SearchArchives for January 2009
28 January, 2009Agencies sign up in e-Recruitment drive
The Chief Executives of all NSW PS Agencies have been directed to get behind a new e-Recruitment system to be rolled out across the Service in the coming years.Premier, Nathan Rees, made the call in a Ministerial Memorandum to ensure there was no unnecessary duplication of effort or expenditure.
“All Chief Executive Officers of Agencies considering and/or commissioning an interim system (excluding State Owned Corporations) should reassess and redirect their resources into supporting e-Recruitment,” Mr Rees said.
“Full agency participation in e-Recruitment will result in significant economies of scale provided by whole-of-Government purchasing.”
He said the system had been approved by the Cabinet Standing Committee on the Budget in December 2007, and recently reinforced by the Industrial Relations Commission.
Mr Rees said the e-Recruitment system would be central to the ongoing reform of recruitment policy and practice.
“e-Recruitment will be able to be used for all types of recruitment,” he said.
“It will make managing vacancies, position descriptions, employment criteria, advertising, candidate correspondence and data collection for workforce planning, faster and easier.”
Mr Rees said while e-Recruitment would speed up recruitment for both employers and potential employees, the practice of merit-based selection would not be compromised.
He said the e-Recruitment tender had opened a week ahead of schedule, on 8 December 2008, with the system expected to be rolled out between October 2009 and December 2010.
Agencies are urged to contact the Director of e-Recruitment at the Public Sector Workforce Office in the Department of Premier and Cabinet, Mark Webb on (02) 9228 3363 to discuss their individual requirements.
28 January, 2009
PS chimes in for gongs
Public Servants featured prominently in the Australia Day awards this week with the announcement of recipients of the Public Service Medal.The honours were announced on Australia Day by the Governor-General, Quentin Bryce.
PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL
Susan Frazer DIXON PSM
Office of Fair Trading NSW
For outstanding public service in the development of consumer protection and social justice policy in New South Wales.
Over a period of 36 years, Ms Dixon has made an outstanding contribution to the development of consumer protection and social justice policy in NSW with the Office of Fair Trading.
Often called upon to provide urgent, detailed analysis and policy options in highly charged, politically sensitive environments, she has consistently produced work of the highest calibre.
She has played a major role in national consumer policy development through her invaluable contribution to the auspices of the Ministerial Council of Consumer Affairs. Ms Dixon has also worked tirelessly to promote diversity and inclusion within the Office of Fair Trading’s workforce through her role as Women’s Liaison Officer for many years and was one of the architects of Fair Trading’s acclaimed Aboriginal Action Plan.
She has contributed to the development of laws which have strengthened the rights of consumers, particularly vulnerable groups in areas such as tenancy and direct commerce. The funding programs she has managed have been streamlined and better resourced to deliver more effective outcomes for the thousands of people who access financial counselling services and tenancy advice and advocacy in New South Wales each year.
Ms Dixon’s commitment and unwavering dedication to the objectives of consumer protection and social justice have been a great inspiration to her staff and peers.
Unis Yim-Wah GOH PSM
Housing, NSW
For outstanding public service, particularly in the provision of community housing in New South Wales.
Mrs Goh’s career in the NSW Public Service spans over 34 years in a range of positions in the Department of Community Services and, more recently, the Department of Housing. Throughout her career, Mrs Goh has demonstrated strong leadership and management. While at the Department of Community Services, she successfully brought together people from disparate backgrounds, in government, non-government sectors and the community, so they all worked in a common direction in assisting the people of New South Wales.
More recently in her role as Director, Performance Management with the Department of Housing, Mrs Goh was directly involved with the establishment of the Performance Based Registration System that has led to significant improvements in operations of community housing providers.
She has also been responsible for successfully leading the Standards and Accreditation Unit in the delivery of the New South Wales community housing accreditation system. It is aimed at facilitating good practice and improving the quality of community housing management.
Mrs Goh’s strong belief in social justice and the rights of people is demonstrated in her dedication to the delivery of quality services for people in need. She is highly regarded for her strong ethical and principled approach to her work and the work of others.
Rodney Kevin HOWARD PSM
Integral Energy, NSW
For outstanding public service to Integral Energy Australia in New South Wales.
During a public sector career spanning some 35 years, Mr Howard has provided exceptional service to Integral Energy Australia.
In the various Executive roles he has held over the past 15 years, Mr Howard has demonstrated leadership and provided direction for developing and implementing significant change projects, including the delivery of a significant capital program.
Mr Howard has always successfully responded to the various organisational challenges faced by him. The application of his methodical, holistic, considered and leading by example approach, coupled with his depth and breadth of understanding of the electricity industry, continues to provide the necessary attributes to add value to the customers of Integral Energy and shareholders.
Beyond Integral Energy, Mr Howard has been a driving force behind a research and development program with Wollongong University that has enabled the University to take positive action in training engineers for the future.
Mr Howard is held in high esteem with the engineering fraternity, local government and leading business organisations, particularly for his commitment to employing an increased number of apprentices in an effort to address the nation’s skills shortage.
Richard Paul IRVING AM RFD PSM
Corrective Services, NSW
For outstanding public service, particularly in the implementation of public sector reforms and productivity in New South Wales.
Mr Irving joined the NSW Public Service in 1966 with the Water Board and has worked in a variety of departments including the Public Service Board, the Department of Education and Training (DET), TAFE and the Department of Corrective Services.
While with DET, he achieved a number of outcomes towards the government’s corporate services reform agenda through improved personnel systems, including the centralising of staffing and payroll. He also implemented merit-based promotion in government schools in New South Wales and presided over the most extensive school teacher recruitment strategy in 30 years, including a powerful marketing focus and a strategic plan for school teacher retention and recruitment.
In 2003 Mr Irving became Executive Director Human Resources, Department of Corrective Services, where he has implemented a range of contemporary human resource initiatives.
His commitment and dedication for over 40 years have had a significant impact on the implementation of public sector reforms and productivity.
Carole Anne McDIARMID PSM
Education, NSW
For outstanding public service to education in western New South Wales.
Mrs McDiarmid has made an outstanding contribution to public education in New South Wales over the past 32 years in roles including teacher, principal, consultant, District Superintendent and Regional Director.
Her commitment to Aboriginal education has seen the development of new ways of building relationships between schools and their communities, and she is held in high regard by the Aboriginal communities of western New South Wales. She has led a team that has changed the way the Aboriginal consultancy support services operate in western New South Wales, moving gradually from a reactive model of support to one which builds respectful and agreed ways forward.
Mrs McDiarmid’s work is characterised by her willingness to seek world’s best practice to adapt and implement in her local context. This has allowed the development of partnerships with educators in Wales, Canada and the United States in technology that have brought significant benefit to teachers and students across New South Wales.
She is viewed by her colleagues as an outstanding leader, possessing exceptional interpersonal skills, great depth of knowledge, and a passionate vision for the Department of Education and Training.
Norman Stanley McLEOD PSM
Local Government NSW
For outstanding public service to local government in New South Wales.
Mr McLeod was involved with local government since 1970 until July 2008, having held positions at the Nambucca, Inverell, Coolah and Gloucester Shire Councils.
Mr McLeod had an excellent understanding of local government and, in his role of General Manager of Gloucester Shire Council, readily went out of his way to promote the Shire at both a professional and personal level. Under his management, the Council and the entire Gloucester community won recognition nationally for the way the Shire was managed and maintained.
Mr McLeod also facilitated excellent protocols to the benefit of the Gloucester Shire Council and at State Government level. He was also directly involved in a number of regional local government organisations, including the Hunter Councils Inc and the Mid North Coast Group of Councils, and was involved as a member of Local Government Managers Australia. Mr McLeod is highly respected for his loyalty, dedication and exemplary performance.
Rodney Dale MORRISON PSM
Primary Industries, NSW
For outstanding public service, particularly in the development of enhanced safety measures within the mining industry in New South Wales.
Mr Morrison has had a highly distinguished career in the NSW Public Service spanning over 44 years.
