ (originally optimistic, these harmonies and

shock. Adalita’s credentials as one of Nick cave and the Bad Seeds, performed by Nick cave and downplay of hope make the

Pretty much all of the rest of our most gifted songwriters. and Grinderman, cave can the Bad Seeds featuring Kylie song more black than it needs

now add a feature in harry Minogue, 1995) losing its lyri- to be. however, this does suit

Potter and the Deathly hallows cism and mystery in Little Wolf the overall tone of the tribute

with ‘O children’, and a cD and casey hartnett’s mod- album, and as such serves as a

attributed to him, to his list ern rendering. The acoustic fitting conclusion to the release.

of musical influences. ‘Dig, Lazarus, Dig’ per- guitar and static vocals try to While the chosen songs on

Dig Cave Dig features the formed by The Vasco Era is make the song appear darker, Dig Cave Dig have been com-

who’s who of the developing both the opening of the com- but the simple optimism of piled and organised to suit each

music scene, with Little red, pilation and the only track that Little Wolf ’s too-Australian other, the album as a whole

The Vasco Era and The fumes rivals the original rendition by accent makes the murder bal- does not depict the musical and

being among the bands pay- Nick cave and the Bad Seeds, lad comparatively weak. The instrumental genius that Nick

ing tribute to the music of 2008. Indeed, the quick paced depicted relationship remains cave and his various bands

Nick cave. guitar riffs and obvious aggres- wooden through the acoustics, are renowned for. Were they

however, ‘songs’ would sion make the track even more as opposed to the string-based originals, the album might have

be the correct terminology inspirational than the original. instrumentation developing more of a chance of standing

for the tracks on this cD, as The roughness of lead singer alongside the tainted love, as on its own feet. But with an

traditional cave fans will be Sid O’Neil’s vocals adds to the featured in the original. influence like Nick cave, it is

disappointed by the lack of urgency of the song, with the closing number, ‘Are You no wonder these interpretations

lyrical and sensuous instru- bass featuring predominantly in The One That I’ve Been Wait- fall short.

mentation that makes the what is a stimulating listen. ing for?’, performed by Van

originals so dark. Walker and Liz Stringer, is

FiLM 27



Reviews







insidious Scream 4

JESSiCA MARSHALL

fILM EDITOr JAMES BRowninG

AfTEr hearing this movie was cinematography so that as the GhOSTfAcE is back, with a by and Scream 3 was released,

born from the creators of Saw spectres start to reveal them- vengeance. completing the Scream trilogy.

and producers of Paranormal selves, the mere sound or im- The days of the masked Scream 3 was a somewhat shaky

Activity, I immediately rubbed age at the window has enough serial killer stalking their finish to the trilogy, and while

my hands together in glee, in gravitas to send the viewer babysitter prey and scaring it closed the book on its simul-

anticipation of a deliciously flying off their seat in fright. audiences are gone. Michael taneous criticism and praise

bad genre movie. You know the Even better, the characters are Myers from halloween, Jason of the horror genre, the genre

type – derivative and overdone, well-developed in this movie. Voorhees from Friday the continued to evolve.

every creak morphing into You care about these people, 13th, freddy Krueger from A here we are. Eleven years

some otherworldly ghoul out to especially mother renai. This Nightmare on elm St, Leather- have passed since Scream 3

get you. And certainly Insidi- connection only strength- face from The Texas Chainsaw was in cinemas, quite a long

ous has all the classic elements: ens the movie’s premise and Massacre, all characters that a time for things to change. It

the haunted house, the child consequential audience enjoy- lot of people are familiar with, was in these 11 years that we

innocents, the others (aka the ment. This is a truly well but who’s legacies are all but were blessed with Torture Porn

psychics), the doubting Thomas made film and is a shining dead. and the remakes that nobody

and naturally, the demons. example of how important an Nowadays horror films can seem to get right. What a

