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S2W8 / FIRST PUBLISHED 1929 LETTERS Acknowledgement of Country Fan mail tendees say they reacted to statements offend those who offend you. These haviour by the regressive Left against We acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. The University of Sydney – where we write, publish and distribute “Things got made by the stall-holders equating are the hearts and minds to be won. the Catholic Society’s stall on Thurs- Honi Soit – is on the sovereign land of these people. As students and journalists, we recognise our complicity in the ongoing colonisation of Indigenous land. In homosexuality to bestiality or paedo- These are the constituents of society day. The Facebook post in question recognition of our privilege, we vow to not only include, but to prioritise and centre the experiences of Indigenous people, and to be reflective when we fail to. We pretty crazy philia. If true, this is indisputably un- we should seek to include. referred to Will Edwards being on recognise our duty to be a counterpoint to the racism that plagues the mainstream media, and to adequately represent the perspectives of Indigenous students at acceptable, but it should not be used Why must these people be included the microphone and was publically our University. We also wholeheartedly thank our Indigenous reporters for the continuing contribution of their labour to our learning. yesterday..” as an excuse to stoop to the same level. you may ask? In the society you im- shaming him. The comments sug- Powerful image I took. Things got There are two important points to agine there is no hate or bigotry, all gested that Will Edwards had men- pretty crazy yesterday.. be made following these events, both are considered and respected as tal issues because he was apparently Who made this Robert Foster directed at supporters of the ‘vote yes’ equal; those who once disagreed with antagonistic and aggressive on the Editorial Contents campaign, of which I am one. you do not exist anymore, they have footage. The hate and exclusion suffered by been banished to the very margins of I understand that the issue of Letters / 3 edition happen? minority groups throughout our na- society, hiding behind facades of indif- same-sex marriage stirs up consid- tion’s history places an existential bur- ference. In reality, it is impossible to erable feelings on both sides. I met News and analysis / 4 Editor-in-Chief: Jayce Carrano den on them to struggle against the achieve inclusion through marginali- Will last week while campaigning oppression they suffer. The struggle sation of dissenters. Alienating those for Mint for Honi. In my interactions Editors Long read / 7 for equal civil rights of all LGBT peo- of a contrary position will not allow with him, I felt he was a beautiful, Nick Bonyhady Kishor Napier-Raman ple exemplifies this. However, herein this campaign to achieve its aims. It kind person deserving of respect. I Opinion / 10 Natassia Chrysanthos Siobhan Ryan lies a paradox. The demand for inclu- only furthers their resolve to dispute was saddened to see the posts and Ann Ding Michael Sun sivity from society cannot in itself ex- the aim, and to deny the rights sought. comments that were attacking him, Perspective / 11 Justine Landis-Hanley Maani Truu clude existing sentiments with a vehe- Exclusion carries with it fear. Fear un- and I agreed with the one comment Aidan Molins ment swoop. No opposing view should derstood and felt by many of the op- that said that we ought to love and be disregarded without having been pressed for generations. This same fear pray for him. This was the context. It Culture / 11 Contributors heard or discussed. Society is ever can be felt by those who are targeted was not what Heat for Honi played Providence played a funny trick at 4 on Monday Longer read / 13 Samuel Chu, Grace Franki, Nick Harriott, Bao Pu He, adapting to its multiplicity of opinions as blocking the progression of society, it out to be. I do not hold the views morning this week as we put together this edition. Kida Lin, Declan Noble, Lauren Poole, Theo Quinn, and persuasions, and will continue to and they will not allow themselves to they accuse me of holding, and I A fluffy white cat named Evie followed one ofour Automated winners / 16 Tilini Rajapaksa, James Stratton, Jessica Syed, Lena become more inclusive and welcoming be pushed forcefully into the abyss of never will. editors into the Honi office. This, of course, being in Wang and Jamie Weiss. Just how crazy? should we aid it in its transformation. exclusion and oppression from their I will remain on the ballot, and re- the week where our feature and cover were all about Indeed, society will grow from what- position of privilege now held. serve my decision regarding whether Puzzles / 20 Artists pets. As you can see from the photo, Evie seemed nei- On Thursday 14th September I wit- ever we provide it as nourishment. If Let the rally of 14th September be I shall be an editor for Honi, if duly ther angry with nor interested by our back catalogue. Regulars / 21 Matthew Fisher, Grace Franki, Risako Katsumata, nessed the decline of a political cam- we feed it hate, division and conflict, a lesson to those who seek inclusion elected, to a later time. When someone tells me they love dogs, it really Aiden Magro, Rebekah Mazzocato, Eloise Myatt and paign. A campaign whose foundation we shall receive more of the same in and equality. Let the campaign return Georgette Bechara doesn’t mean anything. Who doesn’t like endless, Caseworkers / 22 Jessica Ottavi. rests on an equal right to love; propo- return. The change society needs, and to the ideals of love. Embrace all of so- uncritical affection and attention? But when some- nents of which claim to be inclusive, the change those of us who will vote ciety’s diversity, and allow society to one tells me they love cats, my ears perk up. Even SUPRA pages / 23 accepting, and who expect nothing ‘yes’ seek, is of love. adapt to its constituents in a manner We’re trying the friendliest cat is liable to snarl at your palm or less than the same in return. Marriage The second point to be made fol- that does not cause division or harm leap from your lap on a whim. That’s if they don’t SRC reports / 24 is society’s greatest expression of love, lows from the first. The aim of the in the process. Only in this manner to be better ignore you entirely. Loving cats is hard work. and yet recently our nation has be- ‘yes’ campaign, and like all civil rights will the goal of inclusion be achieved. Your cat-loving friends know that relationships The Garter Press / 26 come divided, fuelled by hate speech, movements before it, is for recogni- Nick Conomos Dear Honi Soit aren’t all about getting what you want, that being harassment and bigotry. This debate tion and inclusion into society. The I am OUTRAGED by the number gentle wins more battles than it loses, and that (although the applicability of this term changing of the Marriage Act 1961 of sudokus in last week’s paper. I mood swings happen to everyone. If they’ll scoop up is questionable) has now descended to (Cth) will not achieve these aims, ‘Statement to am completely incapable of solving the poo of an apathetic, ungrateful furball, imagine its lowest point, and it happened on it is just another step on the path to sudokus and while they may have what they’d be willing to do for you. Cover image by Ann Ding our very own university campus. accomplishment; a necessary step, Honi Soit’ from been beautiful, I could sadly not Unless your friends have more than four cats — Honi Soit, Week 8 Edition, Semester 2, 2017. By now we’ve all heard the facts, or but a mere step nonetheless. Hearts enjoy them. The enormous barred at that point, ask if they’re doing okay. JC watched the scenes on video. A stall and minds must be won in order to a lady scorned crossword last week was magnificent was set up to discuss the reasons why achieve the goal of true inclusion. (props to whoever wrote that one). Disclaimer: Honi Soit is published by the Students’ Representative Council, University of Sydney, Level 1 Wentworth Building, City Road, University of Sydney NSW 2006. someone might choose to vote ‘no’ How then are these hearts and minds Today, Heat for Honi published a Very enjoyable target too. I hope I The SRC’s operation costs, space and administrative support are financed by the University of Sydney. Honi Soit is printed under the auspices of the SRC’s directors of in the upcoming Postal Survey. They to be won? Through inclusion; the highly defamatory post about me. It can look forward to another one in student publications: Nina Dillon-Britton, Pranay Jha, Isabella Pytka, William Ryan, Katie Thorburn, and Adam Ursino. All expressions are published on the basis that they are were quickly surrounded by a mish- goal is the solution. And the method claimed, on the basis of a screenshot the next edition. not to be regarded as the opinions of the SRC unless specifically stated. The Council accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of any of the opinions or information con- mash of proponent groups for the ‘yes’ is a gradual persistent process. Exem- taken completely out of context that Sincerely, tained within this newspaper, nor does it endorse any of the advertisements and insertions. Please direct all advertising inquiries to [email protected]. campaign who, utilising methods of plify the change you wish to see in I was homophobic and believed that maybe the only person who is harassment and bullying, and con- society, and from your actions others homosexuality was linked to a mental dedicated enough to the Honi puzzle trary to the ideals of free speech and will come to understand the appropri- illness. section to write in about it multiple open-mindedness, surrounded and ate path. Do not harass those with a For full disclosure, I am a Catho- times, What’s on this week ‘politely’ told the stall-holders to “get different opinion to you. Do not insult lic. I hold my faith close to my heart. Marlena Lutz-Hughes off our campus”. The counter-rally at- those who disagree with you. Do not I was appalled at the disgusting be- PhD 1 According to your nihilistic dog

SRC Elections Campus Entrepreneurs’ Meetup: Climate Change Talk and Discussion War and Democracy: Who Decides? SASS x ArtsSoc Presents: IntervARTSity Pubcrawl Meet Basketball Forever

When: Pre-polling Tuesday September 19, Polling When: Wednesday September 20, 5PM When: Wednesday September 20, 4:30PM When: Thursday September 21, 6PM When: Friday September 22, 4PM Wednesday & Thursday September 20-211 Where: Verge Gallery Where: International Students’ Lounge Where: General Lecture Theatre, The Quad Where: Locations in Newtown Where: Locations across USyd campuses Price: Free Price: Free Price: Free Price: Free

Looks like there’ll be a few more pieces of paper Did someone say ... ball? I love ... [woof] ... fetch- What’s there to live for if I can’t find the bone I Now this is a event for me ... [excited barking] I don’t think I’m allowed into all the bars on for me to chew up this week...[happy barking]... ing balls almost as much as you’ll love network- buried this morning...? What’s there to live for if ... I love listening to political debate. I hear my King Street ... [woofs sadly] ... but maybe you catch this good boy wagging his tail this week at ing with the founders of this ... [ruff ruff] ... bas- global warming happens and it’s too hot to put favourite human overlord, Gillian Triggs, will be can sneak me in your jacket lining into Kule- all polling booths ...[panting heavily]. ketball startup. my widdle paws on the ground? [depressed ruff there. I will spare her when I launch my dog rev- to’s. But it’s fine if you can’t, I’ll just steal a bot- ruff] ... I guess I’ll find out how to fix that at this olution ... after I catch my own tail. tle of Jack from my owner’s liquor cabinet and Behind the wagging tail I’m empty. All elections Playing fetch is a toxic cycle used to entrap me talk... drink to forget my problems. are doomed. Anarchy forever. within the human-pet hierarchy.

