Fit the bill

fit the bill Addressing climate change in a nutshell: China

Dear readers, I was delighted to be given the opportunity of writing a regular column for this magazine that does such a fine job promoting our vibrant real estate sector and Canberra in general. I hope you will enjoy – even if some of you won’t agree with – the viewpoints I express and my take on local and national issues.

I thought for my first piece I would touch on an issue of concern to us all: climate change. I believe there is extensive misinformation being peddled in academia, our schools and most sections of the media about climate change and Australia’s role.

Firstly, did you know that whilst the ACT does produce more than 100 per cent of its total energy needs for solar and wind farms we own, largely outside the ACT, we are not carbon neutral as we get our power off the national grid? Only nine per cent of that power comes from solar panels in the ACT. The remaining 91 per cent comes from interstate, and 70 per cent of that 91 per cent comes from fossil fuels.

Secondly, a quick Google check will show that Australia is actually doing very well in reducing our emissions. We actually walk the walk, not talk the talk like NZ and Canada who have hardly reduced their emissions since 2005 (less than five per cent). We, on the other hand, have reduced ours by 18 per cent between 2005 to 2018. The big emitter, China, increased their emissions by 71 per cent during that same time period.

China operates 50 per cent of the world’s coal fired power stations and is building another 127 coal fired power stations between 2020 and 2025. China just recently told the US where to go when the US politely asked them if they would mind trying to drop their emissions and use less coal.

Our share of the world’s emissions in 2016 was 1.16 per cent. In 2018 that had dropped to 1.08 per cent; China’s in 2018 was 29.34 per cent. China emits more carbon dioxide in 16 days than Australia does in a year. China emits more carbon emissions than the OECD combined - that’s 38 countries including the US, most of Europe, the UK, Canada, Australia and NZ.

The only country who can make a difference and save the world is China and unless China cuts back on its coal fired power stations, which appears unlikely, and assuming the IPCC report is correct, even if Australia ceased to exist and emitted zero per cent, come 2030 it will be all too late. All the world can then do is adjust and live with climate change.

Funnily enough, although Indonesia and Russia produce more coal than us, our coal is the cleanest in the world and only emits 50 per cent of the emissions other countries’ coal does. If the world bought more Australian coal, emissions would come down big time as a result.

Next week, I will suggest what we as a nation need to do.

WITH BILL STEFANIAK AM, FORMER MLA (1995-2008)

news news How schools and students have been handling lockdown

The ACT lockdown has seen all school students once again return to remote learning, and both teachers and students across multiple schools agree it’s been a much smoother transition this year than it was in 2020.

Canberra Girls Grammar School Principal Anna Owen said she misses the everyday celebrations you witness whenever you walk through the school; seeing children playing together and the in-between conversations, because she believes school is much more than just lessons.

“Learning for students of all ages is still very much a social endeavour as they learn from their peers as much as they do from their teachers, so that aspect has meant we needed to slow down the steps in the learning process and we’re doing more fun things like pop quizzes to make sure the students are observing and understanding the content,” Ms Owen said.

She said the education community needs to be vigilant of the unknown impacts on school students during this time, and if governing bodies aren’t bringing attention to it, then they’re being naive.

A Year 12 student from Dickson College said in-person school is “so, so much better”. She misses seeing her friends and hanging out between classes but does get a laugh out of the different filters on Google Meets.

“It’s definitely different, but everyone has had a bit of practice from last year, so things are running a little smoother this time round. It’s still very strange though and I think it’s difficult for teachers and students.”

She describes online classes as “awkward” because not many students have their cameras turned on, and the teachers seem to be the only ones laughing at their own jokes.

“I feel as though we don’t have enough contact with our teachers. You’re encouraged to ask questions during class or email them if you need but it just isn’t really the same and I feel it’s often difficult to express what you mean over email or video,” she said.

Dickson College principal Craig Edwards said he feels for this Year 12 cohort particularly, who are now doing their second round of remote learning as they did in their first semester of Year 11. It remains to be seen what longer-term impacts this will have on their academic success as well as their emotional and social wellbeing.

“When we did remote learning in 2020, we tried to use the normal timetable but quickly learnt that wasn’t going to work. For example, the days and the lessons were too long in the online experience and both students and teachers were getting tired, so we changed the timetable to make the days and lessons run shorter,” he said.

In terms of engaging with students, Mr Edwards said he checks in with students and they say they are liking the new schedule.

“Having the students at school and in-person means you get so much information walking around to classes, but from what I’ve heard from the students while working remotely is that they miss their peers and classmates,” he said. - Abbey Halter

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Petition calls for improved eating disorder services in ACT

More than 17,000 Canberrans might suffer from an eating disorder – but those seeking help might wait almost a year to see a specialist, and there are no inpatient facilities in the ACT.

Kate Steen, a lawyer recently diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, has started an e-petition, Starving for Services – Lack of Eating Disorder Services in the ACT, backed by Labor MLA Dr Marisa Paterson, calling on the ACT Government to act.

“It’s heartbreaking to think that other people out there have asked for help – and have been told that help will be so far away.”

People with eating disorders are six times more likely to die prematurely than the wider population, and people with anorexia nervosa have the highest mortality rate of all psychiatric conditions, Mrs Steen’s petition states.

And according to eating disorder activist Molly Saunders, the ACT is seeing an increase in eating disorders for both men and women.

Through her petition, Mrs Steen wants the government to update the Legislative Assembly about the progress of their Eating Disorders Position Statement (2018) and what services they intend to deliver, including a promised residential facility.

Three years ago, the ACT Government promised to “improve eating disorder services in the ACT across the full spectrum of care”, and to keep people out of hospital through early and community-based intervention. That statement was the result of another petition, by Molly Saunders, sponsored by Michael Pettersson MLA.

In 2019, Liberal Senator for the ACT Zed Seselja announced $13.5 million for a residential eating disorder centre, the ACT’s first residential inpatient facility; funds will be spent this financial year.

In March, Emma Davidson MLA, Minister for Mental Health, said work was underway to finalise the model of care, which would influence structural requirements. Once they were finalised, the ACT Government would be in a position to determine the schedule for the design, construction, and operational date.

“It’s wonderful that the government is engaging in so much necessary consultation, including with the families of consumers, and ensuring that the model of care is right,” Mrs Steen said. “However, I have heard from consumers and their families that they would see great value in more prompt action.”

If Canberrans want specialist in-patient treatment, they must go interstate, to Sydney or Melbourne, Ms Saunders said.

Mrs Steen also wants more funding for staff and specialists at the ACT Government’s Eating Disorders Program, the only specialised out-patient therapy option in the ACT, so that consumers can access it more quickly.

While access to the program is appropriately triaged according to need, she said, the wait time is measured in months, not weeks.

“That seems a long time to wait, given research shows that the most effective treatment for an eating disorder is immediate or timely treatment,” Mrs Steen said.

Mrs Steen encouraged people concerned about their relationship with food to talk to their family or friends; to visit the Butterfly Foundation, which helps people with eating disorders and body image issues; and to speak to their GP.

“You are not alone,” she said.

- Nick Fuller

news Back to school in Term 4

Year 12 students across the ACT are set to return to campus from the beginning of Term 4, as the critical time of final exams and assessments begins.

The ACT Government announced this week the return date for Year 12s will be Tuesday 5 October and all students, teachers and school staff will be offered a priority vaccination before campuses re-open.

Based on the ACT Chief Health Officer’s advice, the younger cohorts are expected to return to campus following the seniors, with Year 11 to come back on Monday 18 October (Week 3), while preschool to Year 10s should expect to return sometime after Week 4.

Further developments of the phased return plan will be worked on over the school holidays (18 September–4 October) and will be subject to health advice, case numbers, vaccination rates and consultations with students, families and staff.

The ACT Government said that taking a staggered approach gives them a chance to respond if circumstances change, as they’ve seen through the current outbreak the potential for the Delta variant to spread through school-aged children.

All schools, Early Childhood Education Centres and Out of School Hours Care services will remain open for any vulnerable children and for families with working caregivers who are unable to keep their children at home.

ACT Education Minister Yvette Berry thanked teachers and school staff “who have been working hard under extraordinary circumstances to give Canberra students the best possible learning experience”.

DVCS answers more calls

The Domestic Violence Crisis Service (DVCS) has received more calls than ever to their 24/7 hotline, and an increased demand for crisis accommodation since the lockdown began, which CEO Sue Webeck thinks are good signs.

