SearchArchives for July 2009
29 July, 2009Ombudsman’s update
to save complaints
The Office of the NSW Ombudsman has published a new Practice Update to assist staff and Agencies conducting workplace child protection investigations.The Update, Making a Finding, outlined the correct measures for investigating and reporting allegations of staff misconduct.
Making a Finding reminded Agencies to conduct any investigations into child protection issues according to the Ombudsman Act 1974 and to report their findings to the head of the Agency and the Commission for Children and Young People (CCYP) if necessary.
The Ombudsman said after the allegations had been investigated they should be categorised as ‘sustained’, ‘not sustained’, ‘false’, ‘vexatious’, ‘misconceived’ or ‘not reportable conduct’, depending on the evidence gathered.
If none of these categories were applicable due to a lack of or poor evidence, the Ombudsman has recommended Agencies state the outcome of the investigation as ‘unable to make a finding’ and not report the matter to the CCYP.
According to the Update, the Agency only needs to be satisfied it is “more likely than not that the allegation is true” in order to sustain it.
“However, the amount of evidence required to get to this stage varies,” the Update said.
“The more serious the likely consequences for the employee if the allegation is proven, the greater the weight of evidence that is required.”
Known as the ‘Briginshaw’ Principle, this method means if an employee was likely to receive a caution if the allegation was true, the investigator was more likely to take one person’s unsubstantiated report against another if it appeared justified.
“Where the allegation is so serious that the employee may potentially be dismissed, there would need to be more evidence of the employee’s wrongdoing to enable the decision-maker to be reasonably satisfied,” the Update said.
“The head of Agency must assess the strength or weight of evidence when making a finding.”
Further information on rules of evidence and weighing evidence was available in the NSW Ombudsman Guidelines, Child Protection in the Workplace: Responding to allegations against employees.
Making a Finding was available from www.ombo.nsw.gov.au
29 July, 2009
Violence paper
to have impact
The Australian Law Reform Commission is to develop a national legal framework to help tackle family violence.The ALRC welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Women and Acting Attorney General, Verity Firth and Federal Attorney General, Robert McClelland that laws dealing with domestic violence, child protection, sexual assault and family affairs would be reviewed.
The Ministers said the report would address inconsistencies between Commonwealth and State laws.
President of the ALRC, Emeritus Professor David Weisbrot, said the current legal frameworks regarding family violence needed to be improved.
Professor Weisbrot said it was essential that the laws operated as effectively and consistently as possible.
“The protection of women and children is predominantly dealt with under State and Territory family and domestic violence laws and child protection laws,” he said.
“These laws vary across the jurisdictions, which may result in women and children being subject to different levels of protection depending upon where they live.”
Professor Weisbrot said there could also be problems with recognising and enforcing apprehended violence orders across State and Territory borders.
“Another key issue is how these laws interact with Commonwealth laws touching on family violence, such as the Family Law Act,” he said.
“The ALRC will explore whether the complexity of Australia’s federal system causes problems, such as inconsistent or incompatible protective orders; any duplication of effort by Federal, State and Territory Courts; or any gaps or inadequacies in the cooperation between those Courts and State and Territory Agencies.
“We will be working closely with our counterparts in NSW and around the country to ensure the adoption of an effective and truly national approach to these critical issues.”
Under the new Terms of Reference the ALRC will focus the interaction of State and Territory family violence and child protection laws and the impact of inconsistent interpretation or application of laws in cases of sexual assault occurring in a family violence context.
Community involvement in the review is being facilitated through the ALRC’s ‘Talk to Us’ website and planned future consultation papers.
The report is to be completed by July 2010 and will form part of a National Action Plan to address violence against women and children.
It follows the Time for Action report which was conducted by the National Council to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children.
The Time for Action Report found there was a high level of complexity between Commonwealth and State laws aimed at protecting women and children.
29 July, 2009
Housing boost brings
home the bacon
Housing NSW has revealed that almost 120,000 homes have been upgraded or improved in the past nine months, following an injection of $309 million into its maintenance program.Premier, Nathan Rees described the effort as the “biggest renovation program in NSW history”.
Mr Rees said the renovation project signified the “biggest ever spend” on maintenance and that there was still more to come.
“This program has already provided more than 11,000 direct and indirect jobs for builders, trades people and apprentices,” he said.
“This is the largest injection of funds in housing maintenance in the southern hemisphere.”
Mr Rees said the first stage of the program had provided 2,489 new kitchens and 300 new bathrooms to Government houses, along with 15 hectares of carpet and 66 kilometres of fencing.
He said the second stage would include an investment of more than half a billion dollars over the next year.
“We have committed $548 million to improve the lives of our tenants while supporting vital construction jobs across the State,” Mr Rees said.
“This funding will see up to 130,000 homes upgraded, including installing new bathrooms and kitchens, painting, new carpets, plumbing and re-wiring.”
He said the ongoing maintenance work was delivering benefits to the construction industry by providing builders and tradespeople with work.
29 July, 2009
Online timetable
beats train rush
CityRail’s new online timetable has already attracted tens of thousands of logged-on visitors, despite not coming into effect until 11 October.Minister for Transport, David Campbell said 44,000 people had visited the online timetable in just two weeks.
“When the timetable went up on the web two weeks ago, I encouraged people to get online, have a look at it and get prepared for its introduction,” Mr Campbell said.
“I am glad to see people have heard that message.”
He said placing the timetable on the internet allowed commuters to get an “early look” and prepare themselves for any changes.
Mr Campbell said the new timetable would see the $2.3 billion Epping to Chatswood Rail Link integrated into the CityRail network, providing a new way of travelling to the city and delivering benefits across the system.
He said the new timetable included extra peak services to the Western, South and East Hills lines; extra services 9am – 12pm for Western, South, Northern and North Shore passengers; extra carriages on peak hour trains; extra weekend services on the Bankstown and Inner West Lines; and direct rail access from the CBD to the Macquarie Park/North Ryde employment corridor.
“The new timetable will be aimed at addressing capacity issues ahead of the arrival of 626 state-of-the-art train carriages and the completion of the Sydney Metro,” Mr Campbell said.
“Those who are unsure what the timetable changes mean for them should visit either www.131500.info or www.cityrail.info and follow the links to the 2009 timetable.”
He said the rail timetable would also lead to changes to bus and ferry timetables, which would be released closer to their introduction.
In the meantime, Advertising Agency JWT has been chosen to launch the timetable, the fifth successful Government contract the company has secured in six attempts.
29 July, 2009
Job watchdog puts
rights to work
The national Fair Work Ombudsman is to meet international students in NSW to explain their workplace rights and help ensure they are not exploited at work.The free session is to take place on 31 July at the University of Newcastle.
Hunter Regional Manager of the Fair Work Ombudsman, Peter Schmarr said while there had been no complaints from international students in the region, inspectors wanted to remain proactive.
Mr Schmarr said international students were more vulnerable to exploitation than other workers as they were often not fully aware of their workplace rights under Australian laws.
“Youth, language and cultural barriers can also make it difficult for them to negotiate their employment conditions,” he said.
“The best defence for an international student against exploitation is an awareness of their workplace rights.”
Mr Schmarr said it was important international students were granted the same rights as other workers in Australia.
He said Fair Work inspectors would also be conducting targeted audits of hospitality businesses in Newcastle to ensure employers are complying with workplace laws.
“We will be checking the employment records of businesses and talking to employees with the aim of ensuring international students are being paid properly and treated fairly,” Mr Schmarr said.
“We have not placed a limit on the number of businesses we will audit. We’ll audit as many businesses as we need to, to achieve our objectives.”
He encouraged international students concerned they were being treated unfairly at work to contact the Ombudsman on 13 13 94.
“You can speak to our inspectors confidentially and we will treat every allegation seriously,” Mr Schmarr said.
“A free translating and interpreter service is available by calling 13 14 50.”
He warned businesses the Agency would not hesitate to prosecute them if they were found to be deliberately exploiting their employees.
Mr Schmarr said employers could face severe penalties of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Further information was available from www.fwo.gov.au
29 July, 2009
Review a fresh look
at juvenile justice
The NSW juvenile justice system is to be reviewed for the first time in 16 years.Minister for Juvenile Justice, Graham West said the independent review aimed to reduce the State’s reoffending rates by improving policy and practice.
Mr West said it was important for the juvenile justice system to provide the “best possible assistance” to young offenders to help reduce the cycle of crime.
“The review gives the Government an opportunity to evaluate measures that are working in other States and overseas for young at risk, and put programs in place in NSW based on the best evidence available,” he said.
“By reviewing current policies and investigating effective diversionary methods used by other States and countries, the Government is aiming to reduce reoffending rates, which not only saves money for the community but saves young people from a life of crime.”
Mr West said review would focus on groups of young people who were overrepresented in the system, including Indigenous offenders who made up over 50 per cent of youths serving custodial sentences.
“Despite research showing that young people diverted from custodial sentences are less likely to reoffend, NSW has one of the highest rates of incarceration in Australia,” he said.
He said since the last review in 1993 the amount of research addressing juvenile offending behaviour had increased.
Mr West said the independent consultant, Noetic Group, would review the research in consultation with Government Agencies, partners and non-profit organisations, to provide feedback on rehabilitation measures to reduce offending.
The results of the review are expected to be available by December 2009.
29 July, 2009
Sydney plugs into
broadband home
Sydney is to campaign to host the national headquarters of the $43 billion National Broadband Network (NBN) with Premier, Nathan Rees revealing a bid team of experts to lead the charge.Mr Rees has also called for NSW businesses to support the bid.
“It’s time to confirm Sydney as the logical choice for the National Broadband project,” he said.
“Our bid against strong contenders, including Brisbane and Melbourne, needs a relentless and united front from business and Government to get us over the line.
“This is the chance of a decade and it’s time to fight hard and fight to win.”
Mr Rees said the State’s broadband taskforce had helped prepare a submission to the Commonwealth and had identified three possible locations for the headquarters.
