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Air traffic controller found asleep on the job

An air traffic controller has been found asleep on the job, with the incident prompting calls for better fatigue management, according to Australia's transport watchdog. The report by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) dates back to December 2022, when the Airservices Australia controller was found lying across two chairs with a blanket covering them at 5am. The controller had worked multiple night shifts with reduced extended rest periods, "which likely reduced their ability to obtain restorative sleep", the report claimed. ATSB chief commissioner Angus Mitchell said the controller had increased their chances of falling asleep "by lying across two chairs, not moving, and not undertaking activities to maintain mental alertness". When a colleague discovered the snoozing worker, there was no traffic in the Cairns airspace they were responsible for managing, which was usual for that time of day, and there were no scheduled flights until after their shift. However, the report highlighted the possible problems the incident pay have caused, saying if the traffic controller was woken up by a radio broadcast, they may have experienced "sleep inertia", with the risk of delayed communications, or incorrect instructions or actions. "There were no negative consequences from this occurrence, but it does highlight areas for improvement in work scheduling and fatigue risk management," said Mitchell . Since the incident, Airservices Australia has increased its overall number of air traffic controllers, and has also drawn up new guidelines and training about fatigue risk assessment. "Fatigue remains one of the most relevant ongoing concerns for safe transport, despite increased awareness across the transport sector," said Mitchell. Image credits: Shutterstock

Travel Trouble

Tasmania to cover travel costs in exchange for these "odd jobs"

Tasmania has just opened applications for 10 "odd jobs" that you could do in exchange for a free trip to the state. As part of Tourism Tasmania's latest campaign to entice winter visitors, they are offering to cover travel and accommodation costs in exchange for a few odd jobs. While the work is unpaid and only lasts a day or two, the chosen Aussies will also get a hire car and a hamper worth up to $500 of local Tasmania produce and memorabilia. One of the jobs on offer is a wombat walker at East Coast Natureworld in Bicheno. The wildlife park is looking for an animal and nature lover, who loves going out for walks to lead the furry animals on their morning waddles as part of their rehabilitation program. Another job on offer is a “paranormal investigator” who will help Tasmania’s Most Haunted in New Norfolk capture and document any disturbances, spectral figures or unexplained phenomena at Willow Court Asylum. They are looking for someone who is “attuned into interactions with the otherworldly” and respects the controversial history of Willow Court. Other jobs include a “truffle snuffler” at The Truffledore, which involves truffle hunting with a canine companion, a “wine whisperer” at Clover Hill, a “puffer nut” at West Coast Wilderness Railway and “soaksmith” at Little Things Farm. They are also looking for an “oyster organiser”, a “star seeker” and “sauna stoker”. Anyone interested in taking these odd jobs must explain in 50 words or less why they want to swap their day job for the odd job in Tasmania. Applications are open from now until July 8 this year. The total value of the prize pool is up to $25,000. “More and more, we’re all looking for remedies through experience that make life feel simpler and less stressful," Tourism Tasmania chief marketing officer Lindene Cleary said. “Watching ‘cottagecore’ videos of people gardening and building cabins in the woods. Hobbies like cooking and reading are even trumping digital hobbies like gaming. "So, we extend a warm invite to Australians to apply for an odd job in Tasmania and wake up from their cool weather coma.” Images: Tourism Tasmania

Domestic Travel

Telstra announces thousands of job losses

Telstra is set to axe 2,800 jobs, or 9 percent of their total workforce, by the end of 2024 in a bid to save a whopping $350 million. The telco giant announced that the job cuts would "begin immediately" as a result of the impending business "reset" strategy. Chief executive officer Vicki Brady announced the cuts on Tuesday, and said the job cuts were "difficult" but "necessary" as parts of Telstra were not performing to the required levels. <div> <div>"We need to be a more efficient and sustainable business to ensure we can keep investing at the levels required to meet the ever-increasing demand for our connectivity and services for our customers right across the country," she said.</div> </div> Ms Brady also assured Telstra customers that the job losses would not affect customer service teams. “We have invested significantly in our customer service over recent years. That includes on-shoring our call centres for consumer and small business customers, it includes buying back our stores to deliver consistently good experience,” she said. “None of these changes impact those commitments." “As we work through the further changes still to come that I expect to be able to share with our employees in mid-July, customer service and experience will continue to be a key priority in that.” Despite Ms Brady's claims, Communication Workers Union (CWU) National Assistant Secretary, James Perkins, who represents Telstra workers said there was no way the substantial job cuts would not affect services. “While the detail of where exactly these jobs are being cut from is still unclear, one thing is certain – it will have a devastating impact on services,” Mr Perkins said. “You can’t slash thousands of jobs without seriously impacting the delivery of services across the country. Telstra has to answer to this.” The job cuts come as Telstra continues to scale up AI adoption, after the company announced in February it was expanding two in-house developed generative AI solutions following “promising pilots with frontline team members, enabling faster and more successful interactions with customers”. Image credits: Shutterstock

