In a report released today by the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) – The poverty situation in Australia is looking very bleak. The Australia Fair report compares Australia amongst 18 other OECD countries Dr John Falzon, CEO for St Vincent De Paul’s National Council talks about about the report. He first explains the system used to measure poverty.

Healthy Skepticism Inc is an international organisation who target misleading advertising of drugs. Lately, they’ve put attention on not-for-profit health organisations receiving sponsorship from pharmaceutical companies. The latest health advocacy group they’ve pointed the finger at is Kidney Health Australia, who have put the call out on their website for corporations to join “partnerships” tailored to suit their organisational and industry objectives. Among the sponsors of Kidney Health Australia is Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche, who produce drugs which treat side effects of Kidney diease. The Wire’s Juliette Robinson spoke to Healthy Skepticism’s Dr Peter Mansfield, on the questionable relationship between corporate sponsors and health advocacy groups.

Channel Seven paid $3,000 in exchange for the medical records of two AFL players who had tested positive for drugs. Shortly after the story went to air, a court injunction prevented any more media outlets publishing or broadcasting information about the club or the players in question. However, the damage was already done and the AFL Players Association responded quickly, with all players refusing to comment to Channel Seven media. Adelaide Crows player, Martin Mattner, defends the Player’s Association response, while RMIT Journalism Lecturer Brian Abbott says the public has a right to know about the issue of drugs in sport.

In the lead up to the federal election many new political parties are promoting candidates. The Liberty and Democracy party are contesting a federal election for the first time promoting increased civil liberties. Their President David McAlary spoke to John O’Shea about the parties funding and polices.

From arthritis to sports injuries, many indigenous people find a natural remedy for every ailment. This is why many of them in remote communities are trying to set up businesses where they can grow the ingredients for their naturopathic medicines, and sell them nation-wide. However, like most business-owners, they are struggling with bureaucratic obstacles and financial strains. Deborah Fernando is an assistant research officer with the University of South Australia. She’s also a Koori woman who’s helping indigenous people set up their natural health businesses around Ceduna in South Australia. She explained to the Wire what her role is with UniSA and Desert Knowledge, working in Ceduna.