Economy
NATION: Australian of the Year; Rosie Batty. Abbott mocked over Prince Philip … Tom Uren …
Rosie Batty has been named Australian of the Year for her campaign against family violence in an award ceremony that saw four women take the nation’s top Australia Day honours for the first time in history.
Ms Batty rose above her personal tragedy and the great loss of her 11-year-old-son, Luke, who was the victim of domestic violence at the hands of his father in a very public assault.
Her story jolted Australia into recognising that family violence could happen to anyone and she has given voice to many thousands of victims of domestic violence who had until then remained unheard.
She now champions efforts to fight domestic violence, making many media and public speaking appearances to shine a spotlight on the issue and call for systemic changes.
“I would like to dedicate this award to my beautiful son, Luke,” she said in accepting the award.
“He is the reason I have found my voice and I’m able to be heard.”
Pic: of Deborah de Williams, ABC, by Amy Phillips
• STATE: Australia Day honours; Ultra-marathoner and scientist among 15 Tasmanians recognised
• Don’t celebrate January 26 petition launched
• Kim Booth: Unfinished business; Time to Treaty … “Unfinished business with the Tasmanian Aboriginal community is holding back our reconciliation journey,” Mr Booth said. “Its time to Treaty.” “We need to negotiate a formal Treaty which acknowledges the sorry history that has occurred on this island, and which seeks to address the current pattern of exclusion and discrimination inherent in our current state legal and policy-setting framework.” …
EARLIER on Tasmanian Times …
• KIm Booth: Call for alternative Australia Day date
• SBS: Tony Abbott mocked over Prince Philip knighthood Tony Abbott’s decision to honour the Duke of Edinburgh has sparked mockery on social media and condemnation from some fellow politicians. Prince Philip was announced as one of two men honoured as Australia’s next knights today, almost a year after Mr Abbott reintroduced the honours. The news sent “Philip” trending on social media, ahead of Opposition Leader Bill Shorten’s comments that the decision was outdated. Mr Shorten told Fairfax Radio that he originally thought the news was a hoax. He said he didn’t understand the government’s priorities in nominating Prince Philip, when they could have “picked someone who is Australian in character and activity”. “It’s a time warp where we’re giving knighthoods to English royalty,” Mr Shorten said.
• Guardian: Flags to fly at half-mast to mark passing of Labor Elder Tom Uren