The ROSwall lets you ask any question at all, and we will do our best to find the answer.

The R.O.S. in ROSwall stands for 'Responses of Sunrise'.

Here is where you will find the answers.

 

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Send your questions to the ROSwall here

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Butter or Margarine? (7 Sept 09)

Dr John D'Arcy and nutritionist Matt O'Neil agree that overall, margarine is better for you.

The main reason is that butter has higher saturated fats.

Too much of either is considered a bad thing so it is wise to limit your intake to no more than a tablespoon a day.

 

Boots that fit (29 April 09)

Name: Michyla Saunders

State: SA

Subject: Bigger Sizes - Shoes

ROSwall question: Hi there,

I'm a bigger girl with a passion for shoes however i am struggling to find knee high boots for girls with thicker calves.. I did hear that someone was making them but cannot locate them. Can you help?

Sunrise went on the search after a big response to this question yesterday.

Fashion doyen Melissa Hoyer says ones with elastic are best, also ones that have adjustable parts in the legs – like buckles or zippers or stretchy materials

Two models on the show wore boots which can be bought at a store called City Chic.


Other  recommendations we have are

www.widecalfboots.com.au

www.tvsn.com.au  

www.ezibuy.com.au

www.citychiconline.com

 

 

PAPER BILL COSTS (30 March 2009)

Can a phone company charge you for a paper copy of a bill?

 

The Consumer Action Law Centre tells us that often this charge is included in the fine print of contracts.

If the original contract doesn't contain this clause for the charge, it often contains one which says the company can ‘vary the terms' of the contract - this can include the decision to add a charge to the receiving of paper bills. This is often part of a complex fine print.

If you are a current customer, call your provider to get them to clarify the contract.

If you are a new customer, clarify whether it is or isn't in your contract.

If you feel you are getting no where with your provider, you can contact the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) at www.tio.com.au and lodge a complaint.

 

PHARMACY DENIALS (22 March 09)

Is it legal for a chemist or pharmacist to deny a medication based on moral or religious grounds?

According to the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia's code of practice a pharmacist must ‘ensure the continuity of supply of medication'.

This means that if they refuse to fill out a prescription on moral or religious grounds, they must refer the patient to a pharmacy that can/will.

This guideline first had to be laid out with the release of the Morning After pill.

If there is no nearby other pharmacist (e.g. in an isolated town) and the need is life threatening or time sensitive, then chemists should have an ‘emergency supply' which can be used as a stop-gap until another chemist can be reasonably reached.

When it comes to pharmacists lecturing people seeking to get prescriptions filled, the Society has no guideline/rule.  They pointed out to Sunrise that if this happened to you (as it did to many Sunrise viewers) it probably wasn't good business practice.

   

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MILK TAX

Who gets the extra money taken off our milk cost when a tax was lifted?

Key supermarkets agreed to drop their prices by 11 cents immediately on Feb 23, 2009. Aldi did it earlier.
 
But not all shops seem to have passed on the savings. And will farmers miss out now that the levy has been removed?

No, they won't.
 
* On average, farmers were getting up to 50 cents per litre, since February this year some are only getting 27 cents a litre. So if the retailers are so quick to pass on the savings of the tax cut, why aren't they dropping the price of milk now?
 
Price breakdown of cost of getting milk from the cow to the retailer:
 

• Farmers = up to 0.50 cents a litre
• Processors/Distributors = 0.35-0.45 cents a litre.
• Retailers charge 1.60 per litre on average.

So by our calculations, retailers are making up to 55 cents a litre just for stocking it on the shelves.
 
Got milk?
 
* Only 25 per cent of the milk produced in Australia each year is used for drinking, the rest goes into milk products which are mostly exported.
 
* The export market for dairy products was worth $2.9 billion alone. 

 

EZY DVD
Rodney from South Australia has been given some EzyDVD vouchers for Christmas and wants to know if they’re still valid as the company has gone into voluntary administration.

We’ve spoken to the receiver Ferrier Hodgson and they say the vouchers will not be honoured during the period of receivership. That’s because customers holding vouchers are ranked as unsecured creditors.

