Latest news with #PeterJones
Telegraph
3 days ago
- Health
- Telegraph
Resident doctors risk losing the goodwill of the public by taking further strike action
SIR – As a retired surgeon, I was disappointed that the last government failed to resolve the doctors' strikes, despite their strong case for some restoration of pay, and the adverse effect that the prolonged industrial action had on waiting lists. After the Covid pandemic, the medical profession enjoyed public support. I believe that by taking further strike action (report, July 9), resident doctors risk losing that support. They should accept this year's recommendations and put forward a case for an above-inflation salary increase next year. In the meantime, the British Medical Association should continue to argue for improvements in working conditions and training, both of which fall substantially below those enjoyed by my generation. Peter Jones Marden, Kent SIR – I am a former nurse, who spent 17 years in health provision at a leading university and medical school. I am incensed by the junior doctors' new round of pay demands and strikes. They have been educated at great public expense for at least five years, not to mention the ongoing supervision they require as trainee doctors. They will go on to earn decent salaries, with the potential to work part-time as consultants for the NHS, while making thousands of pounds from private practice. Places for medical school are hugely competitive, and I expect that when being interviewed the majority of the candidates said that their main motivation was to help people. I am equally sure that, if asked, they would have denied even considering going on strike. Christine Tomblin Cotgrave, Nottinghamshire SIR – The most recent study into public perceptions of the Hippocratic Oath in the United Kingdom showed that 70 per cent of universities still insist that medical students swear to act in the best interests of their patients, both before and after they qualify. How, I wonder, does this sit with the proposed strike action by resident doctors? This will inevitably delay vital operations for patients who, in many cases, have been waiting for some time – in varying degrees of distress – for the procedure to take place. Taking an oath used to mean something; regrettably it seems that those days are over. Edward Aitchison Corbridge, Northumberland
BBC News
22-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Pipe organ revamp to 'enrich Cathedral Isle of Man services'
Improvements to a cathedral's pipe organ with "significantly enrich the quality" of services, concerts and community events at the venue, its musical director has said.A £5,000 Manx Lottery Trust grant has been awarded to Cathedral Isle of Man for works to increase the organ's capacity to project sound works would see new pipes added to a section of the instrument to increase its volume, which would ensure sound reaches all parts of the cathedral, particularly during larger of Music Peter Litman said the improvements would help to support singing from the congregation, enhancing the overall sound. The recent renovation of the building, also known as St German's Cathedral, included the installation of flat Litman said that had already significantly enhanced the building's aesthetic and acoustic qualities. However, as worship and participation was moving to focus more on the western side of the cathedral, which was where the congregation were seated, further improvements to the organ were "necessary", he added. The work is set to be carried out by Isle of Man organ builder Peter Jones using matching pipework from a similar instrument formerly based at St George's Church in Lottery Trust chairman Stephen Turner said the project "not only enhances the musical heritage of the Cathedral but also strengthens its role as a vital centre for community gatherings". Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
Sydney Morning Herald
20-06-2025
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
Government to consider changes to gas appliance ban
'Victorian gas is the cheapest in the nation. The longer we can rely on Victorian gas rather than imported gas, the better for Victoria's industrial sector.' The government has received submissions from industry, environmental advocates and other groups. Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce chief executive Peter Jones told The Age that the building electrification proposal 'threatens the foundation' of the industry. 'With approximately 4800 automotive businesses across the state relying on gas for their daily operations, this policy could force many of our members to either relocate interstate or shut down entirely,' he said. 'We're looking at the real possibility of vehicle parts, trailer manufacturing and other industry moving offshore permanently – taking Victorian jobs with them.' Victorian Trades Hall Council, Environment Victoria and the Victorian Council of Social Services have all made submissions supporting the plan. In March, VCOSS chief executive Juanita Pope said electric homes were better for people's health and that renters and low-income earners would need help to make the transition. 'Prioritising support for these households will mean that all Victorians can enjoy the health benefits and bill savings of electrification,' she said at the time. Loading Laundry Association of Australia chief executive Luke Simpkins said if the electrification program was implemented as proposed, it would eventually lead to higher costs. 'Everything will get passed through where possible,' he said. The debate comes as information provided by ExxonMobil to the Australian Energy Market Operator in April, as part of regular communication on the state of its assets, shows its Turrum Phase 3 project has revised its estimated capacity upwards. The project, which features a series of new Bass Strait wells, was announced in March, and the data shows it could now deliver 229 petajoules of gas over its lifetime starting from 2027, up from 137 petajoules originally expected. The numbers are preliminary and will require more work to determine precisely how much gas will be delivered from the project. But the upgrade raises the prospect that forecast shortages of gas in Victoria and New South Wales could be further delayed. When the project was announced, it factored into AEMO's calculations that pushed looming gas shortfalls back from 2025 to 2028. Energy and climate ministers have been meeting for months to map out a way to shore up supply in Australia, with discussions including giving AEMO the power to be a long-time buyer of gas through import terminals. AEMO's executive general manager of system design, Merryn York, said AEMO was waiting for further information on the Turrum project to see if it should update its advice for the national gas system. 'Additional information has been provided to AEMO's Gas Bulletin Board on gas reserves at the Turrum gas field, part of the Gippsland Basin Joint Venture (GBJV) between Esso Australia and Woodside Energy,' she said. 'We're awaiting on further analysis from both parties to determine when the additional reserves could be produced and the impact this may have on other GBJV fields and projects.' An Esso spokesperson said their anticipated production remained consistent with AEMO's road map. Loading 'Esso Australia regularly reviews remaining gas reserves and periodically updates the Australian Energy Market Operator of any material changes,' they said. 'While depletion of the Gippsland Basin is inevitable, projects like Turrum Phase 3 will ensure Bass Strait continues to produce gas for the domestic market past 2030.'
