Unusual suspects : a newspaper's coverage of a scuba diving rescue and journalism's role in narrating Australia

Brisbane&rsquo;s Courier-Mail newspaper ran a fantastic story a couple of years ago about a couple left at sea behind by their tour boat, after going scuba diving. The story suggested American diver Allyson Dalton and her British partner Richard Neely ignored advice when they ventured away from a lagoon where the tour boat was anchored. But the focus was on how Neely and Dalton survived by treading water for 19 hours at Paradise Reef, part of Queensland&rsquo;s Great Barrier Reef, not so much (yet) on how fortunate they were not to be attacked by sharks. It would not be long, however, before that old journalistic maxim that implores practitioners to &lsquo;question every assertion, doubt every claim&rsquo; shaped the reportage into an extended narrative about chequebook journalism, credibility, and culpability.<br /><br />The scuba dive rescue story analysis presented here reflects contemporary journalism&rsquo;s role in the formation of ideas about cultural value and character, and in more complex determinations of who gets a participatory stake in the formation of national narratives. As such, the article concludes with some signposts toward a critical approach to journalism-centred studies of culture in Australia.<br />

Implementation of enterprise resource planning (ERP) software in a major construction contracting organization in Hong Kong

<b>Purpose</b> &ndash; The purpose of this paper is to summarize the scope, methodology and main findings of a doctoral thesis about the implementation of enterprise resource planning (ERP) software in a major construction contracting organization in Hong Kong. This research is taken from a leadership and power and project management (PM) perspective.<br /><br /><b>Design/methodology/approach</b> &ndash; The project adopted a case study approach in which the candidate was an employee/observer, who was embedded as a member of the business transformation team taking an action learning approach to study the ERP adoption. The research used the soft system methodology to identify gaps in the observed maturity level which exists in the organization. Data was gathered using public and private documentation, semi-structured interviews, observation and was validated through review of evidence with participants.<br /><br /><b>Findings</b> &ndash; The results identified the importance of leadership and cultural issues in implementation of the business strategy. This research includes a contribution in two spheres: PM and construction procurement. The first implication for PM theory was to illustrate how knowledge has been efficiently managed within a construction organization by using information communication technology (ICT). It can be represented by the ladder of ICT&gt;ERP&gt;KM&gt;PM. The second implication was to pave the way for the use of partnering strategies in PM practice. It can be represented by the ladder of National Culture&gt;Organizational Culture&gt;Leadership&gt;Partnering Strategy&gt;PM.<br /><br /><b>Practical implications</b> &ndash; This model could be adapted to other large and complex organisational contexts. The research project also has implications as opening up a PM perspective on business transformation.<br /><br /><b>Originality/value</b> &ndash; The contribution of this research is proving the success of adopting KM in a construction company by using an ERP system. The importance of culture in the traditionally collectivistic construction industry, and the issues senior management should take into account when formulating business strategies.<br />

Devaluation of a constitutional guarantee : the history of section 51(xxiiiA) of the Commonwealth Constitution

<i>This article describes constitutional and socio-historical background to the referendum that led to the inserrion of s 51(xxiijA) into the </i>Commonwealth Constitution<i>. It traces judicial interpretations of the clause 'but not so as to authorise any fonn of civil conscription' through the major cases, including </i>British Medical Association v Commonwealth, General Practitioners Society v Commonwealth<i>, and </i>Alexandra Private Geriatric Hospital Pty Ud v Commonwealth.<i> The issue of the powers of the Commonwealth to regulate private medical practice without infringing the constitutional guarantee against civil conscription is analysed in the context of the development of National Health Care Schemes for financing medical benefits (</i>Health Insurance Commission v Peverill<i>). Constitutional aspects of the 1995 legislation enabling the introduction into Australia of purchaser-provider agreements ('managed care ') are also examined. Finally, the article questions the constitutionality of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission s powers to regulate the essential elements of the patient-doctor relationship.</i><br />

Traditional knowledge, biological resources and intellectual property rights in Asia : the example of the Philippines

