Aussie challenges Bulgarian murder rap, The Australian , Friday, october 22, 2010

Notes: - A Bulgarian court hearing the appeal of a 23 year old Australian man - Jock Palfreeman was sentenced for stabbing to death a student and wounding the other man in 2007 - Palfreeman pleaded not guilty to both charges - The court granted to re-examine four police witness and one of the plaintiffs - The next hearing is scheduled for November 11 Summary: A Bukgarian court began hearing the appeal of 23 year old Australian man who was jailed for 20 years for murdering. Jock Palfreeman was sentenced last December for stabbing to death Andrey Monov, a 20 year old student, and wounding the other man in the brawl in December 2007. Palfreeman pleaded not guilty to both charges, claiming he acted in self-defence. The court also granted the defence's request to re-examine four police witnesses and one of the plaintiff. The next hearing is scheduled for November 11, 2010. Personal reflections: A legal system in Bulgarian is reasonable. Being re-examine witnesses and plaintiffs is positive step for defence. The sentence would be changed.

TAFEs to offer degrees, THE SUN-HERALD, August 22, 2010

Notes: - TAFE are to offer bachelor degrees - to become a higher-income education provider - not trying to compete with universities - the quality of TAFE degree and international reputation Summary: TAFE are to offer bachelor degrees for students, and the plan aimed at combating skills shortages. Under national guidelines, NSW TAFE was accredited to become a higher-income education provider. The head of TAFE in NSW said that "we are not trying to compete with universities ; we are trying to build relationships with them". Although, Australia universities' boss Glenn Withers said that it would be difficult to ensure the quality of a TAFE degree and the international reputation could be damaged. Personal reflections: TAFE degrees would extend opportunities to all communities, and it would give poor and regional students better access to higher education.