March 2006

La Trobe UNIVERSITYBulletin

$20 million AgriBiosciences Centre opens

EU comes to La Trobe news Bulletin Appointment for research

IN THIS ISSUE development New Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Erich Weigold is joining books, three edited (Research) 2 La Trobe University as Pro Vice-Chancellor ones and more than Love nests for bush fire victims 2 (Research). 230 refereed articles. $20 million AgriBiosciences Executive Director for Physics, Chemistry Vice-Chancellor, Centre opens at La Trobe 4 and Geoscience, with responsibility for the Professor Brian Stoddart, said Professor European Union comes Centres of Excellence Scheme at the ARC, Weigold was ‘excellently placed to help to La Trobe 5 Professor Weigold was formerly Director of La Trobe improve its competitive research Funds for new Shepparton campus 6 the Research School of Physical Sciences position’. and Engineering at the ANU, where he was ‘While with the University for the next Research in Action also Professor in the Atomic and Molecular twelve months he will concentrate on prepa- Physics Laboratories. Safeguarding wildlife: ration for the Research Quality Framework, the burning question 7 A Fellow of both the Australian Academy grant development, and the next stages of Stopover on the highway of Science and Australian Academy of the University’s research focus exercise.’ of civilisation 8 Technological Sciences and Engineering, • The market rules – OK! 9 Professor Weigold has published two major See page 12: Appointment of new Chancellor. Better outlook for young gay people 10

Helping refugees settle Love nests for bushfire victims in 11 Refugee Centre seminars 11 La Trobe University is building nesting regeneration provides few suitable breeding Appointment of new Chancellor 12 boxes for animals and birds whose natural hollows. La Trobe and the nests were destroyed in recent Victorian Commonwealth Games 13 Wildlife Victoria, a network of volunteers bushfires. whose members are caring for bushfire- Workshop on public accountability 14 Staff at the Wildlife Sanctuary affected creatures in regional Victoria, Como Writers Festival 14 on La Trobe’s main Melbourne campus at approached the Sanctuary Nursery Green light for new Bundoora are donating their time to build Coordinator, Mr Michael Cincotta, seeking City campus 16 the boxes for sugar gliders, parrots and other nesting boxes. creatures in national parks at Kinglake and The Head Ranger of La Trobe’s Wildlife the Grampians. Sanctuary, Mr George Paras, said the Many native creatures – which nest in tree dispossessed creatures required immediate hollows – survived fires in these parks but substitute habitats in the form of special have nowhere to breed because post-bushfire nesting boxes – products which have been researched and made by the La Trobe Wildlife Sanctuary for some years. ‘We have the expertise to quickly manufacture these boxes and have already produced 20 for immediate distribution via Wildlife Victoria,’ Mr Paras said. Premier Steve Bracks, ‘We are grateful for a generous donation right, Ministers John Brumby and of plywood by the company Gunnersen Bob Cameron with Professor German Timbermark which was arranged by Spangenberg inspecting La Trobe Chancellor, Professor Nancy the new Victorian AgriBiosciences Millis, through the company’s proprietor, Centre, see story Mr Thorry Gunnersen. page 3. Graphic design: ‘We are looking for additional funds and Basil Pardo partnerships to expand this work. Our staff The La Trobe University Bulletin is published ten times a year by Marketing & Communications, La Trobe are willing to give their spare time to make University. and distribute many more nesting boxes,’ Articles may be reproduced with acknowledgement. Photographs can be supplied. Mr Paras added. Enquiries and submissions to the editor, Ernest Raetz, Anyone willing to assist should ring: La Trobe University, Victoria. 3086 Australia Tel: (03) 9479 2315, Fax (03) 9479 1387 03 9479 2071 or Email: wildlife@latrobe. Email: [email protected] edu.au Articles: Noel Carrick and Ernest Raetz • Photos: La Trobe University DPI See also: ‘Safeguarding wildlife: the Design: Campus Graphics, 70230 La Trobe University. burning question’, page 7. Printed by Work & Turner. Website: www.latrobe.edu.au/bulletin  La Trobe University BULLETIN March 2006 news $20 million AgriBiosciences Centre opens at La Trobe

ustralian agricultural and biotechnology industries Premier Bracks, can expect significant benefits centre, with, from A left, Mr Cameron, from La Trobe University research to Professor be developed at the new $20 million Spangenberg, Victorian AgriBiosciences Centre. Mr Brumby The research includes helping plants and Professor Stoddart. survive drought and cold, boosting their salt tolerance, controlling when crops flower, enhancing crop yields, reducing crop losses to pest and diseases and improving quality. A dozen La Trobe University staff members and some 25 postgraduate Innovation, Mr John Brumby, the Minister incredible amount of work between the scholars are involved in research projects for Agriculture, Mr Bob Cameron, the parties, and within the various institutions connected with the new centre. New Zealand Trade Commissioner, Mr involved, has gone into making it a Located on the University’s R&D Mark Ingram, and the Japanese Consul reality.’ Park on the main Melbourne campus at General, Mr Shisei Kaku. More than 400 Premier Bracks said biotechechnology Bundoora, the centre houses a cluster of bioscientists, politicians and agricultural was one of the most important sources of academic, government and commercial leaders attended the ceremony. innovation and growth for Victoria. research and development groups. It was La Trobe University provided $12 ‘This centre will help us harness that opened in mid-February by the Premier, million towards the new building. The innovation and drive that growth even Mr Steve Bracks. State Government’s contribution was $5 further. It will do so by enhancing food The ceremony was also million from the Victorian Department production and as a consequence create attended by the of Innovation, Industry and Regional high-quality high-skilled jobs. Development and $2.8 million from Minister for ‘It is a great investment in the future of the Victorian Department of Primary our state and our country and we are very Industries. proud and pleased to be a partner with La Trobe Vice-Chancellor, Professor you in this important project,’ Mr Bracks Brian Stoddart, welcomed the said. arrival of the VABC as ‘a Mr Brumby said agriculture was of major building block critical importance to the Victorian in the future profile economy. With 30 per cent of Australia’s and development of food production in Victoria, he estimated the University.’ the State’s Farm Dependent Economy ‘With the strong to be worth more than $20 billion, support of the State employing 131,000 people in direct and Government, VABC related industries. is set to make a Mr Brumby said the State government really big mark on had also joined with the University in the way in which the Centre for Research and Training in the University Environmental Sciences – which includes approaches the Murray-Darling Freshwater Research its research, Centre in both Wodonga and Mildura innovation and – plus the $28million Victorian Centre for commercialisation.’ Plant Functional Genomics at the main Professor Stoddart Melbourne campus at Bundoora. said the VABC was a ‘As well, you have the Microarray model and principal Consortium, which is based here symbol of genuinely at La Trobe University, and the collaborative Bioinformatics Consortium, giving partnerships between a cluster at this University which is the University, genuinely world-class and which will government and industry. ‘An Continued page 4 La Trobe University BULLETIN March 2006  news

