The PR Blog

At first glance, trees seem the epitome of urban charm, offering shade on sweltering summer days, filtering pollutants from the air, and softening the cityscape with their leafy grace. However, in growing numbers, urban trees are becoming unexpected hazards, turning from benevolent beings into botanical menaces. 

As urban areas expand, trees often grow in less-than-ideal conditions - shallow soil, cramped spaces, and weakened root systems. A sudden storm or even a mild gust of wind can send massive branches crashing down, smashing cars, damaging property, and endangering pedestrians. In some tragic cases, entire trees uproot and collapse, causing fatalities.

Enjoy this article from renowned scientist and pastoralist, Viv Forbes.  Monty

When our leaders and politicians sign us up to these global accords, declarations and agreements, do they realise what the consequences will be? 

Decades on, their moment in the sun and on the front page can have far reaching consequences. 

One little known, but very impactive decision is now showing us just how damaging these signatures can be.

50 years ago, Australia signed up to the Lima Declaration.

In the 1950s, thalidomide was hailed as a medical breakthrough - a safe sedative that could ease morning sickness for pregnant women. Yet, within a few short years, it became a symbol of pharmaceutical negligence, leaving thousands of children with devastating birth defects.

The tragedy was meant to serve as a permanent warning about the dangers of inadequate testing and rushed approvals. However, as the world witnessed the rapid rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, many questioned whether governments and pharmaceutical companies had forgotten the hard-earned lessons of thalidomide. Have we once again placed speed above safety, risking consequences that may take years to fully reveal?

Thalidomide has a chequered past that began with a Nazi War Criminal. Sometimes, history is our best teacher. Perhaps that is why the left want to stop it being taught? So let's dive into the story of one of the worst disasters in pharmaceutical history. 

For as long as humans have walked the earth, the issue of abortion has existed in the shadows and in the spotlight.

Following the overturning of Roe v Wade on 24th of June 2022, it is interesting to reflect on the history of abortion law through history.

There are basically two systems of law in the world, the common law and civil law.

The common law arose in England following the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. It was so known because it was “common" to the King's courts and was based upon the precedence of previous judicial decisions, known as the Latin doctrine of“stare decisis"(to stand by that which is decided).

Throughout history, political leaders have risen to power with grand promises of reform, stability, and prosperity, only to see their legacies stained, or entirely destroyed, by scandal. Whether it be the president of a global superpower or the premier of a regional state, corruption, deceit, or ethical lapses can swiftly dismantle their public trust and overshadow any achievements.

Two glaring examples are U.S. President Warren G. Harding, whose administration was marred by the Teapot Dome scandal, and Queensland’s long-serving Premier Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen, whose grip on power was eventually eroded by accusations of corruption and political skullduggery. Both cases demonstrate how scandal doesn’t just impact the individual...it can taint entire administrations and corrode public faith in government.