But Ladies and Gentleman, mother renai start to experi- excellent editing team is to a are either characterised by introduced to Ghostface, it was better time than to bring back

take it from a jaded horror fan, ence spectral disturbances of film, especially a horror film. buckets of gore and special long after the heyday of the Ghostface to show everybody

this movie is frightening. really the most frightening nature To compare its predecessor’s effects or pale Japanese girls. slasher genre, yet it was paying else how it’s really done. If you,

really frightening (for lack of and is convinced the house is canon of work, this film harks We have The Jigsaw Killer homage to, making fun of, and like me, are a fan of the heyday

a second adjective; it’s been haunted. So they move house. back to the days of haunting (Saw), a European murder remaining gloriously faithful to of slasher films, and not a fan

scared out of me.) I expected But it’s not their home that is supernatural thrillers. It has shop (hostel), a videotape that the films that were its inspira- of these Michael Bay produced

nothing from this film and was haunted, no siree. Set up in elements of all the classics kills all who watch it (The tion. A horror film featuring remakes that keep coming out,

smacked across the head with their new house, the haunting The Shining, The Omen and Ring), a demon caught on fans of horror films, it was then you should at least find

some of the most terrifying continues and gradually builds Poltergeist to name a few. It candid camera (Paranormal genius. It was the meta-horror some enjoyment from Scream

shocks and suspenseful horror in intensity. cue introduction has none of the grotesque Activity) and that girl who film, a self aware masterpiece 4. It’s not as scary as one would

I’ve not seen for a long time. of a knowing mother-in-law components of Saw (although can’t seem to walk down stairs and Wes craven’s last hurrah hope, but it does have a mes-

My companion and I were and her psychic friends. They look out for a few cheeky (The Grudge). These are the as the king of horror. But, as sage. No one fucks with our

clinging to the seats, silly grins deduce that it is Dalton who nods to the franchise) and new faces of the horror genre. any fan of horror would know, favourite genre. Wes craven, I

plastered on our faces in terror is haunted. Dalton is an astral none of the cheesy excessive Beyond that, only countless all the best horror films have love you. Scream 4 gets 3 and a

as the pace quickened and the projector and his essence has frights of Paranormal Activity. remakes, always managing to far too many sequels, so the half out of 4 Screams.

frights were hurled at us at an been trapped in what is called With Scream 4 revisiting the fall significantly short of their next step for the meta-horror

unrelenting pace. ‘The further’. Spirits are cir- grandeur of the horror heyday original counterparts. In a was obvious. The following On a sidenote, I have just seen

The story is of a young fam- cling his unresponsive human and the gumption and guts world where genres change, year Scream 2 was released. the next step in this favourite

ily, lovingly and convincingly body, itching to get inside it of Insidious let’s all pray for and audiences adapt to con- Ghostface made his return, genre of mine, Insidious is the

headed by rose Byrne and and become human again. But a resurgence of a genre that vention, where does a film like albeit with a new head behind scariest film I have seen in a

Patrick Wilson. Their son Dal- they are not nice spirits, they is too easily debased and Scream 4 stand? the mask, and the meta-horror while. Made me feel like a child

ton, whilst exploring amongst are of course evil, and plan to demoralised. When Scream came out franchise continued. The dawn again. Maybe all hope is not

the yet unpacked boxes of unleash their evil doings once Warning; I’d really hesitate in 1996 and audiences were of a new millennium rolled lost after all.

their new home, trips and falls. inside Dalton’s body. to see this film if prone to

consequently he slips into a This movie is all about nightmares. Even as a jaded

mysterious coma that no sci- suggestion, mood and atmos- horror fan it has taken me an

ence or doctor can explain. Our phere and is utterly convincing entire week to rid my mind’s

poor parent protagonists bring while still remaining in the eye of some particular images

their comatose child home; he parameters of its genre. The from this film.

is neither dead nor alive. tension is created smoothly and

The family, in particular beautifully through very careful









Thor

JASon YoUnG



ThErE is a growing trend in is saved, but I feel that little

comic book film adaptations changed in his character that

The Human Resources Manager that has seen the villains over-

shadowing their heroic coun-

was of any worth. Loki on the

other hand, in keeping with his

terparts. The recent onslaught comic book origins, had a lot

of Marvel and Dc films has more on his plate uncovering

JESSiCA MARSHALL seen many of history’s greatest terrible secrets that take the

fILM EDITOr superhero creations make the development of his character

ThIS was Israel’s submission to more than complicated. jump to the big screen. in much more world changing

our hero. I will not deny the

the Academy for Best foreign It is a lovely reflection of Dc’s Batman was success- directions.

admirable attempt at playing

film. While the title is hardly Eastern Europe that is han- fully rebooted with christian This does not make Thor a

a Norse god made by Aus-

alluring and the premise sounds dled with respect and knowl- Bale, however heath Ledger’s bad movie by any means. Nor

sie chris hemsworth. It was

a little dull and depressing, this edge, and has a black humour portrayal of the Joker far does this trend reflect poorly

always going to be hard part

film was a surprise. It is hugely to the film events. Mark outshone Bale’s broody Dark on the other films it has cursed.