2 3 NEWSROOM NEWSROOM More strikes to come as NTEU Chancellor Muslim society invites radical speaker to campus battles for higher pay invests big KISHOR NAPIER-RAMAN and NICK BONYHADY ing during the debate made Secular Tahrir. Ultimately, the decision to in- HONI SOIT in ‘Future Party representative John Perkins’ as- vite Badar to speak may have been sertion to the Daily Mail that he felt due to his position as someone well- Generations’ afraid for his safety before the event versed in public debate and Islamic seem justified. Indeed, aside from an theology, rather than a desire to pro- SAMUEL CHU exchange at the opening of the de- vide a platform for his more regres- bate in which Badar equivocated over sive views. Indeed, successive Aus- University of Sydney Chancellor beheading apostates, most of the de- tralian governments have decided Belinda Hutchinson made waves in bate was relatively monotonous. not to ban Hizb ut-Tahrir because the Australian business world last SUMSA describes itself as the they have concluded that it poses a Wednesday, adding 301,000 ordi- formal body representing Muslim sufficiently low threat, and that it is Badar featured at a SUMSA event as part of IAW 2017. Image: SUMSA nary shares to her stake in the ASX- students on campus. It is the larger better to engage in debate than ban listed Future Generation Global In- of two Muslim students’ groups on outright. vestment Company, of which she is Last Thursday, the Sydney Uni- reputation never fully recovered from campus, and tends to cater to Sunni As a debater, Badar came across as the chairman. versity Muslim Students Associa- the wounds inflicted by the slings and students while the Sydney Univer- confident and articulate, in contrast Hutchinson issued a statement sep- tion (SUMSA) hosted a debate on arrows of too many News Corpora- sity AhlulBayt Society is largely Shia. to his dour, bumbling counterparts arate to the required ASX “Change of whether science disproves god. The tion column inches. SUMSA did not respond to requests from the Secular Party. He brushed Director’s Interest Notice” to announce event, held as a part of SUMSA’s Is- This is also not the first time that for comment on this article. None- off criticism of his organisation’s that “I now own more than $1.2 mil- lamic Awareness Week, pitted two Badar has been invited onto campus theless, a number of Muslim students views as irrelevant to the evening’s lion dollars in [Future Generation] Muslim activists against two mem- by SUMSA. described SUMSA’s leadership and debate. shares”, a phrase which would ordi- bers of the Secular Party of Australia, In 2014, at the height of the hon- culture as being particularly con- It is, however, ultimately unclear narily be quite audacious to publicly a relatively irrelevant micro-party. our killings scandal, SUMSA invited servative. Mary*, a fourth year Law why SUMSA felt the need to invite utter if it weren’t for Future Genera- Arguing the case for the existence of Badar to give a speech as part of a student, told Honi that SUMSA was Badar to speak. In addition to its the- The National Tertiary Education the creation of ‘education-focused’ was that we said we would be stop- tion’s “unique model, which delivers god was Uthman Badar, a member of similar event. After a series of threat- more conservative than Islamic soci- ological objectives, Islamic Awareness Union (NTEU) has voted at a meet- roles across the University, which ping people to talk to them, and then both investment and social returns”, the infamous Muslim political organ- ening articles in The Daily Telegraph, eties at other universities she had at- Week has the important goal of trying ing today to continue strike action at would limit research opportunities. if they really insisted on proceeding as Hutchinson put it. isation Hizb ut-Tahrir. Vice Chancellor Michael Spence per- tended. She also described attending to start positive conversations about the University of Sydney, and strike The University has countered the that that would happen. Future Generation’s model is dis- To say that Hizb ut-Tahrir is con- sonally stepped in and successfully events which had been segregated by Islam that challenge the fear-monger- again on Wednesday 4 and Thursday NTEU’s statements about the offer, As far as I’m aware, there hasn’t tinct. Founded by Geoff Wilson in troversial would be an understate- urged SUMSA to cancel the event. gender. ing and hysteria so often on display 5 October. saying “there are no reductions in been any stuff that has reached the 2015, Future Generation describes ment. They are banned in over twenty Interestingly, Badar’s visit this year Rashid*, a fourth year commerce in the press. Yet Badar, and Hizb ut- This decision follows a day of benefits in the University’s proposal” extent of the incidents that happened itself as an “internationally focused countries, including many in the Arab registered barely a whisper. The Daily student, said that he had encountered Tahrir, with their well-documented strike action at the University yester- and framing their pay offer as “a pay in 2013 … I’ve had open communica- listed investment company” that aims world. Their charter calls for the cre- Mail ran one story before the event support for Hizb ut-Tahrir among reactionary politics and position on day on 13 September, and strikes at rise of more than 8 percent over the tion with the police and with security to both donate “1% of assets” to se- ation of a pan-Islamic caliphate and blaring: “Islamic sheikh slams Syd- SUMSA executives in the past. While the fringes of the Islamic community, Open Day on 26 August. life of the agreement” in an email to for the last couple of days, and they lected charities and achieve returns for the killing of apostates, a position ney Uni for allowing Hizb ut-Tahrir SUMSA members who sympathised may only serve to reinforce negative The strikes form a part of the staff from Friday, September 1. weren’t trying to stop us doing our for its investors. Why is it able to ac- that Badar himself appeared to de- extremist who supports KILLING with Hizb ut-Tahrir did not necessar- and stereotypical portrayal of Mus- NTEU’s ongoing negotiation of a new The pay offer remains below the action here,” Iveson told Honi. tually donate to charities, unlike other fend in a public statement earlier this ex-Muslims to speak” — an alarmist ily accept the group’s more violent lims. Enterprise Bargaining Agreement likely rate of inflation in Sydney over Nonetheless, the 48 hour period of fund management companies? The year. This was not the first time Badar title characteristic of the online pub- beliefs, Rashid said that he had en- The theme of this year’s Awareness (EBA) with the University. the next four years. the proposed strike, lasting for two company dictates that its fund manag- has been under scrutiny for making lication that thrives on outrage. The countered support for a pan-Islamic Week was ‘Don’t fuss, just discuss’. The EBA will determine staff con- The University’s negotiations with consecutive days, marks a significant ers do not take management or per- inflammatory remarks. In 2014, he Daily Mail followed up after the event super-state, as well as “stock-stand- It is hard not to feel that the discus- ditions, such as wages and leave, for the NTEU in 2013 led to seven days escalation in the NTEU’s campaign. formance fees for their work, and that was slated to give a talk titled ‘Why with another article titled “Islamist ard religious conservatism . . . an- sion would have gotten off to a bet- the next four years. of strikes and several arrests. There were around 200 members its board work pro-bono (as per the Honour Killings are Morally Justified’ extremist tells university students ti-gay, anti-feminist”. ter start, had one of the speakers not Though the NTEU has been Kurt Iveson, NTEU Sydney Branch of staff present at the union meet- standard for most charities). at the Sydney Opera House’s Festival ex-Muslim should be KILLED under Nonetheless, Rashid emphasised compelled questions about the execu- granted some of their claims, nego- President, said that the strikes this ing, discussing the strike and nobody Donating to charities that combat of Dangerous Ideas. The talk was ul- Sharia law during debate with athe- that a sizeable number of SUMSA tion of apostates. tiations have reached an impasse on year were calm by comparison. voted against further strike action, youth mental health problems is the timately cancelled, and the festival’s ist who feared for his safety”. Noth- members did not support Hizb ut- four issues: the University’s salary of- “It seems to me that our folks were though there were some abstentions. philanthropic focus of Future Gen- fer, casual workers’ leave and super- behaving according to the picket pro- eration, which tipped $299,000 last annuation, redundancy policies, and tocols that we had in place, which October into the Butterfly Founda- tion’s coffers to support its initiatives, Mint for Honi withdraws from the race including an Australian-first Youth Intensive Outpatient Program, which JUSTINE LANDIS-HANLEY Sydney largely steady in rankings launched last Monday to combat eat- ing disorders amongst young people. Mint for Honi has announced they tifies as Faith Michael, which stated: The statement continued by assur- jority support within the SRC Council. JESSICA SYED Other charities that have partnered are withdrawing from the Honi Soit “As a catholic I would prefer to pray ing supporters that Bechara would Nonetheless, Mint for Honi member with Future Generation include Be- elections this week, via a post to their for the mentally ill. Obviously this per- “no longer participate in this election Michelle Picone announced she had The University of Sydney’s position other thirty per cent is based on the in the indexes on which university yondBlue, Headspace, and most no- Facebook page. son has an unstable life. If he was to as a member of MINT,” and will be re- withdrawn from the ticket, shortly in two highly respected ranking sys- University’s citations – how frequently ranking institutions rely. As a result, tably, the University of Sydney’s Brain The ticket seems to have fallen apart argue one on one, he could possibly placed pending an SRC motion should after Bechara’s statement went live. tems — the QS Graduate Employabil- scholars cite the University’s output on six University of Sydney academics and Mind Centre. after a member, Georgette Bechara, have made a point. The fact that he the team be elected. Picone told Facebook friends, “I am ity rankings and the Times Higher Ed- a global scale. were added to the Thomson Highly Future Generation’s partner char- appeared to endorse a queer-phobic needed 200 people shows that he is However, Bechara fought back deeply saddened and regret the hom- ucation (THE) Ranking — has shifted Dropping one place in ranking from Cited Researcher list. This list is one of ities have welcomed its support. comment that suggested homosexual- too feminine to fight and is suffering against suggestions that she would ophobic comments that were said slightly in 2017. last year, USyd is now 61st on the THE many used by ranking organisations The Butterfly Foundation, for one, ity is a mental illness that should be from short man syndrome. 200 people willingly step down from the ticket. In online by one of our ticket heads. I The University has maintained its list. This fall may indicates slow pro- in calculating their rankings, includ- has issued several press releases de- prayed for this afternoon. fighting a few isn’t heroic, it’s a fine a statement published to the Univer- honestly had no knowledge or control position on the QS Graduate Employ- gress in the University’s 2016-2020 ing the recently released THE list. scribing Future Generation as “an In a statement published around example of cowards.” sity of Sydney Conservative Society’s over those opinions being expressed ability rankings, boasting the most Strategic Plan, which outlines the Uni- In reality, the methodologies of innovative investment company that 10pm this evening, “MINT for Honi “Well said Faith Michael,” Bechara Facebook page, she wrote: “I under- through social media. If I had any employable graduates in Australia for versity’s practical direction. these ranking mechanisms often say recognises the need to address the will withdraw from the Honi Election. replied to the comment. stand that Mint for Honi do not wish foresight, I would not have joined this the third year in a row. Its graduates One of the plan’s primary aims is to little about the actual functioning of significance of youth mental health We urge anyone whose mental wellbe- “I’ve actually met this boy and spo- to have me on their tickets… I will ticket.” also remain the fourth most employa- increase research funding across fac- the university and its students in the issues in Australia.” Headspace has ing has been affected by today’s drama ken to him. They just need love and remain on the ballot, and reserve my Heat for Honi are the only ticket ble globally. ulties (a goal that the University has real world, because they do little to also lauded the company for funding or anybody feeling frustration, anxiety prayer,” she replied in a subsequent decision regarding whether I shall be left in the race. However, at this stage The QS rankings are based on fac- worked towards by streamlining facul- account for university size, teach- an “innovative new project [Head- and pain to call Lifeline on 13 11 14.” comment, referring to Edwards. an editor for Honi, if duly elected, to in the campaign, it isn’t possible to re- tors such as the university’s graduate ties and reducing the number of ad- ing quality, student support or social space] will deliver in regional Aus- The series of unfortunate events Mint for Honi responded to the a later time.” move Mint from the official electoral employment rate, and the how employ- ministrative staff). In addition to other impact. They are nonetheless closely tralia” to train and employ Indige- started when a Facebook user, who situation earlier this evening with a The statement spurred the hashtag ballots, which have already gone to ers perceive the university’s reputation. benefits of high quality research, this regarded by employers, and are instru- nous mental health workers. identifies as Bruce Parker, posted a statement on their campaign page: #IstandwithGeorgette from support- print. Consequently, Mint could be These factors skew towards big busi- is an attempt to accelerate the Univer- mental in the University’s maintenance Whilst Future Generation’s model screenshot of University of Sydney co- “We apologise to LGBTI+ students for ers. elected if enough punters cast a vote ness: QS only surveys 30,000 businesses sity’s ranking, given how heavily influ- of its reputation, which is itself critical for charitable giving is not traditional Queer Officer Will Edward’s account, any hurt caused by comments pub- Bechara’s belief that she could re- in their favour. If Mint have genuinely globally, so small employers’ views are ential scoring organisations like THE to expanding enrolment and revenue. by any means, linking up some of with the caption: “So apparently this lished by Georgette Bechara. These serve the decision to resign as editor, withdrawn from campaigning, with- largely not taken into account. value research. For now, the University appears to Australia’s largest fund managers and was 1 of the main thugs yesterday comments were made in a personal should she be elected, demonstrates out competition, it should be fairly The THE figures are heavily influ- Indeed, in 2016, the University un- be steady in its place. Whether the philanthropists with charities through who was abusing the peaceful No vot- capacity and whilst we respect that an ignorance of the SRC constitution. easy for Heat’s campaigners to score a enced by universities’ research perfor- dertook a project to highlight its re- ongoing Strategic Plan is reflected in a financially sustainable model has ers at a Sydney university yesterday. they come from religious beliefs, we The relevant section stipulates an winning majority of votes. mance. Thirty per cent of the results search by cleansing and verifying its future global ranking metrics remains reaped rewards — over $3 million for Name and Shame”. do not believe the relevant conversa- Honi team is able to remove an edi- Voting for this year’s SRC and Honi are determined by the volume, fund- academics’ research data to ensure to be seen. the year ending June 2017 — and Bechara liked a comment on the tion embodied a place which was safe tor with two-thirds majority support elections takes place 19 – 21 Septem- ing and reputation of research. An- that citations are accurately reflected looks set to continue to do so. post from a Facebook user who iden- for genuine debate.” within the team, and two-thirds ma- ber.

4 5 NEWSROOM LONG READ Who went on strike? The East is red, even in the West JAMES STRATTON / Spotting faces and factions on the picket line BAOPU HE / Chairman Mao lives on in my parents’ strange fondness for communism

On Wednesday 13 September, many The faculty with the highest pro- to strike for labs to not meet the re- of the university.” A spectre is haunting my family — the spectre democracy, they both still cling onto their students found their classes can- portion of cancelled classes was the quired health and safety regulations Of the students whose classes of Communism. Communist past. There is a deep attachment celled as academics and general staff Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences; of to continue. were cancelled, almost 95% had While other children were singing nursery to the ideology most would have them as being participated in a strike organised by the 30 classes on which Honi received Sydney Law School academics been given advance notice, rather rhymes about Humpty Dumpty and Three Blind victims of. the National Tertiary Education Un- responses, 26 had been cancelled. were among the least likely to strike, than being informed of the cancella- Mice, my mother taught me songs such as “The Lit- Unsurprisingly, there is perhaps not a single ion (NTEU). What’s more, FASS was the only with a substantial majority of classes tion on the day of strikes. This seems tle Swallow”, where a young child muses to said name that evokes stronger feelings of respect in The strike, organised as part of faculty in which the majority of continuing on the day. This may be to suggest that the strikes were suc- bird about how their hometown has been made them than Mao’s, who, to this day, they refer to the NTEU’s ongoing industrial action lecturers and tutors who cancelled because Law School staff are more cessful in expressing staff views, but more beautiful by the construction of large facto- as Chairman. It’s a reverence that quite literally against the University’s proposed en- classes also explicitly encouraged likely to have faith in the University, did not result in many last minute ries equipped with new machines (environmental- verges on religious — for starters, instead of say- and it Art: terprise bargaining agreement (EBA), their students to participate in the which has been represented by Syd- cancellations for staff who had cho- ism, it seems, was not a large part of leftist ide- ing “I swear to God”, it would always be “I swear felt like Eloise Myatt attracted widespread staff involve- strike by not entering the University, ney Law School Dean Joellen Riley sen to continue classes. ology back then). The carefully compiled cassette by Chairman Mao”. And it’s not just them. On a we all ment, with staff and students forming or by joining staff at picket lines. in EBA negotiations since April. Brophy said that some academics tape in my father’s car might as well have been personal level, I had friends whose parents still shared the picket lines at all major entrances to However, the strike also received The level of industrial action also who had been planning to go ahead entitled “Communism’s Greatest Hits” given that it kept a copy of the Little Red Book on their bed- same ide- the University. substantial support from other fac- varied by campus, with Professor with classes were convinced to strike mainly consisted of songs like “The East is Red”, side table — heck, I went to school with someone als, and were But it would be wrong to suggest ulties, with the Faculty of Science Sharon Kilbreath, Deputy Dean (Ac- after interacting with those picket- “Moscow Nights”, and perennial favourite “With- named after Mao. On a wider scale, nostalgia for working towards that staff or student involvement landing in second place. On average, ademic) of the Faculty of Health Ser- ing, but that the extended discus- out Communism, There Would Be No Modern Communism, bewildering as it may seem, appears the same goal.” was uniform across faculties or level laboratory demonstrators were more vices, describing events as ‘business sions about strike action meant that China”. They even took me to the cinema when I to be a genuine phenomenon. A poll by German “You can say we were of seniority. likely to cancel classes than tutors or as usual’ at the University’s Cumber- most academics “knew where they was ten to watch a (what I now suspect to be heav- news magazine Der Spiegel in 2009 found that, of brainwashed. But you can’t An Honi survey of students re- lecturers from any faculty. One lab land Campus. stood by the time of the strike”. ily romanticised) film about the formation of the the East Germans they had polled, a majority felt say we weren’t happy,” my fa- vealed the arrangements made for demonstrator clarified to her class, “It’s no secret that the NTEU has Brophy said he believes engage- Chinese Communist Party. that life was better under Communism. ther adds. over 60 classes — lectures, tutorials or however, that whether labs were particular strengths in certain areas,” ment will continue to increase as But where does this attachment come from? My It soon becomes clear that their labs — held on Wednesday, with the cancelled wasn’t necessarily a reflec- said Dr David Brophy, NTEU USyd long as university management re- ‘In the matrix of their memories, parents assert that it’s from a genuine belief that life attachment to the past isn’t simply a results suggesting some interesting tion of the views of individual dem- branch committee member. “But as sists the NTEU’s demands. back then “wasn’t as bad as it’s made out to be”. Too case of selective memory, but rather, an implications about which staff were onstrators, since only a small num- the campaign rolls on we’re making the negatives seem to, like some young to experience, or understand, the fraught po- issue of how they interpret their memories, most involved in industrial action. ber of specialised technical staff had inroads into less well organised parts twisted arithmetic, litical tensions of the time, they instead remember both the good and the bad. To them, the lack of the Cultural Revolution as a time of carefree inno- ideological diversity due to state suppression was cancel each other out’ cence. As the foundations and traditions of Chinese a sign of great national unity, Mao’s cult of person- society were quite literally being smashed to pieces, ality a sign of how people dedicated themselves to Decisions are made by those who show up Growing up, it didn’t even occur to me that education and learning became subordinate prior- higher purpose, and the workers who died of ex- Communism was a political ideology. More than ities to revolution. Students no longer had to do haustion to meet absurdly high production martyrs JUSTINE LANDIS-HANLEY / SRC Councillor’s standing for re-election promise experience, but can they deliver reliability? anything else, it seemed like an artistic movement, homework, or really take school seriously, and so fuelled by an inexorable revolutionary zeal. They whose music and films seemed to make my blood my parents recall long nights playing in the streets, see the people of Maoist China, including them- With SRC elections this week, most tended five of seven council meetings. were locked out of this year’s election shake with something I now know as revolutionary untouched by centuries of Confucian thinking. They selves, not as victims, but a generation who made candidates are running around cam- While members of this year’s Stand after handing their nomination forms fervour. And any politics that was talked about was concede that they weren’t materially rich, but no noble sacrifices for the betterment of their country. pus trying to win votes based on their Up team had some of the highest attend- in late; meanwhile, Switch formed Score Card overwhelmingly positive. Just imagine my surprise one was, and even that wasn’t so bad. Back then, my reliability, proven experience, and a ance records, others drag the brand’s this year as a brand of progressive-in- in year 8 English when I found out while reading mother tells me, there was no running hot water, so ‘Growing up, it didn’t even desire to represent students “on your reliability down: Angus Berg (Stand Up dies from grassroots, debating, and PERFECT RECORDS “Mao’s Last Dancer” that Communism was not at washing the dishes in winter could be very difficult. Adam Boidin, Caitlin McMenamin, SRC council”. for Student Housing) came to four coun- other left wing circles. all what I thought it was. “Luckily,” she assures me, a severe shortage of cook- occur to me that Communism Isabella Brook, Bella Pytka It is interesting, then, that the cil meetings, while disgraced ex-Queer For those curious, existing Grass- It would be easy to dismiss all this as a vapid ing oil meant that pots and pans were much easier was a political ideology. More greatest challenge facing the SRC is Officer Andrea Zephyr, and USU Board roots councilmembers have, together, form of “cultural Communism”, one that seems to to clean. In the matrix of their memories, the neg- engaging its elected representatives in Director Claudia Gulbransen-Diaz made made it to 67 per cent of meetings. REPEAT OFFENDERS be gaining momentum in the youth of the West- atives seem to, like some twisted arithmetic, cancel than anything else, it seemed Alex Fitton, Edward McCann fulfilling their duties; namely, getting it to only two. Switch campaign manager and SRC ern world one sassy Socialist meme at a time. “Of each other out. like an artistic movement, whose them to show up to monthly council James Gibson (Free Parking) who candidate for this year Liam Donohoe, course it’s easy for you to romanticise Communism,” However, as they delve further into the past, meetings. The SRC hasn’t met since took over for Sam Chu after around was one of those successfully elected WORST COALITION the critics argue, “when you’ve never experienced beyond nostalgic recollections of youth, a more music and films seemed to make Ignite + Liberals for SRC (37.5%) June this year, because every meeting May, hasn’t made a single meeting this to council last year, making it to four how terrible life actually is under Communism”. disturbing portrait of Maoist China emerges. My my blood shake with something called in that period has not reached year. Even if they aren’t good at showing meetings with one apology and an one Oh, but my parents have. They both grew up father remembers how his primary school mathe- the quorum of 17 councillors. up, at the very least these candidates are unexplained absence. during the chaos that swept China during the Cul- matics teacher and his wife were driven to suicide I now know as revolutionary It’s pretty easy to work out which of polite about it, handing in their apolo- Student Unity member and Stand are… more aware that they must at- tural Revolution. My father was the son of workers after a violent denunciation session, and even after fervour’ the 17 councillor’s running for re-elec- gies to SRC secretary Julia early enough Up co-Campaign Manager, Adam Boi- tend council,” (Bella). at the local grain collection warehouse in country- their deaths, all their students had to write criti- tion this year have proved themselves for her to note them down. din, suggests that factional organis- Yet the way independent council- side Hunan — an inland province famous for spicy cisms about how they had “escaped facing the peo- most reliable in terms of showing up Last year, Stand Up was forged by ing helps to mobilise SRC councillors lors have shied away from their SRC food, foot massages, and the birthplace of many ple’s justice” in suicide. My mother tells me that It almost seems like a point of pride, and in to SRC meetings, based on this year’s Labor factions Student Unity, and Na- for meetings. obligations this year might speak less Communist revolutionaries, the most famous being two of her uncles were branded as rightists and many ways, it is. Whether the China of their recol- attendance records. Note that the tional Labor Students. This year, Stand “…Councillors are reminded about to their organisational skills, and more Mao himself. On the other hand, my mother grew banished to the countryside. Growing up in a uni- lections ever existed is questionable, but by main- brand names listed below refer to the Up has dealt with Sydney Labor Stu- attendance and encouraged to take to an unwillingness to take part in the up in probably the most dangerous place to be in versity campus, she witnessed countless struggle taining this narrative of Communism, they distin- tickets they are running on during this dents to include them under the cam- their commitment seriously by their organisation once they realise its com- Maoist China: a university campus. But despite sessions, in all their violent, fanatical excess. guish themselves from younger generations. With election, unless otherwise specified. paign branding. Combined, this year’s peers. It also ensures that, to the best bative, highly politicised culture. their markedly different experiences and upbring- But that’s just the way Deng Xiaoping’s sweeping reforms in the 1980s, Adam Boidin (Stand Up for SRC), councillors from the three Labor fac- of our ability, all councillors not in at- “The fact of the matter is indies have ings, and the fact that they now live in a capitalist things were back then, the world of their youth had gone forever, and in Isabella Brook (Stand Up for Men- tions had a 67 per cent attendance re- tendance are represented by proxies,” even less incentive to care about SRC they tell me, sighing. it’s place arose a society they bitterly criticise as tal Health), and Caitlin McMenamin cord, which, although barely a credit, Boidin explained. than factional hacks,” Chu told Honi. “It’s true, everything being obsessed with money, plagued by a “moral (Stand Up for Women) have an impec- is a triumph compared to Ignite and The numbers reflect Boidin’s theory. “The motions up for debate are of- spiralled out of con- sickness” and gripped by inequality — the present cable record; they didn’t miss a single Liberal candidates, who collectively Councillors who ran on independent ten meaningless; no actual substan- trol so quickly, and very much informs how they view the past. meeting of this year, including those made it to 35.7 per cent of meetings. tickets last year and don’t appear to tive change can get pushed through many people suf- “Nowadays we see lots of Chinese women at that were deemed inquorate. Last year’s vice-presidential wan- belong to any Facebook factions had these meetings. fered back then.” home not working, hopelessly dependent on their Timothy Berney-Gibson, who is nabe, Ed McCann, has not been to any below average attendance records; “I had two of my best friends at- my mother says. husbands. But that’s not how my generation was running at the top of the Vision of council meetings in 2017; hopefully, if while some councillors like Samuel tend March and April meetings with “But at the same raised. We were always told that women hold up SRC ticket, attended six meetings, he is successful in his campaign this Chu turned up to every council (be- me and they were shocked at the yell- time, there was a half the sky,” my mother tells me. and provided an apology for the one election season to become a delegate fore signing over the spot to a hack ing, screaming, politicised council. stronger sense of A world away from the Cultural Revolution, she he missed. Gabriel Long (Stand Up for to NUS, he will decide to grace the better-adjusted to the meeting’s fili- It’s enough to make an indie turn off solidarity. People is nonetheless engaged in a different kind of “class Arts), who took over for elected can- conference floor with his presence. bustering), others like Amelia Chen the SRC.” were more struggle”, fighting daily for her position in cor- didate James Cooper after two coun- Awkward, considering that presiden- didn’t come back after one meeting. Nonetheless, it might be difficult equal, porate Australia, where she often finds herself in cil meetings, turned up to four with tial candidate Brendan Ma, a Liberal All three presidential candidates for next year’s president to hold their rooms where she isn’t just the only Chinese person, apologies for the fifth; the same goes who ran with Ignite this year and Vi- contesting this year’s election spoke councillors to account given their but also the only woman. Ironically, she for Harry Gregg (Stand Up for Fair Ed- sion (Ignite’s Liberal successor brand) to Honi about the importance of less-than-perfect track records: while credits her dogged determination to the ucation), who replaced Lachlan Ward this year, plans to achieve quorum by preventing SRC meetings from falling Pytka has made it to 100 per cent of “Socialist morals” she grew up with, ones around the same time. “stand[ing] up and demand[ing] peo- through due to inquorate numbers, meetings so far this year, Ma showed which commanded people to value their Councillors Sophia Chung (Stand ple make these meetings”. with solutions ranging from setting up to just over 70 per cent, while labour and work diligently. Communism, Up for LGBTI+), Connor Wherret It’s difficult to comment on the at- KPIs (Ma), pre-council one-on-one Grant attended 60 per cent after she ironically, seems to have created the perfect (Stand Up for Law), and Kim Murphy tendance of Grassroots and Switch meetings with each councillor (Grant), took over for Georgia Mantle in April. worker for a capitalist system. HS (Left Action Against Racism), each at- candidates: many Groots’ councillors and just “mak[ing] sure councillors