Continued from page 3

Agriculture Minister Cameron, right, and Professor Spangenberg with a ‘before and after’ photographic record of the VABC building. attract the best scientists from around Australia and from around the world. ‘It is a credit to La Trobe University that this precinct is becoming well-known for its strong links between research and development, and then translating that into ag-biotech and commercial applications.’ Professor Stoddart said over the next two years La Trobe will put an additional $15 million of its own money into research development to maintain its national competitiveness and lift even further its already high international profile and international competitiveness. ‘We have major capability already in the broad field of bioscience and that field is well-identified as one of our major growth areas.’ of spin- off companies.’ was a watershed in the trend to combine Research Hotel Professor Parish is one of two La Trobe successfully research, academic and University academic staff members on industry requirements into facilities that The VABC, a two-storey building on the VABC Management Committee. The satisfy high-end research needs as well as two hectares of the La Trobe University other is Professor German Spangenberg, the commercial demands of industry. 50-hectare R&D Park, comprises 5,700 the Committee’s Chair. As well as food crop research, the square metres of floor space for state-of- Professor Spangenberg is also Research VABC provides new opportunities in the-art research laboratories, offices and Director, Plant Genetics and Genomics the highly specialised ornamental flower meeting spaces. of DPI, Research Director of the MPB market, through links with the Australian It also houses a Research Hotel to CRC and Director of the DPI’s Plant biotech company, Florigene Ltd – best provide an additional science and business Biotechnology Centre. La Trobe R&D known for it’s leadership in the ‘blue rose’ incubator on the La Trobe R&D Park for Park Director, Ms Sue Bell, is also a project. the agricultural biotechnology sector. committee member. Research Manager, Dr John Mason, The University already operates Professor Spangenberg said long- said Florigene is already a successful the successful Technology Enterprise standing links between the University, the breeder of chrysanthemums, carnations Centre, (TEC) on the R&D Park DPI Plant Biotechnology Centre and the and gerberas. and sees the VABC as an additional Molecular Plant Breeding CRC means ‘Novelty – new lines of these plants advantage in moves towards enhanced scientists from these research agencies with different colours and features – are commercialisation. co-supervise La Trobe University an essential ingredient for successfully The VABC consortium comprises postgraduate students. Collaborative links competing in a global cut-flower market the Department of Primary Industries, with industry have already resulted in a estimated to be worth between $US20 to La Trobe University, the Molecular Plant number of shared patents. $40 billion annually,’ he said. Breeding Co-operative Research Centre He said the VABC will significantly Dr Mason said his firm used technologies (MPB CRC), Florigene Ltd (a division enhance the science and technology base similar to those involved in food crop of Suntory) and Monash and RMIT and innovation capability of Australia’s research. universities. agricultural biotechnology sector. ‘Working in such close proximity to The consortium is chaired by Professor ‘Co-locating academic and commercial University and Department of Primary Roger Parish, Head of La Trobe’s School R&D groups in this way fosters an Industries’ staff creates economies of of Life Sciences. environment that promotes effective scale and synergies and opens up exciting He said the primary objectives of the interactions, networks and the incubation possibilities for joint research with VABC are to act as a science and business of spin-off companies. La Trobe La Trobe scientists and postgraduate incubator and support research discoveries University also provides opportunities for students.’ through conversion to delivery for the VABC tenants to collaborate with visiting The VABC construction was managed agricultural biotechnology sector. scholars and to access overseas speakers by CRI Australia. Principal architects and for seminars, forums and conferences,’ ‘Co-locating various groups helps foster consultants were S2F Pty Ltd. The builder Professor Spangenberg said. an environment that promotes effective was Hooker Cockram Projects Ltd. interactions, networks and the incubation Ms Sue Bell said the new Centre •

