Smart Australian entrepreneurs are heading to Colombia and Mexico

Craig Dempsey
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Smart Australian entrepreneurs are heading to Colombia and Mexico

History isn’t as important in today’s dynamic and ever-changing business landscape as it was previously. Right now, it’s all about the future.  It’s often not about where you’ve come from, but more about where you’re going. Times are changing; the way we do business is very different to how it was done 10 or 20 years ago. Start-ups, as well as small and medium sized businesses are the future, so embracing them sooner rather than later could present more opportunities. Start-ups are competing on the global stage with large, more established corporations, and are often coming out on top. Put simply, there has never been a better time to be an entrepreneur than right now.

In developed markets like Australia, entrepreneurship is not an unfamiliar concept, with start-ups like Afterpay, Campaign Monitor and The Iconic becoming hugely successful.

Let’s face it, Australia has its perks. Firstly, Australia is one of the safest places globally to invest and to operate. Being a politically and economically stable country, combined with having a skilled and knowledgeable workforce and high productivity levels, means Australia is an attractive market. It’s the 13th largest economy in the world, despite only having 0.32% of the world’s population, with a GDP of over $1 trillion.

Why are Australian entrepreneurs heading to Latin America?

You may or may not be aware, but Latin America is expanding at a rapid rate, containing some of the world’s largest economies like Mexico, Chile, Argentina, Colombia and Peru. To say it plainly, Latin America is booming.

Over the last decade, Latin America has been developing in leaps and bounds. Governments throughout the region have been doing everything within their power to make trading in their countries easier for foreign entities. Currently, local legislation tends to favour foreign investment more and more.

Recent political stability in countries like Colombia, a soon to be powerhouse in the region and the fourth largest economy in Latin America, is making this market more attractive to foreign businesses. In fact, entrepreneurs are changing the face of Colombia and other markets around the region, regardless of where they originate from.

Colombia

Young man sitting and writing
Millennials are taking over entrepreneurship. Photo: StartupStockPhotos, Pixabay

Colombia is a manufacturing and production hub with industries like textiles, agriculture, and oil. Not only does it have policies that favour foreign investment, with ease of entry (you can go from entering the country to selling your goods and services in a matter of weeks), but it also has low labour costs, high-quality raw materials and a strong local economy. Organisations are able to produce superior goods, which they can export to the world, at a fraction of the cost when compared to businesses operating in more developed countries like Australia. Operating in a more developed economy means you will likely encounter heftier overhead costs.

Global expansion is not out of reach in today’s world; many entrepreneurs are going down this path. And in doing so, entrepreneurs are looking for untapped markets where they can make an impact. Having a head start and growing brand loyalty before your competition will give you a strong advantage in a market like Colombia. Building consumer trust at an early stage ensures that you have a strong base when competitors enter the market.

And some of these budding entrepreneurs are starting young, meaning the age of the millennial is in full swing. Young entrepreneurs have truly millennial traits, they’re adaptable, innovative and adventurous; they’re definitely not afraid to take risks. Age is no longer a factor that determines success, many entrepreneurs will begin their first start up in university or in their early twenties, it’s not guaranteed to be a success but there’s a large chance that it will be successful in such a lively market like Latin America.

Mexico

Man working in poor conditions
Poverty in Mexico has been steadily decreasing. Photo: RIGOYRBK, Pixabay

With a growing middle class, lowering levels of poverty, and a need for innovative solutions to the population’s problems, entrepreneurs have the potential to grow their business at exponential rates. With markets like Mexico in the mix, the sky is the limit.

Mexico’s market is equal in size to all the Western European countries combined, having the second largest economy in Latin America and the fifteenth largest in the world. Tens of thousands of companies launch start-ups in the country every year, serving a population of 120+ million people.

Predictions by some analysts forecast that Mexico may boast one of the highest GDP per capita rates in the world by 2050. This would make it the world’s eighth largest economy. For companies like ecommerce businesses trading in Mexico, this makes sense; it’s low-risk and opens your business up to an ever-expanding market. Mexican consumers are steadily becoming more tech savvy, with nearly 90% now accessing the internet from their smartphones, as well as using online shopping sites to purchase products.

