Rights, Rorts and Rants
By Blue Mountains Unions & Community
Rights, Rorts and RantsApr 22, 2024
Housing Insecurity in the Blue Mountains with Sue Wildman
Sue Wildman is interviewed by Merran McLaren and Peter Lammiman about the effects of housing security in the Upper Blue Mountains.
Sue Wildman is a psychological therapist who, with others, created a community project resulting in the song Somewhere to Live (available on YouTube). Sue works with people who are living with homelessness.
The show contains Somewhere to Live and audio clips recorded at a housing insecurity rally in Katoomba held on Friday 22 March 2024.
The show was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM on 15 April 2024 by Blue Mountains Unions & Community and presented by Merran McLaren and Peter Lammiman. The podcast is produced by Ann-Maree McEwan
If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can leave an audio comment about our show, which may be added to one of our podcasts.
Apply to be a guest on our radio show, Rights, Rorts and Rants on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM, Fridays from 4pm to 6pm or livestreamed via rbm.org.au.
Join a union - 1300 486 466 or join online.
Join BMUC.
Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.
Authorised by D Smith, Secretary, Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc, 52-52A Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, NSW.
We will be judged on how we treat our elderly
A Registered Nurse working in Aged Care, a member of the Australian Nursing and Midwivery Association Jocelyn Hofman shares her insights on what's needed in Aged Care. Jocelyn also provided a witness statement in the Fair Work Commission salary case. In this interview Jocelyn discusses the importance of urgent reform to the Aged Care Act 1997 .
Jocelyn spoke with Peter Lammiman live in the Radio Blue Mountains studio along with Merran McLaren and fellow guest Sue Wildman.
Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.
The show was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM on 15 April 2024 by Blue Mountains Unions & Community and presented by Merran McLaren. The podcast was produced by Ann-Maree McEwan.
If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can leave an audio comment about our show, which may be added to one of our podcasts.
Apply to be a guest on our radio show, Rights, Rorts and Rants on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM, Fridays from 4pm to 6pm or livestreamed via rbm.org.au.
Join a union - 1300 486 466 or join online.
Join BMUC.
Authorised by D Smith, Secretary, Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc, 52-52A Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, NSW.
The importance of being in a union.
Two recent industrial examples highlight the absolute importance of being in a union.
Mike Holland and Presenter Fran Dyson discuss a significant salary win in the Fair Work Commission on 15 March 2024 by the Health Services Union NSW and members working in Aged Care. HSU Secretary Gerard Hayes said the win came after work by many determined people and persistence by the Union since November 2020.
The interview then moves to the Transport Workers Union which has filed a dispute with the Fair Work Commission on behalf of food delivery rider Zhuoying Wang employed by Hungry Panda an operator in the notorious gig economy. Ms Wang complaint to the Commission is that her orders were slashed following her role in raising concerns with the company.
The show was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM on 22 March 2024 by Blue Mountains Unions & Community and presented by Fran Dyson. The podcast was produced by Ann-Maree McEwan.
If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can leave an audio comment about our show, which may be added to one of our podcasts.
Apply to be a guest on our radio show, Rights, Rorts and Rants on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM, Fridays from 4pm to 6pm or livestreamed via rbm.org.au.
Join a union - 1300 486 466 or join online.
Join BMUC.
Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.
Authorised by D Smith, Secretary, Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc, 52-52A Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, NSW.
Mr Dutton's nuclear energy solution
Mike Holland spoke with RRR Presenter Fran Dyson with his analysis of the Federal Opposition's nuclear energy proposal on Rights, Rorts and Rants.
Mike uncovers some of the realities (including disposal of waste, workers' rights and the eye watering cost) behind builds of both small-scale and large-scale nuclear power operations overseas including the UK, USA and United Arab Emirates.
The conclusion? The Dutton nuclear proposal doesn't stack up.
The show was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM on 22 March 2024 by Blue Mountains Unions & Community and presented by Fran Dyson. The podcast produced by Ann-Maree McEwan
If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can leave an audio comment about our show, which may be added to one of our podcasts.
Apply to be a guest on our radio show, Rights, Rorts and Rants on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM, Fridays from 4pm to 6pm or livestreamed via rbm.org.au.
Join a union - 1300 486 466 or join online.
Join BMUC.
Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.
Authorised by D Smith, Secretary, Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc, 52-52A Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, NSW.
Julian Assange
Mike Holland shares his research and legal perspective on Julian Assange's February hearing concerning his extradition to the USA, with RRR's presenter Fran Dyson. Mike supplies listeners with a brief chronology from the start of WikiLeaks' publications to the February 2024 hearing to put it all in perspective for listeners.
The interview illustrates the personal ordeal for Assange and concerning gaps in legal protections and transparency for Assange, the media and potentially other Australians.
The show was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM on 22 March 2024 by Blue Mountains Unions & Community and presented by Fran Dyson. The podcast produced by Ann-Maree McEwan
If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can leave an audio comment about our show, which may be added to one of our podcasts.
Apply to be a guest on our radio show, Rights, Rorts and Rants on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM, Fridays from 4pm to 6pm or livestreamed via rbm.org.au.
Join a union - 1300 486 466 or join online.
Join BMUC.
Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.
Authorised by D Smith, Secretary, Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc, 52-52A Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, NSW.
Origin story of International Women's Day (IWD)
For the Rights, Rorts and Rants International Women's Day show feminist and Blue Mountains Unions & Community member Peter Lammiman chats to Debra Smith about the fascinating origins of IWD. We learn how IWD started in Europe in 1857 and spread to Sydney in 1928 to become an annual celebration of women world-wide.
The show was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM on 8 March 2024 by Blue Mountains Unions & Community and presented by Debra Smith and Peter Lammiman. Podcast produced by Ann-Maree McEwan
If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can leave an audio comment about our show, which may be added to one of our podcasts.
Apply to be a guest on our radio show, Rights, Rorts and Rants on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM, Fridays from 4pm to 6pm or livestreamed via rbm.org.au.
Join a union - 1300 486 466 or join online.
Join BMUC.
Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.
Authorised by D Smith, Secretary, Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc, 52-52A Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, NSW.
Ged Kearney on aged care
Rights, Rorts and Rants' International Women's Day 2024 show included this interview by Debra Smith with Ged Kearney. Ged is with Susan Templeman after a Women's Health Forum held in Katoomba on 6th March which all had attended. Debra Smith asks Ged some questions about Aged Care.
Ged is Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, and former President of the ACTU and the first MP to raise menopause in Parliament. Susan is Member for Macquarie.
Debra's report on the forum is below -
Draft Report on the Forum docx file
The show was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM on 8 March 2024 by Blue Mountains Unions & Community and presented by Debra Smith and Peter Lammiman. Podcast produced by Ann-Maree McEwan
If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can leave an audio comment about our show, which may be added to one of our podcasts.
Apply to be a guest on our radio show, Rights, Rorts and Rants on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM, Fridays from 4pm to 6pm or livestreamed via rbm.org.au.
Join a union - 1300 486 466 or join online.
Join BMUC.
Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.
Authorised by D Smith, Secretary, Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc, 52-52A Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, NSW.
