Baird Review Into International Education Welcomed By Immigration Minister
The Australian Minister for Education, Senator Chris Evans has welcomed the findings of a recent review into the international education sector in Australia. The review was conducted by former Federal Member of Parliament, Bruce Baird.
Senator Evans recently announced widespread changes to the criteria for permanent residency in Australia and substantial changes to the skilled migration list.
Senator Evans' Media Release on the Baird Review:
The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, today welcomed the final report of the Baird Review on the legislation governing international education.
It is most pleasing to note Mr Baird's support for the Rudd Government's changes to the skilled migration program announced on 8 February 2010.
The skilled migration program changes will encourage overseas students to focus on obtaining a quality education from a high quality provider by removing incentives for students to apply for a course simply in the hope of being granted permanent residence.
Under the changes, the wide-ranging migration occupations in demand list was revoked and will be replaced mid-year by a new and more targeted skilled occupations list to be developed by the independent body, Skills Australia.
The new skilled occupations list will be tightly focused on high value skills that will assist in addressing Australia's future skills needs. It will deliver a mix of skills across the professions and trades in areas such as healthcare, engineering and mining.
International students currently studying in Australia who hold a vocational, higher education or postgraduate student visa will still be able to apply for permanent residence if their occupation is on the new skilled occupations list.
Students currently studying a course in an occupation that is not on the new skilled occupations list will have until the end of 2012 to apply for a temporary skilled graduate visa which will enable them to spend up to 18 months in Australia to acquire work experience and find an Australian employer willing to sponsor them.
It must be remembered that a student visa is just that: a visa to study. It does not give someone an automatic entitlement to permanent residence.
International students should be focused on obtaining a good qualification from a quality education provider in a field in which they want to work. The changes will in no way impact on international students coming to Australia to gain a legitimate qualification and then return home.
Similarly, Australia's migration program is not and should not be determined by the courses studied by international students.
Australia will continue to welcome international students and provide an opportunity for those who have the necessary qualifications and skills to find an Australian employer willing to sponsor them for a permanent visa.
Thursday, March 11
Dont Fall Victim - ATO Warns Of Online and Email Scams
Australian Taxation Office Warns of Online and Email Scams
Online and email scams cost the public billions of dollars every year. And the scammers are getting even more sophisticated in conning people out of their money.
The ATO has warned the Australian public to be vigilant about online content and emails received. They are urging people to check carefully before divulging any personal information online.
A recent press release by the ATO highlights the dangers:
As consumer fraud awareness week started this Monday, the ATO is encouraging people to be alert to potential online and email scams.
Second Commissioner David Butler said the ATO, like many business and government agencies, is seeing sophisticated scams designed to trick people into giving away their personal details such as password, banking and credit card details.
“Scammers can use your personal details to steal your identity and commit fraud,” Mr Butler said. “I urge people to be careful – be wary of unsolicited emails claiming to be from the ATO.”
If you think you may have been the victim of a scam and have provided your credit card or banking details in the process, contact your financial institution immediately.
Tips to protect yourself and your identity online
Ensure your computer has up-to-date security software including anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-spam and firewall protection to protect your computer from malicious programs.
Enable automatic updates for your computer’s operating system and applications including your web browser to ensure they remain up-to-date.
Use a spam filtering product to help block fake emails or emails containing viruses – if you receive a spam email, delete it and don’t open email attachments from unknown sources.
When using social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn be careful about the personal information you publish, and customise your security settings to ensure your profile is only accessible to those you trust.
Do not provide your tax file number online unless you are certain about the authenticity of the website.
For more information on how to report and protect yourself from scams and to see examples of genuine ATO communications, visit www.ato.gov.au/onlinesecurity.
Online and email scams cost the public billions of dollars every year. And the scammers are getting even more sophisticated in conning people out of their money.
The ATO has warned the Australian public to be vigilant about online content and emails received. They are urging people to check carefully before divulging any personal information online.
A recent press release by the ATO highlights the dangers:
As consumer fraud awareness week started this Monday, the ATO is encouraging people to be alert to potential online and email scams.
Second Commissioner David Butler said the ATO, like many business and government agencies, is seeing sophisticated scams designed to trick people into giving away their personal details such as password, banking and credit card details.
“Scammers can use your personal details to steal your identity and commit fraud,” Mr Butler said. “I urge people to be careful – be wary of unsolicited emails claiming to be from the ATO.”
If you think you may have been the victim of a scam and have provided your credit card or banking details in the process, contact your financial institution immediately.
Tips to protect yourself and your identity online
Ensure your computer has up-to-date security software including anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-spam and firewall protection to protect your computer from malicious programs.
