ACL compiles a daily media monitoring service of stories of interest to the Christian constituency relating to children, family, drugs and alcohol, marriage, human rights, religious freedom etc. Visit the ACL’s website each day to see what’s of interest in the news. Please note that selection of the articles does not represent ACL endorsement of the content.
Children & FamilyPortolesi's pledge to put children firstLABOR rising star and mother of one Grace Portolesi will oversee the development of almost every South Australian under the age of 18. The former Aboriginal Affairs minister was the big winner in Premier Jay Weatherill's first Cabinet reshuffle and now faces the daunting task of running a ministry that will define his government. On day one of his premiership, Mr Weatherill stated that children and families would be a central focus of his government as it seeks to unlock opportunity for all in the new economy.
GamblingPacker denies preying on problem gamblersCrown Casino boss James Packer has angrily rejected suggestions his casino business relies on problem gamblers, calling critics the "latte set".
A policy jackpot for wily leadersMalcolm Turnbull made a nuanced contribution on pokies reform this week. The day after Tony Abbott ''predicted'' the Coalition would oppose and then rescind mandatory pre-commitment reforms if they actually managed to get through this all-singing, all-dancing Federal Parliament, Turnbull was asked to advance his own view.
IndigenousTime for conservatives to do the right thingMark TextorAustralians, including conservatives like me, are perhaps about to face the most important referendum most of us have never heard of. The government's expert panel on Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples will soon recommend options that formally recognise indigenous Australians in our constitution, with a referendum on the issue possible by the next federal election.
PoliticsLibs might be eager, but Labor cautious on RuddLenore TaylorIt's amazing how many experts there are on the subject of Kevin Rudd's plans to run for the Labor leadership again. In the Liberal Party alone there must be several dozen.
Religious Freedom & PersecutionIranian actress Marzieh Vafemehr spared lashingAMNESTY International has announced the release of the Iranian actress Marzieh Vafemehr without suffering 90 lashes and further imprisonment for her role in the South Australian film My Tehran for Sale.
RefugeesWarning of detention deaths ignoredSMHTHE government was repeatedly warned of a high risk of suicides and self-harm in immigration detention and failed to implement changes that might have prevented deaths, according to documents obtained by the Herald
Sexualisation of SocietySpruiking Playboy to children? It's enough to boil one's bunnySuzy Freeman-GreeneThey have been selling Playboy-themed merchandise in a chain of Melbourne jewellery shops, right opposite the kids' stuff. On one wall, you could find Disney trinkets, stick-on earrings, puffy stickers and Silly Bandz elastic bracelets. Nearby, there were chunky rings spelling PLAYBOY, bunny hoop earrings and a pendant consisting of gold legs leading to an arse with a bunny tail.
FurtherSAS book will be a matter of honour for teen boysTWO former SAS officers have published a controversial book designed to toughen up teenage boys and teach them courage, honour and loyalty.