Starting a business in Mexico can have its challenges, like with other countries within the region. Language, cultural and different business practices all present hurdles to businesses wanting to start their operations in the region. But if you do your homework, engage a local partner and embrace the cultural differences, your business has the potential to reach the next level.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a relatively unexplored, rapidly growing market that offers a world of possibilities, then starting a business in Latin America is certainly the way to go. Australian start ups will be given every opportunity to succeed. Operating within Latin America could a fantastic idea for those that want to expand their businesses onto a global stage. Less red tape, more policy support and strong local economies are all factors that will add to your company’s success.

Scott Morrison confirms foreign state hacked Parliament servers

Christian Woods
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Scott Morrison confirms foreign state hacked Parliament servers

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has confirmed suspicions that a foreign government carried out a recent cyber-attack on parliamentary computer servers.

He said that investigators believed “that a sophisticated state actor is responsible” and that the Government has “put in place a number of measures to ensure the integrity of our electoral system.”

However, the Prime Minister stressed that an investigation has not uncovered any evidence of interference in electoral processes.

A Liberal Party spokesperson said that they were “working closely” with cybersecurity agencies regarding the breach.

Alistair MacGibbon, Australia’s chief adviser on cyber security, has said that it is still too early to know what information has been compromised by the hack.

However, Mr MacGibbon said that the “sophistication of their methodology” meant that there were “a limited number of countries” that could have been responsible but that the Government had “low confidence” in laying blame on any particular nation.

He said that the decision to go public with news of the breach before all information was known was a good step for the purposes of “risk management”.

Parliament members and their support staff lost access to email accounts, with security agents resetting passwords as a precaution shortly after the attack was detected.

There is a strong suspicion that China was behind the attack as the nation has been blamed for previous cyber-attacks in Australia.

Melbourne Stars fall short in Big Bash final after horror collapse

Christian Woods
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Melbourne Stars fall short in Big Bash final after horror collapse

The Melbourne Stars have capitulated in the final of the 2019 Big Bash League, falling 12 runs short in response to the target set by the Renegades of 145. The Stars required only 55 runs off 43 balls with no wickets lost and appeared to be cruising towards their first BBL title. Then horror struck.

Amazingly, the Stars lost 7-19 in one of cricket’s greatest chokes, as the trophy slipped through their fingertips. Over 40 000 people turned out to watch the BBL final at Marvel Stadium, an eager crowd ready to see the first Melbourne derby final.

Poor start for the Renegades

While the Stars started in emphatic fashion, the Renegades were the complete opposite. The Renegades were 5-75 and were in danger of being skittled for less than 100. However, a match-defining partnership between Tom Cooper and Dan Christian ensured the Renegades posted something defendable. Aaron Finch can consider himself unlucky, after he was run out by Jackson Bird from a miraculous deflection at the non-striker’s end.

Stars begin to panic

Set 145 to win their first BBL title, the Stars appeared on track, with openers Ben Dunk and in form all-rounder, Marcus Stoinis, putting on a 90+ run stand. Dunk recorded a timely fifty (57) and with plenty of batting depth in the sheds, the Stars looked home.

However, complacency and a lack of match awareness gave way to sheer panic. Indeed, Maxwell, Nic Maddinson, Peter Handscomb and Dwayne Bravo all fell in quick succession, giving the Renegades a chance at a miraculous win. Maxwell falling for just 1 was crucial, given his recent BBL form. After the Stars’ horrendous collapse, the Renegades had the match won, with the Stars requiring almost 30 runs off the last over and no recognised batsman at the crease.

Maxwell points the finger

Shattered Melbourne Stars’ skipper, Glenn Maxwell, has refused to acknowledge that the Stars’ choked during the latter stages of the match. Extraordinarily, Maxwell has suggested that openers, Dunk and Stoinis, needed to ‘break the Renegades’ in the earlier stages, despite putting on almost a 100-run stand. Maxwell won’t have much time to dwell on the heartbreaking loss, as he flies out with the ODI squad for the upcoming series against India.

