Reality Bytes

Reality Bytes Hosts: Desley Casey and Susan Pavlic discuss the pokies reforms for New South Wales (NSW) and Tasmania.  Pokies reforms is a very hot topic in New South Wales at present.  the LNP (Liberal National Party) Premier, Domonic Perrotte has decided if re-elected to govt to introduce a cashless gaming card.  Chris Minns (Labor Opposition Leader), today, Monday 16/1/2023 has now come out with the Labor policy if elected to government and the NSW March elections to be implemented on 1st July 2023. Tasmania has passed legistation of a mandatory cashless gaming card, and limits that will be implemented in Tasmania from 2024. Desley and Sue discuss a range of issues in relation to pokies reforms for players in both states. Duration:  Approximately 37 minutes. Please Note:  In Australia, slot machines are knows as poker or pokies machines.

This is a short discussion on how much income a person can earn (pre tax) before the Job Seeker Payment is Affected in Australian. There is a misnomer that if one earns any $$$ then the Job Seeker payment is affected by a deducted of 60c in the dollar for every dollar earned.  This is actually not entirely correct.    Join Desley Casey from Reality Bytes as she provides a quick overview discussion on how Centrelink determine how much is deducted from the Job Seeker payment when people earn an income.  Income is based on the pre tax (gross) amount that a person does earn. (Approximately 7 minutes).

Reality Bytes Hosts: Desley Casey and Susan Pavlic wishing viewers and listeners a very happy Christmas and a happy & safe start to the New Year. May your holidays for full of fun and very safe.

Join Reality Bytes Hosts:  Desley Casey and Susan Pavlic as the discuss some of the results of the Australian Federal Election held on 21st May 2022 - Part 2. The ALP (Australian Labor Party) won the election, however, to date whether the new government is able to govern in their own right or govern as a minority government is yet to be determined (Thursday 26/5/2022). Desley and Susan discuss: *  Some of their ideas re how the ALP could potentially improve Australian's faith in politicians and the politcal system, for example: *  Modify the legislation on:  I move the member no longer be heard. *  Federal politicians pay rises *  Some basic number crunching *  Federal politicians travel and other allowances. *  And, so much more. You can view or listen to the Live/Podcast (which was pre-recorded due to technical issues at the time) on: Podcast:  https://anchor.fm/desley-casey Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/realitybytespodcasts YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC37m714-04dCeewRFz2o1Ug (Approximately 42 minutes)

Join Reality Bytes Hosts:  Desley Casey and Susan Pavlic as the discuss some of the results of the Australian Federal Election held on 21st May 2022. The ALP (Australian Labor Party) won the election, however, to date whether the new government is able to govern in their own right or govern as a minority government is yet to be determined (Thursday 26/5/2022). Desley and Susan discuss: Labor's win as the governing major party. Some of the federal electorial seats, i.e. Lyons in Tasmania and Gilmore in NSW are still too close to call.  (Latest update is that the sitting Labor Member for Lyons, Brian Mitchell, is maintaining a small lead.  In the seat of Gilmore, the Liberal Candidate has the slimest majority of just over 100 votes ahead of Fiona Phillips the 2019 - 2022 Labor MP. A correction we must make is that to date Peter Dutton (mentioned about 7 minutes into the discussion) has as yet to be elected as the leader for the Liberal Party.  Our understanding is that at present he has put his hand up to lead the Liberal party however to date the election as leader as yet has not happened. Uluru Statement of the Heart Anthony Albanese, now Australia's 31st Prime Minister And, so much more. You can view or listen to the Live/Podcast (which was pre-recorded due to technical issues at the time) on: Podcast:  https://anchor.fm/desley-casey Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/realitybytespodcasts YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC37m714-04dCeewRFz2o1Ug (Approximately 57 minutes)

Reality Bytes - Lives/Podcasts Saturday 7th May 2022 @ 4pm (AEST) Interview with Brian Mitchell, Labor MP for Lyons, Tasmania. Join Reality Bytes Hosts:  Desley Casey and Susan Pavlic as they discuss with Brian a broad range of issues impacting the Australian population.  Yes, as normal, Susan and Desley end the interview with a short poem. Issues include however not limited to: *  Affordable Housing including private rentals and community housing. *  Cost of Living pressures. *  Indue P/L - Cashless Debit Card that has been in trial sites for the past 6 years and how the government want to ented  this to all Centrelink recipients, regardless of location. *  The 2 C's:  Child Care and Climate Change *  And, so much more. Join us at: Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/realitybytespodcasts Audio Only:  https://anchor.fm/desley-casey YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC37m714-04dCeewRFz2o1Ug (Approximately 48 minutes) Please Note:  Interview was Pre-Recorded

