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BtN: Episode 10 Transcripts
04/05/10
On this week's Behind the News:

A big delay for Australian action on climate change.

The special dogs helping kids with autism.

And we look at all those footy injuries, what's going wrong?
Hi I'm Nathan Bazley welcome to Behind the News.
Also in today's show we'll look at the current problems in Thailand.
ETS Shelved
Reporter: Nathan Bazley
INTRO: If you watched BTN last year, you would have heard a lot about the
government's plan for an Emissions Trading Scheme.
It's designed to combat global warming.
The Prime Minister tried to push it through but the opposition parties rejected it
they wanted different schemes.
Well now it seems Kevin Rudd has pretty much shelved the idea announcing he is
delaying it for at least three years.
Why the back-flip? Well as with many things in the world of politics there's more at
play than just the environment.
The politics of climate change can be pretty confusing.
All last year you would have heard the government saying things like this.
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KEVIN RUDD, PRIME MINISTER: Climate change is the great moral challenge of
our generation.
PENNY WONG, CLIMATE CHANGE MINISTER: The fact is, the longer we delay our
response to climate change, the harder our job will become and the more it will cost.
We cannot run and we cannot hide.
KEVIN RUDD: To delay any longer would be reckless and irresponsible for our
economy and for our environment.
The message seems clear they wanted us to do something big and they wanted it
done right now.
But now he's singing a very different tune.
KEVIN RUDD: The implementation of a carbon pollution reduction scheme in
Australia will therefore be extended until after the conclusion of the current Kyoto
commitment period, which finishes at the end of 2012.
That's at least three years before any action is taken on the issue of climate change
which is exactly the OPPOSITE of what the Prime Minister was calling for last year.
Like I said politics can be a confusing business!
But before we investigate the sudden change, let's recap what it is the PM's arguing
with himself about.
The emissions trading scheme was a big plan to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide
polluting our atmosphere.
Some companies produce a lot, others only make a bit. But what would happen if the
council took away one of the bins.
GIRL 1: I can't fit all my rubbish in!
GIRL 2: I've got heaps of room.
So they could either make less rubbish or buy some bin space from their neighbour.
That's what emissions trading is all about.
The government planned to set a limit on how much Carbon Dioxide can be
produced, just like taking a bin away.
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Then if companies make too much, they have to pay, or trade, things called carbon
credits with other companies that have reduced their emissions.
Overall it was meant to make polluting too expensive and therefore encourage
companies to clean up their acts!
It was all meant to be happening ASAP as soon as possible so what's gone wrong?
TONY ABBOTT, OPPOSITION LEADER: Why has he run away from what he said
was the greatest moral challenge of our time?
Well the Opposition has kept voting against the scheme - but is there another reason
for the Government to put its big plan on ice?
Some commentators say it all comes down to one thing US.
Every year since 2006 an opinion poll has asked a group of Aussies whether they
think we should do something about climate change, even if it costs us a lot.
Back then around 68 percent said we should.
But fast forward to this year and support is down to 46 percent.
It seems action on climate change isn't as popular as it used to be.
Politicians are always careful to support things that are popular especially in an
election year like 2010.
There is another benefit for the Prime Minister in delaying the ETS too it'll mean he
saves a lot of money, money he's hoping to spend on more doctors and nurses.
And health spending is always pretty popular with voters.
Online Poll
Let's make that story this week's poll question in fact it's the same question that's
been asked of the adults.
Do you think we should do something about climate change, even if it costs us a lot?
To vote, head to our website.
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Thai Troubles
Reporter: Sarah Larsen
INTRO: Climate change has been an important debate in Australia though most
Australians generally don't get too worked up over politics.
But in some countries political arguments can disrupt everyone's life.
That's what's happening in Thailand at the moment.
Sarah takes a look at what's going on over there and why it's been such a big story.
SARAH LARSEN, REPORTER: Looking for a place to go on holidays? Thailand's a
pretty popular choice. It's here in South East Asia and every year thousands of
Aussies go there for the beaches, the awesome animals and the friendly locals. In fact
Thailand's often called the land of smiles. Tourism's really important for Thailand
but now the government here's advising people not to go.