The HeroRATS of Cambodia
A remarkable project created by APOPO has been running in Cambodia to save lives and prevent the loss of limbs from landmines. APOPO is a Belgian NGO and US non-profit which trains southern giant pouched rats to detect landmines. Because of the rats' work in saving lives they are called HeroRATS.
BMUC members Susan and Peter Lammiman recently visited APOPO in Siem Reap and tell their story to Merran McLaren, a Rights Rorts and Rants Presenter.
Peter mentions an essay by John Pilger called "The long secret alliance: Uncle Sam and Pol Pot" msuweb.montclair.edu
This interview was recorded during BMUC's Rights, Rorts and Rants show on 15 March 2024 on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM.
If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can leave an audio comment about our show, which may be added to one of our podcasts.
Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to, and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.
Apply to be a guest on our radio show, Rights, Rorts and Rants on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM, Fridays from 4pm to 6pm or livestreamed via rbm.org.au.
Join a union - 1300 486 466 or join online.
Join BMUC.
Authorised by D Smith, Secretary, Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc, 52-52A Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, NSW.
AUKUS
Rights, Rorts and Rants presenter Fran Dyson and BMUC member Bruce Cornwell discuss the alarming ramifications for Australia (and other nations) arising from Australia's membership of the AUKUS tripartite military alliance.
In contrast the economic, skills benefits and strategic advantages for the USA, and to a lesser degree the UK, from Australia's membership of the alliance, are discussed.
If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can leave an audio comment about our show, which may be added to one of our podcasts.
This episode was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM on 1st March 2024.
We acknowledge the Dharug and Gundungurra peoples, the First Peoples of the Blue Mountains .. and their Elders past and present.
Apply to be a guest on our show
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[ https://www.facebook.com/RightsRortsandRants/] is broadcast from 4pm to 6pm on 89.1FM or can be live streamed from rbm.org.au .
Disclaimer: We seek a range of perspectives but that means that views expressed in these podcasts are not necessarily endorsed by the Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc [l.ead.me/bmuc].
Lithgow Waste to Energy Incinerator
Nick Franklin interviews Julie Favell from the Lithgow Environment Group. Lithgow is still in the firing line for a waste incinerator (as with many other locations across NSW). Whilst the West Lithgow Precinct map was revoked the designated West Lithgow Precinct - Waste to Energy still remains for Lithgow. Listeners can sign the ePetition found on the NSW Legislative Assembly webpage parliament.nsw.gov.au and go to Petitioning then ePetitions. The deadline is 9th April.
The interview was first broadcast on RBM 89.1 FM on 1 March 2024 on Rights, Rorts and Rants.
Apply to be a guest on our radio show, Rights, Rorts and Rants on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM, Fridays from 4pm to 6pm or livestreamed via rbm.org.au.
Join a union - 1300 486 466 or join online.
Join BMUC.
Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to, and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.
Authorised by D Smith, Secretary, Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc, 52-52A Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, NSW.
Activism and music for Gazan lives
Rights, Rorts and Rants Presenter Merran McLaren interviews peace activist, union organiser and BMUC member Pat Donohoe about prolonged Sydney activism against the deadly consequences of the ongoing Israel Gaza conflict.
Pat performed two songs about Gaza for listeners live in the studio accompanied by his mandolin.
First heard live on Rights, Rorts and Rants on 23 Feb 2024.
If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can leave an audio comment about our show, which may be added to one of our podcasts.
Apply to be a guest on our radio show, Rights, Rorts and Rants on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM, Fridays from 4pm to 6pm or livestreamed via rbm.org.au.
Join a union - 1300 486 466 or join online.
Join BMUC.
Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.
Authorised by D Smith, Secretary, Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc, 52-52A Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, NSW.
Fears and Consequences of a No "Win"
CONTENT WARNING - Discussion of suicide and troubled families.
Support services: https://bth.humanrights.gov.au/healing/support-organisations
A worker describes the feedback she is getting from First Nations people from La Perouse to Lithgow - and her fears if a Voice to Parliament is rejected.
If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can leave an audio comment about our show, which may be added to one of our podcasts.
This episode was part of an address by Thomas Mayo and Kerry O'Brien, chaired by Dr Lana Leslie at the Hub Theatre in Springwood NSW on 2nd September 2023 where they answered the questions of Blue Mountains residents about the upcoming Referendum on 14th October 2023.
We acknowledge the support of:
- Australians for Native Title and Recognition (ANTaR)
- Blue Mountains Residents for Yes
- Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU)
- Susan Templeman MP, Member for Macquarie
- Trish Doyle MP, Member for Blue Mountains
- Unions NSW
- Australian Services Union (ASU)
- Health Services Union (HSU)
- Independent Education Union (IEU)
- Mountains Community Resource Network (MCRN)
- Maritime Union of Australia (MUA)
- NSW Nurses and Midwives Association
Apply to be a guest on our radio show, Rights, Rorts and Rants on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM, Fridays from 4pm to 6pm or livestreamed via rbm.org.au.
Join a union - 1300 486 466 or join online.
Join BMUC.
Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to, and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.
Authorised by D Smith, Secretary, Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc, 52-52A Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, NSW.
Countering Misinformation of the "No" Campaign
A Blue Mountains resident asks, "How do we counter some of the misinformation, for instance, in the Electoral Commission booklet, it (the No campaign case) said, the statement cycle is going to hold up the courts forever". Kerry O'Brien responds.
If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can leave an audio comment about our show, which may be added to one of our podcasts.
This episode was part of an address by Thomas Mayo and Kerry O'Brien, chaired by Dr Lana Leslie at the Hub Theatre in Springwood NSW on 2nd September 2023 where they answered the questions of Blue Mountains residents about the upcoming Referendum on 14th October 2023.
We acknowledge the support of:
- Australians for Native Title and Recognition (ANTaR)
- Blue Mountains Residents for Yes
- Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU)
- Susan Templeman MP, Member for Macquarie
- Trish Doyle MP, Member for Blue Mountains
- Unions NSW
- Australian Services Union (ASU)
- Health Services Union (HSU)
- Independent Education Union (IEU)
- Mountains Community Resource Network (MCRN)
- Maritime Union of Australia (MUA)
- NSW Nurses and Midwives Association
Apply to be a guest on our radio show, Rights, Rorts and Rants on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM, Fridays from 4pm to 6pm or livestreamed via rbm.org.au.
Join a union - 1300 486 466 or join online.
Join BMUC.
Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to, and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.
Authorised by D Smith, Secretary, Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc, 52-52A Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, NSW.
Cultural Perspectives - Then and Now
A Blue Mountains resident draws on her own Irish heritage of dispossession and oppression to understand the different perspectives of both First Nations people, and our settler/convict forebears.
She asks, "How can bring some of the cultural survival methods that our First Nations people have used into our...community, which is facing more and more crises, and collapse?"
If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can leave an audio comment about our show, which may be added to one of our podcasts.
This episode was part of an address by Thomas Mayo and Kerry O'Brien, chaired by Dr Lana Leslie at the Hub Theatre in Springwood NSW on 2nd September 2023 where they answered the questions of Blue Mountains residents about the upcoming Referendum on 14th October 2023.
