october newsletter 2016 - dea · october newsletter 2016 ... and is a major source of water...
TRANSCRIPT
October Newsletter 2016
Comment
DEA AGM and Social Event
-Julian Burnside as speaker
DEA Runs in the Melbourne Marathon
DEA Policy for 2016-7
-Sustainability
-Diet and climate change
-Greening Healthcare (Sustainable Health Systems)
-Adaptation to climate change
-Briefings to Federal Parliamentarians
Renewable Energy and the SA Power Failure
-DEA protests cuts to ARENA
-Power failure has been used to attack renewable energy
Rocky Hill Open Cut Coal Mine
-DEA is making a submission, please make a personal submission
Biodiversity Update
Sea Shepherd
-Action against drilling in the Bight - Katya Glogovska
Student News
Huge Breakthrough from the Victorian Greens
- Victoria’s Parliamentary Inquiry into phasing out plastic bags
Open Letter to Australia’s Major Banks Concerning Climate Change Action
- DEA signs
News from the States
Victoria
Western Australia
-Note important DEA events and preparations for the WA election
South Australia
Laugh or Cry Column
Please donate
DEA in the News - September 2016
Social Media
Comment Very good news as Europe and India move forward to ratify the Paris Agreement. However Australia is
not in a position to deliver its meagre target; a recent RepuTex report indicated our emissions are
likely to remain unchanged to 2030. A Senate enquiry into the Paris agreement heard that there had
been no modelling to determine if existing policies could achieve the emissions reduction targets of
lowering emissions to between 26% and 28% below 2005 levels by 2030. DEA will make a submission
to this enquiry.
This newsletter will discuss the further cut to ARENA’s budget in its quest for renewable energy
development and the deplorable government politicising against renewable energy in the face of the
SA power blackout.
Issues of climate change and sustainability were the main thrust of our two day management
committee meeting in Adelaide. Whilst the focus of DEA over the past year has been on climate change
mitigation and the role of fossil fuels, we must also address the ways we personally live and work as
contributors to global warming. We will announce new policies on diet and climate change and on
greening health care.
DEA AGM and Social Event September 30th
Julian Burnside and DEA SA Committee Member Eleanor Evans; Julian chats with DEA members and guests
More than 100 people descended on Electra House to listen to Julian Burnside reflect on his transition
from being a privileged private citizen to becoming a public advocate for vulnerable groups such as
asylum seekers. A master storyteller, Julian enthralled the audience with the history of the Tampa case
and its relationship to how September 11, 2001 was handled by John Howard, sombre anecdotes about
the self-harm in child refugees, and, the important job that DEA is taking on advocating for effective
climate change policy to serve the public's health. This event is a great example of an evening that re-
energises members and attracts medical colleagues to learn about DEA's important work. Thank you to
all who helped make this event a success and particularly to DEA SA Committee Member, Eleanor
Evans, for developing and delivering this great event. Let's see what 2017 brings!
The minutes from the AGM will be circulated soon.
DEA Runs in the Melbourne Marathon Festival October 16
October 16th will see a field of over 40 DEA members and friends participating in the Melbourne
Marathon Festival - many will be running, jogging and walking in events ranging from 3-21km. Ozge
and Shervin are our local organisers of this fun, friendly, fund-raising event and now is the time to
support the team and help them reach their goal of raising $3000 at
https://melbournemarathon2016.gofundraise.com.au/page/deamelb. Afterwards runners and friends
will gather at a nearby watering hole for some well-earned rest, refreshments, and reflections on our
efforts – so watch for Victorian updates for further details.
Please donate your thanks and encouragement.
DEA Policy for 2016-7 At the meeting of the Management Committee in Adelaide it was resolved to continue our involvement
in opposing new fossil fuel developments on health grounds and to continue our quest for improved air
quality but also to widen our sphere of action into identifiable aspects of sustainable living. Ian Lowe
member of DEA’s Scientific Advisory Committee has drawn attention to Australia’s shameful
performance on sustainability as well as climate change.
There are some fascinating international developments in the approach to sustainability, some
reflecting the stupidity of the present economic growth model where jobs depend on throw away
necessities. The Swedish model is essentially a return to the “Make do and Mend” attitude of two World
Wars:
Make Do and Mend was a pamphlet issued by the British Ministry of Information in the midst of WWII, intended to
provide housewives with useful tips on how to be both frugal and stylish in times of harsh rationing.