 La Trobe University BULLETIN March 2006 news European Union comes to La Trobe La Trobe University La Trobe, together with Dr Bull said the program three years, plus expanded MA Macquarie University, is the had three dimensions: course work programs. has taken the ‘lead’ university in a group curriculum, research and ‘An important part of leadership in a of six that will enhance their linkages, and outreach to the the program is to help the new initiative teaching of European Union Australian population. Australian population politics and commerce. In A major part of the program appreciate how important – the Innovative addition, the initiative will will see the European the EU is to Australia Universities increase the knowledge of Union subject, developed economically, politically and Australian business people, in La Trobe’s History and culturally,’ Dr Bull said. European Union politicians, bureaucrats and Politics Programs, taught at One activity will be a other decision makers about (IUEU) Centre – that all six participant universities. database of expertise and the EU, Australia’s largest The subject has been taught contacts to assist business, will give Australian trading partner. at La Trobe for several years government and the general students greater La Trobe and Macquarie as part of its Bachelor of Arts community to access EU opportunity to learn University are joined by the in Contemporary European information and advice. University of Newcastle and Studies degree. It is also The Centre will sponsor about the European Flinders, Griffith and Murdoch available to students in the public lectures and seminars universities in the project, general Arts degree and the Union. by experts on areas of the initially over three and a half International Relations degree. EU’s activities and host years. The development of such symposia and conferences About two million dollars new initiatives in European targeting key interest groups will be spent on the project studies at La Trobe over and issues. with about one million six years has enabled the It will also bring to Australia (600,000 Euros) provided by University to take the lead in distinguished lecturers with the EU and the balance from applying for the establishment expertise in EU key focus the six Australian universities of the IUEU Centre. areas to tour the network of which comprise the network Dr Bull said all six universities and give public of Innovative Research universities had researchers lectures, as well as provide Universities of Australia. working on European projects. opportunities for other visitors The IUEU Centre will be The EU will now provide from Europe. one of three such centres in financial backing for new The other European Union Australia. Its two major nodes projects. Part of these will centres are being established will be located at La Trobe and be three PhD scholarships at Monash University and the Macquarie universities. Senior at La Trobe and three at ANU. lecturer in History, Dr Philip Macquarie, phased in over • Bull, is Director of the Centre at La Trobe.

The European Parliament in Strasbourg.

Right: Key figures behind the IUEU Centre, from left, La Trobe Vice-Chancellor, Professor Brian Stoddart, Macquarie University Dean of Humanities, Professor Christina Slade, and Centre Director, Dr Philip Bull. La Trobe University BULLETIN March 2006  news

From left, Professor Stoddart, Ms Lavender, Mayor of the City of Greater Shepparton, Ms Jenny Houlihan, Mr Brumby, Ms Jeanette Powell MP and Mr Martin. Photo: Courtesy of The Shepparton Adviser.

Government funds Shepparton campus

he State Government program profile and to the Goulburn Valley are from the local community. Thas awarded a $2M Regional enhance teaching and research clamouring for access to A new Graduate Diploma in Infrastructure Development activities to better meet the tertiary qualified people.’ Teaching English to Speakers Fund (RIDF) grant to La Trobe needs and aspirations of Since 1994, the La Trobe of Other Languages is another University for its new campus at students in the Goulburn Shepparton campus has been innovation. The region has Shepparton. Valley. co-located with Goulburn a growing multicultural Minister for State and ‘The Shepparton campus Ovens Institute. Last year population with increasing Regional Development, Mr will also play an important administration offices moved demand for teachers with John Brumby, announced role in our bid to set up a new to new premises in preparation qualifications to teach students the grant on the University’s regional medical school,’ for the planned development from non-English speaking Shepparton campus in Professor Stoddart said. of the separate campus. backgrounds. February. Mr Brumby said the new Head of the Shepparton The $2 million follows campus will form part of a Campus, Ms Elizabeth Head start to careers Federal Government planned ‘Shepparton Tertiary Lavender, said a new phase in business was about to begin: ‘These commitment of $1.5 million Education Precinct’ to meet Lecturer in Accounting at last year. The University is increased demand in the changes will help focus the University’s education Shepparton, Ms Sue Nalder, currently in the planning region for access to university says strong links between the stages of its first Shepparton courses. services to the Shepparton region.’ University, local business and building, He said Shepparton’s industry means that about La Trobe University Vice- population is expected to Local businessman and 65 per cent of Bachelor of Chancellor, Professor Brian grow by a third over the Chair of the University’s Business-Commerce students Stoddart, said plans for the next 25 years, to 80,000. Shepparton Regional Advisory on the campus find part-time campus reflect the University’s ‘It is vital the city has this Board, Mr Jeff Martin, work in their area of study by commitment to Shepparton type of infrastructure to welcomed government the end of second year. and regional Victoria. cope with the demands of a funding commitment towards a standalone campus for ‘That provides them with ‘They will allow La Trobe larger community. Industry La Trobe. a great start to their careers. to develop a stronger local and service providers within Campbell Soups recently ‘We see the University as employed three students in fundamental to growing the graduate positions.’ economic development and social needs of industry and Ms Nalder says most the community in the region.’ students are employed by public accounting firms, New nursing and banks, medium to large businesses, such as SPC/ language courses Ardmona and Campbell Two new nursing courses Soups, as well as government began at Shepparton this bodies. • year with strong support

 La Trobe University BULLETIN March 2006 Research in action Safeguarding wildlife – the burning question ow do we ensure that animals ‘The question we seek to answer is Environment and Conservation in NSW. and plants survive and thrive after which “mosaics” are desirable when Members of the project team, experts Hthe fires which periodically sweep trying to conserve wildlife, and which in taxonomy, will examine the impact of through Australia’s Mallee scrub region? should be avoided. This is of vital different configurations of vegetation age La Trobe University is helping inaugurate importance to land managers across classes on fauna and flora on 28 blocks, and carry out a new $1.2 million four- Australia, but particularly in fire-prone each measuring ten by two kilometres. habitats like the Mallee. year research project to identify ways to Other members of the La Trobe team manage fire to best maintain biodiversity. ‘Whether current ecological burning include zoologists Professor Tim New and La Trobe Associate Professor in and fire suppression strategies will Dr Brian Malone and botanist, Dr John Zoology, Dr Michael Clarke, is joint conserve biodiversity and protect Morgan. They will help supervise four leader of the Mallee Fire and Biodiversity threatened groups of plants and animals La Trobe and two Deakin PhD students Project, with Associate Professor Dr is an absolutely critical question. These carrying out research on birds, mammals, Andrew Bennett, from Deakin University. approaches rely heavily on the assumption reptiles, invertebrates and plants. that if a diversity of plant communities The project will examine the effects of The project will develop GIS-based of varying ages since the last fire is fire on a wide range of animals and plants decision tools to allow managers to maintained in a “mosaic” across a reserve, across several hundred square kilometres visualise and assess the ecological value the conservation of fauna will also be of Mallee country near the borders of of different fire mosaics. GIS stands achieved.