We acknowledge the support of:
- Australians for Native Title and Recognition (ANTaR)
- Blue Mountains Residents for Yes
- Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU)
- Susan Templeman MP, Member for Macquarie
- Trish Doyle MP, Member for Blue Mountains
- Unions NSW
- Australian Services Union (ASU)
- Health Services Union (HSU)
- Independent Education Union (IEU)
- Mountains Community Resource Network (MCRN)
- Maritime Union of Australia (MUA)
- NSW Nurses and Midwives Association
Apply to be a guest on our radio show, Rights, Rorts and Rants on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM, Fridays from 4pm to 6pm or livestreamed via rbm.org.au.
Join a union - 1300 486 466 or join online.
Join BMUC.
Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to, and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.
Authorised by D Smith, Secretary, Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc, 52-52A Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, NSW.
Is Cautious Optimism for a "Yes" Result Well Founded?
A Blue Mountains resident asks if "Yes" vote supporters in the Voice to Parliament referendum have reason for cautious optimism?
If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can leave an audio comment about our show, which may be added to one of our podcasts.
This episode was part of an address by Thomas Mayo and Kerry O'Brien, chaired by Dr Lana Leslie at the Hub Theatre in Springwood NSW on 2nd September 2023 where they answered the questions of Blue Mountains residents about the upcoming Referendum on 14th October 2023.
We acknowledge the support of:
- Australians for Native Title and Recognition (ANTaR)
- Blue Mountains Residents for Yes
- Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU)
- Susan Templeman MP, Member for Macquarie
- Trish Doyle MP, Member for Blue Mountains
- Unions NSW
- Australian Services Union (ASU)
- Health Services Union (HSU)
- Independent Education Union (IEU)
- Mountains Community Resource Network (MCRN)
- Maritime Union of Australia (MUA)
- NSW Nurses and Midwives Association
Apply to be a guest on our radio show, Rights, Rorts and Rants on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM, Fridays from 4pm to 6pm or livestreamed via rbm.org.au.
Join a union - 1300 486 466 or join online.
Join BMUC.
Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to, and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.
Authorised by D Smith, Secretary, Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc, 52-52A Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, NSW.
Have Blue Mountains First Nations people been heard?
Dr Lana Leslie asks for comment on why some First Nations people weren't included in the Regional Dialogues which developed the Uluru Statement from the Heart, including the Darug and Gundungurra peoples of the Blue Mountains. Thomas Mayo responds.
If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can leave an audio comment about our show, which may be added to one of our podcasts.
This episode was part of an address by Thomas Mayo and Kerry O'Brien, chaired by Dr Lana Leslie at the Hub Theatre in Springwood NSW on 2nd September 2023 where they answered the questions of Blue Mountains residents about the upcoming Referendum on 14th October 2023.
We acknowledge the support of:
- Australians for Native Title and Recognition (ANTaR)
- Blue Mountains Residents for Yes
- Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU)
- Susan Templeman MP, Member for Macquarie
- Trish Doyle MP, Member for Blue Mountains
- Unions NSW
- Australian Services Union (ASU)
- Health Services Union (HSU)
- Independent Education Union (IEU)
- Mountains Community Resource Network (MCRN)
- Maritime Union of Australia (MUA)
- NSW Nurses and Midwives Association
Apply to be a guest on our radio show, Rights, Rorts and Rants on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM, Fridays from 4pm to 6pm or livestreamed via rbm.org.au.
Join a union - 1300 486 466 or join online.
Join BMUC.
Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to, and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.
Authorised by D Smith, Secretary, Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc, 52-52A Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, NSW.
How can the "Yes" case be heard?
A Blue Mountains resident asks, "What would be the strategy to cut through that to make sure that this [Yes] case is well argued for? And while the media seems to focus on the no side, what would be the key to sure that the yes, the prize of the yes Voice are really well heard?" Thomas Mayo and Kerry O'Brien respond.
If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can leave an audio comment about our show, which may be added to one of our podcasts.
This episode was part of an address by Thomas Mayo and Kerry O'Brien, chaired by Dr Lana Leslie at the Hub Theatre in Springwood NSW on 2nd September 2023 where they answered the questions of Blue Mountains residents about the upcoming Referendum on 14th October 2023.
We acknowledge the support of:
- Australians for Native Title and Recognition (ANTaR)
- Blue Mountains Residents for Yes
- Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU)
- Susan Templeman MP, Member for Macquarie
- Trish Doyle MP, Member for Blue Mountains
- Unions NSW
- Australian Services Union (ASU)
- Health Services Union (HSU)
- Independent Education Union (IEU)
- Mountains Community Resource Network (MCRN)
- Maritime Union of Australia (MUA)
- NSW Nurses and Midwives Association
Apply to be a guest on our radio show, Rights, Rorts and Rants on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM, Fridays from 4pm to 6pm or livestreamed via rbm.org.au.
Join a union - 1300 486 466 or join online.
Join BMUC.
Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to, and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.
Authorised by D Smith, Secretary, Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc, 52-52A Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, NSW.
How Does the Voice Guarantee Less Division?
A Blue Mountains resident asks, "How does the Voice guarantee that there isn't going to be a more divisive community? Based on what what the no argument, no people are saying?" Thomas Mayo and Kerry O'Brien respond.
If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can leave an audio comment about our show, which may be added to one of our podcasts.
This episode was part of an address by Thomas Mayo and Kerry O'Brien, chaired by Dr Lana Leslie at the Hub Theatre in Springwood NSW on 2nd September 2023 where they answered the questions of Blue Mountains residents about the upcoming Referendum on 14th October 2023.
We acknowledge the support of:
- Australians for Native Title and Recognition (ANTaR)
- Blue Mountains Residents for Yes
- Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU)
- Susan Templeman MP, Member for Macquarie
- Trish Doyle MP, Member for Blue Mountains
- Unions NSW
- Australian Services Union (ASU)
- Health Services Union (HSU)
- Independent Education Union (IEU)
- Mountains Community Resource Network (MCRN)
- Maritime Union of Australia (MUA)
- NSW Nurses and Midwives Association
Apply to be a guest on our radio show, Rights, Rorts and Rants on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM, Fridays from 4pm to 6pm or livestreamed via rbm.org.au.
Join a union - 1300 486 466 or join online.
Join BMUC.
Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to, and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.
Authorised by D Smith, Secretary Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc, 52-52A Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, NSW.
Questions about the No case
Dr Lana Leslie asks Thomas Mayo and Kerry O'Brien to respond to issues raised by the "No" campaign.
These questions and answers are also duplicated in separate podcast episodes.
If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can leave an audio comment about our show, which may be added to one of our podcasts.
This episode was part of an address by Thomas Mayo and Kerry O'Brien, chaired by Dr Lana Leslie at the Hub Theatre in Springwood NSW on 2nd September 2023 where they answered the questions of Blue Mountains residents about the upcoming Referendum on 14th October 2023.