Money & Banking

Quiet beach town offering $450k job with free house and car

A picturesque beach town in Western Australia has found a creative way to bring jobs to the area: by offering a range of enticing bonuses. The town of Bremer Bay, south-east of Perth, is desperate for healthcare providers to join the small town and have offered a range of persuasive perks to a doctor who would be willing to leave a big city for the job in the regional location. Bremer Bay is next to the Fitzgerald River National Park and nearly 40 minutes away from the closest town. Currently, they only have one temporary doctor; the next permanent GP is in Albany, almost 200 kilometres away, and the town is looking for the "Swiss army knife of doctors" to step up. According to the job listing on Seek, the successful applicant will be granted a rent-free five-bedroom house and a four-wheel drive, on top of a salary of up to $450,000 a year. "Live rent-free in a scenic location, experiencing the true essence of rural Australia," the advertisement reads. "We offer a competitive 70 per cent of Billings or a generous Salary, based on your preference. In addition, you'll enjoy the convenience of a beautiful new 5-bedroom home and 4X4." Applicants must be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency and be willing to train as a rural generalist. According to the <a title="Australian Institute of Health and Welfare" href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/rural-remote-australians/rural-and-remote-health" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Australian Institute of Health and Welfare</a>, people living in rural and remote areas have higher rates of hospitalisations, deaths and injury compared to city-dwellers, while also having poorer access to primary health care services. Image credits: Shutterstock

Money & Banking

"Arrogance personified": Rich lister slammed for "pointless" job advice

An Aussie rich lister has gone viral for all the wrong reasons, after her "tone deaf" advice for young Aussies to get a job fell flat. Sarina Russo, who made her start on the property market, shared the importance of relying on yourself to achieve financial independence. Ms Russo, who is ranked 59th on Australia’s 2024 Rich Women list with an estimated net worth of $271 million, runs a business that provides government-funded entrepreneurship programs to create self-employment opportunities. Known for handing out unsolicited financial advice, Russo was filmed on sharing her opinions on young people holding down work. “Today I thought I would emphasise how important it is to have a job,” she said. “You know, I’ve been thinking about this. I’ve been an ambassador for being the ‘Job Queen’ for Australia and global for something like 45 years," she said. “I just want to emphasise that if you have a job, you have dignity. You have a job, you have more respect and positive self esteem." “If you have a job, you become financially (in)dependent and absolutely empowered. You can become more, enjoy more, have more and see more." “So today, I’m going to say to you and say to myself ... let’s get a job, let’s get excited, let’s get that passion growing and I’ll see you at the top. Ciao for now.” Given the current state of the job market for young Aussies in the wake of increased reliance on AI, many were quick to slam Ms Russo's comments. Social media users said her comments were "hypocritical" and "arrogance personified" given that she made her fortune as a landlord and became a multimillionaire based off other people's employment. “Yes watch Sarina, dressed in designer funk wear, as she meanders through the extravagant but ultimately aimless alleyways of the wealthy yet pointless. With each step, she peels off essential life lessons, like “I’m the jobs Queen; Get a job!” Classic. So tone deaf” one person wrote on Twitter. “Standing outside the Westin Hotel telling people to get a job as if nobody’s thought of it. Last day of the comedy festival - no stars,” another wrote under her Instagram video. This is not the first time Ms Russo' controversial comments caused a stir, attracting controversy two years ago after posting a video of herself telling victims of the devastating Queensland floods that “it’s the time to exercise”. Ms Russo told the victims “fitness is everything” and to “just do it”. “We’re here overlooking the most beautiful city called Brisbane and sadly last week we had massive floods – once in a hundred year flooding, and it called massive devastation,” she said to the camera. “But you know, when things are going wrong and endorphins are low, this is the time you need to exercise.I really believe that fitness is everything.” Image credits: Instagram

