Petition Tag - australian

We should change the Australian flag to something green and gold... our national colours.

All our sporting teams wear green and gold... so should our national flag.

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As a result of the news of more casualties in Afghanistan I want Julia Gillard to bring our troops home asap!! I think that our position and our presence there is no longer sustainable and that the ramifications for not only our soldiers, but there families, is totally underestimated, and that it is now a moral issue.

How can Julia Gillard continue our commitment there when the other coalition countries are withdrawing theirs? What is underlying this decision? Who is going to win in this situation? Certainly not the children whose lives will be effected by the PTSD that they will live with, for the rest of their lives.

These soldiers presently in Afghanistan are unwittingly participating in a game of Russian roulette and this is not fair on them, or their families. You are a mother ... put yourself in this position please and imagine for a minute how this must feel ... you are also a daughter ....again put yourself in this position and imagine how it must feel to have your father or mother on a mission in a country where they are, on a daily basis, wondering if they will become the next target!!!

PLEASE PLEASE do what it takes to return our troops home before more are killed in a war that is no longer
our concern and our presence can no longer be justified.

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For far too long our police officers and their unions/ associations have been battling the Government for better pay.

It's time the community backed the police and demand they get a better wage.

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The Australian Government is awarding contracts for the manufacture of uniforms for Government Agencies such as Defence, Fire, Police and Emergency Services where either the fabric and/or garment is made overseas. In most cases the products purchased overseas are inferior in quality to what can be produced in Australia.

THESE OVERSEAS COMPANIES CONTRIBUTE NOTHING TO THE AUSTRALIAN ECONOMY!

Example links below:

Blue Collar work lost to Chinese Manufacturing

180 Times cheaper if Bruck won

Navy Badges misspell country's name

Police Uniform Bungle

Contracts are often awarded to overseas manufacturers based on price, however the overseas manufacturers do not have to meet the same strict manufacturing standards as enforced on Australian based companies e.g Compliance to EPA and OHS Legislation, Government legislated taxes and entitlements such as Minimum Wage Rates, Payroll tax, Superannuation, Sick Leave, Rural Fire Service Levies, Long Service Leave, Maternity Leave. Compliance with all of these requirements comes at a cost that the Australian Government does not take into account when comparing value for money in their contract decisions.

Dirty Laundry - Greenpeece Article


AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT SHOULD PRACTICE WHAT THEY PREACH !!!!

Buy Australian at home and abroad

Opening of Australian Made Campaigne Office

Note:- Date of Article - October 2008

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Rugby league and rugby union are currently battling it out in a downward spiral of falling popularity, relentless tales of off field barbarism and vulgarity, scarcity of financial resources and a shrinking base of on-field talent.

The two codes are also beleaguered by inherent flaws, which detract from them as spectacles in an ever increasingly competitive sporting market.

Ironically, many of these flaws, such as scrums in Rugby League and constant kicking in Rugby Union, are unique to each code. However, attempting to rectify these flaws would require the game’s administrators to make rule changes which would bring the codes closer together.

The separation of Rugby League and Rugby Union represent a 110 year old pay dispute.

The source of this dispute is long gone. Both codes are now fully professional at their elite levels and are paid large sums from the same source in Foxtel.

Of course, it would be difficult to come upon an agreed set of rules for the game, as well as the acceptance by other countries. But change is difficult to accept.

Sometimes it just has to occur.

A combining of the codes would assist the following problems for Rugby League;

* lack of international appeal and meaningful international fixtures
* risk in expansion within Australia
* it’s lack of professional media presentation
* need for a more revitalised and more entertaining style of play

Benefits for Rugby Union in its present form would be;

* domestic club rugby would be re-born using a revamped NRL structure as the base
* large expansion of junior territory and resources
* improved pool of players at international level
* a more revitalised and entertaining style of play

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Whereas the current government went to an election promising not to impose a carbon tax. And, using the current numbers in Parliament as an excuse to renege on that promise, after several days of obfuscation.

Whereas the government is making all sorts of reasons, with changes in this almost daily to explain the reasoning for the tax.

Whereas the government has resorted to name calling and question-begging epithets to denigrate ordinary Australians opposed to the carbon tax.

The government does not have the mandate to set this tax. It doesn't have the moral ground, as they claim, either.

A tax this big should be referred to the people, after all the Howard government did it for GST.

