Sir Richard Branson launches Australia’s newest international airline

Australia’s newest International Airline, V Australia, has announced daily direct Sydney-Los Angeles flights as its inaugural trans-Pacific route and a premium product offering when it takes to the skies from 15 December 2008.

The announcement was made in Sydney today by Virgin Blue co-founders Sir Richard Branson and Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey, together with New South Wales Premier, The Hon. Morris Iemma.

Sir Richard Branson said, “In a delightful case of déjà vu, I was here eight years ago at Customs House with Brett in Sydney announcing our intention to launch a new airline for Australia. That airline was Virgin Blue.”

He continued, “I am excited to be back here today to join the Virgin Blue and V Australia teams in unveiling bold plans for our new international airline and we are hopeful our Australian friends will join us for the ride. The trans-Pacific route is in dire need of competition and a good shake-up and that’s a challenge we are always keen to take on.”

Sir Richard Branson added, “The launch of V Australia means the Virgin Group for the first time will offer a global network of airlines that allow travellers to fly worldwide on Virgin airlines’ that all share the same vision and commitment to safety, service, fun and flair.”

V Australia Airlines officially starts selling seats today, just in time for Christmas travellers to take advantage of the competitive fares.

To celebrate the “go live” sale date, V Australia Airlines is offering Australian travellers 1,000 International Economy seats between Sydney and Los Angeles for $999 return inclusive of all taxes and charges of approximately $415 (Internet sale fare).

Every day economy fares will start from $1899 return which is 16% lower than the current lowest available published fare on the route for the same travel period (as at noon Sunday 30 March 2008).

The launch of V Australia Airlines will be the first time ever there has been a second Australian airline competing on the trans-Pacific route. It comes just weeks after the Australia and US Governments signed an historic open skies agreement, allowing Australian or US owned airlines to fly freely between the two countries.

V Australia Airlines will offer the full suite of products expected of an international long haul airline but with its usual twist of innovation as part of its three class offering.

International Business will be a boutique style executive business product with an intimate dedicated cabin and crew. International Business will offer a fully flat horizontal bed (stretch out and sleep with 77 inches of space) and offers choice and individuality, including the freedom of an à la carte menu and on demand entertainment so Guests can watch and eat what they want, when they want, depending on personal preference.

International Premium Economy will be an all-inclusive dedicated cabin. It will offer 40 seats that are amongst the largest seats ever offered in a Premium Economy class of any airline, either flying today or declared to fly in the future. The seats boast a full 20 inches of width and a 9 inch recline and no seat will have less than 38 inches of leg room. The new premium style of travel is tailored to those who want more comfort, more space and the little things that make a difference including mood lighting and in-seat audio and video on demand.

International Economy will provide the most spacious economy seating option of any airline operating the trans-Pacific route, individual on-demand seat back entertainment and comfy seating (designed for the yet to fly Boeing 787) in a 3×3x3 configuration, with an unparalleled 18.8 inches of seat width and 32 inches of leg room. V Australia’s International Economy will offer more for less in terms of superior comfort for some 16% lower than existing fares on the route.

V Australia will unveil further details about its discount fares and its in-flight product in coming months. We will keep you updated.

For V Australia Airlines bookings, log on to www.vaustralia.com.au or via www.virginblue.com.au, call 138 287 or contact your local travel agent. (Note: Agent bookings to come on line shortly).

Standards of Cystic Fibrosis Care Guidelines launched – a first for Australia

Australians living with the life-threatening condition, Cystic Fibrosis (CF), have reason to celebrate today with the launch of the Standards of Cystic Fibrosis Care Guidelines.

The launch of the Standards of Cystic Fibrosis Care Guidelines is a strong indication of further improvements in the care of those people living with this debilitating condition, whether they are located in remote regional areas or busy cities or suburbs throughout Australia.

The Hon Russell Broadbent MP, Federal Member for McMillan, Victoria, this morning officially launched the consensus document before hundreds of medical experts in attendance at the Thoracic Society (TSANZ) Scientific Meeting at the Melbourne Convention Centre.

