Search

Australian women will soon be eligible for a menopause health check. Here’s what to expect

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/susan-davis-10376">Susan Davis</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/monash-university-1065">Monash University</a> The federal government has recently pledged to create a new Medicare rebate for menopause health assessments. It’s due to be available <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-02/more-choice-lower-costs-and-better-health-care-for-women.pdf">from July 1</a>. The announcement featured in the <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/government-response-to-inquiry-issues-related-to-menopause-and-perimenopause?language=en">government’s response</a> to the <a href="https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Community_Affairs/Menopause/Report">Senate inquiry</a> into menopause, released last week, though was first flagged earlier this month as part of the government’s pre-election funding package <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-08/federal-labor-promises-funding-boost-for-womens-health/104914202">for women’s health</a>. So what is a menopause health assessment? And how will it improve the health care women receive during this stage in their lives? <h2>Why we need this</h2> Outside reproductive health, women’s health care has generally been modelled on the needs of men. A prime example is the government-funded <a href="https://www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm?type=note&q=AN.0.38&qt=noteID">midlife health check</a> for people aged 45 to 49. This is intended to identify and manage risks to prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. The recent <a href="https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Community_Affairs/Menopause">Senate inquiry</a> into issues related to menopause and perimenopuase highlighted that the timing of this health check is not fit for purpose for women. This is because at <a href="https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(23)00905-4?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0092867423009054%3Fshowall%3Dtrue">menopause</a>, which occurs on average at the <a href="https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/what-is-menopause">age of 51 in Australia</a>, women’s health profiles change. Women <a href="https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(23)00905-4?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0092867423009054%3Fshowall%3Dtrue">gain tummy fat</a>, their <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2682462/">cholesterol levels go up</a>, and glucose (sugar) metabolism <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28953212/">becomes less efficient</a>. All these changes <a href="https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(23)00905-4?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0092867423009054%3Fshowall%3Dtrue">increase a woman’s risk</a> of heart disease and diabetes. Vast numbers of women are given a clean bill of health at this midlife health check in their late 40s. But when they subsequently go through menopause, they can go on to develop heart disease and diabetes <a href="https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(23)00905-4?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0092867423009054%3Fshowall%3Dtrue">risk factors</a>, which may go undetected. Some women also go through <a href="https://www.imsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/INTERNATIONAL-GUIDELINE-ON-POI-2024.pdf">early menopause</a>: around 12% between the ages of 40 and 45, and around 4% before 40. Those women who experience menopause before age 45 are known to be at significantly <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamacardiology/fullarticle/2551981">higher risk of heart disease</a> than other women. But, by the time women with early menopause qualify for the midlife health check, <a href="https://www.imsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/INTERNATIONAL-GUIDELINE-ON-POI-2024.pdf">crucial metabolic changes</a> may have silently occurred, and the opportunity to intervene early to address them may be missed. <h2>What will a menopause health check involve?</h2> The federal government has committed <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-02/government-response-to-inquiry-issues-related-to-menopause-and-perimenopause.pdf">A$26 million</a> over two years to fund the new menopause health assessments, as part of a $64.5 million package designed to improve health care for women experiencing perimenopause and menopause. Some <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-02/government-response-to-inquiry-issues-related-to-menopause-and-perimenopause.pdf">$12.8 million</a> will also be dedicated to a menopause-related community awareness campaign. My own research has shown women understand menopause means the loss of fertility, but often have little <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/13697137.2020.1791072?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed">knowledge of the health changes</a> that occur as part of the menopause transition. So increasing health literacy around menopause is much needed. Similarly, for the introduction of these menopause-specific consultations to be effective, women will need to know what these health checks are for, if they’re eligible, and how to access a menopause health check. The new menopause health checks will be provided by GPs. Exactly what they will involve is yet to be clarified. But I would anticipate they will include a combination of the assessment and management of perimenopause and menopause, overall health and wellbeing, and assessment of risk and prevention of future ill health, notably heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis. <h2>Upskilling health-care providers</h2> Equally, health-care providers will need to understand the impact of menopause on long-term health and how best to mitigate against disease risks, including the role of <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cen.15211">menopausal hormone therapy</a>. My research has shown <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/13697137.2021.1936486?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed">health-care providers lack confidence</a> in delivering menopause-related care, indicating a need for more education around menopause. In line with this, the <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-02/government-response-to-inquiry-issues-related-to-menopause-and-perimenopause.pdf">Senate inquiry</a> called for the upskilling of the medical workforce in the field of menopause through medical school training, postgraduate specialist programs, and ongoing education of clinicians. While the government cannot mandate what is taught in medical schools or the content of specialist training programs, its <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-02/government-response-to-inquiry-issues-related-to-menopause-and-perimenopause.pdf">response to the inquiry</a> encourages these institutions to incorporate menopause in their curricula. Further, part of the government funding will go towards expanding a professional development program on managing menopause offered by <a href="https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-professionals/elearning-modules/courses-for-gps">Jean Hailes for Women’s Health</a>. <h2>A good start, but still not enough</h2> The government’s new funding, and the new menopause health checks in particular, recognises that women’s health is strongly dictated by major biological events, such as menopause, as opposed to age. This is good news. But we need to do more to equip health professionals to provide the best menopause care to women in these health assessments and beyond. Adding new menopause modules to medical school and specialist training programs will ensure greater awareness of the impact of menopause on women’s health and wellbeing. However, awareness alone won’t ensure high-level training for the complex care many perimenopausal and menopausal women need. The opportunities for medical graduates to gain hands-on clinical experience in menopausal medicine are mostly limited to the select few who get to work in a hospital specialist menopause clinic during their training. Notably, there’s no credentialed training program in menopause medicine in Australia. Meanwhile, the North American Menopause Society does offer a <a href="https://menopause.org/professional-resources/mscp-certification">credentialed program</a>. The challenge has been that menopause does not belong to one medical specialty. This is why we need an accredited training program – for both GPs and medical specialists – to ensure a truly skilled workforce able to deliver gold standard menopause care. But without further federal funding to set this up, it will not happen.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/249499/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/susan-davis-10376">Susan Davis</a>, Chair of Women's Health, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/monash-university-1065">Monash University</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/australian-women-will-soon-be-eligible-for-a-menopause-health-check-heres-what-to-expect-249499">original article</a>. </div>

Body

Readers response: Who is your favourite Australian artist, writer, or musician?