Enable automatic updates for your computer’s operating system and applications including your web browser to ensure they remain up-to-date.
Use a spam filtering product to help block fake emails or emails containing viruses – if you receive a spam email, delete it and don’t open email attachments from unknown sources.
When using social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn be careful about the personal information you publish, and customise your security settings to ensure your profile is only accessible to those you trust.
Do not provide your tax file number online unless you are certain about the authenticity of the website.
For more information on how to report and protect yourself from scams and to see examples of genuine ATO communications, visit www.ato.gov.au/onlinesecurity.
Bike Riding Teen Injured in Narre Warren
Appeal For Public Help - 17 Year Old Boy in Hospital With Serious Injuries After Bike Crash
Police have made an appeal for public assistance to help solve the mystery of a 17 year old boy who is in the Royal Children's Hospital with serious injuries.
Ir is believed that the boy was riding his bike along Magid Drive in Narre Warren at about 2.40pm on Monday afternoon when he has had an accident near the Princes Freeway overpass. The boy was thrown from the bike and sustained a ruptured spleen and liver as well as other cuts and abrasions.
It is unclear as to the exact circumstances of the accident and police have called for any witnesses to come forward. They would particularly like to speak to the the driver of a white coloured ute which was seen in the area prior to the accident.
Anyone who witnessed the accident or has any other information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Police have made an appeal for public assistance to help solve the mystery of a 17 year old boy who is in the Royal Children's Hospital with serious injuries.
Ir is believed that the boy was riding his bike along Magid Drive in Narre Warren at about 2.40pm on Monday afternoon when he has had an accident near the Princes Freeway overpass. The boy was thrown from the bike and sustained a ruptured spleen and liver as well as other cuts and abrasions.
It is unclear as to the exact circumstances of the accident and police have called for any witnesses to come forward. They would particularly like to speak to the the driver of a white coloured ute which was seen in the area prior to the accident.
Anyone who witnessed the accident or has any other information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Hoon Motorbike Rider Loses Bike - Caught Speeding
Motorcycle Impounded After Rider Caught 90kmh Over Speed Limit at Campbellfield
A 17 year old male from Fawkner has lost his bike for 48 hours and issued with three penalty notices after he was caught speeding by police in Campbellfield on Tuesday night.
The rider was clocked by police allegedly travelling at 170khm in an 80kmh zone at about 10.50pm Tuesday in Sydney Road Campbellfield. After pulling the rider over, they found him to be unlicensed and the motorbike unregistered.
The bike was impounded under Victoria's anti hoon laws for 48 hours.
The suburb of Campbellfield was the scene of a crackdown by police on hoon and drag race driving on Monday night. 22 Cars were impounded and 80 penalty notices handed out for unroadworthy cars in the police sting. 300 people were also fined $200 each for turning up to watch the drag racing.
A 17 year old male from Fawkner has lost his bike for 48 hours and issued with three penalty notices after he was caught speeding by police in Campbellfield on Tuesday night.
The rider was clocked by police allegedly travelling at 170khm in an 80kmh zone at about 10.50pm Tuesday in Sydney Road Campbellfield. After pulling the rider over, they found him to be unlicensed and the motorbike unregistered.
The bike was impounded under Victoria's anti hoon laws for 48 hours.
The suburb of Campbellfield was the scene of a crackdown by police on hoon and drag race driving on Monday night. 22 Cars were impounded and 80 penalty notices handed out for unroadworthy cars in the police sting. 300 people were also fined $200 each for turning up to watch the drag racing.
Arrests After BMX Bandits Armed Robbery
Two Men Arrested After Armed Robbery on Bikes in Brunswick
Two men are in police custody after being arrested in relation to armed robberies which occurred in Brunswick on Wednesday night.
At about 9.30pm a man walking along Charles Street in Brunswick was approached by two men on push bikes. One of the offenders allegedly produced a pair of scissors and demanded money. The victim was threatened several times when he told them that he did not have any cash with him. The two alleged offenders then fled the scene empty handed.
It is then alleged that the offenders rode their bikes to nearby Weston Street and threatened another man who ran away from the offenders.
Police from Brunswick arrested the two men shortly afterwards in Victoria Street. The alleged offenders are aged 22 and 36 and are in police custody. They are expected to be charged with armed robbery.
Two men are in police custody after being arrested in relation to armed robberies which occurred in Brunswick on Wednesday night.
At about 9.30pm a man walking along Charles Street in Brunswick was approached by two men on push bikes. One of the offenders allegedly produced a pair of scissors and demanded money. The victim was threatened several times when he told them that he did not have any cash with him. The two alleged offenders then fled the scene empty handed.