KIDS: What? How come?
This is why. There have been violent protests on the streets of Bangkok, Thailand's
capital. More than 20 people have been killed and a few weeks ago a young Aussie
teacher was injured.
KID: What are they protesting about?
There are two sides that are pretty easy to recognise. One wears red and the other
wears yellow. The red shirts support this guy; Thaksin Shinawatra. He used to be the
prime minister of Thailand and he spent a fair bit of money on things like health and
education in the poorer country areas. That made him pretty popular with people
there. But Thaksin isn't poor. He's a rich businessman and his opponents said he was
using his position to make money for his family. So in September 2006 the Thai
military came and threw him out. Later a court found him guilty of corruption but
the red-shirts reckon the army had no right to remove an elected government. Ever
since then Thai politics have been a bit of a mess. There's a new PM - this guy - but
he wasn't elected by the people. The yellow shirts support him. They're mostly from
the city and they see the red-shirts as trouble makers. They wear yellow because
that's the colour of the Thai King and that's something that's important to all Thais;
rich or poor, red or yellow. Thailand had kings a long time before it had a
government but in 1932 it became a democracy. So now there's a royal as head of
state but the rules are made by the government and it's elected by the people.
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Australia has a similar system. We have the queen who's technically the boss but all
the decisions are made by the government which is elected by us. But there are a few
big differences. Here we can say what we like about the Queen. But Thailand's king is
treated almost like a god. You're not allowed to say anything bad about him.
REPORTER: And when you go to the movies everyone has to stand up and pay their
respects to the king. If you don't, you could go to jail!
KID: So what's all that go to do with my holiday?
Well one of the reasons people are so worried about these protests is that the king is
old and sick and in the past he's been able to break up political fights. Back in 1992
there was a similar conflict; with protests over a prime minister who was kicked out
and this is how it ended! The king made both sides bow at his feet and promise to
behave. But now the King isn't intervening. So it’s a nervous time for Thais, and for
holiday makers, waiting to see if peace returns to the land of smiles.
Autism Dogs
Reporter: Kirsty Bennett
INTRO: For nearly 100 years now guide dogs have been the eyes for blind or vision
impaired people.
But these pooches are proving that they can help people with all sorts of conditions.
In South Australia dogs are being taught to assist kids with a disorder called
autism.
Kirsty spoke with a family whose beloved canine has turned their lives around.
KIRSTY BENNETT, REPORTER: They're called man's best friend and you can see
why! This particular partnership has changed many people's lives. The dogs are
allowed to go everywhere with their masters but the next time you see one - it could
be in some quite different company.
Fremont has been living with Bhodi and his mum Coby for two years. Bhodi has
autism, which affects how people communicate and interact with others. You see,
some kids with autism can run off unexpectedly or can throw tantrums when they
become really stressed out. That behaviour can be tough for parents who always need
to keep an eye on them.
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COBY, BHODI'S MUM: Anyone that's come to our house can a-test for the front door
is like fort knox and we've got bolts and locks and now we don’t have to use any of
them because bhodi just doesn’t want to run away now he's got his dog there. so
everything like that even being in places like now I would normally have a death grip
on him but now I don’t worry because I know he won’t go far.
KIRSTY: That's because they have Fremont! He's one of three dogs in South
Australia which have been trained to help families with autistic kids. Fremont's job is
to ease his mum's workload and to be with Bhodi if he gets upset.
COBY, BHODI'S MUM: Fremont's been life changing in our family. We've gone from
having two really reserved kids that don’t get out socially to be able to go shopping
now go to the movies things we really couldn’t do beforehand.
KIRSTY: When Fremont steps outside in his jacket - it's work time. He's allowed to
go anywhere with Bhodi and that includes school! Coby keeps control over him by
using voice signals and the occasional snack! But Fremont isn't all about taking
instructions, he's also become Bhodi's playmate! Before Fremont was around, Bhodi
spoke about 30 words. Now he can't stop chatting about his beloved dog!
KIRSTY: Tell me about him, what does he do?
