Reality Bytes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reality Bytes Hosts: Desley Casey and Susan Pavlic provide a quick update of the activities that have been undertaken since the floods that Sussex Inlet on the NSW South Coast in Australia experienced; on some of the activities that have taken place and some upcoming activities --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/desley-casey/message

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

Yes I'm Older Give Me A Break - Part 2 Live - Saturday 12/3/2022 at 4pm (Aussie Daylight Saving EST - NSW timezone) Join Reality Bytes Hosts: Desley Casey and Susan Pavlic as they discuss the issues of Older Women in Australia s with Special Guest: Beverly Baker, President of National Older Women's Network and Chair of the NSW Older Women's Network. Beverly is a mother and grandmother and is very passionate about the issues that older women face, however, also about the range of issues surrounding young people in Australia. Due to the broad range of issues that Beverly, Susan and Desley discussed, the interview has been developed into 2 episodes. Issues include however not limited to: * A broad range of issues surrounding older women * Wealth against the Rest of Us * Cashless Debit Card and Aged Pensioners * Women and Sexual Violence * Government requesting Aged Pensioners to Go Back to Work * A discussion on death taxes * And, so much more. (Approximately 34 minutes) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/desley-casey/message

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Desley Casey, Reality Bytes podcast host interviews Bianca. Bianca is 32 years old and was forced onto the cashless debit card twice and taken off the card twice. Bianca is a mum of 5 children. The discussion includes however not limited to: How Bianca was placed on the Cashless Debit Card twice, even though she did not reside in any of the trial site areas in Australia. Her efforts of successfully getting off the card and the support she was provided. The impact the card had not only herself but also her children. The mental and emotional impacts of the card as well as financial impacts. Bianca's experiences of the attitudes and treatment of staff both from Services Australia and Indue Pty Ltd The bra experience and what Indue staff demanded she provide to them in order to approve/or not approve the purchase from an overseas EBay seller. (Beware, beware, beware!!!) How this card is government sanctioned financial abuse towards card holders. Practical steps to take in order to be successfully taken off the card. And, so much more. (Approximately 1 hour, 7 minutes) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/desley-casey/message

Snapshot of a personal lived experience that Bianca, mother of 5 experienced with Indue Pty Ltd and the Cashless Debit Card The bra situation. Domestic Violence Financial Abuse Australian Federal Government Cashless Debit Card. (Approximately 7 minutes) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/desley-casey/message

Reality Bytes podcast host Desley Casey, interviews Kerryn, who has been forced onto the Cashless Debit Card what life is like living on the card. Kerryn is a 34 year old single mum of 5 running her own small business and fighting tooth and nail to get off the card. Issues discussed: The impacts on the card on Kerryn The impacts of the card on Kerryn's five children The mental health impacts of the card Kerryn's lived experience of attempting to get off the cashless debit card And, so much more. Time: Approximately 1 hour, 2 minutes. You can check out Kerryn's small business on FB at https://www.facebook.com/ObsceneMe Please Note: There is some swearing however this has been kept at a minimum. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/desley-casey/message

Well worth the wait! Desley Casey, Reality Bytes Podcast host continues the discussion with Amanda Smith from Say No 7 Resources and No Cashless Debit Card Australia. Amanda is a DSP recipient and mum of a disabled child living in Victoria; she is the policy and legislation analyst for the NCDCA and founder of the Say No Seven community. Amanda has spoken in senate, and has been producing videos and anti-propaganda articles and CDC information threads for the last six years. Parts A and B of Amanda's interview dealt with the Impacts of the Cashless Debit Card on card holders, businesses and Australian society; human rights and more. So Join Amanda and Desley as the discussion continues on: The Australian government Further discussion on the Cashless Debit Card legislation How people can advocate for themselves and also to stop the card And, so much more. A quick update: Since the time of this interview being undertaken 3 women have now successfully been taken off the cashless debit card primarily due to the advocacy efforts of Amanda, Kathryn and the No Cashless Debit Card community. Congratulations to Mahialia, Alicia and Bianca. Congratulations to the No Cashless Debit Card community and Say No 7 resources who raised the absolute distress Services Australia and Indue Ltd were putting these women through. If you wanted to know whether Amanda and all are making a difference then look no further. PS: Approximately 1 hour 8 minutes in length. To access the resources go to: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SN7Resources https://www.facebook.com/notowelfarecard --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/desley-casey/message