Kevin Rudd criticised by Prime Minister of Tuvalu for “imperial” proposal

Christian Woods
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Kevin Rudd criticised by Prime Minister of Tuvalu for “imperial” proposal

Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s proposal to trade Australian citizenship for the sea-based resources of island nations threatened by climate change has been slammed as “imperial thinking” by the Prime Minister of Tuvalu, Enele Sopoaga.

Mr Rudd made the suggestion in an essay he published recently. More specifically, the proposal was for the Pacific nations of Nauru, Tuvalu and Kiribati to exchange control of their fisheries, economic zones and seas in exchange for Australian citizenship.

In the essay, Mr Rudd wrote that “Australia would also become responsible for the relocation over time of the exposed populations of these countries” after which “they would enjoy the full rights of Australian citizens,”

However, Mr Sopoaga has slammed the proposal as neo-colonialist idea which would cause Pacific nations to give up their sovereignty.

He said that his nation would “not be subjugated under some sort of colonial mentor;” and that Tuvalu was a “fully independent country,”

Mr Sopoaga also drew attention to the fact that coal was Australia’s move valuable overseas trade commodity and that there is a disconnect between efforts to reduce climate change and prepare for its effects. As an alternative to Mr Rudd’s plan, he suggested that Pacific nations form a coalition similar to the European Union that was focused on “cooperation and integration”.

Mr Rudd has said that rising sea levels as a result of climate change will force the populations of these island nations to relocate and that “Australia would face international pressure to provide a safe haven to our Pacific neighbours anyway,”

Promising signs but work still needs to be done for Australian Super teams

Christian Woods
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Promising signs but work still needs to be done for Australian Super teams

Over the weekend the Brumbies went down to the Rebels in Canberra, while the Waratahs lost a heartbreaker against the Hurricanes at Brookvale Oval. Both matches were encouraging for Australian rugby, with all three teams having positives to take out, but there are also a lot of things to be worked on. The good news is that the weaknesses differed from team to team.

On Friday night the Australian Super Rugby season kicked off in Canberra, in front of a disappointingly small crowd. The match marked the return of Quade Cooper to top level rugby and he lived up to the hype, steering the team around well and renewing his old combination with halfback Will Genia.

The game was a classic match up between backline flair and forwards power that turned into a surprisingly high scoring affair, the Rebels coming out on top 5 tries to 4. All four Brumbies tries were scored by tight forwards, and they dominated the set piece, but were unable to match the Rebels in open field play.

The highlight for the Rebels was their backline and back row, which enabled them to run riot with the ball in hand. Apart from Cooper and Genia rekindling their combination, Isi Naisarani was very impressive at number 8 and had a great game against his old club. For the Brumbies the highlight was their set piece, winning all of their own ball and bullying the Rebels pack on their own feed.

The Waratahs had a one-point loss (20-19) to the Hurricanes at a packed-out Brookvale Oval. In a (surprisingly) much more dour game between two of last year’s best attacking teams both sides struggled to gain some fluency in attack, while their respective defences were rock solid. This can probably be put down to both sides being stacked full of Wallabies and All Blacks, who all missed the preseason games for their respective clubs.

The NSW forward pack struggled, which made it difficult for the backline to fire. Inside centre Karmichael Hunt had a great debut in the sky-blue jersey, and Israel Folau was always threatening. The set piece, however, was inconsistent, with scrum penalties gifting the Hurricanes their second try and 3 lineout wins against the throw set against a loss and a throw pulled up for being not straight.

The Tahs had a chance to snatch a win at the death, with Bernard Foley (who kicked 14 points for the match) missing a critical penalty with a minute to go. The side then marched from their own 5 metre line into the Hurricanes half after the siren, but lost a lineout to hand the visitors a win.

Aiy Pittman explains the potential applications of NU maths

Christian Woods
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Aiy Pittman explains the potential applications of NU maths

Aiy Pittman is a mathematician who has founded Indigenous Aesthetics Mathematics & Linguistics Inc., also known as NU Maths. He is currently seeking funding at www.gofundme.com/mathematics-iaml-inc to further study NU Maths, and try to get textbooks written that will help to explain it to others. Aiy believes that his discoveries can revolutionise high level mathematics and physics.