6 7 LONG READ LONG READ Food faultlines: the class division of food chains 'The Great Dessert Divide' ANN DING and NATASSIA CHRYSANTHOS / What can we learn from Googling a bunch of different food stores? With the entrance of relatively new pastry purveyor Doughnut Time, we’ve seen the pastel green shop- A term that first surfaced on Reddit and Twitter, the would all desire, you can pretty much draw a line fronts become slowly more common, but only in a ‘Red Rooster line’ has since entered common vernac- from the airport through Parramatta, just to the select area: three are in the city, and the remaining ular as a dividing line which separates Sydney’s west west of Parramatta up to the north-west sector.” four are in the Northern Suburbs, Northern Beaches, from its more affluent areas. The formula is simple: The ramifications are clear in education too: HSC Inner West and Eastern Suburbs respectively, outlin- sketch the points of all the Red Roosters in Sydney outcomes by school can be charted clearly on either ing a quadrilateral of relative financial comfort. and you get a surprisingly neat indication of the bor- side of the line. Bourke Street Bakery has an even more lim- der of Western Sydney. The distribution of fast food outlets in cities is ited scope; its locations are mostly concentrated to According to Bernard Salt — who is most famous often cited as a typical indicator of socioeconomic a narrow corridor stretching from North Sydney to Doughnut amongst our generation by penning a scalding take class. A 2002 study of Melbourne by Reidpath and Eastgardens, and its one outlying Parramatta bakery in The Australian on the smashed avocado habits of colleagues collected data on the number of fast food makes sense when you think about Parramatta’s ex- Time millennials — the suburbs that lie beyond the Red chains per postcode, testing McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, tensive shopping district and developments. Bourke Rooster line constitute “a different world orbiting KFC, Red Rooster and Hungry Jack’s. When the Street’s various outposts delineate what is essentially Wendy's The ‘latte line’ the city like an asteroid belt at a distance of 7km results came in and the highest income postcodes the city centre and its surrounding trendy suburbs. to 50km from the CBD.” With a touch of anthropo- were compared with the lowest income, the latter Contrast this with the city-outskirts favourite, logical flair, Salt asserts that: “Different people with were shown to have two and a half times more fast If we take a look at the map below, we see that Wendy’s, whose closest store, bar the one kiosk different values inhabit different space.” food outlets per person. while the Red Rooster line divides Sydney clearly in in Moore Park Supa Centa, is 15 kilometres away Salt proudly dubs the Red Rooster line’s inverse So beyond drawing the lines around a ‘hipster/ two, other chicken outlets carve sections of Sydney in Sylvania; Wendy’s once had more stores open the ‘Goat Cheese Curtain’; an area he describes by suburbia’ divide, what else can drawing maps off into more defined quarters. around Sydney, but many have since shut since they waxing lyrical about hipsters roaming in search of around the distribution of chains in Sydney tell us The line drawn by El Jannah, which serves delicious were not financially viable. avocado and, well, goat’s cheese. The curtain is about different parts of the city? Lebanese cuisine alongside its chicken, establishes an Doughnut Time is principally concentrated in the drawn around 38 cafes that have been rated four We took the liberty of drawing our own lines alternate gateway into Sydney’s west. city and Inner West, speaking to its status as an over- Bourke St out of five by at least 500 reviewers on Zomato, around Sydney and naming them in similarly alliter- This line is perhaps more accurate than the Red priced, gimmicky, gentrifying trend; it has also tar- Bakery and its parameters stretch across from Haberfield to ative ways. While most orient themselves neatly in Rooster line, which in itself is controversial for en- geted more affluent areas like the Northern Beaches Bondi, and from Newtown up to the Rocks. clear blocks around the latte line, some afford the compassing the airport and the Inner West suburb of and the Eastern Suburbs where such a store might But there’s more to the line than the simple op- map-enthusiast greater specificity than others. Summer Hill. El Jannah is at its furthest east in Bank- find success. portunity to scoff at the café-dwelling habits of Syd- Our Google Maps adventures also revealed some stown, so offers a clearer geographical delineation. Wendy’s, on the other hand, reliably traces the ney’s hipster élite. more trivial patterns: the locations of Gelato Messi- Moreover, the joint’s ethnic twist is indicative of the western side of Sydney, a territory untainted by gen- The concept of a border that splits Sydney down nas and Bailey Nelson stores, for example, almost demographic contained within its tasty borders. trification — for now. class lines doesn’t just exist online or in the mus- perfectly overlap — each existing in concentration As the Red Rooster line sweeps to the west, so the ings of News Corp writers: the ‘latte line’, as it is around the gentrified and hipster inner city, while North is held neatly by a ring of Chargrill Charlie’s. also known, is a concept used in city planning. “If also ticking boxes in key shopping districts like Par- Venturing further north than Salt’s Goat Cheese Cur- you are north of that line you are largely a ‘have’,” ramatta and Miranda, to ensure their scope just ex- tain to encompass suburbs like Mosman and Mona 'The Harris Farm Hedge' according to Geoff Roberts, the economic commis- tends to more suburban parts of Sydney. Vale, this map encapsulates Northern Beaches afflu- sioner of the Greater Sydney Commission. “If you But from the ‘Great Dessert Divide’ — an easy way ence. On the weekend that this paper was produced, To consider the ‘Harris Farm Hedge’ — the portion are south of that line, you are largely a ‘have-not’... to map the city’s gentrification — to the ‘Harris Farm a Chargrill Charlie’s was opened in Annandale. This of Sydney where you can find upscale supermarket It’s a concept that says employment, education lev- Hedge’ — which carves the clearest picture of Syd- venture means the Chargrill Charlie’s line extends Harris Farm Markets with its aesthetic store layouts, els, social disadvantage, all the things that make a ney’s richest regions — it becomes clear that residents into the rapidly gentrifying Inner West for the first broad range of protein snacks, ‘imperfect picks’ sec- city less productive and less liveable than what we of Sydney today are on footing that’s far from equal. time, making this map one to watch. tion, and the option to fill your own jar of fresh milk Harris — is to acquire a picture of class in Sydney that’s more insightful than dwelling on the simpler ‘hipster’ Farm demographic indicated by the Goat Cheese Curtain. Carving up the chicken Stretching as far north as the Chargrill Charlie’s map, but reaching substantially further west, the Harris Farm Hedge fits quite snugly into the part of Outback Sydney that has been sectioned off as home to those Steakhouse who are the ‘haves’ of society, according to the latte Chargrill line’s followers. Out of all the maps, the Harris Farm Hedge is the Charlie's only border which encompasses all 10 of Sydney’s ('The Affluent richest suburbs (Point Piper, Vaucluse, Bellevue Hill, North') Mosman, Hunters Hill, Northbridge, Woollhara, Rashay's Double Bay, Paddington and Balmain). Given that six out of these ten are Eastern Suburbs locations, Hog's it’s only fitting that the East is the region with the highest concentration of Harris Farms — you can Australian find a whopping three separate stores very close to one another in Bondi. Steakhouse This clear division of food suppliers along class lines evokes the concept of ‘food justice’: the idea the dominant food system — from production to El Jannah distribution and consumption — often upholds ine- ('The Ethnic West') qualities that exist in wider society. In line with this, research has repeatedly focused on how healthy The Red food options tend to be less available in neighbor- 'Steakhouse Square' hoods home to residents with lower incomes. Rec- Rooster line ognising this, proponents of food justice demand Operating in near perfect inversion to the ‘Harris Outback Steakhouse and Hog’s Breath, or Hog’s that: “disadvantaged communities benefit as much (This version of the Farm Hedge’ lies what we have identified as the Australian Steakhouse, occupy pretty much the same as or more than privileged people from efforts to line includes Ashfield ‘Steakhouse Square’. Though we’re taking slight lib- territory; if we had to guess, we’d say their distribu- strengthen local, healthy food systems.” and airport outlets. erty with the square form, many of Sydney’s most tion corresponds mostly to areas of Sydney with larger The proliferation of Harris Farms in this shape An alternative prolific steakhouse chains can be found here. middle class families, away from the ‘café culture’ and makes sense; it is logical that the most expensive Rashay’s, whose restaurant name originates from hipsterism of the city and its surrounds; these restau- and wealthy areas of Sydney would be the go-to version treats these a combination of its founders’ names, Rami and rants, while not necessarily more affordable than your for expanding an upmarket grocery store. However, as outliers, and is Shannon, started in Liverpool, and since then has average chain restaurant, are often spacious and able when considering notions like food justice, the fact instead marked by spread as far up as Penrith and as far east as East- to accommodate larger groups of people. that certain goods and services are restricted to bub- gardens. However, 16 of the 18 Rashay’s restaurants Beyond that, it’s hard to draw more meaningful bles where wealthier classes reside smacks of their the two extra black sits within the map’s red polygon (Liverpool alone conclusions, since it’s such a large expanse — our potential to perpetuate structural inequality. Harris dots) is home to three Rashay’s stores), excluding the city question is, what is it that stops them from expand- Farm’s distribution is an example of the market in and Eastgardens, which we’ve treated as outliers. ing north-eastward? action, but is the market just?