Desley Casey, Reality Bytes podcast host continues the interview discussion with Amanda Smith, Say No 7 and No Cashless Debit Card Australia on the Australian Cashless Debit Card Legislation. Amanda is a DSP recipient and mum of a disabled child living in Victoria; she is the policy and legislation analyst for the NCDCA and founder of the Say No Seven community. Amanda has spoken in senate, and has been producing videos and anti-propaganda articles and CDC information threads for the last six years. Join Amanda and Desley as they discuss in Part B of this 3 part series: Government Data Aged Pensions Indue Ltd Human Rights Independent Evaluations And, so much more https://www.facebook.com/groups/SN7Resources https://www.facebook.com/notowelfarecard Listen time: Approximately 1 hour 9 minutes --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/desley-casey/message

Desley Casey, Reality Bytes podcast host interviews Amanda Smith from Say No 7 (SN7) Resources and No Cashless Debit Card Australia. Amanda is a DSP (Disability Support Pension) recipient and mum of a disabled child living in Victoria; she is the policy and legislation analyst for the NCDCA (No Cashless Debit Card Australia) and founder of the Say No Seven community. Amanda has spoken in senate, and has been producing videos and anti-propaganda articles and CDC (Cashless Debit Card) information threads for the last six years. This podcast is part A of a 3 part interview series with Amanda. Discussion centers around the Australian government legislation for the forced income management, CDC and includes however is not limited to: The differences between the CDC and the Basics Card Impacts of the legislation on card holders as individuals and as a collective. Indue Ltd Out of trial region card holders. And, so much more. For further information check out the following resource links: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SN7Resources No Cashless Debit Card Australia Part A: Approximately 1 hour 8 minutes. Remember to come back to listen to Amanda further discuss a range of issues re the legislation in Parts B and C. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/desley-casey/message

Reality Bytes podcast host interviews Associate Professor Ruth Phillips from University of Sydney on the Cashless Debit Card. Ruth has been teaching and researching at the University of Sydney for the past 19.5 years. Although Ruth is a political scientist, her special field of teaching and research is social policy and the non-government (or community) sector. Ruth's research and teaching are also informed by feminism. Ruth mainly teaches in the social work program at undergraduate and post-graduate levels. Ruth has had a long association with activism as a feminist and an environmentalist but her overarching commitment is to social justice. Discussion takes place on a range of topics but not limited to: What is social policy including the Scandinavian context v Australian context The origins of the Cashless Debit Card Impact of government social policy on the ground Criminalising Welfare Recipients and Cashless Debit Card holders Indue Ltd Privatisation is big business for the govt. And, so much more (Time: Approximately 38 minutes) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/desley-casey/message

Join Tanya as she discusses with Reality Bytes podcast host, Desley Casey on the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme. Tanya was born in the early 70s. Whilst growing up she sort of new she had a few problems since she was born in 74, including having died twice within the first 3 months of life. However, she didn't realise until many years later, after getting married & having kids what she had to cope with during that time. It was only in past 15 years, when in her early 30's Tanya found out she was medically labelled with Mental Retardation not long after she was born. This label then changed to what is well-known today as living with an Intellectual disability. Tanya also has had to deal with a lot of things from her past. It took her 5 attempts to access the NDIS to receive assistance for the multiple disabilities she lives with. Since then, the new NDIS system has not been an easy road for her for her to navigate. Tanya discusses: Her challenges of being accepted onto the NDIS The NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency) Individual assessments And, so much more (Length: Approximately 52 minutes) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/desley-casey/message

Reality Bytes podcast host, Desley Casey speaks to 5 women about their thoughts on Australia's Prime Minister, Scott Morrison quote on disrespect. “It all starts with disrespect. That's where it starts. I would argue not just disrespect towards women, disrespect full stop. We've got to be careful in our society that we don't allow the reservoir of respect to drain, and I fear it is.” Mr Morrison said. (Federal government announces overhaul to Sex Discrimination Act, backs all 55 recommendations, Sydney Morning Herald, 8/4/2021) Tanya, Kathryn, Fiona, Julie and Peri share their thoughts and ideas on this quote. The discussion ranges from, but not limited to: A personal meeting with the PM Cashless Debit Card Sex Discrimination Act Australian Parliament Women and how they are perceived. (Length: Approximately 45 minutes) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/desley-casey/message