It is then alleged that the offenders rode their bikes to nearby Weston Street and threatened another man who ran away from the offenders.
Police from Brunswick arrested the two men shortly afterwards in Victoria Street. The alleged offenders are aged 22 and 36 and are in police custody. They are expected to be charged with armed robbery.
Arrest After Attempted Break At Convenience Store
Police Arrest Man After Attempted Break in at Inner City Convenience Store
A 30 year old man is in custody after an alleged attempted break in at a convenience store in the inner Sydney suburb of Ultimo on Wednesday morning.
After witnesses noticed a possible break and enter, Police were called to the store on Jones Street near the intersection of Macarthur Street in Ultimo at about 3.20am on Wednesday.
As police arrived they needed to take evasive action to avoid an accident with a white ute that was speeding away from the scene. Police managed to pull over the ute and the 30 year old driver was arrested.
He was taken to the City Central Police Station and is reportedly assisting police with inquiries.
Anyone who was near the convenience store in Ultimo on Wednesday morning and witnessed any suspicious activity has been asked to contact City Central Police via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
A 30 year old man is in custody after an alleged attempted break in at a convenience store in the inner Sydney suburb of Ultimo on Wednesday morning.
After witnesses noticed a possible break and enter, Police were called to the store on Jones Street near the intersection of Macarthur Street in Ultimo at about 3.20am on Wednesday.
As police arrived they needed to take evasive action to avoid an accident with a white ute that was speeding away from the scene. Police managed to pull over the ute and the 30 year old driver was arrested.
He was taken to the City Central Police Station and is reportedly assisting police with inquiries.
Anyone who was near the convenience store in Ultimo on Wednesday morning and witnessed any suspicious activity has been asked to contact City Central Police via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Another Teen Arrested Over Brutal Wheelchair Tourist Bashing
Second Teenager Arrested and Charged Over Attack on Canadian Wheelchair Bound Man at Mt Druitt Train Station
A 15 year old male has been arrested and is in custody after handing himself in to police on Wednesday night. He was subsequently interviewed and charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and robbery armed with offensive weapon causing wounding.
The arrest and charges relate to an incident on Tuesday night at the Mt Druitt Railway Station where a Canadian Tourist in a wheelchair was allegedly viciously beaten. The tourist required urgent surgery for a fractured skull.
The assault allegedly took place at about 11pm at the railway station in Sydney's west as the tourist was waiting for a train. He was allegedly set upon by two youths who beat him around the head with metal poles even though he tried to escape. The assault was allegedly unprovoked.
A 16 year old male from Doonside was arrested by police near to the scene and was also charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and robbery armed with offensive weapon causing wounding. The 16 year old alleged offender appeared in the
Parramatta Children’s Court on Wednesday and was refused bail. he is scheduled to reappear in court on the 8th of April.
The 15 year old was refused bail and will appear in the Parramatta Children’s Court on Thursday.
A 15 year old male has been arrested and is in custody after handing himself in to police on Wednesday night. He was subsequently interviewed and charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and robbery armed with offensive weapon causing wounding.
The arrest and charges relate to an incident on Tuesday night at the Mt Druitt Railway Station where a Canadian Tourist in a wheelchair was allegedly viciously beaten. The tourist required urgent surgery for a fractured skull.
The assault allegedly took place at about 11pm at the railway station in Sydney's west as the tourist was waiting for a train. He was allegedly set upon by two youths who beat him around the head with metal poles even though he tried to escape. The assault was allegedly unprovoked.
A 16 year old male from Doonside was arrested by police near to the scene and was also charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and robbery armed with offensive weapon causing wounding. The 16 year old alleged offender appeared in the
Parramatta Children’s Court on Wednesday and was refused bail. he is scheduled to reappear in court on the 8th of April.
The 15 year old was refused bail and will appear in the Parramatta Children’s Court on Thursday.
Gurshan Singh Died By Accident - Claim Hit By Door
Gursewat Dhillon - Manslaughter Accused's Father Defends His Son - Says that Death of Gurshan Singh Was an Accident
In a bizarre turn of events, the parents of Gursewak Dhillon have claimed that the death of Gurshan Singh was an innocent mistake and occurred after their son accidentally hit the toddler in the head with the front door.
Guresewat Dhillon, the 23 year old man accused of Manslaughter by Criminal Negligence has been defended by his father, retired army captain Pragat Singh Dhillon from their home town in India.
It is understood that Pragat Dhillon spoke to his son prior to the charge being laid. In that conversation it is reported that Gursewak Dhillon told his father that he entered the property in David Street Lalor on Thursday and opened the front door which struck Gurshan Singh, knocking him unconscious.