Money & Banking

"Just doing her job": Hero cop Amy Scott breaks silence after Bondi stabbing

The hero police officer who shot Joel Cauchi after his killing spree has spoken out after the devastating incident. NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott was confronted by the knife-wielding 40-year-old after he had fatally stabbed six people and injured several others at Bondi Junction Westfield on Saturday afternoon. Witnesses of the incident recall hearing the officer shout for Cauchi to "put it down" before the knifeman charged at her, prompting her to fire her weapon and shoot him dead. “Amy is content with what she had to do," Police Association of NSW boss Kevin Morton said. “I spoke to her last night and again this morning and she said, ‘It was a night with not a lot of sleep’.” Mr Morton said the officer, who he has known personally for years, was playing down the praise she had received after being dubbed a "hero" for her actions. “She knows she has been tagged a hero but to her she was doing her job. I didn’t ask her about the exact incident, because she is yet to be formally interviewed,” he said. “Everyone will be keeping an eye on her obviously, there will be a lot of support from everyone,’’ he said She also drew praise from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and NSW Premier Chris Minns, as well as NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb. “She showed enormous courage and bravery,” Ms Webb said. Witnesses backed up the officer's actions at the shopping centre, as Bondi man Jason Dixon witnessed Inspector Scott's response firsthand. “All she said was ‘Put it down’. Just once. Then she shot him in the chest and he went down,” Mr Dixon told The Sunday Telegraph. “Then when he fell on the ground she was giving him CPR,” Mr Dixon said. “She had to shoot him, because he just kept coming,” Mr Dixon said. “He had a knife and he wasn’t going to stop. “He was advancing at her and he was running, coming to get someone else,” Mr Dixon said. “She shot him once in the heart or the chest,” he said. “I’m glad she got him, because if she didn’t he would have stabbed her too.” Inspector Scott will be formally interviewed by police later this week as part of the major investigation into the stabbing. Image credits: news.com.au / X (Twitter) <div class="media image side-by-side" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin-bottom: 24px; display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; width: 1209.375px; max-width: 100%; font-family: Charter, Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px;"> </div>

Caring

Santas needed! Surprising Christmas shortage spells job openings for Aussie grandads

A nationwide Santa shortage has many shopping centres hoping for a Christmas miracle, before festive families line up in droves for a snap with Father Christmas. According to talent agency <a href="https://scenetobelieve.com.au/santa-jobs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Scene to Believe</a>, who are responsible for hiring Santas in over 180 around Australia, there are not have enough applicants for Santa roles this December. The agency's head Christmas recruiter, Viviana Diaz, told <a href="https://www.news.com.au/finance/work/careers/santa-jobs-go-unfilled-despite-fall-in-aussie-job-ads/news-story/de7f3c5b6d95c6f78f9718d1bb60a099" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a> that the seasonal shortfall was nationwide, but the situation was more pronounced in Sydney. The company said issue has been growing over the last three years, with the problem believed to have stemmed from the Covid pandemic. Ms Diaz said that contrary to popular belief, Santas can come in all shapes, sizes and ages, and that women are also eligible to apply. “Sometimes they think they have to look like Santa,” Ms Diaz said. “But we provide a full Santa suit and they don’t have to have a real beard.” Previous experience is also not required, as Scene to Believe runs a dedicated Santa School where new incoming Santas can learn tips from experienced Santas. The company states that Santas “need to be jolly, have a great HOHOHO and enjoy working with children”, while a genuine love of the festive season, patience and compassion, and good communication skills. A current Working with Children Check and Police Check, or willingness to get these, are also important. Ms Diaz added, “Being a shopping centre Santa is a perfect job for Aussies looking to help their hip pocket come Christmas time, with flexible working arrangements and casual rates.” Experienced Santa Tony Hooper said it’s “perfect for older Australians wanting to dip their toe back into the workforce”. “Being a Santa is by far the best work I’ve ever done. It’s flexible, I work when I want and I spend my days talking to young families and getting in the festive spirit.” “It’s also a great way to earn extra cash right before Christmas, which is when I need it most. And the best part is, I can still receive my pension!” Ms Diaz said failing to fill its Santa positions was not an option, and they would do everything in their power to have a flock of Santas ready to spread Christmas cheer on December 1st. “We have to find a lot of people because Santa has to be there. We will perform a Christmas miracle!” <div> </div> Image credits: Getty Images

Retirement Income

Cher accused of hiring abductors to kidnap her son

Cher has been accused of hiring professional kidnappers to abduct her son from a hotel in New York where he was staying with his wife. The allegations were contained in court documents filed by Elijah Blue Allman's wife, Marieangela King, according to reports by the BBC. The documents allege that four men "removed" him from a New York hotel room on their anniversary in November 2022. The allegations have recently come to light as part of the couple's divorce proceedings. King claimed that she and her then-husband had spent 12 days in the hotel room trying to "work out their marriage". Then, on the evening of November 30th 2022, which is also the couple's wedding anniversary, the four men charged into the room and "removed" Allman. "I was told by one of the four men who took him that they were hired by (Allman's) mother," she alleged. In the court files from last December, King said that Allman had been receiving treatment at a medical facility for months, and she was "very concerned and worried" about his wellbeing. She went on to claim she hadn't been told where he was, and was unable to contact him. Allman, 47, is the son of pop star Cher and her former husband, the late rock musician Gregg Allman. Image credits: Getty Images