We asked our readers who their favourite Australian artist, writer, or musicians are, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said about their favourite homegrown talents. Greg Curtin - Judith Durham. Her voice had an amazing quality. Julie Richardson - Australia has a number of top artists, my personal favourite is John Farnham. Gail Ladds - Russell Morris. Absolutely brilliant voice. Denise Houlihan - Such a tough one, so many great musicians, one under the radar was Mark Gillespie, he always made good music. Top of the voices would have to be John Farnham, but so many! Neil Watt - So many brilliant artists in this country. Joe Camilleri is a particular fave. Faye Inskip - My favourite writer is Fiona Macintosh...her books are well researched and well written. Catherine Borthwick - Any member of Powderfinger for sure! They were all brilliant. Vicki Coulta - John Farnham, Shirley from Skyhooks, Jimmy Barnes, Russell Morris, Michael Hutchence from INXS, Bon Scott from AC/DC and so many more! Dianne Strachan - John Williamson. Sue Pentecost - Delta Goodrem! Great singer. Image credits: Shutterstock

Music

"Un-Australian": Aussies called out over "selfish" summer habit

Australians have been called out for taking part in a "selfish" summer trend that has left many people fuming. The trend began as many erupted over the increase use of beach cabanas and "reserving" spaces on the sand, which then led to similar behaviour at campsites and carparks. Eager Aussies would set up a cabana or rope off a campsite and leave their belongings behind, only to return a matter of hours later and still have their spot reserved. One of Australia's leading etiquette experts, Jo Hayes, spoke to <a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/aussies-called-out-over-selfish-summer-trend-taking-over-car-parks-and-campsites-un-australian-055035070.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yahoo News</a> on the matter, and said the "poor" trend is "reflective of a general societal decline". She argued such acts are "bad form" and even branded them "un-Australian". It turns out the "reservations" aren't exclusive to beaches or campsites, as one woman was recently photographed standing in the middle of a car park at Balmoral Beach in Sydney, in a bid to deter others from seizing the spot, arguing her "husband was coming soon". Hayes said the "only people who have the right to do such reserving" are the local council/regulators in charge of that area, adding, "It's not fair." "There are ways that one can reserve the best, desired spots, that align with common decency and proper etiquette," Hayes said. "This is the way things were done in previous generations. Get to the venue early, claim your spot and set up your gear, then stay there — you must have at least one person staying with the claimed spot." "If you've taken the time to get there ahead of others — all power to you. Well done. But you don't have the right to lay down a blanket, or cordon off an area with your own self-made sign, and then choof off." Hayes said that when in doubt, apply the golden rule of thumb: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. "The average Joe doesn't have the right to 'reserve' a spot and leave," she reiterated. "If a group wants to have an event at a council park, they can contact local council to officially reserve the spot. Council puts up a sign stating that the area is reserved for an event. One can't just put up their own sign." Image credits: Facebook

Travel Trouble

"No end in sight": Australian Idol star's sad health update

Courtney Murphy, beloved Australian Idol finalist from 2004, has shared a difficult update nearly a year after being diagnosed with late-stage bowel cancer. The 45-year-old musician revealed in an interview with Perth Now that his fight against the disease remains ongoing, with no clear end in sight. “It’s nearly a year on now from my diagnosis, and there’s no end in sight as far as treatment goes,” Murphy said. “I’ve told my doctors to throw everything they’ve got at it. I’m willing to do whatever it takes. I’m going to keep looking forward to putting out the next album.” Murphy was diagnosed with advanced-stage bowel cancer in March 2024 and has been undergoing intensive treatment since. Murphy first captured Australia’s hearts during Australian Idol, where his powerhouse vocals and heartfelt performances earned him a devoted fanbase. Following the competition, he continued to thrive as a musician, joining the cast of the Queen-inspired musical We Will Rock You in 2018 and performing both as a solo artist and with his siblings in their band, The Murphy Brothers. Over the years, Murphy has entertained audiences across WA and beyond, cementing his status as a beloved figure in the local music scene. Murphy’s diagnosis has been a devastating blow for his family, especially coming so soon after the loss of his father, Kim, who passed away following a brief battle with an aggressive brain tumour. In April 2024, Murphy’s family launched a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/courtney-murphy-and-his-family" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> campaign to help support him and his young family through the challenges ahead. The father of three, who is unable to work during treatment, has been relying on the generosity of his community to ease the financial burden. “Our beautiful brother Courtney Murphy is in for the fight of his life,” the family wrote on the fundraising page. “Many of you will know Courtney for his amazing musical talent and his big voice. We think it’s fair to say he’s been entertaining West Aussies for the best part of 30 years… Now, we’re asking for your help to support him as he faces this incredible challenge.” For those who wish to contribute, donations can be made through the family’s <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/courtney-murphy-and-his-family" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe page</a>, which serves as a lifeline for Murphy, his wife, and their three young children during this difficult time. At the time of writing, donations had soared above $140,000, well on its way to the $200k target.

Caring

Readers response: What’s an Australian icon or landmark that holds a special meaning for you?

We asked our readers what Australian icon or landmark holds a special meaning for them, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said. Rae Dutton - Ayers Rock (Uluru). I climbed it in my twenties. Everyone there that day was completely respectful and we just took photos. Such a shame people are no longer allowed to experience that. Darryl Wilkes - Being a Sydneysider, the Harbour Bridge and Opera House of course. Lynette Miller - The Blue Mountains. I have relatives up there so been going since my brother and I were kids love it always stunning. Kathryn Potter - The Australian Standing Stones in Glen Innes, NSW. Tony Smith - The domes of the Bungle Bungles in Purnululu National Park. Breathtaking and Spiritual. Val Derksen - Richmond, Tasmania. Margie Buckingham - The Australia Rock at Narooma. Janita Hill - Coorong and River Murray Mouth. Feeling of belonging. Irene Loring - Rottnest and Port Hedland. Marian Monaghan - Pildappa Rock on Eyre Peninsula. Image credits: Shutterstock