to pull off and I am comfort-

enjoyable and its sentiment Ivanir as the human resource Knight. Marvel has seen both It just means that a new focus

able enough in my own skin

engaging and heartwarming. manager is highly appealing Spider-Man and the X-Men is needed in the production

to admit that his god-worthy

Beautifully shot in romania and while he could have easily achieve great heights with of these films. If this trend

body impressed me. however,

and Jerusalem, the film is cen- carried the film alone, the their acclaimed trilogies, continues then why can’t we

through all of hemsworth’s bel-

tered on the human resource exploration of the life of the and as far as I am concerned see a Masters of Evil film next

lowing and glass smashing I felt

manager of a large bakery in now dead woman is also art- I would rather see a Mag- year, rather than an Avengers

myself paying more attention

Jerusalem who discovers that a fully handled. Alongside live, neto Origins film than the one? Why not have a Sinestro

to the trials of Tom hiddles-

woman who had been work- engaged secondary characters over-exposed and over-rated corps epic rather than a Green

ton’s Loki.

ing for them was killed in a who do not fall into the trap Wolverine. Lantern one? Superheroes are

Beyond Thor’s superfluous

terrorist bombing two weeks bring her body back to them. of quirky comic relief, this The most recent in this nothing without a foe to fight,

romance with an irrelevant

ago. So in order to avoid the The bakery is badly managed film which is primarily a road line of medium jumping is so why not give them the spot-

Natalie Portman, his tale

bad press that this news would and is already in hot water over trip, is touching and well Kenneth Brannagh’s Thor, light that they deserve for once

seemed disappointingly single-

receive, the owner of the bakery its business protocol, but the done. which again falls into the with a film of their own.

layered. his is the typical hero

commands him to find the rela- bureaucratic nightmare the hr trap of having a villain that

journey. Enemies are defeated,

tives of the dead woman and manager has to deal with is is far more charismatic than

lessons are learnt and the world

28 STAGE





MUST The Hermitude of Angus, Ecstatic

presents:

The witches MELinDA BLADiER STAGE EDITOr



DUrING this year’s Mel- life – their joys, their complexi- The piece calls into ques- for the world. What to make August. They say that they are

bourne International com- ties, their absurdities and their tion who we are, who we then of the absurdist physical astonished by the strength of

MELinDA BLADiER edy festival, performer and sorrows. Whilst the piece asks know, if we even know them comedy that recurs throughout the reviews they have received

STAGE EDITOr ex-Monash student Vachel some serious philosophical or ourselves, what we’re doing the performance? This comedy during their Melbourne run –

Spirason covered himself in questions, it is often nonsensi- with our lives, whether we’re is at its best when it involves The Age has listed them as one

The Witches, roald Dahl’s chocolate cake on a nightly cal. Moments of pathos are any more than animals, if it food, and peaks when Angus of ten up and coming comedy

kooky story of witches intent basis. he danced, transformed abruptly replaced by dance rou- even matters or if we should all makes love to a chocolate cake groups to watch.

on wiping out all the children into multitudinous characters tines, as Angus deals with the just dance. In moments that before smearing it all over him- Spirason’s performance skills

in England by turning them at lightning speed, explored hardships of his life through his elicited much laughter from the self as his alter-ego. Whilst the are exceptional, both physi-

into mice, is about to hit the existential issues of life, death love of dance. audience, Spirason deconstructs cake does not clearly solve any cally and vocally. his energy

stage at Monash. The play, and what happens in between, Brotchie and Spirason the characters of a reception- of Angus’ existential questions, throughout the entire perfor-

which runs from May 12 and spoke to audiences about wanted to create a piece that ist and a librarian until they Spirason has learnt a lot from mance is manic, and he has a

until May 21, is being run by crop circles, which he has a was suited to everyone, without become animals. Through the it throughout the development fabulous ability to read an audi-

Monash University Student genuine fascination with. I being sappy. It is for this donning of a collingwood of the piece. he assures me that ence and know when to push

Theatre (MUST) and is went to see The hermitude of reason that they have used such beanie he becomes an uncouth, chocolate cake from Safeway is harder for a reaction. Brotchie’s

directed by cassandra fumi. Angus, ecstatic, which was per- multitudinous performance foul-mouthed member of much moister than the coles skill as a producer is also evi-