And, finally quoting dubious authorities to justify a tax that will burden the whole of Australia for very little effect on the environment. Hey, Tim Flannery said that if the whole world stopped emissions, it would take 1000 years to make 1 degree of difference.

The tax is based on a lie and should not proceed.

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The Australian Prime Minister introduced a Carbon Tax after being elected on the back of a promise to the Australian people that "there will be no Carbon Tax under any Government I lead".

Besides the tax being a horrendous imposition on the Australian electorate, without ANY Scientific evidence of man polluting the atmosphere with Greenhouse Gases and in particular Carbon emissions. The Prime Minister of Australia LIED to the Australian Electorate purely to get herself elected.

We MUST show her this is not acceptable to the people of Australia.

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Foreign owned and made products have invaded the supermarket shelves taking away Aussie jobs.

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I write on behalf of the Alyawarr people of Central Australia, as authorised by their kinsman and nominated spokesperson, Richard Downs.

The Alyawarr are leading a gathering of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Alice Springs during 6-9 July 2010 to protest against racism and the Intervention, and discuss ways of approaching these issues. They seek your support.

Three years after the Intervention was hurriedly implemented without consultation on the back of the Little Children Are Sacred report, and without incorporating the vast majority of the report’s recommendations, there is little evidence that the Intervention has achieved or will achieve its stated outcomes. The Alyawarr people are protesting against the Intervention as it has worsened their lives and community, and is clearly a racist policy.

The Alyawarr have walked off their prescribed community of Ampilatawatja and set up a protest camp on country. They are fighting for the Intervention to be rolled back, and for Aboriginal people to be allowed to direct their own lives with dignity and respect. They are resisting being pushed from pillar to post by government actions that, whatever their intention, result in further disadvantage, the indignity of compulsory income management and loss of control of their own community.

The Alyawarr elders are seeking your support for the Alyawarr people and the Intervention Walkoff. You can support them in two ways:

· attending or sending a representative/s to the Alice Springs gathering
· writing a letter of support, or agreeing to be a signatory to either of the ones enclosed

The Alyawarr people appreciate your consideration in this matter. Their action is a grass-roots movement, and your support will be significant. As anthropologist Margaret Mead once said, “A small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

Find out more:

· Alice Springs gathering, 6-9 July 2010 www.defendingindigenousrights.wordpress.com

· Alyawarr Intervention Walkoff
www.interventionwalkoff.wordpress.com

· Contact Richard Downs on 0428 611 169

Take action:

· Attend the Alice Springs gathering 6-9 July 2010 www.defendingindigenousrights.wordpress.com

· Express your support:
- Write a letter of support. Please email to tammiedavidson17 [at] gmail.com by Monday 5 July 2010 if possible.

- OR be a signatory to the below letter of support - please click on the blue 'Sign the Petition' button below.

Again, thank you for your consideration of this request for support from the Alyawarr people. You can make a difference in the fight against Indigenous inequality. I hope that you or your representative/s will attend the gathering in Alice Springs. I look forward to seeing you there and working together toward achieving equality and justice for Indigenous peoples.

Yours sincerely,

Tammie Davidson
on behalf of

Richard Downs
Alyawarr spokesperson for the Intervention Walkoff
Phone: 0428 611 169

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Robert Langdon, 38, a private security contractor, formerly employed by Four Horsemen International is currently on death row in Pol e Charki prison in Kabul, Afghanistan for killing an Afghan colleague during a heated dispute while on convoy duty on 4 May 2008.

Mr. Langdon shot the Afghan, known only as Karim, 4 times in the head and body. Mr. Langdon is a decorated veteran of the Australian Army who served as a corporal with the 1st Battalion Royal Australian Regiment in East Timor in 2000. He served in the Australian Army form 1989 until 2004 when he switched to the Army Reserve and is a holder of the Australian Active Service Medal.

On May 4 2008 Robert Langdon was the foreign team-leader escorting a supply convoy protected by 60 guards. Karim was the Afghan team-leader. It was night when the Taliban attacked and at about 3.00am the convoy reached Maidan Shar, 40 kilometers from Kabul where Karim refused to proceed claiming the road ahead was too dangerous. A heated dispute arose between Karim and Robert Langdon and Mr. Langdon claims that when Karim reached for his pistol, he fired in self-defence. Langdon then tried to cover up the killing by lobbing a hand grenade into the truck containing Karim's body and ordering the convoy's Nepalese and Afghan guards to fire in the air to fake another Taliban attack in which it would appear Karim had been a victim. Langdon then ordered the convoy to carry on to their destination while he returned to Kabul and bought a ticket to Dubai. He was arrested as he tried to board his flight.

