The ECHELON Trail: An Illegal Vision

This article tells the story behind the uncovering of the US operated global telecommunications interceptions system now known as ECHELON. It begins with the use of fieldwork techniques in the early 1970's exploring the configuration of Britain's Post Office Towers – these were ostensibly the microwave links through which Britain's long distance telephone calls were made. This modelling process revealed a system within the system of microwave towers linked to the American Base of Menwith Hill in the North York Moors. All the key researchers were then promptly arrested, a raid by Special Branch on the author's university at Lancaster ensued and later a show trail for the other main researchers, most notably Duncan Campbell. Eventually in 1988, Duncan wrote up the ECHELON story, which for its time was an incredible piece of detective work using materials lifted from waste bins by the women activists campaigning around the Menwith Hill Base. Little notice was taken until 1997 when an obscure book by Nicky Hager, Secret Power explained the role and function of ECHELON in more depth. The author represented these findings in a policy report to the European Parliament on the technology of political control that led to a process of political debate and disagreement of the ethics of such a system which continues even today

Riding On The Success Of Brand Australia: A Preliminary Analysis of Queensland Wines And Wine Regions

The Australian wine industry has achieved remarkable success during the last three decades. A key to this success has been the establishment of "Wine Brand Australia". While the majority of this success has been achieved by wineries located in South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australia, over the last decade the Queensland wine industry has experienced greater percentage of growth than the national average in terms of the number of producers, tonnage crushed and the value of exports – admittedly from a very low base (0.2% of wine grape production in 2000). The aim of the paper is to gain a better understanding of the marketing strategies and regional factors that have aided the Queensland wineries and wine regions in achieving success. The results are based on a survey of the industry and an analysis of published data. In addition, a number of targeted interviews were undertaken with industry leaders in Queensland. The finding of the study highlight the importance of destination branding in sustaining the growth and vitality of the Queensland wine industry and the need to focus on promoting wineries in Queensland as being in the tourism/service industry rather than in wine making

What is Sound?

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Enduring Advantage of Settlement Houses

Examines the distinctive practice the settlement house model has generated and illustrates how this practice creates a settlement house advantage that is worthy of attention. The first part of this report describes the principles that frame settlement house practice and the second part illustrates the value of this practice in settlement house programs for disconnected youth and immigrant families

Rethinking Disability in the Private Sector: Report from the Panel on Labour Market Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities

In July 2012, the Government of Canada appointed a panel to consult with private sector employers, as well as other organizations and individuals, on the labour market participation of people with disabilities. The panel members were asked to identify successes and best practices in the employment of people with disabilities, as well as the barriers faced by employers, and to report on their findings. In-person and telephone consultations were conducted with almost 70 employers, and feedback was received from approximately 130 online submissions. Responses came from organizations of all sizes across the country and in a broad range of industry sectors. Findings were shared anonymously with a number of national non-profit organizations and business associations to determine if they resonated with other stakeholders. While the consultations were the main focus of the panel’s efforts, research was also conducted into the business case associated with hiring people with disabilities in Canada and other jurisdictions. This report is directed at Canadian private sector employers, and offers the following findings: Many companies are doing great things, but more education and training are needed (see “Employers speak”). While most of the companies we heard from showed a genuine desire to hire people with disabilities, education and training are required to overcome barriers, dispel myths and put theory into practice. As the examples of forward-thinking Canadian companies and their best practices testify, there is significant experience available on which to build. Hiring people with disabilities is good for business. (see “Understanding the business case”). We heard this from senior and experienced business leaders who recognize the value of an inclusive work environment. Although mainly intuitive, their beliefs are supported by the performance of corporate diversity leaders on the capital markets, as well as data on employee retention and productivity. It is noteworthy that in 57 percent of cases, no workplace accommodation is required for people with disabilities. In the 37 percent of cases reporting a one-time cost to accommodate an employee with a disability, the average amount spent is $500. The keys to success are leadership and effective community partnerships (see “Making it work for you”). To increase employment among people with disabilities and access the related benefits, tone from the top and the actions of leaders are imperative. Also critical is identifying community partners who fully understand the business’s talent needs and are committed to customer service. To help organizations begin the process of engaging and employing talented people with disabilities, this section also includes a list of initiatives called “Getting started.