I caught up with cassie to formed by Spirason and pro- forms, intertwining elements the public. Angus’ alter-ego, variety, and much better suited dent – the sound design is one

talk about the play, and found duced by fellow Melbournian that might not appeal to some, Manabohzo, regularly rears his to his needs. Is he looking for- of the best features of the piece.

myself drawn into a world of Stephanie Brotchie, and was but will strike a chord with head, causing Angus to sway ward to the end of the festival, Brotchie and Spirason col-

intrigue and adult fairy tales, genuinely surprised, amused others. In the middle of the from his life of high morality. so that he doesn’t have to wear laborated on the script, which

where themes of accept- and perplexed by what I saw. I performance, Spirason steps Through creating characters cake every night? he says yes, is often poetic and lyrical, and

ance, unconditional love and briefly met with Brotchie and out of character to speak about that all of us know and then whilst Brotchie laughingly always entertaining. The end

anything being possible are Spirason afterwards. crop circles, which he sees as alienating us from them, The insists that he will keep up the product, whilst sometimes

brought to the fore. The hermitude of An- one of life’s big mysteries. The hermitude of Angus, ecstatic habit regardless. confusing, sometimes shocking

gus, ecstatic is a mixture of moment is bizarre and slightly provides an uncannily sharp It is obvious that the pair and sometimes laugh-out-loud

How long have you been comedy, dance and physical unsettling, but reflective of social parody. enjoy working together. They funny, is ultimately better for

rehearsing for? theatre, incorporating music the ‘quest for understanding’ Brotchie and Spirason have recently created perfor- the wide mix of reactions that

We auditioned in february. and voice-over. A large book theme that runs through the recognise that their piece poses mance company Slow clap, it is capable of eliciting.

We had 93 people audition provides the back drop as performance, and also of the universal questions; indeed, and intend on taking The her- These two are clearly going

and cast 13, so we’ve been Angus, an everyman character, disjointed, messy ways in which Angus has striven throughout mitude of Angus, ecstatic to the places.

rehearsing for about two reflects on the chapters of his our lives play out. his life to work out a formula Edinburgh fringe festival in

months. The play is definitely

realism – we have created a

world where these characters

exist. It’s very much the world

of roald Dahl. Dahl’s writing

is almost like Shakespeare, in

that we’re able to play with

the language and its texture

and feel.



where are you performing,

and how much does it cost

to see the show?

nothin’ but a good time

We’re performing in the Rock Of Ages

Monash Student Theatre

April 7, 2011

space. The show costs $10

comedy Theatre

with an MSA card, $12 con-

cession or $16 full fee. MATTHEw BELL

NOT many musicals start 80’s. Meanwhile, a greedy Ger- signs as there are promiscuous ability of the cast lifts them to Brent hill’s Lonny is impecca-

why did you choose with the ushers handing out man father & Son developer bar maids, including a slightly another level. ble and is shown off in his duet

to bring Witches to the lighters and taking drink team, hertz and franz, try to out of place LcD screen at the however, the highlight of the of rEO Speedwagon’s ‘can’t

Monash stage? orders in ripped denim jackets clean up the infamous Sunset back of the stage. The costumes night definitely comes from the fight This feeling’ with fellow

Because it’s such a twisted, before the opening number. Strip’s bars and strip clubs and feature every 80’s fad from surprisingly outstanding cast. stage veteran Anthony harkin,

grotesque story for children But then Rock of Ages is no replace them with strip malls. ripped denim to shoulder pads Justin Burford’s (Drew) experi- a highlight of the night. And

that is so relatable to adults. It ordinary musical. The legendary Dupree’s Bour- and even the odd spandex ence in the rock genre with a special mention must go to

has so many messages about The story is a silly rom-com bon room is in the midst of leotard. Although, even the his band End of fashion has Lincoln hall and francine

acceptance and unconditional plot, however the show doesn’t the demolition and bar owner ‘mullet dresses’ are outshone by helped him develop an amaz- cain whose franz and regina

love that are still relevant to try to convince us otherwise Dennis Dupree attempts to the extreme mullets and outra- ing voice for theatre, which leave the audience in stitches.