Reality Bytes hosts: Desley Casey and Susan Pavlic, interview Michelle a NSW Community Housing Tenant. Saturday: 23rd April 2022 at 4pm. As a community housing tenant Michelle has experienced a broad range of dramas to do with her tenancy and attempting to have a broad range of housing maintenance issues addressed by the community housing provider. For the purposes of anonymity Michelle's name has been changed; where she actually resides has not been disclosed and the name of the community housing provider has also not been given. This interview was pre-recorded just prior to Easter. Issues Michelle discusses include however not limited to: Ongoing flooding issues which is causing a range of potential structural problems for the dwelling. The tardiness of the community housing provider as a landlord to address all maitnenance issues speedily and effectively. The moisture levels in the home which is now causing black mould to appear on various skirting boards and walls. And, so much more. Community Housing Tenants have the same rights and responsibilities as any other tenant, yet many community housing providers (like the one highlighted in this live/podcast) point blank refuse to undertake maintenance and repairs in a timely manner which results in tenants living in sub-standard accommodation and having their tenancy threatened if they dare to riase their voices. You can join Reality Bytes at: Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/realitybytespodasts YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC37m714-04dCeewRFz2o1Ug Audio Only:  https://anchor.fm/desley-casey (Approximately 29 minutes).

ALP 2022 Federal Budget Reply Live - Saturday 9/4/2022 at 4pm (Aussie EST - NSW timezone) Join Reality Bytes Hosts: Desley Casey and Susan Pavlic as they discuss ALP Opposition Leader, Anthony Albanese, 2022 Budget Reply Speech Please note: Neither Desley or Susan are Financial Budget Crunchers or Financial Advisors. This is simply their take on Albo’s budget reply as ordinary, every day Australians, trying to make ends meet like the majority of the Australian population. Issues include however not limited to: * ALP’s signature policy on Aged Care * Their child care policy * How LNP are telling furfies when they state they will not increase taxes. * Medicare and Defence * And, so much more. You can join us at: https://facebook.com/realitybytespodcasts https://facebook.com/groups/realitybytes https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC37m714-04dCeewRFz2o1Ug https://live.flutin.com/event/62136dce69f1c3474dfa283b You can also listen to the podcast (audio only) at: https://anchor.fm/desley-casey (Approximately 50 minutes.) #realitybytes #olderwomen #Medicare #australianfederalgovernment #ALP #LNP #2022 Federal Budget

Federal Budget on Tuesday 29th March 2022. Reality Bytes hosts: Desley Casey and Susan Pavlic watched the Live telecast of the treasurer delivering his Budget Speech and decided to discuss what they heard as ordinary, every day Australians and whether this budget delivers to the Australian People. Please Note: Desley and Susan are very quick to note: (a) They are definitely not economists, and (b) They are definitely not financial advisors, and (c) They have not read the 2022 budget papers. Join Desley and Susan as they discuss: · Cost of Living pressures and strategies the LNP attempt to address. · Reduction of the Fuel excise for the next 6 months · Funding for Rural and regional areas as well as all local councils in Australia · Funding for Defence · And, so much more. Desley and Susan also raise the question what will happen after the 6 months is up. As they stated: it is not as if the cost of living pressures are going to decrease in 6 months when the cost of living strategies the government are due to cease the funding. (Approximately 42 minutes)

Sussex Inlet: The Forgotten NSW Rural South Coast Town – Part 2 The recent floods that hit Eastern States of Qld, Northern NSW and Sydney regions also hit the NSW South Coast area. Sussex Inlet is one such township that was hit by the recent floods. As a coastal region the area's residents have to contend with not only flood disasters but also bushfire disasters. As such one would think that governments of all levels would be prepared to meet any potential disaster head on, working in conjunction with the local communities in the Shoalhaven local government area. Sadly as you listen to this episode (and also part 2); the state of preparedness is left up to local residents to do as best they can. Sussex Inlet is one such forgotten township in NSW and is under no illusion that it is the only one, even in the Shoalhaven area. Join Reality Bytes hosts: Desley Casey and Susan Pavlic as they discuss the issues, challenges and dilemmas the residents of the Sussex Inlet area do face; along with a range of practical strategies to support the residents and local government with 3 Sussex Inlet Residents: Nikki, Raye and Sandra. Discussion includes, however, not limited to: Disaster      recovery strategies Shoalhaven      Council Disaster Recovery Support Officers and supports Giving      Donations Flood      Insurance Sussex      Inlet Roads And,      so much more. And the Reality Bytes Hosts love to end the Lives/Podcasts with a wee Poem. (Approximately: 45 minutes.) You can also watch the episode on: Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/realitybytespodcasts and YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC37m714-04dCeewRFz2o1Ug And Audio only at: https://anchor.fm/desley-casey Please Share throughout your Networks.