Mr Broadbent said the official launch of the Standards of Cystic Fibrosis Care Guidelines was a significant step forward in CF care in all corners of Australia.

Cystic Fibrosis Australia’s Chief Executive Officer Terry Stewart said he believed the project was a major milestone in the improved care of CF patients in Australia.

“Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic recessive disease that affects babies, children and young adults. It affects the lungs and digestive system and eventually threatens life itself,” Mr Stewart said.

The Standards of Cystic Fibrosis Care Guidelines represent the first comprehensive description of CF care guidelines to be prepared in Australia. The creation of this clinical document spanned a two- year period and involved a 17 person committee including clinicians, adults with CF, representatives from CF organisations across Australia, scientists and allied health specialists. Previously, clinicians in Australia relied on European and United States standards of care when treating CF patients. These standards were not designed to take account of the demographics and geography of this country.

Mr Stewart said the Australian Standards of CF Care were specifically tailored to meet the needs of those with CF living in Australia.

Endorsed by the TSANZ and the Royal College of Physicians, these standards will serve as a benchmark in care for CF Clinics leading to further improvements in outcomes for those in Australia living with CF.

“The Standards of Cystic Fibrosis Care also represent a commitment to ongoing improvement. The document will be reviewed, updated and re-published within 5 years or sooner if required,” he said.

AAP

Australians delaying retirement by 15 years

Financial uncertainty and the need to pay-off mortgages are the main reasons many Australians are delaying retirement well beyond age 55.

In a comprehensive survey of CARE Super members, more than 60 per cent of pre retirees predicted their working life would extend to at least age 65. Almost 50 per cent of the members listed finalising their mortgage as financial priority number one – well ahead of saving for retirement and travel. Starting a family was further down the priority list.

CARE Super Managing Director, Ms Julie Lander, says the survey presents a cautionary tale with almost 70 per cent of respondents admitting that, with the benefit of hindsight, they would have started saving for retirement earlier.

“Our members are telling us that whilst ‘mortgage stress’ in the number one priority in the financial planning of most Australians, they are now recognising the importance of voluntary superannuation contributions,” she said.

“It’s sad that nearly 60 per cent of super members anticipate the need to work way past their ideal retirement age because they feel financially insecure about the future,” Ms Lander continued.

Over half of the survey respondents identified that they would need a post retirement income of $30,000 – $60,000.

However, Ms Lander said she was also concerned about the lack of understanding pre retirees have about what is happening to the money they have invested in superannuation.

“Whilst almost 75 per cent of CARE Super members say they expect continued growth for their superannuation funds during this year, nearly one-third admitted they have little understanding about how their superannuation savings are invested,” Ms Lander said.

AAP

Bake: celebrating the time honoured tradition of baking

Following on from the best-selling COOK and KITCHEN, The Australian Women’s Weekly Test Kitchen has launched BAKE.

BUY THE BOOK
Best Price: The Nile Australia’s Largest Online Bookstore for AU$66.99

As the years go by, the pleasure that comes from in freshly baked bread and cakes is as strong as ever. This highly desirable baking masterpiece contains over 500 recipes for all those much-loved cakes, muffins, biscuits, slices and scones that everyone remembers from their childhood.

“There is nothing more comforting than the sweet, rich aroma of homemade bread, cake or biscuits wafting from the oven,” says Pamela Clark, Director, The Australian Women’s Weekly Test Kitchen.

“I can remember my great-grandmother making scones, turning the dough out of a big bowl onto a scrubbed wooden kitchen table,” Clark added.

Bake details everything you need to know about baking techniques and implements from the trusted name in home baking. Clear instructions and meticulous measurements are essential to achieve perfect baking results, and with the triple-tested seal of approval, success is guaranteed the first time and every time.  As well as fabulous triple-tested recipes and beautiful photographs, a number of special features – each containing 12 photographs, give additional information about the deeply satisfying art of baking.

BAKE: Celebrating the time-honoured tradition of baking will also be available from bookstores, selected newsagents and from ACP Books from 1st April. Recommended retail price is $74.95. BAKE is published by ACP Books.