Aiy what is your background in Mathematics?

My first mathematical influence was my father who was a map maker. During my childhood I remember my father always had a pen and paper in his hand, making mathematical calculations. I am a Native American from the Kolomoki tribe, and I spent a lot of time learning from the teachings of the elders.

At a young age I learned that numbers were important to our way of life as it relates to nature. We used mathematics in our ceremonial rites and rituals. Through the years I grew very passionate about math as I could see the majesty in the beauty of all things.

Mathematics became the sincerest expression of truth. I have studied mathematics all of my life, including into adulthood. I became a self-taught mathematician. For the past 27 years I’ve dedicated a great amount of time concentrating on solutions to the worlds unsolved math problems. In my search for solutions I discovered NU maths.

What is NU Maths?

NU Maths is a new mathematical language known as Indigenous Aesthetics Mathematics and Linguistics.

Indigenous because my knowledge of this mathematics stems from the way the elders from my tribe taught me to count as a child. I learned to count from zero as opposed to starting from the Number one. Aesthetics because NU Maths creates a pattern that is perfectly symmetrical and aesthetically beautiful just like everything else in nature. Mathematics because it is the Universal language in existence. Linguistics because this is the law that we follow to communicate ideas.

NU Maths explains the process of the quantum field and allows the mind to expand with tetrahedral capabilities. We call it “thinking outside the Orb and beyond the box”. This allows humanity to explore the quantum world, or more precisely when you comprehend the way our NU numbers operate you will be able to see the correlation between the traditional number line and our original number line. Our new number NU (i) is the origin of all existing numbers. This brings an entirely new perspective to the world of science and mathematics.

What problems can be solved through your mathematical studies?

My mathematical studies have led me to solutions to unsolved problems in mathematics and to unresolved paradoxes in real life with real world applications and utilizations. One problem is defining division by zero, as an answer to this question will lead to calculator and computer errors being corrected, as well as human and technology limit expansion.

In other words NU Maths will update and upgrade existing calculators and computers, in turn updating and upgrading humans and other technology. This is important because it will allow for new advancements and discoveries. NU maths will take the scientific and physics community to whole new level of understanding the planet and the universe.

What are you proposing to study now? 

What I am proposing to study is the implications of NU Maths as it pertains to quantum particles.

With the necessary grant funding we can hire a team of qualified mathematicians, physicists and scientists. We will need to engineer new scientific instruments that can help us examine the implications of the existence of new particles.

The new programming must be introduced into computers so that monitoring devices can be created to detect smaller units of matter. This will then allow further examination of the quantum field by using the formulas of NU maths. We anticipate that further research into the quantum field can lead us to answers of the origins of life and the universe as well as help scientists find cures to human illnesses.

Why do you need to hire a professional grant writer?

The NSF, National Science Foundation, is the largest funding source for research grants and contracts. This is my very first application for funding. I am applying as an individual researcher.

I recently established our corporation for Mathematical Research of NU Maths “Indigenous Aesthetics Mathematics & Linguistics Inc.” My wife, children and I are the only employees right now as we are in the start-up stages. We are planning to hire field professionals to expand our studies of the Mathematical research into the quantum field.

Our company seeks support from the public to fund the work of a professional grant writer to prepare the grant proposal presentation process. The grant writer will complete a flawlessly written proposal which will thereby be submitted to be reviewed by qualified NSF Mathematicians.

Upon review and acceptance of the fulfilled requirements we anticipate being awarded a Mathematical research grant to continue the formation of Indigenous Aesthetics Mathematics & Linguistics Inc. for NU maths research.

If you can raise the funds you need, what will be your next step?

Our fundraising goal is $25,000. Once we have successfully raised the funds needed our grant writer will begin the process for submission of our grant proposal to the NSF. After our grant writer is payed the remaining funds raised will go towards legal trademarks and copyrights as well as production and publishing of intellectual materials.