There are two options:

You can lodge a form with the administrators BDO Kendall for a refund
Hold onto the vouchers. Ferrier Hodgson says if the business is sold off, subsequent owners may choose to honour the vouchers.

ANAM
Jo Sannia from Victoria was concerned about the closure of the Australian National Academy of Music in Melbourne

We’ve had some success! Peter Garrett has given a lifeline to Australian National Academy of Music. The academy will keep its name, its funding and its South Melbourne home for one year, pending a decision on a new board and curriculum.

Takeaway surcharge
Tricia Pappas asks if restaurants can put a surcharge on takeaway?

Consumer affairs say as long as the prices are displayed, restaurants are able to charge what they like. It’s usually regulated through competition with restaurants reluctant to charge a surcharge for takeaway when others in the area don’t.

But this is interesting.

Brett from Queensland has emailed us. He’s the head chef at a restaurant and says the takeaway surcharge covers the cost of the containers and labels. He estimates it costs around 40 cents for each takeaway container so the costs soon add up.

Christmas Charities
Kym Johnson from Victoria wants to know how the presents from the K-mart wishing tree are distributed.

Each K-mart store is aligned with a particular charity. On Christmas Eve, each of the charities comes and picks up the gifts and distributes them to those most in need. The charities include The Salvation Army, The Smith Family, The Brotherhood of St Laurence and Charitylink.

Gifts are collected until Christmas Eve. So far just under 190 thousand gifts have been donated. They’re still looking for 160 thousand more before Christmas.

The most generous states so far have been New South Wales and South Australia with a 13 per cent increase on gifts compared to last year.

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PETROL vs. DIESEL

"With petrol going under one dollar a litre, why is the cost of diesel still up around $1.48 or higher?" Mark, from Qld.

Alan Evans from the NRMA says that motorists are being gouged by up to 20 cents per litre by oil companies.

While diesel prices have been falling like petrol prices, there's still an average 30 cents difference per litre.

The reason:  We're governed by the prices which come out of Singapore - diesel is more expensive per barrel than petrol - at the pump, that translates to around 27cents a litre difference between petrol and diesel.

 The figures from the Australian Institute of Petroleum are:

 

QLD                Diesel $1.36  Petrol $1.07 diff 29c

NSW/ACT       Diesel  $1.45  Petrol $1.12 diff 33c

VIC                 Diesel $1.42  Petrol $1.13  diff 29c

TAS                Diesel $1.49  Petrol $1.25 diff 24c

SA                 Diesel $1.44    Petrol $1.07 diff 37c

WA                 Diesel $1.48  Petrol $1.16  diff 32c

NT                  Diesel $1.56   Petrol $1.27 diff 29c

 

How do I pick a safe car seat for my baby? (Watch video)

Child Seat Tips  

• Make sure the child fits
• Install seat in car properly
• Check seat complies with Australian standards
• Don't rush child to next seat

 

Whilst the following guidelines are not necessarily Australian law, they are the safest transportation method for babies and children according to extensive research conducted by a number of organisations including The Swedish Road and Transport Research Institute, Volvo Car Corporation and the University of Halmstad.

1. Infant (up to 9kg or about 6 months)
You have 2 safe options, a baby capsule or "convertible", both of which allow for rearward facing (the safest method for this age). The convertible style can face rearwards while the baby is young and can swivel around to face forwards when they reach a safe age/weight. The capsules provide added convenience of being able to "click" your baby out without waking them. There are companies who specialise in renting these. Check with your hospital as there are some rental companies that install them within the hospital grounds.

2. Young children (9kg up to 18kg, 6 months to approximately 5 years)
A restraint for this age can either be the "convertible" in the forward facing position or a forward facing seat (not booster). Both are affixed to the anchorage points. They provide added safety of a harness seat belt configuration. In Sweden, they recommend that a child stays in the rearward facing position up until about 3 years old or when their head is no longer supported by the child restraint.

3. Children up to 26kg, about 6 years
A booster seat may be needed to improve seat belt fit or to enable your child to see out of the vehicle. As a general guide, buy a rigid booster seat (with a back), side wings and a sash guide to keep the seat belt in place - all the preferred booster seats are like this. In Sweden they recommend that a child remain in a booster seat up until the age of about 10 or 140cm/36kgs.
 
