Ph.D students do a massive amount of research and development in Australia. For Australia to remain competitive on a global scale, we need to support and encourage as many scientifically minded people to participate in research as possible. This research allows us to be at the forefront of technological advancement in a wide range of areas such as molecular science (cancer, vaccine and drug development), computer science (AI, technology innovation) and many other disciplines. Currently the legislated minimum stipend payrate for a Ph.D student is $28,854 p.a (2022 data). Most, if not all Ph.D students are only ever awarded the minimum amount or slightly higher for the duration of their degree (Often up to four years). Ph.D students have all undertaken between 4 - 6 years of previous study to begin their doctorate degree and all possess several degrees in their own disciplines. This minimum payrate needs to be increased to fall into line with the current costs of living in Australia, and at the least should be equal to or greater than the legal minimum wage. Doing a Ph.D is full time work and working weeks well exceed 40 hours. Ph.D students are highly skilled and qualified workers that are undertaking work critical to Australia to be competitive on a global stage. Lets start to support them during these formative years as Australia's young scientists and researchers and award them minimum wages at the least.

There is obviously a massive need for more registered nurses in the healthcare system that is under an overwhelming strain. More nurses may return to their profession if given an opportunity. It does not make sense that 10 years should be a magic timeframe that you suddenly have no ability to perform your duties. If you can pass the re-entry program then surely that should enough to satisfy the Nurses board that they are safe to practise.

An astonishing number of students are experiencing difficulties that are often leading to repeating units and extending the period of time to complete this degree. The University has consistently failed to address concerns raised by students, promising changes that do not occur. Many students are having to apply for review of marks with astonishing results. The purpose of this petition is to advocate for our student body, collectively gather our concerns and to advocate for an investigation into this University that is failing to provide us with a meaningful education that prepares us to transition into the workforce as Registered Nurses. Bachelor of Nursing students studying through UTAS are reporting feeling unprepared to venture into practical placement with a lack of exposure and teaching of common procedures. There is concern that the impact of this not only effects us as future RN’s but also poses a risk to patient safety.

We have no local parks, reserves or footpaths, while council areas such as Clarence sets the standard. We need reserves and parks for children, parents and grandparents - a common area to value. We need footpaths for safety as mothers with strollers are forced to walk on the busy roads in the area.

Our community of Woorabinda is reliant on good quality water for our needs and having a mining company take what the want will severely deplete the Dawson River water supply.

Imperative for the safety of children and parents escorting their children to schools

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While things remain open, people will gather. While schools remain open, kids will go. They may not get very sick, but they can bring it home to those who will. Teachers can also contract it. This is not a practice run. This is happening. We need to let the government know that our lives are important. This is supported by the following article. Please read this article. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-21/coronavirus-the-case-for-endgame-c-stop-almost-everything/12077096?utm_medium=spredfast&utm_content=sf231766232&utm_campaign=abc_news&utm_source=m.facebook.com&sf231766232=1&fbclid=IwAR0wdiRQAbRjayUz2Ymawy9jPCn2rOvZCH7BXHGGP9mIQqZurBtPTfENx9w We must choose Endgame C, and choose it quickly. 7 days ago we had only 250 cases at the end of that day- last Sunday. Now we have upwards of 1100 cases. That’s a huge increase- in one week. By that logic, next Sunday, we’ll have 4000 cases. But wait, that’s if it increases at a steady rate, which it doesn’t. The numbers are old data anyway. If we know about these 1000 cases now, a week ago they were still there, we just didn’t know about them yet, walking around sharing Covid-19 with friends and family. So realistically we have at least 4000 people out there walking around without knowing they have it, sharing it with others. If they share it with only 4 other people- well, you can do the Maths. The only option here is Endgame C. The Prime Minister thinks people will make smart choices. He has too much faith in people. They will not comply if simply asked to. We saw that at Bondi. There need to be strict instructions and rules. I am not alone. Most of Australia wants to go into lockdown, but won’t unless instructed to do so. The only option is lockdown for 8-12 weeks. Small price to pay really.