Domestic Travel

"Disrespectful": PM hits out at Grace Tame's Australia Day stunt

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has condemned Grace Tame for "taking focus away" from the 2025 Australian of the Year finalists with her choice of outfit. The former Australian of the Year winner was greeted by Albanese and his fiancee, Jodie Haydon, at The Lodge in Canberra on Saturday, as she donned a t-shirt that said "F*** Murdoch". Speaking with <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/listen/live/perth" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link-type="article-inline">ABC Radio Perth</a> on Monday, Albanese was asked about his meeting with Tame and his views on her T-shirt, as he said her stunt was disrespectful towards the award's finalists. “I held a function. It is something that, in my view, took away from the people who were there, and my focus was simply on that,” he said. Albanese believed Tame’s decision to wear the t-shirt had clearly been designed to get attention, as he said, “I don’t intend to add to that attention because I do think that it takes away from what the day should be about, which is the amazing people who were nominated as Australians of the Year.” When asked if he agreed with the message of what Tame was trying to portray, Albanese said that he “clearly disagreed” and he wants debate to be respectful, adding, “People are allowed to express themselves, but I thought it was disrespectful of the event and of the people who that event was primarily for.” Tame explained her decision to wear the shirt to the event to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/jan/25/grace-tame-wears-anti-murdoch-shirt-to-prime-minister-anthony-albanese-australian-of-the-year-morning-tea-ntwnfb" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Guardian Australia</a>, saying, “[The T-shirt is] clearly not just about Murdoch, it’s the obscene greed, inhumanity and disconnection that he symbolises, which are destroying our planet.” “For far too long this world and its resources have been undemocratically controlled by a small number of morbidly wealthy oligarchs. If we want to dismantle this corrupt system, if we want legitimate climate action, equity, truth, justice, democracy, peace, land back, etc, then resisting forces like Murdoch is a good starting point.” Image credits: Instagram

Legal

Tennis fans praise Jelena Dokic's on-court interviews

Jelena Dokic has received praise from tennis fans for her on-court interview with Aryna Sabalenka on Thursday night at the Australian Open. Sabalenka beat her friend Paula Badosa 6-4 6-2, and will face Madison Keys in the final on Saturday. Dokic was chosen to conduct the on-court interview with Sabalenka. While previous on-court interviews had been criticised for being too <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/another-ao-competitor-calls-out-disrespectful-commentators" target="_blank" rel="noopener">personal</a>, Dokic's interview focused on the matches and performances of the athletes, even sharing a funny moment with Sabalenka which won widespread praise from tennis fans and journalists alike. "Not sure I'm raising anything that most don't know but Jelena Dokic is an excellent media performer," Journalist Daniel Garb wrote on X. "Very good analyst, asks the right questions and all with a lovely demeanour." <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Aryna Sabalenka after beating Paula Badosa to reach Australian Open Final: “I hope she’s still my friend… I promise Paula we will go shopping and I’ll pay for whatever you want” 😂😂😂 <a href="https://t.co/UKtzOlG53j">pic.twitter.com/UKtzOlG53j</a> — The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTennisLetter/status/1882372566083662249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2025</a></blockquote> "Jelena Dokic is definitely the best choice for these on court interviews," wrote one tennis fan. "There has been much talk about commentators and interviewers at the Aus Open. Rightly so. Some have been woeful. However, there hasn’t been enough talk about Jelena Dokic. She’s an excellent media talent and a brilliant tennis analyst. Far superior to many with far greater experience," commented another. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Jelena Dokic is definitely the best choice for these on court interviews — SyLpatyczna SyLwia (@sylpatica) <a href="https://twitter.com/sylpatica/status/1882373064496988280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2025</a></blockquote> "I think we just need Jim Courier and Jelena Dokic as the post-match interviewer from now on," added a third. Image: X

Few Australians know the second verse of our national anthem – or how out of date it is