We acknowledge the support of:
- Australians for Native Title and Recognition (ANTaR)
- Blue Mountains Residents for Yes
- Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU)
- Susan Templeman MP, Member for Macquarie
- Trish Doyle MP, Member for Blue Mountains
- Unions NSW
- Australian Services Union (ASU)
- Health Services Union (HSU)
- Independent Education Union (IEU)
- Mountains Community Resource Network (MCRN)
- Maritime Union of Australia (MUA)
- NSW Nurses and Midwives Association
Apply to be a guest on our radio show, Rights, Rorts and Rants on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM, Fridays from 4pm to 6pm or livestreamed via rbm.org.au.
Join a union - 1300 486 466 or join online.
Join BMUC.
Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to, and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.
Authorised by D Smith, Secretary Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc, 52-52A Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, NSW.
What about a treaty?
A Blue Mountains resident asks "What about a treaty?". Thomas Mayo responds.
Thomas Mayo and Kerry O'Brien, authors of the book "The Voice to Parliament Handbook: All the Detail You Need", answer questions put to them by the audience and MC Dr Lana Leslie about why we should write "Yes" when we vote to make the following proposed amendment to the Constitution on 14th October 2023.
You can listen to the full event here.
You can read the Uluru Statement of the Heart here, and listen to a short recording of Thomas Mayo reciting it here. You can make a donation to support future events and activities of Blue Mountains Unions & Community here.
We acknowledge the support of:
- Australians for Native Title and Recognition (ANTaR)
- Blue Mountains Residents for Yes
- Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU)
- Susan Templeman MP, Member for Macquarie
- Trish Doyle MP, Member for Blue Mountains
- Unions NSW
- Australian Services Union (ASU)
- Health Services Union (HSU)
- Independent Education Union (IEU)
- Mountains Community Resource Network (MCRN)
- Maritime Union of Australia (MUA)
- NSW Nurses and Midwives Association
If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can leave an audio comment about our show, which may be added to one of our podcasts.
This episode was recorded at the Blue Mountains Theatre and Community Hub on 2nd September 2023, with excerpts broadcast on 8th and 15th September on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM.
Apply to be a guest on our show. Join a union - 1300 486 466 or join online. Join BMUC.
Rights, Rorts and Rants is broadcast from 4pm to 6pm Fridays on 89.1FM or can be live streamed from rbm.org.au.
Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to, and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.
Authorised by D Smith, Secretary, Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc, 52-52a Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, 2786.
Disclaimer: We seek a range of perspectives but that means that views expressed in these podcasts are not necessarily endorsed by the Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc.
What can we learn from New Zealand?
A Blue Mountains resident compares New Zealand's inclusion of Māori people to Australia's treatment of First Nations people and asks, "Where did we go wrong?". Kerry O'Brien responds.
Thomas Mayo and Kerry O'Brien, authors of the book "The Voice to Parliament Handbook: All the Detail You Need", answer questions put to them by the audience and MC Dr Lana Leslie about why we should write "Yes" when we vote to make the following proposed amendment to the Constitution on 14th October 2023.
You can listen to the full event here.
You can read the Uluru Statement of the Heart here, and listen to a short recording of Thomas Mayo reciting it here. You can make a donation to support future activities of Blue Mountains Unions & Community here.
We acknowledge the support of:
- Australians for Native Title and Recognition (ANTaR)
- Blue Mountains Residents for Yes
- Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU)
- Susan Templeman MP, Member for Macquarie
- Trish Doyle MP, Member for Blue Mountains
- Unions NSW
- Australian Services Union (ASU)
- Health Services Union (HSU)
- Independent Education Union (IEU)
- Mountains Community Resource Network (MCRN)
- Maritime Union of Australia (MUA)
- NSW Nurses and Midwives Association
If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can leave an audio comment about our show, which may be added to one of our podcasts.
This episode was recorded at the Blue Mountains Theatre and Community Hub on 2nd September 2023, with excerpts broadcast on 8th and 15th September on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM.
Apply to be a guest on our show. Join a union - 1300 486 466 or join online. Join BMUC.
Rights, Rorts and Rants is broadcast from 4pm to 6pm Fridays on 89.1FM or can be live streamed from rbm.org.au.
Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to, and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.
Authorised by D Smith, Secretary, Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc, 52-52a Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, 2786.
Disclaimer: We seek a range of perspectives but that means that views expressed in these podcasts are not necessarily endorsed by the Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc.
What about the details of a Voice to Parliament?
Dr Lana Leslie asks Kerry O'Brien and Thomas Mayo about the details of the Voice to Parliament. Here's their responses.
Thomas Mayo and Kerry O'Brien, authors of the book "The Voice to Parliament Handbook: All the Detail You Need", answer questions put to them by the audience and MC Dr Lana Leslie about why we should write "Yes" when we vote to make the following proposed amendment to the Constitution on 14th October 2023.
You can listen to the full event here.
You can read the Uluru Statement of the Heart here, and listen to a short recording of Thomas Mayo reciting it here. You can make a donation to support this and future activities of Blue Mountains Unions & Community here.
We acknowledge the support of:
- Australians for Native Title and Recognition (ANTaR)
- Blue Mountains Residents for Yes
- Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU)
- Susan Templeman MP, Member for Macquarie
- Trish Doyle MP, Member for Blue Mountains
- Unions NSW
- Australian Services Union (ASU)
- Health Services Union (HSU)
- Independent Education Union (IEU)
- Mountains Community Resource Network (MCRN)
- Maritime Union of Australia (MUA)
- NSW Nurses and Midwives Association
If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can leave an audio comment about our show, which may be added to one of our podcasts.
This episode was recorded at the Blue Mountains Theatre and Community Hub on 2nd September 2023, with excerpts broadcast on 8th and 15th September on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM.
Apply to be a guest on our show. Join a union - 1300 486 466 or join online. Join BMUC.
Rights, Rorts and Rants is broadcast from 4pm to 6pm Fridays on 89.1FM or can be live streamed from rbm.org.au.
Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to, and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.
Authorised by D Smith, Secretary, Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc, 52-52a Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, 2786.
Disclaimer: We seek a range of perspectives but that means that views expressed in these podcasts are not necessarily endorsed by the Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc.
Will a Voice to Parliament cede Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander sovereignty?
Dr Lana Leslie asks "Will a Voice to Parliament cede Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander sovereignty? Thomas Mayo and Kerry O'Brien respond.
Thomas Mayo and Kerry O'Brien, authors of the book "The Voice to Parliament Handbook: All the Detail You Need", answer questions put to them by the audience and MC Dr Lana Leslie about why we should write "Yes" when we vote to make the following proposed amendment to the Constitution on 14th October 2023.
You can listen to the full event here.
You can read the Uluru Statement of the Heart here, and listen to a short recording of Thomas Mayo reciting it here. You can make a donation to support this and future activities of Blue Mountains Unions & Community here.
We acknowledge the support of:
- Australians for Native Title and Recognition (ANTaR)
- Blue Mountains Residents for Yes
- Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU)
- Susan Templeman MP, Member for Macquarie
- Trish Doyle MP, Member for Blue Mountains
- Unions NSW
- Australian Services Union (ASU)
- Health Services Union (HSU)
- Independent Education Union (IEU)
- Mountains Community Resource Network (MCRN)
- Maritime Union of Australia (MUA)
- NSW Nurses and Midwives Association
If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can leave an audio comment about our show, which may be added to one of our podcasts.