BHODI: Plays things and he can sleep with me.
KIRSTY: Does he sleep in your bed?
BHODI: No he sleeps in his bed. And I like to pat him!
COBY, BHODI'S MUM: He's just fabulous. He's a friend to the boys he's a
companion and he's the left hand man for me he takes a lot of worry out of everyday
life and you don’t have worry about them running away anymore and he helps them
with social skills which is great.
KIRSTY: The Guide Dogs crew were so impressed with Fremont's progress that
they've started up a program to train more dogs! Phoenix is one pooch that's getting
closer to graduation! It's a pretty big deal for the Guide Dogs team because it takes
up to 18 months and 25,000 bucks to train each dog!
TRACEY, GUIDE DOGS SA.NT INSTRUCTOR: We teach them sometimes how to
find a child they’ll often hide under a bed or in the wardrobe really difficult to get
them it’s a bit of a game but we teach them how to locate the kids.
KIRSTY: They're also taught skills like crossing roads and comforting people when
they're upset.
UPSOT TRACEY, GUIDE DOGS SA.NT INSTRUCTOR: You can see your reaction
instantly was like OH!
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KIRSTY: Such a relief!
TRACEY, GUIDE DOGS SA.NT INSTRUCTOR: And he's doing it and it does make
you stop everything else and concentrate on him so that's exactly what we are
wanting.
KIRSTY: Another skill is how to deal with autistic kids when they're outside.
Sometimes kids with autism can run off without any warning. So the dogs are taught
to act like an anchor. So if I run off Phoenix quickly stops me. For Bhodi, the days of
wearing a harness are over.
BHODI: Mum walks with him with a lead and I walk with him with the handle.
The Guide Dogs team is aiming to place 20 dogs like Fremont with families in South
Australia and the Northern Territory over the next three years.
Let's stay in the doggie world for a quiz.
Quiz 1
Which dog breed is considered by most experts to be the smartest in the world?
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Labrador
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Border Collie
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Poodle
Answer: Border Collie
In fact there's a border collie called Betsy who's able to recognise an amazing 340
words most dogs are flat out remembering 15.
Footy Injuries
Reporter: Sarah Larsen
INTRO: Now, if you're a footy fan you'll know how frustrating it can be when your
favourite players get injured.
Well think of how frustrating it must be for the players!
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They rely on their skills to make a living but they put their bodies though a lot and
sometimes that results in nasty injuries.
Sarah has a look at some particular mishaps that have taken out a few big names
this year.
SARAH LARSEN, REPORTER: They're at the top of their field; finely tuned athletes
with amazing strength and reflexes but in an instant it can all go wrong.
Football commentators: Eew, Yuck. I reckon he's done a hamstring.
This year some big name footy players have been taken out with hamstring injuries.
And overseas there's been a lot of talk about whether soccer legend David Beckham
will ever play again after he damaged his Achilles tendon.
REPORTER: So what's with all these strings and tendons. It seems like they go
without warning. How can you go from running along on a field to struggling to
walk?
To find out, I went to see someone who's made a living who treats professional sports
people.
REPORTER: So Jim, we hear a lot about these tendons and ligaments. What are
they?
JIM: Basically ligaments and tendons are made up of the same material collagen
they're like bits of thick rope that hold bones together and tendons hold muscles to
bones.
REPORTER: If you have a look at the back of your ankle you can see one of your
biggest tendons. It’s the Achilles - the rope that attaches your calf muscle to your heel
bone and lets you do things like this.
It’s named after a hero of Greek mythology, Achilles; star of quite a few sword and
sandal movies. He was supposedly a pretty tough warrior until an arrow through the
heel brought him down. In Beckham's case there was no arrow but the tendon broke
and he went down. It’s an injury that's more common in older people and it often
happens without warning. Beckham's has been surgically reattached but the Achilles
is very strong and very important so getting it back to normal can take a really long
time. Another injury that plagues footy players is the hamstring strain. Hamstrings
are the big muscles that go up your thighs. They're pretty strong and elastic but
professional footy players can sometimes work them too hard and tear the muscle or
the tendons that attach it to the bone.