Robert Langdon's trial in the Afghan Court of Appeal took less than 2 hours including a 7 minute decision by the three presiding judges to decide he should hang. Robert Langdon did not deny he killed Karim but raised the plea of self-defence. In reaching the decision the court relied heavily on the written statement collected during the pre-trial investigation of Nepalese guard Chandra Singh who claimed that Karim was unarmed. However, Singh was not present at the trial and was unavailable for cross-examination as he had left Afghanistan. Judge Abdul Khalil Modafe made a mockery of questioning Mr. Langdon by answering the questions he put to him, himself, and the proceedings were interrupted when the Judge took a 5 minute phone call in court.

In handing down the death penalty to Robert Langdon, Judge Abdul Khalil Modafe told him that if he could obtain forgiveness from Karim's family by way of payment of ibra or financial compensation then this would be looked at favorably by the Supreme Court.

The latest news as of June 1 2010 is that Mr Langdon's legal representative has stated that an agreement with the victim's family has been reached as to the payment of ibra. The next stage will be to have Mr Langdon's appeal against his conviction heard by the Afghan Supreme Court. Generally, the payment of ibra which signifies the forgiveness of the victim's family is regarded favourably by Islamic courts. However, even if the Afghan Supreme Court in reviewing the case decides to commute the death sentence this is not a get-out -of jail -free card. Robert Langdon would be subjected to serve a term of imprisonment in Afghanistan which depending on its length would likely amount to a death sentence given the appalling conditions of prisons in Afghanistan. Only the Prime Minister of Australia can ensure Mr Langdon's early return to Australia by putting pressure on his Afghan counterpart, President Hamid Karzai.

It should be noted that although Robert Langdon did not deny shooting Karim, he did not have a fair trial or receive an appropriate sentence. His plea of self-defence was not given proper consideration as the Court relied entirely on the written statement made during the pre-trial investigation by a Nepalese guard who was not available for cross-questioning by the defence. The statement claimed Karim was unarmed but given the nature of the security guards presence to protect the convoy and also that the convoy has just been attacked by the Taliban - is this statement believable? The statement by the Nepalese guard amounts only to hearsay evidence and would not be admissible in any properly constituted court of law.

There is no death sentence in Australia and while there is an argument that if an individual commits a crime in a foreign country then they must abide by the consequences Robert Langdon did not have a fair trial. Robert Langdon is being held in a small cramped cell with 22 other prisoners many of whom are Taliban who frequently threaten him. He is in a very poor state mentally and physically having lost 10 lbs in weight due to the scanty and inedible rations. He is dependent on a few friends to bring him food and other necessities. Robert Langdon must not be executed. He must be immediately returned to Australia where if necessary he could serve a term of imprisonment.

Despite Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's stated intention to intervene in the case the New York Times reported that the Afghan Government has told them that they have received no official protests on behalf of Robert Langdon. During his term in office the Prime Minster Kevin Rudd has proved to be long on rhetoric, short on action. The Australian Dept of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) has been actively stifling attempts to help Rob or even contact him. I had to enlist the assistance of the Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs here to ascertain whether Mr. Langdon was receiving my letters and have met nothing but deliberate attempts to stifle my voice from speaking out on his behalf. DFAT instructed Mr. Langdon's family to "do nothing" and that is what they are doing - nothing; they are too afraid to upset DFAT in case it takes umbrage and refuses to help. As a result of the Australian government's negative attitude as far as I am aware, I am the only person actively lobbying support for Robert Langdon. This is in total contrast to British security contractor Bill Shaw imprisoned on fraud charges in Afghanistan on the back of a gross miscarriage of justice and who has a great many supporters campaigning on his behalf. Robert Langdon's plight is virtually unknown.

