THE NEWSROOM is on holidays, see you in 2013!
The Newsroom’s last day of operation was Friday 30 November, 2012. We will be online again in 2013.
Statewatch: Transparency is not a council priority
New local government laws hold councillors to account for their behaviour, but not for their spending. This month NSW Local Government Minister Don Page announced changes to the councillor Model Code of Conduct and new powers to improve dysfunctional councils across the state’s 152 local government areas. The new laws include the power to intervene at an early…
DetailsStatewatch: Fee information not free
The chance for the Statewatch team to submit FOI applications for free has been snatched away by the NSW Liberal Party. A private member’s Bill to remove the $30 application fee was blocked by the O’Farrell government despite his election campaign promises to abolish fees. One of the many reasons Attorney-General Greg Smith gave for…
DetailsStatewatch: expenses transparent as mud
We thought local councils in New South Wales would be transparent but that was as naive as thinking they would cooperate with student journalists. Statewatch is a term in The Newsroom that represents countless hours, hard work and frustration endured by 14 reporters over the past six months. Our investigation began in May. We aimed to contact…
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A snap of life
Award winning photojournalist, Luke Fuda, is always in high demand. He regularly contributes to publications such as Liverpool Champion, Fairfield Champion, South-West Advertiser and many more. Fuda’s love for photography started when he was young, “I used to play basketball and during high school. I travelled to the US and decided if I couldn’t be a professional athlete…
DetailsALBUM REVIEW: True by Solange Knowles
Music Mark: 6/10 Standout track: Losing You Best known for being the younger sister of 16-time Grammy winner, Beyoncé Knowles, Solange has stepped out of her sister’s shadow to release her first EP – True. She is accompanied by long-time collaborator turned producer Dev Hynes, an accomplished artist known for his work under the monikers Blood…
DetailsBlogging a future in journalism
When I look at my Facebook profile I’m always disappointed: it’s boring in comparison to the social media masters I know. Nifty netizens comically update their status, post funny pictures and comment on stuff, mostly in ripping one-liners. The social side of Facebook is lots of fun but the news feed is where people get…
DetailsTwelve year olds bet on online video games
Children as young as 12 are stealing money to bet on casino-based video games online, according to psychologist Emil Hodzic. “These kids are gambling and also owe people money. When parents find out that their sons have been stealing to gamble, they are shocked,” he said. Betting on online video games is becoming a lucrative industry.…
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The pleasure of the job
Peter Neaves is a professional yacht delivery skipper. His job has seen him and his crew deliver vessels across the globe’s great oceans. The excitement of global sailing is often realised when Peter goes to work, but there are also tough times, not included in the brochures. Cyclones, rough ports, food, gas and fuel shortages,…
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Pink Friday on Thursday
Nicki Minaj at her Pink Friday launch at Myer. Nicki Minaj fans yesterday crammed into Sydney City’s Myer store to see their favourite rapper release her new perfume, Pink Friday. The “Super Bass” singer, who is about to tour Australia and was a presenter at last night’s Aria awards, kept the crowd of more than…
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