Legal

Film stars’ surprising jobs before they were famous

Today, they’re Oscar-winners and household names, but before they were famous, these actors were just like us. From restaurant servers to professional jugglers, we take a look at the surprising jobs Hollywood’s most well-known names had before they hit the big time. <ol> <li>Whoopi Goldberg – Goldberg has had a couple of unexpected professions (including as a bricklayer), but perhaps her most bizarre was her stint as a morgue beautician – yep, she used to doll-up corpses for funerals!</li> <li>Hugh Jackman – Before he was Wolverine, the beloved Aussie actor was known as “Mr. Jackman” – he was a P.E. teacher at Uppingham School while living in the UK during his post-high school gap year. Jackman also worked as a clown for hire at birthday parties!</li> <li>Johnny Depp – Prior to becoming a screen star, Depp was a salesman of sorts! The actor sold personalised pens over the phone to “people who don't want you to call them.”</li> <li>Rachel McAdams – The Notebook star, like many young people, got her start at Maccas. In fact, she worked at the fast food joint for three years, but told <a href="http://www.glamour.com/story/rachel-mcadams-glamour-magazine-cover-interview-ok-we-love-this-girl" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glamour</a> she “was not a great employee” but that it was “a great place to work”.</li> <li>Helen Mirren – She may have played the Queen, but Mirren’s first job wasn’t exactly the most royal role in the world. As a child, she worked as a promoter for the Kursaal amusement park in the UK.</li> <li>Harrison Ford – Before saving the world as Indiana Jones, Ford was just a regular tradie. Before hitting the big time, the actor was a carpenter. In fact, he was renowned as one of Los Angeles’ best cabinetmakers.</li> <li>Jim Carrey – The Hollywood funnyman worked as a cleaner in a factory before finding fame as a comedic actor. He took up the janitorial job after quitting school at 15 to help provide for his financially struggling family.</li> <li>George Clooney – Heartthrob Clooney had many jobs before becoming a successful actor, including as a door-to-door insurance salesman, tobacco cutter and ladies shoe store sales assistant.</li> <li>Nicole Kidman – She’s one of Australia’s most well-known exports, but prior to breaking into the film industry, Kidman worked as a masseuse! She took up the job at 17 to support her mother, who had been diagnoses with breast cancer.</li> <li>Christopher Walken – The acclaimed actor’s career almost went in a very different direction, after he took up the position of lion tamer in a travelling circus. “I used to go in and have this lion do tricks,” he told <a href="http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2012/09/christopher-walken-seven-psychopaths-interview" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vanity Fair</a>. “It was a female named Sheba, and she was very sweet.”</li> </ol> Images: Getty

Movies

"I did it”: 59-year-old grandma finally scores dream Qantas job

A 59-year-old grandmother has gotten her big gig with Qantas after dreaming of being a flight attendant for about 40 years. Jackie Cookson is one of the airline’s latest recruits, having graduated on May 29, with her first flight scheduled for June 3. Cookson can now add flight attendant to her versatile resume, with her previously working as a travel agent, a receptionist on an oncology ward and a newspaper sales rep. The 59-year-old, who calls herself “crazy nana” has shared her journey on TikTok since her first interview with Qantas, through all the assessments and training and to her upcoming graduation. In January 2023, she posted her first video ahead of her first in-person interview with Qantas, which attracted more than half a million views, saying people might think she was crazy to apply given her age, but she was finally following her dreams. The grandmother-of-two revealed she had an interview at another airline when she was 20 years old but never went as she ended up getting married. “In my eyes then if you were married you couldn’t be cabin crew. How bloody stupid was that,” she said. She got the job and relocated from Perth to Sydney for her training. “Crazy nana is going to be a cabin crew, watch out!” she told her followers. Four months on saw Cookson standing proudly in her Qantas uniform, with her certificate in hand. “Can you believe it? Crazy nana’s gone and bloody done it, hasn’t she? I’ve passed, today I’ve graduated. I did it,” an elated Cookson said. “If I can do it, anyone else can do it. Follow your dreams. Don’t give up. Don’t be thinking ‘I’m too old’ or this or that. Look at me, I’ve got my wings.” Cookson, who is originally from England but has been living in Australia for about 30 years, told news.com.au that the older she got, the more she thought she may have missed her chance. “After Covid I took a year off and travelled the world, went back to see my 91-year-old dad in Yorkshire, and I applied while I was on holiday,” she said. “I haven’t studied for a long time, so it’s definitely been a challenge, but I put everything I’ve got into it and I’m thrilled to have gotten my wings. “I fly on my first flight to LA on Saturday. I’m nervous, like any first day on the job, but I know I’ll settle into it, but I’m mostly just really excited. I love people and I’m looking forward to working with our customers.” Image credit: TikTok