Sussex Inlet: Residents’ Cry Saturday 26/3/2022 at 4pm The recent floods that hit Eastern States of Qld, Northern NSW and Sydney regions also hit the NSW South Coast area. Sussex Inlet is one such township that was hit by the recent floods. As a coastal region the area's residents have to contend with not only flood disasters but also bushfire disasters. As such one would think that governments of all levels would be prepared to meet any potential disaster head on, working in conjunction with the local communities in the Shoalhaven local government area. Join Reality Bytes hosts: Desley Casey and Susan Pavlic as they discuss with special guest, Patricia White, Councillor, Shoalhaven Council.  Thanks are extended to the residents of Sussex Inlet who provided a range of questions and comments they requested by put forward to Patricia by Desley and Susan. Discussion includes, however, not limited to: Simple      strategies which will assist residents when an impending disaster is on      the horizon. Vehicles      driving through flood waters and the impact on properties. Sussex      Inlet Roads and Roads Maintenance Community      Meetings And,      so much more. And the Reality Bytes Hosts love to end the Lives/Podcasts with a wee Poem. (Approximately: 1 hour, 4 minutes.) You can also watch the episode on: Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/realitybytespodcasts and YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC37m714-04dCeewRFz2o1Ug And Audio only at: https://anchor.fm/desley-casey Please Share throughout your Networks.

Snapshot: Sussex Inlet Residents’ Cry Join Reality Bytes Hosts: Desley Casey and Susan Pavlic with special guest, Patricia White, Councillor for Shoalhaven Council discuss a range of concerns that Sussex Inlet Residents put forward. In this snapshot, Patricia discusses: · Hosting a Community Meeting for the residents in Wunda Ave, Banksia St, River Road and surrounding streets, Sussex Inlet. · Addresses the residents’ concerns re sewerage in the water as a result of the floods. That this is definitely not sewerage but iron-oxidising bacteria as a result of the flood waters which Sussex has never experienced before. · An invitation she has received to attend a Sussex Inlet wide community meeting. The full interview with Patricia will be aired on Saturday 26th March 2022 at 4pm You can review the Snapshot via: Facebook: Reality Bytes Podcasts : https://www.facebook.com/realitybytespodcasts YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC37m714-04dCeewRFz2o1Ug And Audio Only: https://anchor.fm/desley-casey

The recent floods that hit Eastern States of Qld, Northern NSW and Sydney regions also hit the NSW South Coast area.  Sussex Inlet is one such township that was hit by the recent floods.  As a coastal region the area's residents have to contend with not only flood disasters but also bushfire disasters. As such one would think that governments of all levels would be prepared to meet any potential disaster head on, working in conjunction with the local communities in the Shoalhaven local government area.  Sadly as you listen to this episode (and also part 2); the state of preparedness is left up to local residents to do as best they can. Sussex Inlet is one such forgotten township in NSW and is under no illusion that it is the only one, even in the Shoalhaven area. Join Reality Bytes hosts:  Desley Casey and Susan Pavlic as they discuss the issues, challenges and dilemmas the residents of the Sussex Inlet area do face; along with a range of practical strategies to support the residents and local government with 3 Sussex Inlet Residents:  Nikki, Raye and Sandra. Discussion includes, however, not limited to: The geography of the Sussex Inlet area and the various streets that floods on a regular basis. Disaster planning and/or lack thereof. Accessibility issues for residents to evacuate to a designated by government evacuation centre. And, so much more. (Approximately:  45 minutes.) You can also watch the episode on: Facebook at:  https://facebook.com/realitybytespodcasts and YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC37m714-04dCeewRFz2o1Ug

Yes I'm Older Give Me A Break - Part 1 Live - Saturday 5/3/2022 at 4pm (Aussie Daylight Saving EST - NSW timezone) Join Reality Bytes Hosts:  Desley Casey and Susan Pavlic as they discuss the issues of Older Women in Australia s with Special Guest: Beverly Baker, President of National Older Women's Network and Chair of the NSW Older Women's Network. Beverly is a mother and grandmother and is very passionate about the issues that older women face, however, also about the range of issues surrounding young people in Australia. Due to the broad range of issues that Beverly, Susan and Desley discussed, the interview has been developed into 2 episodes.   Issues include however not limited to: *  A broad range of issues surrounding older women *  Over 45 and homeless - many older women have become homeless *  Ageism and the impact of ageism on older Australians. *  Health care as a person ages. *  Assisted dying for people who are terminally ill. *  And, so much more. (Approximately 40 minutes)