This year is an election year in Australia and Kevin Rudd will be going to the polls soon. He has already indicated to his Indonesian counterpart Sushilo Bambang Yudoyono in the case of the Bali Nine ( young drug-mules some of whom are under sentence of death) that he would appreciate it if the Indonesians would not execute any of them during an election year as this would be bad for his public image. I would imagine a similar quiet word has been whispered to Afghan President Hamid Karzai requesting he refrain from drawing any attention to Robert Langdon by holding off his hearing at the Supreme Court and possible hanging. A case of no political embarrassment now please and he's all yours after the election. The best case scenario for Robert Langdon would be the election of a new Liberal government under Tony Abbott; the worst case the re-election of Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and the Labour government. Every vote counts.

Meanwhile few know about Robert Langdon's situation and even fewer have shown support for him so far. What the Australian government needs is a huge wake-up call from the international community expressing suitable outrage and exerting serious pressure on Kevin Rudd to take immediate action to bring Australian citizen Robert Langdon home. If people do not speak out now how easy it will be for the Afghan government to quietly hang Robert Langdon under cover of Kevin Rudd's utter indifference?

Robert Langdon's fate has implications for all private security contractors in Afghanistan - if the Afghan government gets away with this execution a precedent will have been created. Today an Australian - tomorrow who knows who will be next?

SAVE ROB

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A future cashless society will have several benefits for the community. Firstly, it will increase the detection of crime and be a catalyst for its reduction. As a consequence, it will lower violence in the community.

Secondly, it will reduce the black market that is based on cash and promote the integrity of the income tax base. This will give governments the funds to implement social welfare programs, pay off debt, as well as increase spending on all forms of needed infrastructure.

Thirdly, it will promote greater efficiency in the economy by eliminating the costs of managing cash in terms of counting, securing, and transporting it to banks and other commercial establishments.

The privacy of all Australians is currently protected by national privacy laws. National privacy legislation can be strengthened if needed before the introduction of a cashless economy.

There is absolutely no need for any person or business to apply for any form of credit from any institution, in a proposed Australian cashless society, in order to execute day to day transactions. All Australians can currently apply for and obtain Eftpos Cards, Visa Debit Cards, or Mastercard Debit Cards from any bank or credit union.

The technology for cashless transactions for the visually impaired can and will be developed so that they are not left-out of the means to excecute cashless transactions.

The use of the internet and mobile phone to perform cashless transactions are with us already, or in the case of mobile phones, will be further developed in future using currently available technology called radio frequency identification (RFID).

Australia currently has the technology to become a cashless society. With future research, current cashless methods can be refined while new cashless methods of making purchases can be developed.

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Reasons are as outlined in the petition.

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On 1st March 2010, the Australian Government lifted the ban on Beef imports from countries which are affected by BSE (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy or Mad Cow Disease). On 8th March, an Import Risk Assessment Analysis (IRA) was announced in response to public outcry and a lack of supporting scientific consideration.

The IRA could take up to 2 years to complete and will only focus on implications for animal - not human - health.

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In 2006, the Australian Federal Government announced that "1,000,000 Australians would be eligible to receive the Australian Defence Medal for an initial enlistment period, or four years efficient service" - To date less than one quarter of that number has been issued to current and former serving regular and reserve forces personnel.

The reason for this is that the eligibility criteria for this medal has been set too high by the Federal Government. In a recent review of the medal's entitlement criteria, the Australian Honours and Awards Tribunal made no recommendation for the change of service time eligibility.

Going on the Federal Government's own information, there are still several hundred thousand former serving defence personnel who will never receive any form of official recognition from the Government and people of Australia, whom they served, due to their inability to meet the current eligibility requirements.

Let the Australian Defence Medal be issued to those personnel who have completed their basic and employment training, and served for a minimum of TWO YEARS in the Australian Defence Forces.

This should be satisfactory and recognisable service for those who signed on to take the same risks, follow the same orders, serve under the same military justice system, and endure the same unique demands of military service as those who have served for the current minimum of four years service to be awarded the Australian Defence Medal.

The Anniversary of National Service Medal recognises former National Service men and women for their commitment. Some commitments, due to Government policy at the time, were as short as three months in duration, yet former National Service personnel qualify for both the Anniversary of National Service Medal and the Australian Defence Medal.

It's time to re-examine this issue, and make good the commitment made by the former and current Federal Governments, and reduce the eligibility service time criteria of the Australian Defence Medal to TWO years efficient service.

Please sign this petition to show your support.

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I am a parent of a five year old child diagnosed with High Functioning Autism (HFA).