our lives. As adults, we kind with their rock and roll, save the venue by hosting the geous hair styles on stage. is shown off to its full ability Rock of Ages provides a fantas-

of forget that anything is mullet-haired narrator Lonny monster rocker Stacie Jaxx and The skill of the musical scor- throughout the show in rock tic night of entertainment tak-

possible. Witches is beautifully (Brent hill) stating from the Arsenal’s final performance. ing is what really sets this show anthems such as Steve Perry’s ing any adult back to the 80’s

theatrical, and translates onto beginning that the show will Despite the predictable ending apart from ordinary musicals. ‘Oh Sherrie’. An equally ex- and making everyone else wish

the stage. It needs you to use be filled with clichés. Set in both the audience and the cast Often two or three 80’s rock ceptional performance is given they were around back then!

your imagination. Los Angeles in 1987, the have an immensely enjoyable anthems are skilfully pushed by Amy Lehpamer (Sherrie), for more details and to book

show follows wannabe rocker time getting there. together to create seamless a newcomer to professional tickets visit, www.rockofagesau-

Have you enjoyed directing Drew (Justin Burtford) and No expense was spared on mash-ups that feature fantastic music theatre, who delivers stralia.com.au

the play? hopeful movie star Sherrie the production values. The group harmonies. The rocking rock ballads such as ‘here I

Yeah, I have; I’ve loved it. (Amy Lehpalmer) as they fall set, Dupree’s Bourbon room, on-stage rock band does them Go Again’ with warmth and

Oliver Packard has created a in love to rock anthems of the is awash with as many neon justice, and the talented singing sincerity. The comic timing of

fantastic live music score with

mouse traps, clarinets and

layering. I’ve enjoyed creat-

ing a world with the actors,

designers and musicians. It’s

been stressful, but great.



why should people come

along and see the show?

To be absorbed in a world

that, at the end of the day,

is marvellous! And to be Stephen K. Amos in: The Best Medicine

reminded of this great story

from your childhood, because AnDREw CoLLiSTER

it’s so nostalgic. It’s The NEWS hIT

Witches for adults, and it’s

AUSTrALIANS love to that matter) might not be promptu comparison between highlighted than in the last seg- suitably hilarious idea.

great that it’s still so relevant.

laugh at themselves, don’t amused, but anyone with a hint vests and singlets, sparked by ment of his show, in which he To put it short, if you are

It’s stylised, but in the best

they? Of course we do. red- of self-deprecatory humour audience interaction, that had produces his teenage diary and looking for an energetic, risqué

way possible.

heads called Bluey, Baldheads cannot miss with Stephen K everyone in hysterics. brings it to life, full of hilarious and relatable approach to

called curly, Michael clarke Amos. Over his previous years That may not sound very impersonations of his parents, your humour, go see Stephen

How would you sum up the

named captain of Australia, of visiting Australia, he has intelligent in a let-us-enjoy- an anecdote of his short-lived K Amos. for the uninitiated,

play?

giving out names is a humor- mastered what makes us kick: a sizzling-political-satire kind of heterosexuality and plenty of never fear – my companion for

A bedtime story for those

ous Australian tradition. So hilariously exaggerated ‘ocker’ way, but Amos isn’t here for a those moments that makes us the night had never heard of

who relish in sleepless nights.

when a British comedian tells accent, poking holes in stereo- commentary on world events. all remember our own child- him, but by the end was rolling

us he had an encounter on a types (though he’s always will- rather, as the title of his show hood. Well, maybe for those around in fits of laughter. have

flight from Queensland with ing to keep the ‘big cock’ one) suggests, he believes laughter is over 40; I don’t think today fun.

something called a ‘bogan’ – and the subtle differences in indeed the best medicine, and many of us know what it’s like

we laugh in expectation. Australian and British vernacu- what’s a better way to make to leave a porn tape in your

Those with a constantly lar – his own trainers/runners people laugh than to relate Betamax, but you get the idea.

straight face (or bogans for gag was trumped by an im- to them? Never is this more Or rather, Amos will give you a

ViSUAL ART 29





An appeal for pictures

RiCHARD PLUMRiDGE Photos by Richard Plumridge

chIEf PhOTOGrAPhEr



DO you own a mobile phone? recently captured the war in gle lift to take them to lessons

If you answered no, please Afghanistan with his iPhone in on the eighth floor or a sunny

stop reading this now. Turn the addition to the more traditional view of the East German-

page where you will no doubt photojournalistic gear of SLr inspired architecture of the

find an amazing body of work camera bodies and large lenses. university campus. Whatever it

consisting of thoughtful prose Alex Majoli, a member of the is, Lot’s Wife wants your images.

or an incisive review of the prestigious Magnum Photo Mobile phones could not make

latest goings-on in the world of agency captured award-winning the task any easier, allowing

film and books. photographs of conflicts in Iraq you to email your digital im-

If you answered yes, does and the congo with a simple ages directly to the Lot’s Wife

that phone have a camera? Olympus point-and-shoot. office. So…get snapping.