He said the Executive Director of the Sydney Chamber of Commerce, Patricia Forsythe and NSW Chief Scientist and Scientific Engineer, Professor Mary O’Kane would lead the campaign.
“The team’s collective expertise commands respect because of their standing in NSW’s business community, higher education and science sectors,” Mr Rees said.
“The team will assist in negotiations and pitch to the Board of the NBN when it is appointed.”
Ms Forsythe said the NBN would be a win for more than just the technology sector.
“In terms of job creation and investment having the headquarters in NSW will be an enormous boost to the economy,” she said.
“The skills that it will attract will strengthen other key NSW sectors including finance and scientific research.”
Mr Rees said Sydney was the logical location for the headquarters as, according the statistics from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 43 per cent of Telco research and development took place in Sydney during 2006/07.
Mr Rees said NSW had the largest pool of skilled ICT professionals, twice the data centre capacity of other cities and was home to major Telco carriers, service providers and equipment suppliers.
29 July, 2009
Report rates
Council rates
A Government report reveals which residents pay the highest and lowest Council rates.According to the Comparative Information Report 2007/08, those in Hunters Hill fork out the most in residential rates to Local Government ($1,167.64), while those in rural Brewarrina pay the least ($94.83).
Across the State, NSW residents paid an average of $732 in that period, up from $701 the previous 12 months.
Minister for Local Government, Barbara Perry said the report was a comprehensive resource for residents, ratepayers and Councils.
“The report is an important tool for ratepayers and Councils who are able to clearly examine Councils according to 23 indicators,” Ms Perry said.
“The report provides transparency for ratepayers and encourages Councils to be accountable to their community.”
The report also reveals that the fastest growing Council in NSW is the Sydney of City Council (4.2 per cent, based on population growth during the last five years). It also had the highest number of full time equivalent staff – 1,517, while Urana Shire Council had the lowest number – 32.
Blacktown City Council wins in the population stakes, with 284,692 residents, while Urana Council has the least, at 1,286.
The largest Council area is Central Darling (53,509km2), and the smallest Hunters Hill (6km2).
The report draws on information provided by Councils to the Department of Local Government.
29 July, 2009
DADHC blazes trail
with Indigenous staff
The Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care has welcomed nine graduates from its 12 month Indigenous trainee program and seven Aboriginal cadets working with its community support teams.Minister for Disability Services, Paul Lynch said graduates of the Home Care Aboriginal Trainee Program had gained a Certificate III in Aged Care and their NSW provisional driver’s licence, while the seven cadets would continue to undertake full-time tertiary study while participating in the program.
Mr Lynch said the difficulty involved in obtaining a driver’s licence had been identified as a significant impediment to Indigenous people accessing employment.
He said the nine trainees were the first to graduate from DADHC’s program.
“The trainees were employed for 20 hours a week through the Department’s Aboriginal Home Care Branch and were deployed into work experience placements while undertaking study at TAFE and driver training,” Mr Lynch said.
He said the training program helped equip Indigenous people to work with Aboriginal clients in Home Care and had delivered positive results.
“Participants have grown in confidence and self-esteem, with many of them reporting the program has had a life-changing impact on their current situation and on their futures,” Mr Lynch said.
The seven cadets are the first to be enrolled by DADHC under its Indigenous Cadetship Program.
Mr Lynch said they would spend 12 weeks working with community support teams to gain hands-on experience.
“As part of their structured induction program, they are working with a work place buddy, or mentor, who is a member of the Aboriginal Network and are participating in Aboriginal Network training and team building events,” he said.
Mr Lynch said five of the cadets were enrolled in social work courses at the University of NSW, one was studying speech therapy at the University of Sydney and the other was studying physiotherapy at Newcastle University.
“After successfully completing their cadetship and workplace components of their study, they will be offered a permanent job with the Department,” he said.
The cadets receive a study allowance while participating in the program.
Mr Lynch said funding for DADHC’s Home Care Aboriginal Trainee Program was a joint initiative between DADHC and the Federal Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.
29 July, 2009
Inspectors aim high
for scaffold checks
Workplace inspectors are to step up their policing of scaffolding in the construction industry as part of a national campaign to improve safety in the workplace.The Heads of Workplace Safety Authorities (HWSA) mounted the campaign after several scaffolding-related incidents in Queensland, NSW and Victoria.
Chair of the HWSA, John Watson said inspectors from all States would inspect residential and commercial construction sites to ensure safe work procedures were in place.
Mr Watson said on-site advisory visits would raise awareness of safety issues relating to scaffolding and improve the ability of contractors, employers and workers to identify and control the associated hazards and risks.
“People must be cautious when erecting, altering, using and dismantling scaffolding,” he said.
“The targeted intervention program provides a coordinated national approach to address safety issues and will provide jurisdictions with an understanding of the current level of compliance in the construction industry.”
Mr Watson said the campaign would commence in August 2009 and would focus on ensuring construction site scaffolding complied with Australian Standards AS 1576 and AS 4576 for prefabricated, aluminium, trestle and swing stage scaffolds.
“The campaign is another example of the States and Territories working in unison to develop a nationally consistent approach to workplace safety,” he said.
The campaign supports the National Occupational Health and Safety Strategy 2002 – 2012, which aims to facilitate the development of consistent approaches to agreed Australian and New Zealand workplace safety priorities.
Further information was available from www.hwsa.org.au
29 July, 2009
Ports of call sail
into protection
Three of NSW’s most important ports have been identified as State significant sites under the NSW planning system.Minister for Ports and Waterways, Joe Tripodi said the new State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) would define the boundaries of Port Newcastle, Port Botany and Port Kembla and allow port related investment to be streamlined.
Mr Tripodi said the planning policy would consolidate existing zonings and protect industrial land and key transport corridors that were essential to operating the ports.
“It will provide clearly defined boundaries to allow Local Government, industry, and residents to plan for a future in harmony with each of the State’s three major ports,” he said.
“By implementing this plan now we will be able to get the balance right for the future.”
Mr Tripodi said declaring the ports and industrial lands as State Significant Sites (SSSs) would provide certainty for their future.
He said the sites provided jobs and incomes to those employed in port related activities and important economic benefits through imports and exports.
Mr Tripodi said the Government published an amendment to State Environmental Planning Policy (Major Development) 2005 that outlined land-use controls for the three ports.
He said the amendment would introduce a consistent planning system across the three ports; protect the ports from new land-uses that could limit the ports’ operations; and zone the ports’ land and surrounding waterways to accommodate port activities.
Mr Tripodi said the Port of Newcastle handled over 90 million tonnes of exports worth over $10 billion during 2007-08, equivalent to 13.6 per cent of Australia’s total export volume.
He said Port Botany was Australia’s second largest container port, handling more than $50 billion worth of trade each year.
Mr Tripodi said the SEPP amendment covered the inner and outer harbour areas of Port Kembla, which was replacing Port Jackson as NSW’s primary port for automobile imports.
He said under the amendment the Planning Minister would remain the approval authority for all port related development proposals of more than $30 million while the relevant port authority would determine port facility proposals of less than $30 million.
29 July, 2009
Planning plan
breaks new ground
Planning work for new housing and industrial land in North West and South West Sydney has commenced.Minister for Planning, Kristina Keneally said the Government would start consulting with Councils over the next phase of planned land releases in growth centres and that the process would include public exhibitions.
Ms Keneally said the planning was in the “very early” stages and was part of the Government’s staged land release strategy to provide enough housing land to meet demand, keep homes affordable and locate homes in employment regions.
“Work will soon begin on land releases in Box Hill, Box Hill Industrial and Schofields precincts in the North West, and North Leppington and Austral precincts in the South West,” she said.
Ms Keneally said the Government would begin consulting with Hills Shire and Blacktown Councils about releasing of 1,400 hectares of land for new dwellings, and 200 hectares of employment land.
She said consultations with Liverpool and Camden Councils would also take place regarding the release of 1,700 hectares of land for new houses.
“The planning for release of these precincts follows consultation with Sydney Water, Integral Energy, the RTA, Ministry of Transport, and other State Government Agencies,” Ms Keneally said.
She said major infrastructure work would need to be approved including water infrastructure, sewage treatment facilities, road infrastructure and social infrastructure such as schools, police, justice, health and emergency services.
Since 2005 around 40,000 lots have been released in the growth centres.
Ms Keneally said the proposed housing release in Macarthur South would not go ahead due to “housing needs, infrastructure costs and the value of resources in the area”.
“Investigations by the NSW Government show development of Macarthur South is unviable at this time, with potential infrastructure costs of more than $100,000 per lot to service an extra 90,000 people,” she said.
29 July, 2009
Recycled water to
make a splash
A water reclamation plant in Coffs Harbour has completed a $96 million project to link farms, businesses and local parks to a city-wide recycling network.Minister for Water, Phil Costa said the new Water Reclamation Plant and water distribution project had been delivered by the ‘Coffs Infrastructure Alliance’ team, the largest ever alliance project in NSW Local Government.
Mr Costa said the Alliance included Council, Abigroup and John Holland.
He said the new plant would help improve sewerage services and provide recycled water to the local community.
Mr Costa said the plant used state-of-the-art technology to produce recycled water for non-drinking purposes to encourage more farmers and businesses in Coffs Harbour to switch to recycled water.
“Industry, farms and businesses can tap into the recycled water through a network of pipes laid across the region,” he said.
“These pipes made it simpler for businesses to tap into the resource in an effort to encourage them to move to recycled water use.”
Mr Costa said the new plant was part of a town strategy to upgrade sewage treatment plants at Woolgoolga and Coffs Harbour, construct a pipe network linking treatment plants, and replace three shoreline outfalls with a single deep sea release.
He congratulated Coffs Harbour Council for encouraging the community to help save valuable drinking water.
“The new plant will also improve the quality of effluent discharged to the ocean and with the new deep sea release; this work will help protect the beautiful Coffs coastal environment and the unique Solitary Islands Marine Park,” Mr Costa said.
“The plant has been designed to cater for an additional 30,000 people, allowing for sustainable growth in the region.”