DEA has approved in principle two new sustainability policies, one on diet as an essential for
sustainability and one on greening health care, which will be released before the end of the year.
Policy; climate change and diet
Globally, food production contributes to 20–30% of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions; is the
leading cause of deforestation, land use change and biodiversity loss; accounts for 70% of all human
water use; and is a major source of water pollution. Need we say more!
Early November DEA will announce a policy, to which members, their patients and hopefully
governments will absorb into their life-style and work practices. DEA Tasmania has instigated this
policy - more information in the next newsletter.
Greening Healthcare (Sustainable Health Systems)
In Adelaide, DEA Management Committee considered several draft papers for us to increase our
involvement in reducing the carbon footprint of the health system as well as assist in moving towards a
more sustainable heath system from a financial, quality and general environmental perspective. It was
resolved to complete by the end of the year a Discussion Paper ‘Improving health sector sustainability’,
a DEA Proposal for a Healthcare Sustainability Unit as well as specific documents to assist DEA
members in their own efforts to improve the environmental impact of their local workplaces – an area
that many are already involved with and gaining successes across the country.
Policy; Adaptation to climate change
DEA has approved a new policy to work for state and federal cooperation to address their inadequate
and disparate efforts, with emphasis in Federal leadership and involvement. This policy fits well with
other DEA initiatives to increase Federal involvement on the interface of environmental and health
policy.
Policy; briefings of federal parliamentarians on current climate change economic
issues
DEA will renew its effort with both climate recalcitrant members particularly the National Party and will
also approach new Members and Senators of parliament.
In this enterprise we will need help from our members. Would any of you in constituencies of National
Party members or the rural base of their senators please inform David Shearman at
Renewable Energy and the South Australian Power Failure In recent newsletters we urged action to prevent the government stripping funds from ARENA. Our
position is that every new renewable energy facility represents lives saved because coal or gas has
been replaced; there is less air pollution and fewer greenhouse emissions.
DEA wrote to key Minsters and Shadow ministers just prior to the vote in parliament expressing the
health perspective and in our submission on health grounds to the parliament. Nevertheless ARENA
funding was cut by $500m and was supported by Labor; we were profoundly disappointed and
protested this outcome in an Op-Ed in SBS news.
The government has now used the SA power outage to blame renewable energy. This is humbug as
explained in Renew Economy but there can be little doubt about the intent to undermine renewable
energy. Malcolm Turnbull has said the blackout is a “wake-up call” for state leaders who were trying to
hit “completely unrealistic” renewable targets.
Essentially some states are attempting to increase their renewable energy capability in the face of
inadequate support and targets from the Federal Government. These states need our support in their
endeavours. The fundamental problems rest with the federal government.
Many commentators now accept that Mr Turnbull’s involvement in this blame game indicates that any
remaining hope of him leading on climate change has gone.
Rocky Hill Open Cut Coal Mine On the outskirts of Gloucester, in the foothills of the Barrington Tops World Heritage area, a NEW open
cut coal mine is proposed. It is inconceivable that in this day and age, that an open cut coal mine is
proposed in a valley only 2km from residential areas. An open cut coal mine will ruin the valley, it is
likely to affect the health of the local population as well as contribute to carbon emissions. DEA is
making a submission against this proposal. However, we encourage everyone to make their own
personal submission. In the end, the more submissions against this mine the better.
It is easy to do. One could simple state, “I oppose this proposal for a new open cut coal mine due to
the deleterious effects on health and the environment”. Or something similar. Please make a
submission at: http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/index.pl?action=view_job&job_id=5156
Biodiversity Update DEA’s submission to the Victorian Government’s Biodiversity Strategy is now publicly available along
with other submissions and not surprisingly we are the only health organisation to submit even though
human health is completely dependent on the rich biodiversity of life that surrounds us.
We are still wanting to hear back from the Victorian Government following on from our letter outlining
concerns regarding the continued logging of old growth forests in East Gippsland but we’ll keep you
posted.
Upcoming events which may be of interest to those fascinated by the interaction between health and
biodiversity include:
- the Oceania EcoHealth Chapter's upcoming webinar: “Participatory Systems Mapping and
Modelling for EcoHealth: Insights from contrasting scales and contexts” on Wednesday
12th October, Perth (7am), Melbourne (10am), Fiji (11am) and New Zealand (12pm).