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/wendy-hargreaves-1373285">Wendy Hargreaves</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-southern-queensland-1069">University of Southern Queensland</a> There are two verses to Advance Australia Fair, but do you know the second? Probably not. It’s in our citizenship booklet, <a href="https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizenship/test-and-interview/our-common-bond">Our Common Bond</a>, suggesting Aussies know it and new citizens could be questioned on it in their citizenship test. Yet <a href="https://www.pmc.gov.au/honours-and-symbols/australian-national-symbols/australian-national-anthem/australian-national-anthem-use-and-protocol">official protocol</a> makes singing it optional. And who’ll choose to sing both verses when thousands of sporting fans just want the game to start? There are living generations who never properly learnt Advance Australia Fair. Before 1984, <a href="https://theconversation.com/50-years-on-advance-australia-fair-no-longer-reflects-the-values-of-many-what-could-replace-it-226737">most school students</a> sang God Save the Queen. Schools today teach verse one, but whether we learn verse two is haphazard. If school students sing along to a pre-recorded accompaniment with two verses, we’ll learn verse two. If we sing along with a squeaking school beginner band, one verse is probably all we’ll endure. I suspect if we knew the second verse our common bond would be arguing about it. Australians <a href="https://theconversation.com/outrage-over-schoolgirl-refusing-to-stand-for-anthem-shows-rise-of-aggressive-nationalism-103160">acted passionately</a> when debating one word in verse one, yet verse two barely raises an eyebrow. It’s the controversy we need to have (after we’ve googled the lyrics). <h2>The birth of our second verse</h2> The problem with verse two comes from its origins. It wasn’t in Peter Dodds McCormick’s original 1878 composition. His <a href="https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/62087415">second verse</a> championed gallant Cook sailing with British courage to raise old England’s flag, proving “Britannia rules the waves”. His third and fourth verses weren’t any more appropriate. So, before Advance Australia Fair became our anthem in 1984, the National Australia Day Council made shrewd edits. Instead of using verse two from McCormick’s original version, they turned to <a href="https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-165919018/view?partId=nla.obj-165919026">another version of Advance Australia Fair</a> written for federation in 1901. The federation version introduced a new commemorative verse, the only other verse the council kept: <blockquote> Beneath our radiant Southern Cross we’ll toil with hearts and hands To make our youthful Commonwealth renowned of all the lands For loyal sons beyond the seas we’ve boundless plains to share With courage let us all combine to Advance Australia Fair. </blockquote> Next, the council fixed the gendered language in the federation verse. “Loyal sons” became “those who’ve come”. They deleted “youthful” with an uncanny premonition that age would become sensitive. (For verse one, Australians resolved the debate ingeniously in 2021 <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/dec/31/we-are-one-and-free-australian-anthem-to-change-in-attempt-to-recognise-indigenous-history">by replacing</a> “young and free” with “one and free”.) But that’s all the council changed in verse two. They endorsed the rest. <h2>What’s wrong with verse two?</h2> The federation verse, understandably, celebrated the politics of 1901. The lyrics begin mildly but repetitively, “Beneath our radiant Southern Cross we’ll toil with hearts and hands”. I’m not sure why we’re toiling in both verses. Perhaps Aussies have an exceptional work ethic. In the next line, the word “commonwealth” was included to mark federation. The forming of the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901 marked a transition from six British colonies (New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia and Queensland) into one nation. On one hand, it celebrates unity and cooperation between colonies. But by singing the intended meaning of the verse, that the nation began when the colonies united, we disrespect the knowledge Australia already was many nations of First Peoples. <figure class="align-right zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/643701/original/file-20250121-15-cbyhoq.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/643701/original/file-20250121-15-cbyhoq.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/643701/original/file-20250121-15-cbyhoq.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=806&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/643701/original/file-20250121-15-cbyhoq.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=806&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/643701/original/file-20250121-15-cbyhoq.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=806&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/643701/original/file-20250121-15-cbyhoq.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=1013&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/643701/original/file-20250121-15-cbyhoq.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=1013&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/643701/original/file-20250121-15-cbyhoq.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=1013&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="Illustration: White Australia - the great national policy song" /></a><figcaption>The federation verse says Australia has ‘boundless plains to share’ – but many were excluded from this vision of Australia. <a class="source" href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:White_Australia_-_the_great_national_policy_song_.webp">Wikimedia Commons</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/">CC BY-SA</a></figcaption></figure> The second questionable lyric in verse two is “for those who’ve come across the seas, we’ve boundless plains to share”. In 1901, Australia’s idea of sharing land was specific. We recruited enthusiastically for more British immigration, yet rejected migrants who weren’t white. <a href="https://www.naa.gov.au/explore-collection/immigration-and-citizenship/immigration-restriction-act-1901">The Immigration Restriction Act 1901</a>, one of our parliament’s first laws, allowed immigration officers to set near impossible dictation tests in any European language. In effect, this meant anyone could be excluded from immigrating by what would be known as the White Australia Policy. Australia’s 21st century approach to sharing with foreigners also draws media attention. The breach of human rights at <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-un-says-australia-violated-human-rights-law-but-its-unlikely-to-change-the-way-we-treat-refugees-247096">detention centres</a> and the limiting of <a href="https://theconversation.com/international-student-numbers-in-australia-will-be-controlled-by-a-new-informal-cap-heres-how-it-will-work-246318">international student visas</a> to stem migration suggest we have “bounds” after all. <h2>The way forward</h2> If the federation verse is theoretically testable for new citizens, then we should check if the values of 1901 and 2025 still match. Without checking, Australia is stagnating, not advancing. The way forward is in the last line of verse two: “With courage let us all combine to Advance Australia Fair”. In 1901, that was a plea for spirit and cooperation between colonies when forming a national parliament. Yet, there’s a timeless truth in those words. By debating our anthem courageously, we can be united by challenge, enriched by diversity and ingenious at rewriting lyrics.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/246678/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/wendy-hargreaves-1373285">Wendy Hargreaves</a>, Senior Learning Advisor, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-southern-queensland-1069">University of Southern Queensland</a> Image credits: Izhar KHAN/Shutterstock Editorial This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/few-australians-know-the-second-verse-of-our-national-anthem-or-how-out-of-date-it-is-246678">original article</a>. </div>

Music

Another AO competitor calls out "disrespectful" commentators

American tennis star Ben Shelton has criticised the standard of on-court interviews at the Australian Open. The 22-year-old made it to the semi-finals with a 7-5 6-4 7-6 (7-4) victory against Sonego, in what will be his second Grand Slam semi-final appearance, taking on Jannik Sinner on Friday. As he was about to wrap up his post-match press conference, Shelton shared an unprompted take of the Australian Open TV broadcast. “One thing I just want to say, I’ve been a little bit shocked this week with how players have been treated by the broadcasters,” Shelton said. His comments come after <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/novak-djokovic-refuses-post-match-interviews-after-offensive-comments" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tony Jones' controversial comments</a> about Novak Djokovic made headlines, with Shelton making reference to the incident. “I don’t think that the guy who mocked Novak (Tony Jones), I don’t think that was just a single event. "I’ve noticed it with different people, not just myself. I noticed it with Learner Tien in one of his matches. I think when he beat Medvedev his post-match interview, I thought it was kind of embarrassing and disrespectful that interview.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Interesting end to Ben Shelton’s press conference. Unprompted, he took a moment to tear into the quality of local broadcasting and specifically on-court interviewing at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a>. <a href="https://t.co/ig76VrKq2C">pic.twitter.com/ig76VrKq2C</a> — Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenRothenberg/status/1882017558615974124?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2025</a></blockquote> John Fitzgerald had previously been slammed for his awkward interview with Learner Tien, following his victory over Daniil Medvedev, where he had jokingly commented "19-year-olds are not meant to be that good." Shelton continued: “There are some comments that have been made to me in post-match interviews by a couple of different guys, whether it was, Hey, (Gael) Monfils is old enough to be your dad. Maybe he is your dad." “Or today on the court, Hey, Ben, how does it feel that no matter who you play in your next match, no one is going to be cheering for you? “I mean, may be true, but I just don’t think the comment is respectful from a guy I’ve never met before in my life. “I feel like broadcasters should be helping us grow our sport and help these athletes who just won matches on the biggest stage enjoy one of their biggest moments. I feel like there’s just been a lot of negativity. I think that’s something that needs to change.” Shelton's comments on Wednesday night struck a nerve with fellow tennis players, with six-time grand slam champion Boris Becker writing on social media: "Absolutely agree with Ben! Courtside interviews way too long after matches … and too personal as well!” Czech tennis player Jiri Lehecka added: “Well said @BenShelton.” Image: Nine