Mr Costa also officially opened the Shannon Creek Water Storage facility which was designed to secure future water supplies for communities in Coffs Harbour and the Clarence Valley.
He said the $180 million project would help the Coffs Harbour and Clarence Valley
Councils deliver better services to their communities.
“The project includes about 90 kilometres of pipes and connecting pumping stations and an impressive new 30 billion litre storage facility at Shannon Creek north of Coffs Harbour,” Mr Costa said.
“The storage facility allows capacity to be increased to up to 75 billion litres if needed, providing a stable source of safe, clean drinking water that can be increased in the future.”
29 July, 2009
Building noise rules
hammered home
New guidelines to keep noise down on construction sites have been released by the Department of Environment and Climate Change.Acting Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, Linda Burney said the guidelines highlighted smart and simple ways for the building industry to minimise the impacts of noise on the local community.
Ms Burney said the guidelines, NSW Interim Construction Noise Guideline, represented the first “overhaul of the rules” surrounding construction sites noise in 24 years and were developed by DECC, the NSW Department of Planning, the Roads and Traffic Authority NSW, WorkCover, NSW Health and Local Government.
“These guidelines are specifically aimed at construction sites regulated by DECC including new infrastructure sites, such as port facilities, and maintenance of existing infrastructure such as roads and rail lines,” she said.
Ms Burney said they tailored requirements for the assessment of construction noise to the scale of the project.
She said under the guidelines, major projects would require a detailed assessment of projected noise impacts and mitigation measures while short-term works such as routine road repairs would have a simpler checklist.
Ms Burney said the guidelines covered community notification, noise level assessments, work practices, operating plant and equipment quietly and effective complaint handling.
“These guidelines also provide extensive advice on how to best to communicate with
neighbours and anyone who will be affected by the project,” she said.
“The solutions to reducing noise can often be as simple as installing a temporary noise wall or avoiding dropping materials from height.”
Ms Burney said the guidelines would be used by DECC when setting licence conditions for the activities it regulated.
She said Councils could also voluntarily refer to them when deciding how to manage noise from building works under their control.
The guidelines are to be reviewed after three years, with further information available from www.environment.nsw.gov.au
29 July, 2009
Lighthouse day to
brighten up harbour
The National Maritime Museum at Darling Harbour in Sydney is to celebrate International Lighthouse Day with a climb to the top of its own lighthouse.Located at the north-east corner of its site, close to Pyrmont Bay ferry wharf, the Museum’s 25 metre high lighthouse was originally built in 1874 on Cape Bowling Green, 70 km south of Townsville, Queensland.
The historic lighthouse will be open to the public on 16 August, with museum guides offering historical tours to the very top.
To help celebrate International Lighthouse Day, Morse Code experts from the Telstra Museum at Bankstown will set up a stand at the Museum to demonstrate their craft to visitors.
Before the invention of modern technologies, lighthouse keepers kept in touch with the world by Morse Code.
The experts will tap messages to another specially installed Morse station near the lighthouse at the Eden Killer Whale Museum on the NSW south coast, with visitors able to send a ‘telegram’ to any address in the world via Morse Code to Eden and then by Australia Post mail.
The Museum’s lighthouse has a timber frame and cast iron plate cladding, a design unique to North Queensland that allowed it to be moved with the movement of sand bars and shipping channels.
It was repositioned twice before being replaced with an automated station in 1987.
The lighthouse was then donated to the National Maritime Museum, dismantled and shipped in a thousand pieces to Sydney and reconstructed in 1994.
The lighthouse will be open for free from 10 am to 4 pm on 16 August, with the Morsecodians displaying their talents from 11 am to 3 pm.
The museum will be open 9.30 am to 5 pm.
Further information was available from www.anmm.gov.au
29 July, 2009
Tricks of trade are
keys to student skills
A student from Bradfield Senior College is the sole NSW recipient of the Prime Minister's 2008 Awards for Skills Excellence in School.Jessica Baldwin won the award for being the highest achieving student in NSW.
The Awards aim to recognise high achieving year-12 students who have excelled in vocational education training in schools.
The Award categories include the top student in each State and Territory, which Ms Baldwin took out for NSW, top students from each represented industry area and the highest achieving Indigenous student.
The winners were selected from the highest achieving recipients of the Australian Vocational Student Prize.
Ms Baldwin and other winning students received a certificate from Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd and $2,000 on top of their Australian Vocational Student Prize Award.
In a joint statement, Mr Rudd and Minister for Education, Julia Gillard congratulated Ms Baldwin and other winners, saying the Awards promoted vocational education and training as a valuable pathway.
“The commitment of these students to learning exemplifies what the Council of Australian Governments’ Compact with Young Australians aims to achieve,” Mr Rudd and Ms Gillard said.
“The Compact encourages young Australians to realise their potential by entitling every Australian under the age of 25 to an education or training place.”
They said the Compact would help ensure young Australians had the necessary skills to play a productive role in Australia’s economic prosperity.
Winners of this year’s Awards included:
Highest Achieving Students in Industry Groups
Joanne Stevens - Mansfield Secondary College VIC (Agri-Food)
Sara Jane Janke - Chinchilla State High School QLD (Community Services and Health)
James Monks - Corrigan Assumption College VIC (Construction and Property Services)
Jesse Passon - Australian Technical College – Northern Adelaide SA (ElectroComms and Energy Utilities)
Heidi Henderson - Sheldon College QLD (Innovation and Business)
Benjamin Wheeler - Aldridge State High School QLD (Manufacturing)
Brianna Smith - Birchip P-12 School VIC (Services)
Joseph Daw - FCJ College, VIC (Transport and Logistics)
Highest Achieving Students in States and Territories
Luke Searle - St Francis Xavier College ACT
Jessica Baldwin - Bradfield Senior College NSW
Rebecca Tattingham - O'Loughlin Catholic College NT
Daniel Bunker - John Paul College QLD
Amy Michelle - Fromm Bordertown High School SA
Melanie McCoy - St Brendan Shaw-College TAS
Andrew Bennett - Ballarat Secondary College VIC
Jerrah Menary - Schools of Isolated & Distance Education WA
Highest Achieving Indigenous Student
Madilyn Yuke - Australian Technical College North Brisbane QLD
29 July, 2009
Youth work Circular issued
The Department of Premier and Cabinet has issued a Circular revealing youths under 25 have been designated as a disadvantage group to help increase their representation in the NSW Public Service.
The designation aims to facilitate the appointment of cadets to the NSW Government Cadetship Program.
The authority to recommend the appointment a person belonging to the youth disadvantage group has been given to Department heads to streamline the appointment process.
Fire Brigades investigated
Allegations of misconduct at a NSW Fire Brigades fire station dating back to 1989 have been referred to the NSW Police and the Independent Commission Against Corruption.
Minister for Emergency Services, Steve Whan said the allegations were “of the most serious nature” and would be appropriately investigated.
Mr Whan said harassment and bullying in the workplace were unacceptable and would not be tolerated.
RTA cuts speed limits
Speed limits on the Wardell and Harwood Bridges are to be decreased from 100kmh to 80kmh to help improve safety.
The changes followed a speed zone review by the Roads and Traffic Authority that was undertaken with the new NSW Speed Zoning Guidelines and the new Traffic Signal Design Manual.
The Traffic Signal Design Manual recommends a speed limit of 80kmh or less on the approach to traffic signals, which are present on both bridges.
The new speed limits will come into force from 3 August 2009.
Judge goes offshore
A major corruption inquiry in Antigua and Barbuda will be headed up by NSW Supreme Court Justice James Spigelman.
Chief Justice Spigelman will travel to the Caribbean island nation to investigate allegations of international fraud in an inquiry that has no connection to Australia.
It has been alleged Public Servants and politicians from the island were involved in money laundering.
President of the NWN Court of Appeal, Justice James Allsop will act as Chief Justice while Chief Justice Spigelman is overseas.
Crave is October event
Events NSW has created Crave Sydney, a month long celebration of Sydney’s lifestyle, on behalf of the State Government.
Crave Sydney offers 31 days of food, art, comedy and outdoor fun during October and includes seven major events: Art and About, Sydney International Food Festival, Darling Harbour Fiesta, Sydney Harbour Island Hopping, World’s Funniest Island, Seven Bridges Walk and Breakfast on the Bridge.
It is one of five anchor events on the NSW Master Events Calendar, with further information available from www.eventsnsw.com.au
Riverina forest study
The Natural Resources Commission is to undertake a comprehensive and independent assessment process for the Riverina, the only remaining native forest region not covered by a NSW Forest Agreement.
The assessment will commence once the terms of reference have been finalised.
The outcome aims to find a balance between protecting the environment for future generations and protecting jobs.
Name alerts begin
Under new laws which are the first of their kind in Australia, NSW Police will be alerted every time a criminal changes their name with the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
The laws confirm the Memorandum of Understanding that was signed by the NSW Police Commissioner and the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
Measures have also been put in place to capture any previous name changes by criminals in NSW.
PPP comes to Tamworth
Families in the Tamworth region have been invited to participate in the Government’s Positive Parenting Program (Triple P).
Triple P, which caters for all families but focuses on those with children aged three to eight, aims to supply parents with the knowledge, skills and confidence to give their children the best start in life.
The seminars will be held throughout August, with further information available by contacting Sandra Parker on (02) 6766 8342 or sandra.d.parker@det.nsw.edu.au
22 July, 2009
Agencies on deck to
play Companion card
Departments and Agencies have been encouraged to affiliate with the NSW Companion Card which assists people with disabilities to participate in community activities.In a Circular, Premier Nathan Rees said while participation was voluntary, over 340 organisations across the Government and non-government sectors had already affiliated with the program.
Mr Rees said NSW Public Transport, the Sydney Opera House, NSW Sport and Recreation fitness centres, Historic Houses Trust and the Australian Museum all accepted the card.
“The NSW Companion Card assists people with a significant and permanent disability, who require attendant care for the rest of their lives, to participate in community activities and events without discrimination,” he said.
“On presentation of the Card the participating venue or service will issue the cardholder with a second ticket for their companion at no charge.”