Since my son was diagnosed with his condition mid last year, I have learnt that increasing numbers of children are being diagnosed with HFA and Aspergers Syndrome and these kids struggle to survive in mainstream education as they get older. This is because their different learning style, social isolation, acute anxiety and various sensory sensitivities leads to many not being able to reach their full academic potential in the mainstream setting and this is a real shame because these kids are extremely intelligent.

I have been disturbed by the amount of parents I am meeting with HFA & Aspergers primary school kids of various ages, who are saying that mainstream high school will not be an option for their kids and that they plan to home school for high school.

I have also been shocked to hear from parents of HFA and Aspergers kids who have already finished high school, say how traumatised their kids are after finishing school, having withstood years and years of relentless bullying and now they struggle to function in the adult world. I think that we need to get small high schools set up in Australia specifically for students with HFA or Aspergers. At the moment in Australia there seems to be no other social schooling options other than mainstream for the kids at the higher end of the autism spectrum.

Now that there is hard evidence that these kids brains are wired differently and they have a different learning style to their neurotypical peers, educators need to consider this option. I also think it is unfair that these kids have to put up with high school bullying (as the statistics are that 90% of kids with ASD's get bullied at mainstream high schools). I know that many high schools have special ed units in them but other than learning difficulties, the playground is where the main problems are and these kids are being permanently mentally damaged by being made to withstand our system and ‘fit the mould’.

I am of the view that having a few small high schools with a modified curriculum tailoring to Aspergers and HFA in each state, could really benefit these kids and if large ASD friendly companies (such as banks, engineering, IT type firms) got on board with sponsoring kids for on the job work experience programs as part of the curriculum, it could lead to them having a real chance at succeeding at life and being less traumatised by not having to put up with neurotypical bullies.

Other countries such as the US and UK already have these types of high schools available as an option.
I find it incredible that this has not occurred here yet.
If you agree please sign this petition and it will be delivered to the Australian Federal Government.

UPDATE - 9/4/10 - For people in NSW, I have been informed that there is currently a Parliamentary Inquiry being held into the education of students with disabilities and special needs and they will still accept submissions from the public. I will be making a submission and encourage everyone else to do so as well as this will be another great way for people in NSW to get your concerns heard. The link to the inquiry details is -
http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/Prod/parlment/committee.nsf/0/47F51A782AEABBABCA25767A000FABEC

Also - If there is anyone who has a child with Aspergers / HFA currently struggling through mainstream high school and you are prepared to talk to the media please contact me via the petition link below as there has been some interest.

UPDATE 2/8/10 - The link to this petition has been forwarded on to all state education departments and federal ministers. I have received some correspondence back, generally saying that they have taken note of our concerns and will keep it in mind when formatting future policies. The petition will be closed down shortly after the federal election. Thanks to all for taking the time to sign it and I hope that we do see change in the not too distant future for all our kids sakes.

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Request the Australian Embassy in VN to call for the release of Ms. Tran Khai Thanh Thuy, a renowned novelist and democracy activist.

Calling For The Release of Democracy Activist Tran Khai Thanh Thuy

NB : We continue to also sign this petition at :
http://www.change.org/actions/view/calling_for_the_release_of_democracy_activist_tran_khai_thanh_thuy

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Since the early 1980s, media enthusiasts set out to establish what was labelled "Public Television" services. The US, UK and Canada have had their main public television stations, and numerous satellite station affiliates spread out across their countries during this same period and to date.

Denied by the federal government at the time, the local television industry was authorized to create a community access television service for each metro area’s public, but these stations later dropped the “access” from their branding.

It was in 1994, that this third-tier industry in Australia began using commercialism that to date have increasingly encroached with each station, where it has become more stylized like commercial and public television rather than maintaining the philosophical principles of what a community broadcaster should be. On 4 Nov 09, the federal government gave your publicly owned digital spectrum and $2.6 million dollars to launch another commercial-style television network. Did the federal government seek the public’s opinion prior allocating your public ownerships?

Please sign this Petition and let the Australian Federal Government, under Senator Stephen Conroy know that the public should have been consulted on whether or not current community television stations met their philosophical principles as a community broadcaster, and let the public decide their faith and change for a newly designed television service that can live up its principle intentions.

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Letter To the editor Milton Ulladulla Times, August 5th 2009

Why Woolworths? Is it sustainable or just going to be an empty building that looks good!