Victoria, New South Wales and South ‘However, there is increasing evidence for Geographical Information System, Australia. that this is often not the case, due to the computer technology that manages, very different needs of animals compared ‘There is widespread acceptance in analyses, and disseminates geographic to plants,’ Dr Clarke said. Australia that fire is a natural component knowledge. of the landscape and, clearly, fire is The Mallee Fire and Biodiversity Other outcomes will include new essential for some plants like banksias Project builds on the successful insights into the configurations of habitat and some eucalypts to reproduce,’ says Dr conclusion of a ten-year La Trobe study necessary to maintain biodiversity, Clarke. of the ecology of the endangered Black- extensive new ecological data sets for eared Miner, and other threatened birds ‘However, other plants and animals are state and national wildlife atlases for the indigenous to the Mallee area. threatened if fires are too frequent, too Mallee, and new ecological skills for intense or too widespread. Mallee fowl ollowing that project, Drs Clarke agency staff. prefer mallee that has not been burned for Fand Bennett held a seminar in Mildura The research also aims to assist studies at least 20 years and Black eared Miners outlining their concerns about protecting of complementary questions like impacts reach highest densities in mallee that biodiversity in the Mallee. of fox control, closure of watering points has been unburnt for over 40 years,’ Dr This led to seven state and federal and individual groups of threatened flora Clarke said. agencies supporting the research: the and fauna. ‘Fire management policy across the Mallee and the Lower Murray-Darling In addition, the researchers hope the three States has been to work towards Catchment Management Authorities; project will lead to increased inter-state creating a “mosaic” of vegetation of Land and Water Australia; Parks Victoria; collaboration, information sharing and differing ages since last burnt within each and the departments of Sustainability more strategic landscape-scale planning park to cater for the diverse needs of and Environment in Victoria, Heritage for the benefit of all wildlife. wildlife. and Environment in South Australia, and •

La Trobe University BULLETIN March 2006  or more than two thousand years the Via Egnatia – from Rome to STOPOVER on the FConstantinople – was the ‘Highway of Civilisation’. In the past century, political upheavals and changing national borders have removed its value as a physical link Highway OF but not the historical and architectural importance of the buildings along its route. One of the world authorities on the Via Civilisation Egnatia is La Trobe University honorary research associate in Art History, Dr Robert Mihajlovski. The Via Egnatia, in Italy as the Via Appia, stretches from Rome to Brindisi on the Adriatic Coast and then, on the other side of the Adriatic, from Durres (ancient Dyrachion) to Ohrid, Salonika, Thessaloniki and finally to Istanbul. Dr Mihajlovski was recently awarded his PhD for research on the architecture, art and the intellectual and religious life around Bitola, a medieval settlement on the Via Egnatia. Specialising in the segment of the road from the Greek border to Heraclea Lyncestis in the Bitola-Ohrid region of

The market rules – OK! But what about social justice in a neo-liberal world? re justice and equal opportunity in the workplace possible in today’s Aderegulated labour market brought about by surging neo-liberalism and dominant trans-national corporations? And if it not, how can Australia regulate to make social justice compatible with market forces? These are fundamental questions to which Professor Margaret Thornton will seek answers under an ARC-funded Australian Professorial Fellowship. Professor Thornton, who holds the University’s Richard McGarvie Chair of Socio-Legal Studies, has received $551,000 over five years to ascertain the effects on equal opportunity of market forces, globalisation, free trade agreements and corporate power. ‘As far back as the Whitlam era, Dr Mihajlovski, the Holy Mother of God Australia began the process of reducing Church and altar icon. trade barriers to protect Australian industries, a trend accentuated under Prime Ministers Hawke and Keating and

 La Trobe University BULLETIN March 2006 Research in action

what is now the independent country of importance of south-eastern Europe – the He is continuing his interest with a post Macedonia, his research was supervised region that dominated European political doctoral research project to catalogue by La Trobe Reader in Art History, Dr and economic life. the major basilicas and minor Byzantine Joan Barclay-Lloyd. Dr Mihajlovski began serious research churches scattered throughout the area, Dr Mihajlovski said that from the on the Via Egnatia a decade before focusing particularly on their art and second century BC until the fall of coming to Australia twelve years ago architecture. the Ottoman Empire in 1912, the road from Bitola, second largest city of One of his favourites is the oldest was one of the most important in the Macedonia after Skopje, where he was known building on the Via Egnatia, the Mediterranean world, the cradle of curator in a local museum. shell of the deserted Holy Mother of God Western civilisation. He grew up not far from many of its church in the village of Velushina, built The original Via Egnatia was a Roman most famous monuments and began to next to the site of a 6,000 year old temple military highway first started about study their origins and significance. This of the Mother Goddess. 168 BC and named after the man who led to a worry that many were falling into There was a very early Christian church ordered its construction, Proconsul Gaius disrepair and their historical importance on the site which fell into disrepair and Egnatius. was being neglected. was renovated by the Emperor Justinian. Roman legions marched along it, many The situation was exacerbated during Rebuilt in the 10th century and again in crusaders used it to reach the Holy Land, the political and religious strife in the the 17th century under the Ottomans, it and it was an essential administrative link Balkans during the 1990s. As a result had its last upgrade in the 19th century during the centuries that the Byzantines of this strife, interest in the Via Egnatia before falling again into disrepair. The and Ottomans ruled much of the area. subsided further. Government of Macedonia is now restoring the church, with Dr Mihajlovski But its two most important uses were Dr Mihajlovski’s intense personal and contributing his knowledge of its those of trade link and pilgrimage route professional interest remained with him architecture and history. to many monasteries and shrines on the after he came to Australia and six years way to Constantinople, Jerusalem and ago he began his PhD project. He was ‘This road is a vital part of world later to Hejaz. One branch of the road assisted for a study trip back to the area history and it is vital that its monuments was connected to the Silk Road to China. in 2004 by funds from the Humanities are protected,’ Dr Mihajlovski says. • Until the Italian Renaissance, this route Fieldwork Fellowship Program of the elevated the political and economic Australian Academy of the Humanities.

