Do you know how many people can fit in a Philippines jeepney? - One more!
Only if Brisbane's buses and trains were like this ......
Queensland Government readies for storm season with special bank arrangements
Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Anna Bligh
24/12/2010
Banks, Australia Post on board for stricken communities
Premier Anna Bligh today announced it would be easier for stricken communities to access disaster-relief funds under a new agreement between the State Government, National Australia Bank, ANZ and Australia Post.
"In the past, when a disaster was declared in a community, relief cheques were only able to be cashed at the Commonwealth Bank, the State Government banker on which the cheques were drawn.
"Obviously, this was a problem in towns with no nearby Commonwealth Bank branch.
"That's why we are pleased to announce today the NAB, ANZ and Australia Post have come on board.
"The agreement is in place right now, so if a situation arises where we need to declare a disaster, everyone will be ready to go.
"The storm season is well upon us and we are expecting very heavy rain over the next week.
"We know that in the event of a disaster, people's lives are turned upside down.
"People need emergency funding fast - they have enough to worry about without getting to a bank in another town.
"Under these new arrangements, if the Commonwealth doesn't have a branch in town, another bank might, or there may be a post office.
"In larger centres, all four would work together in a cooperative effort.
"This is a classic example of good corporate citizenship - these institutions will be providing these services at no extra charge to the State Government.
Ms Bligh said the agreement was co-ordinated by Queensland Treasury as part of the Government's integrated disaster response strategy.
"The Department of Communities - often the lead agency in disaster recovery -mobilises an army of public servants who volunteer to leave their own homes and families to work in disaster-affected communities," Ms Bligh said.
"These disaster recovery teams get services and the emergency cheques moving so people can buy essential supplies.
"I know I speak for all Queenslanders when I say we never want to see a disaster - especially over Christmas.
"But the good news is that if we do - we're prepared."
Queensland Consumer Update: Plan ahead and know your consumer rights
Minister for Tourism and Fair Trading
The Honourable Peter Lawlor
Plan ahead and know your consumer rights
Queenslanders should start planning now if they are thinking of hitting the post-Christmas sales and stick to a budget.
Fair Trading Minister Peter Lawlor said the Boxing Day sales were a great way to get items for a cheaper price, however shoppers should spend only what they can afford.
"I'd urge shoppers to resist the sales hype and go into the sales with a plan of what they're after and a limit on how much they'll spend," Mr Lawlor said.
"At this time of year, people can easily get themselves into debt they won't be able to pay off later."
Mr Lawlor said it was also timely to remind consumers of their refund rights and responsibilities.
"Following Christmas, Fair Trading always receives complaints about purchases," Mr Lawlor said.
In 2010, Fair Trading received 3900 complaints about refunds which was down from 2009 when 4200 complaints were received.
People are legally entitled to a refund, exchange or repair if a product is faulty; does not do the job it is supposed to; does not match the description or sample shown; or does not last for a reasonable time.
Shops are entitled to require proof-of-purchase before they offer to refund or exchange products, so consumers should make sure they take their receipts or paperwork with them.
"Some shops offer a refund or exchange if your loved one does not like their gift to generate goodwill and return business. However they do not legally have to do this," Mr Lawlor said.
Consumers are
not entitled to a refund if they:
• knew about a fault prior to purchase
• caused the fault
• change their mind
• choose the wrong size or colour
• find the item cheaper elsewhere
• purchase an item which later goes on sale after the date of purchase.
If you experience problems with a purchase speak to the trader in the first instance, if you are unsatisfied with the response contact the Office of Fair Trading for advice on 13 13 04.
The Honourable Peter Lawlor
Plan ahead and know your consumer rights
Queenslanders should start planning now if they are thinking of hitting the post-Christmas sales and stick to a budget.
Fair Trading Minister Peter Lawlor said the Boxing Day sales were a great way to get items for a cheaper price, however shoppers should spend only what they can afford.
"I'd urge shoppers to resist the sales hype and go into the sales with a plan of what they're after and a limit on how much they'll spend," Mr Lawlor said.
"At this time of year, people can easily get themselves into debt they won't be able to pay off later."
Mr Lawlor said it was also timely to remind consumers of their refund rights and responsibilities.
"Following Christmas, Fair Trading always receives complaints about purchases," Mr Lawlor said.
In 2010, Fair Trading received 3900 complaints about refunds which was down from 2009 when 4200 complaints were received.
People are legally entitled to a refund, exchange or repair if a product is faulty; does not do the job it is supposed to; does not match the description or sample shown; or does not last for a reasonable time.
Shops are entitled to require proof-of-purchase before they offer to refund or exchange products, so consumers should make sure they take their receipts or paperwork with them.
"Some shops offer a refund or exchange if your loved one does not like their gift to generate goodwill and return business. However they do not legally have to do this," Mr Lawlor said.
Consumers are
not entitled to a refund if they:
• knew about a fault prior to purchase
• caused the fault
• change their mind
• choose the wrong size or colour
• find the item cheaper elsewhere
• purchase an item which later goes on sale after the date of purchase.