Australian Open loser learns of "insane" pay day

A lucky Australian Open loser has learned of her massive pay day on camera after being knocked out of the competition in Melbourne. Eva Lys, a 23-year-old tennis champion from Germany, had never been beyond the second round of a grand slam but made the most of her last-minute opportunity to join the main draw in Melbourne to secure three wins worth 240 ranking points. As well as her win, the young player secured a cash prize of $420,000. Lys enjoyed the “humbling” experience on Rod Laver Arena making it to Round 16, and was told by a member of the media of her big pay day. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFD8WxNzHTW/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFD8WxNzHTW/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Lachlan Wills (@lachlanwills1)</a> </div> </blockquote> "I loved that one of the members of the media here said to her, off air, it's $420,000 and she had no idea," Grand Slam Daily host Chris Stubbs said on Stan Sport. "She hadn't even looked at the prize money. And her reaction!" Lys ended up being knocked out by Poland's Iga Swiatek, as Mark Petchey said on Grand Slam Daily, "You walk out there if you're Eva Lys and you're wondering what's going to happen. She's had a great tournament, but Iga's looking supreme, she's looking dominant." "And that's what the best players do. Yes, they compete, great, but they also dominate." Image credits: 7News

Money & Banking

Novak Djokovic responds to Tony Jones' apology

Tony Jones has issued a full apology to Novak Djokovic, following the tennis star's decision to boycott his post-match interview with Channel Nine because of Jones' <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/novak-djokovic-refuses-post-match-interviews-after-offensive-comments" target="_blank" rel="noopener">"offensive comments"</a>. Jones broke his silence on Monday morning during an interview on Nine's Today show, saying that he had already apologised to members of Djokovic's support team behind the scenes - days before the walk-off. “If I could just give you a bit of a timeline here — the comments were made on the news on the Friday night, which I considered to be banter. I considered it to be humour. Which is consistent with most things I do, whether it be the Sunday Footy Show or on the morning show or here," he explained. “Having said that, I was made aware on Saturday morning from Tennis Australia via the Djokovic camp, that the Djokovic camp was not happy at all with those comments. “As such, I immediately contacted the Djokovic camp and issued an apology to them, so this is 48 hours ago. “But any disrespect that Novak felt that I caused and as I stand here now I stand by that apology to Novak if he felt any disrespect, which clearly he does.” He also apologised to the Serbian fans he heckled, saying that "what I thought I was doing was an extension of that banter", clarifying that he felt bad for letting down the Serbian fans. Jones' also explained that he "overstepped the mark" when he told the crowd of fans “Novak’s a has-been. Novak, kick him out." “I can stand here and put whatever spin I want on that, but it can only be interpreted as a throwback to the <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/novak-djokovic-told-to-leave-australia" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid years</a> when he was kicked out," Jones said. “That has angered Novak, which I completely understand now. “It’s an unfortunate situation. It’s been one of personal angst for Novak. It’s quite clearly personal angst for me as well. But I think the priority here now is to focus on the tennis again. “He’s got an amazing match coming up tomorrow night against Carlos Alcaraz and I hope his focus can now be on that and my focus is now the broadcast again. I can only again tell Novak what I did 48 hours ago and that is that I do apologise if he felt I disrespected him.” Djokovic has since acknowledged the apology and is prepared to move on and focus his attention on his upcoming match against Carlos Alcaraz. “Novak acknowledges the apology has been given in public as requested, and is now moving on and focusing on his next match,” a Tennis Australia statement read. Image: Nine/ Instagram

Beloved Australian soap star dies at age 85

Beloved Australian soap star Leila Hayes has died at the age of 85. The popular actress died peacefully at a hospital in Sydney’s Northern Beaches after facing long-term health challenges, according to the post on a Facebook page announcing her death. Best known for her role on Sons and Daughters, Hayes also went on to dabble in singing, hosting a radio show and writing throughout her stellar career. Hayes appeared in popular drama series including Homicide, Power Without Glory, The Sullivans, Prisoner, and Cop Shop. She is best remembered for her of role of Beryl Palmer in the soap opera Sons and Daughters, playing the part in close to 1,000 episodes over the course of the show’s five-year run beginning in 1982. Hayes also proved herself as a radio presenter, hosting New Day Australia with Leila Hayes on Radio 2UE, a successful midnight-to-dawn program. The accomplished performer established the Leila Hayes Drama Studio in Melbourne in 1979 and branched out to Sydney in 1987, where she nurtured up-and-coming talent. The Drama Studio confirmed the news of Leila's passing, with her daughter Melissa sharing her thanks for all the kind messages of support. "Thank you for your condolences, shared memories and support. It means the world to me and my family at this difficult time," Leila's daughter wrote. "Yesterday’s message was not easy to share, and done only out of the great respect she had for all those who have followed, worked with or studied with her over the years. I am sure she would feel incredibly humbled by the overwhelmingly loving support. Thank you." Image credits: 7News