Pragat Dhillon recounted that his son tried to get the attention of other people in the house, namely his wife and the child's mother. Having failed to find them, he then placed the child in the back of the car in an attempt to take him to hospital.
But Gursewak Dhillon then ran out of petrol and needed assistance by a passing motorist to take him to a service station. Upon returning to the car, it is reported that Dhillon thought the child may be dead and then dumped the body, thinking that he might be charged with murder.
No mention has been made of the fact that the front door was apparently already open and that the security door opened outwards - not inwards. Gursewat Dhillon's father has also not made any comment regarding the allegation that his son drove around for 3 hours before dumping the body.
The body of Gurshan Singh was found in grassland near a roadside in the suburb of Oaklands Junction at about 7pm Thursday. The toddler went missing from his Lalor home about 7 hours earlier.
Gursewat Singh Dhillon was charged with manslaughter on Monday and has been refused bail and remanded into custody.
In a bizarre turn of events, the parents of Gursewak Dhillon have claimed that the death of Gurshan Singh was an innocent mistake and occurred after their son accidentally hit the toddler in the head with the front door.
Guresewat Dhillon, the 23 year old man accused of Manslaughter by Criminal Negligence has been defended by his father, retired army captain Pragat Singh Dhillon from their home town in India.
It is understood that Pragat Dhillon spoke to his son prior to the charge being laid. In that conversation it is reported that Gursewak Dhillon told his father that he entered the property in David Street Lalor on Thursday and opened the front door which struck Gurshan Singh, knocking him unconscious.
Pragat Dhillon recounted that his son tried to get the attention of other people in the house, namely his wife and the child's mother. Having failed to find them, he then placed the child in the back of the car in an attempt to take him to hospital.
But Gursewak Dhillon then ran out of petrol and needed assistance by a passing motorist to take him to a service station. Upon returning to the car, it is reported that Dhillon thought the child may be dead and then dumped the body, thinking that he might be charged with murder.
No mention has been made of the fact that the front door was apparently already open and that the security door opened outwards - not inwards. Gursewat Dhillon's father has also not made any comment regarding the allegation that his son drove around for 3 hours before dumping the body.
The body of Gurshan Singh was found in grassland near a roadside in the suburb of Oaklands Junction at about 7pm Thursday. The toddler went missing from his Lalor home about 7 hours earlier.
Gursewat Singh Dhillon was charged with manslaughter on Monday and has been refused bail and remanded into custody.
Lost Boys Actor Corey Haim Dead From Drug Overdose
80's Teen Actor Corey Haim Dies from Suspected Drug Overdose in Burbank, California
Corey Haim, the actor who rose to fame in the 1980's vampire hit film, The Lost Boys, has been found dead at his Oakwood, California apartment from a suspected drug overdose.
38 Year old Haim was found unresponsive at his apartment in Oakwood near Burbank early on Wednesday morning. It is believed that Haim was taken to the Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Burbank where he was pronounced dead at about 2.15am.
The overdose has been reported to be accidental. Further reports put his mother at Haim's apartment when he was found.
The 1987 movie The Lost Boys was a big hit for Canadian born Haim which gave him teen heart throb status. But since the success of the 1980's Haim has struggled to make it back into the limelight.
His reality TV show "The Two Coreys" with friend Corey Feldman was cancelled in 2008 after running for two seasons.
Corey Haim, the actor who rose to fame in the 1980's vampire hit film, The Lost Boys, has been found dead at his Oakwood, California apartment from a suspected drug overdose.
38 Year old Haim was found unresponsive at his apartment in Oakwood near Burbank early on Wednesday morning. It is believed that Haim was taken to the Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Burbank where he was pronounced dead at about 2.15am.
The overdose has been reported to be accidental. Further reports put his mother at Haim's apartment when he was found.
The 1987 movie The Lost Boys was a big hit for Canadian born Haim which gave him teen heart throb status. But since the success of the 1980's Haim has struggled to make it back into the limelight.
His reality TV show "The Two Coreys" with friend Corey Feldman was cancelled in 2008 after running for two seasons.
Wednesday, March 10
Fatal Accident - Blind Man Killed By Truck
Freak Accident - Pedestrian Blind Man Dies After Being Struck By a Truck in Bowral
A 56 year old man has died after being hit by a truck in Bowral on Tuesday afternoon. The accident occurred at around 5pm Tuesday on Station Street, Bowral.
It is believed that a truck with a tipper and dog trailer was stopped at a set of lights at the intersection of Station Street and Wingecarribee Street when the blind man attempted to cross the road. The victim apparently walked in between the the truck's tipper and the dog trailer.
