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Byron Shire
March 28, 2024

Caring, a sackable offence?

Latest News

Man charged over domestic violence and pursuit offences – Tweed Heads

A man has been charged following a pursuit near Tweed Heads on Monday.

Other News

Protecting nature and naturism from prejudice in Byron Shire

A new regime of social repression is imposing itself over the Byron Shire. Supported by local conservatives, the NSW National Parks Wildlife Service is attacking diversity and a particular minority group in Byron Shire – naturists.

Save Wallum finalist in NSW 2024 environment awards

The Save Wallum campaign has been named as a finalist in the Nature Conservation Council of NSW Environment Awards 2024. The award ceremony will be held in Sydney tonight, and Save Wallum spokesperson and ecologist James Barrie will be attending with Tegan Kitt, another founding member of the group.

Floodplains

We need a serious talk about development on floodplains with more creativity and sophistication. The recent discussion about development...

Peter Garrett gives Bluesfest the nod

If I say the words ‘US Forces give the nod’, I can pretty much guarantee that you will hear the unmistakable voice of Peter Garrett ringing in your ears. Your head may even start to bob up and down a bit. 

New report highlights gaps in rural and remote health

The second annual Royal Flying Doctor Service ‘Best for the Bush, Rural and remote Health Base Line’ report has just been released. Presenting the latest data on the health of rural and remote Australians and evidence on service gaps, it identifies issues in urgent need of attention from service providers, funders, partners and policy makers.

UK court seeks assurances from US over Julian Assange

The UK High Court of Justice has released a 66 page judgement seeking more information from the United States relating to Australian citizen Julian Assange, which it says it needs before deciding whether to grant the WikiLeaks founder leave to appeal his extradition.

Mimi Bekhechi, PETA

Shock, horror: a bureaucrat who worked at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s (DFAT) Agricultural Development and Food Security section follows the social media pages of animal protection groups! Dr Julie Delforce – a senior sector specialist in DFAT’s agricultural and food division – has resigned from the Department after being stood down for ‘following’ her son’s website, Aussie Farms.

In a year of budgeting bungles and dubious funding allocations, we should be pleased to learn that Dr Delforce is well-educated in aspects of animal welfare. As fair-minded Australians, we should support the employment of compassionate, informed people in our public service. Their insight might just help prevent the routine abuse of animals on Australian farms – the sort that would be illegal if enacted on household dogs or cats – and which often stays undocumented due to coercive ag-gag laws.

If more of us could see the way that animals bellow for their stolen children, suffer intense confinement, and fight for their lives, we would go vegan today. We can all support Aussie farmers by purchasing healthy, climate-friendly and cruelty-free ingredients from fruit and vegetable producers, and transition away from cruel animal ‘products’ immediately.


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1 COMMENT

  1. Ms Delforce was not dismissed, she resigned. Nor was found to have breached the Australian Public Service Conduct for ” liking” her son’s or other animal rights pages,, but that did show she was aware of Aussie Farms and what it was about. Following is DFAT’s statement :
    “This was in accordance with the Australian Public Service Commission’s guidelines for investigations into allegations of breaches of the Australian Public Service (APS) Code of Conduct,” the statement said.

    “This process found Dr Delforce had not reported her connections to Aussie Farms in accordance with departmental requirements.

    “The department sanctioned Dr Delforce in line with the decisions of the external decision makers.

    “Subsequently, Dr Delforce resigned from the department.”
    I worked with Ms Delforce, respected her and was dissapointed to read this. However the APS demands a high standard of probity and it’s unsurprising that it was considered a breach not declaring an association with an organisation promoting illegal action in a sector of Australia’s aid program in which she worked .

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