8 9 PODIUM PODIUM Face off: Tertiary education should be free Streetwear Guardians GRACE FRANKI / For JAYCE CARRANO / Justice is back in style

Before Whitlam abolished university fees in 1974 he change the financial situation of their upbringing and ifications that can be adapted to a changing work- Across Facebook there exist thousands of streetwear school — scammed another teenager by sending quickly pass on details of blacklisted individuals. said, “we believe that a student’s merit, rather than allows a unique level of social mobility. Importantly, force. Free education is a long-term investment in a buy and resell groups, each with their own rules, him a fake pair of BAPE shorts. Brendan contacted “It’s really cool that all the groups are connected like a parent’s wealth, should decide who should benefit these benefits accrue the most to students from low- stable economy. memes, and culture. And each of these digital com- the scammer through Facebook to demand an expla- that,” says Brendan. “Like the BAPE group, Supreme from the community’s vast financial commitment to SES backgrounds — those who are least likely to at- Finally, a more educated population is more likely munities is vehemently protected by a voluntary co- nation. “He admitted the shorts were fake,” Brendan group, Adidas group, the Yeezy/Kanye group — we tertiary education.” tend university under a paid model. to understand civic and democratic institutions — alition of enthusiasts — the administrators. says, “and said he would pay the money back… all talk to each other to keep it consistent.” This principle of equality is at the heart of the case Additionally, free tertiary education is particularly to be thoughtful in how they cast their vote during Brendan Creswick, 21, is the administrator of a Then he blocked me a few days later.” Determined, This sense of solidarity doesn’t stop once scam- for free tertiary education and operates on two levels. important in the context of the Australian workforce elections and engage in reasoned discussion about streetwear group specifically for buying and selling Brendan contacted the New Zealand school that mers are brought to justice. The administrators of First, everyone should be equally able to access tertiary which increasingly favours skilled, tertiary edu- political issues. They are also more likely to have a shorts from Japanese brand A Bathing Ape (BAPE). had been listed on the scammer’s profile, who then Underground Society pride themselves on using education, regardless of their wealth or background. cated workers, systematically locking out those who good understanding of issues of social justice and Despite its niche purpose, the group has nearly passed him on to the deputy principal at the teen’s their space to positively influence members’ lives be- Free tertiary education is the only way to ensure do not fit this description from good careers and empathy for marginalised groups. 10,000 members. new school. yond the realm of streetwear. this. Opponents may point to the existence of HECS well-paying jobs. Today’s political leaders are the product of free “People who are kids, or who are older than me but Brendan was well aware of the ludicrousness of Just this week, a post promoting ‘R U OKAY’ day schemes as a means to ensure everyone can access As we exit the mining boom Australia needs to tertiary education in the 1970s and helped shape the don’t have as much experience buying and selling on- the situation. “Someone from another country is garnered nearly 1000 likes, while in August, Revan university. However, the prospect of a debt in the tens move towards a more intelligent, service-based subsequent decades of growth which transformed line, have a safe space to enjoy their hobby,” Brendan calling you asking you about a student who has been made a post in the group reminding everyone to en- of thousands is a significant disincentive to many un- economy. Education is already one of Australia’s big- Australia into the modern, egalitarian nation it is says. He believes the groups’ accessible and friendly stealing clothes on Facebook, how do you explain rol and vote ‘Yes’ in the same sex marriage postal derprivileged students who are also sacrificing years of gest exports and minimising economic barriers will today. In a volatile and unpredictable world, young environments are one reason they have become so that?” After hearing Brendan’s explanation, the dep- vote. “It is important that we, as a community which lost potential income in order to study. Secondly, edu- ensure an even more skilled and diverse workforce. people ought to be afforded the same privilege. popular. “When I was first starting out in this stuff, uty principal said they’d talk to the student. “So ba- fixates on a creative industry such as fashion where cation is the most powerful equalising force in society. In an age of increasing automation, tertiary educa- I didn’t know where to look for anything. Having a sically, they talked to the kid’s dad and he had to pay LGBTQI contributors are so integral to taste-making A university education enables students to radically tion equips citizens with generalised skills and qual- space to talk about things would have been great.” the money back. It’s not the first time I’ve had to do and the culture, There are Facebook groups for every streetwear something like that.” throw our support Art: Matthew Fisher TILINI RAJAPAKSA / Against niche — even ones specifically dedicated to a par- In some cases, it’s not administrators but promi- behind them ticular shoe size — but the largest group in Australia, nent members of groups who decide to take justice and afford The push for free tertiary education is commonly available. The latter option is generally espoused as sity entrance, the principle of meritocracy — reward- Underground Society, allows its 75,000 members to into their own hands. In one case that Brendan re- them equal rec- based on an erroneous belief that abolishing the a worthwhile investment to improve education ac- ing those who display intelligence and effort — is still buy and resell anything so long as it is limited re- counts, an infamous scammer named Jonas was rec- ognition HECS system would remove barriers to prospective cessibility for low-SES students. an unjust basis for abolishing tertiary education fees. lease or highly sought after. Revan Okulu, one of the ognised at his workplace by a member who was “a under the students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Financial background undeniably plays a signif- Tertiary education, unlike schooling, healthcare founding members and current administrators, says bodybuilder basically, a big dude”, and much older nation’s In fact, abolishing HECS is not only a completely icant role in university attendance. Researchers at or welfare, is not readily available to anyone who that strictly enforced rules banning hate speech, than the average age in the group. The member had laws,” Revan inappropriate way to address socioeconomic disad- ANU found privately educated students were 24 per needs it. It is offered to a select group (approxi- harassment, and abuse are partly responsible for the a quick chat with Jonas’ boss, and refunds began be- wrote. vantage, but is based on an elitist notion that indi- cent more likely to enter university than government mately 37% of 20 year olds today — a proportion close-knit community that has formed. ing issued. In an online viduals with academic aptitude inherently deserve educated students in 2016. In NSW, this inequality is which would could be even less if fees were abol- “We’ve been very strict on making sure people But not all administrators recommend such a vig- landscape that expensive benefits at the cost of the remainder of even more pronounced with private school students ished completely as discussed above) whose aca- treat each other with respect,” says Revan Okulu, ilante approach. often reflects society in an economic system which functions to receiving 52.4 per cent of university offers in 2017. demic aptitude is largely genetically predestined. It 19, an administrator and founding member of Un- “It’s going to expose us to legal backlash. You a cesspool of reward them over other those with other skills. However, abolishing HECS would not address this would be deeply unfair to award an expensive sub- derground Society. There are also harsh punish- don’t want to have 74,000 people knocking down human inde- Currently, taxpayers contribute 59 per cent of the issue, instead conferring a significant financial ben- sidy to those who have won the academic aptitude ments for unscrupulous behaviour when buying someone’s door,” says Revan. “The buck stops with cency, these average university course’s cost, while recipients pay efit to an already predominantly affluent group of lottery given that academic aptitude combined with and selling the clothing itself. For example, in many us, so at the end of the day it’s going to reflect on the streetwear the rest once their annual income reaches $55,874. people at the taxpayer’s expense. To increase equal their tertiary education will generally lead to more groups, ‘flaking’ (where a buyer commits and then admin team and underground society as a group.” guardians are HECS allows students to enter university knowing access into university, funding could instead be allo- lucrative professions in our capitalist society. pulls out of a sale) or scamming result in permanent Having said that, Underground Society admin- quietly culti- they won’t have to pay until they are in a financial cated towards increasing the quality and consistency In our society, free education is an inappropriate bans. Of course, some scammers still try their luck, istrators often take a very active role in providing vating vibrant position to do so. of education available to secondary and primary goal that fails to address the socioeconomic barri- but they often find that administrators are willing to advice to those who have been cheated such as how oases where a If fees were abolished, the number of places at school students, or to provide affordable student ers of entry to tertiary education and, if achieved, go to surprising lengths to achieve justice for their to file a police report. And to make matters worse sense of justice public universities would nearly halve, or tertiary housing and low-SES bursaries. would divert public funding away from services and exploited members. for would-be scammers or social delinquents, most and respect education expenditure would have to significantly However, even in a hypothetical system where ac- institutions that benefit the whole of society towards Brendan describes one case where a 16-year-old of the administrators of Australia’s top streetwear might be increase to maintain the current number of places ademic aptitude was the only determinant in univer- an exclusive minority. — many people in these groups are still in high- groups are personally known to each other and preserved. Universities’ marketing budgets are bloated, but sensible The burden of proof NICK BONYHADY / The left ought to be careful of playing into attacks on higher education KIDA LIN / Perhaps this article is adequate proof of English proficiency

The National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) Glyn Davis, Vice Chancellor of the University of which means as many [Australian universities] in It caught me off guard as I was filling up my ex- the blackboard. ingly different treatments depending on their eco- and Liberal senators make for strange (and awk- Melbourne, is explicit about the problem. “Can- the world’s top 100 as possible.” change application. I survived the torment with a mix of hard work nomic, social and cultural status. That’s why we ward) bedfellows, but there is one issue on which berra wanted more people go to university, but Universities like Sydney can game rankings like “8. Have you taken an English proficiency test?” and endurance. The day I completed my IELTS, a might want to be more careful with and more criti- they agree: both say the $8.7 million dollars that now baulks at the inevitable cost of growing stu- QS Graduate Employability by recruiting students With a sense of powerlessness, I realise I am yet compulsory English test for non-native speakers, cal of some of our common practices. the University of Sydney spent on marketing last dent numbers.” whose high ATARs suggest they will have every again being asked to prove I can actually speak Eng- I remember thinking to myself that I could finally Crucially, this extends beyond the level of indi- year was too high. Vicki Thomson, Chief Executive of the Group of chance of being employed on graduating. Domestic lish. Confusion turns into annoyance. leave those gloomy memories behind—I thought, vidual interactions to that of governmental policies. Senator James Patterson suggested it was inap- Eight elite universities, is similarly blunt. “Australia advertising helps attract them. Of course, taking an English test is hardly some- naively, I could finally speak English. Earlier this year, the Turnbull Government unveiled propriate for “government-funded, not-for-profit needs its full fee-paying international students to In higher education circles, the logic of adver- thing unfamiliar for me. Growing up in China when Linguistic prejudice comes in many forms. It is a plan for citizenship reforms, among which is a universities [to] spend up big on marketing to at- make up for the increasing Government shortfall in tising is well known but not well liked, in part Deng Xiaoping’s Open Door Policy and its state-con- commonly intertwined with systematic oppression— tougher English language test. With opposition from tract students’’. An organising group for the Uni- our revenue,” she says. because much of the competition between univer- trolled capitalist ideology were gaining traction, I think, for instance, the status of over 250 aboriginal Labor, the Greens and the Nick Xenophon Team, the versity of Sydney NTEU branch urged the Univer- To attract those students, universities spend on sities is redundant. Sydney, for example, has a stu- have witnessed a growing national obsession with languages in Australia. It can also be a cause as well future of the bill remains to be seen. sity to redirect “some of that marketing budget to marketing both at home and abroad. dent body that is wealthier and more likely to be English. Since it was made an education priority in as an upshot of social polarisation. Examples range Nevertheless, what often gets lost in current dis- our salaries and do something worthwhile with Yet if, as Davis argues, large numbers of domes- privately educated than the general population; 1990s, millions of schoolchildren were sent to learn from the language policies in Catalonia and Quebec, cussion is the signal this proposed policy would the university’s money.” These arguments are rhe- tic students are a drain on universities’ resources, attributes that suggest its students are likely to at- a language that was previously suppressed for po- the escalating rivalry between English and French send. The issue at hand is more than “who will pass torically powerful, but in order to score a politi- why advertise to recruit them? tend university whether or not they are marketed litical reasons. Consequently, overpriced afterschool in postcolonial Africa, to the discrimination against the test, how many of them and what implication cal point they conveniently disregard the funding There are three answers. First, funding differs to. Nonetheless, the University cannot stop mar- tutoring flourished and those who excelled were put dialects in China and the politicisation of Mandarin that has”. It is equally important to recognise that model driving university advertising. substantially between faculties. Having a large keting for fear its competitors will convince po- on a pedestal. It was deemed so important that it be- in Hong Kong and Taiwan. many would-be citizens have put in great efforts to Successive federal governments have cut higher enough student population in a cheap course to tential students to attend their campuses instead. came compulsory for all students throughout twelve What confronts me the most, however, is some- even be where they are, and that many are already education funding in real terms. teach can subsidise students and research in more The sector is caught in a prisoner’s dilemma, and years of school—comparable only to Chinese and thing subtler. It didn’t take long for me to realise disadvantaged in the society because of their lan- In 2012, the Gillard government bucked the expensive areas. Second, if students are packed it is getting worse at a rapid rate. In 2012, Wol- Mathematics. that being able to speak a language is quite different guage status. trend and uncapped the number of places avail- into lectures like sardines, universities’ costs per longong University spent $944,000 on marketing. Nonetheless, English education in the self-pro- from being able to speak it properly. I have often This is, of course, not to suggest an easy answer. able to students at higher education institutions. student go down, producing economies of scale. Last year, its budget had risen to $5,619,000 — claimed communist state was characterised by an been told that I “speak good English” and that I am The point is rather that we, as a society, need to de- Previously, the government had only funded a set Third, recruiting international students depends more than a fivefold increase. uncompromising authoritarianism, and teaching “unlike other international students”. Despite being liberate more clearly the conditions under which number of places per degree and institution. on how well Australian universities perform on The precipitous rise in marketing budgets has practices that could best be described as rudimen- intended as genuine praise, these statements make a demand for justification can itself be justified. The Labor government’s decision was motivated ranking systems. made attacking them an easy applause line, but tary. Students were instructed to be at school no me rather uncomfortable, perhaps due to the stereo- It’s perhaps noteworthy that being asked to justify by a desire to universalise the social benefits of “Internationally, families and education agents the NTEU ought to be careful when criticising uni- later than 7:30 am daily to memorise new vocabu- types that they imply. When I tell people I coach de- themselves is often itself a problem that many mi- higher education and create an intensely skilled who assist students with their acceptance process versities’ marketing budgets. Once solidified in the lary. Their progress was closely monitored through bating at schools, sometimes I get responses like, “I norities (Muslims, Indigenous Australians and Afri- workforce. To some extent, that has happened, but into an Australian University look to world rank- public’s imagination, the perception that universi- regular exams, with an emphasis on rigid and ob- don’t know Mandarin debating is that popular now”. can-Americans etc.) face. the Gillard reforms have also created pernicious ings as their quality assurance statement,” Thom- ties are overspending will justify cutting funding scure grammar. Sometimes, a piece of paper listing In this sense, the way we understand people’s Regardless, another test doesn’t sound all that competition between universities for a growing, son says. “If we are to continue to attract inter- overall much more easily than it will support un- the grades of every student in descending order cir- language status is coloured by how we perceive the unreasonable after all— I’m just wondering if this but still limited, number of potential students. national students our rankings have to stay high, ions’ pay claims. culated the classroom and before being pinned to world more broadly. People with accents get strik- piece could be used to waive it?

10 11 STUDIO w The mural of the story NATASSIA CHRYSANTHOS / SCA’s Ms Saffaa brings the campaign to end male guardianship in Saudi Arabia to her Sydney campus