Desley Casey, Reality Bytes podcast host interviews Michelle from the ACOSS (Australian Council of Social Services) - Raise the Rate for Good Campaign. "Michelle is the Community Organiser and Engagement Officer at the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS). She has a background in community organising and grassroots campaigning focused on the power of human connection and the way our stories inspire others to action." Our discussion includes a range of topics, including however not limited to: What is the Raise the Rate for Good Campaign Job Seeker Payment and what the base rate should be raised to. Consumer Price Index (CPI) Cashless Debit Card How to Participate in the Campaign And, so much more The podcast is approximately 35 minutes. So grab a cuppa, sit back and relax and enjoy listening to what Michelle has to say. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/desley-casey/message

Welcome to the Reality Bytes podcast interview by Desley Casey with Mrs Fiona Phillips MP, Labor Member for Gilmore. Fiona is the newly elected MP for the Gilmore Electorate at the last election. The only seat to change hands to Labor at that time in Australia. "Fiona Phillips is the Federal Member for Gilmore. Fiona was born and raised on the NSW South Coast. With a degree in Economics and a Master of Business, Fiona has a long career working in education, skills and training. Fiona's first involvement in politics was during 2009 when she stepped up to lead the difficult but successful campaign to save Nowra's community pool. This campaign showed Fiona how important it is to work hard to make a difference in our community - something Fiona passionately continues to do." The Gilmore electorate covers over 6,000 sq klms of the NSW South Coast from Kiama in the North to Tuross Head in the South and includes townships such as Sussex Inlet, Nowra, Ulladulla, Batesman Bay and all the little townships in between! The discussion with Fiona ranges from, however not limited to: Natural disasters that have hit the region COVID 19 and it's impact Homelessness and the housing crisis Job Seekers and associated benefit payment Job Keeper payment now ended by the LNP government at end March 2021 Jobs Creation Cashless Debit Card Australian parliament. And, so much more The podcast is approximately 35 minutes. So make a cuppa, sit back and relax whilst listening to a Federal Opposition MP give her thoughts on the current state of affairs for the nation. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/desley-casey/message

Reality Bytes Podcast Host, Desley Casey interviews Kathryn Wilkes from No Cashless Debit Card Australia - primarily on Australia's Prime Minister, Scott Morrison quote on disrespect. '“It all starts with disrespect. That's where it starts. I would argue not just disrespect towards women, disrespect full stop. We've got to be careful in our society that we don't allow the reservoir of respect to drain, and I fear it is,” Mr Morrison said.' (Federal government announces overhaul to Sex Discrimination Act, backs all 55 recommendations, SMH, 8/4/2021) Kathryn provided extensive knowledge, wisdom and a broad range of examples: not only on the issues surrounding this quote, but also on the disrespect shown to card holders of the Indue Card and Services Australia, a totally separate podcast was developed as a follow on to the Interview with Kathryn Part A and Part B. We pick up the discussion with Kathryn talking about Service Australia has on Australia's Young Adults. Kathryn also discusses: * Women and Domestic Violence * Societal Attitudes towards Women * Australian Parliament and Parliamentarians * And, so much more. (Please Note: Kathryn's feedback on the PM Quote has also been included in a Women's Response to the PM Quote on Disrespect podcast which will be available to listeners very shortly.) To obtain more information on the Cashless Debit Card check out the following FB pages: * https://www.facebook.com/notowelfarecard --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/desley-casey/message

Reality Bytes host Desley Casey continues the interview with Kathryn Wilkes, expert on the Australian Cashless Debit Card and Income Management Programme. Due to Kathryn's extensive knowledge and expertise this interview for the Reality Bytes Podcast is set out as Part A (approximately 1 hour, 8 minutes) and Part B (approximately 46 minutes). Kathryn is one of the founding members of the No Cashless Debit Card Australia group , She is a single DSP recipient and raised her daughter as a single mum. Part B includes: Further discussions on Australian politicians and the senate votes re the Cashless Debit Card More Impacts that ordinary, everyday Australians who are forced onto the Cashless Debit Card A discussion on various strategies people can undertake to be heard by our politicians Even the Queen gets a mention!!! And, so much more For more information check out the resources of: No Cashless Debit Card Australia at: https://www.facebook.com/notowelfarecard SN7 Resources Page at : https://www.facebook.com/groups/SN7Resources --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/desley-casey/message