Caring

Novak Djokovic refuses post-match interviews after "offensive" comments

Novak Djokovic stunned Australian Open viewers when he refused to conduct a post-match interview with Channel Nine - the official broadcaster for the tournament - on Sunday night. The Serbian superstar explained that the "offensive comments" made by Nine's sports presenter, Tony Jones, was the reason for his boycott. “I’d like to just clarify the reason why it was not conducted on the court,” Djokovic said. “A couple of days ago the famous sports journalist who works for official broadcaster here in Australia made a mockery of Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments towards me. And since then he chose not to issue any public apology, neither did Nine. “Since they’re official broadcasters I chose not to give interviews for Channel 9. I have nothing against Jim Courier or the Australian public. It’s unfortunate. “I chose to say something to the crowd but obviously wasn’t the time and situation to explain what I’m doing right now. “I leave it to Nine to handle this the way they see fit.” He also released a self-recorded video message to his fans apologising for not speaking to them on the court. “It was of course not a great feeling for me and it was quite awkward on the court. “Jim Courier was the one that came out. I have tremendous respect for him and I always love speaking to Jim and I know that a lot of people wanted to hear me speak so I apologise for everyone being in the stadium and not being able to hear me speak. And on the TV as well.” Djokovic also confirmed that he had spoken with Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley after the match and said he was prepared to be fined by the tournament for refusing to deal with the official broadcast partner. “I have really nice relationship with Craig, I think he’s a phenomenal guy that always tries to help players and understand the players’ needs or demands, so I just wanted to make sure that he knows where I stand and the reasons behind it,” the 10-time Aussie Open champion said. “So I told him, you know, If you guys want to fine me for not giving an on-court interview, that’s OK, I’ll accept that because I feel like this is something that needs to be done. “That’s all there is to it.” While Tony Jones is yet to speak through the Nine Network, he has reportedly made an apology through Serbian outlet Sport Klub. “Unfortunately, my ‘humour’ the other night was misinterpreted as an attack on Novak, he said. “That was certainly not the case. I’ve been joking with Serbian fans throughout the tournament and this is – at least I thought so – a continuation of that. “If you watch our morning show, you’ll get an idea of how we work. At no point did I mean to show any disrespect to Novak and I apologise – there was certainly no intention to offend him.” Jones made the comments while reading the sports news for Nine’s evening news bulletin live from Melbourne Park on Friday night, when a group of Djokovic's fans began cheering in the background. “Welcome back to Melbourne Park, where you can see the Novak Djokovic fans, they’re in full voice,” Jones said. “The chants are quite extraordinary,” he added, before saying: “Novak, he’s overrated." “Novak’s a has-been. Novak, kick him out. “Boy, I’m glad they can’t hear me. Anyway, let’s get onto the tennis.” As he finished his bulletin, Jones said: “Alright that wraps it up from Melbourne Park. Somehow I’m going to have to get out of here. “No we’re fine, we had selfies. I told them I was Clint Stanaway.” Image: Fox Sports

Legal

Weet-Bix weighs in on married couple's "un-Australian" debate

A husband and wife have gone viral on social media for their differing views on stacking Weet-Bix, with the breakfast cereal company chiming in to settle their debate. The argument erupted on Reddit after a man asked users to "Help me settle an argument between my wife and me" over how they prepared their Weet-Bix in the morning. “How do you eat yours? I put my Weet-Bix vertically, which optimises each biscuit’s access to milk, ensuring a more balanced texture across the dish. She likes hers flat. Thoughts?” The man attached a photo of both ways side-by-side. In the first bowl, four Weet-Bix biscuits are placed vertically, while in the second, they’re stacked flat. Within hours, thousands of comments poured in on the divisive post and the consensus was clear: eating them vertically is “un-Australian”. “I’ve never heard of that,” one user wrote. “I denounce it as heresy and witchcraft.” “I didn’t know there was any other way to eat them other than flat,” chimed in another. “Who are these people eating their Weet-Bix vertically and walking around acting like normal citizens?” joked someone else. However, a few brave souls defended the vertical method, saying they could see the benefits, such as keeping the biscuits “crisper” for longer and allowing more to fit in the bowl. To settle the debate, Sarah Smyth, Weet-Bix Brand Manager at Sanitarium chimed in, telling <a href="https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/food/eat/weetbix-responds-to-wild-breakfast-debate/news-story/f6f6585dbb48070ea79e97ca586559ce" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a> that the Aussie breakfast staple is to be enjoyed however you want. “We’ve been doing our Weet-Bix daily for nearly 100 years, and there’s no right or wrong way,” she told the news outlet. “Vertical, flat, whole, crumbled, soaked or plain, we just love how the humble Weet-Bix is the perfect base to inspire a master breakfast chef in any generation." “From savoury to the strangest of sweet toppings, to smoothies, slices, veggie balls, and even crumbled on a salad for extra crunch, we’ve heard it all over the years!” Image credits: Reddit

Food & Wine

Legendary Australian TV presenter dies at age 79

Australian TV presenter and journalist Simon Townsend has died at the age of 79. Townsend died on Tuesday after a battle with an aggressive form of cancer, with his family confirming the news of his passing in a statement. The statement read, “In his final days, Simon was surrounded by his family and a mix of journalists, writers, actors, political activists and Italians." “The conversation to the last was loud, passionate and full of laughs.” Townsend was best known for creating and hosting children’s entertainment TV show Wonder World on Network 10, which ran between 1979 and 1987 and won five Logie Awards. “Simon often found himself in a stoush with Australian children’s television regulators, fighting to maintain his show’s boundary-pushing ethos and preserve his children’s TV rating,” his family’s statement continued. “The edict to all involved in making the show was that they never talk down to children.” Townsend was also known for a stint in Long Bay jail that sparked protests across Sydney, after he became a conscientious objector to the Vietnam War. Townsend's passing prompted a wave of tributes from Australian media personalities, with Amanda Keller being the first to share her experience of working with Townsend as she revealed her first job was on Wonder World. “I was a researcher there, and was lucky enough to work alongside some of the most talented people of my generation,” Keller wrote. “Many of my closest friends today are from those days. I’ll forever be grateful to the show, and to the groundbreaking force that was Simon Townsend. My condolences to all who loved him.” Image credits: Network 10