New standards for the transport of livestock do not go far enough

Proposed new standards and guidelines for the land transport of livestock in Australia have been released for public comment.  In what is undoubtedly a response to the global campaign to end the long distance transport of live animals, Animal Health Australia has developed a set of standards and guidelines to relieve the stress inflicted on livestock during land transport.  But the cruel and unnecessary practice of transporting live animals to the Middle East by ship will continue.

On 15 February 2008, we published an article on the Global campaign to end the barbaric transport of live animals. 

According to Handle With Care, the international coalition of animal welfare groups set up to end the cruel and unnecessary long distance transport of live animals, Australia is the largest exporter of animals overseas for slaughter.  You will find more information about this issue and some very disturbing video footage, on the Handle With Care Australia website.

The draft standards, coordinated by Animal Health Australia, cover the land transport of sheep, cattle, pigs, poultry and horses within Australia. They also cover goats, buffalo, camels, deer, alpacas, emus and ostriches.  However, the proposed new standards do not address the plight of livestock exported overseas by ship.

Animal Health Australia is a not for profit company established by the Australian Government.  Members include state and territory governments and organisations who represent the interests of the livestock industry.

The Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for the Land Transport of Livestock are based on current national Model Codes of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: Land Transport.

“The proposed Land Transport Standards incorporate nationally agreed welfare standards as well as industry–approved guidelines for each species or enterprise.” Mr Ralph Hood, CEO of Animal Health Australia, said in a statement released to the media.

Animal Health Australia says the standards aim to minimise stress and the risk of injury at all stages of transport, covering issues including loading, unloading, water and feed requirements, transport design and responsibilities for owners and transport operators.

Animal Health Australia is seeking comments from anyone who may be affected by the Land Transport Standards, as well as interested members of the public. In particular, Animal Health Australia seeks comments on how well people believe:

• the draft Land Transport Standards specify requirements for protecting the welfare of the species it covers during land transport; and

• the associated RIS demonstrates the need for the Land Transport Standards and the associated costs and benefits.

Interested parties can write their own submissions or complete a survey that seeks their views of different sections of the draft Land Transport Standards and RIS. Submissions can be made via the internet, email or post. Hard copies of the consultation package are available upon request.

Information about the draft Land Transport Standards, including details of the standards and guidelines, the RIS and the online survey, is available at: www.animalwelfarestandards.net.au.

AAP

Family friendly jobs portal for parents

Australia’s leading parenting website, the Bub Hub has launched another online first in Australia with a Jobs & Career portal specifically designed to meet the needs of parents.

The Bub Hub has partnered with Part Time Online, Just Be! and Mums in Business to provide an unparalleled resource for family-friendly jobs and work from home parents.

With near full employment, talented parents are needed in the workplace to help continue Australia’s economic growth and help reduce the skills shortage.

“Many employers now see job sharing as a valid means of employment and parents are the logical, valuable people to fill this gap,” says Brad Lauder, co-founder of The Bub Hub.

The Jobs & Careers portal on the Bub Hub lists current job vacancies from around Australia. The job listings and job search facilities on the site are sourced from family-friendly employment agencies, Just Be! and Part Time Online.

Just Be! lists employers who are genuinely committed to working with women, and mothers in particular, and they understand their needs and know it is important to offer things like child care and flexible work hours to attract and retain talented women.

Part Time Online offers Australia’s leading selection of part time, job share, flexible, contract and casual positions. With rapid growth in this area, parents can now find the position that meets their needs from employers who are committed to them. Part Time Online has a job share community that you can become part of as well as a range of tools and case studies to help you in your journey.

The Jobs & Careers portal also has a section for mums and dads looking to set up a small business.

“If you have a good idea for a business you need advice and support and we are always happy to facilitate this process for parents,” said Brad Lauder in a recent telephone interview with Australian Women Online.

To give mums access to as much relevant information as possible, The Bub Hub has partnered with Mums in Business, a website that focuses on business mums and provides the tools, information and advice they need to start, run and develop a successful business.