Which child Seat/baby restraint is best?
There is a huge range of restraints available. Always buy one that is approved by the Australian Standards. To help you with your choice the RTA, NRMA and RACV have joined forces to produce a leaflet highlighting child seats that they had tested and recommended. For more info go to http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/downloads/freeresource/stockno4305.pdf Choice have undertaken tests of child restraints available in Australia. For more information click here.

Where do I get my restraint fitted?
Where possible, always get your baby restraints and car seats professionally installed. The RTA has authorised Restraint Fitting Stations throughout NSW. For more info go to www.rta.nsw.gov.au/ In Victoria, Restraint Fitting Stations have been jointly established by VicRoads and the RACV. For more info go to www.vicroads.vic.gov.au

Tell me more?
The basic principal behind different child seat styles and which direction they should face is that a baby and child's body is different proportionately and structurally to an adult's figure. An adult has fully formed muscle and bone in the neck area allowing for greater strength and rigidity in the event of a collision. An adult's head is also proportionately smaller than a baby/child's head so it is easier for adults to hold their head weight. A child's pelvis area is less developed than an adult's so the seat belt can slip up causing abdominal injuries.

Rearward Facing vs Forward Facing Child Restraints?
As a child's body is not fully formed, it is safer to have a child facing rearward for as long as they fit into their car seat, around 3 years old or when their head is not supported by the child seat. In a frontal collision the force of the impact is spread over the whole of the child's back and head.

Booster Seats.
When children are around 6 years old they can be put into a booster seat. The safest ones have a full back and firm sides. It is recommended in Sweden that a child remains in a booster seat up until the age of 10 (140cm or 36kgs). Some cars (Volvo XC90) have integrated booster seats which means your child can be safe without the hassle and expense of buying one.

Front Seat or Back Seat for Child Restraints?
In Australia it is illegal to have a child restraint in the front passenger seat where there is an active air bag. As most new cars have a front passenger airbag, this means that the rear seat is the only legal place to put it.

Correct Fitting.
Also ensure that the child seats are fitted correctly. Read instructions carefully or have it professionally fitted at fitting stations throughout Australia. It will cost around $60 to do this.

Children in Front Seat?
If a child (not baby or toddler) must sit in the front seat with an airbag, place the seat as far back as possible. This will reduce any potential harm an airbag may cause for a smaller passenger. The information above has been based on the research conducted by experts and organisation in overseas markets and may differ to the information provided by Australian organisations.

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(NOVEMBER 2008)

How do you cancel a credit card?

The Consumer Action Law Centre say:

The first thing to always consider when cancelling your card is to cancel any direct debits or credits you have on the card.  Go back over the last couple of bills, identify regular payments - such as telephone, electricity and rent - then if possible wait a month to check nothing else is moving in or out of the card.

Cancelling the card should only take a phone call and the appropriate information.

The bank/organisation will probably try and convince you to stay.  If you are moving for a better deal, you could try and negotiate for better condition.  If you are simply getting rid of the card, don't be tempted.

You can just cut the card up - provided you don't pay an annual fee.  Don't just keep it with the intention of not using it - this allows for temptation or theft.

If you have any difficulty cancelling your card - firstly try and lodge a complaint with the organisation itself.  The second step is to go to the Financial Ombudsman Service - web site on our site.  There you can fill out an Online Dispute Form, or you can write to them.  This service is free for consumers.

http://www.fos.org.au/centric/home_page.jsp

You can still cancel a credit card if you owe money (though the debt will remain).

When you cancel, banks will often offer you more credit.  Don't be tempted to take out more debt to pay old debt.

 

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I work for ABC Learning and my entitlements have been frozen. I’m just about to buy a house and go on holiday. I thought about leaving my job but then I’m afraid I’ll lose everything. What should I do?

The Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers Union says:

The Receiver has agreed to honour any annual leave approved before November the 6th and to pay staff over the Christmas holiday period but other entitlements including long service leave and sick leave are still being negotiated.

ABC Learning workers are being paid so your house payments and holiday shouldn’t be affected.

