CURRENT AFFAIRS PACKAGES
On January 1, 2015, Vietnam’s National Assembly voted to decriminalise same-sex marriage in the country. It is a decision that places Vietnam at the forefront of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights in the region. Benjamin Law, author of 'Gaysia: Adventures in the Queer East,' believes the government has finally acknowledged that these relationships are valid, which will go a long way towards changing societal attitudes for the better. The professional and personal implications of this new legislation are particularly noticeable according to Tuan Nguyen from 'Gay Hanoi Tours,' who has already experienced a fifty per cent boost in business this year and was able to marry his partner in a private civil ceremony last month.
This current affairs package looks into the multi-faceted issue of same-sex marriage within Vietnam and posits that the LGBT community faces other problems - such as legal ambiguity surrounding their marital status, discrimination and HIV - that need equal attention if any tangible progress towards equality is to be made.
Ecotourism is a growing industry that has capitalised on the huge diversity of landscapes within Queensland to become one of the state's largest economic contributors. It comprises a range of activities from bush walks through national parks, to scuba diving in pristine reefs, or zip-lining through a canopy of trees. But more than ever, these services are driven by the tourist dollar and operate with an international market in mind. Ambitious government targets to increase tourism and visitor expenditure in these fragile ecosystems have left conservationists wondering whether our natural assets will suffer in pursuit of financial gains...
This radio mini-documentary explores a variety of perspectives and assesses the implications of development in World Heritage Listed sites, specifically the Daintree Rainforest. It seems experiencing nature and preserving it have become equally important objectives for the government to consider, especially if ecotourism is to remain a viable industry in the future.
The topic of organ donation may not be an easy one to breach, but it is a conversation that families need to prepare for in the event of a loved ones' death. It seems more of us are taking heed of this advice. Recent statistics point towards a positive shift in dialogue surrounding organ donation. In fact, 2013 saw Queensland achieve its highest level of registered donors in twenty-five years. Experts are attributing this success to the efforts of government sponsored organisations, such as 'Donate Life,' that are working tirelessly to change public perceptions.
This current affairs package brings together a number of voices directly and indirectly affected by organ donation, with particular emphasis on Kate Phillips' personal narrative, as a double heart-lung transplant recipient. In this sense, this piece strikes a balance between optimism and harsh reality as community awareness is beginning to grow but more action is required to meet the relentless demand for organs. As such, donation is an issue that needs to be kept at the forefront of the public psyche. So why not lend an ear? So to speak...
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