Lisa Adams (veterinarian) and Alex Macmillan (public health physician) will provide an overview of
their experience with participatory systems mapping and modelling for addressing wicked
problems, an approach that can build understanding about effective policies in complex systems.
Alex will describe work at the intersection of health and urban planning in NZ and the UK. Lisa’s
work is on invasive species management in Australia. Alex and Lisa have a common interest in
understanding how to manage power differences; ensuring the voices of different knowledge bases
are valued; and facilitating the changes to governance arrangements, institutional structures and
rules that build community confidence in decisions for transformative change. These common
interests will guide their individual overviews. Alex and Lisa will then be joined in a substantial
panel discussion by some leading thinkers: political economist - Ted Alter, ecological economist -
Marjan van den Belt.
Please RSVP to Neville Ellis by 11th October at [email protected]
- the Aussie Backyard Bird Count from 17-23rd October- it just takes 20 minutes of your time to
get out into your favourite outdoor space and count the birds and you’ll be contributing to citizen
science and connecting to your special place. Check out: http://aussiebirdcount.org.au
Sea Shepherd In August this year, I had the opportunity to serve as the ship's doctor on the Sea Shepherd for
several days, relieving Dr Merryn Redenbach. The MY Steve Irwin is the Sea Shepherd’s flagship
vessel, and it has been sailing through the Great Australian Bight on its latest mission, Operation
Jeedara. This mission aims to document the stunning beauty and unique animals of the region, and to
raise awareness about the devastating effects that offshore drilling would have to this area. BP has
planned an offshore drilling project, which would disrupt the breeding of humpback whales and sea-
lions, and put our Bight in danger of another oil-spill like the one in the Gulf of Mexico. However there
is still time to stop them and take political action!
On this mission, we were joined by Senator Richard Di Natale and Sarah Hansen-Young, as well as
musician John Butler, and many representatives from environmental and Indigenous groups. The Sea
Shepherd’s medical room was very well equipped for all kinds of emergencies, but luckily the only
medical issues I dealt with were sea sickness and viral gastroenteritis. I had the opportunity to serve
as quartermaster, and record the ship’s bearings, and I helped out in the kitchen and on deck. I met
Sea Shepherd volunteers from France, USA, Germany, and Australia, who all had interesting stories to
tell about the Sea Shepherd’s voyages around the world. The crew was very welcoming, and I really
started to feel like part of a family by the end of the journey. If I ever have the opportunity to join the
Sea Shepherd on another mission, I wouldn’t miss it!
Katya Glogovska
Student News State representatives of the DEA student members met in Adelaide, simultaneously with the meeting
of the Management Committee. Topics discussed were initiatives for 2016-7, communication between
students and doctors and the new DEA web site.
Details of the outcomes will be circulated shortly.
Huge Breakthrough from the Victorian Greens The Victorian Greens have secured Victoria’s first Parliamentary Inquiry into phasing out plastic bags
and microbeads!
On the 31st August, the Greens were successful in securing Victoria’s first parliamentary inquiry into
banning plastic bags and microbeads. DEA member Vicki Karalis played a part in this campaign.
This is a huge step. It will put plastic pollution front and centre in Victoria for the next few months and
helps build political support for action. We are one step closer to making sure our rivers, creeks and
oceans are pollution free.
While the State Labor Government has shown no willingness to act to curb plastic pollution this is still
incredible progress. Over the next two months there will be a lot of campaigning by the Victorian
Greens to get the government to finally show leadership. But for now, let’s celebrate their win!
http://victoria.greens.org.au/
Open Letter to Australia’s Major Banks Concerning Climate Change Action DEA has signed this letter
News from the States
Victoria Hopes were raised by an announcement in the Age that ENGIE, the majority owners of the now
infamous and ageing power station in the Latrobe Valley, were planning to announce a definite closure
date shortly. However within a few hours, the Victorian government expressed their surprise and
disappointment that they had not been informed, and then the company contradicted the media
report. Somewhat ironically, this announcement occurred within 2 days of a meeting between ENGIE
and two of our members but no connection could be made between the two events. However we are
still hopeful that ENGIE and the state government will be able to come to some agreement soon.
John Iser spoke briefly for DEA and grandfathers at a Rally in Melbourne organised by ACF on Saving
the Reef, emphasising the need for the federal government to take urgent action to save this iconic
natural wonder for our descendants.