Mr Rees said the card was introduced on 28 March 2009 and included a picture of the cardholder for identification.
“Cards are only issued to people who are unable to participate in most community based activities without considerable assistance with mobility, communication, self care, planning and where the use of aids and other technologies does not meet those needs,” he said.
“I encourage Government Agencies involved in the facilitation of sport, community activities and events that might attract Companion Card holders, to consider affiliating with the Companion Card program.”
Mr Rees said the program helped people with a disability by enabling them to participate in community life, supporting relationships and friendships and promoting their right to fair ticketing prices.
He said the National Disability Service, funded by the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care, was responsible for administering the Companion Card program.
Further information on affiliating was available by contacting Jeff Tong on (02) 9256 3152.
22 July, 2009
Trains track down
record performance
Official figures released by CityRail reveal the State’s train system achieved a record on-time performance in 2008-09, exceeding the 92 per cent benchmark of the previous two financial years.Premier, Nathan Rees said on average, 95.4 per cent of services were on time, making the results the best in 10 years.
Mr Rees said the results were “first class” but that CityRail still had room to improve.
“We know how important it is to make sure we provide a good service – so people can get to work and home to their families on time,” he said.
“These results are good but we can do even better and we will continue to build on the improvements to public transport to deliver commuters the service they deserve.”
Mr Rees said over the past two years on-time performance had improved from 92.7 per cent in 2007/08 and 92.2 per cent in 2006/07.
He said he was pleased with the results considering the increase in the amount of passengers using the CityRail network over the past two years.
“Last year there were more than 300 million passenger trips across the network - an increase of 20 million since 2007,” Mr Rees said.
Minister for Transport, David Campbell said the Government was expanding capacity to facilitate the increased demand for services.
Mr Campbell said a new 2009 timetable would begin in October and would include additional peak hour services and an increased number of cars per train.
“The $2.3 billion Epping to Chatswood Rail Link is transporting over 10,000 people every day and we expect that number to increase when it is incorporated into the network in October,” he said.
22 July, 2009
Pot of gold for
green research
A $5 million prize has been offered by the State Government for researchers to come up with more innovative clean energy plans.Premier, Nathan Rees announced the NSW Energy Challenge Prize, saying it would help keep NSW at the forefront of clean energy.
Mr Rees said the prize would show the rest of the world NSW was serious about research, innovation and clean energy.
“It will focus the best minds from our State, the nation and the globe on clean energy alternatives for NSW,” he said.
“This is a $5 million investment in a better future for our environment and our research industry.”
Mr Rees said research teams must partner with a NSW university and a company based in NSW to be eligible for the prize.
He said it would stand alongside prestigious international prizes such as the Saltire Prize, a £10 million prize offered by the Scottish Government for innovation in wave and tidal energy technology.
Mr Rees launched the prize at the University Government Business Forum which aimed to find new ways to tackle global challenges faced by NSW.
“The University Government Business Forum is about getting the smartest minds in NSW together to discuss solutions to meet major emerging issues,” he said.
“Our business and university sectors are making progress in tackling the challenges we are facing as a society and we need to work more closely with them to translate research into real benefits for the people of NSW.”
Minister for Science and Medical Research, Jodi McKay said the forum involved more than 80 business, university and Government leaders from across the State.
“We need to consolidate NSW’s position as Australia’s leading green, clever State and to do that we need to identify our research priority areas,” Ms McKay said.
“Having a definitive approach to research across NSW will allow us to attract greater Commonwealth and international research funding, support new jobs and emerging industries and help NSW to become a globally competitive and highly skilled workforce.”
Minister for Education and Training, Verity Firth said the Forum was about finding ways to support and extend the engagement between universities, industry and the Government.
22 July, 2009
Fire Brigades fired
up over allegations
Acting Commissioner of the NSW Fire Brigades, John Benson said the organisation was cooperating fully with investigations into allegations of workplace assault and harassmentduring the 1980s.
Acting Commissioner Benson said NSWFB management was “very concerned” that the allegations had been made.
“These complaints are being taken extremely seriously,” he said, “as evidenced by the NSWFB’s referral of the matter to the Independent Commission Against Corruption and the NSW Police.”
“The NSWFB is taking all necessary action to deal with these allegations and has made it clear to all staff that we have zero tolerance for any form of bullying, harassment or assault in the workplace.”
Acting Commissioner Benson said the Brigades would support any staff member who reported misconduct.
“We are also doing all we can to ensure that anyone who comes forward to help us identify any misconduct has access to support and assistance,” Acting Commissioner Benson said.
“The NSWFB has a proud history and culture of service to the community and we value the trust the community places in us. We are now doing everything necessary to ensure these allegations are fully investigated and resolved.”
He said it would be inappropriate to make further public comment on the allegations while they were being investigated.
22 July, 2009
Cotton researchers
sew up award finals
Two scientists from the Department of Primary Industries have been named as Researcher of the Year finalists in the 2009 Cotton Industry Awards.Minister for Primary Industries, Ian Macdonald congratulated Dr Robert Mensah and Dr Nilantha Hulugalle for their achievements.
Mr Macdonald said the announcement recognised the valuable contributions Dr Mensah and Dr Hulugalle had made to the cotton industry and the DPI’s commitment to scientific research.
He said the two scientists, based at the Australian Cotton Research Institute (ACRI) at Narrabri had taken out two of the three finalist spots.
Mr Macdonald said Dr Mensah and Dr Hulugalle had long and successful histories of helping the Australian cotton industry develop by researching important issues facing the industry.
“Dr Mensah, the Director of ACRI, is an expert in the fields of integrated pest management (IPM), development of biopesticides, spray oils and semiochemicals,” Mr Macdonald said.
“His specialist expertise has been instrumental in the development of successful IPM strategies now commonly used by Australian cotton growers to protect the environment, minimise the use of pesticides and increase profitability.”
Mr Macdonald said Dr Mensah’s work had recently been recognised when the DPI was named as a finalist in the research and Education category of the Northern Inland Innovation Awards.
“Dr Hulugalle, the leader of the soil research group at Narrabri, has been nominated for significant contributions to developing rotations systems for cotton and no-till systems,” he said.
Mr Macdonald said Dr Hulugalle had been nominated for the same award in 2007.
“His current work includes carbon sequestration in soil, reusing water for irrigation, the use of organic waste products as soil amendments, and hydrology in vertisol - or cracking clay - soils,” he said.
The Researcher of the Year will be announced at the 2009 Cotton Industry Awards dinner at Narrabri on 12 August.
22 July, 2009
Medical drive just
what doctor ordered
The Department of Health has launched a recruitment drive for more than 3,000 Junior Medical Officers.Minister for Health, John Della Bosca said the positions would be advertised throughout Australia and overseas.
Mr Della Bosca said the recruitment drive would expand the medical workforce to ensure NSW had enough specialists to meet the needs of the community.
“It will also expand the opportunities for specialists to train in rural and regional centres, which research indicates is a significant factor in retaining doctors in those areas,” he said.
Mr Della Bosca said the Junior Medical Officer (JMO) campaign was one of the largest mass recruitment processes in Australia and was run by the Government every year.
He said it gave JMOs the opportunity to work in a variety of well supported clinical environments in NSW while furthering their training to become a doctor.
“They are able to rotate through a number of different clinical settings and have the opportunity to experience rural clinical practice and rural life while undertaking specialist training,” Mr Della Bosca said.
“A total of $42 million will also be invested over four years to increase the supply of skilled doctors to outer metropolitan NSW, in particular rural areas, through Caring Together: The Health Action Plan for NSW.”
Mr Della Boca said the Action Plan would see 45 extra medical positions created in rural areas for junior doctors in their second or third years of training and an additional 20 trainee specialist places in outer metropolitan and regional areas.
He said the extra positions would be located in Albury, Armidale, Bathurst, Bega, Bowral, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo, Goulburn, Griffith, Lismore, Manning, Orange, Port Macquarie, Shellharbour, Springwood, Tamworth, Tweed Heads, Wagga Wagga, Wollongong and Wyong.
Applications for the positions close 17 August, 2009, with further information available from www.health.nsw.gov.au
22 July, 2009
Jeopardy rule
jeopardised
An age-old legal principle that protects citizens from being tried or punished for the same offence twice has been abolished under new laws introduced by the NSW Government.Attorney General, John Hatzistergos said the change would allow Courts more freedom to impose greater sentences on appeal and lead to justice being better served.
Mr Hatzistergos said the principle, known as ‘double jeopardy’, would be withdrawn as it applied to sentencing in Crown appeals.
“The reform will have the effect of giving judges of higher Courts, such as the Court of Criminal Appeal, greater discretion in determining sentences on appeal where an original sentence may have been inadequate,” he said.
Mr Hatzistergos said under existing legislation, when an appeal Court increased a sentence imposed by the lower Court, they must restrict the increase to the lower end of the scale.
“Our reform will remove the principle of double jeopardy in sentencing to help ensure Courts are empowered to see justice is more fully served in sentences on appeal,” he said.
Mr Hatzistergos said amendments would also be made to allow a third or subsequent retrial in the rare instance that an acquittal in a double jeopardy retrial was “tainted”, where an accused person interfered with a juror, witness or evidence.
In 2006 the Government abolished the rule against double jeopardy for life sentence offences where there was “fresh and compelling evidence”, or for offences with sentences over 15 years where there was a tainted acquittal.
“NSW was the first state to reform double jeopardy laws and our leadership on this issue has seen other states follow,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
“We have carefully monitored the operation of the new laws and have decided to bring forward further reforms to this significant area of criminal law.”
The reform is part of a national approach recommended by the Council Of Australian Governments (COAG) Working Group on Double Jeopardy.
22 July, 2009
Review makes charge
for council levies
A review of charges made by Local Government Councils on housing developments has been completed with six Councils ordered to cut their levies.Minister for Planning, Kristina Keneally said the review followed the Government’s announcement in December 2008 that State levies would be reduced by up to $27,000, and a $20,000 per lot threshold would be introduced for Council levies.