The market rules – OK! But what about social justice in a neo-liberal world? now being vastly accelerated under the ground of race, sex, disability and age. including the operation of the anti- Howard Government,’ Professor Thornton ‘The principles of equal employment discrimination legislation in the context of said. opportunity are thwarted by employers’ the ascendency of the market. ‘The basic premise is that in order for demands for “flexibility” which have ‘It will analyse free trade agreements, Australia to compete successfully on the made work precarious and insecure. restructuring trends and new forms of world economic stage, it must change the Not only are wages low, tenure parlous workplace contractualism, as well as manner of production and how workers and conditions poor, the workplace may discrimination complaints, EEO policies are treated. have disintegrated altogether. Equal and jurisprudence. ‘The political swing from social opportunity now seems to mean being ‘I am interested in the study of both the liberalism to neo-liberalism is profoundly treated equally badly as everyone else! global and the local socio-political factors affecting society’s commitment to social ‘Corporations have enormous power that go to create an unequal society. The justice, for it is the market and capital to shape the nature of work the way they transformation of work has significant accumulation that are now extolled. want it. Australian governments of all gender ramifications, for example, as it Reliance on the market and “user pays” political shades are bowing to the pressure does for family relations and the work/life for everything can produce only inequality they exert by threatening to move balance.’ between citizens. production facilities offshore. Professor Thornton will also look at ‘This view of the world is currently ‘In exchange for their business they the situation in the United Kingdom, being hastened in Australia by the demand preferential treatment that the European Community, Canada introduction of the new industrial places them above the law. Free trade and New Zealand, to consider whether relations legislation which aims agreements, such as that with the USA, there are ways to staunch growing at maximising productivity and want to reduce or do away with worker social inequalities in the light of the profits. Ironically, it runs counter to protections altogether. paramountcy of market forces. • current government laws prohibiting ‘My project will study the contradictory discrimination in the workplace on the status of equal opportunity measures

La Trobe University BULLETIN March 2006  Research in action

The paradox of increased homophobic abuse BETTER OUTLOOK FOR YOUNG GAYS

ame sex attracted young people second in 2004. The aim of the second ‘We were disappointed to find that feel safer at school than they did six survey was to update information and to schools were still the most dangerous Syears ago, although physical and see whether the intensive work to address places for these young people to be but verbal abuse has increased within the homophobia had been successful. nonetheless it was encouraging to learn school environment. ‘We found many things have changed that they felt safer in school than the This seeming paradox is explained by over six years, mainly for the better,’ says group interviewed in 1998,’ Dr Hillier La Trobe University social psychologist, Dr Hillier. said. Dr Lynne Hillier, who led a research team ‘In the first research of 14 to 21 year ‘There has been a lot of anti-homophobia which recently completed the second olds in 1998, we located 750 same sex work done in schools but this has mainly national report on the sexuality, health and attracted young people. They were quite involved teachers rather than students. The well-being of same sex attracted young difficult to locate because about one in work with students remains to be done. people in Australia. ‘Young people were more likely to Entitled Writing themselves in again: We found many things talk to a teacher and receive support than Six years on, the report was compiled in 1998. They were happier about their by Dr Hillier and two colleagues from have changed over sexuality and more active in creating a La Trobe’s Australian Research Centre in six years, mainly for safer world for themselves.’ Sex, Health & Society, Ms Alina Turner A pleasing trend was that in 2004 and Ms Anne Mitchell, and published in the better the use of all drugs, including alcohol, mid 2005. tobacco, marijuana, party drugs and ‘These young people have become more five of them had spoken to no one about heroin were down on the 1998 levels, visible, more conscious of their rights and their sexuality. In 2004 we located 1749. perhaps a result of an improved climate in more likely to have a noticeable impact By this time the proportion who had which young people experience same sex on schools, families and the community spoken to nobody about their sexuality attraction. had fallen to one in 20. Also there were a generally,’ says Dr Hillier. Percentages injecting drugs dropped number of networks through which they ‘This increased visibility accounts for from 11 per cent in 1998 to four per could be reached which did not exist six the fact that rates of discrimination and cent in 2004 but drug use still remained years earlier.’ violence rose between 1998 and 2004. substantially higher than for heterosexual Nevertheless they reported feeling safer in In 1998, 69 per cent had been verbally young people. or physically abused at school and this school. The experience of abuse was more Perhaps the most striking finding was figure had risen to 74 per cent in 2004. likely to have motivated them to seek the profound impact of homophobia on Verbal abuse extended beyond name support from teachers and counsellors the young people’s health and well being. calling and insults to include threats and within the school setting,’ she said. ‘Homophobic abuse was the critical rumour mongering. Physical abuse ranged Dr Hillier and her team carried out the factor in negative health outcomes, not from having clothes and possessions first Australia-wide survey of same sex homosexuality per se,’ Dr Hillier said. damaged to rape and hospitalisation for attracted young people in 1998 and the • injuries.

