Advocacy Australia Welcomes Coronial Inquest Into Bridgette “Biddy” Porter’s Death

In response to our request for an inquest into the circumstances surrounding the tragic killing of Bridgette “Biddy” Porter on behalf of Biddy’s parents, overnight we learned that after considering our application the NSW State Coroner, Her Honour Magistrate O’Sullivan, is of the opinion that an inquest should be held. Clare Collins, Chair of Advocacy Australia said, “We welcome the State Coroner’s decision in the hope that Biddy’s parents will learn what led to Biddy’s horrific killing, and hope that the knowledge gained through an inquest might help prevent other similar killings.” The request to the NSW State Coroner was…

Read More

20,000+ Voices Strong: Justice for Biddy Porter Advances to NSW Parliament Debate

When Rebekah Porter, mother of 10-year-old Bridgette “Biddy” Porter initiated the campaign seeking justice for her precious little girl, she could not have imagined how deeply Biddy’s tragic story would touch the hearts of so many, with media and the community throwing their full support behind the #Justice4BiddyPorter campaign. After four agonising years since Biddy’s brutal killing at the hands of a young person she trusted, today, less than two months after Advocacy Australia launched the Justice for Biddy Porter campaign, the NSW Parliament e-petition has achieved the minimum 20,000 signatures required for Independent MP for Orange, Philip Donato, to…

Read More

Urgent calls for Inquiries into DPP, Mental Health Review Tribunal & DCJ Victims’ Services

On the fourth anniversary of the brutal killing of 10-year-old Bridgette “Biddy” Porter by a teenage girl known to her; Biddy’s parents, Rebekah and Dominic are fighting for justice for their precious little girl who, until now, has been made invisible by a system her parents say is focussed on protecting their daughter’s killer, rather than meeting community expectations and achieving justice for their daughter and her loved ones.

Read More

Westfield Bondi Junction Massacre

Following the extreme act of violence that took six lives and harmed many others at Westfield Bondi Junction on Saturday 13th April, Advocacy Australia extends our heartfelt sympathies to all affected by these senseless actions. We commend the remarkable bravery and equanimity of community members, police and other first responders in the face of such horror. Australia must address the rising incidences of violent crimes perpetrated by individuals afflicted with severe mental health disorders. We have reached a critical juncture demanding decisive action and it’s imperative that the Prime Minister and the leaders of all state and territory governments respond…

Read More

Asbestos debris could be closer to home than you think!

As councils and government agencies continue to test for asbestos in mulch on government-owned sites, Clare Collins, Chair of the Asbestos Education Committee has urged the public not to panic but to avoid mulched areas until sites have been inspected and cleared of possible asbestos contamination. Agreeing with Premier Chris Minns that it’s completely unacceptable to find asbestos in mulch in public places, amid growing concerns Ms Collins has urged the public to remain calm but said if they observe what they suspect are pieces of bonded asbestos in a public place, to contact the local council immediately. “According to…

Read More

Australia’s tenth annual National Asbestos Awareness Month launches new Asbestos Education resource

As Australia continues to face the significant health risks of asbestos-related diseases due to asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) remaining hidden in one third of Aussie homes, the Asbestos Education Committee and Advocacy Australia launched their 10th annual National Asbestos Awareness Month campaign with a new education resource, Asbestos 101 for Residential Property Owners, Managers and Tradies. To help reduce the incidences of asbestos-related diseases, since 2011 the annual National Asbestos Awareness campaign has developed vital new resources to ensure Australians continue to learn to manage asbestos safely by providing user-friendly and often world-first resources at www.asbestosawareness.com.au Clare Collins, Chair of the…

Read More

TEN THOUSAND REASONS FOR RESPECT

The Asbestos & HAZMAT Removal Contractors Association (AHRCA) has presented Advocacy Australia with a cheque for $10,000 at the Master Builders Association of NSW to support the invaluable work of the Asbestos Education Committee in raising awareness of the dangers of asbestos through their “Respect Asbestos” campaigns, asbestosawareness.com.au, and the annual National Asbestos Awareness Month Campaign each November.

Read More

Asbestos Awareness Campaign Wins 2 Prestigious Awards

Advocacy Australia’s Asbestos Education Committee was thrilled to be a double award recipient in the Public Relations Institute of Australia 2022 Golden Target Awards for our 2021 ‘Respect Asbestos’ – Asbestos Awareness Month Campaign. The 2021 Respect Asbestos Campaign was the only campaign to receive a prestigious Golden Target Award in the Pro-Bono category and was the recipient of the Silver Award in the Low-Budget (Under $25k) category. The 2021 campaign wouldn’t have been a success without the tireless dedication of our ambassador, Cherie Barber and incredible support from industry leaders Bret Baker JP, John Batty, Greg Cummings and Joanne Wade, the amazing Sandie Foreman and…

Read More

New resources help employers better inform workers of asbestos risks

MEDIA RELEASE: 23 November 2022                                         New resources help employers better inform workers of asbestos risks November is National Asbestos Awareness Month – Friday 25 November is Asbestos Awareness Day 2022 Today, the Asbestos Education Committee announced the release of newly developed resources to help a wide range of employers inform workers of asbestos risks to prevent asbestos-related diseases that kill more than 4,000 Australians every year. Of these, many have been exposed to asbestos fibres in the workplace. Before a complete ban on asbestos came into force in Australia in December 2003, Australia was among the highest consumers of…

Read More