
Issue No 93		27 April 2001

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News

Scientists Oppose Quantum Leap

The CSIRO Staff Association has condemned the damage being wrought on the ABC by Jonathon Shier's management in axing the Qantum program.

The scientists are particularly dismayed at the decimation of the ABC's science unit and the loss of many experienced science journalists.

CSIRO Staff Association Secretary, Sandy Ross, said, "The ABC science unit was the finest science communication group in Australia, equal to the best in the world. CSIRO staff are aghast at the damage to the unit caused by Jonathon Shier's so-called reforms. The final broadcast of Quantum is a huge loss for the Australian community."

"These cuts undermine a vital, impartial, informed and stimulating approach to science reporting," said Mr Ross. "ABC's capacity as national broadcaster is going from macro to nano scale and no other broadcaster can fill the gap," added Mr Ross.

Mr Ross points out that the recent Chief Scientist's Review into Australian science capability emphasised the need to raise the awareness and understanding of science across the community.

"Yet the ABC management have killed Quantum stone dead. All Australians should be concerned about what's happening," said Mr Ross.

The CSIRO Staff Association is urging members of the scientific community get behind efforts to Save the ABC by attending rallies and writing letters to MPs.

SAVE THE ABC RALLY

Sunday, 29th April 2001

11.00am - 1.00pm

Sydney Opera House Forecourt

Wide range of speakers including Barry Jones and Prof Peter Baume from the science community, along with comedian Rod Quantock, para-olympian Pria Cooper, actor John Howard, Reverend Bill Crews, broadcaster Dr Jane Conners journalist Quentin Dempster and others.

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  Issue 93 contents

Corporate: The Jobs Myth
Access Economics' Chris Richardson debunks employer claims that increased workers compensation premiums have a dramatic impact on jobs.

Interview: The Workers� Voice
When trade union stalwart Ian West took a seat in the NSW Upper House he was determined to be more than a bench-warmer. Then the Workers Comp legislation hit.

Unions: Postcard from the Pilbara
In the face of unprecedented pressure, BHP workers in the Pilbara are standing together and refusing to sign individual cotnracts.

Economics: Currency Unification: Dollarize or Die?
Dick Bryan asks what happens to an economy when it gives up its domestic currency.

History: Instant History
In his address to the Australian Labour History Conference, the SMH's Brad Norington asks whether there is still time for history.

International: The End of an Era?
The post-Cold War era is over. Something different is developing to take its place. John Passant writes.

Media: The Battle for Aunty
The CPSU's Graeme Thompson ouitlines the campaign to save the ABC and this week's emergency share-holders' meeting.

Review: Share-Holder Nation
A legacy of government-backed privatisations, demutualisations and stockmarket hype over the past decade is the creation of a nation of shareholders.

Satire: SOS: Save the Investment Banker!
Spare a thought for those less fortunate With redundancies at investment banks around the globe looming, now is the time for us to show the world just how much we care. It's just not right.

» Budget Day Looms as Compo D-Day

» Give It a Shake, Lads!

» World Spotlight on Asbestos Usage

» Compo Talks Begin in Earnest Monday

» Action Rolls On as Della�s List Fills Up

» Government Ignites Industrial Blaze

» Robbo Elected Unopposed

» Women Casuals Victimised by Abbott

» Scientists Oppose Quantum Leap

» Victimised Mineworkers Confront Rio Tinto Board

» Queenslanders Call for End to Employer Theft

» Inflation Destroys Howard�s Living Wage Ploy

» Commitment to Schizophrenia Research

» Activists Notebook: Workers of the World Unite

» ANZAC Special : Hundred Not Out