We would also be publishing my NU Maths book in which I introduce NU Numbers, NU Number lines, NU solutions to world math problems and NU orders of operations. A graphic web designer will be needed to create an official website for Indigenous Aesthetics Mathematics & Linguistics Inc. as well as prepare PowerPoint presentations to be presented.

NU maths will be visiting schools for curricular consultations with teachers and students of all ages from K-college. It is our mission to expand NU maths for the upliftment of humanity and advancement of humanity.

Rating tables – the good, the bad and the ugly

Giorgi Mikhelidze
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Rating tables – the good, the bad and the ugly

Rating tables are some of the most important parts of a niche website. By a niche website, I mean everything that has to do with reviews and ratings. In most cases, the product or service being reviewed needs detailed explanation in written form, but some can handle just small icons and a little bit of text next to them.

However, there are usually problems concerning rating tables, especially when designing them. The designers have several questions to answer. Do they want the design to be straight to the point or do they want the readers to navigate through the article? In most cases, it’s best for the website owner, if the viewer stays on their website for as long as possible, therefore the most common rating tables are basically mazes, where you need to click your way through the information. But there are some exceptions.

Now let’s take a service which is very hard to review with just icons and a little bit of text. How would a UI/UX designer handle this fact? Do they make the reader click their way through the information or do they make it instantly accessible?

The word UX itself should already define the answer. User Experience needs to be immaculate. Once a viewer uses the website once, they shouldn’t dread coming back to it. The services we are going to look into today are Financial Service Providers, or Forex brokers if that’s what you want to call them.

The reason why they’re such a good example is that it is impossible to rate and review them based on some small icons and text. They require large articles dedicated to discussing all of their features like technical aspects, legal aspects and of course the Human Resources and attention to detail. Most websites that provide reviews for these companies host rating tables on their platforms, to help the viewers easily navigate to the company they need to find. But let’s look at some examples to see what makes a design good.

The good

As already mentioned, a good Rating table needs to accomplish 2 things. It needs to supply information to the viewer without them having to take extra steps (The viewer is able to find relevant info by just looking at the table) and it needs to keep the visitor engaged, meaning that even if they press the “Read more” button, it’s done out of curiosity rather than being forced to do it.

When looking at the ForexNewsNow rating table we can see exactly that. The companies are displayed with their names and logos which is simply a standard. However, they are also accompanied by icons and relevant information right next to them. It’s hard to understand what that information is, but for a person interested in a Forex broker it’s the most relevant. What the service costs, how long it has been active, what are the bonuses and what type of jurisdiction they follow.

Only after displaying the most crucial info, the website offers the viewer to continue reading the review. At this point the user is not forced into reading it, they have already gotten the most important information and can simply leave. This is UX, meaning that even if the viewer doesn’t stay too long on the website, they will at least return in the future.

The ugly

This may come across as shocking, but some of the most popular websites that feature reviews are the ones that have the worst Rating tables. The worst one I could find was Investing.com’s outdated model, where they display the least amount of information on the table.

The rating table consists of only Logos for the company, their very brief description and only 3 parts of the ever-so-important features. It is also disappointing to see that there isn’t even a rating system in place.

Therefore the user needs to actually access the article by clicking on the table and find out more through that. This isn’t the best way to handle UX as it creates an extra hassle for the user when it shouldn’t.

The bad

Another popular website for these types of rating tables is Investopedia, where people can find a lot of guides when starting their financial adventures. The rating tables on this website are comparably better than Investing as they have an actual rating attached. However, here too we find a lack of information from the website’s part.

The table only contains the rating of the service and a small description. Here too, the viewer is forced to click and access the whole article to get the whole value out of the review. Although it is better than no information, it still lacks in good UI/UX design and adds extra steps for the website visitor.

The bottom line

So what is the bottom line for Rating tables? Basically, it all comes down to UI/UX and the way you design your website pages.

There are exactly two ways to do it. Make it so that the visitor stays longer on your website, but is unlikely to return, or just make them stay on the website for less time, but be a constant visitor in the future. Having both slices of the cake at this point is quite hard for such websites. But to balance it out there are other niches they pursue.