International Travel

"The world's best job": Kochie quits Sunrise

After 20 years on the air, Kochie has quit Sunrise. The veteran TV personality shocked viewers as he shared the news of his retirement live on Monday morning's show, getting teary-eyed as he shared why he is "hanging up the boots". “Before we move on, just a bit of news for me,” the 67-year-old began. “I have decided to hang up the boots as co-host of Sunrise. After nearly 21 years and over 5300 shows...” he stopped, holding back tears as his co-host Nar Barr got emotional. “Nat, stop it.” He continued, “...And 16,000 hours of live TV, it is now time to work in business hours and have a bit of flexibility to focus more on our big family and the family business. And frankly, my football club as well." “So after 20 consecutive premierships in the breakfast TV ratings game, I’m frankly finding it harder to get off the ground to take those marks and I think it’s time to bring to the next generation.” <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/CszbLuggdKU/?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/CszbLuggdKU/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Sunrise (@sunriseon7)</a> </div> </blockquote> Kochie went on to say he started at the Channel Seven breakfast show "before Facebook, before Instagram, Twitter and iPhones... Yes, that's how old I am." “I have loved every single minute of my time at Sunrise, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved over the last 21 years." “I’ve been privileged to experience so many adventures, to meet so many incredible people and to cover so many moments of history in the making. It really is the world’s best job.” Co-host Nat Barr stepped in to say, "The show would not be what it is today without you. It's been an amazing ride and we're going to celebrate that in the next two weeks." Kochie will step away from the Sunrise desk in two weeks time, saying he would miss working with the entire Sunrise team, but gave special shoutouts to co-hosts Natalie Barr and Mark Beretta and producer Dave Walters. "I reckon I've spent more time with them than my family and it has been an utter joy. I'll miss the Sunrise viewers who have energised me every single day." "Sunrise has always been bigger than just one person, and now seems the right time to exit stage left. Thank you for having me." Image credits: Sunrise

News

"Get a job": Ben Fordham slammed over interview with welfare recipient

Ben Fordham has come under fire for a patronising interview with a welfare recipient, in which he tried to get the man, who is unable to work, a job live on air. On Wednesday morning, the 2GB radio host spoke with Jez Heywood, who is president of the Australian Unemployed Workers’ Union, and has been out of work since 2017 due to several health conditions. Mr Heywood had recently spoken to The Australian, sharing his frustration about the $20-a-week increase to Jobseeker, saying he was “angry” and “annoyed” at the federal government, describing the $2.85-a-day increase as “absolutely nothing”. Mr Heywood's commentary on the Jobseeker budget increase caught the attention of 2GB, who invited him to speak to Fordham, saying he “wanted to see whether we can find Jez a job”. Fordham asked Heywood if he was looking for work, to which Heywood shared that he is looking for work, but it is hard to find a job that would be suitable given his physical and mental health barriers. In response, Fordham told Heywood that "there are 54,000 jobs available right now in Melbourne". "That’s on the Workforce Australia website. So none of those 54,000 jobs are suitable to you or you’ve applied for them and they’re just not giving you the nod?" Heywood said he is applying for jobs that are "suitable" for his conditions, and is hearing nothing back from prospective employers. Fordham said a job would seemingly fix everything for Heywood, saying, "I reckon we can help your mental health if we get you into a job." Heywood seemingly appreciated the help, but also said it is important for him to consider what he is able to achieve in a job given his limitations. The tense exchange between Fordham and Heywood continued, as Heywood voiced his concerns and limitations with working, as Fordham seemed to dismiss his worries and said everything would be fine if he simply returned to work as a graphic designer. After the call, Heywood took aim at Fordham on social media, slamming the host as a “coward and a bully who’s been taking potshots at welfare recipients from the safety of his cosy radio studio for years”. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> You're a dog Ben Fordham — Vulgar Boatman (@satisjacktion) <a href="https://twitter.com/satisjacktion/status/1658691768706269184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> I’ve never met a dole bludger. I *have* met plenty of people with unresolved trauma and mental and physical illnesses (often not-yet-diagnosed), who probably LOOK like bludgers, through a telephoto lens. People who are doing okay WANT to be busy and to work. — Catherine Caine (@CatherineCaine) <a href="https://twitter.com/CatherineCaine/status/1658665436916101120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2023</a></blockquote> He stood by his opinion that the Jobseeker payment should be at least $88 a day to keep recipients above the poverty line, and condemned Fordham for “calling me a dole bludger on national radio”. Fordham doubled down on his condescending treatment of Mr Heywood, saying, "I just want to find you a job, Jez." Image credits: Getty Images / Twitter