The Union recommends staying with the company until all the nuts and blots are worked out. There is a meeting of creditors in Brisbane next Tuesday where the situation should become clearer.

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Is travel to Bali safe?

A lot of viewers are worried about their travel plans to Indonesia following the executions of the Bali bombers

The existing travel advice for Indonesia is 'Reconsider your need to travel'

However, this has been in place for seven years.

The latest update was a 'very high threat of terrorist attack' at level 4 out of  maximum of 5.

(Level 5 is 'Do not travel' and relates to countries such as Iraq, Somalia and Afghanistan with direct and immediate threats).

Australians should always consult current travel advice.

BALI TRAVEL ADVICE | More information

Travel insurance

The travel industry is self-regulated and so the Australian government cannot compel travel insurance providers to give clients refunds if you have already booked.

The Australian Federation of Travel Agents advise that the only way to try and get a refund, or avoid fees for a change of plans is through two avenues

- the individual airline/tour operator etc, or

- the travellers individual insurance policy

Some airlines are offering redirections if youagree to fly somewhere else.

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(OCTOBER 2008)

1.'What is the difference between recession and depression?'

 

According to Savanth Sebastian at CommSec, the major differences are:

• The major difference between recession and depression is the unemployment rate.
• In a recession unemployment is at around 10 per cent
• In a depression unemployment is at around 20-25 per cent
• The other indicator for both is negative growth figures
• The recession is around 2 quarters of negative growth, though in a more severe bout it might be 3 to 4 quarters
• A depression is much more prolonged and bleak, and might last anywhere between 1 and 3 years

 

 

According to these and other markers Australia is not in or near a recession or a depression - to get there a lot more needs to go wrong. Hurrah!

 

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2. When we could expect Qantas and Virgin to drop their fuel levy following the drop in the price in oil? 

• Both airlines have lessened their fuel levy with the drop in oil prices
• They may not have dropped is as much as we think they should for the same reason that petrol prices have remained relatively high - the weak Aussie dollar
• This in turn has weakened our buying power when purchasing oil, which is done in US dollars, meaning airlines, and we aren't getting the full benefit of the drop
• If the dollar stabilises we will probably see a further drop in the airline fuel levy, though it is unclear if it will ever be dropped completely

 

 

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3. "What is static electricity?"

 

Static electricity is called "static" because there's no current flowing.

 

It usually happens when materials are rubbed together like when you rub your shoes on carpet, a balloon on your hair, or a nylon garment on your body.

 

It's caused when the electrons on the surface of one of the materials transfers to the surface of the other material.

 

It happens most in winter when the air is dry.. and not so much in humid conditions.

 

Now go and scrub your shoes on a carept and touch someone - they will do it back. There's nothing static about that fun!

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 (SEPTEMBER 2008)

1. Is it legal for me to be charged to try on wedding dresses?

Yes, we're afraid so. Consumer Affairs have confirmed to us they are not breaking any rules. They suggest you shop with your feet and go elsewhere.

2. Kochie’s

	Sunrise FAQs
	To find out the answers to our most commonly asked questions - click here

question of where has the Aurora Australis gone?

We have been told the great orange icebreaker has headed to a different berth to be prepared for its next trip to Antarctica.

3. And Mel's question : What is static electricity? 

Well static electricity is called "static" because there's no current flowing.

It usually happens when materials are rubbed together like when you rub your shoes on carpet, a balloon on your hair, or a nylon garment on your body.

It's caused when the electrons on the surface of one of the materials transfers to the surface of the other material.

It happens most in winter when the air is dry.. and not so much in humid conditions.

 

(JUNE 2008)

1. Are we getting any benefit in the shops from the high level of the Aussie dollar?

 

Kochie: The Australian dollar remains at its strongest level in a quarter of a century.

Over the past six months it has surged against the US dollar from 88cents to as high as 96 in May.

This means any goods or services bought or sold in US currency will be cheaper due to the Australia dollar.

According to Austrade, 21% of Australian importers have benefited from the high value of the Australian dollar in the past 12 months.

The Australian Retailers Association says there is evidence of cheaper prices in domestic appliances with products including plasma televisions.