Mobile app needs marketing but beware of the hazards

Rosina De Palma
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Mobile app needs marketing but beware of the hazards

If we look at the Play Store or App Store in our phone, we will be amazed with the number of applications that we see. Also, the number keeps increasing on a constant basis. In fact, it is believed that the App Store/Play Store is going to get bigger and bigger.

Now, in the store, you will find various companies offering the same kind of services or products. Therefore, if one company has to make sure that their app performs better than the other, they would have to put in some extra efforts. This is where the role of mobile application marketing comes into play.

What do we mean by app marketing?

Mobile app marketing is the use of appropriate marketing tactics to increase the visibility of the app and to boost the traffic. App marketing comprises of a plenty of different techniques which are used to increase the reach of the application.

App marketing contains various ‘App Store Optimization’ techniques, including search engine optimization as well. App marketing is similar to any other form of marketing techniques, and the aim is also similar, to attract more leads and to convert more leads.

However, it is a proven fact that app store marketing should start soon. As, users are always looking for interesting applications therefore, it is always recommended to start marketing your app as soon as it enters the store. Now, when it comes to marketing, various other channels are also important, like promoting on social media, website etc.

But, at the end of the day your key focus area should be promotion of your app in the store. As per some of the reports, it is believed that 40% of smartphone users will search for the apps that we want on the mobile app store. Now, the question arises, how to make sure that your app appears on top of the searches? Well, the answer is simple; through App Store Optimization.

You have to use the appropriate keywords optimize the title, subtitle and description etc., to make sure that your app appears on the top. But, what to do if things don’t work out?

Let’s have a look at the key areas to be careful of while promoting the app:

    • Don’t go over the board with optimization – One of the key areas to focus while marketing the app is being careful with optimization. Make sure you optimize every bit of your application. Starting from the short description to the full description, each element of your app should be optimized properly. Make sure you use high performing keywords in your descriptions, as that is only going to help you to get higher on the search page. But, at the same time, mobile app stores have word limits also. At the same time, it is important to use the specified volume of keywords only.

    • Be careful with Marketing automation – Marketing automation is an important element of app marketing. Starting from using Link Texting to steer high traffic via web or desktop to the app download pages to directing potential leads to the app’s download page using exit pop-ups on a site. There are various ways of using automation to promote the app. However, automation corresponds to a cost. Therefore, make sure you have prepared a plan before using these automation techniques in order to get good ROI.

    • Are you aware of the mobile ad frauds? – Mobile app marketing is on a high, but at the same time, the risk associated with it is also increasing. Now a days, fraudsters are using various techniques to take undue advantage from your app marketing campaigns. Starting from clicks through bolts or fake downloads, there are various ways by which fraudsters are harming your app marketing campaign. Therefore, make sure that you are using the right tools to protect your campaigns from any type of fraud. These days, there are various security measures which have to be implemented to safeguard yourself from mobile ad fraud.

Mobile app marketing is important. But, at the same time, it is also important to use the right techniques for marketing. Also, in order to get high Rate of Investment, it is important to protect your campaigns from frauds.

Thus, only a comprehensive plan with detailed steps to protect your app marketing initiatives will help you make your app more visible. So, make sure that you invest proper amount of time and resources to ensure that your mobile app development company gets the maximum attention.

Abortion laws in the different states and territories in Australia

Christian Woods
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Abortion laws in the different states and territories in Australia

Abortion laws around Australia differ radically, thanks to each state and territory having its own legislative body and legal code. In almost all states (with the exception of NSW) abortions are legal, although sometimes restricted. In NSW there are numerous exceptions to performing abortions being a crime, with the effect that the procedure is functionally accessible.

New South Wales

In New South Wales it is technically a crime to perform an abortion, although there are a number of exceptions. In essence, a woman can go to an abortion clinic like Clinic 66 and, if one of the doctors there can find a medical, social or economic reason that the woman’s health (including mental health) will be seriously impacted by pregnancy or having a child then an abortion can be performed.

The last time a doctor was successfully prosecuted for performing abortions was in 2006, and the penalty was a two-year good behaviour bond. In 2017 a woman was convicted and given a three-year good behaviour bond for taking abortion pills, although in this case the pregnancy was at an advanced stage (28 weeks) and the baby was actually born via emergency caesarean.