The relationship between traditional knowledge and intellectual property rights has become a topic for intensive debates at the national level, in various international settings and within and among different UN agencies, including the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), UNESCO, UNCTAD and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). However, a consensus on a definition of traditional knowledge has yet to emerge due to persistent differences in perception. On the one hand, indigenous communities hold locally specific and holistic views of traditional knowledge, which are difficult to place within the framework of current intellectual property rights. Governments of developing countries, on the other hand, mostly focus on clearly defined aspects of traditional knowledge and their interpretation in the national interest and as expressions of national culture. Asian governments, in particular, have advocated the latter view. The Philippines provide an exception due to a tradition of recognising indigenous people as separate &quot;cultural communities&quot;. However, the practical implementation of so-called &quot;community intellectual rights&quot; thus far is largely confined to access and benefit sharing rules, compensation requirements for traditional farmers and defensive protection measures such as digital libraries documenting traditional knowledge.<br />

BreastScreen Australia evaluation : a review of methodological options for evaluating the effect of BreastScreen Australia on breast cancer mortality

This report provides evidence-based recommendations for appropriate and cost-effective methods that could be used to evaluate the impact of the national BreastScreen Australia population-based mammographic screening program on mortality from female breast cancer. The report represents a significant collaboration between the Australian Government, the National Breast Cancer Centre as well as Australian and international experts in mammography research and evaluation, epidemiology and health services research.<br /><br />The recommendations are based on a review of national and international evidence on approaches used to assess the impact of mammography screening programs on breast cancer mortality in other settings. The review has used a systematic approach to assessing the strategic and methodological approaches taken in each of the studies identified and their potential limitations.<br /><br />The national evaluation of the BreastScreen Australia Program aims to assess the appropriateness, efficiency and effectiveness of the BreastScreen Program. The completion of this report marks an important first step in that process. In addition, the review and recommendations in this report may have broader application at an international level.<br />

Australia's health 1994 : the fourth biennial report of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare

Australia's Health is the most comprehensive and authoritative source of national information on health in Australia. Australia's Health is published mid-year in even-numbered years and provides national statistics and related information that form a record of health status, service provision and expenditure in Australia.

Australia's health 1992 : the third biennial report of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare

Australia's Health is the most comprehensive and authoritative source of national information on health in Australia. Australia's Health is published mid-year in even-numbered years and provides national statistics and related information that form a record of health status, service provision and expenditure in Australia.

The needs, concerns and characteristics of younger Australian adults with Type 2 diabetes

Aims : The mean age of onset of Type 2 diabetes mellitus is decreasing in Australia and internationally. We conducted an internet-based survey to improve our understanding of the emotional well-being and unmet needs of younger adults with Type 2 diabetes, and to inform service provision for this group.<br /><br />Methods : A random sample of National Diabetes Services Scheme registrants (n = 1,417) with Type 2 diabetes, aged 18&ndash;39 years, living in the Australian state of Victoria received an invitation to complete the online survey. The study was also advertised state-wide. The survey included validated scales (PAID-5: diabetes-related distress; WHO-5: general emotional well-being) and study-specific items. A total of 149 eligible respondents participated.<br /><br />Results : Almost two-thirds (63%) of respondents reported severe-diabetes related distress; more than a quarter (27%) had impaired general emotional well-being. Most (82%) were overweight or obese (BMI &ge; 25); most (77%) had at least one other co-morbidity. Lack of motivation, feeling burned out, and being time-poor were identified as top barriers to self-management. More than half (59%) of respondents had not participated in structured diabetes education. Respondents perceived that younger adults with Type 2 diabetes had different health-care needs than their older counterparts (68%), and that most Type 2 diabetes information/services were aimed at older adults (62%). Of a range of potential new services, respondents indicated greatest interest in an online forum specifically for younger adults with Type 2 diabetes.<br /><br />Conclusions : Younger adults with Type 2 diabetes have impaired emotional well-being and physical health. Population-based research is needed to confirm the current findings, to further inform service delivery and optimise outcomes for this group.<br />

Nazi Germany as a christian state : the 'Protestant experience' of 1933 in Württemberg

&nbsp;This article examines the response of Christians in Germany to the first year of the Nazi state. It responds to Manfred Gailus' call of 'micro-histories' and onsiders how Protestants in W&uuml;rttemberg conceived of 1933 and how they responded to the Nazis' antisemitism. It argues that they drew on a pre-existing myth of national-religious revival in World War I (the 'spirit of 1914') and remained 'actively passive' when it came to antisemitism.