If yes, it’s time to put your Nowadays, the best camera

photographic skills to good you have is the one you have Links for inspiration:

use. Instead of capturing the with you. Therefore Lot’s Wife “Alex Majoli points and

special moment your former calls on all Monash students shoots”, rob Galbraith DPI,

best friend projectile vomited to submit their pictures from http://bit.ly/aqBv5e

in the back seat of your car last campus whether they are taken “David Guttenfelder’s iPhone

Saturday night, or 178 photos with a $9000 canon SLr or Photojournalism”, The Online

of yourself pouting lips out at the $2.49 hipstamatic for Photographer, http://bit.ly/

the club for facebook, turn iPhone app. Although the chic alE9Mx

your lens towards campus. retro aesthetic had divided seri- “captured collection: David

The proliferation of ous photographers, the perfect Guttenfelder in Afghanistan”,

mediocre-to-excellent pho- shot may occur on a day you Denver Post, http://bit.ly/

tographic apps available on forget to bring your $14,000 l4Qldw

phones means that budding SLr kit to campus, leaving “David Guttenfelder’s iPhone

photographers need not carry your cameraphone as the only Photos”, Denver Post, http://

around a bulky digital SLr kit tool to capture the moment. bit.ly/d7wkAk

to capture an evocative image. Your picture may capture the

Associated Press photographer bittersweet humour of 40 fel-

David Guttenfelder low students waiting for a sin-









Blog Review Melbourne exhibition from

CAELLi GREEnBAnK national Geographic:

WE’VE all heard of blogging,

perhaps some of us have even

of some description in his back

pocket, and some of the result-

immediately turned off by the

pastel colours and faded pho-

King Tutankhamun and the

tried it, but the thing about ing photographs are pretty arty tographs it’s a good little peep Golden Age of the Pharoahs

blogging is that you’re either and clever. he also includes all into the Melbourne art scene.

deeply into it, or you’re not. the details of the camera and I do have to subtract points, FATiMA HAKiM

There doesn’t really seem to be film he used, how he uploaded though, for being a graduate fINANcE DIrEcTOr

any middle ground. This is the photos and even sometimes of Melbourne Uni.

a pity, because though at first whether or not he developed TUTANKhAMUN and the times with no direct sunlight or

blogging might seem like noth- the photos himself. If you’re But my number one top- Golden Age of the Pharoahs, excessive artificial lighting for

ing more than moody teenagers interested in photography or kudos absolute-favourite blog an exhibition like no other preservation.

sharing their feelings with the are just creative-minded then would have to be… from the cairo Museum, is • The musicscapes in the

world (or whatever the current this is a good place to go for finally here in Australia. galleries were composed specifi-

popular perception may be), inspiration. 1. PoSTSECRET (http:// My whole life, I have lived cally for this exhibition.

there are actually some really postsecret.blogspot.com) as an adventurer, exploring The Exhibition of the Gold-

good blogs out there definitely 3. RUnninG FRoM CAM- Started in January 2005 new corners of the world, en Age of the Pharoahs is to

worth looking at. So today ERA (http://runningfrom- as a community art project, meeting the natives and even be on display until November

I’m counting down my five camera.blogspot.com) PostSecret is yet another one walking on their footsteps and 2011. It has been stated that

favourite blogs that I follow, for As with No. 5, this blog also of the visual blogs that I tend yet, I never had the opportu- after the end of this exhibition,

whatever reasons, as a spring- has a simple premise: the writer to favour. It’s a community nity to visit Egypt and explore these artefacts will be housed in

board into the network of good puts his camera on a tripod, art project where people from its magnificent ancient history. cairo Museum for good. So I

blogs that there are floating sets the timer for 2 seconds around the world anony- running from April 8, 2011 think the most radical and logi-

around. and then runs as far away as mously send in their deepest, at the Melbourne Museum, cal decision will be to get your

he can before the camera takes darkest secret on the back of the exhibition allows for the tickets and witness something

ultimate exploration of the life tians of that time considered that you may never get to wit-

5. ToDAY i SAw (http://jill- the photo. consequently this a homemade postcard. It can

of Tutankhamun and other essential for the afterlife. More ness ever in life unless you have

stodayisaw.blogspot.com) blog is full of photos of a guy be funny, serious, philosophi-

members of the royal family than 50 of Tutankhamun’s a plane ticket to Egypt.