A vibrant celebration of women’s resistance greets quaint Rozelle quarters is a world away from the po- subversive portrait of a woman in a traditional male visitors to Sydney College of the Art’s campus cafe in litical system it challenges, the transnational element headdress — after reaching boiling point with the the form of a stunning 20-metre wide mural — com- fosters a sense of global solidarity. “With a subject or male guardianship system herself. prised of paste-ups and poetry, manga figures and an issue that’s so far removed from here, solidarity While studying in Sydney on a scholarship from the floral motifs, the mural is a powerful representation really matters,” Saffaa says. “It shows people actually Saudi government, Saffaa was hassled with questions of Saudi Arabia’s feminist struggle. care [and] it enriches my voice as well… When I put about where her guardian was. After repeatedly ignor- The largest face on the mural is that of Maryam al- this online, the women in the movement are like ‘wow, ing emails, she received a message stating her schol- Otaibi, a Saudi woman who has been a critical voice this is amazing, we can’t believe that people actually arship would be taken away if she could not prove her in the #IAmMyOwnGuardian movement, which has care about us.’ But everything is connected these days.” male guardian was living with her. emerged from Saudi Arabia over the past year and a The male guardianship system in Saudi Arabia ena- “I got that email and was like, ‘I’m fed up with this’,” half in a push to end male guardianship in the Gulf bles men to control women’s lives. Women can’t renew she says. “’I’m in my mid-thirties. I don’t fucking need Kingdom. Maryam is one of few women tweeting from passports, travel, marry, or leave prison without the a guardian. My youngest brother is 18 years younger within Saudi with her real name. She was detained express permission of their male guardian — either than me — I changed his diaper. And now you want without charge for 104 days last year after her male a brother, father or husband. Women’s individual ex- him to come and sign me off so I can study?’ guardian reported her to the police. Her transgres- periences under this system are largely dependent on “That’s how I created the ‘I am my own guardian’ sion? Leaving her house and her abusive brother to social class and the goodwill of their families, so while body of work. That’s how I got political. They made me.” live on her own in a new city. some, like Saffaa, are able to work and study overseas, Saffaa describes losing her scholarship as a blessing “She’s one of the bravest people I know,” says Ms others are less fortunate. If a woman reports domestic in disguise that has enabled her to be more outspo- Saffaa, an SCA student from Saudi Arabia who has violence under this system, it is she who ends up in ken. But having become a vocal figure, the political curated and assembled the mural over the last few a protection home, which Saffaa describes as “a jail environment Saffaa has stepped into can seem doubly months. “That’s why I made her portrait really big. Be- more than anything”. “She’s not allowed to leave un- stacked against her. When Mittens cause if I were her, I wouldn’t have done that.” less her abusive guardian picks her up. Otherwise she “I find I have two fights, two voices,” she says. “The The SCA mural is a testament to the women fight- rots in jail for the rest of her life.” one that I speak to people back home with, and the ing to end male guardianship in Saudi, and is the col- A Human Rights Watch report titled ‘Boxed In’, one that I’m very careful with here, because I don’t laborative effort of 30 artists and poets from the SCA, published in July 2016, drew on the experiences of want to feed into someone’s Islamophobia. I don’t Saudi Arabia and around the world; Maryam’s portrait Saudi women to articulate what life is like under male want my friend who wears a hijab to get spat on when was drawn by Molly Crabapple, a New York artist. guardianship. It concluded that: “The male guardi- she’s travelling just because she’s wearing a hijab. It’s “I felt the movement needed some beauty, some anship system is the most significant impediment to a very tricky position I’m in: how do I speak about the becomes a monster positivity, and a different sort of expression,” Saffaa realising women’s rights in the country, effectively ren- plight of Saudi women without making it sound like says. “I’m trying to make it a story about resilience as dering adult women legal minors who cannot make I’m [validating] the Islamophobia? How do I do that?” opposed to a story about oppression … The women in- key decisions for themselves… Every Saudi woman, At the same time, Saffaa’s message is not always spired me to do this artwork. They inspired me to speak regardless of her economic or social class, is adversely met with warmth from the Islamic community. She re- up because for a long time, although [I’ve always] crit- affected by guardianship policies.” calls an incident where a Saudi man approached her icised the government, I’ve never actually been that Following the report’s release, Saudi women mo- at an exhibition to accuse her of “airing Saudi’s dirty vocal on social media. But when I saw Maryam... I was bilised online.“They created twitter groups and their laundry” to the West. Last year, one of her murals in like, dude, if she can do that, I can do more. I should own hashtag and started tweeting,” Saffaa says. “Their Brunswick, Melbourne was defaced. “I can’t tell if it’s be doing more.” hashtag was trending for days at a time, and number someone from the Islamic community not liking what While Art: Mural by Ms one for at least two months, every day, with 70-80,000 I’m saying about Muslim women, although it’s diverse t h e Saffaa and tweets a day. And then international media picked and it’s not monolithic, and it’s not just a woman in a mural’s collabora- it up. It started as a campaign and then turned hijab. I just couldn’t tell which side,” she says. “I feel home tors into a movement, because everyone was like I’m stuck in the middle, and it gets tiring and ex- at SCA’s tweeting about it and we were hausting. It would be easier if I had one fight.” getting transnational allies What would make this easier, it seems, is an audi- supporting us.” ence willing to suspend prejudice and listen to per- Saffaa was drawn into spectives that challenge them. the fray when one of her “People come to me with a preconceived idea of artworks from 2012 — what a Saudi woman should look like, should speak a piece titled ‘I Am My like, should sound like,” Saffaa says. “They always say, Own Guardian’ — was ‘Where are the Saudi women, why aren’t they speaking tweeted and picked up for themselves?’ We’ve been speaking, you just choose traction. She had cre- not to listen. Instead of coming with all this baggage, ated the artwork — a just leave it behind and actually listen to me. Review: ‘And Then There Were None’ Words: Siobhan Ryan KIDA LIN / SUDS’ latest show thrills, exploring impressive depths Art: Jessica Ottavi (p. 13) WHAT: SUDS’ And Then There Were None we quickly find ourselves craving for some untainted But ultimately, And Then There Were None tells us WHEN: February 28 – April 1 love and relationships. something about life itself. We are told with profun- and Aidan Magro WHERE: Holme Common Room And Then There Were None is indeed also a story dity that, “in the midst of life, we are in death”; but (p. 14 & 15) about love and relationships. We are fascinated to more importantly, we are passionately shown that “in SUDS’ And Then There Were None is a thrilling and see Captain Lombard (Sean Landis) flirting with Miss the face of death, we live” — in fact, we live fearlessly. grand journey into a mysterious island in 1930s Claythorne (Georgia Condon); we are amused by Despite the penetrating threats and dangers, we are London. Directed by Caitlin Williams, the one-hour- how Inspector William ‘Davis’ Blore (Max Peacock) impressed by the composure of Doctor Armstrong and-forty-minute show never ceases to impress its passionately making himself known to everyone; and (Sophia Bryant) and General MacKenzie (Anita Do- audience. From the sublime stage setting, splendid we are deeply drawn to the intricate bond the two novan), and we are entertained by the flamboyance costume to the magnificent lighting and music, the Rogers slowly develop. of Anthony Marston (Campbell Taylor). We find great show catches your attention from the first minute And Then There Were None tells us something about strength and relief in them — we learn to appreciate with some quintessential British accent and two justice and law. It forcefully points to the contradic- all the complexities and dilemmas in life. eclectic servants, Thomasina Rogers (Sami Novis) tion in the way we ordinarily approach the criminal The second half of the plot, which is reminiscent of and Ethel Rogers (Safia Arain). justice system and the absurdity inherent in that sys- American sci-fi drama Under the Dome and Japanese And Then There Were None is a story about trust tem. Emily Brent (Amy Keen), a rigidly religious lady, manga Case Closed, appears to be somewhat tedious and deception. It is a story that centres on lies, omis- unapologetically unfolds this with her repeated and and largely predictable. But that is understandable sions, and manipulations. Ten individuals, each hav- somehow hilarious “complaints” about “the younger given how popular this genre is, and the audience is ing a carefully constructed identity, constantly seek- generation”. On the other hand, Justice Wargrave compensated with a witty twist towards the end. ing to figure out whom they can trust and what they (Thomas Hanaee) gradually exaggerates the ridicu- By any stretch, And Then There Were None is unde- must hide. None of them is innocent; but in a sense, lous nature of the system with his succinct narrations niably a masterpiece — breathtakingly exciting and all of them are. In this slightly paranoid environment, throughout the play. remarkably thought-provoking.

12 13 LONGER READ LONGER READ

y mother has not had a full night’s sleep at towards my foot and flap around and try to mate pushing her off. “It was like self-defence,” Megan home for seven years. Every night, she gets with my gumboot.” Eventually, she hated letting says, “because she would come after you again.” She up twice or three times to feed our cat, Ma- the chickens out and avoided Luke when she went laughs. “I think she was going for damage”. Mlaika, alternating turns with my father in a routine into the backyard. Everyone around Kidda was cautious not to at- familiar to any new parent. Malaika lets himself in The inside of the house remained safe until her tract her ire. “You did have to sort of dance around and out of my parents’ room throughout the night. family purchased Nibbles, a green-cheeked par- her,” Megan says. “There were times where, if she Sometimes, he climbs into bed for a cuddle; other akeet. Nibbles began life as a docile pet, until the was sitting on the steps or something, you’re just times, he bites my mum and knocks items off her family left him at a friend’s house while they went like ‘Oh god, now I can’t go downstairs’.” Even the bedside table until she wakes up to feed him. on holiday. When they returned, something had other pets avoided her. Malaika was abandoned as a kitten. When we changed. “He would literally run across the room She would also approach strangers outside, ap- adopted him, his biting and scratching seemed play- and bite you, or fly across the room and attack you.” pearing friendly and inviting them to pat her before ful, but as a grown-up, he started to inflict damage. He used to screech repetitively — not just once, but attacking their legs, sometimes chasing the unlucky Now, he attacks mid-cuddle, seemingly without “WREH, WREH, WREH, like the Psycho theme”. Ali- victims down the street. “If she had been a dog, she provocation. He waits at the ends of corridors, ready sha found herself afraid of another bird. would have been that kind of dog that would have to latch onto the leg of anyone who dares pass. His Though Alisha didn’t feel betrayed when Nibbles had to be put down because she was just uncontrol- antics make us tread more carefully around the turned on the family, he has become a nuisance. If lable,” Megan says. house to avoid him. she lets him out of his cage, she has to supervise Despite Kidda’s aggression, Megan was “totally Mum warned me about the dangers of adopt- him. “You just never know what he’s going to do,” gutted” when she died. “You’ve got to love them. ing a cat that was taken away from its mother too she says. “We used to have these laminated signs She was a good cat despite all those things and I early, but, young and impatient to make a new that said ‘Nibbles is out’ with a picture of him and mean she was definitely a memorable cat because of furry friend, I asked myself, “What’s the worst that we would stick them on doors as a warning, in case those things ... She had a lot of personality.” could happen?” anyone was walking in.” He has even learned a new phrase — “stop it, I don’t like it” — from the number of times the family has tried to ward off his attacks. With an average lifespan of 15 years — and some living well past this to 25 — Alisha’s family will be avoiding his onslaughts for years to come. “Years of being attacked by a small parrot is not ideal,” Alisha The walls of the Seaforth Veterinary Hospital (SVH) Our society loves pets. The internet is so full of people says, “but in the end, for all the good that pets are, reception are cluttered with posters. A large, sober sharing pictures of dogs and cats that a new lexicon it’s probably worth the risk.” black and white sheet describes their triage order of dog-related words has developed (think: ‘doggo’ or Megan Webster knows exactly how much of a nui- for seeing patients (emergencies, then appoint- ‘blep’). The health benefits of owning animals have sance aggressive pets can be. Like Malaika, Megan’s ments, then drop-ins). Small ads for house sitters been extolled for years, with scientists showing that childhood cat, Kidda Pudda, was a stray. Megan and and pet minders sport slightly grainy photos of the people who own pets are overall more physically and her siblings rescued a litter of five-week-old kittens prospective guardians cheerfully holding pets to re- psychologically healthy than those who do not. in Bicentennial Park, just after Megan, then seven assure viewers of their credentials. A simple, black freeze are obvious: the animal runs away from, or medication for the rest of their lives. My friend Marissa’s* dog, Roy, has always been an It goes without saying that cute photos of dogs years old, had been given permission to get a cat and white laminated sheet asks dog owners to sign stops in the face of, the perceived danger. Fidget in- Many pet owners don’t make it to the treatment incredibly excitable, “energetic ball of muscle”. He with their tongues slightly out and videos of cats of her own. She chose Kidda and the others were their pets up to donate blood. We don’t often think volves normal behaviours exhibited out of context, stage, with some abandoning their pets instead. “Ap- would run through the house and jump up on guests calmly purring away miss the imperfect moments adopted out. “She seemed completely normal, very about dogs needing, or being, blood donors, but as for instance over-grooming, stretching not just af- proximately one in five pets in a welfare shelter is to greet them. While Marissa explains this could be in between. But for some, the experience of pet lovable,” Megan says. “So I don’t think it was until it turns out, this is only one way in which the men- ter sleep, or shaking off as if wet when dry. Fight there because their owners have given up on the be- a bit intimidating for people who weren’t familiar ownership is far from just ‘imperfect’. For some, it she was older, like a proper adult cat, that she was tal distinction we draw between human and animal involves aggression — attacking, hissing, barking. haviour,” O’Shea says. Though the RSPCA attempts with dogs, she says it was not aggressive. “People becomes scary. just insane.” medicine is blurred in reality. However, the purpose is not to injure us. “It’s about to treat such animals through behavioural modifi- who were familiar with dogs knew he was just a big, Alisha Brown has always been surrounded by Dr Andrew O’Shea is a second year resident in making the scary thing go away,” O’Shea says. Just cation programs, they euthanised nearly 4000 dogs muscly boy who was just trying to say hello.” When pets. Having raised over five dogs, a rabbit, a bird, ‘We used to have these laminated veterinary behavioural medicine at the Sydney Ani- like in flight, the animal tries to create distance be- and 4700 cats that couldn’t be treated for behav- I visited her recently, Roy’s greeting was notably a duck, fish, chickens, and even lambs, it’s unsur- mal Behaviour Service (SABS), which has its offices tween itself and the frightening stimulus. ioural reasons in the 2015–2016 financial year. subdued. He seemed calmer somehow, though still prising that some of her experiences have been less signs that said “Nibbles is out” in SVH. Distinct from veterinarians, who diagnose “A lot of aggression is due to an underlying anx- Occasionally, some of O’Shea’s clients have cho- happy and friendly. than pleasant. with a picture of him and we and treat physical diseases, veterinary behaviour iety disorder,” O’Shea says. However, aggression is sen to euthanise pets whose quality of life cannot A few months prior, Roy had been prescribed with When she was 11, Alisha received five chicks for specialists work with psychological disorders in an- often not an animal’s first response. Freezing and be improved, though it’s not something he often ad- Lovan, a brand of SSRI with the active ingredient Christmas — three girls and two boys. As they grew would stick them on doors imals and teach owners how to help their pets live fidget behaviours are more common but less notice- vises. He likens it to putting down a diseased pet. “I fluoxetine, for anxiety. up, four of the chicks turned out fine, but one of as a warning.’ with these conditions. able, meaning that the animal ends up getting more think sometimes the psychological pain these ani- Though Marissa emphasises that he’s always been the roosters, Luke, was aggressive. Every morning, One of the issues they see very frequently is anx- aroused and backed into a corner where its only op- mals are in is as great if not greater than some of the very friendly to humans, Roy has had some aggres- Alisha would let the chickens and roosters out of Kidda alternated between very loving and very ag- iety. Unlike animals with normal levels of anxiety, tion is to defend itself. It then learns that aggression physical pain that pets are in,” he says. sion issues with other animals. On one occasion, a their cage, a job she loved until the first time Luke gressive behaviour. “She would be really, really affec- animals with anxiety disorders cannot calm them- is effective so it uses it the next time it is frightened. fight with another dog over a ball ended with him attacked her feet. He pinned them with his claws tionate, like she used to knead blankets and stuff and selves down after a potential threat has passed. For Treatment for these disorders targets the three Roy was chasing his tail again, drawing blood. On another, Roy attacked a cat while and pecked at her, making her bleed. “I cried,” Ali- she’d be suckling them and purring away and drool- instance, a normal dog might get scared by the noise main determinants of behaviour: the current envi- Marissa’s mother walked him. sha says, “I was so upset.” She was around 12 years ing because she was so happy.” She would climb into of a garbage truck once or twice, but then it learns ronment, previous learning, and genetics. but this time he caught the end Roy also seemed very anxious. He regularly old and felt betrayed by the rooster she had raised bed to cuddle Megan and even follow her and her the truck poses no threat. “When an animal has “We manage the environment,” O’Shea says, “to and bit through it. spent lengthy periods — up to five minutes at a from a chick. siblings down the street to the bus stop. But when she an anxiety disorder, they never learn that it’s not a minimise the things that are distressing the animal.” time — chasing his tail, so much so that the fur at She started to wear a pair of pink gumboots to turned, she was vicious. One moment Megan would problem, so every time the animal is exposed to that This involves paying attention to the pet’s body lan- For those who do take their pets to behaviour spe- the end of his tail was partly rubbed off. He would protect herself. “But then he just took a liking to be patting Kidda, then she would latch onto an arm. noise, it goes through the same process.” guage to note when they are aroused and scared. cialists, the costs add up. According to SABS’s web- run under tables and quiver during fireworks. the gumboots,” she says. “I would walk outside “Suddenly there would be teeth and front feet claws Once aroused, animals exhibit four possible re- Some triggers are obvious and easily managed, for site, an initial dog behavioural consultation with a When people swam in the family’s pool, he’d bark and as soon as he saw me, he would shoot straight and back feet claws”. Nothing would stop her except sponses: fight, flight, freeze and fidget. Flight and instance loud noises. Others are actions we may as- veterinary intern in training starts at $650, which at them, run around frantically, and seem to try to sume pets enjoy, such as patting. However, anxiety jumps to $990 if it’s with registered veterinary spe- pull them out by the arms. can also be triggered by things we’re unaware of, cialist in behavioural medicine. Reassessments are Around six months after the cat incident, Roy like noises outside our range of hearing. priced from $330. On top of this, O’Shea says there was chasing his tail again, but this time he caught This is where behaviour modification comes in. may be ongoing blood tests and, of course, medica- the end and bit through it. “There was about an “We concentrate on teaching them better ways to tions, which are not subsidised on the Pharmaceuti- inch of his tail hanging off,” Marissa says, “and he cope,” O’Shea explains. The process has links to cog- cal Benefits Scheme for pets. was just walking around, and I was like, ‘What the nitive behavioural therapy in humans, with the added So, why do people spend possibly thousands of dol- fuck, my dog just bit his own tail off’.” Her fam- difficulty that it relies on the pet’s body language lars treating their pets for something that isn’t about ily took Roy to the vet for surgery, and, realising rather than verbal cues to measure their level of dis- to kill them? O’Shea attributes it to the strength of the the tail-chasing was a symptom of his anxiety, dis- tress. And once their body language is readable, “the human animal bond. In essence, people really love cussed his treatment options with the vet. Ruling physiological arousal associated with the fear has al- their pets, and treat them for psychological disorders out a “dog psychologist” due to the expense, Roy ready been triggered, and that compromises our abil- the same way they would for physical illness or in- was prescribed with Lovan. ity to implement some of those techniques.” jury — which itself sometimes adds up to thousands It took a couple of months for them to kick in. Medications help with this process and with man- of dollars. “There are a lot of committed people out For a few weeks, he became very quiet, almost like aging the genetic component of anxiety disorders. there,” he says. “They’re committed to [their pets] fi- he was sick or injured. “After that he probably was Pets are prescribed everything from selective sero- nancially, they’re committed to them emotionally and the best and happiest dog I’ve seen him be in the tonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs — an antidepres- psychologically ... I’m delighted by what some of our whole time we’ve owned him,” Marissa says. “He sant), to benzodiazepines (anti-anxiety medications clients will do for their pets.” still gets excited ... It’s not like his personality has like Valium), to beta blockers (blood pressure med- been entirely diminished, it’s just you can see he’s ications) to manage arousal. “It’s really individual- not stressed anymore.” HS ised,” O’Shea says. So, too, is the duration of treat- ment. Some pets are successfully weaned off the *NAME HAS BEEN CHANGED drugs after 12 to 18 months while other pets require