Confucius institutes and China's national identity

This article examines China&rsquo;s Confucius Institute program, a significant language policy and planning initiative. I adopt a political perspective in looking into the birth of this language policy initiative, focusing on its role in reconstructing China&rsquo;s national identity in the context of its rise and its international relations. I explore the background against which the Confucius Institute initiative was formed, and analyse how the Confucius Institute initiative was received in the West and how China responded to it. I argue that China is undergoing a reconstruction of its national identity and the Confucius Institute initiative is a major part of this effort. I suggest that such a reconstruction of national identity is an interactive process with an outcome resulting from China&rsquo;s negotiation with the international community, involving China stating a new position, listening to international responses, clarifying and elaborating upon its position until its new position is accepted by the international community.

American defence policy and the challenge of austerity : some implications for Southeast Asia

This article examines the Obama administration&rsquo;s attempt to rebalance U.S. strategy towards the Asia-Pacific region with special emphasis on Southeast Asia. It argues that America&rsquo;s regional pivot is occurring at a time of unprecedented domestic fiscal austerity caused by a staggering level of national debt. <br /><br />The U.S. domestic budget crisis, the current &ldquo;declinist&rdquo; debate, concern over the rise of China, and the impact of sequestration on American defence spending are analysed and their implications for Southeast Asia are assessed. The article suggests that the most serious aspect of the U.S. debt crisis may be its impact upon American strategic resilience and geopolitical confidence. <br /><br />Thus, while many ASEAN nations have welcomed the U.S. strategic pivot as a valuable reinforcement of their security, they remain unsure that it is a sustainable policy. In the future, it is likely that reassuring ASEAN of the longevity of the U.S. commitment to the Asia-Pacific will require of Washington a skilled blend of budgetary reform, military presence, and sustained diplomatic effort.

White tribe: echoes of the Anzac myth in Cronulla

Since the publication of Fiske, Hodge and Turner&rsquo;s Myths of Oz: Reading Australian&nbsp;Popular Culture (1987), Australian Cultural Studies has turned to the beach as a primary&nbsp;site for examining national identity and the myths of Australian culture. In the text the&nbsp;beach is read as a liminal site between &lsquo;culture&rsquo; and &lsquo;nature&rsquo;, represented respectively by&nbsp;lifesaver and surfer. The meanings of anti-authoritarianism attached to the surfer are&nbsp;significant to the reading. And yet Fiske, Hodge and Turner also locate a heritage of&nbsp;authoritarianism, discipline and civic duty in the figure of the lifesaver:&nbsp;<br /><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br />'Lifesavers have drills, march-pasts and patrol squads, while exercising a conservative pastoral&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 12px;">interest in their members&rsquo; moral health. They are agents of social control. Further, they see&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 12px;">themselves as servants of the community, sacrificing their weekends for others&mdash;a tradition of&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 12px;">sacrifice dear to a nation which twice voted no to conscription in the Great War.' (Fiske et al.&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 12px;">1987, 64&ndash;65)&nbsp;</span><div><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br />The last sentence distils the bifocal meanings not only of the &lsquo;culture&rsquo; of the beach but of&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 12px;">Australian cultural identity more broadly, framed by contested norms of civic participation&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 12px;">and moral values.&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 12px;">This binary frame has been a productive starting point for analyses of national identity&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 12px;">in Australian Cultural Studies since the 1980s. These have dropped off the radar in recent&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 12px;">years owing to a shift away from the national field and the privileging of a transnational&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 12px;">cultural agenda. And yet recent events in Australian politics and culture have&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 12px;">unexpectedly re-centred national identity as an urgent issue for Cultural Studies,&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 12px;">particularly in its use as a form of exclusion to targeted populations within the national&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 12px;">community.<br /></span><br />In light of these developments this article revisits Myths of Oz and its construction of&nbsp;surfer and lifesaver c.1987 to focus on the reordering and re-assemblage of these figures on&nbsp;Sydney&rsquo;s beaches 20 years on. It also acknowledges that this is a process which cannot be&nbsp;understood in isolation from broader shifts in Australian political culture, and particularly&nbsp;the current obsession with national &lsquo;values&rsquo; hinging on a strategic shift away from&nbsp;multicultural policies and the redefinition of the &lsquo;fringe&rsquo; as an ethnic position.<br /><br />Reflecting on these issues, this article locates a slippage between the binary framing of&nbsp;the surfer and lifesaver in Myths of Oz and their complex &lsquo;relationality&rsquo; on the beach today.&nbsp;Specifically, it examines how the surfer has recently become co-opted into the Australian&nbsp;mainstream and imbued with a form of &lsquo;governmental belonging&rsquo; (Hage 1998) once&nbsp;attributed to the lifesaver alone. This slippage has been enabled by the overlap betweenlocal surfie cultures and exclusivist national cultures assembled by State and federal&nbsp;governments; particularly as both draw upon a normative frame that opposes the&nbsp;meanings of white belonging to Muslim groupings within the nation.</div>