In NSW it is also illegal for anti-abortion protesters to be active within 150m of a clinic. This law was passed in July 2018, and is designed to help women who want or need to get an abortion to be able to obtain this service.

Victoria

In Victoria abortions are legal and accessible when the pregnancy is within the first 24 weeks, and allowed beyond this point if two doctors agree that the woman’s social, physical and psychological circumstances mean that terminating is the best option for her. Abortions in Victoria were decriminalised in 2008.

Similarly to NSW, it is illegal to protest within 150m of an abortion clinic in Victoria.

Queensland

Abortion was decriminalised in Queensland in December 2018, and it is legal for doctors to perform an abortion on request up until 22 weeks into the pregnancy. The laws are based on Victoria’s, and after 22 weeks two doctors need to sign off on the procedure. There are also safe access zones extending to 150m around clinics.

South Australia

South Australia was the first state to legalise non-emergency abortions, with 1969 legislation allowing terminations in order to protect the physical or mental health of the woman, both at the time they are visiting the doctor and in the future. The patient must be a resident of South Australia and the termination must be signed off on by two doctors, and performed in a hospital. The pregnancy cannot have progressed past 28 weeks. If these requirements are not met, the termination is illegal.

Abortion medical requirements
Photo: Megaflopp, Bigstock

Ironically for the state that legalised abortions the earliest, South Australia has the most restrictions on getting terminations – even in NSW, where it is technically a crime, only one doctor needs to sign off on the procedure.

Western Australia

In Western Australia abortion was decriminalised in and allowed upon request in 1998, up until 20 weeks. The woman getting the abortion, however, must undergo counselling from a medical practitioner who is not involved in the procedure – however this requirement is waived when the woman’s health (physical or mental) is threatened.

After 20 weeks two independent doctors must confirm that the foetus is likely to be born with severe medical issues. If the woman is aged under 16 then a parent or guardian must be notified before she undergoes the procedure, at any stage of the pregnancy.

Tasmania

Tasmania legalised abortions on request in 2013, although terminations subject to the same requirements as South Australia have been allowed since 2001. Before this, however, no one was prosecuted for terminating pregnancies. Now abortions are allowed up until 16 weeks on request, and afterwards if two doctors consent.

A 150m safe access zone around clinics is also protected by law.

Australian Capital Territory

The ACT tends to be Australia’s most liberal jurisdiction on most legal and social issues, and abortion is no exception. In 2002 abortion was completely decriminalised, and in 2004 the “Human Rights Act (ACT)” clarified that the right to life begins at birth, so in theory terminations are accessible upon request at any stage of the pregnancy, although finding a doctor to perform one at a very late stage could be difficult.

Protesting is banned within 50m of a clinic, and has been since 2015.

Northern Territory

In the NT abortion has been legal upon request (up to 24 weeks) since 2017. There is no requirement for parental notice or consent for those under 18 or 16, and early terminations are available with tablets. Safe access zones extend 150m around clinics.

What does this mean?

Women are essentially able to access abortions anywhere in Australia – the only differences are how many hoops they need to jump through first. In every state and territory other than NSW and SA terminations are legal upon request for at least the first 16 weeks of the pregnancy, although the time limit varies from state to state – and in the ACT there is no limit.

Abortion availability Australia
Photo: HannaKrupevich, Bigstock

An interesting trend is that, in general, the earlier a state has relaxed their legislation around access to terminations the more strict the requirements are now. In NSW, for example, where it is still technically a crime to perform the procedure, doctors have been allowed to consider social and economic factors in deciding if a termination is good for a woman’s health since 1995.

In Queensland a 21-year-old woman and her partner faced criminal charges in 2010 for obtaining and taking abortion drugs. The woman was about 60 days (8-9 weeks) pregnant, so the procedure was not a high risk one and the foetus was nowhere near becoming viable. Now, however, Queensland has some of the most permissive laws in the country on this issue (albeit since 2018).