Like most of my favourites, running away with his back to cal or sometimes just plain

of the 18th Dynasty (1555 – burial objects were on display, “Now enter the world of

the premise of this blog is sim- the camera, but it’s deceptively strange, but secrets must be

1305 Bc). The treasures in the including his royal diadem (the Tutankhamun. See the objects

ple: each day the author draws interesting. Even though many something that the writers

display are more than 3,000 golden crown that howard that reveal the story of his

a cute little pen sketch of some- of the photos are taken in dis- have never shared with ANY-

years old. King Tutankhamun carter discovered still on the royal ancestors, the glory of his

thing they’ve seen during the tricts of rotterdam, holland, ONE before. Each Sunday

was the last king of Egypt’s head of the mummy, which golden age, and his quest for

day that caught their eye, tags it where the writer lives, it’s fasci- the blog’s author posts 20 of

most powerful family of the Tutankhamun wore as king). eternal life...come face to face

with the title stamp ‘TODAY I nating the number of different that week’s secrets on the blog.

18th Dynasty, and ruled Some interesting facts from with the boy king.

SAW’ and a caption, and sends locations, backgrounds and The result is a collection of

during a revolutionary period the exhibition include: The ruler,

it off to one of their readers weather conditions he manages crazy art, depressing secrets

of Egyptian history. The boy • Combined crated weight of The commander,

around the world – after first, to amass, both in the Nether- and inspiring epiphanies that

king died under mysterious the 130+ artefacts in the exhibit The God.

of course, taking a photo to lands and in photos from other are guaranteed to add some

circumstances around the age is approximately 6,577 kgs The Story of Tutankhamun.”

put on their blog. After a few parts of Europe. Though he’s colour and humanity to your

of 19, having ruled for about • The smallest item in the

weeks the postcards create an not a frequent poster, if you day. The blog has proved so

10 years (1333 – 1323 Bc). exhibit is a piece from a gaming This exhibition is organised by

interesting snapshot of the au- have five minutes to fill with popular that it not only has

Entering the exhibition was board found in Tutankhamun’s National Geographic Society, Arts

thor’s life and where they live. something simple and interest- its own facebook fan page,

like entering a chronological tomb that is approximately the and exhibitions International

Definitely worth a look, if only ing, check out this blog. but the author of the blog

timeline. Artefacts from jewel- size of a thumbnail. and IMG, with cooperation from

for the novelty. has collated hundreds of the

leries to furniture, tombstones • The largest item is the the egyptian Supreme Council

2. DAYDREAM LiLY (http:// secrets he’s received into an

to organ jars, family trees and gilded coffin of Tjuya (Tut- of Australia. The Australian visit

4. Jono winnEL PHo- www.daydreamlily.com) amazing five books, as well as

comprehensive paintings were ankhamun’s great grandmother) is made possible by a partnership

ToGRAPHY (http://misti- coincidentally the sister of launching a tour of universi-

so personifying, which made which is just over seven feet with Victorian Major events

tled.blogspot.com) the writer of No. 4, Liss is a ties through the United States

it easy for us all to understand long. Company, the Victorian Govern-

More or less a photo blog, Melbourne girl whose art blog as a motivational speaker. I

their unique lifestyle. Those • The heaviest item is the ment and Melbourne Museum.

JWP is a chronology of consequently has quite a strong would recommend this blog

stone, faience and wooden “Statue of Thutmosis IV and

photographs taken by the Melbourne focus. She high- to absolutely everyone as

pieces from burial sites before his Mother Tia” weighing ap-

author. Whenever he takes lights up-and-coming young something that makes for a

Tutankhamun’s reign gave us proximately 793.79 kgs.

a trip around his native New photographers and designers, compelling, fascinating and

a sense of what the burials of • Most artefacts need a con-

South Wales, interstate or on especially jewellery designers, inspiring read.

both royalty and upper classes stant 21.11 degree temperature

his various trips overseas, you with an emphasis on vintage

were like and what the Egyp- and 50 percent humidity at all

can be sure he’ll have a camera and memory lane. If you’re not

EXTRAS 31