But fuel and transport costs have risen 18-20% over the past year.

So Aussie consumers miss out on cheaper prices because a lot of the benefit of the high Aussie dollar is absorbed by other costs before goods get to shop shelves.

(MAY 2008)

Gas car conversions costs

It costs around $3000 to convert your car to gas.

LPG is about half the price of petrol at the moment.

The government rebate still exists at $1000. Apply through medicare.

Charities that take on toys

Salvos, Vinnies, Ronald McDonald house, Barnados

Hospitals and pre-schools also happily accept toys in most circumstances.

Hospitals and preschools also happily accept toys in most circumstances.

(APRIL 2008)

Lisa from Queensland wants to know if child care centres are allowed to charge a fee on a public holiday when they're closed.

She had to pay $57 for the day as part of her on-going enrollment at the centre - even though the centre was shut.

Well .. The basic rule is "No service = no fee".

But if there is a contract for these services, take a look at the small print. It may state that there will be a fee for EVERY regular day, even when it's closed due to public holidays.

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Greg from Canberra wants to know why Caltex has started charging a surcharge if you use your credit card or fleet care to pay for your petrol.

He's got a good point - "Don't they make enough profit out of petrol?!"

We've been in touch with Choice.

They tell us this isn't normal Caltex policy so we can assume that Greg's local Caltex is run on a franchise basis and they have applied the surcharge at that one servo.

The advice is to shop around and find somewhere else to buy your fuel.

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Sharon from Victoria has contacted us after a quite frightening incident when someone tried to break in while she was at home!

She wants to know if she could have sent a text message to 000. She was worried the intruder could hear her on the phone as she dialled for help.

Well .. the answer is NO. The Australian Communications and Media Authority tells us that if you send a text to an emergency service there's no way of knowing that it's actually reached someone.

Also, an SMS wouldn't give the emergency services all the 'background information' which is needed.

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Matt from the North Territory wants to know is there really capsicum in capsicum spray?

We called the Police for this one.

The answer is ‘sort of'.

Its real name is Oleo-resin Capsicum spray, also known as pepper spray.

The chemical compound which gives the spray its bite comes from the fruit of plants in the capsicum family.

Chilies are in that same family which explains why it would hurt so much if it was sprayed into your face!

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Melissa from New South Wales wants to know what's happening with the horse flu.

She's still seeing signs on some major roads warning about the movement of horses. Isn't the horse flu danger over by now?

Well .. authorities are winning the battle against equine influenza.

A horse flu case hasn't been reported anywhere for weeks.

But it's too early to say that it's been eradicated. That's why there are still a couple of large areas in New South Wales and south-east Qld where the movement of horses is restricted.

If all goes to plan.. those restrictions could be lifted in the next couple of months.

In the meantime horse owners right across the country are still being expected to take extra precautions ... just in case.

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Brenda from Darwin gets a lot of rain where she lives so has constant trouble with mould.
She wants to know the best way to clean mould?

Well .. Nat likes Jif , but here is another option.

Bleach is a very common method of getting rid of mould... or any chlorine-based cleaner.

Some people like to use vinegar and bi-carb as well.

And our friends at Better Homes and Garden tell us there are actually fungicidal paints you can use to stop the mould growing back.

 

The ROSwall's previous topics are:

(Jan 2008)

Are expiry dates of gift vouchers valid?

Pool fencing regulations

European currency gift

Carrying car rego papers

Finding a lost relative 

 

We have had an email from Maria in Queensland who wanted to know how to track down a friend's long lost father.

Here's a good place to start:

Check the Electoral Roll
http://www.ancestry.com.au/ (costs apply - but there is a 14 Day Free trial we reocmmend you try before subscribing. Australia-Records.com was evealed by one Sunrise viewer to not offer full details for Australians)

However, there's a chance he wasn't a citizen and therefore not on the roll, so here are other options:

Salvation Army Family Tracing Services
http://www.salvos.org.au/need-help/family-tracing/?furl=familytracing

Since 1885 the Salvation Army has been helping reunite broken families. A donation is requested.

And try the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages for each State/Territory. http://www.bdm.nsw.gov.au/

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