June 25, 2024

UOW expert commentary (25 June)

UOW academics provide expert commentary, opinion and analysis on a range of ongoing and breaking news stories

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Why offshore wind is a good idea

The Director of the Energy Futures Network at the University of Wollongong, Ty Christopher, can provide expert commentary on why he believes offshore wind is the answer Australia needs for large-scale energy production. Mr Christopher has co-authored an article in The Conversation about the recent approval of Australia’s fourth offshore wind energy zone, off the Illawarra coast in New South Wales. He writes:

Australia needs large-scale electricity generation. The Coalition has recognised this, and is now promoting large nuclear power plants as well as small modular reactors.

The clean energy transition requires multiple renewable energy sources to meet different needs. There is no “one size fits all” solution – and there is clearly an important role for offshore wind in this mix.

As the Director of the Energy Futures Network, Mr Christopher’s work focuses on coordinated education and research into the future of energy supply. He also has more than 38 years’ experience in the electricity supply industry.

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Parliamentary inquiry into financial abuse

Dr Helen Simpson can discuss the parliamentary inquiry into financial abuse in Australia which gets underway later this week. The inquiry will examine the role of financial institutions in identifying and preventing financial abuse, the effectiveness of existing laws to govern the ability of banks to deal with financial abuse, and potential areas for reform. Dr Simpson is a criminologist in the School of Health and Society. Her research is focused on domestic and family violence and law enforcement.

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The IVF industry in Australia

Honorary Professor Sarah Ferber can talk about last night’s Four Corner’s episode which explored concerns about the IVF industry in Australia. She says each of these stories is a human tragedy, and the buck stops with the governments who failed to create policy frameworks to protect future offspring. Professor Ferber is an Honorary Professorial Fellow in the School of Humanities and Social Inquiry. She has authored several books, including IVF and Assisted Reproduction: A Global History.

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International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking –  26 June

Dr Luis Gómez Romero can discuss the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on Wednesday 26 June. Dr Gómez Romero has practised law in Mexico and regularly writes about the drug trade in the country. He is an expert in human rights, international law and international relations. Dr Gómez Romero is from the School of Law.

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Violence towards refugee and migrant women

Professor Jo Spangaro can talk about intimate partner violence faced by refugee and migrant women, which she says around one-third of these women face. In an article she co-authored in The Conversation Professor Spangaro writes:

One of the most vulnerable groups in our society are women from refugee and migrant backgrounds. Around one-third of these women are estimated to experience violence from their partners. As they’re less likely to disclose, they are also more likely to remain in abusive relationships than other women.

Their vulnerability during resettlement is compounded by family separation, pre-arrival trauma, and limited support networks. Language, visa status and little knowledge of services all create additional barriers.

Professor Spangaro formerly worked as a social worker with people impacted by sexual and domestic violence, before moving into the policy arena. Since completing her PhD on domestic violence, she has researched interventions to address sexual and domestic violence both in Australia and internationally. She is a Professor of Social Work in the School of Health and Society.

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UOW academics exercise academic freedom by providing expert commentary, opinion and analysis on a range of ongoing social issues and current affairs. This expert commentary reflects the views of those individual academics and does not necessarily reflect the views or policy positions of the University of Wollongong.