Several Australian states have recently moved towards establishing 'Anti-bikie' laws aimed at restricting the criminal activities of rebel motorcycle gangs. New South Wales is the latest state to pass bikie laws which, amongst other things, include potential jail terms for bikie gang members associating with one another.
The NSW anti-bikie laws has been opposed by civil libertarians, academics, journalists and the general public with many concerned that the laws may not be simply used against bikie gangs but could be used against any sort of organisation, including political activists or pressure groups. If this is the case these laws pose a serious threat to the freedom and liberties of all Australians with the government having the potential to target and effectively outlaw groups that may oppose or criticise government activities. When coupled with the federal governments proposed Internet filter scheme, which would effectively 'black list' Internet sites deemed inappropriate by the government (although the public would not have access to a list of these black listed sites), it appears that the basic rights of freedom of speech and information in Australia are under real threat.
Is Australia heading toward a world like that that so famously portrayed by George Orwell in '1984'? Only time will tell.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
TIPS FOR AUSSIES LIVING/WORKING IN THE UK
I found it very difficult to decide what to write about for my first entry. Commenting on the environment, Rudd's national Internet plan or even the events in the far north-west involving refugees and the Navy were all considered but in the end I opted for a lighter start. Below is a brief list of tips that I would recommend people think about or indeed try while living in the UK.
1. Don't live in London, live somewhere else
Although London is a popular place for Aussies seeking work in my opinion you will get a more rewarding experience by living in other areas of the UK. By living in a regional centre or small town you will gain a better understanding of what the English culture and lifestyle is all about. Furthermore, you can live almost anywhere in England and be within a few hours of London and its attractions. My advice - take a risk, get amongst the English in a regional centre or country town and get a real experience! You will not regret it.
2. Don't restrict yourself to the 'big' western European countries when you travel
Visit Italy, Germany, France, Spain etc. but go to other places as well. Some of my fondest memories were while traveling in out of the way places in Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Northern Africa. Pick a country you never would have picked and go and have a look!
3. Eat, eat, eat and eat more.
The food in Europe is amazing and most of it is avaliable in the UK. Try everything. There is no better way to experience a country that through its food.
4. Never trust the English weather
Take a rain coat with you no matter what the forecast.
5. Eat smelly cheese
Like most Australians I thought that Brie and Camembert were the best types of cheese. Simply put they are not, there is another level. As a general rule - the more it smells the better it will taste.
6. Go and watch an English Premier League Match
The English love football. Think AFL or cricket times in Australia 100 and you are in the ball park. Perfectly reasonable, friendly English people turn into raving and fanatical one-eyed supporters as soon as their team plays. Watch out!
7. Visit Newcastle, go out
Of all the places I visited in England, Newcastle had the best nightlife. Friendly people, cheap drinks and sub-zero temperatures make for a good night out.
8. Try and drink real ales
I am told that real ales are dying out which would be a great shame. Try them. You may not like them but it is an experience. They also taste suprisingly good with a big beef pie when it gets cold.
9. Spend a day/days in the museums of London
The museums in London are amongst the best in the world and they are FREE. Pack a picnic, jump on the tube and have a look.
9. The further north, the more friendly the people but the harder it is to undertstand them
This is a very general statement but I believe that the further north you go the friendlier people are. The trouble is trying to understand the accents!!! The variety of accents across the UK is amazing.
10. Appeciate the seasons
The UK gets proper seasons. It is difficult to describe how beautiful the dull light and frost in winter can be or the turning of the leaves to brown.
I am sure I will think of more as soon as I post this but this is a start. Any that you may want to add go for it. Till next time.
I found it very difficult to decide what to write about for my first entry. Commenting on the environment, Rudd's national Internet plan or even the events in the far north-west involving refugees and the Navy were all considered but in the end I opted for a lighter start. Below is a brief list of tips that I would recommend people think about or indeed try while living in the UK.
1. Don't live in London, live somewhere else
Although London is a popular place for Aussies seeking work in my opinion you will get a more rewarding experience by living in other areas of the UK. By living in a regional centre or small town you will gain a better understanding of what the English culture and lifestyle is all about. Furthermore, you can live almost anywhere in England and be within a few hours of London and its attractions. My advice - take a risk, get amongst the English in a regional centre or country town and get a real experience! You will not regret it.
2. Don't restrict yourself to the 'big' western European countries when you travel
Visit Italy, Germany, France, Spain etc. but go to other places as well. Some of my fondest memories were while traveling in out of the way places in Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Northern Africa. Pick a country you never would have picked and go and have a look!
3. Eat, eat, eat and eat more.
The food in Europe is amazing and most of it is avaliable in the UK. Try everything. There is no better way to experience a country that through its food.
4. Never trust the English weather
Take a rain coat with you no matter what the forecast.
5. Eat smelly cheese
Like most Australians I thought that Brie and Camembert were the best types of cheese. Simply put they are not, there is another level. As a general rule - the more it smells the better it will taste.
6. Go and watch an English Premier League Match
The English love football. Think AFL or cricket times in Australia 100 and you are in the ball park. Perfectly reasonable, friendly English people turn into raving and fanatical one-eyed supporters as soon as their team plays. Watch out!
7. Visit Newcastle, go out
Of all the places I visited in England, Newcastle had the best nightlife. Friendly people, cheap drinks and sub-zero temperatures make for a good night out.
8. Try and drink real ales
I am told that real ales are dying out which would be a great shame. Try them. You may not like them but it is an experience. They also taste suprisingly good with a big beef pie when it gets cold.
9. Spend a day/days in the museums of London
The museums in London are amongst the best in the world and they are FREE. Pack a picnic, jump on the tube and have a look.
9. The further north, the more friendly the people but the harder it is to undertstand them
This is a very general statement but I believe that the further north you go the friendlier people are. The trouble is trying to understand the accents!!! The variety of accents across the UK is amazing.
10. Appeciate the seasons
The UK gets proper seasons. It is difficult to describe how beautiful the dull light and frost in winter can be or the turning of the leaves to brown.
I am sure I will think of more as soon as I post this but this is a start. Any that you may want to add go for it. Till next time.
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