Money & Banking

"Most beloved, gorgeous cat in Australia" seeking full-time carer

A Sydney family are seeking the paw-fect candidate to take on the role of cat-sitter for their feline friend, and if their job listing is anything to go by, they’re taking their search quite seriously. The ad, <a href="https://www.seek.com.au/job/67162902?fbclid=IwAR1pARYiDV_TaFy4kqCqf7yFpLNUQupF-Pz9sgAl56Q7JVwx0wX_sg_0_a4">posted to Seek</a>, calls for a “Pet Nanny for an amazing cat” in one of the city’s most affluent Eastern Suburbs. The wording of the job description is familiar enough for anyone who’d nannied in their past, with just the minor catch that their ward would have four legs this time around - and may have them chasing their tail. This “once in a lifetime” opportunity requests serious applicants only for the live-in and full-time position. A room and “all facilities” would be provided, all within a house described as both “wonderful and beautiful”, but for anyone hoping to bring their own pet along with them, this probably isn’t the job for them. The family are firm on candidates having prior experience with cats - the more, the better - and won’t so much as consider an application from someone who’s coming to them without. It makes sense when considering the duties of the position, which range from basic full-time care - with the likes of feeding, playing, and cleaning - to daily health checks, and perhaps most importantly to the cat, constant attention. Professional experience isn’t a must, with the family willing to consider pet owners for the exclusive gig - as long as you have “experience caring for cats” behind you, you’re in with a shot. It should go without saying that a “passion for cats and a deep understanding of their needs” is a must, so self-proclaimed animal lovers may find themselves a step ahead of the pack. The position is full-time, and a schedule will be supplied with rostered days off included. However, the usual catch applies, and hopeful applicants must be willing to work across weekends and holidays. The nitty gritty comes in the form of a valid WWCC (Working with Children Check), a first aid certificate, and police clearance, as well as unrestricted working rights in Australia, and “relevant VISA requirements”. And the listing concludes with another reminder that applicants “MUST have prior experience with animals”, because as any pet owner knows, animals are unique little friends, and it’s always best to know what you’re getting yourself into. Images: Getty

Family & Pets

Maccas aren’t lovin’ the over 60s

A McDonald’s in Auckland Central has landed itself in hot water after posting a job ad that wanted nothing to do with the over 60 workforce. The post, shared to the establishment’s Facebook page and since removed, sought new staff to cover the 10pm to 6am ‘graveyard’ shift. The usual benefits and various position criteria were listed, but it was one line at the bottom that caught the attention - and ire - of the masses. “Any age from 16 to 60,” the listing read. Feedback came fast and furious, with many outraged by the blatant ageism the fast food giant was peddling. And while McDonald’s tried to pass it off as the fault of a franchisee, the store’s manager instead said that their head office was at fault. Social media users were vocal about what they thought of the ad, and it wasn’t long before legal experts and union representatives got involved in the ongoing uproar - and even the big wigs over at McDonald’s. “We’ve been made aware that a job ad by one of our franchisees has created some debate on social media like Reddit, as it references an age range of 16-60,” company spokesperson Simon Kenny said. “The reference in the copy was intended to illustrate that people of all ages are welcome. We’ve asked the franchisee to update the copy to avoid any potential confusion.” As Joe Carolan from New Zealand’s Unite Union told the New Zealand Herald, “contrary to the myth that most McDonald’s jobs are [ideal for] part-time students, improvements made by the union throughout the years have seen many workers stay in these jobs into their 50s. “Older workers bring experience, stability and maturity to a workplace and we call on McDonald's to end this discriminatory ageism.” Employment law expert Max Whitehead added that the pay - $22.80 per hour - combined with the age restrictions, were a “blatant” breach of the Human Rights Act. And for those who thought the line had just been an ill-advised marketing move, Whitehead noted “if it really is to get a catchy cliche going, it’s a stupid thing to do.” Whitehead’s fellow expert, Professor Bill Hodge, had more to say on the matter of ageism too, noting that The Human Rights Act actually bans discrimination against people over the age of 60, though he saw no issue with the teenage half of the equation. “We discriminate against people 14 or 15 all the time and it’s justifiable to say ‘no, you can’t drive a car, you can’t leave school’,” he said. “On the face of it I see no obvious requirement that would exclude people over 60.” As a spokesperson for the Humans Right Campaign informed the New Zealand Herald, The Human Rights Act 1993 had rendered it unlawful for people to be treated differently for their age during the employment process. “It is unlawful to discriminate against employees, job applicants, voluntary workers, people seeking work through an employment agency and contract workers because of age,” the spokesperson explained. “The only exception is where, for reasons of authenticity, being of a particular age is a genuine occupational qualification for the position or employment.” Images: Shutterstock, Facebook