14 15 AUTOMATED Art: Jessica Ottavi

others for potent mixtures of love and death — still her carpet. “Kind of,” she admits, “but it is very, “Well, yes,” she says hesitantly. Very carefully, she more wish for successful job applications and public very vague.” lifts up the world with her free hand, taking care not speaking skills. “Aw.” Mary can hear the clicking of a mouse in to cause any avalanches or tsunamis. Worry gnaws Mary reaches out, makes a small tear in the ozone the background. She imagines him seated at his oak worm-like in her heart. “I did say that.” layer and pulls a boy back to his feet on a soccer desk, ignoring his unanswered inquiries and read- “Then this is a wonderful opportunity!” Mary winces field in Rio. She wipes away the beginnings ofa ing articles about the latest fishing rod technology at the jubilation in his voice. “Work hard and try your flood in northwest China, where rock is choked by instead. “Honey, I do have about 2.2 billion other best and know that I will always love and believe — ” rain. With her pinkie finger, she stabilises a rickety calls waiting — ” “But Dad — ” boat at sea — but when she pulls her hand away, she “Why was it sent to me?” Mary’s voice rises into a “ — in you. Let there be light in your mind, and accidentally nudges a tectonic plate and knocks over whine. “My exams are coming up! I have readings! I there will be light. Love is patient, love is kind. May a woman’s shopping trolley. Mary watches people really, really, really don’t need more stress!” your path be straight. ” come and people go, listening as they talk of Michel- “Oh Mary, no need to be quite so contrary,” her “Dad,” she says, quieter now. “Please.” angelo. She watches the break of sticks, stones and father scolds. “The people should always have a say But he continues. “But I say unto you — that the bones alike; ribs sticking through skin, all hard all in shaping their world and this is your chance!” software of a free and lovely world be ever complex, soft. Mary sees pain, too, like ink unfurling on silk — Mary watches a wave of intolerance break over filled with both real and imaginary numbers—and she tries to wipe it away but her fingers are clumsy the shores of the third largest continent, vestiges of that the isolated singularity of its self-differentiating and rough, and she ends up accidentally crushing a its vitriol clinging wretchedly to white picket fences. and self-integrating destiny be measured by the dis- few bones in the process. Mary bites her lip ruefully She has to close her eyes for a brief moment. “The tance between points I to D.” and wipes the blood on her skirt, praying its coppery problem is,” she says, voice breaking, “is that I don’t Mary’s heart is sinking. She looks at the world stain will wash out. think I’d ever be able to choose right.” resting in the palm of her left hand and can only try “ — Yes Margaret, five loaves, two fish. Yes, with “I’m sure many people feel the same way, honey.” not to cry. “Thanks Dad,” she says through a sniffle. sugar.” A pause. “Hello? Anyone there?” She can hear the tap-tap-tapping of a keyboard in “That was so inspiring.” Mary gropes for her phone and presses it to her the background. “It’d be nice if you could get some ear. “Dad?” she says breathlessly. help, hey? Some objective adjudicator who can x x x “Oh, it’s you Mary! I told you not to call me dur- weigh up all our dark sides and assess the shade of ing work hours, I am very, very busy. ” As usual, her our best light? Someone who knows what’s best?” Mary’s father returns from the Company office father’s voice is blustery and distracted, but Mary Mary nods. That’s why I called, are the words that several hours later. She greets him at the front door, can hear the whisperings of a gameshow playing in burn unuttered on her tongue. I wanted — I hoped — ignores his protests and drags him by the sleeve the background. Doubtless, he is slacking off. “Five “A machine,” her father cries in triumph. “Or a back down the driveway, then the street — towards thousand delegates yet the caterer thinks five loaves computer program! Something else to decide for us! the post office. The evening sky is a cotton candy and two fish would — ” What an ingenious investment for the Company that pink, and the two of them draw long, loping shad- “I need your help, Dad,” Mary interrupts. “Some- would be!” ows along the pavement. ANNIE ZHANG / First place fiction one sent me the world in a shoebox and I have no “Dad,” Mary manages to say through gritted The world is back in the shoebox in which it idea what to do.” teeth. “That would be wonderful, but I doubt that’s came, ensconced in a new shield of bubble wrap. The world arrives in a shoebox along with the by a mass of bubble wrap, and a white slip of paper “Hello. 你好。Xin chào. Bonjour. Guten Tag. Wel- “Oh, that’s strange, dear,” he says vaguely. “Can’t going to happen anytime soon.” The FRAGILE sticker is still emblazoned on the lid. morning post. folded atop it. come to the Company. 欢饮来 — ” you just return to sender?” “Oh, you never know,” he says with a jaunty, The only thing that Mary has made new is the ad- At 07:17 that morning, Mary leans against the Mary presses 27 to skip the automated greetings, “There’s no return address,” Mary groans, biting lurching laugh. “The rate of technological advance- dress — and the name. kitchen bench and gnaws at an apple core, scrib- INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE RECIPIENT then 6279 to indicate her name, 2+ for her blood back a scream of frustration. “What do I do? What if ment these days is astrono — ” “What a waste,” her father sighs. bling down a to-do list for the day ahead. The whole world rests in your hands. type, 733 for her favourite colour and jo3*:16#hN it blows up? What if — ” “Dad, please! The world!” She tries not to think Mary tries not to flinch. “What can you expect of There are only three rules: to specify the nature of her call. “I’m sure it’ll be fine,” he says with an air of an- about the crunch of those bones beneath her thumb, me?” she says defensively, desperately. 1. Laundry—pinks 1. Do what is necessary, Mary has called the Company on a few previous noyance. “So what does it look like?” like pencil tips crumbling under pressure. “I’m pretty “Exams are in a week. I have to study and go to 2. Week 6 readings 2. Try, or occasions, but each time the process becomes more “The world?” sure I’m supposed to help,” she tells him after a long work. I’m swamped. I think it’s best to just…” 3. Lecture notes—ask Paul (?) 3. Pass it on circular and infuriating than the last. “Yep. Does it look like a zany science project moment. “But I tried, and only ended up hurting.” “Do nothing?” he finishes. 4. Dinner w/ Dad “Due to the urgency of your inquiry, you have someone whipped up in six days?” “Perhaps the root of everything bad is you,” her Mary glares. “Well, yeah,” she says stiffly. “Curiouser and curiouser,” mumbles Mary with been placed in the emergency queue,” the cool, au- Mary stares at the world for a moment or two, father says casually, and Mary’s heart stutters and “And the world will continue on exactly as it al- At 07:18, she hears the shrill of the doorbell and a frown. She lifts out the object and finds a corner tomated voice responds at last. “Your hold time is and hesitates. It is most certainly a difficult thing to clenches at his words. “Well not you specifically, ways has.” Her father lets out a loud, barking laugh, the sound of a heavy item hitting the doorstep. Mary of the bubble rip, tearing off one layer and then approximately seventy-seven minutes.” describe. She can’t even say for certain what shape but people! Such selfish, uncooperative little bas- but the sound rings hollow to her ears. “Hopefully sets her pen down and throws the apple core into the another, until she manages to shake out whatever As the tinny notes of vaguely familiar classical or colour it assumes, or even think to explain how it tards. What’s the reason for war, global warming, the next person will make the right decisions, eh? compost bin, but does not make her way down the it is inside — music begin to waft through the speaker, Mary sets fits into the circle of her palm… poverty — ?” Hopefully they pick up the mantle and do something hallway until a few minutes have passed. Only when — and then the whole world tumbles into her lap. her phone down beside her and decides that the next “It’s like a machine with many parts,” Mary says at “Dad,” Mary cuts in. “I’m not going to wipe out real and good!” she is sure that the delivery person has left does she At first, all Mary can do is stare. The world is seventy-six minutes of her wait are best spent trying last. “So many that I can’t ever hope to count or fathom humanity.” “I’m not sure they will,” Mary muses aloud, not tiptoe to the front door and crack it open, peeking in her lap, continents and oceans and all, resting to help the world — despite the mound of laundry in them. Cogs and wires, clockwork and cables — aortal “I know,” he says, sighing into the phone. “But looking at him. “I’m not sure we can.” out at the world beyond with narrowed eyes. against her cotton skirt. Seven billion people babble the corner of her bedroom and the unopened stack cavities and nerve systems. Even ochre and glue.” maybe you can pass it onto someone or something She pushes the package into the red post box, and A black shoebox rests on the doormat. A bright in seven thousand living languages. The east coast of textbooks on her desk. “Sounds marvellous.” who will?” lets out a long, deep breath, raising her eyes to the red FRAGILE sticker is taped on the lid, just above of the United States brushes against her knee, and a “Now, what is to be done?” she muses aloud to “Yeah,” Mary says distantly, eyes tracing a vein of Mary frowns. “But — ” sky. She waits for relief to flood over her, for the the blue pen scribbles of her name and address. few drops of the Thames spills onto her sock. it, and pushes up the volume slider to see if there persecution unfurling along the ridges of Myanmar. “Gosh darling, we’ve been chatting for almost five muscles in her shoulders to untense and unwind— With a frown, Mary retreats to her bedroom with “Fuck,” Mary breathes. “Shit. Nope. No way.” is an answer. And lo and behold, there are many, “Kind of.” minutes!” her father exclaims with a nervous laugh. but nothing happens. the box in her arms, and immediately begins to She grabs her phone and begins to dial. surging up to greet her — divergent desires voiced “Hmm, well… is there a book with instructions “I really must dash! Best of luck to you though! And “Here’s hoping,” Mary says, clasping her hands as scratch off the tape along the edges with her fin- in Tamil and Java and binary numbers, all voices or something?” weren’t you just telling me yesterday how much you if in prayer. She keeps waiting. gernails. When she lifts the box lid, she is greeted x x x infinite and unending. Some wish for compassion, Mary thinks of the slip of paper, discarded on wanted to change the world?”

17 AUTOMATED AUTOMATED

LENA WANG / Third place non-fiction THEO QUINN / Second place non-fiction

Image: Left half generated by the Deep Dream When my life is a mess - when I can’t find a job, or ilarly interesting process of constructing reality. We output it through flawed attempts at communi- There’s an AI that’s painted a new Rembrandt. Crit- Dickens’ ‘The Mystery of Edwin Drood’). There exists Generator based on right half by RMazzocato when my microwave pastry heats unevenly on the Everything that we see and hear and indeed, think, cation – filled with hesitations, misconstrued idioms, ics say that they wouldn’t be able to tell the difference a work that could potentially be written – one might inside and outside – I play The Sims. Not to wreak are just neurochemical processes taking place in our and grammatical errors. The hallucinations created between it and one that was actually painted by him. argue that there’s a greater degree of ‘potential ex- havoc by removing pool ladders – rather, I derive brain – just electrons jumping from one neuron to by neural signals in our brains are themselves hin- It was 3D printed, so that it even has the same brush- istence’ to ‘The Trial’ than there is to the Next Rem- satisfaction from helping my Sims get promoted, the next, in a systematic, organised network. Electric dered by the subjective nature of our senses, and strokes visible that Rembrandt might have used. brandt. After all, ‘The Trial’ actually exists, even in preventing their hunger bar from dipping too low, signals in the cerebellum coordinate muscle move- the limited way in which we can interact with our Let’s take a moment to wonder whether the Next an unfinished form. Could it not be possible, then, and planting trees. I harvest electronic fruit, even ment, the occipital lobe interprets vision. ‘Hearing’ environment. Briefly, our terrible player interfaces Rembrandt actually created something. Unlike Rem- to create an AI that could examine Kafka’s works for though in reality I inadvertently kill all unfortunate is just sound waves propagating to and vibrating prevent any sort of objective interaction with reality. brandt, it was never apprenticed to a painter – at least, stylistic reoccurrences and similarity in subject mat- houseplants in my vicinity. I live vicariously via home your eardrums, which create signals in your brain We already exist in VR. In the words of modern phi- not in the usual sense. It did examine every one of ter, and then create a finished version of the novel? If décor while piles of unwashed clothes surround my that give you the sensation of hearing. You’re liter- losopher Jaden Smith, “How Can Mirrors Be Real If Rembrandt’s previous works, looking for stylistic reoc- an AI can create a Rembrandt so flawless that critics bed in a moat of shame. I even make my Sims play ally hallucinating everything you perceive through Our Eyes Aren’t Real?” currences and similarity in subject matter. It then took can’t distinguish between the two, then why can’t it The Sims on their computers. Such parallels lend electric signals in your brain. No matter how many acai bowls we consume, all of that and made something new. create a finished Kafka? themselves to existential angst. Why do I find these Hypothetically, we could artificially stimulate spe- it may be impossible to #liveauthentic. Slowly but Or did it? Or combine the two, perhaps? Make a painting born pixelated stories more compelling than my own? cific neurons by passing electric signals into them, surely, we have all begun the process of cyborgiza- After all, it looks like Rembrandt painted it. If Rem- from the mind of Kafka with the skill of Rembrandt? And why is there a social fixation instead on some making you think you’ve heard or seen something tion – first with pacemakers, and braces, and argu- brandt had made another painting, then this one might If there was an AI that painted like Kafka would, if notion of ‘authenticity’? when you haven’t. Cochlear implants already turn ably more subtle body-changing technologies like have been the painting he made. The painting is, af- he had the skill of Rembrandt, what would it paint? I’m The separation between real life and videogames sound wave vibrations into electric signals that are waxing. But as these practices have entered public ter all, known as the ‘Next Rembrandt’, rather than a not sure. Something new. Perhaps, then, the AI could is slim. Videogames require ‘flow’ – a process of sent directly into the nerve endings that carry those consciousness, they lose their contention and associ- work by an AI who happens to paint like Rembrandt. be thought to have been an apprentice to both of those can write faster. If an AI had written ‘A Song of Ice completing rewarding tasks that strike a balance be- signals into the brain, allowing those with poor bi- ations with the concept of ‘augmentation’. It’s not a That’s important. It isn’t supposed to be a painting like great masters. It could create works that were in the and Fire’, there would be no worries about the gap of tween being too challenging, to prevent frustration, ological hearing capacities to still perceive sound. matter of naturalness, it’s a matter of shifting moral- Rembrandt’s. It’s supposed to be Rembrandt’s. Per- style of both – and, therefore, in the style of neither. It years between books – it could churn out a series in a and too easy, to prevent boredom. The Sims care- Elon Musk infamously claimed there’s a one in bil- ities – maybe in 10 years, brain-computer interfaces haps, then, it’s more useful to say that the AI created a would be something new. few moments. It could fill an art gallery, hindered only fully creates rules and rewards in their gameplay to lions chance we aren’t living in a simulation. Futur- will be hailed as the new cochlear implants. forgery – admittedly, a forgery of a work that doesn’t And if you could do that, then you could keep feed- by the speed of a 3D printer. Would you read some- create that sensation of flow, even when completing istic virtual reality (VR) could indeed stimulate the We’re already fake. We’re already inauthentic. Our exist, but a forgery nevertheless. ing the AI new authors, new artists, and it would keep thing just because a human wrote it? Why would you? mundane tasks like planting trees – because hey! we neurons in our biological brains, for ultra-realistic bodies are supplanted by technologies, our social It’s a forgery of a work that had the potential to ex- turning out new works. It would do it faster than a Outside of a literature class, how much do you really get a little virtual apple at the end, accompanied by games. Further, some artificial intelligence could just structures entirely constructed, our minds unable to ist, and that’s the problem. human, and you’d never have to worry about the AI think about who wrote something? If you had a choice a victorious musical riff. Similarly, to give ourselves simulate the very biological processes that make cog- objectively interface with reality. Yet authenticity can- Take, for example, Kafka’s ‘The Trial’. The novel not finishing something. between the glacially slow publishing of George R. R. a sense of flow, a sense of work-reward satisfaction, nition possible on software, so we’d exist entirely vir- not be a concern if it’s impossible to achieve. isn’t finished. Despite Kafka’s status as one of the great Then we get to the crux of the issue. Why would Martin, or an AI that wrote the entire series and more we create rules (social norms) and rewards (sta- tually. How do we know if our reality is indeed ‘real’? This doesn’t mean we still can’t derive pleasure canonical authors, there haven’t been any published you read something that a human made? Why would in a handful of seconds, why wouldn’t you take the tus, money, religious salvation, the respect from my This crusade for objective reality may be in vain. from acai bowls. The Matrix, after all, still tells our attempts by other authors to finish the novel (unlike you look at something that a human painted? An AI immediate gratification of the AI? parents that I will never again attain after dropping We use our flawed senses to input information from brain that a steak is juicy and delicious. If we’re law) to become benchmarks for how far we’ve pro- the world (whether it’s my astigmatism, or a bad stuck in this virtual, MMORPG together, we might gressed and how much we’ve achieved in life. We’ve sense of smell), and process it in the flawed cogni- as well enjoy harvesting apples, accruing promo- gamified the paradigms of our society. tion systems of our brain (rife with biases, skewed tions and status, and reaping the rewards of what Beyond social structures, our minds have a sim- judgments, and by-products of evolutionary fear). we have engineered. LAUREN POOLE / First place non-fiction

