The High Seas Treaty and Why It Matters
After ten years of negotiations, the United Nations has finally done it. On March 5, in New York City, delegates from around our planet agreed on a legal framework for a High Seas Treaty.
But what the heck is a High Seas Treaty? Well, it’s a legal document that will help protect large swaths of the ocean that aren’t within our government’s national boundaries. It will limit individuals from irresponsibly fishing in such areas and some companies from mining deep sea.
A High Seas Treaty will also help the United Nations achieve one of its many ambitious goals, protecting a third of the sea and land by 2030. If this treaty was never agreed upon, then this goal would be a complete and utter goner.
How the Cost of Living Crisis Is Impacting Lifeline
The crisis support service Lifeline has experienced an increase in folks using their services. This is because the cost of living crisis has continued to pummel the wallets and wellbeing of so many Aussies. Between August 2022 and January 2023, referral searches by Lifeline’s helpline counsellors for callers struggling with financial issues or homelessness went up by 49%.
“As well as telephone and digital support, Lifeline has 41 centres across Australia. Some of these centres offer face-to-face crisis support and counselling, including financial counselling,” said Lifeline Australia’s CEO, Colin Seery.
“Many of these centres are reporting a significant increase in demand for financial support, including food distribution. We are seeing this happen right now, all across the country.
“Our centres are reporting an increase in help seekers who have never experienced financial stress before. And we know cost of living pressures also disproportionately impact the most vulnerable, including people who are unemployed, renters, and young families.”
If you, or someone you know, are overwhelmed, you can connect with Lifeline in a way that makes you feel most comfortable. You can phone Lifeline to speak to a Crisis Supporter on 13 11 14, text 0477 131 114, or chat to Lifeline online at www.lifeline.org.au. All of these services are 24/7, seven days a week.
Related: Cost of Living Rebates — State-by-State Guide
Related: These Are the Everyday Items Australians Are Cutting Back on As the Cost of Living Rises
WorldPride’s Sydney Harbour Bridge March Slayed
In some wholesome news, Sydney WorldPride finished with a 10/10 bang. On March 5, the last day of this shindig, 50,000 people marched across the Sydney Harbour Bridge to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community.
Two people who attended this march were our Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, and our Foreign Minister, Penny Wong.
When discussing the symbolism of this march, Albanese said, “It’s about saying everybody should be valued for who they are and that our society is strengthened by its diversity. It’s a celebration of that but also an acknowledgement, being led by the ’78ers, that social change doesn’t happen in a uniform way. And it’s not easy, and people have made great sacrifices.”
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