Money & Banking

“A letter that someone will never forget”: Charles’ $43,000 job offer

Charles and Camilla have put out a call for help with their royal duties, searching for a passionate wordsmith to pen responses to the thousands of letters they receive each year. Their request comes in the form of a one-year contract <a href="https://theroyalhousehold.tal.net/vx/lang-en-GB/mobile-0/appcentre-1/brand-3/candidate/so/pm/1/pl/4/opp/2849-Assistant-Correspondence-Officer/en-GB">posted to the palace’s official website</a>, for an individual to “support the important work of The King and The Royal Family”. Coincidentally, the position advertises a start date of May 2023 - the same month in which King Charles III’s coronation will take place. The royals are offering a wage slightly above the United Kingdom’s minimum wage of 10.42 GBP (~19.45 AUD) per hour, with prospective writers looking at an hourly rate of 11.79 (~22.01) on top of the advertised “benefits”. According to the job listing, the ideal candidate is someone who dreams of “drafting a letter that someone will never forget” as part of a like minded team committed to supporting the royal family and engaging with the public. “Thousands of letters addressed to The Monarch and Royal Family are received every year,” the ad explains. “Working as part of the Correspondence team, your challenge will be to ensure that each one receives a timely and well composed response. “Every day you will respond to letters sent by the public regarding social, community and national matters, drafting bespoke responses to answer varying and often unique queries.” Reportedly, the letters sent in one year to the late Queen Elizabeth II amounted to around 70,000, so it’s no small surprise that the family have opted to call in reinforcements to make sure each one receives a thoughtfully crafted response. “It's working in a team with a shared and unique purpose,” the website notes, “engaging with the public whilst supporting The King's role. This is what makes working for The Royal Household so exceptional … Recording and monitoring all correspondence, you'll be proud of the number of letters you handle and this will drive you to deliver consistently high standards. “In this way, you will help to support the important work of The King and The Royal Family.” Unsurprisingly, the ad calls for someone who is confident in their ability to process large volumes of work according to strict deadlines, and who preferably has previous experience in administrative duties. “Excellent written and verbal communication skills” are, of course, a given. The listing hints at a digital sidekick, noting that applications should “have strong IT skills” that they can apply to “bespoke systems”, as well as a “keen eye for detail” to deliver their work quickly and accurately. Most of all, however, enjoyment in a team-based environment is crucial, while an interest in current affairs couldn’t hurt - especially in such a “truly unique environment”. Images: Getty

Money & Banking

Carrie Bickmore’s “seven figure” job negotiation

Carrie Bickmore could be heading into the South African jungle for her latest job. After finishing up on The Project in December 2022, the presenter is rumoured to be negotiating a hefty salary for a potential role on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me out of Here! Carrie has been absent from any on-air roles since her departure from the panel show, and is using her friendly connections at Network Ten to secure the new deal. The 42-year-old is rumoured to have the full support of the show's co-host Dr Chris Brown, who is long-time friends with Bickmore and her producer ex-partner Chris Walker. Bickmore and Brown have allegedly been attending secret meetings with executives at Network Ten since the beginning of the year, with inside sources saying producers are willing to pay her “up to $1 million” for the gig, according to reports from <a href="https://www.newidea.com.au/carrie-bickmore-im-a-celeb" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New Idea</a>. “It's been about three months of closed-door negotiations at Network Ten and while nothing has been locked in yet, TV executives are willing to wait until the very last minute if they have to,” an insider said. “They have thrown a lot of money at Carrie to get her on board,” they added. If Bickmore does secure the seven-figure payday, she will become the second highest-paid contestant to appear on the show, behind the late cricketer Shane Warne, who earned $2million for his stint in the jungle in 2016. Dr Chris has long been a public friend and supporter of Bickmore, sharing a heartfelt message after her final appearance on The Project last year. He wrote at the time, “Your time on The Project not only gave us all a masterclass in how to host with realness, humour, humanity…and a casual Qantas integration but it also gave me an amazing friend. Thank you. What a delight you are!” The newest season of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! will premiere on Sunday April 2nd, with co-hosts Brown and Julia Morris at the helm. Image credits: Instagram

Hilarious hiring sign tells it like it is

A restaurant scorched by unreliable employees has bluntly advertised what they’re searching for with an ad that reads, “Now hiring: non-stupid people.” Santino’s Pizzeria hung the all-caps banner outside its Columbus, Ohio, storefront in jest, according to local news outlet WSYX, but it’s just now come to the attention of the public after a customer posted a photo of it on social media. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/03/PIZZA-SIGN-FULL-HERO.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Jayden Dunigan, whose family owns the pizzeria, told WSYX that the sign was meant to be a joke, explaining the struggle of spending the time and money to train new employees only for them not to turn up. “A lot of the people we’ve hired just don’t want to work,” Dunigan said. “There is no work ethic behind them, so that’s the meaning behind the ‘non-stupid’.” The sign was backed by the online community, with the restaurant receiving plenty of support after the sign went viral on social media. “They are 100 per cent correct,” one person commented. “In addition they should add non-lazy, also!” Another comment read, “Honest hiring practices are always best.” There were a few users who did not see the humour in the sign. “If that’s the first impression you choose to make as a business owner, don’t complain when your employees leave,” one person wrote on Twitter. The restaurant has faced some costly backlash, with the Pizzeria getting calls and pranks. Dunigan told the news outlet than someone called the restaurant to place a fake. Order that was over $100 in response to the sign. “It was about 10 pizzas. We made the order, he called back, he talked down to one of our employees. He said our pizza sucks, and he’s cancelling the order,” Dunigan said about the prankster. Instead of letting the food go to waste, Dunigan said they donated it. “Since we don’t enjoy wasting food here, we always think that someone else in need can enjoy the food,” Dunigan said. Another manager at Santino’s, Heather Stockton, told WBNS, “Instead of judging our signs, why don’t you come judge our pizzas? Our pizzas are really good.” Image credit: Twitter