A contributions review panel was appointed to review local contributions plans (section 94) of Councils that wanted to exceed the $20,000 threshold.
Ms Keneally said the review found 34 Councils had levies above the $20,000 per block threshold.
“In total, the review has resulted in six Councils being directed to, and six volunteering to, reduce one or more of their plans to below the $20,000 threshold,” she said.
“The six Councils directed to reduce levies to below the threshold are Lane Cove, Hunters Hill, North Sydney, Manly, Coffs Harbour and Tweed.”
Ms Keneally said Ryde, Rockdale, Canada Bay, Botany Bay, Burwood and Port Macquarie-Hastings voluntarily agreed to reduce their plans below the threshold.
As a result of the review 12 Councils have levies below $20,000 per block which previously did not; 10 Councils have been allowed to continue levying above the threshold, but with reduced amounts; and 10 Councils have been allowed to continue levying at their current above-threshold rates.
Ms Keneally said the second round of the three stage review highlighted the inconsistencies across NSW Councils.
“For this final stage of the review, I have decided to apply the $20,000 threshold across four entire Council areas: Hunters Hill, North Sydney, Manly and Coffs Harbour,” she said.
Ms Keneally said in most cases, the decision to reduce a Council’s levies was based on the fact those Councils were charging for services or infrastructure not directly related to new development.
“There were several cases where Councils were applying levies to new blocks of land for services which benefited entire communities,” she said.
“Examples include levies being charged on new blocks of land to cover the costs associated with providing library books, internet kiosks, public art, and animal management facilities.”
Ms Keneally said the review had been a good opportunity to work with Councils and the development industry.
“We want a levy system which does not hinder housing construction, but does ensure funds are available to provide supporting services and infrastructure for new homes,” she said.
Further information was available from www.planning.nsw.gov.au
22 July, 2009
Delay takes weight
off heavy vehicles
The introduction of increased registration charges for heavy vehicles in NSW has been postponed for six months.Minister for Roads, Michael Daley said the increase would be on hold until 1 January 2010 following consultations with the Road Freight Advisory Council.
Mr Daley said the Council advised that deferring the changes for six months would give operators time to adjust to them.
“In light of the global financial crisis, I believe that’s fair,” he said.
“The last thing we want is to place an unnecessary burden on our freight operators at a time when many operators are already doing it tough.”
Member of the NSW Road Freight Advisory Council, Ron Finemore thanked Mr Daley and the Government for the decision.
“These are difficult economic times for all and the Minister's initiative shows he's on top of the issues involved,” Mr Finemore said.
Australian jurisdictions are to progressively introduce the National Charging Reform Heavy Vehicle Determination.
Mr Daley said the National Transport Commission’s changes would establish new classifications for some larger prime movers and all heavy trailers.
He said new charges would reflect the greater impact and cost that heavier freight vehicles had on the road.
“More than 90 per cent of small trucks will only pay a 3.2 per cent increase, but there will be higher charges for some trucks that haul more than two trailers, such as B-doubles,” he said.
“These reforms will affect 150,000 heavy vehicles and trailers registered in NSW and we want to make sure heavy vehicle drivers aren’t hit hard by the changes.”
The Government is expected to run an information campaign before the changes are introduced to explain their affects on hauliers and other parts of the logistics chain.
22 July, 2009
NSW Maritime to
sail into boat show
An interactive exhibition on boating safety is to be staged by NSW Maritime at the 2009 Sydney International Boat Show at the end of this month.Minister for Ports and Waterways, Joe Tripodi announced the exhibition, saying it would focus on four key safety themes and feature information from a number of Government Agencies.
Mr Tripodi said NSW Maritime would host a Marine Precinct in partnership with the organiser of the boat show, the Boating Industry Association of NSW.
“NSW Maritime’s four safety themes at this year’s show will be lifejackets, speed/wash, alcohol and night safety,” he said.
“Visitors to the Marine Precinct will have an opportunity to speak to representatives and gather expert information from 15 different Government Agencies, boating organisations and peak bodies.”
Mr Tripodi said visitors could access assistance on issues such as marine safety, boat and fishing licensing, vessel registration and moorings.
He said Marine Precinct exhibitors included NSW Maritime, the Boating Industry Association of NSW, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Australian Maritime College, Marine Rescue NSW, the Australian Hydrographic Service, Marine Discovery Centre Bondi Beach, Surf Life Saving NSW, Department of Lands, Marine Teachers Association of NSW, NSW Water Police, Yachting NSW, Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service, Sydney Region and the Regional Fishing Alliance of NSW.
Mr Tripodi said the Marine Precinct would also feature appearances by ocean adventurer Pete Goss who would share experiences of his voyage from Great Britain to Australia on the Spirit of Mystery.
The 37 foot replica lugger will be on display and open to the public for the duration of the show.
The 42nd Sydney International Boat Show will be held at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre & Cockle Bay Marina, Darling Harbour, from 30 July to 3 August.
Further information was available from www.maritime.nsw.gov.au
22 July, 2009
Hidden treasures
a tourism goldmine
A marketing toolkit to help Sydney Councils promote their attractions has been launched by Tourism NSW.Minister for Tourism, Jodie McKay said the Tourism Precinct Toolkit would help Councils and businesses to increase awareness of their destinations by creating successful tourism strategies.
Ms McKay said the Toolkit was part of the $2.7 million Greater Sydney Tourism Partnership Funding Program.
“Whether it is walking through the weekend markets in Glebe, white water rafting in
Penrith or sampling Asian cuisine in Cabramatta, Sydney’s precincts offer many distinct and diverse experiences that visitors to NSW simply don’t know enough about,” she said.
“This new initiative will help promote Sydney’s hidden treasures and is another way of encouraging visitors to Sydney to stay longer and spend more.”
Ms McKay said the toolkit included information on funding opportunities and budgeting, evaluating tourist experiences and guidance on how to form partnerships with local business and larger tourism bodies.
“Sydney is a vital, energetic city that pulses with diverse street life in both the inner city and its surrounds,” Ms McKay said.
“By learning more about Greater Sydney’s precincts visitors will stay longer, supporting tourism jobs throughout Sydney.”
President of Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils, Councillor Alison McLaren said the Toolkit would be a fantastic resource for Councils in Western Sydney.
“This new toolkit will help us work with local businesses and the State Government to promote the variety of tourist experiences on offer in Western Sydney,” Clr McLaren said.
22 July, 2009
Building companies
to nail big contracts
Medium to large building companies in NSW have been urged to sign up for Government contracts of between $50 million and $100 million as part of the Commonwealth’s Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan.Premier, Nathan Rees launched an Expression of Interest (EOI) process for building firms interested in bidding for construction projects across the Greater Sydney area.
Mr Rees said the EOI process would allow the NSW Government to get more projects under construction sooner and would help meet tight deadlines set out by the Commonwealth.
“We have combined a number of the large construction projects that are being built under the Stimulus Plan into packages and are offering them to bigger companies to manage,” he said.
Mr Rees said there were up to three packages available and he expected to see plenty of interest from the building sector.
“On an average housing construction program worth $100 million there are around 500 people working on site,” he said.
“This is about getting builders, plumbers, roofers, electricians, plasterers, carpet layers, painters working and working as soon as possible.”
Minister for Housing, David Borger said the Government was looking for medium and large building firms capable of delivering packages consisting of around 15 to 20 separate construction projects, each with around 20 to 50 homes.
“They need to be able to take these projects from start to finish, from the conceptual designs, to planning approval to the end of construction - all within a relatively short timeframe,” Mr Borger said.
“Firms will be required to engage design and site investigation consultants, sub contractors and all the other services needed to ensure these projects are completed by their deadlines, which range from October 2010 to March 2011.”
The EOI is due to close on 29 July 2009, with further information available by contacting Gerry Ryan at buildinghousingnsw@housing.nsw.gov.au
22 July, 2009
Planning projects
hit new heights
The Department of Planning has revealed that 37 major projects were approved during June, representing $3 billion in capital investment and generating over 3,800 jobs.Premier, Nathan Rees said the figures showed the planning system was delivering “real results” and stimulating the economy.
“This is about streamlining planning approvals and encouraging job-generating projects to NSW,” Mr Rees said.
Minister for Planning, Kristina Keneally said the Government had released three sets of monthly figures since it launched the Major Project update in April.
Ms Keneally said the monthly updates provided the community and investors with “timely and accurate information” about the NSW Planning System.
“There were several projects that contributed significantly to another great result in June 2009,” she said.
“Approval of the largest Wind Farm in Australia, the Silverton Wind Farm, contributed 700 construction jobs, 120 operational jobs and over $2 billion of capital investment.”
Ms Keneally said alterations and additions to the Museum of Contemporary Art provided 1,000 jobs, the Port Kembla Coal Terminal Project generated 119 jobs and work at the Royal North Shore Hospital led to 500 jobs.
“After extensive public consultation and review by the Planning Assessment Commission the Metropolitan Coal Project approval contributed more than 370 jobs and $50 million of investment to NSW,” she said.
Ms Keneally and Mr Rees announced the June figures at an inspection of the Cochlear Limited headquarters at Macquarie University, which was approved for construction in January 2009.
Mr Rees said the first state of the headquarters was due for completion in September and would house up to 1,500 staff.
“The remaining three stages will require further planning approval and have the potential to accommodate an additional 1,500 jobs,” he said.
“This is just one example of a proposal that was assessed through the NSW Government’s streamlined major project system and is now underway supporting jobs.
“And for each one of these construction workers, the Cochlear Limited development represents weekly wages for their families.”
22 July, 2009
Harbour project is
park with a view
A new harbourside park has been opened at Ballast Point in Birchgrove.The Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority managed the $11 million project, which includes 2.6 hectares of land with walking paths, access for cyclists and picnic areas with views of the Harbour Bridge.
The Authority acquired the site on behalf of the Government in 2002.
Ballast Point Park features design, art and poetry aimed at displaying the site’s history.