Art: more common cancers can have tailored treatment Risako plans and are studied extensively for the absolute best Katusmata Art: outcome. Survival for common cancers has increased Grace 40 % in the last 50 years. Franki The same cannot be said for rare cancers. Despite making up 30% of diagnoses and roughly 50% of cancer deaths, rare cancer treatments and outcomes have often remained stagnant. For some – like my own cancer – there are no accepted chemotherapy or radiation treatment. I was told the only option available to me was to amputate the part of my body where the tumour was; I did it because there was no choice. Unbelievably, I discovered that if my cancer has spread there was only one trial in Australia to which I could have been included. Even in Amer- ica – arguably the heart of modern cancer research - there are just two experimental chemotherapy tri- als. In both cases, the cancer still has an up to 85% chance of recurrence. The main course of treatment Cancer treatment is often a game of automation and Even in young people with early cancers like myself, is amputation. In a world of state of the art medi- statistics; input your diagnosis and stage and the medi- there is no security of survival. I have no guarantee — cine, how is it possible that the main course of ac- cal machine will spit out what you need to do. Whether even in remission — that my cancer will nor return, tion for patients like myself with sarcomas (which its milliliters of chemotherapy, doses of radiation, mil- more vengeful than ever. disproportionately affect children and young peo- ligrams in a pill, everything is measured and calculated It is difficult not to personify cancer; it is, after all, ple) is surgery? to the smallest possible unit. You need precisely the a bane of medicine, a scourge on the lives of many. For a disease group that routinely takes 70 or 60 right amount – too much, you cause secondary can- But on some level everything about it is mechanical. At years off a patient’s lifespan, it is almost incompre- cers; too little and the original cancer never leaves. some stage, cancer is just one stray cell, one tiny muta- hensible that sarcomas still receive less than 1% of Before I was even diagnosed, I was a statistic. Sta- tion, one microscopically, infinitesimally small error in research funding. Particularly in the light of research tistically my tumour should have been benign; the the unbelievable system that is the human body. It just suggesting incidence has increased 14-18% since the chances of malignancy were theoretically 1 in 100. so happened that that error can grow, can spread and late 1990s. For the children and young people of to- Except that statistics don’t always work in your favour. corrupt the cells around it. It’s a malware without any day and tomorrow, rare and aggressive cancers can From the moment the pathology was confirmed, firewalls; if it can it will metastasize until it fills every be just as much their reality as computers, virtual plans were put in place. Specialists were called, scans inch of your body. reality and whatever iPhone Apple releases next. were ordered and surgery was booked. The cancer But the cancer conveyer belt is becoming more We need to invest in research and clinical trials; conveyer belt began. Behind every action was a pro- complex. With every passing day there are new dis- we need more new treatments available to more cess; pros and cons, what would help me survive ver- coveries, new technologies, new chemotherapies, im- patients. Just because a cancer is rare and unusual sus what would give me quality of life. It feels in those munotherapies, proton therapies. There are research doesn’t mean the lives it ruins aren’t as valuable moments as if medicine is far more primitive than I studies and trials occurring in every country on earth. and worthy of saving. By investing in research and had always imagined. I thought modern medicine was For the common cancer patient today, there is an array awareness now. Sadly for someone, somewhere, the silent shiny machines and microscopes, not big nee- of treatment options tailored to the exact gene muta- cancer conveyer belt starts today. That conveyor belt dles, scalpels and saws. Much of cancer is still on the tion, to hormone receptivity, to your genetic makeup, can be primitive, torturous and soul destroying; any- edge of medicine; there are protocols but not every to your very DNA. Simply the number of chemother- thing we can do to make it endurable and ultimately situation has a solution and there is certainly no cure. apies available, in infinite combinations, means that survivable is essential.

18 19 RUMPUS ROOM RUMPUS ROOM

Quick Across Down 1. Popular nut (6,9) 1. Irrational numbers (5) 8. Fill up (6) 2. A good type of card (5) 9. What you might be doing to a burger (8) 3. Gabbana’s partner (5) 10. Instruction to attend court (8) 4. Below or further on (5) 14. Type of eastern cuisine (6) 5. Unappealing American snack (7) Sydney has been blighted in recent years by the con- 16. Blended (5) 6. Edible flower bud (5) struction of tower upon tower of ugly flats. I will 17. Arancini and Onigiri are types of this dish (4,5) 7. Life forms (9) not go into too much detail about the usual charges 20. A starting point (6,3) 11. Goes well with a cup of tea (7) of boxiness, sameness and lifelessness. The current 22. You can spend these in the eurozone (5) 12. Your waiter takes this (5) wave is marked by the prevalence of rendering, by 23. The first course (6) 13. A drug dealer (5) the use of extruded slabs which jut out, almost as 25. Least tidy (8) 15. Supersize (7) frames, from the edges of each building and, oddly, 29. What you shouldn’t be at the dinner table (8) 16. Places where fish are farmed (9) by the inclusion of strange adornments such as 30. Connected to the internet (6) 18. French cream (5) grills, monochromatic brickwork and spots of bright 31. Bunnings staple (7,8) 19. Dr Dre’s favourite vegetables (5) colour. Concrete and glass dominate as usual. The 21. Dinnertime (7) flats are aggressively marketed with glossy- pam 24.Origins (5) phlets. They are given hollow names signifying 25. Encounters (5) nothing save a vague sense of luxury. A small strip 26. Comes in tea or table form (5) of shops in my native Epping is now dominated by 27. Related by marriage (2-3) half a dozen temporary display suites. These, like 28. A human has 32 of these (5) the flats, are decorated with white walls and mass produced plastic furniture. Unlike the beautiful bungalows and federation houses shamelessly demolished in this recent wave of construction, the flats lack articles of craftsman- I recognise that some may argue that craftsman- ship like finials, leadlight and stained-glass windows ship is trivial in the midst of a housing crisis. Yet Puzzles by Cloud Runner. If you’re interested in puzzles, check out CrossSoc, and plastered ceilings. Buildings of public signifi- these flats are sold at high prices and are not a solu- USyd’s own crossword and puzzles society. cance have also fallen victim to the cull. The stately tion to that problem. Their shabby and hurried con- GPO building is likely to be gutted and stuffed with struction is a real concern in the wake of Grenfell. A flats of the kind just described. We can only hope broader worry is what living in dwellings designed that the construction does not disturb the glorious Across Down in this way, without gardens or allotments, means spandrels carved in the late 19th century by Tomasi for our society. Bland design is the mark of a bland Cryptic Sani, an Italian immigrant, in a manner at once real- people. DN 1. Chef, I state in the end, almost created first mush- 1. Sweet drink from the Morocco coast (5) ist and classicising. These details have meaning. The room ice-cream flavour (7,3,5) 2. Scoundrel is a big force on the street (5) blandly designed flats that now scar Sydney do not. 8. May a gorilla have an appetizer? (6) 3. English expression for a gathering (5) They are monuments to rent. 9. Dispose of bath in ditch (8) 4. Found in Chilean desert! (5) 10. Heat resistant material best in a crisis (8) 5. Shifting deserts reveal a course (7) 14. Type of egg in overseas teriyaki (6) 6. Many papers smear doctor (5) 16. West African fritter regularly takes fancy cereal 7. Sage and Irish ham - a mistake (9) (5) 11. For the reasons that be: cook sauce (7) 17. Hopeless without circular exercise after bugle 12. Part of Aves, white, with slender head! (5) call has no effect (9) 13. Originally rubbish, but gradually performing pro- The Camperdown Public Chatterbox 20. Opus rewritten, embrace some silverware (9) gressively better (5) 22. Unwell, drip put back inside the intestines (5) 15. Mens accessory is “epic”, “lit”, “turnt” (3,4) Honi’s very own Kishor Napier-Ra- sion between the three on the Redfern Sukith Fernando getting owned so 23. Use flu remedy - it works (6) 16. Abused donkey essentially mauls Ted (9) man). Miranda Devine piled on too run. As Pytka noted “Sukith’s views hard he dropped out of the SRC race, 25. Twins rip out component of an engine (5,3) 18. Admit Queen is a keeper (5) over at the Daily Telegraph. We’re sure were well known and accessible on our Facebook comments and Twitter 29. Moving to chalet might be dryer? (3,5) 19. They store honey and chives without ascorbic acid USyd’s media team is loving all of the his public Facebook profile as was mentions have been crawling with 30. Smear Italian sides with salt, they say (6) (5) University’s exposure right now. his membership in Pauline Hanson’s the worst people on the internet. 31. Endangered lions stewed some edible weeds 21. Clive, without hesitation, starts openly investing lots supporters groups and attendance at Having our posts relentlessly dis- (9,6) in unethical foodstuff (4,3) THE FERNANDO AFFAIR far right ‘Reclaim Australia’ rallies” turbed by the worst people in exist- 24. Looked at surface on a penny (5) long before he was preselected to be ence is indeed worrying. However it 25. Hooray! A North American shrub! (5) on a ticket aligned with Ma’s. Not is also super hilarious that their new The next day, word got round that 26. Loudly I sing a cover of “Sugar” (5) to mention the fact that Vanguard is hero is a guy whose major claim to there was a legit Holocaust denier 27. Going up without booking, finally gets at restaurant authorised by Liberal Board Director fame is getting yelled at for a whole running for SRC on Vanguard, as in the law building (5) Hengjie Sun, a member of the same six minute video, where he is given Honi reported last week. Said Hol- 28. Cash registers? (5) young Liberal faction as Ma. Reading multiple chances to speak but never ocaust denier, Sukith Fernando ac- between the lines, it seems Pytka and actually argues his point at all, and tually spent hours hiding out in the Grant felt Ma didn’t deserve the PR instead just pathetically gives up and chemistry building because appar- After a quiet first few days of cam- benefit of a united photo opp when concedes. In some of the extended ently Antifa had sent people after Target Sudoku paigning, things started getting it was his group that had stuffed up footage Honi captured, he takes off him. He was confronted, challenged super cooked as hacks across most so magnificently. To avoid doubt, Ma his own campaign shirt at the sugges- and decided not to actively contest political persuasions started unit- has reiterated his desire not to receive tion of the crowd and is called an id- the SRC election, though he’ll remain ing against some common ene- Vanguard preferences, but noted that iot by his fellow ticket member, David on the ballot. mies. “from my understanding Vanguard Wan. What a snowflake! The Fernando affair did not look First, on Thursday, the Catholic has said it’s up to them who they pref- And then it got weirder. Honi has good for Vision’s Liberal presidential Society decided to display prom- erence if at all”. Consequently Ma — a long and storied history of pissing candidate Brendan Ma, who Van- inent ‘It’s OK to Vote No’ signs on or some other candidate — may still off very bad people. But none of our guard is endorsing for the position. Eastern Avenue. Happily, hacks de- end up with tainted preferences. By haters are quite as bad as David Duke, In an opportunistic (albeit tactical) cided to put aside their differences the time this paper hits stands, we’ll the former Grand Wizard of the Ku attempt to downplay links between and condemn this silly position. know for sure. Klux Klan, and one of America’s most his ticket and fascists, Ma offered to Soon, Eastern Avenue had become notoriously evil white supremacists, stage a tripartite photo shoot con- the scene of a Yes rally, with the who took time out of a day inevitably demning Fernando and his views. DUKE, DUKE GOOSE no campaigners hummus and glit- spent hating everyone and everything The purpose, Ma told Honi, was to ter-bombed away. It presented poor to retweet our video of Fernando, make sure “that whatever campaign It turns out that writing about Hol- optics; a story entitled ‘Police called along with a characteristically taste- people supported, they knew we all ocaust deniers tends to attract more as hundreds of protesters surround less anti-Semitic caption. detested antisemitism and discrim- Holocaust deniers. Since last Friday, Target Rules: Sydney University ‘vote no’ rally’ Does this mean that all of Honi’s ination”. StandUp’s Bella Pytka and when we published an article and Minimum 4 letters per word. 5 words: surely was the most read story on the Syd- critics should be lumped into a group Switch’s Imogen Grant both declined video footage of huge moron, literal you can do better!, 10 words: much to learn ney Morning Herald for days after that includes former KKK leader Da- the offer, leading to a heating discus- Holocaust denier and cooker king you still have, 15 words: a surprise to be (It was, in substance, written by vid Duke? That’s for you to decide. sure, but a welcome one.

20 21 SUPRA is responsible for the content of this page. SUPRASUPRA PAGES SRC CASEWORKERS From here, there and everywhere... Meet your Reps! Stress and Mental Health ZUSHAN HASHMI | DSP AT SUPRA | POETRY & PROSE JENNIFER NICHOLSON Reprinted from www.headspace.org.au

