The federal government has passed a law preventing Australian companies from relying on data from animal testing for ingredients to be used solely in cosmetics. More than 500,000 animals – mainly rabbits,
MORE than 1.4 million tonnes of greenhouse gas will be pumped out during the construction of Victoria's proposed desalination plant, and another 1.2 million tonnes emitted each year once it starts boosting Melbourne's water supply. The figures were released yesterday in the Government's 1600-page environmental effects study report on the $3.1 billion project, which said the plant planned for the Bass Coast between Wonthaggi and Kilcunda would do no long-term or irreversible damage to the environment.
The Rudd government's tax hike on luxury cars is losing the support of key crossbench senators. The tax increase, from 25 per cent to 33 per cent, was introduced in Labor's first budget and is estimated to affect the sales of about 105,000 cars per year. The tax applies to cars selling for a retail price above $57,180 from July 1. Independent senator Nick Xenophon has joined the Greens in questioning the sense in making new car buyers pay more for fuel efficient motor vehicles.
VICTORIANS in rural and regional areas are dying of heart disease at a worrying rate because of a lack of preventive services and treatment, experts say. A program screening people for cardiovascular disease in country areas has found alarming levels of high blood pressure, cholesterol problems, obesity and depression, all risk factors associated with heart attack and stroke.
SLEEP-DEPRIVED teenagers are at greater risk of high blood pressure and future heart attacks - and their mobile phones, computer games and iPods could be to blame. A study of 13 to 16-year-olds found that those who slept less than 6
IT IS about time that Melburnians began to confront the sausage rather than the sizzle in the transport debate. Rapid population growth (due to high immigration) and rising oil prices (due to peak oil) mean that public transport will have to bear an increasing share of the burden of providing personal mobility if this city is to remain liveable.
HALF of Australia's biggest companies are risking cost blow-outs, an increased regulatory burden and reputational damage from climate change, according to an international report. The report from the London-based Ethical Research Investment Services and the Centre for Australian Ethical Research in Canberra found that 48% of Australia's largest 200 companies are classified as having a high or very high potential impact from climate change. Collectively, these companies account for more than $545 billion in market value.
When the tobacco industry was feeling the heat from scientists who showed that smoking caused cancer, it took decisive action. It engaged in a decades-long public relations campaign to undermine the medical research and discredit the scientists. The aim was not to prove tobacco harmless but to cast doubt on the science. In May this year, the multibillion-dollar oil giant Exxon-Mobil acknowledged that it had been doing something similar. It announced that it would cease funding nine groups that had fuelled a global campaign to deny climate change.
A 5.4 magnitude earthquake rattled Los Angeles today, but there were no immediate reports of major damage or injuries. The quake struck at 11.42am (0442 AEST) and was centred near the town of Chino Hills, 50km east of Los Angeles at a depth of 12km, the United States Geological Survey said. Quake shakes Los Angeles A 5.4 magnitude quake shook Los Angeles, causing tall buildings to sway and office workers to pour into the streets.
BRENDAN Nelson's daring bid to harden the Opposition's emissions trading policy is facing strong resistance from his most senior colleagues and the business community. Shadow treasurer Malcolm Turnbull, environment spokesman Greg Hunt and deputy leader Julie Bishop are set to fight the change at tomorrow's shadow ministry meeting. In a further blow to Dr Nelson, the electricity industry has accused the Opposition of potentially putting the country's energy supply at risk if it fails to give investors certainty by nominating a date by which it would start emissions trading.
Treasurer Wayne Swan has branded the opposition "gutless" on climate change, saying the issue has become a tool for leadership jostling. Coalition MPs are meeting in Canberra tomorrow and Wednesday to formulate a policy response to the Rudd government's carbon emissions trading model. Division among Liberal MPs has exacerbated lingering leadership tensions. Mr Swan said today the opposition should face up to the problem of climate change. "The Liberals are so gutless they can't even front up to the problem," he told reporters.