Caring

Nick Kyrgios makes retirement announcement after Aus Open comeback

Nick Kyrgios has made a candid admission about his participation in future Australian Opens as his comeback ended in tears. The 29-year-old returned to Melbourne after two years from the AO away to nurse an injury, although his return ended in disappointment in a straight-sets loss to Brit Jacob Fearnley. Many spectators were quick to point out that Kyrgios didn't seem like himself as his injury was affecting his serve and his endurance on the court. After looking down and out, he fought to the very end before crashing to the 7-6 (7-3), 6-3, 7-6 (7-2) loss. Speaking after the match, Kyrgios said he was “heartbroken” at being unable to perform at his show-stopping best, but added that he only played on for the packed John Cain Arena crowd cheering him on. “Realistically I can’t see myself playing singles again here,” he said. “It was special (atmosphere), taking that in, it was pretty good. I knew that I have doubles so I kind of was taking everything in tonight, in those moments, it was nuts." “I didn’t want to just throw in the towel and walk off or retire. I was hurting physically but I respect my opponent and the fans that waited hours to come see me play.” He later added: “Honestly, the reason I kept playing, tried to play tonight, was because of the fans. As I said, I don’t know how many times I’m going to be back here again." “That’s why I didn’t have headphones on, I wasn’t listening to music. I walked out there today, wanted to hear the crowd. There were some special moments.” Kyrgios still plans to team up with Thanasi Kokkinakis in the doubles and will continue to play out the season in singles. “It’s hard. When you’re competing for the biggest tournaments in the world and you’re struggling to win sets physically, it’s pretty tough,” he continued. “But I’ve still got a long year ahead. I’m trusting the process that I can still be able to do some cool things this year at some stage.” Despite the immediate devastation, Kyrgios was targeting a deep run at Wimbledon. “Obviously Wimbledon is a big one for me. I still feel like obviously, if I don’t have an abdominal strain, I feel when I sustained that five days before a grand slam, it’s not ideal,” he said. “Hopefully, if my body’s feeling good, I’ll be able to make some noise at Wimbledon.” Image credits: Rachel Bach/Shutterstock Editorial

Retirement Life

"Totally heartbroken": Disabled Australian man dies in LA fires

A heartbroken mother has recalled the moment she tried to save her son from the wildfires ravaging Los Angeles. In an emotional post on X, Shelley Sykes confirmed that her 32-year-old son, Australian citizen Rory Sykes, has died on Thursday after she lost the water supply to hoses she was using to extinguish embers on their home's roof. Rory, who was born blind and with Cerebral Palsy, lived in a self-contained cottage at the back of the family’s home in Malibu, which was decimated by the ongoing fires in the Californian city. "Rory's feet with the heat had started to swell, and he couldn't walk very well. And he also had problems with his tummy. So he didn't want to be far away from the bathroom," Shelley told Weekend Today. "So he said, Mum, you go, I'm staying. Well, there's no way I could leave." "So I stayed in the main property with my two peacocks in a bathroom because it was hard to breathe. Sitting on the floor with bottled water and trying to keep wet." Keeping an eye on her son’s cottage, Shelley sprang into action when she saw embers start to land on Rory’s roof. After her calls to emergency services didn’t go through and no water came out of the garden hose, she jumped in her car and drove to the nearest fire station. "They said, 'what are you doing? You're not supposed to be here'. And I said, 'please help Rory. His cottage has got flames on it and I've got no water',” she recalled. "They said, 'Shelley, we've got no water either'." When Shelley and the fire crews returned to try and save Rory, it was too late. "When I got there, the three cottages were down to the ground and just black ash," she said. "My house was fine, the big main house, but there were embers flying everywhere and it was hard to breathe." Shelley said her son Rory was a "very courageous man" who had overcome huge adversity in his life. "They said he'd never see or walk, and he defied all the odds," she said. "He loved Australia. He grew up as an Aussie boy, and has the Aussie accent…. He was my baby." British-born Rory moved to Australia as a child and attended school in Sydney but has been living in the US more recently. Shelley said she is "totally heartbroken" by Rory’s death, writing on X, "A wonderful son, a gift born on mine & his grandma’s birthday... a true humanitarian.” Image credits: X (Twitter)

Caring

The heart research that could save fit and healthy Australians

Leading scientists at the <a title="https://www.hri.org.au" href="https://www.hri.org.au/" data-outlook-id="7561b6b0-1679-4cf1-aedd-c178db738113">Heart Research Institute</a> (HRI) are close to uncovering a new biomarker to identify people at risk of heart disease with a simple blood test, after a “good” gene was identified that causes the heart to enlarge with exercise. The world first discovery was led by one of Australia’s foremost heart scientists, Professor Julie McMullen, who is now leading HRI’s Heart Muscle Group to focus on developing new ways to prevent and treat heart attack and heart failure. “Our goal is to reproduce the actions of the ‘good’ genes in the diseased heart by mimicking the beneficial effects of exercise in a failing heart. We then use that information to develop new drugs to reduce the risk of heart disease or heart failure,” Prof McMullen said. One person has a heart attack in Australia every 10 minutes, while one Australian dies from cardiovascular disease every 12 minutes. “Heart disease can happen to any of us. With increasing rates of obesity and type two diabetes, people are being affected by heart conditions at a much younger age, which can progress to heart attack and heart failure,” Prof McMullen said. “Current drugs are not very effective for improving heart function and quality of life, so it is important that we identify new therapies for patients with heart disease and heart failure.” A simple blood test could have helped someone like Warren Williams, who was a fit and healthy tri-athelete when he discovered he had atrial fibrillation. The Sydney father had to be fitted with a pacemaker, only to still suffer a massive cardiac arrest years later while on a run. “Doctors told me I should be dead, they said I shouldn’t have lived through it,” he said. "Somehow I miraculously survived, probably due to my fitness, but that we will never know. I was told I wouldn’t be able to run again, ride a bike, sing on stage, and possibly not even work again." The father is now on a mission to spread awareness about regular heart check-ups, especially for those people who feel fit and healthy. "Atrial Fibrillation affects people in many different ways - for some, everyday life and function becomes quite difficult, whereas in others, like myself, it can be a silent underlying condition with potentially life-threatening outcomes." Scientists are hoping to find the gift of research in their Santa stocking this festive season as HRI launches a targeted <a title="https://www.hri.org.au/donate-christmas-appeal" href="https://www.hri.org.au/donate-christmas-appeal" data-outlook-id="69ee70de-a228-4c82-9fb7-4efd2bcfa0b0">Christmas Appeal</a> to help Prof McMullen’s team ramp up their work to the next phase. “We know this biomarker is there and we are close to finding it, but it comes down to researchers getting time in the lab,” Prof McMullen said. “By donating, individuals can fund essential laboratory resources and high-tech equipment, accelerating the availability of life-changing treatments for those in need, said Prof McMullen. Image credits: Shutterstock

Body

Australians are embracing chatbots this Christmas, but what does it mean for retailers and consumers?