This episode was recorded at the Blue Mountains Theatre and Community Hub on 2nd September 2023, with excerpts broadcast on 8th and 15th September on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM.
Apply to be a guest on our show. Join a union - 1300 486 466 or join online. Join BMUC.
Rights, Rorts and Rants is broadcast from 4pm to 6pm Fridays on 89.1FM or can be live streamed from rbm.org.au.
Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to, and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.
Authorised by D Smith, Secretary, Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc, 52-52a Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, 2786. Disclaimer: We seek a range of perspectives but that means that views expressed in these podcasts are not necessarily endorsed by the Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc.
Why Vote "Yes" for a #VoiceToParliament?
Dr Lana Leslie asks "Why should people vote 'yes'"? Here's Kerry O'Brien's and Thomas Mayo's answers.
Thomas Mayo and Kerry O'Brien, authors of the book "The Voice to Parliament Handbook: All the Detail You Need", answer questions put to them by the audience and MC Dr Lana Leslie about why we should write "Yes" when we vote to make the following proposed amendment to the Constitution on 14th October 2023.
You can listen to the full event here.
You can read the Uluru Statement of the Heart here, and listen to a short recording of Thomas Mayo reciting it here. You can make a donation to support future events and activities of Blue Mountains Unions & Community here.
We acknowledge the support of:
- Australians for Native Title and Recognition (ANTaR)
- Blue Mountains Residents for Yes
- Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU)
- Susan Templeman MP, Member for Macquarie
- Trish Doyle MP, Member for Blue Mountains
- Unions NSW
- Australian Services Union (ASU)
- Health Services Union (HSU)
- Independent Education Union (IEU)
- Mountains Community Resource Network (MCRN)
- Maritime Union of Australia (MUA)
- NSW Nurses and Midwives Association
If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can leave an audio comment about our show, which may be added to one of our podcasts.
This episode was recorded at the Blue Mountains Theatre and Community Hub on 2nd September 2023, with excerpts broadcast on 8th and 15th September on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM.
Apply to be a guest on our show. Join a union - 1300 486 466 or join online. Join BMUC.
Rights, Rorts and Rants is broadcast from 4pm to 6pm Fridays on 89.1FM or can be live streamed from rbm.org.au.
Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to, and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.
Authorised by D Smith, Secretary, Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc, 52-52a Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, 2786.
Disclaimer: We seek a range of perspectives but that means that views expressed in these podcasts are not necessarily endorsed by the Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc.
Why does the Voice to Parliament matter to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples?
Dr Lana Leslie asks Why does the Voice to Parliament matter to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.? Here's Thomas Mayo's answer.
Thomas Mayo and Kerry O'Brien, authors of the book "The Voice to Parliament Handbook: All the Detail You Need", answer questions put to them by the audience and MC Dr Lana Leslie about why we should write "Yes" when we vote to make the following proposed amendment to the Constitution on 14th October 2023.
You can listen to the full event here.
You can read the Uluru Statement of the Heart here, and listen to a short recording of Thomas Mayo reciting it here. You can make a donation to support this and future activities of Blue Mountains Unions & Community here.
We acknowledge the support of:
- Australians for Native Title and Recognition (ANTaR)
- Blue Mountains Residents for Yes
- Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU)
- Susan Templeman MP, Member for Macquarie
- Trish Doyle MP, Member for Blue Mountains
- Unions NSW
- Australian Services Union (ASU)
- Health Services Union (HSU)
- Independent Education Union (IEU)
- Mountains Community Resource Network (MCRN)
- Maritime Union of Australia (MUA)
- NSW Nurses and Midwives Association
If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can leave an audio comment about our show, which may be added to one of our podcasts.
This episode was recorded at the Blue Mountains Theatre and Community Hub on 2nd September 2023, with excerpts broadcast on 8th and 15th September on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM.
Apply to be a guest on our show. Join a union - 1300 486 466 or join online. Join BMUC.
Rights, Rorts and Rants is broadcast from 4pm to 6pm Fridays on 89.1FM or can be live streamed from rbm.org.au.
Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to, and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.
Authorised by D Smith, Secretary, Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc, 52-52a Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, 2786.
Disclaimer: We seek a range of perspectives but that means that views expressed in these podcasts are not necessarily endorsed by the Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc.
Why does the Voice to Parliament matter to non Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples?
Dr Lana Leslie asks "Why does the Voice to Parliament matter to non Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples"? Here's Kerry O'Brien's answer.
Thomas Mayo and Kerry O'Brien, authors of the book "The Voice to Parliament Handbook: All the Detail You Need", answer questions put to them by the audience and MC Dr Lana Leslie about why we should write "Yes" when we vote to make the following proposed amendment to the Constitution on 14th October 2023.
You can listen to the full event here.
You can read the Uluru Statement of the Heart here, and listen to a short recording of Thomas Mayo reciting it here. You can make a donation to support this and future activities of Blue Mountains Unions & Community here.
We acknowledge the support of:
- Australians for Native Title and Recognition (ANTaR)
- Blue Mountains Residents for Yes
- Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU)
- Susan Templeman MP, Member for Macquarie
- Trish Doyle MP, Member for Blue Mountains
- Unions NSW
- Australian Services Union (ASU)
- Health Services Union (HSU)
- Independent Education Union (IEU)
- Mountains Community Resource Network (MCRN)
- Maritime Union of Australia (MUA)
- NSW Nurses and Midwives Association
If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can leave an audio comment about our show, which may be added to one of our podcasts.
This episode was recorded at the Blue Mountains Theatre and Community Hub on 2nd September 2023, with excerpts broadcast on 8th and 15th September on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM.
Apply to be a guest on our show. Join a union - 1300 486 466 or join online. Join BMUC.
Rights, Rorts and Rants is broadcast from 4pm to 6pm Fridays on 89.1FM or can be live streamed from rbm.org.au.
Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to, and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.
Authorised by D Smith, Secretary, Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc, 52-52a Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, 2786.
Disclaimer: We seek a range of perspectives but that means that views expressed in these podcasts are not necessarily endorsed by the Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc.
What Is the Voice to Parliament and What Are Its Origins?
Dr Lana Leslie asks what Is the Voice to Parliament and what are its origins? Here's Thomas Mayo's answer.
Thomas Mayo and Kerry O'Brien, authors of the book "The Voice to Parliament Handbook: All the Detail You Need", answer questions put to them by the audience and MC Dr Lana Leslie about why we should write "Yes" when we vote to make the following proposed amendment to the Constitution on 14th October 2023.
This is the first question they were asked with Thomas Mayo's answer.
You can listen to the full event here.
You can read the Uluru Statement of the Heart here, and listen to a short recording of Thomas Mayo reciting it here. You can make a donation to support this and future activities of Blue Mountains Unions & Community here.
We acknowledge the support of:
- Australians for Native Title and Recognition (ANTaR)
- Blue Mountains Residents for Yes
- Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU)
- Susan Templeman MP, Member for Macquarie
- Trish Doyle MP, Member for Blue Mountains
- Unions NSW
- Australian Services Union (ASU)
- Health Services Union (HSU)
- Independent Education Union (IEU)
- Mountains Community Resource Network (MCRN)
- Maritime Union of Australia (MUA)
- NSW Nurses and Midwives Association
If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can leave an audio comment about our show, which may be added to one of our podcasts.