Commencing his career with the NSW Film Council, he has served in various government agencies including the Department of Community Services. His high level of commitment and ability to deliver changes and improvements to government administration and efficient service are typified by the changes he introduced and managed in industrial relations, including the innovative program of Flexible Work Hours, development of the Senior Executive Service and the establishment of a human resources strategy for the Department of Community Services.
In his current role as Director, Mine and Forest Safety Division, Department of Primary Industries, Mr Morrison has completely changed the way the NSW Government manages mine safety legislation.
This has had a significant impact in reducing the number fatalities and injuries occurring in the mining industry in New South Wales and also established the work program of the Mine Safety Advisory Council.
Mr Morrison is highly respected for his integrity, diligence, conscientiousness and the significant contributions he has made to the benefit of the community of New South Wales.
Mr David Lindsay NOLAN PSM
Roads and Traffiic Authority
For outstanding public service, particularly with the Roads and Traffic Authority of New South Wales.
Mr Nolan commenced employment with the former Department of Main Roads in 1974 and is currently one of only four Grade 8 Works Supervisors within the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA).
Mr Nolan is well recognised for his ability to react in a crisis and deliver outcomes to the public which are timely and responsive to their needs. This has included the bushfires in the Sydney area in early 2000, numerous vehicle accidents on major arterial routes and declared natural disasters.
Among his major achievements are his direct role in winning in open tender and retaining the road maintenance contract for Sydney Olympic Park and his excellent management of traffic flows at the Sydney Olympic Park during the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, as well as at other venues.
Mr Nolan is also respected for his commitment to volunteer work, taking people out on bus trips, thus providing the opportunity for them to see and experience more than would otherwise be afforded to them given their mobility issues.
Mr Nolan is admired and respected by his colleagues for his dedication to the RTA and for his commitment to workplace safety and ensuring that all staff are performing to their best ability.
Robert Grenville SMITH PSM
Office of State Revenue, NSW
For outstanding public service, particularly to the Office of State Revenue in New South Wales
Mr Smith has had a long and distinguished career in the public sector at both the Commonwealth and state level in the taxation field.
In his position as Commissioner of State Revenue and Director Revenue Advisory Services he made a significant contribution to developing successful relationships with the Office of State Revenue’s clients and professional advisers. Mr Smith led the development and introduction of legislative reform measures, including the provision of authoritative advice to the Executive Director, Treasurer and Government on matters affecting state revenue administration for many years.
In particular, he demonstrated his leadership and contribution to the public service in his role as Project Director for the re-write of the Duties Act and the development of the Taxation Administration Act 1996 which represented an innovative and ground-breaking approach to the standardisation of administrative provisions applying to all revenue acts administered by the Office of State Revenue.
Mr Smith’s leadership and performance, particularly his tireless efforts with external relationships allowed him to excel in the execution of his duties.
He had a genuine passion for the work he undertook on behalf of the state and is recognised for his outstanding energy, communication skills and commitment to defining and implementing an equitable taxation system
Alan TRAVERS PSM
Penrith City Council NSW
For outstanding public service to local government in the Penrith region.
Mr Travers has served the Penrith City Council for over 20 years and has given distinguished and dedicated service to local government for over 40 years.
Throughout his career he has advocated relentlessly for the Penrith region, the city, the Council and his staff, and has been constant in his promotion of Penrith and its role as an emerging regional city.
He has overseen major development projects and the financing of these projects on behalf of Council, including the new Civic Centre building, extensions to the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre and the ‘Ripples’ St Marys Leisure Centre.
Mr Travers has also been instrumental in strengthening the partnership between the University of Western Sydney and the Penrith City Council, fostering a collaborative approach to planning processes relating to the future development of the University’s Penrith campus.
Mr Travers’ concern for the people and environment of the City of Penrith and his visionary solution-driven approach have been constant sources of energy and inspiration to his colleagues and to the Penrith community.
Joe WOODWARD PSM
Environment and Climate Change, NSW
For outstanding public service, particularly in the protection of the New South Wales environment.
For over 30 years Mr Woodward has dedicated his life to environment protection in New South Wales where he has contributed substantially to the regulatory credibility of environmental agencies.
In particular, he has worked with community groups, local government and industry within the Illawarra community both collaboratively and as a positive environmental regulator to achieve visible, tangible and measureable environmental improvements in the Wollongong region.
He is highly respected at a national level amongst State Environmental Protection Authorities, and has contributed to the Australian Environmental Law Enforcement and Regulatory Network and participated in international environment regulatory forums in demonstrating innovative environmental protection regulation in New South Wales, thereby contributing significantly to the high esteem in which these environmental regulatory approaches are held.
Mr Woodward’s strong commitment to the Department of Environment and Climate Change, along with his integrity and excellent leadership qualities, are widely admired.
28 January, 2009
Disability guidelines off to healthy start
Guidelines to assist Departments and Agencies develop action plans for dealing with people with disabilities have been issued by the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care.The new Guidelines embody the Government’s commitment to a whole-of-Government approach to providing services for people with a disability and also direct Agencies towards activities that reflect their responsibility for outcomes relating to people with disabilities.
Premier, Nathan Rees, said the Guidelineshad been created following a review of disability action planning policy and reporting requirements.
Mr Rees said the new framework simplified and streamlined the requirements for Agencies, re-affirming DADHC as the lead Agency to implement and monitor disability action planning.
“The Guidelines for disability action planning by NSW Government Agencies provide a flexible framework for Agencies to use in developing and implementing effective Disability Action Plans,” he said.
“The Guidelines also provide a suggested step by step approach for Agencies in developing their Plans.”
Mr Rees said the Guidelines included a simplified structure for planning, which included three different levels, and encouraged Agencies to link disability action planning to mainstream service planning.
“Each level of planning has a corresponding set of outcomes, which contribute to an overall goal of providing equitable services, facilities, and jobs for people with a disability, through the delivery of better services that promote fairness and opportunity for all citizens,” he said.
“Agencies are expected to structure their plans to meet some or all of these outcomes.”
Mr Rees said all Agencies would have to report on disability action planning in their annual reports.
He said the new Guidelines for disability action planning by NSW Government Agencies replaced the NSW Disability Policy Framework, December 1998.
Further information was available from www.dadhc.nsw.gov.au
28 January, 2009
Legal website sets good example
The NSW Government’s official website for access to legislation has been redeveloped and improved and now contains authorised versions of State Acts and Regulations as well as Environmental Planning Instruments.Premier, Nathan Rees, said the website, which is maintained by the Parliamentary Counsel’s Office, would also provide for the online publication of subordinate legislation, which was previously reported in the Gazette.
Mr Rees said the new function came into effect on 26 January for all Environmental Planning Instruments and would be up and running for other instruments drafted by PCO by 2 March.
“This means that this category of instruments normally forwarded to the Gazette for publication will need to be sent instead to the PCO for online notification,” he said.
“The instruments, generally made by the Governor on Wednesday, will be notified online on the legislation website on the following Friday, unless a different date is required.”
Mr Rees said arrangements could be made for urgent notification of instruments at any time.
“The notification page on the website is linked to the ‘as made’ online collection of statutory instruments which is fully searchable,” he said.
“In addition, the notified instruments will be included as links in the weekly email service provided by PCO.”
Mr Rees said the instruments notified online would also be listed in the Gazette for the week following notification.
He said future additions to the legislation website were in the works and included the provision of historical statutes from 1824 to 1989.
Instruments intended for notification should be emailed to notification@pco.nsw.gov.au or faxed to (02) 9232 4796 from the dates mentioned by the Premier above.
Further information was available from www.legislation.nsw.gov.au or by contacting the PCO on (02) 9321 3389.
28 January, 2009
War veterans march in with new Ministry
A new Ministry of Veterans Affairs has been set up in NSW to help the Premier deal with the needs of returned soldiers.Premier, Nathan Rees, announced the initiative, appointing the Minister for Juvenile Justice and Volunteering, Graham West, as the Minister Assisting him on Veterans’ Affairs issues.
Mr Rees said having Mr West as a single point of contact would make it easier for communication between veterans and the Ministry.
“He will also be responsible for working with me to promote the education and awareness of Veterans’ issues throughout NSW and for monuments erected in their honour,” he said.