It includes Tank 101, a structure to symbolise the site’s working harbour history, and Delicate Balance, an artwork that represents the use of sandstone from the site as ballast for European ships.
Aboriginal history has also been recognised in a dual name for the park. The Aboriginal name ‘Walama’, which means ‘to return’, highlights the area’s transformation from industrial use back to nature.
The park features a sustainable design and includes wetland areas to filter stormwater, walls and seating made from recycled materials, native vegetation and wind turbines.
Ballast Point Park is located at the end of Ballast Point Road, Birchgrove, on the Balmain peninsula, and is accessible by bus and ferry.
A children’s play area, barbecues and amenities are located at the park, which is open from sunrise to sunset daily.
22 July, 2009
Sustainability is key
to work skill awards
Training institutions have been invited to nominate for the inaugural Skills for Sustainability award, designed to honour outstanding nationally-recognised training programs, products and work practices.Launched by the Federal Department of Education, the award is part of the Skills for the Carbon Challenge program and was a recommendation of the national 2020 Summit held last year.
Acting Federal Minister for Education, Senator Mark Arbib launched the award, encouraging training institutions to develop effective partnerships with industry organisations and community groups to build sustainable work skills.
To be eligible for nomination, educational institutions must demonstrate how they have delivered outstanding skills for sustainability and indicate which programs, products and work practices adhered to sustainability principles.
The Skills for Sustainability award is a single, national award and will be presented at the Australian Training Awards, which recognise the commitment made by businesses, organisations and individuals to the national training system.
The Awards are to be held at Exhibition Park in Canberra on 19 November 2009.
Nominations for the Skills for Sustainability award must be submitted to the Commonwealth Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations by 31 August 2009.
Further information was available from www.australiantrainingawards.gov.au
22 July, 2009
Alcohol workers tap
into new training
Training of frontline hospitality workers in the responsible service of alcohol (RSA) is to be reviewed in an effort to strengthen its effectiveness in reducing anti-social behaviour and violence.Minister for Gaming and Racing, Kevin Greene has called for public comment on a recently released discussion paper outlining proposals to build on the success of the RSA training scheme.
Mr Green said the review would look at introducing more extensive training, adding conflict management training, mandatory refresher training, replacing RSA certificates with photo ID to improve compliance and recognising interstate qualifications in NSW.
“This wide-ranging review will examine a range of issues to identify ways to enhance the RSA training scheme and the benefits it provides to frontline liquor workers,” he said.
Mr Green said the Government had commissioned TAFE NSW to develop an online RSA training course to help people who were unable to attend the classroom.
He said it was expected to be launched later this year.
Mr Greene said NSW had been the first State to introduce mandatory RSA training in 2003 and that it was now a requirement for all licensees, managers, security personnel, full-time and casual staff.
“Today we have more than 40 approved training providers, with 80,000 people undergoing RSA training in NSW each year,” he said.
“It’s been a vital part of the Government’s efforts to improve serving practices, reduce intoxication, and minimise community impacts such as anti-social behavior and violence.”
Mr Green encouraged all interested parties such as clubs, pubs training providers, industry bodies, unions, staff and patrons to make a submission before 21 August 2009.
The discussion paper was available at www.olgr.nsw.gov.au
22 July, 2009
Travel agent found
to be fly-by-night
Consumers have been warned against dealing with unlicensed travel agents.Acting Minister for Fair Trading, Linda Burney has advised people to make sure their travel agent has a valid travel agent’s licence after allegations some have been operating without them.
Ms Burney said in one case consumers had complained a travel agent had “duped them out of their money without supplying the service or product they paid for”.
She said Fair Trading had suspended the licence of the agent, who had been trading as Imperial Travel, after the Travel Compensation Fund advised the FTO she had ceased participating in their organisation.
“Under regulations governing travel agencies, it is a crime to operate a travel agency business without being a participant in the compensation scheme,” Ms Burney said.
She said Fair Trading was currently investigating allegations that the agent had been operating without holding a travel agent’s licence and selling travel and holiday packages to consumers.
“Allegations include consumers being left stranded and out of pocket after purchasing invalid travel tickets and travel packages,” Ms Burney said.
“Fair Trading has received reports that consumers are arriving at the airport only to find that their tickets are not valid and they cannot fly anywhere.”
She said the investigation was ongoing and that Fair Trading was working with the Travel Compensation Fund and the NSW Police.
“My advice to consumers is, if you paid by credit card, contact your financial institution and use the charge back facility on your credit card,” Ms Burney said.
“Affected consumers can also contact the Travel Compensation Fund on (02) 8227 3500 or visit www.tcf.org.au
22 July, 2009
Women to meet
The Public Service Association is hosting a women’s conference on work practices, workload, discrimination, non-traditional work, Indigenous issues and campaigning.
The Women’s Conference 2009 will be held from 10 to 11 September and will feature a speech by the Minister for Women, Verity Firth.
Further information on registrations, which close on 31 July, was available from www.psa.labor.net.au
Fire safety partnership
The NSW Fire Brigades have joined with home insurer GIO to promote community fire safety awareness.
Minister for Emergency Services, Steve Whan announced the community partnership at an event at Darling Harbour in Sydney at which NSWfirefighters passed on safety tips to families.
Research conducted on behalf of GIO has found that one third of NSW children do not know what to do in a home fire.
Hill passes consumer test
Businesses in Broken Hill have been praised by the Acting Minister for Fair Trading, Linda Burney after an education and compliance blitz found most local traders were complying with the law.
Nine information sessions and almost 50 compliance checks were held in June, with just three warning letters issued to local supermarkets and three to motor dealers for minor breaches.
Oil spill training
NSW Maritime is conducting a two-day exercise on how to respond to an oil-spill as refresher training for residents of Lord Howe Island.
The exercise will ensure the Island’s oil-spill equipment is in good condition, test the local contingency plan and ensure local personnel are able to respond effectively.
Around 15 personnel from the Island’s Board, NSW Government Agencies and local community are expected to take part.
Heart starter for Coast
In a State first, the Central Coast will offer rural and regional patients access to lifesaving cardiac treatment that was previously only available to those living within an hour of a metropolitan cardiac service.
Minister for Health, John Della Bosca said the service could become a model for other health services.
Under the changes, high risk patients who attend an emergency department with symptoms of acute heart attack will get access to catheterisation at Royal North Shore Hospital.
Artists to comment on Act
Artists have been invited to comment on a review of the Entertainment Industry Act 1989, which regulates agents, managers and venue consultants in the entertainment industry.
The review aims to ensure agents are complying with rules about how much they charge and how they handle money, as well as correct information disclosure to ensure the Act protects performers.
Submissions close 3 August, with further information available from www.industrialrelations.nsw.gov.au
Police step in at Redfern
A new mentoring program designed to steer ‘at risk’ youths away from crime has been launched by NSW Police with support from Centrelink and Aboriginal men’s group, Babana.
The program, Clean Slate Without Prejudice, is directed at youths within the Redfern Local Area Command and aims to provide them with the opportunity to become involved in Government and non-government Agencies.
The project encompasses strategies including early intervention, developmental crime prevention, positive relationships, support networking and behavioural workshops.
Disability school for Bankstown
New A new school is to be built in Bankstown to meet the increasing need for disability education in South-Western Sydney.
The new school will provide facilities for students with moderate and severe disabilities from Bankstown, Liverpool, East Hills and Fairfield.
The school is expected to be built on Johnston Road, adjoining Bass High School, on a site which is currently owned by Al Amanah College.
15 July, 2009
PS to give Games a
sporting chance
Departments and Agencies have been urged to get behind the World Masters Games being held in Sydney in October.In a Department of Premier and Cabinet Circular, DPC Director General, John Lee called on the Public Service to support the event in light of its significance to NSW.
Mr Lee said Agencies should also cooperate with the Sydney World Masters Games Organising Committee to help them deliver the event.
“The Games will build on the reputation of Sydney and New South Wales as a successful event host and tourist destination,” he said.
Mr Lee encouraged Public Servants to participate in the Masters as athletes, saying it would help promote healthy and active lifestyles.
“For staff who wish to participate in the Games, Agencies are encouraged to apply flexible work practices including allowing staff to access accumulated leave entitlements,” he said.
“Staff are not entitled to access special leave or Family and Community Services (FACS) leave.”
Mr Lee said any questions regarding staff leave entitlements during the Masters should be directed to Industrial Relations contact officers at the DPC.
He said despite staff participation in the Games, frontline services were not expected to be affected.
Mr Lee said the Masters would be held from 10 to 18 October at Sydney Olympic Park and a number of other venues across Sydney.
“The World Masters Games is the world’s largest multi-sport event,” he said.
“Approximately 25,000 people are expected to participate in the 2009 Games, including up to 10,000 international competitors.”
Mr Lee said staff could register for the Games at www.2009worldmasters.com before 31 July.
15 July, 2009
Name-change criminals
to lose naming rights
New Regulations are to be introduced allowing police to be notified by the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages when a criminal changes his or her name.Premier, Nathan Rees announced the intention following calls from the NSW Police Association which said the current system suffered from a ‘loophole’ that allowed criminals to legally change their names without the police’s knowledge.
President of the Police Association, Bob Pritchard said the existing arrangement seriously undermined police intelligence efforts and limited the accuracy of criminal history records.
“This means criminals or suspects can effectively change their identity to evade scrutiny and continue illegal activities undetected,” Mr Pritchard said.
“To date the problem has resulted in dozens of instances uncovered by Police in
NSW where criminals have legally changed their identity without any notification to Police.”
He said these included paedophiles, members of outlaw motorcycle gangs and Middle Eastern crime groups.
“Criminal history records are an integral part of vital police work and the integrity of this intelligence is critical to community safety,” he said.
Mr Rees said the new rules would be in place in weeks.
He said an example of a woman with convictions for drug possession being employed in the Attorney-General's office for four years after changing her name was something “you would rather not read.”
To this end, record checks on Public Servants would continue because Mr Rees said there was no guarantee that other convicted criminals weren’t working within the Public Service.
He said the proposed regulatory changes would give police complete access to all current and former identities of any person they were investigating.