This episode was recorded at the Blue Mountains Theatre and Community Hub on 2nd September 2023, with excerpts broadcast on 8th and 15th September on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM.
Apply to be a guest on our show. Join a union - 1300 486 466 or join online. Join BMUC.
Rights, Rorts and Rants is broadcast from 4pm to 6pm Fridays on 89.1FM or can be live streamed from rbm.org.au.
Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to, and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.
Authorised by D Smith, Secretary, Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc, 52-52a Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, 2786. Disclaimer: We seek a range of perspectives but that means that views expressed in these podcasts are not necessarily endorsed by the Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc.
The Voice - Finding Our Heart
On a sunny spring day in the Blue Mountains, almost 400 people filled a theatre in Springwood to listen to Thomas Mayo and Kerry O'Brien, authors of the book "The Voice to Parliament Handbook: All the Detail You Need", answer questions put to them by the audience and MC Dr Lana Leslie about why we should write "Yes" when we vote to make the following proposed amendment to the Constitution on 14th October 2023.
"In recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia:
i. there shall be a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice;
ii. the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice may make representations to the Parliament and the Executive Government of the Commonwealth on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;
iii. the Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws with respect to matters relating to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, including its composition, functions, powers and procedures."
You can read the Uluru Statement of the Heart here, and listen to a short recording of Thomas Mayo reciting it here. You can make a donation to support this and future activities of Blue Mountains Unions & Community here.
We acknowledge the support of:
- Australians for Native Title and Recognition (ANTaR)
- Blue Mountains Residents for Yes
- Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU)
- Susan Templeman MP, Member for Macquarie
- Trish Doyle MP, Member for Blue Mountains
- Unions NSW
- Australian Services Union (ASU)
- Health Services Union (HSU)
- Independent Education Union (IEU)
- Mountains Community Resource Network (MCRN)
- Maritime Union of Australia (MUA)
- NSW Nurses and Midwives Association
If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can leave an audio comment about our show, which may be added to one of our podcasts.
This episode was recorded at the Blue Mountains Theatre and Community Hub on 2nd September 2023, with excerpts broadcast on 8th and 15th September on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM.
Apply to be a guest on our show. Join a union - 1300 486 466 or join online. Join BMUC.
Rights, Rorts and Rants is broadcast from 4pm to 6pm Fridays on 89.1FM or can be live streamed from rbm.org.au.
Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to, and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.
Authorised by D Smith, Secretary, Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc, 52-52a Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, 2786.
Disclaimer: We seek a range of perspectives but that means that views expressed in these podcasts are not necessarily endorsed by the Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc.
The Uluru Statement recited by Thomas Mayo
At the conclusion of "The Voice - Finding Our Heart" in the Blue Mountains, Thomas Mayo recites the Uluru Statement from the Heart to a packed house.
If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can leave an audio comment about our show, which may be added to one of our podcasts.
This episode was part of an address by Thomas Mayo and Kerry O'Brien, chaired by Dr Lana Leslie at the Hub Theatre in Springwood NSW on 2nd September 2023 where they answered the questions of Blue Mountains residents about the upcoming Referendum on 14th October 2023.
We acknowledge the support of:
- Australians for Native Title and Recognition (ANTaR)
- Blue Mountains Residents for Yes
- Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU)
- Susan Templeman MP, Member for Macquarie
- Trish Doyle MP, Member for Blue Mountains
- Unions NSW
- Australian Services Union (ASU)
- Health Services Union (HSU)
- Independent Education Union (IEU)
- Mountains Community Resource Network (MCRN)
- Maritime Union of Australia (MUA)
- NSW Nurses and Midwives Association
Apply to be a guest on our radio show, Rights, Rorts and Rants on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM, Fridays from 4pm to 6pm or livestreamed via rbm.org.au.
Join a union - 1300 486 466 or join online.
Join BMUC.
Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to, and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.
Authorised by D Smith, Secretary Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc, 52-52A Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, NSW.
Democracy Overthrown in Chile 50 Years Ago - Then and Now
The coup in Chile which overthrew the democratically elected government of President Salvador Allende on Sept 11th 1973 is marked in this 50th anniversary discussion between Dr Rodrigo Acuña and Peter Lammiman.
Some listeners may find discussion of the plight of refugees and other victims of the military regime which followed the coup distressing. The Black Dog Institute has information about counselling and treatment.
If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can leave an audio comment about our show, which may be added to one of our podcasts.
This episode was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM on 1st September 2023.
Apply to be a guest on our show. Join a union - 1300 486 466 or join online. Join BMUC.
Rights, Rorts and Rants is broadcast from 4pm to 6pm on 89.1FM or can be live streamed from rbm.org.au.
Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to, and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.
Disclaimer: We seek a range of perspectives but that means that views expressed in these podcasts are not necessarily endorsed by the Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc.
The Robodebt Fiasco - Shame and Shaming
Deb Smith explores the role of shame and shaming of social security recipients in the fiasco that's know as Robodebt.
You can also listen to individual episodes;
- "The Robodebt Fiasco - Part 1", first broadcast 9th September 2022
- "The Robodebt Fiasco - Part 2", first broadcast on 21st October 2022 and
- "The Robodebt Fiasco - Part 3", first broadcast on 11th November 2022,
- "The Robodebt Fiasco - Part 4", first broadcast on 23rd December on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM.
- "The Robodebt Fiasco - Parts 1 to 4".
If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can leave an audio comment about our show, which may be added to one of our podcasts.
Apply to be a guest on our show. Join a union - 1300 486 466 or join online. Join BMUC.
Rights, Rorts and Rants is broadcast from 4pm to 6pm on 89.1FM or can be live streamed from rbm.org.au.
The BMUC pays its respect to, and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.
Disclaimer: We seek a range of perspectives but that means that views expressed in these podcasts are not necessarily endorsed by the Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc.
PWC scandal - the latest
Legal commentator Mike Holland gives an update on the latest to emerge from the PWC scandal.
This episode was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM on 14/7/2023. Rights, Rorts and Rants is broadcast from 4pm to 6pm on 89.1FM or can be live streamed from rbm.org.au. If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can leave an audio comment about our show, which may be added to one of our podcasts..Apply to be a guest on our show. Join BMUC.
Join a union - 1300 486 466 or join online.
Disclaimer: We seek a range of perspectives but that means that views expressed in these podcasts are not necessarily endorsed by the Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc.
Robodebt and PWC
With the Royal Commission Report on Robodebt being handed down a little over a week ago the parallels with the PWC scandal are prompting many to question the entire governance and administration of Australia's welfare and taxation systems. In this episode Deb Smith and Mike Holland - - who have been reporting on Robodebt and PWC respectively - discuss some of the interesting similarities between the two rorts, and their wider implications for outsourcing the public service, the use of consultants and government ethical standards.
This episode was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM on 14/7/2023. Rights, Rorts and Rants is broadcast from 4pm to 6pm on 89.1FM or can be live streamed from rbm.org.au. If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can leave an audio comment about our show, which may be added to one of our podcasts..Apply to be a guest on our show. Join BMUC.