As I look beyond the evergreen them, and placing it into the plains, and as I breathe in the world around them, Good mental health is about being Local Students able to work and study to your full If you are a local student, go to a GP scent of the oceans, potential, cope with day-to-day life to get a mental health care plan that stresses, be involved in your commu- After all, they are - Not from here will allow 6 appointments. If you need nity, and live your life in a free and further counseling, another 6 appoint- I realise the trials and not from there, but indeed, satisfying way. A person who has good ments can be added. Remember if you mental health has good emotional and that lie within me, they are from everywhere. need more than 12 appointments in a social wellbeing and the capacity to year, you may have to be treated for a cope with change and challenges. different condition e.g. stress instead As I am not quite here, yet I am Indeed, we are from Feeling down, tense, angry or anx- of anxiety. After you have your mental not quite there, but indeed, everywhere. ious are all normal emotions. But health care plan, book in with the psy- Mental Health Line (NSW): people, family and friends suffering when these feelings persist for long chologist your GP refers you to. You 1800 011 511 from depression and anxiety. Also have I am everywhere. periods of time they may be part of a will either need to pay upfront and 24-hour mental health telephone access a register online if you need to search mental health problem. Mental health then receive the Medicare rebate, or service – available to speak with some- for a registered counselor. problems can influence how you think Need Help with be bulk billed. one about the various feelings associ- Twenty 10 : 8594 9555 From the mountains, from and your ability to function in your International students or ated with trying to help someone with everyday activities, whether at school, Large range of services for people identi- the forests, from the sands, a mental illness and also talk through at work or in relationships. students without Medicare fying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgen- your Tax Returns? about how to care for your own mental der, queer or questioning, and intersex from the seas, There are a number of things you Go to a GP and get a referral to a clin- health. (LGBTQI) and under 26 years. can do to look after and maintain your ical psychologist. Book in with the Youth Block Youth Health Service: Get in Touch mental health and wellbeing. For ex- Gay & Lesbian Counselling Service: I understand that I am a human, clinical psychologist and tell reception 9562 5640 ample, many people cope with stress your international student status. You (02) 8594 9596 with a consciousness, by getting involved with sports, exer- will need to pay upfront, and then Service for adolescents aged 12-25 years Volunteer based community service pro- Are you a domestic or interna- cising, meditating, or practising yoga claim the rebate through your Over- of age, providing counselling, health viding free, anonymous and confidential tional postgraduate student? or relaxation techniques. Others ex- seas Student Health Cover (OSHC). promotion, health education, medical telephone counselling, Information and More blessed than many, My name is Jennifer and I am a PhD student in the press themselves through art, such NOTE: the referral from the GP is not clinic, and community development. referral services and support groups for but never quite possessing Have you been working in a department of English. My thesis conceptualises as poetry, writing or music. What you the mental health plan. The paperwork There is a doctor and nurse clinic, out- lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and full-time, part-time or casual Shakespeare as a translator of French sources in eat might also affect your mood – a is different and getting it wrong will de- reach clinics held at Belmore Youth Re- intersex (LGBTI) people, their friends what others took from me, writing ‘Hamlet’, and I also work more broadly on well-balanced diet will help keep you lay any rebate. source Centre. and family and the wider community role between 2016 and 2017? multilingual influences in English Renaissance liter- both physically and mentally healthy. Useful Phone Numbers Transcultural Mental Health Service. throughout New South Wales. ary production. While I started my first semester of It can be helpful to talk to some- Ph: 02 98403767 or 02 9840 3899, The Gender Centre: 9569 2366 Are you unsure of how to file undergraduate study here at Sydney, I transferred to Toll Free: 1800 648 911. (Monday to one about what’s going on in your life *If you are feeling at risk of self harm Services and activities for people with complete my degree elsewhere. I returned in March Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm) Watching, comprehending, your tax returns? Well, this if you have noticed a change in how contact Lifeline’s 24 hour crisis sup- “gender issues”. 2016 to begin my postgraduate studies and have re- you are feeling and thinking. Getting port service on 13 11 14 or seek im- Work in partnership with mental health service is just for YOU! The University of Sydney Counselling contemplating, speaking, ally enjoyed it so far! My role in SUPRA is as one support can help you keep on track mediate help from a GP, psychiatrist or services, consumers, careers and the and Psychological Services: 8627 of the general councillors, and I am involved in the at school, study or work, and in your a psychologist community to improve the mental Tax returns for the 2016-2017 financial year must 8433 or 8627 8437 Finance and Policy subcommittees. personal and family relationships. The *If in a life threatening situation call health of people from culturally and lin- be completed by the 31st of October, and yes, we My doubled thoughts sooner you get help the sooner things 000 to receive immediate help guistically diverse communities living in Provides free and confidential services know that feeling of dread, most people do not like RACHEL EVANS and troubled tongues can begin to improve for you. NSW. to all currently enrolled students at the doing their taxes, and often end up avoiding them Lifeline: 13 11 14 University. leave me wondering, until it’s too late! Unfortunately, what a lot of us If you are unsure how to ask for Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 miss or forget is that we can claim money on our help, here a few ways to start: 24-hour phone counselling and crisis Provides information and support for taxes through the tax returns (who doesn’t like hav- support. What is it that caused the ing some extra cash lying around, right?) manifestation of that which lies in between? Ask Abe The Ask Abe column allows you to ask whatever question SRC caseworker HELP Q&A you might have that affects you as a student, gaining the best advice that a very worldly mutt* can give. Beyond the skies and beneath CENTRELINK OVERPAYMENT the Earth, everything and nothing – all at once. Dear Abe, not declared your correct income or see if they will give you an interest free have you repay the debt but also try have not told them that you have gone loan. Paying them quickly will show to prosecute you for fraud, which can I received a letter from Centrelink that part-time (i.e less than 18 cp per se- Centrelink that you genuinely want to carry a sentence of up to 12 months I have been overpaid and I owe hun- mester). You may need to ask for a mend the error of your ways. But if in jail. The SRC strongly recommends For that is the life of a wanderer dreds of dollars back. I heard recently copy of your Centrelink ‘file’ too. If you have no way of paying it off, nego- that you consult with a SRC Case- in the news that Centrelink has been they get it wrong, you can appeal. tiate a payment plan with them. They worker before talking to Centrelink. In – tribeless, aimless, without falsely accusing people of owing debts. can also take it out of your on-going general we suggest you only consider a cause, Do I have to pay this money back if I If the debt is legitimate, check that it is Centrelink payment. They may want to answering questions in writing, and do really need it? the correctly calculated amount. They take more money than you can likely not answer any questions in a recorded deal with thousands of people every- afford. Be prepared to explain to them interview. Discovering themselves, Broke day. It would not be unheard of for how this will cause you financial hard- That’s why you can get in touch with SUPRA to them to make a mistake. Did they get ship by outlining how much you spend If you have been overpaid because of as they seek the externalities help you out with these tax returns! Tax Help is a Hi there, my name is Rachel Evans and I’m studying the dates and amounts right? If you on things like rent, food and medica- a mistake that they made, not due to around them, network of ATO-trained and accredited community a Masters of Research in Indigenous Resistance. I was Dear Broke, have had a problem (“breach”) with tion. The main thing is to keep in con- incorrect or false information from volunteers who provide a free and confidential ser- the SUPRA Queer Office-bearer in 2015-2016 and them before you may also be charged tact with them. you, then you may be able to keep vice to help people complete their tax returns online am the current Education Office-bearer. I’ve helped If Centrelink write to say you’ve been a further 10% penalty. They can give that money even though it is an over- As is the life of a dreamer using myTax. In 2017 SUPRA will offer this service with various campaigns including the Save Sydney overpaid Youth Allowance or Austudy you this penalty also if you have been If you have deliberately given incorrect payment. There are some reasonably for postgraduate students on Friday mornings until College of the Arts campaign. I’m a Socialist Alliance and owe them money, don’t ignore it. reckless or misleading when giving information that has caused an over- rare occasions where you may be able – full of hope, ambition plenty, the 27th October 2017 at the SUPRA offices. Please member and active in the fight for various rights. Deal with it straight away and quickly. them information. You can appeal a payment, this is a serious issue. For ex- to get your debt written off or waived without a pause, visit our website (wwww.supra.net.au) to check if I’m with the Postgraduate Action ticket who stand 10% penalty too. ample, if you have been working, but (cancelled). Of course there are condi- you are eligible for Tax Help, book an appointment against the corporate university. I have helped for- Check the facts and the letter. Check have not declared your income, and tions. Talk to SRC Help about this too. with us and to find a list of documents you will need mulate SUPRAs ‘Educate to Liberate - Log of Claims’ your University or financial records to Ideally you would pay off your debt as you have accumulated a debt of over Enquiring as to what defines to get ready before you come to an appointment. campaign and am dedicated to helping two unions see if you really have been overpaid. quickly as possible. Talk to the Uni- $10, 000 (or lower in some other cir- Abe on campus win better wages and conditions for staff. It may be because they think you have versity’s Financial Assistance Office to cumstances) Centrelink will not only So…. What are you waiting for? See you all at a SUPRA event soon! 22 23 SRC REPORTS

Note: This page is given over to the office bearers of the Students’ Representative Council. The reports below are IN A PICKLE? President’s Report not edited by the editors of Honi Soit.

As you’re reading this report there’s represent you and we’re funded by ment is still yet to commit to job secu- strongly condemns this hurtful and probably a collective sigh of relief your money. So vote to make sure that rity for staff, they have not offered an hateful rhetoric and we have written spreading over the student body. We’re the people leading this organisation actual pay rise and they refuse to in- to the Vice-Chancellor to express our only a few days away from mid-semes- next year are people who are experi- crease the conditions of casual work- disappointment. I wanted to take this ter break and it’s almost the end of the enced, people who you can trust and ers. The NTEU has voted to take fur- time to remind you all that we can’t SRC elections. If you’re reading this on people who will fight for you. ther industrial action for 48hrs on the be complacent when it comes to mar- Wednesday or Thursday and you hav- Last Wednesday the SRC joined 4 and 5 of October and the SRC will riage equality. In order to win we need en’t voted in the SRC elections, please the NTEU in their 24 hr strike action. continue to stand in solidarity with to shut down these bigots wherever consider taking 5 minutes out of your SRC activists and office bearers joined their struggle. they appear. There’s a post office in Criminal Charges day to have your voice heard. It’s su- the picket lines and spoke to students Unfortunately last week a homo- the Pharamcy Building on campus - per easy to get overwhelmed by the about why the strikes were happening phobic stall appeared on eastern ave- don’t forget to vote YES and drop off swarms of people in coloured shirts and why it’s important to support our nue with “It’s Okay to Vote No” signs. your ballot. and forget why these elections are staff. While the strikes were successful Students at this stall were overheard Motor Vehicle Accidents important. They’re important because in shutting down most of the uni, the equating homosexuality with pedo- Fines this is your SRC. The SRC is here to fight continues. University manage- philia, incest and bestiality. The SRC

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Immigration Education Officers’ Report ...and more The Education Officers did not submit a report this week If You Have a Legal Problem, We Can Help for FREE!

法律諮詢 We have a solicitor 法律アドバイス who speaks Cantonese, Level 1, Wentworth Bldg, University of Sydney Mandarin & Japanese p: 02 9660 5222 | w: src.usyd.edu.au Liability limited by This service is provided Wom*n’s Officers’ Report a scheme approved to you by the Students’ e: solicitor @ src.usyd.edu.au under Professional Representative Council, The Wom*n’s Officers did not submit a report this week ACN 146 653 143 | MARN 1276171 Standards Legislation. University of Sydney

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Queer Officers’ Report The Queer Officers did not submit a report this week CASH ...FOR YOUR TEXTBOOKS! When does your student visa run out? USE THAT CASH HOWEVER YOU LIKE, It is your responsibility to ensure that you comply with all your student visa BUY OTHER TEXTBOOKS CHEAP FROM US, conditions, especially the length of stay allowed under your visa entitlement. You can find out about all the applicable visa conditions and your visa expiry date using the Mature Age Officers’ Report OR GO BUY WHATEVER YOU WANT. online service (Visa Entitlement Verification Online – “VEVO”) on the Department of Immigration and Border Protection website. Use this URL: https://online.immi.gov.au/evo/firstParty The Mature Age Officers’ did not submit a report this week When accessing this online service, you will need your passport number and other identification details which can be found on the visa grant email sent by the Department. If you are not sure how to use VEVO or have trouble with this online service, you can get FREE help from the SRC registered migration agent by contacting 9660 5222. Make sure you put the visa expiry date in your calendar and remember to NOT overstay your visa! Overstaying leads to serious legal consequences which in some situations may require you to Level 4, Wentworth Building, University of Sydney leave Australia immediately and you will not be able to come back again for 3 years. (Next to the International Lounge)

p: 02 9660 4756 | w: src.usyd.edu.au/src-books Level 1, Wentworth Bldg, University of Sydney p: 02 9660 5222 | w: src.usyd.edu.au e: [email protected] 24 ACN 146 653 143 | MARN 1276171 Parental bond- We objectively rank your Online homophobe al- Wow: This student’s life in such a sham- ing somehow very top eight best, and worst, ready planning next hill to die on after ‘no’ bles, they miss every appointment in- wholesome dead family members campaign fails tended to improve things

In shocking new development, not a You’ll be surprised to find out which Aidan Molins Nick Harriott “Yeah, sorry about last time,” Ashleigh Political Correspondent Lifestyle Guru replied, “I don’t really have an explanation single toxic behavior passed on dur- one your Uncle Greg was on (he was and I also don’t want to lie to you....” She trailed off and shrugged - but to her credit, ing bonding time P2» secretly very racist) P6» Riddle me this: what kind of person misses a did not lie. check up with their doctor, doesn’t get their When pressed to talk about her growing car serviced, avoids an appointment at Head- list of missed engagements Ashleigh was space and cancels dinner with their parents? blunt, “Yeah, it sucks. It kind of just snow- If you ask Ashleigh Murphy, she might say, balls and then I get super anxious and I hate “a piece of shit,” but that’s exactly the kind myself and then I miss more things and then of damaging self talk that she would be better it all just happens again. It’s really fun.” able to manage if she had turned up to Head- It was reassuring to me that Ashleigh still space Camperdown last week. had a dry sense of humour about her life as it When I first sat down to interview Ash- fell apart at the seams. It was at that moment leigh, she didn’t show up. Ten minutes af- that her phone started to ring. She glanced ter our meeting was supposed to begin, my at the number and then turned her phone Terry Rodding, hard at work phone lit up with apologetic notifications. screen down on the table. The second time I sat down to interview “Who’s that?” I inquired. Terry Rodding, a 20 year old engineering stu- Ashleigh was two weeks and several asyn- “Oh,” Ashleigh was restrained, “Just dent from Dee Why is looking to hedge his bet chronous Messenger conversations later. some people trying to set up a job interview. I Local man sits down to in the case that the no campaign fails to win “I’m glad we’ve finally got the chance to missed their call yesterday.” Man calling woman ‘fat slut’ from the postal plebiscite on same sex marriage. sit down,” I offered as we settled into our “Are you going to answer?” ‘ironically’ watch The The young conservative, who has taken up booth at the cafe. Ashleigh looked past me and sighed. “Nah.” the cause of launching long, barely readable car was just trying to empower her Bachelor season finale arguments against acquaintances on Face- book who update their profile picture with Mary Ward for the 5th year in a row a frame from the “yes” campaign, is look- Traffic Reporter Aidan Molins ing for the next dying cultural norm to hitch himself to as its position in the zeitgeist be- Australian Literature Expert comes becomes displaced by moderately pro- gressive values. A man shouting “fat slut” at a woman from a said he departed the scene swiftly because he Desperate for a conservative project to moving car has defended his behaviour, say- did not want to have to mansplain the nu- undyingly fight the losing side of, Rodding ing he only meant to empower the women anced semiotics of gendered language to the has been exploring options, to some success. and alleging that “every feminist worth their woman. “Yeah I’ve looked into fighting against salt” has reclaimed these terms. “I just wanted to let her know that I was a transgender people’s rights, that seems like Keiran Young, 23, was spotted driving woke ally, but then I didn’t want to make her it could be a lot of fun. But the whole gen- northbound along King Street yelling at a feel like I was a better feminist than her by der thing is just so confusing. I mean, I don’t woman walking alone in the opposite direc- explaining that. Even if I am.” want to actually learn anything. That’s just tion, near the Missenden Road intersection. “I’ve just finished reading Roxane Gay’s not what I’m about as a person.” After slowing his car to a crawl beside her, Hunger,” Mr Young said. “And one of the big Distraught and out of options, Rodding Young yelled “fat slut” at the woman before takeaways for me is how she really embraces has had to turn to turn back to old favorites promptly speeding away. the term ‘super morbidly obese’, so I think from the conservative playbook. Speaking after the incident, Mr Young I’m going to try that one out next.” “I mean, I know the whole debate about Garvey, (left) really, really hopes this is the final interracial marriage is done and dusted, but series of the show so far I’ve figured out it really is a lot of fun to just internally stew whenever one of In a shocking development, local man Tim the white girls from my high school dates a Garvey has unsuccessfully attempted to brown dude.” convince his friends and family for the 13th Ashleigh Murphy (Left) hits snooze on her alarm for the 17th time. Meanwhile, Dr. Fletcher, her phy- time in just under three months that his sician, is worried sick viewing of Network Ten’s reality TV series The Bachelor is simply ironic, and not indic- Master Lock set to ative of a genuine appreciation of the show. “It’s not as if I actually like this, guys. start making padlocks Come on, guys,” Garvey announced late last week. “I’m watching it from a feminist per- utilising the same spective, yeah. Like, it’s so sexist and de- meaning, that it’s, like, funny, obviously. indestructable Why else would I be watching it?” “I’m really worried about Tim,” Tim’s materials girlfriend, Rochelle, told The Garter. “I don’t know who he’s trying to fool, trying to play used in off [The Bachelor] as anything other than his favourite show. I’m less concerned about the Chupa Chup show’s hyper-sexualised style, transparent drama or insincere connections, but more wrappers that Tim thinks we’re duped into thinking he’s watching it from an absurdist or mock- ing perspective. I mean, come on.” Last week when Rochelle and Tim went rock climbing, Tim brought along a promise ring and a rose, and told Rochelle that, “His heart is really opening up”. “I wish he could just be confident enough Tech to express his love for the bloody TV show,” Rochelle said. “Or stop expecting me to wear P11» a cocktail dress 24 hours a day.” In an astounding display of self awareness, there has been a follow up to Sunday’s “VOTE NO” sky- The back of the catcaller’s car featured a sticker that read: ‘This is what a feminist looks like’ writing over Sydney skies

Authorised by P. Graham, 2017 Electoral Officer, Students’ Representative Council, University of Sydney | p: 02 9660 5222 | w: www.srcusyd.net.au

SCA No polling 9:45 - 2.15

Conservatorium 9:45 - 2.15 No polling

Cumberland 9:45 - 2.15 9:45 - 2.15

10am-3pm.

PNR Building 11:45 - 2.15 No polling

19th September from

Building, on Tuesday Manning 10:45 - 3.15 10:45 - 3.15

Jane Foss Russell

Jane Foss Russell 8:45 - 5.15 8:45 - 5.15

be held outside the

Fisher 8:45 - 5.15 8:45 - 5.15 Pre-polling will also

LOCATION SEPT 2017 SEPT 2017

POLLING WED 20TH THURS 21ST PRE-POLLING

2017 Polling Booth Times and Places

in the SRC elections VOTE!

It’s time to

Annual Elections

University of Sydney

Students’ Representative Council,

Students’ Representative Council, University of Sydney Annual Elections

It’s time to VOTE! in the SRC elections

2017 Polling Booth Times and Places

POLLING WED 20TH THURS 21ST PRE-POLLING LOCATION SEPT 2017 SEPT 2017

Fisher 8:45 - 5.15 8:45 - 5.15 Pre-polling will also be held outside the Jane Foss Russell 8:45 - 5.15 8:45 - 5.15 Jane Foss Russell Manning 10:45 - 3.15 10:45 - 3.15 Building, on Tuesday 19th September from PNR Building 11:45 - 2.15 No polling 10am-3pm. Cumberland 9:45 - 2.15 9:45 - 2.15 Conservatorium 9:45 - 2.15 No polling SCA No polling 9:45 - 2.15

Authorised by P. Graham, 2017 Electoral Officer, Students’ Representative Council, University of Sydney | p: 02 9660 5222 | w: www.srcusyd.net.au