May 23, 2023

Australia’s Welfare System With Luke Henriques-Gomes; Alison Pouliot’s Encounters With Fungi; The End Of Native Forest Logging In Victoria With David Lindenmayer

1 hour 56 minutes

Luke Henriques-Gomes, Guardian Australia’s social affairs and inequality editor, delves into the urgent issues of inequality in Australia and the latest developments in the social security system, including the rate changes to JobSeeker, program changes to ParentsNext, the significant difficulties for people seeking to access the Disability Support Payment, and more.

Ecologist, natural historian, and environmental photographer Alison Pouliot returns to discuss her fascinating new book, Underground Lovers: Encounters with Fungi. Alison takes us into the fungi kingdom and shares her vast knowledge and global experiences of fungi with us. She talks about the conservation of fungi, indigenous uses of fungi, the role of women in fungal lore, and much more.

World renowned forest scientist Professor David Lindenmayer discusses the breaking news that the Andrews Labor state government has announced that Victoria will end native forest logging and native forest timber production by January 2024 – 6 years ahead of schedule. David talks about the decades long campaign to end native forest logging in Victoria and the economics and science that supports ceasing it. After being promised a Great Forest National Park in 2014, David shares why we need one now more than ever. He also explains what the decision means for the regeneration of our native forests, as well as the plantation forest industry and forestry workers.

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