If you experience problems with a purchase speak to the trader in the first instance, if you are unsatisfied with the response contact the Office of Fair Trading for advice on 13 13 04.
Berri disappointing what this fruit juice company has been doing
Berri busted for misleading labels
Labels on some National Foods juices will be changed from next March after the ACCC found the claim of fresh juice to be misleading.
The ACCC says the claim of fresh juice is misleading.
The labels on Berri juices will be changed from 'Australian Fresh' to 'Australian Grown' because some of the juice has been cold-stored for up to six months.
National Foods will also have to provide more detailed content information on its Daily Juice products.
The changes to cartons and bottles will make it clear the products contain a blend of fresh, reconstituted and stored juice.
Gold Coast Real Estate Scandal: Stung investor pleads for price-fixing probe as agency collapses
A FAMILY blamed in part for the collapse of a top real estate agency has issued a plea to the chain's national chairman, Brian White.
They want him to investigate an alleged price-fixing scheme that affected the values of multi-million-dollar properties on the Gold Coast.
The collapse of Ray White Broadbeach, which was placed in receivership on Tuesday with debts of up to $5 million, follows a severe market downturn as well as a relentless campaign by aggrieved investors Rod Lambert and his wife, Lisa, who have made allegations of fraud that are under investigation.
The appointment of receivers to the leading agency has rung alarm bells across the property market on the Gold Coast, where beachfront values have plunged by as much as 50 per cent since the peak of the boom in 2008.
An investigation by The Weekend Australian earlier this year revealed that a string of transactions involving "put and call" contracts on properties along the Mermaid Beach strip had led to values being artificially inflated by millions.
Queensland's Fair Trading Minister Peter Lawlor said he believed the transactions "stink to high heaven" and were a matter for police. Mr White told The Australian yesterday it would be best if Queensland police and the Office of Fair Trading could complete their investigations into the transactions as quickly as possible.
"These matters should be brought to a head and we are ready for full disclosure and we want to bring it on," he said.
He said Mr Lambert, a highly experienced real estate agent and developer, had become obsessed by his losses after buying a property at the top of the boom, and blamed the Ray White Group.
Mr White said of Mr Lambert's plea: "We are keen for independent investigations to reach their conclusion and we are ready to co-operate in any way we can."
Owners are sitting on multi-million-dollar losses as the property market continues to decline, if several highly unusual Mermaid Beach transactions investigated by The Weekend Australian earlier this year were to occur in greater numbers.
Mr Lambert, who has lost several million dollars, said he was waging a David and Goliath battle that would end only when Mr White acknowledged the culpability of people in one of his leading agencies. The agency's principal, Gary Gannon, and top agent, Michael Kollosche, have acknowledged that some of the transactions had unusual features, but have emphatically rejected being responsible.
Mr Lambert said yesterday: "We take no pleasure out of what is happening in the market, but we will not stop until there is acknowledgement and justice."
More than 90 people are employed in the Broadbeach agency and Mr White said that his family would work closely with the receivers to ensure the staff and their clients were supported.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/
They want him to investigate an alleged price-fixing scheme that affected the values of multi-million-dollar properties on the Gold Coast.
The collapse of Ray White Broadbeach, which was placed in receivership on Tuesday with debts of up to $5 million, follows a severe market downturn as well as a relentless campaign by aggrieved investors Rod Lambert and his wife, Lisa, who have made allegations of fraud that are under investigation.
The appointment of receivers to the leading agency has rung alarm bells across the property market on the Gold Coast, where beachfront values have plunged by as much as 50 per cent since the peak of the boom in 2008.
An investigation by The Weekend Australian earlier this year revealed that a string of transactions involving "put and call" contracts on properties along the Mermaid Beach strip had led to values being artificially inflated by millions.
Queensland's Fair Trading Minister Peter Lawlor said he believed the transactions "stink to high heaven" and were a matter for police. Mr White told The Australian yesterday it would be best if Queensland police and the Office of Fair Trading could complete their investigations into the transactions as quickly as possible.
"These matters should be brought to a head and we are ready for full disclosure and we want to bring it on," he said.
He said Mr Lambert, a highly experienced real estate agent and developer, had become obsessed by his losses after buying a property at the top of the boom, and blamed the Ray White Group.
Mr White said of Mr Lambert's plea: "We are keen for independent investigations to reach their conclusion and we are ready to co-operate in any way we can."
Owners are sitting on multi-million-dollar losses as the property market continues to decline, if several highly unusual Mermaid Beach transactions investigated by The Weekend Australian earlier this year were to occur in greater numbers.
Mr Lambert, who has lost several million dollars, said he was waging a David and Goliath battle that would end only when Mr White acknowledged the culpability of people in one of his leading agencies. The agency's principal, Gary Gannon, and top agent, Michael Kollosche, have acknowledged that some of the transactions had unusual features, but have emphatically rejected being responsible.
Mr Lambert said yesterday: "We take no pleasure out of what is happening in the market, but we will not stop until there is acknowledgement and justice."
