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'More obviously needs to be done': how to make Australian universities safe from sexual violence

Retrieved on:

Sunday, July 23, 2023

This review team, led by Professor Mary O'Kane, has been tasked with creating a “visionary plan” for Australian higher education.

Key Points:

This review team, led by Professor Mary O'Kane, has been tasked with creating a “visionary plan” for Australian higher education.
When it comes to safety and sexual assault on campuses, “more obviously needs to be done”.
Sexual assault and harassment on campus is affecting the wellbeing of students and staff, and their ability to succeed.

Sexual violence on campus

One in six had been sexually harassed in a university context since starting their studies.
Significantly these rates showed little shift from the Australian Human Rights Commission’s 2017 report on university sexual assaults, despite universities committing to a range of measures that would make campuses safer.
Many expressed frustration with the time it took for a complaint to be dealt with by universities, which often re-traumatised student survivors.

What does the review say?

This includes a recommendation to improve university governance with a particular focus on staff and student safety and to add more higher education expertise to governing bodies.
The review team is also seeking feedback on more than 70 ideas for the final report, due in December.
It specifically wants to give more consideration to
improving student wellbeing and safety, including empowering students on matters that affect them.

What needs to happen now?

This represents an important signal to state and territory governments that the federal government expects an escalated national response.
The federal government funds and regulates higher education but apart from the Australian National University, universities are governed by state or territory legislation.
But pursuing action on campus sexual violence through university governing boards, via state and territory governments, poses some challenges.

Complaints about complaints

The review team has suggested strengthening the role of the Commonwealth Ombudsman, extending the coverage of this federal government agency to complaints from domestic students.
This move could potentially provide a new streamlined avenue for students to make complaints if they have been subjected to sexual violence.
Senate estimates figures used in my research show this has not been an effective framework for tackling campus sexual violence.

What else do we need?

The potential measures in the interim report are promising but will need to be carefully calibrated to make campuses safe.
Under the current system, TEQSA has “moved to ensure all higher education providers are fostering safe environments”.
But my research shows stakeholders are frustrated by the regulator’s “very onerous” complaints mechanisms and ineffective enforcement of regulatory standards.
The commission also recommended universities ensure they have adequate and safe processes for students to report a sexual assault or harassment incident.

Urgent action still required

An essential prerequisite for Australia’s higher education sector is that universities and residential colleges can provide a safe environment for their students.
If this article has raised issues for you, or if you’re concerned about someone you know, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.

Kenya's logging ban has been lifted – it's a political decision and a likely setback for conservation

Retrieved on:

Saturday, July 22, 2023

Kenyan president William Ruto has lifted a six-year ban on logging, despite public objections. Ruto said it would create jobs and boost economic growth. Lisa E. Fuchs has studied the Mau Forest Complex, one of Kenya’s most important – and most threatened – forests. She unpacks the implications of this decision.Why is the lifting of Kenya’s logging ban controversial?First, who is included and who is not, and why and how these actors will be supported to re-orient themselves sustainably.

Key Points:

Kenyan president William Ruto has lifted a six-year ban on logging, despite public objections. Ruto said it would create jobs and boost economic growth. Lisa E. Fuchs has studied the Mau Forest Complex, one of Kenya’s most important – and most threatened – forests. She unpacks the implications of this decision.

Why is the lifting of Kenya’s logging ban controversial?

First, who is included and who is not, and why and how these actors will be supported to re-orient themselves sustainably.
The same applies for lifting a logging ban.
Kenya’s latest logging ban was introduced in 2018.
Environmentalists have argued that lifting this latest ban risks reversing the gains made in recent years to improve Kenya’s tree cover.
The Kenyan state has historically viewed and dealt with forests in terms of production and economic development, rather than biodiversity and conservation.

How have previous logging bans in Kenya played out?

A similar ban – or rather, a three-month moratorium that was never officially lifted – existed between 1999 and 2011.
It restricted them from legal logging, denying them access to public forests.
Corruption played a part in forest destruction by both big timber companies and small-scale saw millers.
The Kenya Forest Service has repeatedly been named in this context in both academic and public inquiries, including a 2018 investigation.