Earlier this month, the Victorian government officially launched its Take2 Pledge which is a movement
to encourage individuals, NGOs and the corporate world to take action on reducing carbon emissions
and improving sustainability of their operations. DEA along with over 800 others has signed up to this
pledge.
Western Australia DEA WA retreat at John Salmon’s farm
October 22nd and 23rd, join DEA WA at John Salmon’s farm near York to learn practical advocacy and
campaigning skills, get to know other doctors and medical students and have fun.
There will be a campfire Saturday night with soup, salads and nibbles provided and a BBQ available.
John has some spare rooms and beds available or stay in a tent, caravan or at Greenhills Inn. Bring
along a friend or colleague! Partners and children welcome.
Follow this link to RSVP
DEA and Fremantle Wind Farm Ride for Renewables
October 30th 9:30am, Meet at St Mary's Cathedral and ride to Fremantle.
Join DEA WA and Fremantle Wind Farm Project in a 20km inter-hospital bike ride, from Royal Perth
Hospital to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and then on to Fremantle to raise awareness of the health
impacts of climate change and advocate for renewable energy in Western Australia. Wear scrubs or a
lab coat or blue and green. Friends, family, partners and kids are welcome.
Follow this link to RSVP
Perth edition of National Divestment Day
Saturday October 8th is Divestment Day and around Australia people are gathering to urge our
financial institutions to stop investing in fossil fuels. As doctors we are an important presence in this
campaign given our standing in the community. So it would be great to see a strong medical presence
at Stirling Gardens in Perth at 10.30. Come along, bring friends, family and let me (Richard Yin
[email protected]) know if you are coming.
DEA action in WA
DEA representatives met with Shadow Health Minister Roger Cook to support a state renewable energy
policy and a ban on fracking, and also with the Executive Director of King Edward Hospital for initial
scoping discussions around the health sectors role in addressing climate change.
DEA Chair Kingsley Faulkner spoke on “Climate Change and Health: The Role of Doctors for the
Environment Australia” at a joint SPINRPHEX (Students and Practitioners Interested in Rural Practice
Health Education) and WAALHIIBE (Western Australian Allied Health Interested in Bush Experience)
Conference held at Notre Dame University, Fremantle. Alex Lugg and Sallie Forrest ran a DEA stall at
the Spinrphex and Waalhibe Student Rural Health Conference, signing up some members.
George Crisp presented on public health leadership at a Public Health Association of Australia forum.
George and Janie Maxwell ran a workshop at GP2016 in Perth Sept 30-Oct 1.
DEA WA state election campaign
We continue to work hard on the state election renewable energy campaign, planning meetings with
candidates, devising a media strategy and organising awareness-raising and engaging events. See
items below for opportunities to get involved, or email Alice at [email protected].
Callout: DEA WA Media Watch team
By way of increasing our media presence and providing a voice of reason within debates on climate
change, health, coal, gas and renewable energy, DEA are looking for members/a member interested in
responding or coordinating responses to articles or letters in local newspapers.
Unfortunately, this will require reading The West (sad but necessary), receiving a daily media digest
from the Climate Media Centre and skimming through any relevant WA news and then replying within a
24-48 hour period.
Ideally we would like members both from the country and the city to include coverage from rural
papers. Members will be supported in writing letters, provided with educational resources and key
messages consistent with DEA’s goals for the next 6-12 months. It is a critical time leading into the
state elections and all articles/letters that we can get into the press will be important.
If we are overwhelmed with volunteers we have options to rotate the job while assigning someone to
be the coordinator.
This is a great way for members to get involved from the comfort of one’s own home (no face to face
meetings) and make a difference during this critical period. If interested, please email Richard Yin at
South Australia Student News
We had a successful event on Monday 26 September at Flinders University with over 30 medical
students attending. Five DEA doctor members – John Willoughby, Ebony Liu, Graeme McLeay, Eleanor
Evans and Hubertus Jersmann - responded to a series of challenging questions and we all enjoyed the
pizza and informal discussion that followed. The event was hosted by the Flinders University Health
and Human Rights Group (HHRG). Thanks to Renee Carr and Maud Taylor, our Flinders University and
Adelaide University student representatives, for organising the event!
The Election sequelae
We are waiting for replies from Senator Nick Xenophon for DEA members to meet with him, and
following up with a few other newly-elected federal MPs. Katrina Lyne, Graeme McLeay and Doug Shaw
had a further meeting with Green Industries SA (a government body and part of Zero Waste SA) with a
focus on hospital waste. We are hoping to learn effective approaches for our green hospitals and
practices initiative.