We have seen many letters about the proposed Woolworths development with most complaints about how it will look. What about the main thing- what will it bring to our town?

1. Will it attract people from other towns to Ulladulla? Bunnings used to bring people from Nowra and further north till they got a store. With the development of anew larger Bunnings store in Batemans Bay on the drawing board we stand to lose transient shoppers from as far as Eden who help our local economy out of tourist season.

2. Why do we need another food retailer? We have five food stores in our town already, Coles, Aldi, Franklins and the two IGAs. Why allow another one who will do more harm than good to the smaller stores. It will also affect our independent butchers and liquor outlets. (Do we actually need another liquor store).

3. We have a growing population of adults and children and only one small major clothing outlet. We would benefit greatly from another player in this market. As a town it would be more beneficial to have a Big W from the Woolworths group as this would employ a large number of people,bring a larger diversity of products and clothing for the population and also attract shoppers from Nowra in the north and Eden and make Ulladulla a hub for weekend shoppers from otherlocal communities.

This will in turn bring the shoppers we actually need to make most of the variety stores viable in the Woolworths complex and in the other surrounding districts of Ulladulla and Milton. Why isn't our council looking into the sustainability of this development and not just its aesthetic appeal?

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This petition is made in hopes of saving the Kyle & Jackie O Show, aired on AuStereo's 2DayFM netowrk, from being axed. The shows continuation of 2DayFM was compremised after a misunderstanding when a caller-through requested her daughter be interview on a lie detector.

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At this moment at Centrelink, the youth allowance for 18-21 year olds who are going to study, have to work 18 months full time prior to study to be eligible for youth allowance, or their parents have to earn 32,000 or less. With the current economic crisis, there are hardly any jobs out there, especially part time or casual jobs for students.

How are students meant to pay for books, stationary, bus tickets, livelihood? Just because they live with their parents, does not mean they may not pay board/food and it definitely does not mean that the parents give them an, "allowance" each week. If you have ever been persecuted by this issue, please sign this petition. I will be taking it to my local MP at Reynell, also forwarding it to Julia Gillard, Minister for Education and if need be, I will lobby it to the media.

This legislation needs to change and we need YOUR help!

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The PIpistrellus murrayi is a species of vesper bat belonging to the Vespertilionidae family.

This animal is found only on Christmas Island and there are only 20 indivduals left - this little bat is the size of a quarter and they are covered in fur - they are living in a tree that is dead and they desperately need human intervention to survive.

The Australian authorities do not care that this little creature immediate rescue to prevent extinction.

Without prompt attention these little fuzzies will be lost before the end of 2009.

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The Australian Jewish Democratic Society together with other Jewish Australians who care greatly for both the future of Israel and the legitimate national aspirations of Palestinians, strongly endorse the views recently expressed by the US President in Cairo.

His words represent a sea change in approach to a conflict that has festered for so long that many of us have despaired of the possibility of finding a path to a resolution. His words articulate both the main elements of the conflict as understood by the Australian Jewish Democratic Society and a way forward to hope:

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Dihydrogen monoxide (DHMO) is colourless, odourless, tasteless, and kills uncounted thousands of people every year. Most of these deaths are caused by accidental inhalation of DHMO, but the dangers of dihydrogen monoxide do not end there.

Prolonged exposure to its solid form causes severe tissue damage. Symptoms of DHMO ingestion can include excessive sweating and urination, and possibly a bloated feeling, nausea, vomiting and body electrolyte imbalance. For those who have become dependent, DHMO withdrawal means certain death.

Dihydrogen monoxide is the major component of acid rain. It contributes to both the “greenhouse effect” and the erosion of our natural landscape, and may cause severe burns. DHMO accelerates the corrosion and rusting of many metals, may cause electrical failures and decreased effectiveness of automobile brakes, and has been found in excised tumours of terminal cancer patients.

Contamination is reaching epidemic proportions! Quantities of dihydrogen monoxide have been found in almost every stream, lake, and reservoir in Australia today. But the pollution is global, and the contaminant has even been found in Antarctic ice. DHMO has caused millions of dollars of property damage all over the country.

In spite of the danger, dihydrogen monoxide is often used in the production of nuclear power, the manufacture of Styrofoam, and the distribution of pesticides. Even after washing, produce still remains contaminated by this chemical. Dihydrogen monoxide is also used as a fire retardant, and as an industrial solvent and coolant. It is used in many cruel forms of animal research, and has often been taken by athletes to improve their performance. DHMO can also be used as a food additive, and is frequently found in junk food. It even has a tendency to accumulate in dairy products.