“In our experience there have been so many small businesses that have been set up, but then haven’t worked because the people involved didn’t plan effectively. That’s why we felt it necessary to add business resources for parents,” Brad Lauder said.

Another useful feature of the Jobs & Careers portal is the Helpful Services for Working Parents section. This section of the portal lists information and contact details for:

• home-based business opportunities
• careers and business services
• childcare, nannies and babysitters
• home help
• grocery delivery services
• meal preparation and meal delivery services
• and more

The portal also includes articles and tips sheets for mums returning to the workforce after child rearing.

With the launch of a Jobs & Careers portal specifically aimed at meeting the needs of parents, the Bub Hub has proved yet again, why they are the number one parenting website in Australia.

Although the website is a profitable business, after speaking to Brad Lauder, I have no doubt the Lauder’s passion and commitment to meeting the needs of Australian parents is genuine and I look forward to seeing what’s next for the Bub Hub.

Picture (Above):
Founders of the Bub Hub, Brad and Hilary Lauder at home with their three children.

Warning against using cough and cold treatments on children under two

Cough and cold medicines formulated for children under 2 are being pulled from pharmacy shelves in the United Kingdom amid fears of accidental overdose. 

Responding to guidance issued by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), that cough and cold treatments should not be used for infants and children under 2 years of age, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB) has called on pharmacists to review how such products are stored and sold.

RPSGB’s Director of Practice & Quality Improvement, David Pruce, says:

“It is good practice to restrict the use of over the counter products for the treatment of cough and cold symptoms in children under 2 years of age. In view of the MHRA’s new guidance, the RPSGB recommends that its members review how products marketed for the treatment of coughs and colds in children are stored and sold. Pharmacists are experts in medicines and are well placed in the heart of communities to offer advice to members of the public who may have concerns about safe treatments for children.”

The following medicines are suitable for children under 2 years old who have uncomplicated coughs and colds: -

• Paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve pain and lower temperature

• Simple non-pharmacological cough mixtures for the treatment of coughs (for example paediatric simple linctus or those containing glycerol or honey and lemon)

• Vapour rubs and inhalant decongestants which can be applied to children’s clothing to provide relief of stuffy or blocked nose for children and infants over 3 months.

• Saline (Sodium Chloride 0.9%) nose drops can be helpful particularly in infants who are having difficulty feeding.

If these remedies do not relieve symptoms, please consult your doctor for advice.

DNA (UK)

New research reveals women avoid GPs more than men

When it comes to being healthy, it seems Australians are all talk and no action and women actually avoid GPs more than men.

The secret’s out – Australian men are not as macho as they think they are. New research for the GSK Health Index (sponsored by pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline) reveals that women are more likely to avoid a GP visit with 85 per cent admitting that they wait to see their doctor until they are either sick, have been sick for a few days or are so ill that they cannot get out of bed.

Although the GSK Health Index shows that women resist going to their GP when unwell, the bigger picture suggests that all Australians need to pay more attention to health prevention with only one in five Australians seeing their GP or health professional to avoid getting unwell.

Commenting on the results Dr Eugene Goh from GSK said, “Overall The GSK Health Index shows that the majority of Australians tend to ‘ride out’ their health issues rather than nipping them in the bud – Australians may think this is admirable but it doesn’t do us any favours and makes those around us sicker.”

It’s not just friends and family who are affected. Turning up at work while unwell also affects productivity with the cost to the Australian economy estimated at $25 billion in 2005/06. On average, six working days of productivity were lost per employee in workers not performing to their full capacity and passing illness onto colleagues.

“Regular visits to a GP are one of the best ways to catch health issues early. If you are over 40 an annual check-up is essential, so set a memorable date such as a week after your birthday and save yourself having to play down your health concerns. If you are under 40 a check-up every two years is appropriate so think about booking one on every birthday that falls on an even number,” said Dr Goh.

The GSK Health Index also shows that while 75 per cent of us have sought out health information in the past three months, 60 per cent of us still say that willpower or commitment is ultimately holding us back from making the big changes needed to look after our health.