Reality Bytes podcast host Desley Casey interviews Ms Kathryn Wilkes on the Australian Federal Government's income management scheme and the Cashless Debit Card which is implemented in 4 trial sites in Australia. Kathryn is one of the founding members of the No Cashless Debit Card Australia group , She is a single DSP recipient and raised her daughter as a single mum. This podcast is in 2 parts. Part A (approximately 1 hour 8 minutes) and Part B (approximately 46 minutes) due to the wealth of knowledge and expertise that Kathryn has in regards to the Cashless Debit Card. Part A includes: What the Cashless Debit Card is. The impacts of this card to on the every day lives of Centrelink Recipients who have been forced onto this Cashless Debit Card because they reside in the 4 trial sites areas. The impact to the local economies in these trial sites. And, so much more. For more information check out the resources section: SN7 at https://www.facebook.com/groups/SN7Resources To discuss the issues with a broad range of FB group users go to: No Cashless Debit Card Australia at https://www.facebook.com/notowelfarecard --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/desley-casey/message

Reality Bytes host Desley Casey interviews mature age Job Seeker, Ms Julie Collins. Julie Collins is currently on Job Seeker. She is a 56 years old, single mum with a mature age daughter. Julie shares her house with her fur family of 3 dogs. 1 who is noisy and hyperactive and 2 very chilled out dogs. In the podcast Julie gives her thoughts on: The increase in the Job Seeker base rate and what this means for Job Seekers Her lived experiences as being on the Job Seeker benefit. Her thoughts on the Cashless Card And, so much more. Please note: this interview is 56 minutes in length, so grab a cuppa, sit back, relax and have a listen to Julie's words of wisdom. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/desley-casey/message

Reality Bytes podcast host, Desley Casey interviews Mark Ptolemy from the Australian Workers Party. Mark has been active in politics all his life. Joining the Nuclear Disarmament Party in the early 1980s, he soon ended up as an activist for the Australian LaborParty. Having served in numerous capacities on a local branch level, Mark managed political campaigns and ran for Federal Parliament for the ALP in 2004. After several years as a member of Labor's administrative committee in NSW, Mark had a "Road To Damascus" moment where he realised he and Labor no longer shared the same values or ideals. Mark went on the co-form the Australian Workers Party with the view of giving working people an authentic political voice. In the podcast Mark provides his thoughts on: Job Seekers and the $50 raise in the base rate of the Job Seeker benefit. The Cashless Card Pensioners The 2 Major Political Parties How people can raise their voice to politicians. You can review the Australian Workers Party and its policies at http://australianworkersparty.org --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/desley-casey/message

Desley provides a quick update on whether defrosted bread can be refrozen. Also an update re the Job Seeker Bill being passed by both houses of Parliament. This update is primarily because Desley was speaking to a staff member of Nowra Community Store on a whole range of topics and refreezing already defrosted bread was mentioned and Desley promised to undertake a Dr Google search on this very issue. Please don't hesitate to contact me to ask your questions or provide comments and feedback. I'm more than happy to be corrected if I inadvertently give incorrect information. This is what this Podcast is all about. Not only giving a platform for people to raise their voice but also hopefully some helpful tips and strategies at the same time. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/desley-casey/message

Desley Casey discusses a wee bit about herself as the Reality Bytes Podcast Host and provides some initial thoughts on the federal govt. wanting to only raise the Job Seeker Rate by $50 per fortnight (which has now passed both houses of parliament). As a mature age job seeker herself she provides some hopefully helpful ideas and really slams the govt on this so called initiative. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/desley-casey/message

Hi My name is Desley and I am the owner of the podcast Reality Bytes. A podcast to discuss a broad range of social issues affecting Australians, from: Welfare Reform Women's Issues Health and Well-being Homelessness Environment And, so much more. So join me as we traverse over the Australian landscape to tap into the often ignored, most vulnerable people in Australian Society and people and organisations to support them. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/desley-casey/message