National Wrap: April

Family before work says Brain

Following the release of a Relationships Forum Australia report showing a connection between longer and varied working hours and family breakdown, the Anglican Bishop of Armidale, Peter Brain has called for action to support families, reports the ABC.

Bishop Brain criticised the Commonwealth’s WorkChoices industrial relations policy two years ago, forecasting its harm for families. He told the ABC that federal government and big business can act to protect family values.

“It can be turned around with a stroke of a pen. Politicians can give an example by not holding interviews on Sundays [and] saying this isn’t good for ordinary people,” he says.

“I’ve met people in Armidale thinking about going into the new Woolworths venture, but they have to sign up and open on Sunday and that’s an enormous pressure put on them. That can be turned around I believe.”

Bush ministry finds its man

The Rev Michael Stuart will take up a new appointment in Sydney with the Bush Church Aid Society as Development Officer under the direction of the National Director, Brian Roberts. He will conclude his five-year ministry in the parish of Carnarvon in the Diocese of North West Australia on March 25. He will be joined by his wife Alison and children William and Elliott.

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