Dr Goh said it was no surprise that people were well intentioned so early in the year.

“At this time of year the days are longer, we’re more active and we’ve all made New Year resolutions,” Dr Goh said. “The challenge is to convert our good intentions into action. The problem is that sometimes we don’t give ourselves a chance to start seeing results so we give up or fall into old habits.”

According to the GSK Health Index two-thirds of Australians are planning to take action so that they can continue feeling well over the next three months but 20 per cent believe that they lack the knowledge to take care of their health properly.

“Sometimes it’s not enough to be excited about making a change. You need to do your homework and get some guidance from someone who knows the area. The advice you get from a coach, personal trainer or nutritionist could be all you need to make sure you see results sooner and feel better about the change you’ve made.”

Several ways to increase your chances of success when making lifestyle changes include:

• Planning your change: Find out more about the sport, activity or diet you have chosen and recognise where you are most likely to face challenges eg. If quitting smoking, plan ahead how best to manage situations where you will be tempted to light up.

• Setting goals: Be realistic about what can be achieved and allow time to see the change. e.g. Start jogging a short distance and slowly build this up as your fitness level increases.

• Involving a friend: Any change is easier when made with support, so get a buddy involved so you can motivate each other and share the highs and lows.

• Rewarding yourself: When you reach a goal, make sure you recognise it in a way that encourages you to go further.
   

The GSK Health Index aims to provide a snapshot of Australians’ understanding of, and behaviour, toward health and health-related issues. Using a ‘baseline’ series of questions, the survey provides an ongoing comparison of health behaviour amongst Australians with a view to identifying trends. The survey also has a number of changing questions that focus on a specific, topical health issue.

AAP

DoCS defends foster carers of ‘Susie’

The Department of Community Services (DoCS) says that allegations made in the media against one of the carers of the 6-year old child known as “Susie” have been thoroughly investigated but were unsubstantiated.

The allegations against one of the foster carers of ‘Susie’ were made in an article by journalist Claire Masters on 25 March 2008. The article, DOCS under fire as dying girl left with abusive carers, alleged ”A dying five-year-old girl who is chronically disabled has been left in the care of abusive foster carers who are banned from caring for any more children.”

DoCS said they sought independent opinion from an external psychologist who was aware of the allegations. The psychologist, who also consulted other professionals involved in the child’s care, found the family “appear to be meeting (Susie’s) needs and there is no reason whatsoever to change her placement”.

The assessment found that the child’s needs were being met to a “high level” and that other services involved with her did not have any concerns about her well-being.

The carer who was the subject of these allegations no longer lives in the home where the child is.

DoCS has confirmed it is working very closely with this child and her carer. There have been six home visits since 1 February this year, the latest of which occurred today. All agencies and organisations have advised DoCS that the child is thriving and that they are impressed with the care being provided by her carer. The child attends school and receives a range of support and therapeutic services. DoCS said they will undertake a further review of her current placement.

“No children have been removed from this placement because they were at risk of harm. Other children placed with the family were only ever short-term, crisis or respite placements. One such child formerly in this family’s care moved to a new placement at the request of the carers, who were concerned for their own safety and wellbeing.”

Serious allegations against foster carers are reported to the Commission for Children and Young People. The terms “Category 1” and “Category 2” refer only to the nature of the allegation, not to whether or not it has been upheld or proven. DoCS wants the community to know that being the subject of an allegation does not necessarily preclude a person from being a carer because each investigation examines the specific circumstances of the allegation.

AAP

Defy the whims of fate: plan ahead with free booklet

When Kerrie’s husband was severely brain damaged after being hit by a car she thought her nightmare couldn’t get any worse. But it did – all because of the lack of a signature on a piece of paper.

Without that vital signature giving her power of attorney, Kerrie couldn’t access the family bank account, which was under the sole control of her hospitalised husband, who no longer had decision-making powers.  The mother of two’s plight was compounded by having to negotiate legal and administrative processes over many months that left her and family members emotionally drained and on the skids financially.