National identity in fragile states: insights from tertiary students in Melanesia and Timor-Leste

The challenges of nation building in Melanesia and Timor-Leste have often been neglected in the regional focus on state-building challenges. High levels of ethno-linguistic diversity, combined with an array of regional, historical and cultural divisions, continue to present obstacles to the creation of a cohesive sense of national political community leading these nations to be labelled &lsquo;fragile&rsquo;. This paper presents the findings of a comparative study on the attitudes of tertiary students in Melanesia and Timor-Leste to national identity and nation building. A strong pan-Melanesian pattern of group identification was identified, common to Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. The ongoing importance of traditional authority and custom in informing conceptions of political community and identity was evident in all four case study sites, but was in each case matched by indicators of respect for modern state authority. The survey also reveals some significant gender differences in key attitudes towards national identity, including the role of traditional authorities. Most importantly, the study reveals high degrees of national pride, and faith in democratic principles and citizenship; but conversely, low levels of pride in contemporary democratic performance and inter-group tolerance.

Reconciling custom, citizenship and colonial legacies: Ni-Vanuatu tertiary student attitudes to national identity

Nation-building remains a key challenge in Vanuatu. From the origins of this new nation in 1980, it was clear that creating a unifying sense of national identity and political community from multiple languages and diverse traditional cultures would be difficult. This paper presents new survey and focus group data on attitudes to national identity among tertiary students in Vanuatu. The survey identifies areas of common attitudes towards nationalism and national identity, shared by both Anglophone and Francophone Ni-Vanuatu. However, despite the weakening ties between language of education and political affiliation over recent years, the findings suggest that there remain some key areas of strong association between socio-linguistic background, and attitudes to the nation, and national identity. These findings cast new light on the attitudes of likely future elites towards regional, ethnic, intergenerational and linguistic fault lines in Vanuatu and the challenges of building a cohesive sense of political community and national identity.

Does calibration reduce variability in the assessment of accounting learning outcomes?

Reliable, consistent assessment process that produces comparable assessment grades between assessors and institutions is a core activity and an ongoing challenge with which universities have failed to come to terms. In this paper, we report results from an experiment that tests the impact of an intervention designed to reduce grader variability and develop a shared understanding of national threshold learning standards by a cohort of reviewers. The intervention involved consensus moderation of samples of accounting students&rsquo; work, with a focus on three research questions. First, what is the quantifiable difference in grader variability on the assessment of learning outcomes in &lsquo;application skills&rsquo; and &lsquo;judgement&rsquo;? Second, does participation in the workshops lead to reduced disparity in the assessment of the students&rsquo; learning outcomes in &lsquo;application skills&rsquo; and &lsquo;judgement&rsquo;? Third, does participation in the workshops lead to greater confidence by reviewers in their ability to assess students&rsquo; skills in application skills and judgement? Our findings suggest consensus moderation does reduce variability across graders and also builds grader confidence.