![](https://vocalminority.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/iStock-1432194458.jpg)
Demand removal of deadly shark nets across QLD and NSW waters
Australia’s use of shark nets and drumlines by QLD and NSW Governments has resulted in the unnecessary deaths of over 100,000 sharks and numerous marine animals. Despite their long history, these methods have been repeatedly proven ineffective and harmful to marine ecosystems, yet still practised in the name of tourism.
![](https://vocalminority.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/VM-In-the-balance-Photo-by-Agathe-Marty-on-Unsplash-768x512.jpg)
In the balance
Ecosystems on land absorb almost 30 percent of the carbon dioxide humans release into the atmosphere. Now a new report confirms the role rainforests and savannas play in achieving net-zero – but it also warns that climate change could change it all.
![](https://vocalminority.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/VM-World-in-images-Photo-by-Ariel-Schmunck-on-Unsplash-768x960.jpg)
Pretty pictures
Sometimes it’s worth turning off the news and viewing the world through a photographer’s lens. This collection of images shows what went on this week: the good, the bad and extremely beautiful. Enjoy.
![](https://vocalminority.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/VM-Helping-Ukraine-Photo-by-Max-Kukurudziak-on-Unsplash.jpg)
How to help Ukraine right now
The brazen invasion of Ukraine by Russia has shocked the world. While it may feel we are powerless, there are some powerful ways in which you can help. Here’s how…
![](https://vocalminority.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/VM-Why-RAT-tests-should-be-free-Photo-by-Annie-Spratt-on-Unsplash-768x512.jpg)
Why RAT tests should be free
It started in January when a Sydney charity said its call for 500 RAT tests per week went unanswered by the state government. Today the problem is much larger with reports that low-income Australians are skipping meals because of the costs of RAT tests.
![](https://vocalminority.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/VM-End-youth-suicide-Photo-by-Dev-Asangbam-on-Unsplash-768x1152.jpg)
Help end youth suicide
Suicide is the leading cause of death among young Australians. This week’s annual End Youth Suicide campaign aims to destigmatise mental health problems and save lives by encouraging people to talk. But much more is needed, particularly increased government funding. Here’s how you can help.
![](https://vocalminority.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/VM-GBR-billion-dollar-boost-Photo-by-Manny-Moreno-on-Unsplash-768x576.jpg)
Reef’s billion-dollar boost
The federal government has announced its largest-ever investment in saving the Great Barrier Reef, promising $1 billion towards improving water quality, reef management and research. The move follows years of degrading conditions and devastating bleaching events, and the threat of an “in danger” listing by the World Heritage Committee.
![](https://vocalminority.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/VM-Disability-and-covid-restrictions-Photo-by-Jon-Tyson-on-Unsplash-768x512.jpg)
Going without basic assistance
Omicron may have peaked, but many of the groups most vulnerable to the disease are still not adequately protected. The decision by National Cabinet to allow disability support workers to skip quarantine and work when they have been exposed to COVID-19 has been slammed as unacceptable by disability advocacy organisations.
![](https://vocalminority.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/VM-Christmas-and-drowning-Photo-by-Jack-Bassingthwaighte-on-Unsplash-1-768x512.jpg)
In with a splash
Welcome to 2022! Many of us are on leave and we’re spending long happy days lazing on the beach or poolside with family and friends. What can go wrong? Well… quite a bit – particularly when alcohol is involved. Here’s our guide to summer water safety.
![](https://vocalminority.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/VM-Great-Barrier-Reef-Unesco-Photo-by-Chad-Taylor-on-Unsplash-768x432.jpg)
Reef’s status in danger – again
Earlier this year Australia managed to avoid a Unesco recommendation urging the Great Barrier Reef’s status be moved to “in danger”. A dozen countries called the move “highly inappropriate” and are pushing to have the reef’s world heritage status review – again.
![](https://vocalminority.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/VM-Repatriating-artifacts-Photo-by-Laura-Chouette-on-Unsplash-768x1024.jpg)
Repatriating Aboriginal artifacts
With 39,000 Indigenous artifacts identified in UK museums, the call to return them to Australia is gaining traction. But the process to get them back is not as simple as you might think. Here, we look at Australia’s long-lost artifacts that are stuck in limbo…
![](https://vocalminority.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/VM-COP26-Photo-by-Jason-Blackeye-on-Unsplash-768x512.jpg)
Fast facts: COP26
Depending on your news source, COP26 was either a grand fiasco or a great success. Much has been said about Australia’s failure to commit to (m)any concrete targets, but what did the Glasgow COP26 climate change summit actually achieve? We’ve got the lowdown for you.