The Age
20-06-2025
- Business
- The Age
Government to consider changes to gas appliance ban
'Victorian gas is the cheapest in the nation. The longer we can rely on Victorian gas rather than imported gas, the better for Victoria's industrial sector.' The government has received submissions from industry, environmental advocates and other groups. Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce chief executive Peter Jones told The Age that the building electrification proposal 'threatens the foundation' of the industry. 'With approximately 4800 automotive businesses across the state relying on gas for their daily operations, this policy could force many of our members to either relocate interstate or shut down entirely,' he said. 'We're looking at the real possibility of vehicle parts, trailer manufacturing and other industry moving offshore permanently – taking Victorian jobs with them.' Victorian Trades Hall Council, Environment Victoria and the Victorian Council of Social Services have all made submissions supporting the plan. In March, VCOSS chief executive Juanita Pope said electric homes were better for people's health and that renters and low-income earners would need help to make the transition. 'Prioritising support for these households will mean that all Victorians can enjoy the health benefits and bill savings of electrification,' she said at the time. Loading Laundry Association of Australia chief executive Luke Simpkins said if the electrification program was implemented as proposed, it would eventually lead to higher costs. 'Everything will get passed through where possible,' he said. The debate comes as information provided by ExxonMobil to the Australian Energy Market Operator in April, as part of regular communication on the state of its assets, shows its Turrum Phase 3 project has revised its estimated capacity upwards. The project, which features a series of new Bass Strait wells, was announced in March, and the data shows it could now deliver 229 petajoules of gas over its lifetime starting from 2027, up from 137 petajoules originally expected. The numbers are preliminary and will require more work to determine precisely how much gas will be delivered from the project. But the upgrade raises the prospect that forecast shortages of gas in Victoria and New South Wales could be further delayed. When the project was announced, it factored into AEMO's calculations that pushed looming gas shortfalls back from 2025 to 2028. Energy and climate ministers have been meeting for months to map out a way to shore up supply in Australia, with discussions including giving AEMO the power to be a long-time buyer of gas through import terminals. AEMO's executive general manager of system design, Merryn York, said AEMO was waiting for further information on the Turrum project to see if it should update its advice for the national gas system. 'Additional information has been provided to AEMO's Gas Bulletin Board on gas reserves at the Turrum gas field, part of the Gippsland Basin Joint Venture (GBJV) between Esso Australia and Woodside Energy,' she said. 'We're awaiting on further analysis from both parties to determine when the additional reserves could be produced and the impact this may have on other GBJV fields and projects.' An Esso spokesperson said their anticipated production remained consistent with AEMO's road map. Loading 'Esso Australia regularly reviews remaining gas reserves and periodically updates the Australian Energy Market Operator of any material changes,' they said. 'While depletion of the Gippsland Basin is inevitable, projects like Turrum Phase 3 will ensure Bass Strait continues to produce gas for the domestic market past 2030.'
Daily Mail
15-06-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Drivers warned major road rule change in Australia with $961 fines 'just weeks' away: What you need to know
A major rule change is just weeks away and Aussie drivers have been warned they could be hit with fines as high as $961 if they break it. From July 1, divers in Victoria must not exceed more than 40km/h when they drive past an incident response vehicle. The rule was already in place for emergency services like police and ambulance on the side of the road and now it will include tow trucks, mechanics and roadside assistance vehicles. Royal Automobile Club of Victoria general manager Makarla Cole told Yahoo News the rule would give more emergency workers protection on the side of the road. The standard penalty for exceeding the 40km/h speed limit near incident response vehicles is $346 but it can be as high as $961 with no demerit points docked. The new rules have been put in place due to safety concerns from roadside workers A survey by RACV revealed 83 per cent of roadside workers experienced a close call with another vehicle at least once a week. Patroller Johnny Dipietro said he had experienced a number of near misses on the side of the road. 'I had a vehicle that almost hit me and I'll tell you what, it was really scary,' he said. Incident responder Steven Bevens said close calls happened 'every day' when on the shoulder of a busy road or highway. Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce Peter Jones said the new rules were necessary. 'We're pleased to see the Victorian government's commitment to roadside worker safety becoming a reality,' he said. 'When you see those flashing lights – whether it's police, ambulance, or now our towing and roadside assistance vehicles – slow down to 40km/h. It's a simple action that could save lives. 'This rule change finally gives them the protection they deserve. We urge all motorists to see this as an investment in everyone's safety.'