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REPORTER: Is it painful?
JIM: It’s very painful. The athlete will probably go down and clutch their leg and
they'll know they'll have done some damage and it'll be sore for several days.
Usually hamstrings heal much quicker than bones or tendons. Most players are back
on the field in 4 to 6 weeks although a severe tear can take a lot longer. Of course all
sport people can get injuries. But lately some have been asking if recently if football
is too dangerous. Experts reckon all the codes have become faster. And in AFL there
are questions about the interchange rule. There are no limits on the amount of times
a coach can change players and this means the game doesn't slow down when players
get tired.
Luckily for you guys, kids are a lot less likely to be injured on the field. And while too
much sport can cause problems, not enough is even worse.
JIM: The thing that really weakens tendons at any age is not playing any sport at all
and not being physically active.
And if you look after your body now, who knows? One day it might be you flying high
for a premiership.
Snake Man
Reporter: Nathan Bazley
INTRO: Most of us would get a fair bit of a fright coming across a snake one day
but what about coming across one every day of your life?
Well that's the choice of John, better known in Sydney as 'The Snakeman of La
Perouse'
He's been doing snake shows for years just like his father before him.
But after heaps of close calls he's decided to call it a day.
And a warning, don't try this at home!
John Cann: that is one mother of a tiger snake, a beautiful big animal, bigger than
normal. The flattening of the neck the big wedge shape head, and you'll see at the
back of the head the venom glands have swollen up, he wants to bite.
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From the tail position, he can bite you anywhere he wants to nominate.
From nearly the day he was born snakes have been a part of john's life.
John Cann: there was nothing unusual about it because I come up with it always a
lot of snakes, and snake people was coming here all the time, so this was part of our
life right from the word go our house was always snakes.
This is no ordinary baby. It's the child of George Cann, and snake charming is in the
blood. Why, when they asked baby what Santa Claus should bring, she suggested a
nice rattler.
This wasn't john but his sister, Noreen.
But with a father like 'George Cann the Snake man' snakes were as much a part of the
family as a pet dog would be.
Under this iron are black snakes. George Cann, bitten 400 times in 20 years, is their
master. He handles them like a real master. They can't wriggle out of this.
And if George is their master then john is his deputy and his favourite servant
serpents are red belly black snakes. Red bellies are my favourite type of reptile,
there's no doubt about that.
And when you consider that they love eating browns and tiger snakes while they're in
your area, they're working to your advantage.
And there are some he's less a fan of.
John Cann: I'll take him and the lunatic down
Reporter : which one's the lunatic?
John Cann: he's up alongside your leg.
Open the door, and then if he does fly out on the floor you can get out.
Ooh, look out. I can see why you call him the lunatic. Hello. We have a win.
John Cann: they are a nasty snake. They are most certainly the most dangerous
snake in Australia. When he stands up, he'll make that figure "s" in his neck and he'll
make a strike with his mouth open.
And that's something his dad experienced a lot during his life as a snake showman,
George was bitten hundreds of times but he had become completely immune to the
venom.
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John Cann: he used to put the snakes, their heads in his mouth, but he stopped
doing that when a black snake bit him on the tongue.
Reporter: you were never tempted to do that?
John Cann: wouldn't dream of it.
But when his dad retired from the game john and his brother did take it up.
And now at 72 after a good many bites himself, john is finally hanging up the snake
rod for good.
Of course he'll have to find homes for all his pets although he says he'll keep a few of
his favourites.
But soon enough that will be the end of the Snakeman of la Perouse; Unless his kids
wanted to take it on?
Reporter: and your kids are not interested in taking it over?
John Cann: no, my kids are scared of blue tongue lizards.
Maybe not.
Quiz 2
And here's our final quiz for the day.
What is the world's deadliest snake?
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Death Adder
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Tiger
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Inland Taipan
Answer: Inland Taipan
The Inland Taipan is an Australian snake and just one bite produces enough venom
to kill 100 people.
So steer clear of them.
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Closer
And that's it for today's show!
We'll see you next time.
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