<div> By Richard Valente, Executive Vice President of Business Solutions at<a title="https://www.teleperformance.com/" href="https://www.teleperformance.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-outlook-id="b381e4a3-fd96-44ea-ac4f-2162ce2e7cfe"> </a><a title="https://www.teleperformance.com/" href="https://www.teleperformance.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-outlook-id="6a609d2f-3bfa-4e4d-b9b1-9936ebdc3ade">Teleperformance</a> (TP) </div> The festive season is upon us and Australians are turning to technology to make their Christmas shopping easier. A new study reveals that nearly one-third of Australian shoppers are more open to using AI chatbots this year than last, a significant shift in consumer behaviour. Surprisingly, it’s not just the younger generations leading the charge. Australians aged 55 and over are also showing a growing willingness to embrace chatbots for finding the best deals and simplifying their holiday shopping. But what does this mean for retailers, and how are consumers balancing convenience with the desire for personalised service? AI chatbots are revolutionising how we shop. From generating tailored gift recommendations to answering product questions in real-time, chatbots are no longer just a novelty, they’re a powerful tool in the modern retail landscape. Retail giants like Amazon have adopted these advancements, offering AI-powered buying guides that help consumers navigate complex purchasing decisions. Whether you’re looking for the latest tech gadget or the perfect pair of shoes, these tools streamline the shopping experience, saving time and effort during the busy Christmas rush. Older Australians are joining the AI revolution and the adoption of over 55s highlights a fascinating trend - older consumers are increasingly willing to experiment with technology. Their openness to chatbots suggests a broader acceptance of AI in everyday life, driven by its ability to simplify tasks and provide instant support. However, this rapid technological adoption doesn’t come without concerns. Many Australian consumers are apprehensive about the fast changing shopping experience. They fear losing the personal touch that has traditionally defined retail interactions. But the reality is that these advancements can enhance the shopping journey by freeing up staff to engage in more meaningful ways with customers. Here at TP, we feel the key to maintaining customer trust lies in using AI to complement human assistance, not replace it. Automating repetitive tasks, answering questions and providing tailored recommendations. For retailers the messaging is clear, innovation must go hand-in-hand with empathy. Businesses that invest in both AI technology and high quality customer service teams will be positioned to meet evolving customer expectations. AI isn’t just transforming the customer experience, it’s also delivering cost efficiency for retailers. Automated systems reduce the burden on support staff enabling faster responses to customer enquiries while lowering operational costs. This dual benefit is why brands are rushing to integrate AI-powered solutions like customer relationship management (CRM) systems, omnichannel tracking and loyalty programs. It’s important retailers find balance and use AI to enhance the customer journey and not overshadow it. Self-service options and chatbots are invaluable but they should be backed by a strong human support team for more complex queries. For customers, the rise of chatbots means faster service, better deals and smoother shopping journeys. But it also highlights the growing importance of choosing brands that value customer care. TP’s research shows that half of consumers now prioritise companies with excellent service, a trend likely to shape the future of retail. As Australians embrace AI this Christmas, the message is clear, technology is not the enemy of personalisation. Instead, it’s a tool that when used thoughtfully, can make holiday shopping less stressful and more enjoyable for everyone. This holiday season, chatbots are proving to be the ultimate shopping assistant but only for brands willing to blend innovation with a human touch. As we look ahead, one thing is certain, the future of retail will be shaped by how well technology and empathy can co-exist. Image credits: Shutterstock

Technology

Four Australians hospitalised after suspected poisoning in Fiji

A resort in Fiji is investigating a suspected poisoning that has left at least four Australians hospitalised. Local health officials reported that seven guests of the Warwick Fiji Resort were taken to hospital after allegedly drinking cocktails that had been poisoned. The seven people were aged from 18 to 56 and had nausea, vomiting, and neurological symptoms after consuming the alcoholic beverages. According to the ABC, four Australian women aged 56, 49, 19 and 18 were among those receiving treatment in hospital. The 56-year-old was under constant surveillance in hospital, the public broadcaster said, while the 49-year-old and 18-year-old were critical but last night not as serious. A Warwick Fiji Resort spokesperson confirmed they were aware of the "recent news regarding suspected alcohol poisoning" and are taking the matter "very seriously". "Please rest assured that we are taking this matter very seriously and are currently conducting a thorough investigation," a spokesperson told <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/world/fiji-drink-poisoning-fears-two-australians-believed-among-seven-hospitalised/86aa947d-c1b6-475d-a57d-f22d8edf2e1f" target="_blank" rel="noopener">9news.com.au</a>. "We are also awaiting the health authorities test result report to gather all necessary information. "At this moment, we do not have conclusive details, but we are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our guests. We will keep you updated as more information becomes available." The Australian government <a title="Smart Traveller" href="https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/pacific/fiji" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Smart Traveller</a> website updated its safety alert for Fiji yesterday, warning travellers to "be alert to the potential risks around drink spiking and methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks". "We continue to advise exercise normal safety precautions," Smart Traveller says. Image credits: Facebook

Caring

Our Partners

Over 60

News

Shop

Catalogues

Contests

Entertainment

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Property

Games

Information

Keep up to date

Search

Australian women will soon be eligible for a menopause health check. Here’s what to expect

Readers response: Who is your favourite Australian artist, writer, or musician?

"Un-Australian": Aussies called out over "selfish" summer habit

"No end in sight": Australian Idol star's sad health update

Readers response: What’s an Australian icon or landmark that holds a special meaning for you?

"Disrespectful": PM hits out at Grace Tame's Australia Day stunt

Tennis fans praise Jelena Dokic's on-court interviews

Few Australians know the second verse of our national anthem – or how out of date it is

Another AO competitor calls out "disrespectful" commentators

Australian Open loser learns of "insane" pay day

Novak Djokovic responds to Tony Jones' apology

Beloved Australian soap star dies at age 85

Novak Djokovic refuses post-match interviews after "offensive" comments

Weet-Bix weighs in on married couple's "un-Australian" debate

Legendary Australian TV presenter dies at age 79

Nick Kyrgios makes retirement announcement after Aus Open comeback

"Totally heartbroken": Disabled Australian man dies in LA fires

The heart research that could save fit and healthy Australians

Australians are embracing chatbots this Christmas, but what does it mean for retailers and consumers?

Four Australians hospitalised after suspected poisoning in Fiji

Our Partners