Kerry explains, “The starting point of my experience was 10 years ago, one week after my husband’s accident when I was unable to access his wages from his account to pay household bills. I had missed an appointment we had made with a solicitor to obtain power of attorney for each other before my husband travelled overseas. This created a financial nightmare for myself and my two children. I had to go before a tribunal and be appointed my husband’s guardian and be made his financial manager under the close scrutiny of the Protective Commissioner.”

“I was put in a situation where I was accountable for ever dollar of my husband’s wage I spent. My children were suffering badly enough at this stage but to have to tell them they couldn’t have special treats as before because all their father’s money was being overseen by the PC was very hard for them to understand.”

Sadly, Kerrie is not alone. Unforeseen circumstances regularly place people in situations where they are unable to decide things for themselves – with potentially drastic ramifications for their loved-ones.

The Benevolent Society has gathered many case histories of Australians whose financial and personal affairs have been affected through a lack of planning for the future. The Society has also produced a free booklet – “Your Future Starts Now” – that outlines steps to protect the interests of individuals and families and make sure things are done the way they want.

American-born Adelaide had been living in Sydney for more than 50 years. She had never married or had children. She had no family in Australia although she had some special friends. She ran her own business until she was in her early 80s. Always an organised person, she made sure she planned for her affairs so things would be done the way she wanted, even if the time came she couldn’t decide for herself.

Adelaide talked to her doctor and her friends, and told them that she wanted to enjoy her golf and time in her own home as long as possible. Now 88 years of age, she wrote in her Enduring Guardianship document that she only wanted to be kept as comfortable and free from pain as possible.

“I consider an unacceptable level of functioning for me to include an inability to feed or wash myself or control my bowels i.e. complete dependence on someone else for personal care, or, a state of chronic incurable pain. Under these circumstances, I specify No CPR and palliative care only. Care would be a gigantic waste of time and money…hospital beds and nursing services are urgently needed elsewhere,” said Adelaide.

The NSW Minister for Ageing and Minister for Disability Services, Kristina Keneally MP, officially launched the guide in Sydney today.

In a partnership with Public Trustee NSW and with input from a range of experts, the booklet covers useful information on the how, what, when and why of:

• Enduring Powers of Attorney
• Enduring Guardianship
• Advance Care Directives
• Wills

The Society said latest research on attitudes and responses to planning for the future showed that:

• Only around 45 per cent of people aged 45 years and over have a will in place (unless they do not have any assets);

• Only an estimated 11 per cent of people have organised an enduring power of attorney;

• It is uncommon for people aged 65 years and over to have organised an enduring power of attorney or enduring guardianship;

• Advance health care directives are very uncommon;

• Money matters and such like are often seen as personal and sensitive;

• Adult children may be reluctant to initiate discussions about future planning with their parents.

• Conversely, older people may not want to “burden” their children by raising it;

• Speaking about planning ahead is seen by some as having the potential to create family conflict and highlight rifts;

• Some people are superstitious about planning ahead, believing that voicing issues of death or illness may be “tempting fate.”

The Benevolent Society’s General Manager on Ageing, Barbara Squires, said the Society was a long-time advocate of future planning on financial and personal affairs to avoid potential disappointment and turmoil in later life.

Ms Squires said the Society was buoyed by the Federal Government’s Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs, which last year recommended an awareness campaign to promote powers of attorney and advance care directives and their advantages for older people.

The Committee found there were many barriers to older people accessing legal services, including the nature of the legal system and personal factors such as health, mobility, financial capacity and social networks.

“Most experts in the field say enduring powers of attorney should be widely encouraged. The risk of losing capacity faces all people, not just older people,” Ms Squires said.

Thinking about what you would like for the future and then, perhaps, organising a enduring power of attorney and so on can save those close to you a great deal of trouble and heartache. Not only will they then know what you would have wanted, but it can also avoid them having to go through the legal system at what is usually a very difficult time. ’Your Future Starts Now’ is a starting point. It demystifies the process and points people in the right direction for more information.

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