10 La Trobe University BULLETIN March 2006 news

Helping young refugees settle in Australia

ow can the visual arts be used people from the Middle- Hto help young refugees settle in Australia? East and the Horn of That’s the aim of innovative research being Africa. carried out at La Trobe University. ‘They face major Funded by an ARC Linkage Grant, challenges to successful the project is a partnership between the settlement, having often University’s Refugee Health Research been exposed to violence, Centre (RHRC) and School of Social lived for long periods in Sciences, Foundation House which houses refugee camps, and had little the Victorian Foundation for Survivors of if any schooling,’ Professor Torture, and VicHealth. Gifford says. The grant of $161,000 will enable young Research findings highlight people from refugee backgrounds to their hopes and ambitions. document their resettlement experiences Many want to complete through film and visual art. university to become doctors, RHRC Director, Professor Sandy lawyers and engineers, and most Gifford, Sociology and Anthropology hope to get married, have families lecturer, Dr Lorraine Mortimer, and and own a home. Dr Ida Kaplan from Foundation ‘However lack of research with House, will work with a film maker young refugees means policy and community artist to teach young makers and service providers have refugees creative skills needed to little evidence on which to base express their experiences of making a new policy and practice to help young life in Australia. refugees achieve their ambitions. Professor Gifford says the project builds on the RHRC’s ‘A lack of public understanding existing ‘Good Starts’ study, funded by VicHealth, which follows of the refugee experience also exposes these young people 100 recently arrived young refugees over five years to identify to discrimination and racism. This project will give them the factors which support their successful transition to adulthood. opportunity both to learn technical, creative and interpersonal ‘Good Starts Arts’ over the next three years will involve 20 skills – and to share their stories with researchers and the public. newly arrived young refugees. The project will also gather ‘It will also build the reputation of La Trobe, and Australia, as qualitative data about their experiences of settlement. a centre for innovative research in Refugee Studies.’ • Dr Gifford says most refugees arriving in Australia are young Refugee Centre seminars he Refugee Health Research Centre is profile of Victorian seniors Tconducting a series of seminars about the lives of refugees from refugee backgrounds: from childhood to old age. On the first Wednesday of each Health and well-being needs month, the seminars highlight the need for partnerships between and access to aged care academia and the community. services’. The February seminar dealt with issues that affect refugee The venue is the Victorian families with children under five, while the topic in March was: Foundation for Survivors of ‘Out of school learning for school-aged refugees’. Torture, 6 Gardiner Street, On Wednesday April 5, Associate Professor Santina Bertone, Brunswick. Further details from Victoria University, will discuss ‘Refugee access and from www.latrobe.edu.au/rhrc participation in tertiary education’. or tel: 03 9388 0022. • On 3 May La Trobe RHRC Research Fellow, Dr Ignacio Correa-Velez, will speak on: ‘Refugee men: Negotiating the challenging of resettlement’ and on 5 June Dr Correa-Velez and Ms Rebecca Atwell, a RHRC research assistant, will present ‘A Professor Gifford La Trobe University BULLETIN March 2006 11 people Appointment of new Chancellor La Trobe University Mrs Walton has been a Among numerous awards, common sense approach have member of the Victorian Mrs Walton has received the guided the University to the has appointed Curriculum and Assessment James Darling Medal and very strong position it enjoys leading educator, Board and an Executive an Officer of the Order of today.’ Mrs Sylvia member of the Victorian Australia for her contribution A microbiologist and Board of Studies. She was to teaching. pioneer in the field of Walton, as its new also a board member of the etiring Chancellor, fermentation technology, Chancellor. Association of Independent REmeritus Professor Nancy Professor Millis chaired the Schools and a member of the Millis, is one of Australia’s surveillance committee on Victorian Institute of Teaching pre-eminent biological genetic engineering for the Mrs Walton succeeds the Accreditation Committee. present Chancellor, Emeritus scientists. Commonwealth Government Professor Nancy Millis, who Mrs Walton – who has Widely acknowledged for for 22 years. retires from the position on 22 a distinguished career as having strengthened the links Professor Millis oversaw April 2006. a teacher of history and between universities, industry, surveillance for genetic geography – holds a Master science and the public, she has engineering into Australia, A member of the La Trobe of Arts degree and Diploma University Council since 1993 been Chancellor of La Trobe monitoring safety and ethical of Education from the University since 1992. issues surrounding the science and Deputy Chancellor since University of Sydney and a In a tribute to Professor of genetically modified 1997, Mrs Walton is a former Bachelor of Education degree Millis, Vice-Chancellor organisms. She co-wrote the Chair of the University’s from La Trobe University. Brian Stoddart, said: first biotechnology textbook Governance and Audit She is a Fellow of the Royal ‘Professor Millis has made an and taught one of the first Committee and current Chair Geographic Society, the extraordinary contribution to biotechnology courses in of the Equity, Access and Australian Principal’s Centre La Trobe University over 14 Australia. Personal Welfare Committee. and the Australian College of years. Her wisdom, wit and Professor Millis has a In welcoming the new Education. Chancellor, the Vice- long-standing concern for the Chancellor of La Trobe management of Australia’s University, Professor Brian water resources and the safety Stoddart, acknowledged the of potable water supplies. major contribution Mrs Walton Among her many honours, has made to education in Professor Millis holds a Victoria and to the University Companion of the Order of as Deputy Chancellor. Australia, an MBE, and an Mrs Walton was Principal Honorary Doctor of Laws of Tintern Schools for 23 degree and Honorary Doctor years until her retirement of Science degree from the at the end of 2005. (Tintern . Schools comprises Tintern She has received the rare Girls Grammar School and honour of ‘Special Election’ Southwood Boys Grammar to the Australian Academy School, which she established of Science for her efforts to in 1999.) increase ‘public awareness of science’, and is a Fellow A long-standing contributor of the Australian Academy of to the development of Technological Sciences and education policy in Victoria Engineering. in both government and • non-government sectors, Mrs Walton Edinburgh Festival post for Classics election Jonathan Mills Head of Arts at the Bendigo campus, Mr John Penwill, has been elected President of the Australasian Society for Classical Studies Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Humanities and Social (ASCS) for the next three years. The Society is the peak body for Sciences since 2004, Jonathan Mills, has been appointed Artistic Classical Studies in both Australia and New Zealand. Director and Chief Executive of the Edinburgh International Mr Penwill is well-known in classical literature circles as editor Festival, one of the world’s most influential arts events. His of the journal Ramus to which many libraries across the world appointment is to oversee five festivals, from 2007 until 2011. subscribe. At La Trobe, Professor Mills worked with Professors John • Carroll and John Hirst and contributed to University programs in creative arts and studies of western culture. • 12 La Trobe University BULLETIN March 2006 commonwealth games

