Page 13 - PR Mag Aug18

GET INVOLVED!
Moreton Bay Koala Rescue

During breeding season, which runs from approximately August to December,
Moreton Bay Koala Rescue volunteers can attend up to ten calls per day for koalas needing help.

Unfortunately, there are many situations which may leave koalas in a spot of bother. Attempting to cross a road can be particularly
hazardous, or they may find themselves in trouble with dogs in suburban backyards. Many koalas get sick when stressed. Chlamydia
is also a serious issue in koalas and will often present as conjunctivitis (red, crusty eyes) or cystitis (dirty bum).
If you see a koala sitting on the ground, please call the Moreton Bay Koala Rescue hotline – as that is an indication that the koala is sick.
Treatment is possible, if it can be started at the early stages of the disease.
Once a rescue has been performed, the koala is taken to one of the wildlife hospitals where they will receive treatment.
The volunteers at Moreton Bay Koala Rescue would like for people to be mindful and slow down in areas where koalas live. Keeping
dogs in your yard, or bringing them inside can also assist with stopping the decline in the population.
Moreton Bay Koala Rescue are always looking for more rescuers. If that’s not your cup of tea, you can help in other ways, by
offering transportation of the koalas or helping with fundraising or administration duties.
If you would like to get involved please visit the website - www.moretonbaykoalarescue.org or come and have a talk to
the team at the Redcliffe Lifestyle Expo on Sunday, 5th August.
Moreton Bay Koala Rescue 24/7 hotline - 0401 080 333, provides a free service to the general public for help with sick,
injured and orphaned koalas.

Do Men Need Protection from

Domestic Violence Laws?

Domestic Violence (DV) is consistently reported to be at epidemic levels in today’s society and undoubtedly remains a problem predominantly
suffered by women at the hands of men*. In answer, Communities and Governments have justifiably united to promote a culture of zero tolerance
to DV and to enforce this with stronger DV laws however, in this drive to normalise zero tolerance, an alarming counter-culture is now on the rise.
Court applications for DV protection orders have increased dramatically however in some cases the DV allegations are as trivial as “he hogged
the TV remote”. In other cases, applicants are casting back years into history to drag up past events to justify present-day orders despite no
subsequent repeat incident. Worse still are cases where a DV order is sought because the person feels “harassed” by her ex-partner saying he will
hire a lawyer and take her to court to press for a better deal over property or children’s issues. In short there is a growing trend of women
using DV laws as a form of weapon to gain leverage against their male ex-partners.
Even when the evidence in favour of a DV order is very weak, a zero tolerance environment stacks the odds against any
man who dares to defend his innocence and, with the costs of hiring a lawyer to assist with that defence running on
average between $2,500 and $12,000, most men understandably give up and consent to an order being made against them.
Whilst a DV order is not a criminal conviction, it inevitably carries a stigma even though orders on a non-admission
basis are available. Beyond this, DV orders typically restrict freedoms of movement/communication by, for
example prohibiting coming within 100 meters of the victim in a public place and, where children are involved,
“ There is a growing trend of women using DV laws as a form of weapon “

prohibiting contact unless first authorised by a court order or written consent from the victim/parent.
The affected parent (typically the father) will therefore be forced to either succumb to the mother’s
terms or go the hard-way round and spend many weeks/months pushing through the legal system
of mediation and courts before he can again see his children. Domestic violence against women is a
very serious problem however. In solving this problem there must also be built in some protection
for the men/fathers who are, in increasing numbers, themselves becoming victims of the system.
*1 in 6 women are reported to have been victims of domestic violence compared to only 1 in 17 men.
Michael Zande is a Queensland Law Society accredited family law specialist with over 25 years
experience in the field. He is the principal at Zande Law Solicitors, Suite 7, Norwinn Centre, 15
Discovery Dr, North Lakes. To contact Michael for advice, phone 3385 0999.
The information in this article is merely a guide and is not a full explanation of the law. This firm cannot take
responsibility for any action readers take based on this information. When making decisions that could
affect your legal rights, please contact us for professional advice.

August 2018 www.pineriversqld.com.au 13