Money & Banking

"We're offering plenty": Kiwis targeted for job no Aussies want

A Perth mining company has resorted to looking for workers from New Zealand after Aussies have continued to turn down roles that offer up to an enticing $300,000 salary per year – and that's for roughly six months of work in any standard 12 months. As a result, Mineral Resources has launched a brand new advertising campaign, geared up to attract Kiwi tradies, guaranteeing “a great pay packet”. “We’re offering plenty,” Mineral Resources CEO Mike Grey told NZ programme AM. “The incentives are amazing, and I have no doubt that our salaries double [New Zealand salaries]; in some examples, they triple.” <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-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/ClX7JZZv16i/?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/ClX7JZZv16i/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Mineral Resources (@mineral_resources)</a> </div> </blockquote> The mining business is on the hunt for new workers to fill a range of roles including: construction, mining, operations, unskilled labour and administration. The firm is also recruiting higher-paying roles such as mining engineers. One of the highest paying jobs on offer is for construction supervisors and superintendents who can earn up to $300,000 a year. Workers will be required to work on a fly-in, fly-out basis. They would be flying out of New Zealand to work the mines in Perth, with roughly half of the workforce only working for six months per year. It’s not the first time Australian mines have struggled to find workers for highly-paid roles. Earlier in 2022, mining services firm Thiess offered new staff members a $10,000 sign-on bonus and a $5000 bonus for a successful referral. Image: Getty

Money & Banking

The Project slammed for hiring Sarah Harris

Fans of The Project have slammed Channel 10 for replacing Carrie Bickmore with Sarah Harris as the new host for the nightly news program. While Sarah has been congratulated by many popular Australian media personalities on this huge milestone in her career, the decision has really bothered some viewers. Freelance writer Mary Madigan praised Sarah as a presenter but said the choice was “uninspired” and not “ground breaking”. Mary said: "She’s doing the school drop-off, I’m rolling out of bed with a pounding hangover and trying not to drop my Opal card as I race for the bus. She has a mortgage, I have Afterpay repayments to make." Madigan also slammed Channel 10 for pairing her up with Waleed Aly, because he is "also a parent". "If you want to see middle-aged white people delivering the news every channel is offering that in spades. In my humble opinion, the panel needs someone with the same kind of vibe as Tony Armstrong. Young, hungry and with a slightly different point of view," she added. Taking to Twitter, many seconded the comments, with one writing: "You needed some youth to reinvigorate this program. Georgie Tunny and Tony Armstrong come to mind. Tony too valuable to just be doing sports on the ABC news." <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> You needed some youth to reinvigorate this program. Georgie Tunny and Tony Armstrong come to mind. Tony too valuable to just be doing sports on the ABC news. — Lachlan Cooper (@lachycooper) <a href="https://twitter.com/lachycooper/status/1595301444294696962?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2022</a></blockquote> Another wrote: "I think she will go well. At least give her a chance. I wouldn't mind seeing Tony Armstrong come on board. Tony is a very smart guy and has credibility.". However, many have praised Sarah as a casting choice, branding her "perfect". Image: Instagram

Clever Bunnings and Kmart scams to be wary of

Aussies have once again become targets to scammers offering them a job at Bunnings or Kmart that pays extremely well. Scammers are taking to Facebook targetting desperate job seekers asking for their personal details via WhatsApp. The ad is offering $48 and $75 for part-time or full-time work and attempts to appeal to those who have no experience, same day pay, and the opportunity to complete training on the phone. Bunnings confirmed that they are aware of the scam and are working on taking it down, advising job seekers to be wary. “One of the latest scams is a Facebook post asking for your personal details via WhatsApp to apply for a job with us,’ the retailer said. “Another one is an email with an offer to win a Bunnings gift card if you click a link. We place a lot of time and effort into recruiting our amazing team, and we’re in no way associated with this activity. “We also don’t ask for personal information or banking details in unsolicited communications.” Kmart also confirmed they are aware of the scam and are warning customers to not fall for it, instead to apply on the website. The ACCC’s Scamwatch explained that the ads are some of the easiest ways for scammers to steal money. “If you provide your bank account details, the scammer may use them to steal your money or commit other fraudulent activities,” their website reads. “Be suspicious of unsolicited ‘work from home’ opportunities or job offers, particularly those that offer a ‘guaranteed income’ or require you to pay an upfront fee.” Image: Facebook

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Hilarious hiring sign tells it like it is

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