Search for MH370 black box could be completed within a week
The search for missing flight MH370’s black box could be completed within a week, Australian authorities announced yesterday. The underwater search for the device, which will contain details of the flight’s final moments, has been narrowed to a circular area with a 10km radius, on the basis of signals believed to be coming from the box which were identified on April 8.
Thousands to be reassessed under proposed disability pension overhaul
Thousands of disability pensioners would have their eligibility assessed by independent doctors under Social Services Minister Kevin Andrews’ proposed revisions to the disability pension. The change would see all pensioners who were assessed by family doctors prior to 2011 re-examined by the Department of Human Services. The new system would be implemented alongside overall lower payments as early as the May budget.
Two men save elderly woman from dog attack using six-pack
Two men have saved an elderly woman from a dog attack in Sydney’s south, armed only with a six-pack of beer. 90-year-old Irene Koutsounadis was being savaged by her daughter’s American pit bull terrier when Justin Innes and his son Jacob walked past the scene carrying a six pack. Using the six-pack, the men managed to fight the dog off the woman, and lock it in the house. Koutsounadis has been hospitalised in a critical condition, and Jacob Innes has told Fairfax Media that he owes his dad another case of beer.
Korean ferry death toll at 46
The confirmed death toll of the South Korean ferry disaster now sits at 46, after divers recovered 10 more bodies. 265 people remain unaccounted for, the majority from the high school group whose accompanying Vice-principal was previously reported to have committed suicide after escaping the disaster.
New Jersey becomes third US state to have a mumps outbreak this year
New Jersey has become the third US state to have an outbreak of the mumps this year, after similar outbreaks were seen in New York and Ohio. The series of outbreaks has prompted calls for compulsory vaccination programs in the US.
7.5 magnitude earthquake strikes off PNG
A 7.5 magnitude earthquake has struck off the coast of Papua New Guinea. The powerful quake struck 75 km southwest of the town of Panguna at 11:30pm last night, according to the US Geological Survey. A tsunami warning was issued for Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Island, however it has since been relaxed.
Couple married for 70 years die 15 hours apart
An Ohio couple who had been married for 70 years have died just 15 hours apart. 92-year-old Helen Felumlee passed away only to be quickly followed by her 91-year-old husband, Kenneth. The couple’s eight children told the Associated Press that the quick passing was not a surprise, saying: “We knew when one went, the other was going to go.”
Teenager suspended for asking Miss America to Prom
A high school student has been suspended after asking Miss America to be his prom date. 18-year-old Patrick Farves popped the question to Miss America Nina Davaluri at a question and answer event at his high school. Representatives from the school have said that they knew about Farves’s plans and had asked him not to go ahead.
Top Comments
I hope they handle the reassessment of the disability pension with fairness. I know several people on it who are wroughting the system. I hope this process targets those who truly need the pension rather than those looking for an easier way out.
If you know someone doing something illegal then report it. Here is a link to the Human Services website! https://www.centrelink.gov....
To go on DSP you have to go through a pile of forms, 1 Centrelink doctor plus your own. Are they saying they don't trust those doctors? The LNP politicians continue to demean the professional ethics and capability of medical doctors, so just imagine how the poor and disabled feel. Worthless. Watch for increased suicides.
This is not true. The only medical information comes from your GP. This information along with self-reported information is then assessed by an allied health professional (psych, physio, OT etc). You are not medically assessed by anyone but your GP. I know GP's who have taken on an advocacy role for long-term patients and friends, filling in the treating doctors report with the aim of getting them on the pension. There are a lot of people on the pension who could work which results in less resources available for the seriously disabled.
So they don't trust GP reports then? Surely if a GP or specialist fills in a false report to Centrelink that is against the law, a signed form to Centrelink is a legal document, how many Dr's would take that risk to their careers? even if they were signing for friends and family as you suggest. I doubt it happens that often.
GPs often have to go on a large amount of self-reported symptoms, pain levels etc, as they don't have the same resources at their disposal as many specialists do. Many GPs do a wonderful job with patients with long term disability and chronic conditions, but we have to recognise that sometimes further resources can be needed. Their reports might not be false but sometimes the examination can be influenced by chronic pain behaviours without the further investigations to determine the cause.
For workers on long term workers compensation, a review by a specialist physician is often required - why not the same requirement for disability pension? It would also ensure that disability pension recipients are getting specialist review on a more ongoing basis.
Thanks for the information Elle, I had assumed that Dr's signing forms for DSP needed x rays, blood test etc as proof, but perhaps in some cases that is not possible.
I agree that regular specialist reviews are needed for DSP recipients, not just to confirm eligibility, but for the benefit of the patient too. I am surprised that that wasn't happening anyway.