“This new position is not only recognition of the sacrifices made by our former servicemen and women to our nation, but also of the unique set of issues they face.”
Mr Rees said Mr West had a long-standing interest in Veterans’ Affairs and excellent relationships with the veteran community and the peak bodies representing them, such as the Returned Services League.
“He has been working with the veteran community behind projects to recognise the roles of our former servicemen and women – most notably the proposed Korean War Memorial at Moore Park,” Mr Rees said.
“I look forward to working closely with the Minister in his new role.”
28 January, 2009
Commission to review Commissions Act
The Australian Law Reform Commission is to review the Royal Commissions Act 1902.Federal Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, said he had asked the Commission to look into a number of issues including whether some inquiries could be better served by less formal alternatives.
“Royal Commissions have been an important means of inquiry and source of advice to Government since Federation,” Mr McClelland said.
“But they have tended to be highly technical, time consuming and expensive.”
He said the recent inquiry by former Judge, John Clarke into the Dr Mohammed Haneef case had brought the issue into the spotlight.
“Mr Clarke indicated in his report that having powers under the Royal Commissions Act would not have overcome some particular difficulties raised in that inquiry,” he said.
“Less formal inquiries in other areas may nonetheless benefit from having some of the powers of a Royal Commission, including the ability to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents as well as protection from suit for defamation.”
President of the ALRC, Professor David Weisbrot, welcomed the review saying the Commission would focus on a number of matters.
Professor Weisbrot said those issues included whether an alternative form or forms of Commonwealth executive inquiry with statutory foundations was needed; the need for special powers for national security inquiries; finding an appropriate balance between powers for persons undertaking inquiries and protections of the rights and liberties of persons interested in them; and information disclosure.
The Commissioner in charge of the new inquiry, Professor Les McCrimmon, said there were a number of lessons to be learnt from problems thrown up by recent inquiries.
“These difficulties have included the power to compel the provision of information, a lack of power to investigate breaches of the Act, the adequacy of penalties for a failure to comply with the Act, and the ability of Royal Commissions to communicate information about unlawful behaviour to law enforcement bodies,” Professor McCrimmon said.
In carrying out its review, the Commission is to identify and consult with key stakeholders, including State, Commonwealth and Territory Agencies.
Its final report is to be completed by 30 October 2009.
28 January, 2009
IR inspectors to strike businesses
Inspectors from the Office of Industrial Relations are to visit 13,000 NSW businesses this year in a campaign to raise awareness of industrial relations laws.Attorney General and Minister for Industrial Relations, John Hatzistergos, said the inspections would ensure employers understood and complied with their obligations and that staff and employers knew their rights.
Mr Hatzistergos said in 2008 over $3.5 million in lost wages was recovered after 12,500 inspections were conducted.
“While most businesses were found to be doing the right thing, there were 1,400 employers discovered breaching workplace laws,” he said.
“These included non-payment of long service leave, underpayment of wages, non-payment of weekend or overtime penalty rates or not paying the correct pay rate.”
Mr Hatzistergos said workers had received $87,060 from a catering company in St Marys; $14,602 had gone to a pastoral employee in New England; $9,000 to a Bega dairy worker; $8,307 to a Jannali shop employee; $5,237 to a Harrington Park baker; and $5,210 to a community service worker in Chippendale.
He said the Government was committed to ensuring businesses were competing fairly and complying with their responsibilities as employers.
“This year, inspections will cover approximately 50,000 workers with a strong focus on the most vulnerable, such as apprentices, trainees and young people,” Mr Hatzistergos said
He said inspectors had already started their work, visiting businesses in the Illawarra, Cherrybrook, Galston, Westleigh, Dural and Eastwood.
He said the inspectors would provide employers with information on pay rates, conditions of employment, leave entitlements and employment records.
“Employers are required to let the inspector into their workplace, answer the questions asked and provide any employment records requested,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
28 January, 2009
Smokers’ warning is kick in the butt
NSW Fire Brigades and the Rural Fire Service have warned smokers against tossing their cigarettes on the road.NSWFB Acting Commissioner, John Benson, and RFS Commissioner, Shane Fitzsimmons, said motorists should dispose of their cigarette butts responsibly.
Acting Commissioner Benson said firefighters had responded to two separate roadside fires at Greystanes and Homebush bay in recent weeks, both believed to be caused by carelessly discarded cigarette butts.
“These fires caused major traffic delays and posed a great danger to drivers and their passengers, as well as firefighters who put out the fires,” Acting Commissioner Benson said.
He said the fires had also threatened property.
“Thankfully no one was injured but in many cases, roadside grass fires can result insignificant damage to property and put lives at risk.”
“A careless flick of a cigarette is all it takes to spark a serious roadside grass fire so I appeal to smokers to dispose of cigarettes carefully and avoid becoming an unwitting firebug.”
Commissioner Fitzsimmons said increasing temperatures were also cause for concern and would increase bushfire risks.
“It is important that we are all vigilant and take precautions to prevent fires,” he said.
“To help prevent a roadside fire, don't throw cigarette butts out the window or onto the roadway.
“Extinguish and dispose of them carefully. If you're driving, use the vehicle's ashtray.”
Commissioner Fitzsimmons said people throwing cigarette butts out their car windows could be reported to the Department of Environment and Climate Change on 131 555.
“Penalties for throwing cigarette butts during the Bush Fire Danger Period include fines of up to $5,500 and up to 12 months imprisonment,” he said.
He also urged the public to report fires to triple zero.
28 January, 2009
Pest management model has bite
The Department of Primary Industries has developed a landmark national model to measure how humane the State’s pest management controls are.The Department’s Vertebrate Pest Research Unit developed the model to reduce the suffering of animals as part of the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy.
DPI researchers, Trudy Sharp and Dr Glen Saunders were commissioned to develop the model, A model for assessing the relative humaneness of pest animal control methods, which was published by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
Ms Sharp said most people accepted pest management and control was justified if the pest caused significant environmental damage or agricultural losses.
However, she said the community also expected the controls used were the most humane methods available.
“Animal welfare for pest animals such as rabbits, feral pigs, foxes and wild dogs has to be taken into consideration to ensure that control measures are performed humanely,” Ms Sharp said.
She said the humaneness model examined the negative impacts that control methods had on the animal’s welfare and, for lethal methods, how the animal was killed.
She said the aim was to provide a practical, general model of assessment that could be applied to any pest control method across the country.
“It’s not designed to give an absolute measure of humaneness but it does allow a judgment to be made about the impact of a specific control method on the target animal,” she said.
“Control methods can be compared using the model so users can make an informed decision on the relative humaneness of the control they choose.”
A panel of experts in animal welfare and invasive animal management will now undertake assessments for a selection of currently used control methods.
The modelwas available from www.daff.gov.au and has been endorsed by RSPCA Australia and the Vertebrate Pests Committee.
Dr Saunders and Ms Sharp have also developed and published 43 standard operating procedures (SOPs) and seven codes of practice (COPs) for the humane control of 10 pest animal species, which are in the process of national adoption.
The SOPs and COPs were available from www.dpi.nsw.gov.au
28 January, 2009
Council by-elections are polls apart
By-elections in the Palerang, Wellington and Richmond Valley Local Government areas are to be held on 14 March.Electoral Commissioner, Colin Barry, said voters would go to the polls to fill Council vacancies caused by the resignation or death of a sitting councillor.
Commissioner Barry said voters could vote early if they were going to be outside their Council area on polling day.
“Because there is no absentee voting under the Local Government Act, it is important that people plan ahead so they can exercise their democratic right and avoid a fine,” he said.
“As with any election, voting is compulsory for everyone registered on the roll.”
Commissioner Barry said the roll would close on 2 February and that anyone who had changed their address since the last election needed to update their personal details before then.
“This will also ensure anyone new to the area avoids missing out on voting for their local Council,” he said.
Commissioner Barry said each Council was responsible for compiling the non-residential roll.
He said all NSW voters could verify their existing information, download an enrolment form or sign up for an election reminder on the Commission’s website.
“Our new email and text messaging service will remind people when and where an election is being held to help reduce their chance of forgetting to vote,” Commissioner Barry said.
“Candidates for the upcoming by-elections can nominate between Wednesday, 28 January and 12 noon on Wednesday, 11 February.”
He said postal vote applications would open on 16 February and close on 9 March and that local pre-poll voting would be available during normal business hours at council offices from 2 March to 13 March.
Further information, including a list of polling places, boundary maps, candidate names and a Council profile, was available from www.elections.nsw.gov.au
28 January, 2009
Child reports shows NSW not kidding
A report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has shown that NSW was making inroads into improving its child protection system.The report has been welcomed by Community Services Minister, Linda Burney.
Ms Burney said the Child Protection Australia 2007/08 report showed that at 56.9 per cent, NSW had the highest proportion of children in out-of-home care placed with relatives or kin than any other jurisdiction in Australia.
“This reflects the Government’s ongoing commitment to placing children with relatives or kin, which provides better social and developmental outcomes for children,” Ms Burney said.
She said however, that she was concerned about the level of representation of Indigenous children in the child protection system in every State and Territory.
“There are currently more than 4,300 Aboriginal children in NSW who cannot live safely at home,” she said, “over one third of the total children in out-of-home care.”
She said NSW legislation required that wherever possible, Aboriginal children should be placed within their families or within their local Indigenous communities to help them maintain their cultural identity.
Ms Burney said the report found that of all States and Territories, NSW had the highest proportion of Aboriginal children and young people in out-of-home care placed with an Indigenous carer or relative, totalling 84 per cent.
She admitted that while the report acknowledged improvements in the system, more still needed to be done to protect vulnerable children and families.
She said a “blueprint for change” would be delivered by March 2009, based on recommendations made by Justice James Wood in his report on the NSW child protection system.
She said Justice Wood noted that the increasing number of children entering out-of home care, many with complex needs and challenging behaviours, was putting the NSW child protection system under considerable pressure.
“According to Justice Wood, all States and Territories are experiencing the same challenges,” she said.
“To better support our frontline staff, the Department of Community Services is employing more psychologists, case managers and legal officers. We’re also improving training for staff and expanding or upgrading Community Services Centres across the State.”
Ms Burney said it was “simplistic” to assume a single Department could protect all children from harm.
“I wish we could, but the reality is that caring for children is a collective responsibility – starting with the parents,” she said.
28 January, 2009
Racing campaign off and running
A campaign to attract more Aboriginal workers into the State’s racing industry has been launched at Rosehill Gardens by legendary former jockey, Darby McCarthy.The Darby McCarthy Aboriginal Employment Strategy aims to employ 100 Aboriginal people across the NSW Thoroughbred Industry, helping them and their families build a future.
Chief Executive of Racing NSW, Peter V’landys, said the strategy was developed to ensure more Aboriginal people entered the racing industry and received the “opportunity to build foundations for a burgeoning career in thoroughbred racing.”
“Racing NSW is committed to increasing the number of Aboriginal people employed in horse racing and developing their skills whereby we can fulfil the industry's requirements for skilled workers,” Mr V’landys said.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Paul Lynch, welcomed the initiative, saying it complemented the Government's Job Compacts program.
Mr Lynch said Job Compacts facilitated agreements between Aboriginal organisations, Government, businesses and industry to increase employment across NSW.
“Job Compacts targets regions where skills shortages can be addressed by recruiting and training Aboriginal people to contribute to local economies,” he said.
“Racing NSW's strategy has the potential to open new pathways for Aboriginal people to make their mark in the horse racing industry.”
General Manager for Employment and Education at Racing NSW, Maurice Logue, said the strategy recognised the skills, knowledge and experience Aboriginal people could contribute to horse racing.
“Aboriginal people will be involved in all aspects of project development, implementation and evaluation,” Mr Logue said.
One of racing's best Aboriginal jockeys, Glenn Pickwick, was appointed as a training officer to increase Indigenous participation and awareness of the industry.
28 January, 2009
Asbestos sufferers to breathe easier
A world-first research facility to improve the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of asbestos-related disease has been opened at Concord Hospital by the Premier, Prime Minister and State Governor.Premier Nathan Rees, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Governor Professor Marie Bashir, said the new centre was named after the Australian campaigner in the fight to raise awareness about dust diseases, Bernie Banton.
Mr Rees said around 20,000 Australians were expected to be affected by asbestos related diseases over the next 50 years.
“The new $12 million Centre will be a world leader in the fight to develop better means of earlier diagnosis and treatment tailored to individual patients,” he said.
“The new state-of-the-art facility contains eight laboratories as well as education and meeting rooms.”
Mr Rees said the Centre would be operated by the Asbestos Diseases Research Foundation (ADRF) and that naming it the Bernie Banton Centre was a “fitting tribute to a remarkable man.”
“Bernie was a champion. His courage and conviction continue to be an inspiration to us all.” he said.
“He was a determined fighter for justice for asbestos victims and their families despite the fact that he was suffering himself with the terrible asbestos-related disease, mesothelioma.”
Chair of the ADRF and former Premier, Bob Carr, said asbestos related diseases were devastating for victims and their families and carers.
“At the moment there is no cure for mesothelioma and the treatment options are very limited,” Mr Carr said.
“The new Centre will give hope to sufferers, their families and the community.”
He highlighted the Institute’s focus on education and prevention in the Asia Pacific region, saying he was delighted to welcome Dutch thoracic oncologist, Professor Nico van Zandwijk, to lead the new Centre.
The facility was constructed in partnership with the University of Sydney and the ANZAC Research Institute.
Mr Carr said the Centre would house the Asbestos diseases Research Institute
and the ANZAC Research Institute, NSW’s fastest-growing medical research institute.
Chair of the ANZAC Health and Medical Research Foundation, Felicity Barr, welcomed the announcement.
“Having the two Institutes together will not only allow the efficient sharing of resources, but also boost the research capacity of NSW and the Concord Hospital research hub in particular,” Ms Barr said.
28 January, 2009
School gardens get seeding funds
Up to 190 Government primary schools across Australia, including eight in NSW, are to take part in a program promoting the benefits of growing, preparing and sharing fresh food.The Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program is to be funded by the Commonwealth to help tackle childhood obesity by giving children hands-on experience in healthy eating.
The program’s namesake, Stephanie Alexander, said the program had been operating in Victorian schools for seven years and had made children more aware of the natural world and healthy foods.
“They consistently try new foods and new dishes with interest and curiousity, they handle tools in the garden and knives in the kitchen with respect and with confidence, they approach both garden and kitchen classes with enthusiasm and anticipation,” she said.
“The garden becomes a place of beauty and is visited constantly by the students even when they do not have classes, and they love to cook and take pride in presenting beautiful platters of food to be set out in the centre of the table for everyone to first admire before they tuck in.”
She said children in years 3 to 6 would get the opportunity to work in a garden, harvest the food, cook it in a teaching kitchen and sit down with other students and parents to taste and enjoy what they have made.
Demonstration schools are to be set up as models for interested schools to visit and act as a training centre for schools joining the program.
Nine schools in South Australia, nine in Queensland, one in the Northern Territory, eight in Western Australian and two in Tasmania are to receive grants of up to $60,000 for kitchen and garden infrastructure.
The next round of grants is expected to open in mid-2009, with further funding rounds in 2010 and 2011.
28 January, 2009
Minister joins game with preschooler tips
The Minister for Community Services, Linda Burney, has issued a set of tips for parents preparing children for their first day at preschool.Ms Burney said starting preschool was a big step for children and parents and that there were a number of things parents could do to ensure starting preschool was a positive experience.
“For many children, starting preschool means getting used to a new and different environment away from their parents,” she said.
“This can be stressful at first, but the social and educational benefits of preschool have a positive long term impact on children.”
She encouraged parents to find a good preschool program to help their child cope with the transition into a school environment, and to familiarise themselves with the preschool’s policies and values.
“Check out their philosophy, aims and policies; ask what their educational objectives are and how they will be achieved. How can you, as a parent, provide input into the day-to-day program of the service?” she said.
The CEO of Australia’s largest not-for-profit provider of early childhood education and care, KU Children’s Services’ Sheridan Dudley, said parent involvement helped develop strong relationships between children, families and the community.
Ms Dudley said parents should look closely at the educational experience the preschool offered.
“Adults can easily recognise the learning involved in literacy- and numeracy-based activities but many other learning experiences are not so obvious, like the development of social and communication skills, problem solving and decision making, all of which are valuable skills for school and later life,” she said.
Ms Burney said parents should also check excursion procedures, complaint handling, staff employment, rules on sleeping, record-keeping and management and training policies.
“You will also need to make sure that your child has everything he or she needs for the day, including a bag, lunch box, hat, a change of clothes and snacks,” she said.
Ms Burney said NSW preschools and other children’s services such as childcare centres were regulated and licensed by the Department of Community Services.
“This means they must adhere to strict standards designed to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children who attend – and if they don’t, they can suffer serious penalties,” she said.
Ms Burney also announced an additional 5,250 preschool places would be created to make preschool more accessible to children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“This forms part of the Government’s $85 million Preschool Investment and Reform Plan which is now well under way,” she said.
28 January, 2009
Lights going down on suntan units
New regulations to control the use of commercial sun-tanning units have been released for public comment by the Minister for the Environment and Climate Change, Carmel Tebbutt.Ms Tebbutt said the draft changes to the Radiation Control Regulation would help introduce stronger solarium tanning laws.
She called for public comment on the draft regulations, saying the use of solariums posed a “considerable health risk for some people.”
“Younger skin, in particular, is more sensitive and that is why we are moving to introduce a minimum age for people to use these machines,” Ms Tebbutt said.
“Under the draft regulation, to use sun-tanning units people will have to be over 18 years old and not have fair skin.”
She said the new rules were part of a national approach to address public concerns about health risks associated with exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sun-tanning units.
Ms Tebbutt said the World Health Organisation’s International Agency for Research on Cancer found the risks from solarium use were real.
She said the Agency found there was a consistent increase in risk of melanoma in people who first used sunbeds in their teen years or twenties and there was a 75 per cent increase in risk of melanoma for such users of artificial tanning appliances.
Ms Tebbutt said the draft Regulations did not prevent the continued use of sun-tanning units but imposed better safety requirements on how they were used.
She said operators would have to have appropriate training; users would need to have a skin type assessment; and that UV radiation exposure restrictions would be implemented, as would session frequency restrictions.
Ms Tebbutt said all sessions must be supervised and all warning notices must be displayed.
Public comment on the draft rules will close on 6 February 2009, with more information available from www.environment.nsw.gov.au or by phoning 131 555.
28 January, 2009
IPAA parties for new year
The NSW Division of the Institute of Public Administration Australia has invited members and their guests to embrace the New Year at Sydney’s Botanic Gardens.
IPAA is hosting a free Picnic in the Park on 6 February in the Botanic Garden’s new venue, the Rose Garden Pavilion.
Bookings are essential, with more information available from www.nsw.ipaa.org.au
PS to go by bus
Public Servants have been encouraged to use a free bus service around the Sydney CBD for work-related journeys.
The Department of Premier and Cabinet said public employees should use the new service, which was introduced in December 2008, instead of taxis and agency or private vehicles.
The Department said the service ran between Circular Quay and Central Railway Station, helping to ease traffic congestions and reduce carbon emissions.
Moon calendar out
The Australian Fisheries Management Authority has announced that its 2009 Moon Phase calendar is now available.
The calendar can be downloaded www.afma.gov.au
House overhauls website
The United States White House has launched a new-look website following the inauguration of President Barack Obama.
The website is similar to Mr Obama’s election campaign site and highlights four of the main points made during the campaign: change, economy, transparency, and public service.
Buses run to ferry timetable
Sydney Buses has adjusted a number of services on Routes 505 and 538, operating to and from Woolwich, in response to the new Balmain and Woolwich ferry timetable.
The new timetable is to commence on 1 February 2009.
A copy of the timetable was available from www.sydneybuses.info
Trust member wanted
The Minister for Lands has called for nominations to the Muslim Cemetery Trust at Rookwood in Sydney.
Members of Sydney’s Muslim community have been urged to nominate for the voluntary appointment, which would be for a period of five years commencing 1 April 2009.
Further information was available from the Department of Lands of by contacting (02) 8836 5330.
Hillston plan unveiled
The Department of Lands has announced a plan to guide the future use, management and development of the Hillston Common in the NSW western division.
The Plan addresses public access and use of the area which had the potential to provide fishing, camping, educational, conservation and cultural benefits to the public.
The Plan was adopted following a public exhibition period during 2008, and will be administered by staff from the western region of Lands until a trust or committee is established to take over long-term management.
21 January, 2009
Work needed on workplace changes
Proposed changes to national industrial relations laws would disadvantage State Public Servants according to the Federal Secretary of the State Public Services Union, CPSU SPSF, David Carey.Mr Carey told a Senate Committee that the Commonwealth’s proposed “Fair Work Bill” which was planned to replace WorkChoices, would “not be good enough” for the workers in State Public Services.
Mr Carey said while the Union applauded scrapping the worst parts of WorkChoices, there were a number of failings in the replacement Bill that would deprive State public sector workers of many rights they currently enjoyed under their State industrial relations systems.
"We know the Rudd Government has an agenda to ‘harmonise’ all State's industrial relations laws,” Mr Carey said, “and this, in itself, could be a good thing.
“But unless it is seriously amended, the Federal Act will inevitably sell short workers currently in the State systems.”
He said of particular concern was the limited powers of arbitration to be allocated to the proposed Fair Work Australia which would succeed the Australian Industrial Relations Commission.
The union believes the FWA should have broad powers of arbitration to settle industrial disputes however they arise, whether in Enterprise bargaining, the meaning of an agreement or award, or because a dispute has erupted in a workplace over a local issue.
Mr Carey said the “regime of good faith bargaining" the Bill was seeking to establish was bound to fail because an intransigent and well-resourced employer, such as a State Government, could just walk away from the table after ticking all the procedural boxes to say they had negotiated in ‘good faith.’
Only a strong FWA with powers to arbitrate could protect the workers’ rights.
Mr Carey said the union also wanted the FWA to have arbitration powers to ensure cases run to achieve "Equal Pay for work of Equal Value" would be more likely to be successful. He suggested the Senate Committee and the Government look to the pay equity principles developed in NSW and Queensland for guidance.
The union made 34 specific recommendations for amendments to the Bill and called on the Commonwealth to give serious consideration to them since the SPSF Group represented 120,000 workers, making the CPSU one of the biggest unions in Australia.
21 January, 2009
Door slammed on open plan offices
Open plan offices have been found to contribute to workplace stress and sickness with a Queensland researcher saying the results of a recent study were “absolutely shocking”According to researcher Vinesh Oommen of the Queensland University of Technology's Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, a review of global research into modern office design has found that open plan layouts lead to lower worker productivity and higher stress levels.
"The evidence we found was absolutely shocking,'' Dr Oommen said.
"In 90 per cent of the research, the outcome of working in an open-plan office was seen as negative, with open-plan offices causing high levels of stress, conflict, high blood pressure, and a high staff turnover.”
He said the level of noise alone in open plan offices caused workers to lose concentration, pulling down productivity levels.
“There are privacy issues because everyone can see what you are doing on the computer or hear what you are saying on the phone, and there is a feeling of insecurity,” he said.
Dr Oommen said the likelihood of workplace conflict increased because of the irritation caused when other people’s phones rang and this led to higher blood pressure and sometimes anger and violence.
He said the probability of picking up contagious diseases was also increased as viruses and bugs could move quickly through the workforce.
"Based on these findings, I think employers around the country need to rethink the open-plan environment in their offices,'' he said.
Dr Oommen said the research found that the traditional office design of small, private closed offices was better for most workers,
He said some employers were motivated to introduce open plan layouts due to cost considerations.
“Using open-plan designs can save 20 per cent on construction,' he said.
More details of the study can be found in the Asia-Pacific Journal of Health Management.
21 January, 2009
Premier puts energy into sustainability
The NSW Government is to lead by example in the sustainable use of water and energy and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.Premier, Nathan Rees announced the ambitious plan, saying the Government would also adopt cutting edge policies in the management of its waste and vehicle fleet and sustainable purchasing.
He said the new Government-wide policy would lead the nation and be an important step in the bureaucracy achieving its stated goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2020.
Mr Rees said all elements of the policy would apply to all Budget-dependent agencies with the fleet, waste reduction and purchasing elements also applying to others.
He strongly urged Local Government and publicly-owned trading entities to adopt the same principles as part of their operating strategies.
He said implementing the new Sustainability Policy would ensure that Government agencies considered sustainability in all their relevant decision making; reduced their greenhouse gas emissions; were more efficient in the use of energy and water; and reduced the wider environmental impacts associated with water and energy use;
Mr Rees said adopting the policy would also require the agencies to meet the challenge of rising prices expected for energy, fuel, water and waste management; be more efficient in the use of vehicles; produce less waste; increase recycling; and
use the Government’s considerable purchasing power to drive efficiency and environmental sustainability.
“The Policy incorporates the existing Waste Reduction and Purchasing Policy, the Sustainable Water Policy and the Cleaner Government Fleet Program,” Mr Rees said.
“It also sets new targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and environmentally sustainable purchasing practices.”
He said the targets, along with comprehensive information for agencies on coverage, obligations and reporting requirements, could be found in an information package attached to a Ministerial Memorandum issued by the Department of Environment and Climate Change at Christmas.
21 January, 2009
Senior staff cash in on payrise
Payrises of up to 3.9% have been approved for some members of the Chief Executive and Senior Executive Services (CES and SES).Premier, Nathan Rees has issued a Ministerial Memorandum announcing the increases saying they had been determined by the Statutory and Other Offices Remuneration Tribunal (SOORT).
Mr Rees said the rises would date from 1 October 2008 and would consist of his capped 2.5% remuneration increase for the CES and a 1.4% productivity increase for the SES.
He said both increases would be dependent on satisfactory performance.
Under the new deal, each SES Officer will be eligible for the productivity increase if by June 2009 they can demonstrate a quantifiable productivity increase sufficient to cover its cost.
“CEOs will need to provide this information to the Director General of the Department of Premier and Cabinet by June 2009,” Mr Rees said.
“Should the Director General consider such productivity improvements have been met then the 1.4% increase can be paid effective 1 October 2008.”
Mr Rees said the Tribunal was of the view that this approach would provide a greater level of scrutiny of productivity gains specific for the SES.
He said it was also “not inconsistent” with the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government and Unions dated 2 October 2008 which covered the recent PS award increases of 4% which applied from 1 July 2008.
“Under the MOU agencies are required to provide efficiency saving strategies necessary to fund the additional 1.5%,” he said.
“The Tribunal has confirmed the adjusted Recruitment and Retention Allowance levels from the original September 2008 Determination.
“The new rates are only payable to Recruitment and Retention Allowances approved from 1 October 2008.”
Mr Rees said the SOORT had also made its Determination for Judges, Magistrates and Related Groups and Public Office Holders. The Determinations were published in the Government Gazette on 24 October 2008.
State Owned Corporations were not covered by the Determination.
21 January, 2009
Ambulance alarmed at false alarms
The NSW Ambulance Service has reported it responded to almost 1,000 hoax calls made to the emergency triple-0 hotline in the past 12 months.The Service said the hoax calls, 380 of which were in Sydney, were a severe drain on Ambulance resources and cost the community hundreds of thousands of dollars each year.
It said the calls could also delay emergency services from reaching real emergencies with patients in genuine need.
The Ambulance Service said hoax calls were not always easy to identify, and if sufficient address details were provided, an ambulance would be sent to assess the situation, even if the call was suspected to be a hoax.
The Service said an ambulance would only be cancelled if the call was confirmed to be a hoax by the supervisor.
It reminded NSW residents that hoax calls to triple-0 were a criminal offence, citing a recent call which drew three paramedic teams and two helicopters to a remote location on the South Coast.
The caller said numerous people had been injured in a bus collision, which was found to be non-existent when paramedics could not find the scene.
The fake emergency cost taxpayers almost $10,000.
The Service said many hoax calls were received during the afternoons and school holidays and were suspected to be youths.
It said education was the key to helping children understand the use and value of the triple-0 service.
It has launched a program aimed at children, “Be an Ambulance Hero: Dial Zero, Zero, Zero” to help educate them on the uses of the service.
21 January, 2009
Conference planners launch paper chase
The Institute of Public Administration Australia has called for papers for its 2009 National Conference which is to be held in Brisbane in November.Exploring the theme ‘The Changing Public Sector Climate’, the Institute has encouraged Public Service practitioners and academics to propose papers focusing on future directions and challenges facing the PS.
Conference Organiser, Cath Healy of the IPAA Queensland, said proposals adopting a comparative perspective and addressing the implications of research and practice for public administration would be particularly welcome.
Ms Healy said the conference would look at addressing issues of capability; collaboration; clients and community; cost; strengths and weaknesses; international influences; identifying sustainable solutions to public problems; and challenges in public sector management.
She said it would examine how these themes influenced Public Service functions and how it carried them out and the conference would try to identify new challenges likely to emerge and how the sector could respond to them.
Ms Healy said proposals for papers should be submitted to the National Conference Organising Committee by Friday 27 February 2009.
“If you are interested in submitting a paper for consideration, please submit an abstract of up to 300 words (in electronic form compatible with MS Word), accompanied by the form which can be obtained from the website,” she said.
“At the conclusion of the conference, accepted papers will be published with permission on the IPAA conference website, www.ipaanationalconference.org.au”
Ms Healy said some papers could also be accepted for publication in the Australian Journal of Public Administration or Public Administration Today.
The 2009 IPAA National Conference will be held from 19 to 20 November 2009 at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre at Southbank. "
21 January, 2009
Buses cash in on pre-pay plan
Bus services from the Sydney CBD are to become pre-pay only from March, Transport Minister David Campbell saying the new system would give commuters a faster, cheaper and more convenient bus service.Mr Campbell said the prepay system had been recommended at the Mobility Forum, which aimed to improve services around the city.
“We’ll begin implementing prepay-only at bus stops at Wynyard in March and then progressively roll it out across all State Transit services in the CBD throughout the year,” he said.
“The prepay-only campaign has been hugely successful for Sydney Buses with 42 routes and four interchanges already operating cashless.”
Mr Campbell said the prepay initiative had seen a marked improvement in boarding times and service reliability.
“Wynyard passengers will now benefit from this prepay-only program which extends specifically to bus stops at Carrington, York and Clarence Streets, between 7am and 7pm on weekdays,” he said.
Mr Campbell said 85 per cent of commuters who used bus services from the CBD already travelled on prepaid tickets.
“On average it takes three seconds to ‘dip’ a prepaid ticket into the machine on the bus as opposed to 11 seconds to pay in cash,” he said.
“Multiply that by the average 55 passengers per bus and time begins to mount.”
Mr Campbell said 12 ticket outlets would be located around Wynyard and that overall there were almost 900 ticket resellers in metropolitan Sydney, including CityRail ticket offices, 7-Elevens, newsagents, tobacconists, the TransitShop and ticket vending machines.
He said during the 07/08 financial year there were over 88.7 million passenger trips by regular commuters using prepaid tickets.
Mr Campbell encouraged passengers to provide feedback on the scheme.
21 January, 2009
Designers size up obesity problem
The Australian Safety and Compensation Council (ASCC) has examined the impact of overweight and obesity on Australian workers by looking at how the increasing size of Australians is being reflected in workplace design.Chairman of the ASCC, Bill Scales, said the accuracy of anthropometric data was an emerging issue for designers and for the Council.
Mr Scales defined anthropometric data as the measurements of the human body used by designers when planning such things as office products, spaces and systems.
He said the ASCC report Sizing Up Australia: How contemporary is the anthropometric data Australian designers use? followed up on earlier work into the implications of overweight and obesity for occupational health and safety and for workers’ compensation.
He said this work was important in light of findings by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2008 that 7 million Australians aged 18 years and over were overweight or obese, an increase of 2.8 million over the previous 15 years.
“Australia’s anthropometric dimensions have changed due to improved nutrition, increasing rates of obesity, ageing and different migration patterns,” Mr Scales said.
“A number of emerging issues including the extent of overweight and obesity amongst the Australian workforce may have implications for the designers of workplace equipment and products.”
He said the Council’s initial research suggested that existing Australian anthropometric data did not adequately represent the current Australian workforce, findings confirmed by designers who admitted they were concerned that the data they were using was out of date or inaccurate.
“They (the designers) want access to data which accurately reflects the current body shape of the Australian workforce,” Mr Scales said.
“More accurate Australian anthropometric data and tools will help our designers make workplaces safer,” he said.
21 January, 2009
Lobbyists required to lob onto register
Professional lobbyists have been reminded they must be registered on the new Register of Lobbyists by this Friday, 23 January 2009.Acting Premier, Carmel Tebbutt, said the Government was establishing a register of professional lobbyists and a code of conduct which would come into force on 1 February 2009.
“From that date, professional lobbyists will not be able to lobby the NSW Government unless they are registered on the Register of Lobbyists,” Ms Tebbutt said.
She said the Department of Premier and Cabinet had opened online registration for the list and the Lobbyist Code of Conduct on 23 December, 2008.
She said the DPC would continue to maintain the register, and that the website would contain business registration details; the names of owners, partners or major shareholders; employee names; and the names of clients whom the lobbyists conduced their activities on behalf of.
“All Lobbyists and Government representatives will be expected to comply with the Code of Conduct – no one will be exempt,” Ms Tebbutt said.
“I encourage all professional lobbyists to apply for registration as soon as possible to ensure their applications are processed before the Code comes into effect.”
A professional lobbyist is any person or organisation whose business includes being contracted or engaged to represent the interests of a third party to a Government representative.
To registration or obtain further information, visit www.dpc.nsw.gov.au
21 January, 2009
Mortgage advice to be homesaver
Legal Aid NSW has come to the assistance of families suffering mortgage stress with the publication of a new guide offering practical advice for people in danger of losing their home.Attorney General, John Hatzistergos, said the guide was released in response to figures revealing over 1,500 homes were repossessed by lenders in NSW over the past year.
Mr Hatzistergos said The Mortgage Stress Handbook offered advice for people experiencing financial difficulty.
“This is a valuable new resource which informs people in mortgage stress of their options and includes information on where to turn for further assistance,” he said.
“If you are having problems making ends meet, the best thing you can do is know your rights and act early.”
Mr Hatzistergos said home repossession rates had remained consistently high over the past three years.
“Since 2006, the annual number of repossessions has exceeded 1,500, which is almost three times higher than in 2004, when 560 homes were taken,” he said.
“Further, the State Government’s free legal helpline - LawAccess NSW - took more than 15,000 calls last year from people experiencing problems with debt.”
Mr Hatzistergos said the handbook covered a range of scenarios and advice on what to do about missed loan payments and default notices.
He said it also contained advice on what to do if contacted by your financial lender or if “the sheriff is at your door.”
Mr Hatzistergos said Legal Aid NSW would run public information forums on how to deal with mortgage stress in Newcastle and Dapto later this year.
He said Legal Aid had run similar sessions in 2008, with a range of legal and financial experts to provide information and advice.
Copies of the handbook were available from www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au or by phoning (02) 9219 5028.
21 January, 2009
AGS and Uni lay down admin law
The Australian Government Solicitor has joined with the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Law to present Australia’s first week-long intensive course in administrative law.Entitled Excellence in Government Decision-making, the course is the first of its kind and was unveiled by High Court Justice Bill Gummow in November 2008.
AGS Senior Specialist, Tim Moe, said the course would bring practitioners, the Law Faculty and leading Australian figures in administrative law together for the first time.
Mr Moe said administrative law touched on all aspects of Government, and was directly relevant to all Public Servants and the legal staff of all Agencies and Departments in all Governments across Australia.
“The course is suitable for lawyers and non-lawyers and will maintain a varied and interesting pace throughout the week,” he said.
“Participants will gain considerable insight into the theory and practice of administrative law, and into the relevant legislation, recent cases and policy perspectives.”
Mr Moe said the new course would run from 30 March to 3 April 2009, and would provide coverage of merits review, judicial review, Ombudsman, Freedom of Information and Privacy.
The cost of the course was $3,450 and covered the five days of instruction provided.
“The Commonwealth Solicitor-General, Stephen Gageler would speak on the first day of the course, with other speakers to include Tom Howe, the Deputy President of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, Stephanie Forgie; and Professor Triggs,” Mr Moe said.
He said Judges, AGS practitioners and other Law Faculty would also present sessions. “Participants in the course may choose to receive a Certificate of Completion from AGS and the University of Sydney or can (at no extra cost) complete an item of assessment through the University and obtain University credit for the course (as a postgraduate subject) at Diploma or Masters level.”
He said attendance at the course represented an historic opportunity to be involved in the first collaborative and intensive course in administrative law.
The AGS and the Faculty of Law invited all Public Servants to join them in Excellence in Government Decision-making.
21 January, 2009
Fair Trading muscles in on fitness centres
The Office of Fair Trading has announced a crackdown on the fitness industry to ensure gym owners comply with relevant laws.Assistant Commissioner at Fair Trading, Elizabeth Tydd, said the blitz would be held in the first quarter of 2009 and would help identify issues in the industry and ensure consumer rights were protected.
Ms Tydd said the exercise would ensure gym proprietors were dealt with appropriately if they were not looking out for the rights of their members.
“The laws are in place to uphold the rights of the consumer and Fair Trading will step in to defend those rights using its full power under the Fair Trading Act,” she said.
Ms Tydd said Fair Trading had successfully mediated 77 per cent of fitness industry complaints lodged over the last 12 months.
“The majority of complaints are able to be resolved when reported to the Office of Fair Trading without the need to resort to costly legal action,” she said.
Ms Tydd said Fair Trading could impose penalties, conduct prosecutions and issue public warnings if necessary.
“Consumers can be assured that the appropriate action will be taken in relation to breaches of legislation administered by Fair Trading.”
Around 300 complaints against the fitness industry have been received by Fair Trading every year, with the majority arising over contract cancellations, cooling off periods, refunds, and overcharging.
Ms Tydd said if an issue warranted civil action, consumers would be referred to the Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal.
She said the Fitness Services (Pre-paid Fees) Act 2000 limited fitness centre membership pre-payments to a period of 12 months and that NSW had a voluntary Fitness Industry Code of Practice administered by Fitness Australia.
Ms Tydd said complaints could be made to Fair Trading or Fitness Australia.
Further information was available by phoning 13 32 20.
21 January, 2009
New adoption plan to be adopted
Expressions of interest in running an inter-country child adoption service for NSW residents have been called by the Department of Community Services.Acting Minister for Community Services, David Borger said charitable and not-for-profit organisations were being invited to register an EOI following a review of adoption services by the Department in 2006.
“The review recommended that the Department outsource the management of inter-country adoptions to a non-Government, not-for-profit organisation,” Mr Borger said, “to allow the Department to focus its energy and time on finding stable and permanent homes for vulnerable children in foster care.”
“There is nothing more important than family and we need to make sure that prospective new families have all the support and care they need.”
He said the Government was seeking a charitable organisation to take on the vital role of working with other countries to process adoptions.
“Community Services currently maintains adoption programs with 14 overseas countries and provides a State-wide adoption service,” he said.
“We will negotiate financial and practical assistance with the organisation selected to take on this role in order to help them get started.
He said if a suitable organisation was found, DoCS would ensure continued service and support was provided to those already awaiting an overseas adoption and an implementation plan would support the handover.
“As of 28 March 2007 the NSW inter-country program had 1,058 clients at various stages, from those who had lodged an expression of interest for adoption through to those finalising the adoption process.”
“The NSW Adoption Act 2000 says that an agency must be a charitable or non-profit organisation to meet inter-country adoption accreditation requirements,” he said.
Mr Borger said the Expressions of Interest would be received until 12 noon on 11 February 2009.
More information is available from (02) 9716 2273 or AdoptionsEOI@community.nsw.gov.au
21 January, 2009
Children’s symposium hits the right note
The organising committee for the NSW Ombudsman’s Symposium 2009 has extended the deadline for abstracts to 30 January.The Symposium, to be held in Sydney, will look at what has been learnt over the past 10 years about preventing child abuse in the workplace and volunteer organisations.
The conference is also expected to address new issues in the area, including the increase of Information and Communication Technologies.
The organising committee said abstracts needed to be based on the symposium’s theme, Working together – advancing child protection in the workplace.
It said abstracts about best practice in the workplace would be accepted, along with useful investigation techniques for employers and any research relating to improving practices to protect children in the workplace and ensure fair processes for employees.
The committee also called for submissions covering innovations in Information Technology and how to prevent and detect inappropriate behavior by employees towards children.
Also accepted would be abstracts considering the legal and industrial responsibilities of employers, religious communities, volunteers, mentors and abstracts addressing diverse workplaces such as schools, detention centres, out of home care, health facilities and child care centres.
The Symposium is to be held at the Mercure Hotel in Sydney from 25 to 26 May 2009 and further information is available from www.ombo.nsw.gov.au
21 January, 2009
Sobering news from drink drive judges
The Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research has revealed Judges in NSW are taking a tougher line on drink drivers with a sharp drop in the number being granted section 10 non-conviction orders.BOCSAR said the new stance followed a guideline judgement by the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal on sentencing for high and mid-range drink driving offences.
A Section 10 non-conviction order could be issued if the offender had special characteristics, was entering into a good behavior bond for up to two years or attending an accredited traffic offender program.
BOSCAR said before the guideline judgement was issued in 2004, many drink drivers had escaped licence disqualification and granted an s10 order instead.
It said concern over disparities between Local Courts in the frequency with which they dealt with drink driving offenders using the s10 bonds had prompted the NSW Attorney General to apply to the Court of Criminal Appeal for a guideline judgement.
Current Attorney General, John Hazistergos, welcomed BOSCAR’s report, which found the number of Section 10s being given for high-range drink driving had dropped by 71 per cent and by 30 per cent for mid-range offenders since the guideline judgement.
Mr Hatzistergos said it also found there were more convictions and severe sanctions, with an increase of 8 per cent of high-range offenders and 10 per cent of mid-range offenders having their licences suspended.
“While the Government welcomes the impact of the Criminal Court of Appeal’s guideline judgment on the use of Section 10s, we acknowledge more needs to be done,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
“The availability of Section 10s allows Courts to avoid rigidity but it is important to acknowledge that community awareness and attitudes to drink driving offences have changed.”
Director of BOSCAR, Dr Don Weatherburn, said while the guideline judgement had made a substantial impact on sentencing for high and mid-range offences, it had little impact on sentencing for low range offences.
“Where these offences are concerned, the use of s.10 for low range offences remains fairly high (at about 40 per cent of cases), as does the level of variation between Courts in their use of s.10,” Dr Weatherburn said.
“Further guidance from the CCA may be necessary to deal with these problems.”
Mr Hatzistergos said the Government would convene a working party to examine the prospects of seeking a further guideline judgement or legislative changes.
21 January, 2009
Heritage house has links with history
A house at Telopea designed by prominent American architect Walter Burley Griffin has been listed on the State Heritage Register.‘Redstone’, the most intact original house of its type is a modest sandstone and brick house designed in 1935 for businessman Edward Winter, his wife Greta and their family.
Minister for Planning, Kristina Keneally, said Redstone had state heritage significance as it had remained largely unchanged from Walter Burley Griffin’s original design and layout.
“The House is the most intact of the 19 surviving houses in NSW designed by Griffin, making it a jewel in the crown among his designs,” Ms Keneally said.
“That’s why we are listing Redstone on the State Heritage register, which will protect it for future generations.”
She said the Heritage Council of NSW would have to approve any major changes to the house.
“Redstone is the only Griffin designed house in Western Sydney and is also the last of Griffin’s homes still remaining in the ownership of the family who commissioned it,” Ms Keneally said.
“It is one of five Griffin houses listed to date on the State Heritage Register.”
She said Redstone had remained in the ownership of the original family and was “a credit” to the three generations who had “maintained its authenticity with care.”
It was the last house designed and supervised by Walter Burley Griffin before he left Australia in 1935.
The house contains many distinctive Griffin features such as open planning; curtained interior screens; a multi-layered roof with large overhangs; and an Art Deco styled chimney.
Redstone’s owners are currently preparing the house for sale, for the first time in its history.
21 January, 2009
Senior staff surface
Former senior NSW Public Servants Robyn Kruk and John Pierce have joined the Commonwealth.
Ms Kruk, formerly Secretary of the Department of Premier and Cabinet has been named the new head of the Federal Environment Department and Mr Pierce, ex-Secretary of NSW Treasury, has been appointed Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism.
More brass for police
A National Police Service Medal is soon to be awarded to State, Territory and Federal Police who stand out from the crowd in the line of duty.
The separate medal has been created to recognise the unique role Police Officers play in the preservation of peace, the protection of life and property and the maintenance of law and order throughout Australia.
Police would have to serve 15 years to be eligible, with the first awards expected to made in the second half of 2009.
Cultural collection moved
AlburyCity’s cultural collections are to be relocated to a warehouse facility in Thurgoona to allow improved access and conservation work.
Large objects, costumes, textiles and social history items will be moved and placed in a controlled environment.
Following the move, the city’s collections will be based at just three locations, the warehouse, the LibraryMuseum and the Art Gallery.
Surrogacy comment called
The national Standing Committee of Attorneys General and the Ministerial Councils for Community Services and Health have called for submissions on new national surrogacy laws.
Attorney General, John Hatzistergos, said a paper exploring the differences in State surrogacy laws and the creation of a national model for surrogacy regulation had been released.
Among the issues discussed in the paper, the question of allowing couples with surrogate children to apply for legal recognition was raised.
Submissions close on 16 April 2009, with more information available from www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au
Business forums coming
The Department of Premier and Cabinet and the Department of Aboriginal Affairs are set to host a number of consultation forums for Making It Our Business (MIOB).
The forums aim to improve the attraction, skills development, career progression and retention of Aboriginal Public Servants.
All Aboriginal staff, their managers and Human Resource Managers have been invited to attend the forums in Sydney, Dubbo, Lismore and Wagga Wagga on 27 February.
Heat on at Fire Brigade
The Independent Commission Against Corruption has found two former NSW Fire Brigades project managers guilty of corrupt conduct after they made $2.4 million through false tenders and quotes made to the NSWFB.
ICAC fond the contractors manipulated the awarding of capital works contracts to companies controlled by one of them.
The findings have been referred to the NSW Crime Commission.
ICAC identified systemic weakness at the NSWFB and made 14 corruption prevention recommendations to minimise or prevent similar corrupt conduct from recurring.
Park gets in piano swing
Centennial Park is hosting a public piano as part of Sydney Festival’s Play Me, I’m Yours! Program this month, which will see 30 pianos scattered around Sydney to be played by any and all members of the public.
The piano, which will be decorated by Park Rangers and community volunteers, will be located in the park for three weeks from 12 January to 2 February.
All young pianists have been invited to book a time to hold their own concert on Australia Day, the only day bookings are required to use the piano.
Further information was available from www.centennialparklands.com.au
More time for repayments
The closing date for applications to the Aboriginal Trust Fund Repayment Scheme has been extended to 31 May 2009 after concerns claimants were unaware of the original closing date of 31 December 2008.
The Scheme was designed to repay Aboriginal people who never received wages, pensions, family endowments, inheritances and compensation payments that were placed into trust funds during the 1960s.
It will continue to operate until 30 June 2010.
Fingerprints nailed
Australians travelling to the United States for less than 90 days will now be required to provide all 10 fingerprints to the US’ Electronic System for Travel Authorisation.
The US Department of Homeland Security made the changes following security upgrades at major ports of entry.
Travellers will also be required to provide basic travel and eligibility information online.
Part-time firefighters wanted
NSW Fire Brigades have put out a call for part-time firefighters.
The Brigades have a number of paid positions available and further information is available from www.fire.nsw.gov.au