Dihydrogen monoxide is found in all municipal water supplies, and there is no filter on the market that is able to remove this hazardous substance from our drinking water. Companies dump waste DHMO into rivers and the ocean, and nothing can be done to stop them because this practice is still legal. The impact on wildlife is extreme, and we cannot afford to ignore it any longer! This horror MUST be stopped!

Despite strong evidence linking DHMO ingestion with cancer, the Australian Government has refused to ban the production, distribution, or use of this damaging chemical due to its supposed “importance to the economic health of the nation.” In fact, the navy and other military organizations are conducting experiments with DHMO, and designing multi-billion dollar devices to control and utilize it during warfare situations. Hundreds of military research facilities receive tons of it through a highly sophisticated underground distribution network. Many store large quantities for later use.

It’s not too late to put an end to the use of DHMO in Australia. By signing this petition, you can help to secure the health and safety of all Australians in the future.

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Following the Reserve Bank of Australia's recent review of ATM fees, from Tuesday 3 March 2009 there will be industry wide changes to the way that ATM fees are charged.

The previous fees charged by banks called "interchange" fees have been abolished, and ATM owners are now able to charge as much as they like. Most ATM operators in Australia are now charging up to $2 per transaction.

Let the banks and the Reserve Bank of Australia know that this is not on.

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The Australian government has decided it would be a good idea to censor the Internet, making Australia an essentially Totalitarian state.

Sign this petition to stop this from happening!

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Us truckers are only trying to make our cars unique, these are our pride and joy. This is more then just a hobby it is a life style, we are not a gang or a crew, we are a community.

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Savannahs are considered one of the larger breeds of domesticated cats. They are a crossbreed of a Serval (a wild African predator) and domestic cat.

Servals prey on hares, ground squirrels, hyraxes, snakes, lizards, mole rats, frogs, insects, birds (quails, flamingoes, quelea, and teal). They have been known to take domestic poultry.

Larger animals such as vlei rats and even small antelopes are preferred, if they can be easily taken. Savannahs are obviously smaller and unlikely to take on larger prey, but there is the suggestion that they could attack Koalas (who have, up until now, had no natural climbing predator.

These animals pose a high potential of risk to our natural eco-system.

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We all remember the great fun that It's A Knockout was. I am making this petition in the hope that we can bring back the awesomeness!

It's A Knockout that's the nameeee of the gameeeee!!

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Dear Australians

Mukesh Malhotra, his wife Falguni (Fal) Malhotra and son Jish Malhotra have been in Australia for the past 8 years.

It is sad to note that their application for Permanent Resident Visa has been rejected by Department of Immigration and Migration Review Tribunal, because their son Jish has Autism. With due respect to the constraints these departments operate under, they do not have any powers to consider the other contributions Mukesh, his wife Fal have made and will continue to make to Australia; plus the strengths that Jish has because of Autism or otherwise.

Mukesh is a post graduate from University of New South Wales and is a Project Manager in construction industry.

His wife Fal is a graduate in commerce with experience as executive assistant and high school teacher. However, Fal has decided (and it gives her great pleasure and satisfaction) to use her hands-on experinece with Jish, to help other children with Autism. Having helped the children with Autism voluntarily for couple of years, Fal is currently working as a teacher's aide at ASPECT's Terrigal School for Children with Autism and helping many more children.

Jish is 12 years old and has started high school at Narara Valley High School this year as a full fee paying student in one of their special needs class. Jish is independent in his daily activities and good at computers and singing. Jish also won a High Commendation prize in one of the categories at Central Coast Eisteddfod singing competion in August 2007. You can view Jish's singing performance by copying and pasting the following links in your browser.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieAYR-GR40M

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDSvbBz5TmY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UG4YtPoMZuA

A final appeal is being made to the Minister for Immigration who has the power to waive the health criteria and grant Permanent Resident status to the Malhotra family.

You are all requested to provide your valuable support for the above.

View petition

Peter Roebuck has written several articles which are deeply objectionable to many Australian cricket fans.

Please see these links:

Who does Roebuck nominate to replace Ponting

Drama was needed to shake the tree

Ponting 'must be sacked'

View petition