Ten Year Olds Can Soon Be Arrested Again In Australian Territory

Oct 18 2024

Australia’s Northern Territory (NT) is set to lower the age of criminal responsibility to just 10 years, allowing for the jailing of young children. This controversial move follows the election of the Country Liberal Party (CLP) government, which claims it is necessary to combat rising youth crime rates. Previously, the NT raised the threshold to 12 years, becoming the first jurisdiction in Australia to do so.

Despite the government’s stance, medical professionals, human rights organizations, and Indigenous groups have criticized the decision, arguing it will disproportionately impact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and is unlikely to reduce crime. Currently, the NT has the highest rate of youth incarceration in the country, with most detained being Indigenous.

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro defended the change, emphasizing a need to address the root causes of crime and improve community safety. However, research suggests that incarcerating children often leads to increased reoffending and negative effects on their well-being. Opposition Leader Selena Uibo condemned the decision as a “dark day,” stressing the importance of supporting children rather than punishing them. The implementation date for the new law remains unconfirmed.

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More Teachers Employed Than Resigned, Minister Says

Oct 18 2024

In an official statement by Minister for Education Clifton Grima and as part of a response to a parliamentary question, it was revealed that a total of 275 educators were employed during the past scholastic year, whereas there were only 87 resignations.

According to statistics provided by the minister, there were ‘always’ more employments than resignations.

‘In fact, compared with the population of educators, the proportion was 1.1% in terms of resignations and 3.7% in terms of employments.’

‘This school year, there are more regular educators than last year. Specifically, there are 288 more regular educators than the previous school year.’

This follows a statement by the Nationalist Party’s Shadow Minister for Education Justin Schembri, wherein he said that 124 teachers resigned from State schools during the past academic year and that only 26 teachers remained in the profession by moving to Private or Church schools.

‘In answers to other Parliamentary Questions, the Government stated that for this academic year, 74 and 43 fully-qualified teachers have been employed to teach in State secondary and primary schools respectively. This amounts to 117 new fully-qualified teachers. However, the Government employed a total of 217 new teachers, thereby confirming that it is still employing a substantial number of supply teachers. The Government does not provide information on whether it employed teachers who were already in the profession but working in Private or Church schools’, the PN statement reads.

‘The PN calls on the Government to conduct a serious study to identify the recurring cause of resignations in the education sector, as behind every resignation, there is a serious reason.’

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National Gallery in London Bans Liquid After Damaged Artworks

Oct 18 2024

The National Gallery in central London has announced a ban on liquids, with exceptions for baby formula, expressed milk, and prescription medications, following a series of attacks on its artwork. This measure, effective from Friday morning, comes after protesters caused “physical damage” to several pieces, including Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers, John Constable’s The Hay Wain, and Diego Velazquez’s Rokeby Venus.

A gallery spokesperson stated, “Unfortunately, we have now reached a point where we have been forced to act to protect our visitors, staff, and collection.” Since July 2022, there have been five targeted attacks on the museum, with two occurring in the past two weeks. Visitors are now advised to bring minimal items, as all bags will undergo inspection.

Van Gogh’s Sunflowers sustained damage to its frame, estimated at £10,000 to £20,000. Three Just Stop Oil activists charged with criminal damage will appear in court on October 28. Previously, two activists received prison sentences for damaging the same painting in 2022. The gallery expressed regret over the changes, anticipating longer entry times for visitors.

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Disability Support Centre in Ħal Kirkop to Open Next Year

Oct 18 2024

A new €1.4 million disability support centre in Ħal Kirkop is nearing completion, with construction now in its final stages. Managed by Aġenzija Sapport, the centre will offer essential services aimed at helping individuals with disabilities achieve independent living within the community. The facility will also provide much-needed respite care for those requiring temporary support.

The project, which is part of the national social inclusion plan, was visited by Inclusion and Volunteering Minister Julia Farrugia and Aġenzija Sapport CEO Oliver Scicluna. The centre is expected to begin operations by mid-next year.

One of the key features of the new building is its transitional services, designed to support individuals through personalised skills programs for independent living. The facility will be operated in collaboration with NGOs and will follow an active support model, ensuring participants are directly involved in their own progress.

Minister Farrugia emphasized the government’s commitment to de-institutionalization, highlighting the importance of independent living for all individuals with disabilities. This initiative aligns with the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

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