information – and a friendly Scottish and welcoming environment.’ It followed the University’s success in accommodating Games team more than a 1,000 competitors for the Youth Commonwealth warms up Games on the campus in 2004. Some of these competitors and their families returned for the at La Trobe pre-Games training camp. The camp also reflected the University’s commitment to sport, particularly as a member of the Australian Elite Athlete Friendly University Network. ‘It also helped highlight La Trobe’s emphasis on achievement and our overall support of the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games as an important event for Victoria,’ Games Mr Ensor said. Scottish team Sports Baton run Manager, Susie Elms, said the team had left the icy chill of for tourism Kirsty Maguire, winter and was ‘overwhelmed Scottish record by the welcome we received Lucy Hooper, a La Trobe holder training and the support shown to us University Honours graduate on the Bendigo in Tourism Management, campus. by the University and Bendigo community.’ ran in the Queen’s Baton Photo: Brenden Relay representing Tourism Fletcher Ms Elms said the team Australia as a ‘Young Tourism staying on the Bendigo campus Ambassador’. comprised athletes competing La Trobe University’s Bendigo City Council. in basketball, rugby 7’s, Ms Hooper, who graduated Bendigo campus served as a La Trobe Director of shooting, triathlon, badmin- from La Trobe University’s pre-Commonwealth Games Engagement and Enterprise, ton, squash, hockey, bowls, main Melbourne campus at Holding Camp for the 167- David Ensor, said the weightlifting and athletics. Bundoora in 2003, ran through member Scottish team. University provided ‘training There was also a medical team Margaret River in WA in the The three-week camp was facilities, competitive of doctors, physiotherapists lead up to the Commonwealth conducted by the University in opportunities, accommodation, and support staff. Games. association with the Greater food, recreation, local • She was one of nine ‘Young Tourism Ambassadors’ – and the only Victorian – selected by Tourism Australia. The ‘Summit’on sport policy Ambassadors were chosen for their contribution to La Trobe University held a Tourism and Hospitality internationally acknowledged the tourism industry and to ‘Sport Policy Summit’ on the Management, Dr Hans sports historian and sociologist promote Australian holidays. even of the Commonwealth Westerbeek, said topics and author of Saturday Since completing her studies Games. The conference covered included the Afternoon Fever: Sport in the at La Trobe, Ms Hooper has involved a top-level sport Australian sporting system, Australian Culture. been working with Service delegation from the Dutch sports policy development and It concluded with a Skills Victoria and recently government, who were in governance, and corporate case study of sporting founded the Young Tourism Melbourne for the Games. social responsibility through policy development in the Network in Victoria to enhance It also celebrated 400 years sport. There was also a Netherlands by Mr Roel career development and of relations between the session on sport and the media Bekker, Secretary General of industry collaboration. Netherlands and Australia: ‘Public representation and that country’s Ministry for propaganda?’ by La Trobe She also oversees the 1606 was the year Dirk Hartog Health, Welfare and Sport. ‘Developing Tourism Leaders’ landed on the West Australian University’s Dr Matthew • Nicholson. awards for which final-year Coast on board the Duyfken, tourism students submit a trading vessel of the Dutch The conference was opened business plans and winning East India Company. by La Trobe Vice-Chancellor, entrants are eligible for Head of La Trobe Sport, Professor Brian Stoddart, an industry placements. • La Trobe University BULLETIN March 2006 13 news Top-level workshop on public accountability

La Trobe University’s Public Bangladesh, Ghana, Malawi, of academic and practitioner Sector Governance and Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka perspectives. Accountability Research and the Solomon Islands. He said the workshop Centre (PSGARC), in The workshop started at the established for La Trobe partnership with the World La Trobe Beechworth campus high-profile links with the Bank Institute and the and concluded with visits World Bank Institute and the Commonwealth Parliamentary to Australian Parliamentary Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, conducted a Public Accounts Committees Association and boosted the ten-day workshop in February in Canberra and Sydney University’s profile among the on parliamentary financial PSGARC Director, La Trobe international participants. scrutiny. • Professor of Accounting, See also: Photo, top: World Bank Institute public The workshop was attended Kerry Jacobs, said the sector management specialist, Dr Rick www.latrobe.edu.au/PSGARC Stapenhurst, left, speaks with the Chairman by 38 senior parliamentarians, workshop was an outstanding of Pakistan’s National Assembly Public parliamentary staff and success and participants Accounts Committee, Mr Malik Khan, right. Auditors-General from appreciated the combination

Teaching, according For the third year this Teacher Man to Pulitzer Prize-winning year La Trobe’s Faculty author of Angela’s Ashes, of Humanities and Social Stories fan embers of learning Frank McCourt, might well Sciences was one of the be the ‘downstairs maid of sponsors of ‘Writers at Como’. professions’. Three festival sessions were But that didn’t deter an led by University staff. opening-night crowd in the Author, commentator and La Trobe University Marquee Adjunct Professor of English, at this year’s Como writers’ Morag Fraser, chaired a festival from coming to hear conversation on poverty and him speak about the importance inequality in Australia with of teaching and why it is so ALP Shadow Treasurer, undervalued as a profession. Wayne Swan MP, author of McCourt, for many years a Postcode. writing teacher at Stuyvesant Faculty Deputy Dean, Dr High School in New York, Lilit Thwaites, chaired one was in Australia to promote session featuring award- his latest book, Teacher Man. winning Australian poet, Les In conversation with Jason Murray who spoke about his Steger, Literary Editor of writing and read from his The Age, he captivated his works. In another she turned audience with stories about the spotlight on Bernard his story telling – and gave Cornwell, best known for examples of how stories can his historical novels of the be used, often in unorthodox Napoleonic era. ways, to help open doors to • learning for students.