What is the current political context?

Ruto has been under tremendous pressure since he took office in September 2022.
Sending a message about creating jobs can be read as an attempt to address people’s worries related to the economy.
Redistributing access to and benefits from the country’s forests might speak to many rural people and communities who are dependent on forest commodities – and to their political representatives.

What’s the way forward?

Ruto must also address the speculation over the lifting of the logging ban.
The environment ministry recently said the ban had been lifted only in commercial forests.
Sustainable forest management (which includes both forest production and forest conservation) is not impossible or awfully complicated – at least when it’s not politicised.

Temperature records shattered across the world as tourists flock to experience the heat

Retrieved on:

Thursday, July 20, 2023

California’s Death Valley recorded 56.6 C temperatures, and rather than reflecting on the obvious effects of global warming, tourists flocked to the area.

Key Points:

California’s Death Valley recorded 56.6 C temperatures, and rather than reflecting on the obvious effects of global warming, tourists flocked to the area.
Similarly, thrill-seeking visitors rushed to Xinjiang, China, to experience 80 C surface temperatures and more than 50 C air temperatures.
And in British Columbia, where I live, we have already broken the previous 2018 record with more than 13,900 square kilometres burnt.

Remarkable cognitive dissonance

Are tourists aware that coral reefs worldwide are in the process of dying off on an unprecedented scale?
Perhaps they might want to reflect on the fact that Earth has already warmed by around 1.1 to 1.2 C since pre-industrial times.
This would cause the Earth to warm rapidly to around 1.6 to 1.7 C above pre-industrial levels.

The Paris Agreement

Governments worldwide have signed on to the 2015 Paris Agreement committing nations to collectively limit global warming to well below 2 C above pre-industrial levels while pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 C. The Paris Agreement might appear promising.
But the reality is that the 1.5 C guardrail cannot be met, and that socioeconomic inertia prevents us from even staying below the 2 C threshold.
Even if every country met its promised emissions reductions, global mean temperatures would still soar past 2 C.
Read more:
The Paris Agreement is working as intended, but we’ve still got a long way to go

We have known for more than 15 years that “if a 2.0 C warming is to be avoided, direct CO2 capture from the air, together with subsequent sequestration, would eventually have to be introduced in addition to sustained 90 per cent global carbon emissions reductions by 2050.” So, while governments, industry and public sector institutions worldwide are announcing their intention to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, the reality is these are nothing more than aspirational goals made by decision-makers who will not be around to be held accountable for the decisions they made.

Reaching net-zero

To be clear, nature-based climate solutions have an important role to play.
But there are limits, not the least of which is that global warming will continue to cause increased wildfires in the years ahead.
Each of us is part of the problem, meaning that each of us can also be part of the solution.
And this notion can create an environment ripe for innovation and creativity — the foundational requirements of any prosperous and vibrant future.

Migrant deaths at sea: the real blame lies with policies created by European states

Retrieved on:

Thursday, July 20, 2023

In response, states have expressed shock and sadness, and have moved to prosecute smugglers associated with the journey.

Key Points:

In response, states have expressed shock and sadness, and have moved to prosecute smugglers associated with the journey.
Greece, under whose watch the tragedy occurred, declared three days of mourning and arrested nine of the survivors, charging them with human trafficking.
I am a scholar with a focus on the development of international law and legal institutions in the practice of transitional justice.

Diminishing legal protections for migrants

As enacted, this law is quite protective, serving as a legal shield for vulnerable people.
For example, not all migrants qualify as refugees, who must face a “well-founded fear of persecution”.
The Greek coast guard and the EU border agency Frontex have been caught putting migrants out to sea.
For example, states have closed legal land and air routes via visa schemes and stiff penalties for airlines carrying incorrectly documented passengers.
Activists have asked the International Criminal Court and the Court of Justice of the European Union to review European treatment of migrants.

Weakening rule of law

This structure – rule of law above the state via an international rule of law system – is the model advocated for African states emerging from colonialism, and for any and all developing states engaging in global politics and commerce.
But European states are renouncing key elements of this rule of law structure via the illegality of their policies towards migrants.