The Premier said the new Regulation would be in force before Parliament resumed.
15 July, 2009
Transport Group to
get wheels turning
A new Transport Coordination Group has been set up to manage Sydney’s morning and afternoon peak traffic periods.The Group includes operational experts from RailCorp, Roads and Traffic Authority, Sydney Buses, the Ministry of Transport, NSW Police and private bus companies.
Minister for Transport, David Campbell and Minister for Roads, Michael Daley said the Group would streamline communications and manage peak traffic in the same way special events were managed.
Mr Campbell said the Group would build on the “highly successful” Joint Operations Centres, which were normally established for major event such as Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and World Youth Day.
“Unexpected incidents that can have major impacts on traffic flow as well as public transport reliability are being quickly identified and resolved,” he said.
“Bringing transport Agencies and the Police together ensures accidents are moved quickly and buses are in place to carry passengers when rail or ferry incidents occur.”
Mr Daley said the Transport Coordination Group would work to identify and improve incident response time and minimise the impact of traffic incidents on public transport.
“For instance, the group is keeping an eye on trends and hotspots in the CBD to keep buses moving,” he said.
“York, George and Park Streets are receiving particular attention, with the coordination group on the lookout for issues such as parked cars blocking lanes.”
Mr Daley said faster, streamlined communication between Agencies would allow the network to be more reliable.
Mr Campbell said the Group had been established under the new ‘Super Agency’ structure.
“Having specialists from all of the transport Agencies under the one roof, all of the time, allows for more effective management of transport in Sydney,” he said.
“The group will be looking at new infrastructure and resources to further improve operations over the coming months.”
15 July, 2009
Bottle ban to
cut off water
The Departments of Premier and Cabinet, and Environment and Climate Change have been asked by the Premier to advise the Government on ways to reduce consumption of bottled water in NSW.In a bid to promote the policy, Premier, Nathan Rees announced that all NSW Government Agencies would be banned from purchasing bottled water.
“This represents a saving for taxpayers and it makes sense for those who consume the water,” Mr Rees said.
“After all, our tap water is among the best in the world and tastes even better.”
Government moves to reduce the use of bottled water have been mirrored by the community of Bundanoon, which has become the first community in Australia to voluntarily ban the sale of bottled water.
Mr Rees said the Government would lead by example, with the Public Service ban to be implemented immediately.
“Obviously there will be a few exceptions including circumstances where there is no clean water supply available, in the event of an emergency or for other public health reasons,” he said.
Mr Rees said other initiatives to be considered include a public information campaign highlighting the expense of purchasing bottled water and its impact on the environment.
“As Water Minister I conducted a survey of 300 people with Ian Kiernan from Clean Up Australia, which dispelled the myth that bottled water tastes better,” Mr Rees said.
“The reality is that the majority of people preferred tap water over spring or purified water in a blind taste test.
“Tap water isn’t just better for the environment, it’s better for your wallet - you can refill your drink bottle 1,350 times for the average cost of a bottle of spring water.”
Mr Rees said people could save up to $1,200 a year if they chose to drink tap water.
“It costs around $2.50 a litre for popular brands of bottled water, but Sydneysiders can fill their reusable drink bottle for less than one fifth of a cent a litre,” he said.
Mr Rees also highlighted the environmental impacts of making plastic water bottles.
“Take a 600ml plastic bottle – 200ml of oil has gone into its production,” he said.
“That's leaving aside the C02 that comes from transporting it around the place.”
He said according to the Plastics and Chemicals Industry Association 2005-06 report, it took 456,131 barrels of oil to produce, refrigerate and transport Australia’s plastic water bottles.
Director of the Australasian Bottled Water Institute, Geoff Parker said he was disappointed by the bans as they restricted consumer choice.
“The environmental footprint of one bottle of locally produced water would be much smaller than a tin of canned tomatoes imported from overseas, some imported cheese, or French champagne,” Mr Parker said.
“I think we need to keep it in perspective.”
15 July, 2009
Media gets OK to
tell tales on schools
The Government has strengthened its resolve to allow the media to publish school performance data by promising to move in Parliament to overturn law changes that would not allow it.Premier, Nathan Rees said a new Bill would be introduced in September to remove amendments to the Education Amendment (Publication of School Results) Act, which prevented the media from publishing school performance data which was readily available on a national website.
Mr Rees said legislation passed last month enabled the performance data of all NSW schools to be reported on the website.
“Our actions brought NSW in line with every other State and Territory in providing transparent data on school performance to the Commonwealth,” he said.
“Our laws were about providing parents with accurate and vital information about their children and the schools they attend.”
Mr Rees said one of the provisions under the act meant media outlets could be fined up to $55,000 for publishing the data.
Minister for Education and Training, Verity Firth said it didn’t make sense to prevent parents from receiving information about how their child’s school compared to similar schools.
“Comparing schools of similar characteristics will enable us to direct the appropriate resources to those schools that need more help,” Ms Firth said.
“This has never been about the creation of simplistic league tables.
“This is about providing rich, contextualised information to parents about the performance of all schools.”
15 July, 2009
Survey shows trains
back on the rails
Research showing CityRail passengers enjoy a high level of satisfaction with the services they receive has been welcomed by the Minister for Transport, David Campbell.Mr Campbell said the report from the Independent Transport Safety and Reliability Regulator (ITSRR) covered from 2004 to 2008 and found passengers were more satisfied with CityRail services than they were five years ago.
However, he said the report also found more could be done to improve CityRail services.
“The NSW Government is focused on delivering better frontline transport services to passengers and this report shows us what we are doing right and also where we can improve,” Mr Campbell said.
“Out of 37 areas of customer service, the ITSRR report found seven areas had improved, three had deteriorated and the remaining 27 had stayed the same.”
He said customer satisfaction had increased regarding service punctuality; availability of arrival and departure information; staff helpfulness; timeliness of delay or cancellation announcements; website services; personal safety during non-peak day time; and satisfaction with the number of delays and cancellations.
Mr Campbell said the Government had introduced a Customer Charter to ensure specific aspects of customer service had improved.
“I am pleased to see that the hard work being done to improve on-time running, reliability and safety on our trains is paying off,” he said.
“CityRail staff should be proud of their efforts in improving these areas of customer service.”
Mr Campbell said customer satisfaction had fallen slightly in the areas of graffiti removal, removal of litter from trains and the availability of secure parking.
“I am pleased to say that while three of the 37 areas of satisfaction have fallen, the NSW Government is already making significant progress addressing those issues,” he said.
Mr Campbell said the Government planned to build 7,000 additional car spaces across the network and improve cleanliness to tackle the issues.
“The availability of car parking for train commuters has been identified as an important issue and the Government is responding,” he said.
“We are also making progress in the fight against graffiti, with joint operations and greater cooperation between CityRail security and NSW Police through the rail vandalism taskforce.
“CityRail is removing more than a million tags from trains and stations each year to keep them looking clean and safe.”
Mr Campbell said while CityRail cleaners removed around 2.5 tonnes of rubbish each week from trains, passengers also needed to do their part by putting their rubbish in the bin.
“We are boosting efforts to keep stations clean but the onus must also fall on those passengers who leave their rubbish behind,” he said.
15 July, 2009
Minister open to
reversing closures
A number of agricultural research stations earmarked for closure in last year’s mini-budget have been saved by the Department of Primary Industries.Minister for Primary Industries, Ian Macdonald said of the eight facilities that were to be closed in a bid to make operations more modern and efficient, seven would be saved.
Mr Macdonald said the Gaden Trout Hatchery at Jindabyne would be retained and the Gosford Primary Industries Institute at Narara would be transferred to Ourimbah with the University of Newcastle
He said research would continue at Alstonville, with staff relocating to Wollongbar.
“In terms of Alstonville a working group will be established to look at the possible involvement of Southern Cross University in the future,” Mr Macdonald said.
“After careful consideration, the Government will continue to maintain facilities at Berry, Condobolin, Glen Innes and Temora.”
He said unused land at the rear of the Berry site would be sold.
Mr Macdonald said the research station at Griffith would be closed and potential staff relocation sites would be considered.
“I am pleased that communities, industry and farmers have worked together to achieve these great results for their regions, the issue has certainly made many people aware of just how important their local facility is to their community,” he said.
“Advisory committees, made up of industry and stakeholders put forward strong proposals which examined the most efficient way of servicing their rural communities.
“The global financial crisis continues to affect every business in this country, so I am pleased we have been able to achieve some savings from this process.”
Mr Macdonald said research at Glen Inness would be strengthened and that Bill McKiernan had been appointed as the new Centre Director.
Member for Kiama, Matt Brown welcomed the news about the Berry facility, saying staff would be able to carry on with their important work.
Country Labor MLC, Tony Catanzariti said he was disappointed with the decision to close the research station at Griffith and would organise to meet with Mr Macdonald to discuss the matter
15 July, 2009
Lexicon puts word
on terror warnings
Departments and Agencies across Australia are being urged to adopt consistent language when informing the public about terrorism and national security threats, issues and alarms.A project being led by the Victorian Police Force and a number of agencies including the Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department and Australian Multicultural Foundation is focusing on how State, Territory and the Commonwealth Governments use language to communicate issues relating to terrorism.
Known as the Lexicon of Terrorism the project has been welcomed by the Federal Attorney-General, Robert McClelland who said it would help Governments frame “effective public information messages” on national security issues by strengthening community harmony and “disempowering potential violent extremists.”
“Experience has shown that the language used to describe terrorism can be counter-productive,” Mr McClelland said.
“Certain words have the potential to glorify terrorism and terrorists, while others can cause anxiety among Australians and create divisions within and between communities.”
He said the description of combatting terrorism as a “war”, and the word “jihad” to depict a struggle between religions or values were examples of language that would be examined.
“We need to use language that does not inadvertently glorify terrorism but rather describes it in terms of base criminal behaviour of the most reprehensible kind,” he said.
“We should also be conscious of not alienating broad ethnic and religious groups by labelling them in a way that causes prejudice or leads to misunderstanding.”