Join a union - 1300 486 466 or join online.
Disclaimer: We seek a range of perspectives but that means that views expressed in these podcasts are not necessarily endorsed by the Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc.
PWC scandal Part 2
Part 2 - the coverup
PWC scandal Part 1
This episode features Rights, Rorts and Rants legal commentator, Mike Holland's lengthy investigation into the Price Waterhouse Coopers scandal. Part 1 covers the background to the scandal, the warnings issued by the TPB (Tax Practitioners Board) and the Senate Inquiry that began in 2023, and PWC's response. Part 2 (next episode) examines the role of various private and governmental agencies in what could be described as one of the biggest coverups in Australian taxation history.
South American Politics - an update with Dr Rodrigo Acuña
Peter Lammiman and Dr Rodrigo Acuña discuss the latest developments in South recent political developments in #Chile, #Ecuador and #Brazil's efforts within #BRICS and its aim at building a global coalition in order to find a peaceful solution to the war in #Ukraine.
If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can leave an audio comment about our show, which may be added to one of our podcasts.
This episode was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM on 9th June 2023.
Apply to be a guest on our show. Join a union - 1300 486 466 or join online. Join BMUC.
Rights, Rorts and Rants is broadcast from 4pm to 6pm on 89.1FM or can be live streamed from rbm.org.au.
Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to, and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.
Disclaimer: We seek a range of perspectives but that means that views expressed in these podcasts are not necessarily endorsed by the Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc.
Public Housing in Waterloo
Deb Smith talks to Karyn Brown about the battle to save public housing in Waterloo.
If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can leave an audio comment about our show, which may be added to one of our podcasts.
This episode was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM on 19th May 2023.
Apply to be a guest on our show. Join a union - 1300 486 466 or join online. Join BMUC.
Rights, Rorts and Rants is broadcast from 4pm to 6pm on 89.1FM or can be live streamed from rbm.org.au.
Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to, and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.
Disclaimer: We seek a range of perspectives but that means that views expressed in these podcasts are not necessarily endorsed by the Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc.
Zombies and Crocodiles - Councillor Romola Hollywood
Thirty odd years ago an application to build a crocodile park in Wentworth Falls was approved and this zombie application has risen from the dead in a new and possibly scarier incarnation.
Blue Mountains City Ward 2 Councillor Romola Hollywood who discusses Council's response with Merran and Ann-Maree McEwan.
You can find more information and links to the proposal via this link.
You can also hear the concerns of Rod Provis and Murray Matin of the Bodington Hill Wildlife Resort Action Group in a separate podcast via this link.
If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can leave an audio comment about our show, which may be added to one of our podcasts.
This episode was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM on 19th May 2023.
Apply to be a guest on our show. Join a union - 1300 486 466 or join online. Join BMUC.
Rights, Rorts and Rants is broadcast from 4pm to 6pm on 89.1FM or can be live streamed from rbm.org.au.
Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to, and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.
Disclaimer: We seek a range of perspectives but that means that views expressed in these podcasts are not necessarily endorsed by the Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc.
Zombies and Crocodiles in the Blue Mountains
Thirty odd years ago an application to build a crocodile park in Wentworth Falls was approved and this zombie application has risen from the dead in a new and possibly scarier incarnation.
Blue Mountains residents Rod Provis and Murray Matin, representing the Bodington Hill Wildlife Resort Action Group discuss their concerns about this proposal with Merran MacLaren.
We then hear from Blue Mountains City Ward 2 Councillor Romola Hollywood who discusses Council's response with Merran and Ann-Maree McEwan.
You can find more information and links to the proposal via this link.
You can also hear Councillor Hollywood's response as a stand alone podcast via this link.
If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can leave an audio comment about our show, which may be added to one of our podcasts.
This episode was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM on 19th May 2023.
Apply to be a guest on our show. Join a union - 1300 486 466 or join online. Join BMUC.
Rights, Rorts and Rants is broadcast from 4pm to 6pm on 89.1FM or can be live streamed from rbm.org.au.
Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to, and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.
Disclaimer: We seek a range of perspectives but that means that views expressed in these podcasts are not necessarily endorsed by the Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc.
The History of May Day
Mike Holland and Merran MacLaren discuss the international and Australian history of May Day in the labour movement.
If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can leave an audio comment about our show, which may be added to one of our podcasts.
This episode was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM and published as a podcast on 28th April 2023.
Apply to be a guest on our show. Join a union - 1300 486 466 or join online. Join BMUC.
Rights, Rorts and Rants is broadcast from 4pm to 6pm on 89.1FM or can be live streamed from rbm.org.au.
Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to, and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.
Disclaimer: We seek a range of perspectives but that means that views expressed in these podcasts are not necessarily endorsed by the Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc.
Patient:Staff Ratios and Valuing Our Essential Workers in NSW. Nick Tribbia NSWNMA
Merran MacLaren and Peter Lammiman ask Nick Tribbia, Delegate at the Blue Mountains Health Branch of the NSW Nurses' and Midwives' Association, about their Patient:Staff Ratio campaign, the value of essential workers, union activism and the things unions need to do to stay effective.
Figures referenced by Nick can be found on Page 19 of the report "The Cumulative Costs of Wages Caps for Essential Service Workers in NSW from the Australia Institute Centre for Future Work".
"Figure 6 illustrates the growing costs for nurses and midwives of long-term wage caps in NSW. Compared to the previous trend in nominal compensation, wages under the pay cap have lagged by a growing margin. After a decade of pay caps, pay for experienced RN/RMs under this policy was $335 per week (or over $17,000 per year) lower in 2021 than if the previous pace of wage increases had been retained. Once again, making matters worse is the fact that those lost earnings accumulate over time into very large sums of foregone income. Figure 7 shows the accumulating path of foregone earnings for a full-time RN/RM under the NSW wage cap policy. For a nurse or midwife working full-time throughout the period covered by the wage caps, cumulative earnings were $80,000 lower over that decade than they would have been under the previous wage trajectory. Continuing pay caps will extend and expand that cumulative loss, forecast to reach $120,000 by 2023-24."
If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can leave an audio comment about our show, which may be added to one of our podcasts.
This episode was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM and published as a podcast on 31st March 2023.
Apply to be a guest on our show. Join a union - 1300 486 466 or join online. Join BMUC.
Rights, Rorts and Rants is broadcast from 4pm to 6pm on 89.1FM or can be live streamed from rbm.org.au.
Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to, and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.
Disclaimer: We seek a range of perspectives but that means that views expressed in these podcasts are not necessarily endorsed by the Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc.
Mountain Mentors & CRISP - Community Refugee Integration and Settelement Pilot
Louise Redmond of Mountain Mentors talks to Deb Smith about some of the challenges faced by refugees when they arrive in Australia and how refugee advocates provide practical support to refugees...with some commentary on the inadequacy of ALP refugee policies.
If you'd like to contribute to or take part in the Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot (CRISP), contact Louise via mountainmentors1@gmail.com. Email our local MP Susan Templeman to advocate for better treatment of refugees and asylum seekers.
