A report by the National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health has discovered students with financial stress were twice as likely to report mental illness compared to students without. The news comes only days after the federal government announced plans to cut higher education funding, including an expected increase in student fees. In the proposed higher education reform, student fees will rise from 7.5 per cent by 2021 and the HECS repayment income threshold will decrease from $55,000 to $42,000. University of Wollongong student Nichola Gregory said the changes could see student numbers drop. “It’s a big turn-off for those…
Author: Courtney Berthaly
Marine scientists are working towards a solution in the ongoing fight to save the Great Barrier Reef from the effects of coral bleaching. A team of Australian researchers at the Sydney Institute of Marine Science are examining the possibility of altering clouds above the reef to potentially save the coral below. Marine cloud brightening involves the process of making larger and more reflective clouds to cool the waters below. Daniel Harrison, a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Sydney said cloud brightening is the most ‘plausible option’ and an environmentally friendly way to save the reef. “If we can…
The market for global entertainment is expected to grow due to an increase in the demand for applications and online streaming services that are now available on mobile phone devices, according to a new report. The Zion Market Research has published a report titled ‘Mobile Entertainment Market by Services.’ The report indicates demand for online streaming services, such as Netflix and Stan, has grown in recent years because ‘millennials’ are drawn to the content. However, the research also shows people are still seeking out entertainment the traditional way, via TV or Laptop. Communications and media expert, Prof. Sue Turnbull said the continued growth of the global…
The State Government will invest $41 million to reform the greyhound racing industry instead of banning it. The money will be used to improve animal welfare standards and create a new integrity commission to oversee the industry. The funding will be phased out over five years and will focus on implementing a new enforceable code of conduct on greyhound welfare, CCTV cameras at all public and some private tracks as well as tougher penalties for live baiting and other animal welfare offences. The establishment of a commission, separate to the sport’s commercial arm, was one of the 122 recommendations made…
The federal government is looking to cut the number of car crashes caused by drivers using their mobile phones. A nationally coordinated education campaign focusing on the use of mobile phones in cars may be implemented, and drivers caught using their phones could face more severe fines. Drivers may also be forced to install technology in their cars to disable texts while driving. Australian Automobile Association chief executive Michael Bradley said an urgent national inquiry into road deaths is needed because the National Road Safety Strategy is failing. “Things are currently getting worse, not better, with road crashes now killing…
Gamers beware: as our appetites for video game consumption rapidly increase, a Warrawong doctor has warned about the health risks. According to figures released by the Interactive Games and Entertainment Association, last year’s annual sales across the Australian industry increased by 20 percent to 2.46 billion dollars. However the rapid growth in the gaming industry is affecting more than just our bank accounts. According to research undertaken by Bond University, the average Australian is a gamer. 70% of households contain two or more gamers who play video games daily, spending up to 14 hours a week in front of their…