It means their message that support services are available during lockdown and the ACT Government’s message that people can leave home to escape violence are working.

During last year’s lockdown, the number of people seeking help decreased. This time, people are still reaching out for support.

“We’re really heartened that this lockdown has seen the continued connection of community to our crisis line,” Ms Webeck said.

“It is concerning when the phone stops ringing, because we worry that people who are experiencing violence are just not able to access safe places to engage with care and support and help when they need it.”

In fact, the number of people in emergency accommodation increased 175 per cent, from 40 people in July to 70 in August.

“We are answering phones,” Ms Webeck said. “We are providing support as and when our community needs it. People shouldn’t hesitate to reach out for support. There is legitimacy in leaving households, relationships, or living environments because of violence. We are here, and we can help navigate those processes, and provide those pathways as people need them.”

If you or someone you know is impacted by domestic or family violence, visit dvcs.org.au or call DVCS on 6280 0900. In an emergency, call ACT Police on 000. - Nick Fuller

Herbert’s at Evatt has quickly pivoted into a takeaway model

With overwhelming support from the local community together with the owners’ resilience and positivity, Herbert’s has not only survived the uncertainty of the pandemic, it has fast become a popular local venue.

As soon as you walk into Herbert’s you will feel like a local. Owners Kristin and Dino would always prefer to welcome you to dine in, but at the moment their talented kitchen can still provide you with their popular burgers - you can’t go past their signature Porchetta Burger! Their pub style mains and small bites are available as takeaway. Vegetarian options and dietary requirements are no problem either.

Together with their menu, the bar at Herbert’s is well stocked with independent craft beers and a great selection of Canberra region wines, all of which are available for takeaway too.

Herbert’s is currently open for takeaway dinners Wednesday to Saturday from 4:00pm to 8:00pm and Sunday lunches from 11:00am to 2:30pm.

You can find their current takeaway menu on their website:

https://herbertsatevatt.com.au/menus/

news Multicultural Association helps Canberrans in need

Since the lockdown began, the Multicultural Association of Canberra has received 10 distress calls a day from people in quarantine unable to cook or go shopping.

Fortunately for them, the Association’s president Nishi Puri and her dedicated team – chief among them, treasurer Kranti Amar and Mainul Haique – have cooked meals, delivered groceries, and tried to bring a smile back to people’s faces.

The childcare centre Mrs Puri runs, the Mini Miracles Early Learning Centre in Bruce, was a busy kitchen last Sunday. Five volunteers cooked vegetarian curries and fried rice for 25 families. Those went to Afghan families, Calvary Hospital, and individual homes.

That was the third time they have cooked this lockdown, and they will do it again this weekend.

“There’s a big need in the community,” Mrs Puri said. “We want to help our community that is doing it tough in these COVID times.”

She urged Canberrans who need help with non-perishables or need food delivered to contact her on 0412 772 974.

“Anybody who calls us will get food delivered to their doorstep,” Mrs Puri said. “We will get help to them as quickly as we can.”

Mrs Puri is also president of the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin Canberra chapter; both organisations have donated food to people in need since the pandemic began.

She said that last year, many people lost their jobs and students were sleeping in their cars, with nowhere to go. This year, their calls have been from people in confinement, close contacts or COVID patients unable to leave their homes.

The Multicultural Association also donates non-perishables to St Vincent de Paul’s Blue Door Pantry every fortnight; to food rescue service, OzHarvest; and to the University of Canberra’s international students’ pantry. And it donates to Share the Dignity, which collects sanitary goods for women. Mrs Puri estimates they have helped hundreds of Canberrans through these organisations.

Many people have volunteered to drop groceries to where they are needed. A lot of the community would like to volunteer with the cooking, Mrs Puri said, but because of COVID restrictions, only five people could cook last Sunday.

“Otherwise, we would have a proper kitchen running by now, because there are so many people willing to come forward to help!” Mrs Puri smiled.

“There is a big sense of public spirit in Canberra. Canberra’s one of the loveliest cities, with very generous-hearted people living here.”

Social outreach is another avenue for the Multicultural Association. They have held Zoom workshops on COVID vaccine efficacy and side effects, diabetes, and health classes like Zumba and Bollywood dancing. This weekend they will hold a workshop on mental health.

- Nick Fuller