Student number caps on 'rip-off degrees' overlook their potential benefits for social mobility

Retrieved on:

Thursday, July 20, 2023

The intention of the government intervention is to ensure that students get appropriate value from their courses.

Key Points:

The intention of the government intervention is to ensure that students get appropriate value from their courses.
It also intends to make sure taxpayers aren’t left to foot the bill when students don’t earn enough to repay all of their student loans.
But less-selective universities – and the courses they offer – play a significant role in driving social mobility and supporting the local economy.
Overall, a student from a low-income background is four times more likely to be socially mobile if they attend university.

Student outcomes

Universities are already regulated based on their student outcomes.
The OfS publishes data on these student outcomes.
The cap on student numbers for particular courses now planned by the government is an additional penalty.
Despite the fact that the highest earners subsidise those who do not fully repay their student loans, we end up with a workforce that is rich and varied in background and skills and diverse in its make up.

eNaira: Nigeria's digital currency has had a slow start - what's holding it back

Retrieved on:

Wednesday, July 19, 2023

Nigeria was the first country in Africa to roll out a central bank digital currency.

Key Points:

Nigeria was the first country in Africa to roll out a central bank digital currency.
Central bank digital currencies are well placed to serve as the anchor for all forms of digital assets and digital currencies.
The Central Bank of the Bahamas and the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank have issued their own central bank digital currency.
Adoption has been slow and accessing central bank digital currency has been a challenge.
It is piloting its central bank digital currency, called e-CNY, in 26 cities but still experiencing poor adoption.

Barriers to adoption

It is believed that the Central Bank of Nigeria wants to develop its own software for the digital currency.
It is, however, reported that banks and financial institution staff do not appear well trained to get users on board.
So the system is not fully ready for adoption.
Data privacy: Under the current design, the central bank will be able to see all transactions of users of the eNaira.

Workable solutions

Users could also get incentives to use the digital currency, in the form of discounts when paying taxes and for other public services.
If these challenges can be surmounted and policy approaches to adoption implemented, adoption of the eNaira is likely to pick up.

Nelson Mandela's legacy is taking a battering because of the dismal state of South Africa

Retrieved on:

Tuesday, July 18, 2023

He subsequently underpinned it by promoting reconciliation with white people, especially Afrikaners, the former rulers.

Key Points:

He subsequently underpinned it by promoting reconciliation with white people, especially Afrikaners, the former rulers.
The questioning of the 1994 settlement, and therefore Mandela’s legacy, has different dimensions, running through diverse narratives.
This means that those of us who are social scientists and long-term observers of South Africa’s politics and history need to think carefully about how we think critically about Mandela’s legacy.

Questioning Mandela’s legacy

From a historian’s view the questioning of Mandela’s legacy is normal.
Historians are always asking new questions and reassessing the past to gain new insights about the role important political leaders play.
Nonetheless, the six or seven significant biographies of Mandela may be said to revolve around the following arguments.
Narratives at the time often suggested that the period 1990-94 was a “miracle”, a difficult but “peaceful transition to democracy”.
Although the ANC in exile had carefully choreographed the imprisoned Mandela as an icon around which international opposition to apartheid could be mobilised, there remained much questioning within the organisation following his release about his motivations and wisdom.
At the beginning of his autobiography, Mandela presents the struggle in South Africa as a clash between Afrikaner and African nationalisms.

Capturing Mandela’s legacy

There is never going to be a final assessment of Mandela’s legacy.
How it is regarded will continue to change, depending on the destination South Africa travels to.

NIMBYism in Sydney is leading to racist outcomes

Retrieved on:

Tuesday, July 18, 2023

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This NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) resistance has led to urban sprawl in areas of Western Sydney with a well-documented lack of services, infrastructure and jobs.

Key Points:

This NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) resistance has led to urban sprawl in areas of Western Sydney with a well-documented lack of services, infrastructure and jobs.
Recent research showed affluent Sydney communities closer to the city centre are highly influential and organised in resisting development in their neighbourhoods.
Read more:
Jobs deficit drives army of daily commuters out of Western Sydney

The ethnic divide is growing

As the chart below shows, most residential development has been in the outer suburbs, 30-40km from the city centre.
NSW Department of Planning and Environment population projections for 2021-2041 suggest the vast majority of population growth is going to be in these outer areas.
The map below shows inner local council areas will grow much more slowly than the outer ones.
As the map below shows, the concentration of the non-white population in outer areas is also increasing at a much faster rate.