Reality Bytes hosts: Desley Casey and Susan Pavlic discuss with special guest Julie from NSW, issues surrounding Jobseekers in Australia. Join Desley, Susan and Julie as they traverse the jobseekers universe. Julie is a Jobseeker based in NSW and is a mother of an adult daughter. Issues include but not limited to: Jobseekers in Australia The $44 per day that Jobseekers receive as a Centrelink payment Job Search Providers The vilification and stigmatising of Jobseeker by the federal government and society in general (Approximately 40 minutes)

Join Reality Bytes podcast hosts: Desley Casey and Susan Pavlic as they discuss: Medicare in Australia How Medicare became (and still is) a political football in Australian politics The History of Medicare And, so much more. (Approximately 40 minutes)

Reality Bytes Host introduces Co Host: Susan Pavlic from Tasmania. Sue has joined the Reality Bytes team and will be co hosting Reality Bytes Podcasts with Desley. Join us as we discuss: Susan introducing herself and a discussion with Desley on various life experiences Cashless Debit Card The LNP Fairytale Approximately: 26 minutes

I had the honour and privilege of interviewing Sue from Tasmania on life and her lived experiences.  The discussion is rather wide ranging and is unedited. Susan is 65 years old and resides in Tasmania. She successfully raised 6 kids and raised 3 as a single mum. Susan has had many jobs from fruit picking to union organiser in Tas. Also she spent a few years of her working life as bar tender. Life has seen Sue experiencing some bad relations with plenty of domestic violence. Sue was raped by her stepfather for a number of years till she was old enough to leave. Sue has alsoraised a number of other people kids and successfully get a BA in youth work. She loves football and music.  Topics included however not limited to: Australian politics - we could have discussed this topic for hours! Sue's lived experience of Domestic violence. The Cashless Debit Card (Indue Card) which some of our most vulnerable Australians are forced onto by the current Australian government. Employers and wage theft. And, so much more. (Approximately 59 minutes)

Desley Casey, Reality Bytes Podcast Host discusses the Private Members Bill to be introduced into the Australian Parliament, House of Representatives on Monday 25th October 2021 to scrap the Cashless Debit Card. Thank you to Justine and Julian for giving generously of their time and their thoughts on the Cashless Debit Card and this bill. You can watch Julian and Justine speak on this private members bill to be introduced between 10am - 12noon and the subsequent vote to take place on Parl View https://parlview.aph.gov.au/ Actions you can undertake to support Labor's campaign to scrap the card: Speak to your local MP and Senators to pressure the government to scrap the card. Send your direct lived experiences or concerns to Julian and Justine and your local members of parliament.  (Please note: your information will be de-identified.) Sign the petition to scrap the card at: https://stop-the-cashless-pension-card.org.au/?fbclid=IwAR17n2Cb4vPrT-eb6obpb-QymX-v0tQY-f-bWxyXieRp-f23SyE-jmxQIXo Check out your local Labor MP's Facebook Pages And, so much more. The discussions with both Julian and Justine for the Podcast includes however, not limited to: What is the Private Members Bill What is the Cashless Debit Card and it's Impacts on Ordinary, every day Australians who happen to be Social Security Recipients Should parliamentarians be forced onto the Cashless Debit Card The conflicting roles of Social Security Minister, Anne Ruston with her role as Minister for Women's Safety The cash economy Strategies people can implement to ensure their voices are heard And, so much more. Many thanks to Justine and Julian.   (Approximately 48 minutes)

This is a snapshot of the interview with Justine Elliot MP for Richmond NSW and Julian Hill MP for Richmond VIC on the private members bill to be introduced into parliament on Monday 25th October 2021 to scrap the Cashless Debit Card. Justine is the Federal LaborMember for Richmond on the NSW North Coast. Elected in 2004, she is the first and only woman elected to the seat in its 120- year history and is a former Minister for Ageing and Parliamentary Secretary for Trade. As the Chair of Labor’s Protecting Pensioners Task Force, Justine is leading the fight to scrap the Liberals and Nationals’ unfair cashless debit card.  Justine lives and has raised her two children near Tweed Heads with her husband Craig. Julian was elected as the Member for Bruce in the Australian Parliament in July 2016, and is the Deputy Chair of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit. He was elected as a Councillor at Port Phillip Council at the age of 25, and became the youngest ever Mayor of the City, before holding a number of senior positions within the Victorian Public Service. This snapshot includes however not limited to: What is the private members bill being introduced by Julian and to be seconded by Justine into the Parliament? What people can do to support their efforts Julian's experience of attempting to be voluntarily placed onto the cashless debit card The Centrepay system run by Centrelink. (Approximately 7 minutes) Stay tuned as the full interview becomes available.