When the lights changed, the truck moved off from the intersection, unaware that the blind man was stuck. The 56 year old pedestrian who was a local of Bowral died at the scene.
Witnesses were able to stop the truck driver nearby. The driver who is a 49 year old man underwent mandatory blood and urine tests and was interviewed and later released by police.
Police are continuing their investigations and will prepare a report for the coroner.
A 56 year old man has died after being hit by a truck in Bowral on Tuesday afternoon. The accident occurred at around 5pm Tuesday on Station Street, Bowral.
It is believed that a truck with a tipper and dog trailer was stopped at a set of lights at the intersection of Station Street and Wingecarribee Street when the blind man attempted to cross the road. The victim apparently walked in between the the truck's tipper and the dog trailer.
When the lights changed, the truck moved off from the intersection, unaware that the blind man was stuck. The 56 year old pedestrian who was a local of Bowral died at the scene.
Witnesses were able to stop the truck driver nearby. The driver who is a 49 year old man underwent mandatory blood and urine tests and was interviewed and later released by police.
Police are continuing their investigations and will prepare a report for the coroner.
Arrests After Bank ATM Tampering Attempt
Two Arrested After Attempt to Tamper with Bank ATM in Sydney CBD
Two men have been arrested after an observant member of the public witnessed an attempt to tamper with a Bank Automatic Teller Machine in Sydney's CBD on Tuesday night.
Police responded to a call at about 11.25pm Tuesday when the men were allegedly seen tampering with an ATM at Martin Place. Police surveillance allegedly saw two men approach an ATM before walking away shortly afterwards.
A 27 year old man was arrested by police at the scene and was escorted to the Rocks Police Station to be questioned. He was subsequently charged with possess equipment to make identification document and was refused bail. He was scheduled to appear in the Central Local Court on Wednesday.
After further investigations, police arrested a 26 year old man in the suburb of Kings Cross at about 9.30am Wednesday. The man was transported to the City Central Police Station where he is currently assisting police with inquiries.
Two men have been arrested after an observant member of the public witnessed an attempt to tamper with a Bank Automatic Teller Machine in Sydney's CBD on Tuesday night.
Police responded to a call at about 11.25pm Tuesday when the men were allegedly seen tampering with an ATM at Martin Place. Police surveillance allegedly saw two men approach an ATM before walking away shortly afterwards.
A 27 year old man was arrested by police at the scene and was escorted to the Rocks Police Station to be questioned. He was subsequently charged with possess equipment to make identification document and was refused bail. He was scheduled to appear in the Central Local Court on Wednesday.
After further investigations, police arrested a 26 year old man in the suburb of Kings Cross at about 9.30am Wednesday. The man was transported to the City Central Police Station where he is currently assisting police with inquiries.
Drink Driving & Speeding Learner Driver Caught
L Plate Driver Caught Speeding and Under the Influence of Alcohol Near Yass
A 28 year old L Plate driver has been caught allegedly speeding and drink driving near Yass on Tuesday night.
The unaccompanied learner driver was detected by police on the Hume Highway for allegedly travelling at 162kmh in a 110kmh zone in a Toyota Camry sedan. However the speed limit for learner drivers is just 80kmh.
Police pulled over the driver from the ACT and breath tested him. He allegedly had a positive breath test reading of .120, more than twice the legal limit for a fully licenced driver.
As an learner driver, the blood alcohol content should be .00.
The 28 year old man has been charged with driving recklessly or in a manner dangerous, learner driver exceeding the speed limit by more than 45kmh, mid range drink driving and driving as an unaccompanied learner. He has had his driver's licence automatically suspended.
The driver was refused bail and was scheduled to appear in the Goulburn Local Court on Wednesday
A 28 year old L Plate driver has been caught allegedly speeding and drink driving near Yass on Tuesday night.
The unaccompanied learner driver was detected by police on the Hume Highway for allegedly travelling at 162kmh in a 110kmh zone in a Toyota Camry sedan. However the speed limit for learner drivers is just 80kmh.
Police pulled over the driver from the ACT and breath tested him. He allegedly had a positive breath test reading of .120, more than twice the legal limit for a fully licenced driver.
As an learner driver, the blood alcohol content should be .00.
The 28 year old man has been charged with driving recklessly or in a manner dangerous, learner driver exceeding the speed limit by more than 45kmh, mid range drink driving and driving as an unaccompanied learner. He has had his driver's licence automatically suspended.
The driver was refused bail and was scheduled to appear in the Goulburn Local Court on Wednesday
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