And the trend is set to continue

The report forecasts about 27% (64,000 a year) of the international migrants will settle in Greater Sydney.
Natural population increase (births minus deaths) for Greater Sydney is estimated to be around 36,000 a year.
So most of the city’s population growth is going to be from international migration.
Migration data from recent years also indicate this trend is likely to continue or even grow.

By reducing the ethnic divide, Sydney will be better off

He recommends the government shift its focus to higher-density housing in the CBD and inner suburbs.
Continued urban sprawl on former farmlands and natural woodlands in outer Western Sydney is leading to poorer economic, sustainability and climate outcomes.
There is a need for further research on the relationship between ethnic segregation and our decisions on what to build and where.
We need to better understand NIMBYs’ motivations for opposing all development in their areas and the systemic racism resulting from this resistance.

What is a relationship 'boundary'? And how do I have the boundary conversation with my partner?

Retrieved on:

Tuesday, July 18, 2023

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Some have understood Hill’s dot points as a reasonable set of relationship expectations or “preferences” for a partner.

Key Points:

Some have understood Hill’s dot points as a reasonable set of relationship expectations or “preferences” for a partner.
So what is a relationship “boundary” and how do you have this conversation with your partner?

What are relationship boundaries?

Some ‘boundaries’ are controlling and go too far

If your partner is describing these as their relationship boundaries, you should feel comfortable to say you are not OK with it.
You should also feel comfortable explaining what boundaries you need to set for yourself and your relationship to feel safe.
In other words, people can sometimes employ unhealthy behaviours with the intention of keeping their partner but end up pushing them away.

Understanding partner and relationship expectations

Rigid partner and relationship standards, just like unreasonable boundaries, can cause distress, hopelessness and resentment.
Relationship boundaries are a life skill that needs constant learning, practice and improvement.

Having a conversation about healthy relationship boundaries

Some mistakenly believe having any relationship boundaries at all is unreasonable or a form of abuse.
But for an important conversation about boundaries to take place, you first need the environment for an open, honest and trusting discussion.

Clarify and discuss

If you’re having the boundary conversation with your partner, clarify what you mean by your boundary request and how it might work in practice.
Understanding the nuances can help your partner decide if your boundary request is reasonable or unreasonable for them.
This will involve flexibility and care, so you’re not undermining your or your partner’s, freedom, mental health and wellbeing.
If you really must have the discussion over text, be specific and clarify.

Plaid Cymru's new leader faces tough challenges ahead of next elections

Retrieved on:

Monday, July 17, 2023

Rhun ap Iorwerth was appointed as Plaid Cymru’s new leader mid-June 2023.

Key Points:

Rhun ap Iorwerth was appointed as Plaid Cymru’s new leader mid-June 2023.
He replaced Adam Price, who stood down in response to a damaging report which found evidence of a culture of sexual harassment, bullying and misogyny in the party.
This is a major undertaking for any political party, but particularly for an organisation which is not large, or especially well-resourced.
This is a trend confirmed by its performance in the 2019 general election and the 2021 Senedd election.

Welsh independence

In the 2021 Senedd election, Plaid Cymru put its call for Welsh independence front and centre of its campaign and promised to hold a referendum within five years if it became the party of government.
But such a strategy misjudged the priorities of Welsh voters at the time, which was recovery from the COVID pandemic, rather than major constitutional change.
Welsh independence is still only supported by a minority of voters.

Scotland’s example

Many of those who do support Welsh independence, are also Labour voters.
And there is no sign that they are willing to ditch their allegiance and switch to supporting Plaid Cymru instead.
This is in spite of the difficulties that the Welsh Labour-led Welsh government is facing in the areas it is responsible for, such as the NHS.
In having to compete against such an opponent, Rhun ap Iorwerth’s Plaid Cymru faces an electoral challenge that is unique among Europe’s pro-independence parties.