Research and Advocacy
David Shearman, Katrina Lyne and Doug Shaw had a follow-up meeting with Prof. Peng Bi and
colleagues at the NCCARF unit in the University of Adelaide to explore opportunities to collaborate on
matters related to extreme heat events and the development of an adequate national emergency
response plan.
Advocacy and information sharing
John Willoughby has been active in learning all about the chemical composition (including many known
toxins) of fly ash, which is present in large quantities around the now disused coal power stations at
Port Augusta. The local ABC have been in contact with John regarding this issue. We have also
strengthened links with the Rural Doctors Association of SA following good collaboration at their recent
Annual meeting in Adelaide.
Laugh or Cry Column Malcolm Roberts
“Climate change is a scam”
Donald Trump
“We need an America-First energy plan,” Trump said. “This means opening federal lands for oil and gas
production; opening offshore areas; and revoking policies that are imposing unnecessary restrictions
on innovative new exploration technologies.”
Please Donate As a member can you also continue to donate in the generous way you have (donations are tax
deductible) and help by recruiting new DEA members whenever possible. The latter is essential if we
are to continue our growth as an organisation and increasingly influence events and policy to protect
health. We are very grateful for your ongoing membership and support and as always look forward to
reporting our activities back to our membership.
Good wishes to all our members and thank you for your support. The 2015-6 Annual Report will be
available in the next few days and you will be amazed by all we have accomplished together.
David Shearman
Hon Secretary
DEA in the News, September 2016
Is divestment good for my health?
“Cigarettes, asbestos, now fossil fuels. How big business impacts public health”
Oped by Kingsley Faulkner in last month’s Guardian re-used with our permission by the Ethical
Investment Advisers’ Cooperative for Ethical Investment Week.
Ethical Investment advisers’ Cooperative website
26 Sep
http://www.ethicalinvestmentweek.com/cigarettes-asbestos-fossil-fuels---big-business-impacts-public-
health.html
Comment: Gutting ARENA is just sick- renewable energy saves lives and health costs.
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency will be gutted by a funding cut of $500 million. But it's at
odds with the need to protect public health and the government’s claims to be innovative and support
jobs and growth. Oped by David Shearman.
SBS Online
16 Sep
http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2016/09/16/comment-gutting-arena-just-sick-renewable-energy-
saves-lives-and-health-costs
We must act on climate change before it’s too late
Interview with John Iser on whether climate change really poses a threat to our health and, if so,
what should we – and our government – be doing about it?
Doctus Project (online health journalism platform)
15 Sep
http://www.doctusproject.com/2016/09/15/must-act-climate-change-before-too-late/
Myth of gas; has SA capitulated to fossil fuels?
South Australia has been a leader in reducing its greenhouse emissions and introducing renewable
energy. It must decide whether its clean and progressive image is sacrificed for the sake of
expediency.
Oped by David Shearman and Graeme McLeay
Renew Economy
14 Sep
http://reneweconomy.com.au/2016/myth-of-gas-has-south-australia-capitulated-to-fossil-fuels-85602
Future energy sources
The WA election is looming and the state’s energy policies must transition from fossil fuels to clean
energy to protect loved ones and the cost to the taxpayer.
Letter to the Editor by Richard Yin
The West Australian
Sep 8
PDF only available.
The real price of coal
Coal isn’t a cheap fuel when you consider the costs of mining, transport and combustion on health and
wellbeing. We need urgent replacement of fossil fuels with renewable energy. Oped by Sujata Allan.
Solar and Storage Magazine
Spring edition, 3 Sep
http://issuu.com/solarcouncil/docs/solar_iss_3_sep_2016_all_web_1/15?e=1
Do you have published pieces to share?
Whether you have written to your local editor about coal, air quality, climate change, biodiversity or
other DEA core issues, were keen to hear about your contributions in the media.
Please send links of published articles to [email protected]
If you are thinking of contacting media and would like some tips, Carmela, who heads our media and
communications, would be delighted to assist you.
Social media
Do you want to keep abreast of the latest DEA news and events, as well as health and environment
stories, reports, studies and insights?
Connect with us on Facebook and twitter!
https://www.facebook.com/DocsEnvAus/
@DocsEnvAus