The songs referred to in this episode are:
- Be Brave by Little Foot
- Refugee by Eric Bogle and
- Refugee by Skip Marley
If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can leave an audio comment about our show, which may be added to one of our podcasts.
This episode was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM 14th April 2023 and published as a podcast on 17th April 2023..
Apply to be a guest on our show. Join a union - 1300 486 466 or join online. Join BMUC.
Rights, Rorts and Rants is broadcast from 4pm to 6pm on 89.1FM or can be live streamed from rbm.org.au.
Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to, and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.
Disclaimer: We seek a range of perspectives but that means that views expressed in these podcasts are not necessarily endorsed by the Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc.
Authorised by D Smith, Secretary, Blue Mountains Unions Council/Blue Mountains Unions & Community, 52-52A Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, NSW, 2786.
Owen Holmwood Part 3 of How Radio Works
Owen Holmwood has qualifications in electrical engineering, physics and science and has worked and taught at TAFE in these fields in Australia, Canada and Antarctica. He is a also passionate bush walker in the greater Blue Mountains.
In Part 3 of the interview (broadcast on Rights Rorts & Rants on 24 March 2023) Owen chats with presenter Ann-Maree McEwan to explain what Radio Blue Mountain's call signal 89.1 FM means, how radio can be used on mobile devices using Global Positioning Systems as a navigation aid, and he reflects on whether radio is dead or has a place in modern life.
Owen Holmwood Part 2 of How Radio Works
In Part 2 of How Radio Works Owen Holmwood chats to presenter Ann-Maree McEwan about radio transmission, the politics and technology
of Radio Australia and ham radio, morse code and Summits on the Air. This interview was broadcast on Rights Rorts & Rants on 24 March 2023 on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM.
Owen Holmwood Part 1 How Radio Works - Antarctica
Owen Holmwood has qualifications in electrical engineering (avionics), physics and science and has worked in related roles in Australia, Canada and Antarctica. Owen taught and led the Electrical Engineering department at Ultimo TAFE. He is a also passionate bush walker including in the greater Blue Mountains wilderness area. In these interviews (broadcast on Rights Rorts & Rants on March 24 2023) Owen chats with presenter Ann-Maree McEwan about how radio works and practical applications for radio physics.
In this episode Owen's chats about his radio research and work in Antarctica at Casey Station.
Politics in the Pub - Money to Burn
Many Australians are still trying to rebuild their lives after fires and floods in recent years, further complicated by COVID. It takes government support to both mitigate the potential impact of these disasters and to help communities recover afterwards.In the mountains we've seen an explosive increase in plant growth - fuel - and are expecting a dry winter, creating a dangerous risk in the upcoming fire season. This is further exacerbated by lengthening fire seasons caused by climate change.
How well prepared are we for future fire seasons?
And what was the effect when the Blue Mountains and other non-Coalition electorates missed out on grants from the state government's Bushfire Local Economic Recovery funds?
- Speakers are:
Kim de Govrik, an Organiser for the Public Service Association with remote fire fighting experience in his former job with National Parks. - Mike Holland, lawyer since 1979 and a law lecturer who retired from legal practice and academia in 2016. Mike is a BMUC member and a commenter on issues of government integrity and corruption on Rights, Rorts and Rants, Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM.
- Mark Greenhill OAM, a Blue Mountains City Councillor for 20 years, ten of which he has served as Mayor, brings a Council perspective. He was Mayor during both the 2013 fires when 210 local houses and other buildings were destroyed, and during the Black Summer fires, when 2,448 homes, including 90 in the Blue Mountains, were destroyed across NSW.
- MC is Ann-Maree McEwan.
Politics in the Pub - Money to Burn was recorded at the Family Hotel, 15 Parke St, Katoomba on 18th March 2023.
Authorised by D Smith, Secretary, Blue Mountains Unions Council/Blue Mountains Unions & Community, 52-52A Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, NSW, 2786.
Support Nurses' Rally MONDAY 20th March 3:30pm
There will be a rally in support of safe patient:staff ratios outside Blue Mountains District Hospital in Katoomba on MONDAY 20th March 2023 at 3:30pm. Speaker: Nick Tribbia NSWNMA Delegate at BMDH, addressing a Politics in the Pub audience a couple of days before.
Authorised by D Smith, Secretary, Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc, 52-52a Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria 2786.
Sydney Water Privatisation? What Can We Believe?
After initially refusing to confirm or deny whether a re-elected Liberal NSW government would privatise Sydney Water, Premier Perrottet later denied there were plans to do so. But, after that denial, 2GB's Chris O'Keefe broke the news that confidential documents prepared by Clayton Utz and KPMG indicated the NSW Liberal government actively considered the privatisation of a key water plant at Kemps Creek in Western Sydney.
Deb Smith asked Angus McFarland, Secretary of the NSW branch of the Australian Services Union which represents Sydney Water workers, what can we believe?
If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can leave an audio comment about our show, which may be added to one of our podcasts.
This episode was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM and published as a podcast on 17th March 2023.
Apply to be a guest on our show. Join a union - 1300 486 466 or join online. Join BMUC.
Rights, Rorts and Rants is broadcast from 4pm to 6pm on 89.1FM or can be live streamed from rbm.org.au.
Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to, and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.
Disclaimer: We seek a range of perspectives but that means that views expressed in these podcasts are not necessarily endorsed by the Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc.
Trish Doyle MP - ALP Candidate for the Blue Mountains 2023
Trish Doyle, currently Blue Mountains MP and ALP candidate in the March 25th 2023 NSW state election answers questions from Nick Franklin and Debra Smith about the policies of the Australian Labor Party.
If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can leave an audio comment about our show, which may be added to one of our podcasts.
This episode was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM on 10th March 2023.
Apply to be a guest on our show. Join a union - 1300 486 466 or join online. Join BMUC.
Rights, Rorts and Rants is broadcast from 4pm to 6pm on 89.1FM or can be live streamed from rbm.org.au.
Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to, and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.
Disclaimer: We seek a range of perspectives but that means that views expressed in these podcasts are not necessarily endorsed by the Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc.
Fighting Fires or Fighting for Resources?
Kim de Govrik, an Organiser for the Public Service Association, formerly a Manager for NSW National Parks with remote fire fighting experience, talks to Nick Franklin and Debra Smith about the challenges we face in past, present and future bushfire seasons.
Kim will also be speaking at Politics in the Pub "Money to Burn" at the Family Hotel, 15 Parke St, Katoomba, from 3pm, along with Blue Mountains Mayor, Mark Greenhill and retired lawyer and academic, Mike Holland. Admission is free.
The podcast of Kim's 2020 interview with us remains our most popular yet.
If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can leave an audio comment about our show, which may be added to one of our podcasts.
This episode was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM on 10th March 2023.
Apply to be a guest on our show. Join a union - 1300 486 466 or join online. Join BMUC.
Rights, Rorts and Rants is broadcast from 4pm to 6pm on 89.1FM or can be live streamed from rbm.org.au.
Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to, and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.
Disclaimer: We seek a range of perspectives but that means that views expressed in these podcasts are not necessarily endorsed by the Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc.