What we learned today – Monday 3 October
And that is the end of my labour on this day. Thanks everyone for being here – whether you had a public holiday or not. Here are some highlights:
The families of Australians held in Syrian detention camps have reacted to the news that the government plans on a rescue mission.
Optus has revealed more details of the data breach.
Our environment team is tracking Australia’s progress on reaching emissions reduction targets.
Australians are not all that keen on the stage three tax cuts that the federal government insists (for now) will go ahead. (The UK government has just crumbled on its version).
Heavy rain and flash flooding is set to hit much of Australia.
Lots of people want to talk about daylight saving, from First Dog to the Brisbane mayor. And Nick Evershed is performing wonders as our very own sundial.
Football Australia is taking disciplinary action against fans who sang fascist songs and performed fascist salutes.
We’ll be back in full swing in the morning!
Updated
50,000 Australians needed to donate lifesaving blood plasma
AAP reports about 5,000 Australians receive a plasma infusion or are treated with medicines made from plasma each day.
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood’s Stuart Chesneau said the early diagnosis of serious medical conditions like cancer and improved care was behind the growing need for plasma.
Early diagnosis has really driven up a lot of demand. It has gone up between seven and 10 per cent every year for the last decade. We’ve got the highest voluntary rate of plasma donation in the world per capita, but still the demand for those products continue to rise.
Chesneau said rules on who can donate plasma were not as strict as those for donating blood.
“If you got a tattoo today, you can donate plasma tomorrow. There is no delay at all,” he said.
Anyone unsure about whether they can give blood products can check their eligibility on the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood website.
Updated