Frank McCourt, left, and with Jason Steger, Dr Thwaites and Professor Fraser. 14 La Trobe University BULLETIN March 2006 news Green light for new City campus Continued from page 15

Melbourne. An important part workshops are held throughout at the new campus. of the success of the project the year. The new campus is Others, such as the is the opportunity to appeal to very conveniently located for Master of Global new markets. these activities.’ Business Law, will be ‘The city location will be La Trobe’s Mother and Child offered in the City for a particular attraction for Health Research Centre has the first time.’ international students. Ease an international reputation for One new course of access by public transport research into how changes in will be the Master also makes it convenient health care and health practices of Professional for students from across are implemented. Its research Accounting, Melbourne. Research and is carried out with hospitals, highlighting the executive education programs primary care providers and University’s success will benefit from the doorstep community groups, supported and depth of expertise city location.’ by national, local and in this area. University research grants. Dean of the Faculty he new city campus Director, Professor Judith of Law and will combine high-profile Professor Graetz, left, and Professor Harbridge. T Lumley, said her staff of Management, Professor research and teaching about 30 carries out studies Raymond Harbridge, activities. Research programs with women, doctors, said he expected the will include the Conflict midwives, nurses, health inner city location to increase La Trobe Resolution Research Centre, service managers, community demand for business courses, on La Trobe the Australian Research organisations and local and build upon recent success Centre in Sex, Health and Prominently located on the councils. Studies range from in this area. Professional and Society (ARCSHS), Mother corner of Elizabeth and health problems in pregnancy, executive programs in particular and Child Health Research La Trobe streets, the Argus labour or birth, to assessing will benefit from the new and the Centre for Studies in Building was home to The the long-term effects of location. Biography and Autobiography. Argus newspaper for 30 years reproduction and assisted until the newspaper closed in Director of the Conflict conception on women’s health. rofessor Graetz Resolution Research Centre, said the University has 1957. Professor Lumley, whose P Professor of Law, Tania invested significantly in the The University’s entrance will centre is located at the Royal Sourdin, said the new campus Argus Building, and will fund be on La Trobe St, making it Women’s Hospital campus in will provide better facilities the bulk of its redevelopment ‘La Trobe on La Trobe’. Carlton, said she was looking for researchers and a more from borrowings. forward to completion of the Professor Graetz said central location for students. Argus building and working ‘Revenues from a the ground floor will be for Her centre examines issues alongside other key La Trobe combination of commercial commercial use. such as mediation, negotiation, research centres. and academic activities at ‘The recent completion decision making and the campus will be used to ‘Interstate and overseas of the Melbourne Central communication skills. repay the loan. The project is visitors, as well as people redevelopment across the Its work contributes forecast to become revenue taking part in research road is a good sign for retail to legal aid, family law, positive within a short projects, will appreciate the opportunities in this area.’ retail lease, administrative period and yield a return on new location. Its proximity to The original design for the law, commercial law, and investment in the medium the central railway station and Argus Building incorporated complaints about health care term. Significant ongoing the many tram routes will be a an ornate clock tower but and legal service. benefits, both financial and big plus.’ only the base was completed. Research projects have non-financial, are expected.’ Professor Graetz said the ‘Funds to complete it will been funded by the Attorney Plans for the Argus new city campus will also be sought from donations, General’s Department, State redevelopment are being offer courses from language corporate sponsorship and governments, Courts, industry supervised by the University’s and foundation studies to enterprise activities,’ Professor and the Australian Research Buildings & Grounds business diplomas, and Graetz said, ‘thus completing Council. With close links to Division. The architects, Bachelor and Masters degrees an architectural dream for that legal and ADR practitioners, DesignInc Melbourne, have by coursework and PhDs. part of Melbourne!’ scholars, government, extensive experience with • the courts, industry and ‘There will be an emphasis inner city development See: www.latrobe.edu.au/city consumers, her centre also on professional and executive and design solutions for or contact Professor Graetz, provides consultancy services. training. Courses such as the universities. Donald Cant Email: [email protected]. Graduate Certificate in Fraud ‘We also deliver skills Watts and Corke have been au or Tel: 03 9479 3587. Investigation and Master of training for industry and the engaged as quantity surveyors Public Health, now offered at community. Professional for the project with DTZ Franklin Street, will continue Australia as retail consultants.

La Trobe University BULLETIN March 2006 15 Plans are underway for La Trobe University’s new City Campus in Melbourne’s Central Business District. This follows University Council approval of the business plan to refurbish Melbourne’s iconic Argus Building at the corner of La Trobe and Elizabeth Streets.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Brian Stoddart, said the new campus – scheduled to open its doors in 2008 – will allow La Trobe to expand its city presence and create new opportunities for the University and its staff and students. ‘The location is ideal. It will help us develop closer links with government, business and professional communities, and raise our profile in higher education both nationally and internationally. ‘The new campus will provide a rich intellectual environment in a central, world-class facility with great commercial opportunities. In an era of increasing competition and reduced government funding for universities, the new campus will strengthen our core teaching and research activities,’ Professor Stoddart said. Professor Brian Graetz, Executive Director of the new City campus, said the campus will provide a high quality teaching and research facility, as well as much needed room for expansion. ‘With its strong focus on teaching and research, it will become La Trobe’s third largest campus in its first full year of operation.’ Green light for new Professor Graetz said the Argus Building will bring together University activities now located at Franklin Street City campus and other sites in central

Continued page 15 16 La Trobe University BULLETIN March 2006