The ACT is the clear exception to this trend, as this jurisdiction has by far the most permissive laws around pregnancy terminations, and has had them since 2002. The fact that many areas have very loose laws means that even if a woman can’t find a doctor to perform an abortion in states where it is technically criminal then it is easy to get to another state where they are available upon request.

How can accidents be reduced with AI self-driving cars

Amit Dua
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How can accidents be reduced with AI self-driving cars

According to the International Road Federation (IRF), road accidents contribute to the 10th largest reason for mortality across the globe. Also, it is the second most significant reason for the deaths. Isn’t that alarming? The cause for such a vast number of deaths due to accidents is no doubt a human error. In fact, 90% of the time accidents happen due to human mistakes. However, with the emergence of AI development companies, these road accidents have reduced to an extent.

In this context, a new report says that excluding human mistakes and emotions can reduce fatal accidents by a whopping 90%. And, this, in turn, can save around 300,000 lives per decade. In addition, it can also lead to savings worth US$190 billion per annum spent on the health and treatment of accident victims. That’s huge. Well, that’s the reason AI development companies are an all-time high. In fact, a study predicts that the sale of AI-driven cars will increase from a huge 230,000 in 2025 to a whopping 12 million by the end of 2035. Even India is nowhere behind when it comes to self-driving cars. A lot of machine learning companies in India have found its footing. All thanks to its ability to reduce accidents and make the roads safer.

So, are you willing to take the self-driving plunge? Want to invest in one such car? Well, wouldn’t it be great if you get a sneak-peek about how it functions and reduces accidents? Let’s get you updated. Take a look.

Impeccable combination of automated tools:

A well-crafted self-driving car is laced with a variety of radar sensors and laser scanners. These automated tools are also followed by a variety of cameras fixed in different positions for easy navigation. So, there’s no doubt that AI driven vehicles with such high-end tools can make driving smooth and safe.

Accident-proof brake system:

Apart from the above mentioned high-end tools, self-driving cars also have an automated brake system followed by an emergency brake assistance. In addition, it is also equipped with a system of blind spot detection with numerous rearview cameras.

Packed with warning systems:

From a collision warning and lane departure warning system for hands-free and active corner headlight system, an AI-driven car has it all. This, in turn, takes out the probability of an error and makes the whole driving process safe and accident-free.

All in all, these are few of the many ways that AI development companies are using to extract the benefits of machine learning in cars. So, if you too want to jump on this bandwagon, it’s high time you do it. Get yourself free from the stress of driving. After all, it’s the era of technology. So, why not let the machines do all the work?

To put it in other words, machine learning doesn’t require any human intervention. Moreover, we as humans get distracted easily. Most of the time while driving, our attention shifts to something or the other. And, this is when accidents happen. However, this is not the case with AI-driven cars. It doesn’t get distracted. Not only it is designed to make adjustments quickly, but it also avoids collisions due to the other driver’s bad timing and slow reaction.

By now, you must have started searching for a well-equipped self-driven car, haven’t you? Excited to put your hands on one such car? Well, let’s take your excitement to another level. Do you know there are a lot of other benefits too of AI-driven cars? Yes, you heard that right. It doesn’t just make roads safer for you. In fact, it offers you a lot more than that. Here’s how.

Optimum fuel consumption:

Since autonomous car work through software, fuel consumption is 60% lesser than that of traditional vehicles. This is a great way of reducing emissions and making the environment green.

Time management:

With technology-driven cars, the time while commuting reduces to a great extent. This happens because of the ability of these cars to monitor minute of traffic details and navigate maps. All these features help it find the fastest route possible and makes the journey fast and smoothly.

Reduces the issue of parking:

Do you know AI-driven cars can reduce the use of parking space by 15%? Imagine how convenient it will make the whole parking system. While the traditional vehicles are parked with space for the driver to get out, this is not the case with autonomous cars. It doesn’t have any driver. So, it can be parked with lesser space and more convenience.

To summarize, AI-driven cars are the future of the automobile industry. It doesn’t only facilitate vehicle safety, but also makes the whole driving process smart. Error-free, smooth and seamless – that’s what self-driving cars are meant to make your journey.

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