More than 90 people are employed in the Broadbeach agency and Mr White said that his family would work closely with the receivers to ensure the staff and their clients were supported.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/
Queensland puppy farms putting cash ahead of care are on borrowed time
Joint Statement
Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
Minister for Local Government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships
The Honourable Desley Boyle
23/12/2010
Puppy farms putting cash ahead of care are on borrowed time
The Bligh Government is planning a dog breeder identification system - a first for Queensland - in a bid to squeeze unscrupulous dog farmers out of the market.
Local Government Minister Desley Boyle said the dog breeder ID was being developed in partnership with industry to give consumers a pro-welfare choice when it comes to buying a puppy.
"It is a sad fact that puppy farms exist," Ms Boyle said.
"There are unscrupulous puppy farmers out there who keep animals cooped up in cramped conditions where they are constantly pregnant or lactating just to keep up with buyer demand," she said.
"These are ruthless operators who typically put cash ahead of care and buyers are none the wiser. Puppy farms are not registered breeders."
Ms Boyle said the new breeder ID would change that by assigning each breeder property with its own number and breeders would be required to show their number at pet shops and in any advertisements.
The Bligh Government is developing the new system in consultation with key stakeholders including the RSPCA, Animal Welfare League, Dogs Queensland, the Local Government Association of Queensland, the Australian Veterinary Association and the University of Queensland.
Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland Minister Tim Mulherin said at the heart of the matter was improving the welfare of animals.
"The consensus is we need to move on this issue and we are developing a new policy to help Queenslanders make an informed choice which would squeeze unethical puppy farmers out of the market," he said.
"We are not out to get responsible dog breeders who do the right thing - far from it.
They will be showcased because they will have a dog breeder ID and be proud to promote it.
"Consumers will be looking for a breeder ID, and good breeders will be in demand.
"We will also be encouraging Queenslanders to buy only from registered breeders."
Other elements of the Bligh Government's plan include:
• Requiring breeder ID numbers to be displayed at points of sale or in advertising for sale or supply;
• Compulsory microchippping of breeding bitches;
• A requirement that the registration number/microchip number of the breeding bitch must be included as part of the microchip information on all animals bred from that dog;
• Development of Dog Breeder Standards by Biosecurity Queensland (DEEDI) in consultation with stakeholders;
• Breeders to continue to be subject to the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 and the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 (ACPA) as well as any new requirements under the proposed Dog Breeder Standards under ACPA.
Consultation with stakeholders is continuing and the new system is expected to be up and running before the end of 2011.
It is expected the new Breeder Identification number will be brought in under an amendment to the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008.
Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
Minister for Local Government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships
The Honourable Desley Boyle
23/12/2010
Puppy farms putting cash ahead of care are on borrowed time
The Bligh Government is planning a dog breeder identification system - a first for Queensland - in a bid to squeeze unscrupulous dog farmers out of the market.
Local Government Minister Desley Boyle said the dog breeder ID was being developed in partnership with industry to give consumers a pro-welfare choice when it comes to buying a puppy.
"It is a sad fact that puppy farms exist," Ms Boyle said.
"There are unscrupulous puppy farmers out there who keep animals cooped up in cramped conditions where they are constantly pregnant or lactating just to keep up with buyer demand," she said.
"These are ruthless operators who typically put cash ahead of care and buyers are none the wiser. Puppy farms are not registered breeders."
Ms Boyle said the new breeder ID would change that by assigning each breeder property with its own number and breeders would be required to show their number at pet shops and in any advertisements.
The Bligh Government is developing the new system in consultation with key stakeholders including the RSPCA, Animal Welfare League, Dogs Queensland, the Local Government Association of Queensland, the Australian Veterinary Association and the University of Queensland.
Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland Minister Tim Mulherin said at the heart of the matter was improving the welfare of animals.
"The consensus is we need to move on this issue and we are developing a new policy to help Queenslanders make an informed choice which would squeeze unethical puppy farmers out of the market," he said.
"We are not out to get responsible dog breeders who do the right thing - far from it.
They will be showcased because they will have a dog breeder ID and be proud to promote it.
"Consumers will be looking for a breeder ID, and good breeders will be in demand.
"We will also be encouraging Queenslanders to buy only from registered breeders."
Other elements of the Bligh Government's plan include:
• Requiring breeder ID numbers to be displayed at points of sale or in advertising for sale or supply;
• Compulsory microchippping of breeding bitches;
• A requirement that the registration number/microchip number of the breeding bitch must be included as part of the microchip information on all animals bred from that dog;
• Development of Dog Breeder Standards by Biosecurity Queensland (DEEDI) in consultation with stakeholders;
• Breeders to continue to be subject to the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 and the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 (ACPA) as well as any new requirements under the proposed Dog Breeder Standards under ACPA.
Consultation with stakeholders is continuing and the new system is expected to be up and running before the end of 2011.
It is expected the new Breeder Identification number will be brought in under an amendment to the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008.
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