Mr McClelland said community focus groups would be held, along with interviews with relevant Agencies.
He said academic research and public submissions were also expected to contribute to any recommendations made following the project.
Similar studies had been in conducted in other parts of the world, including the United Kingdom.
15 July, 2009
Finance play gives
money’s worth
A theatre play that travels to Indigenous communities and educates audiences about managing their finances has been approved for its third season since October last year.Minister for Trading, Virginia Judge said the Office of Fair Trading was the first consumer protection Agency in Australia to use interactive theatre to educate Aboriginal communities about money management.
Ms Judge said the play, Deadly Dollars, had visited 64 Aboriginal communities and entertained over 4,500 people so far.
“Deadly Dollars has been an amazing success and proves that a little imagination and creativity goes a long way in helping to get the message across to consumers,” she said.
“It is a new and innovative approach to educating people about finances and staying out of debt.”
Ms Judge said the play was performed by Indigenous actors and was suitable for people of all ages.
“It covers issues such as household spending, interest free deals, mobile phone bills and other credit matters,” she said.
“Money management and debt control are issues of concern for many Indigenous Australians.”
Ms Judge said the new tour would travel to the far north and west of NSW from October to November this year, including communities in Broken Hill, Wilcannia and Bourke.
“We have received fantastic feedback from a broad spectrum of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal community workers, school teachers, students and community members,” she said.
Ms Judge said the play was developed by Rod Smith Productions, a Newcastle-based Aboriginal production company.
She said it was set in a small, isolated community where the main characters were faced with difficult financial situations due to purchasing decisions.
“Performers interact with the audience, working out solutions to financial dilemmas that are then acted out,” Ms Judge said.
“The audience learns who, and where, to turn to when faced with financial problems.”
She said a Deadly Dollars financial literacy program and resource kit had also been developed.
The Government will contribute almost $54,000 to finance the third season.
Further information was available from www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au
15 July, 2009
Court upgrade
goes down well
The NSW Supreme Court building in Queens Square, Sydney is to be upgraded at a cost of $69 million.Premier, Nathan Rees said the upgrade of the Law Courts building would create up to 350 jobs on and off-site as construction commenced.
Mr Rees said the upgrade formed part of the Government’s plan to support jobs and stimulate the economy.
He said since the Law Courts Building had been built 30 years ago, it had served the community well and hosted most of State’s high profile cases.
“However, the building needs to be upgraded to keep pace with modern dispensation of justice, including the shift toward electronic stored and presented evidence, and the increase in long trials involving multiple parties,” Mr Rees said.
He said 30 courtrooms and all public waiting areas and toilets would be upgraded; all courtrooms would receive new audio visual technology such as television monitors, microphones and cameras; and windows would be renovated to improve environmental performance.
Mr Rees said the Registry and public counters, office areas for staff, refurbishing the public foyer and judicial chambers would also be upgraded, as would services such as sprinklers and smoke detectors and signage.
The work was expected to be completed in 2012.
15 July, 2009
Newborn service a
baby no more
The Newborn and paediatric Emergency Transport Service this month turned 30 years old.Minister for Health, John Della Bosca congratulated NETS for saving tens of thousands of children through its services.
Mr Della Bosca said NETS transported babies and children in need of specialist intensive care using specially equipped ambulances and helicopters.
He said the Service was unique to Australia and recognised internationally.
Mr Della Bosca said the Government provided $6.4 million to support NETS every year.
“Over the past 30 years, NETS has responded to 52,536 obstetric, neo-natal and paediatric hospital emergencies,” he said.
Mr Della Bosca said these had resulted in over 38,057 call-outs and transfers for babies and children (up to 16) and 11,664 problems solved through phone consultation.
“The service operates around the clock and is on standby to care for critically ill and sick babies and children living in communities throughout the State, even in remote areas,” he said.
“In many ways NETS is a mini mobile hospital.”
Medical Director of NETS, Dr Andrew Berry, said the service ensured children received specialised treatment straight away and offered a central point to hospitals throughout the state.
“Six specialist teams of highly skilled staff comprising a doctor and a nurse plus around $231,000 worth of life support equipment are on standby each day,” Dr Berry said.
“Doctors, nurses and the ambulance service call NETS to seek advice about moving a sick child to an appropriate hospital.
He said in its inception, the only component of NETS was a doctor who often travelled to the patient in a taxi, private car or a police car or commercial airliner, with no equipment.
“Over time NETS has developed specially designed equipment and dedicated ambulances to treat, stabilise and transport babies and children,” Dr Berry said.
Further information was available from www.health.nsw.gov.au
15 July, 2009
Cars crashed in
crash course test
An international competition to hone the skills of emergency services teams has been held in Sydney with more than 50 brand new cars destroyed in the process.Minister for Emergency Services, Steve Whan said rescue crews from Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong spent three days cutting ‘victims’ from the wreck as part of the Australasian Road Rescue Challenge.
Mr Whan said the Challenge, which aimed to develop better rescue techniques and improve community safety, was coordinated by the Australasian Road Rescue Organisation and hosted by the NSW Fire Brigades and the State Emergency Service.
“Our rescue teams are among the best equipped and trained in the world, attending many thousands of rescue incidents each year,” he said.
Mr Whan said 14 teams took part in the Challenge, which was held at the Australian Technology Park at Redfern.
NSW Fire Brigades Commissioner, Greg Mullins said the event was an important way of helping lift skill levels across the industry.
“Rescue crews work hard to continually hone their skills to ensure people injured in road crashes can be rapidly, efficiently and safely freed and transported to hospital as quickly as possible,” Commissioner Mullins said.
“The Emergency Services also work with the motor vehicle industry to ensure that our techniques and equipment keep pace with developments in vehicle manufacture.”
The teams used new-generation robust hydraulic cutting equipment to keep pace with the increased use of boron-hardened steel in vehicle manufacture.
State Emergency Service Director General, Murray Kear commended Emergency Services personnel for their commitment to helping save lives.
“I'm proud of the dedication and expertise of the volunteer and paid rescue crews,” Mr Kear said.
General Motors Holden donated 55 cars ranging from utes to SS Commodores, which were crushed by an excavator for the competition.
15 July, 2009
Tide turns on
water embargo
The Minister for Water, Phil Costa has moved to allow NSW landholders who agreed to sell water to the Federal Government for the Murray Darling Basin to do so in spite of the embargo that has been in place since May.Mr Costa said applications for the exemption would now be accepted until 17 July.
He said the embargo was introduced to encourage a more equitable balance to water buyback across Murray Darling Basin States, with the Minister concerned that most of the water being purchased was from NSW.
“I have maintained the position that the embargo will remain in place until we see actual environmental water purchases by the Commonwealth from other Basin States,” Mr Costa said.
“The embargo will remain until a fair solution between the Basin states is found.”
Mr Costa said he had extended the application period to ensure parties who signed contracts prior to 29 May 2009 were not penalised by the embargo.
He said the extension would ensure any sales that were finalised before the embargo was announced could proceed.
Mr Costa maintained NSW had been “unfairly represented” in water purchases by the Commonwealth as it had “the most flexible and sophisticated” water trading market.
“Strategic water buyback for the environment is an important part of the equation to revive the Murray-Darling Basin but NSW is doing all the heavy lifting in this area,” he said.
“I have acted to ensure NSW will not suffer further because we have reformed our system while other States lag behind.”
Mr Costa said the embargo would be effective until other States removed their trade barriers and subsidies.
“The NSW Government will hold firm on this embargo, in the best interests of NSW, until a fairer solution can be reached and we will be working with the other jurisdictions to find a workable solution,” he said.
Mr Costa said water trades for contracts signed before 29 May could still be processed.
He said water savings that had resulted in investment in infrastructure would be exempt from the embargo.
15 July, 2009
Healthy start to
e-health project
The establishment of a national e-health system is a step closer with consultations commencing on the legislative framework needed to manage privacy and other aspects of proposed national healthcare identifier numbers.Ministers attending a recent Health Ministers’ Conference said the identity numbers were “essential” for a secure national system.
Healthcare Identifiers are unique numbers that will be given to all healthcare providers, centres and consumers.
They are expected to provide more confidence when communicating patient information between private and Government healthcare providers and systems.
The conference highlighted the need for a national system, pointing out there had never been a single method of accurately and reliably identifying the patient receiving healthcare, the healthcare providers or the organisations managing care.
The Ministers said mismatching patients with their records and medical results was a well known problem within the health system and that all Australian residents would be given an Individual Healthcare Identifier (IHI) to facilitate improved communication between providers.
They said no one would be forced to use their IHI to access health services.
The IHI service is to be managed by Medicare Australia, but will not replace Medicare numbers, which help patients claim Government healthcare benefits.
The Ministers said the IHI would only hold enough information to clearly identify the person and would not store clinical information or medical records.
Consultations on the issue have begun, to ensure the legislation is robust, effective and balances the privacy of personal information with the healthcare benefits of the IHI scheme. They are to be held in July
Further information is available at www.health.gov.au
15 July, 2009
Children’s initiative
a passport to fun
Primary School children in NSW are to receive a new ‘Kids’ Adventure Passport’ which will give them free access to over 70 museums and arts and craft galleries across the State.Premier, Nathan Rees launched the new Passport, saying it was about providing kids with a ticket to having fun.
Mr Rees said the Passport would give each child free entry to participating venues around NSW on weekends, public and school holidays from 13 July 2009 to 27 January 2010.
“The great bonus is, it’s free and can be enjoyed by the whole family,” he said.
“Whether you live in the city, Western Sydney, Broken Hill or Bathurst– there is something for everyone to learn, experience and enjoy.”
Mr Rees said the Passports could be picked up from any participating museum or gallery in NSW.
He said to encourage kids to participate, a special challenge had been issued for those who completed certain activities to gain three stamps on their passport.
“There’s a series of prizes for those who are quick to complete it, including family passes to Taronga Zoo, Western Plains Zoo and kids’ shows at the Sydney Opera House,” Mr Rees said.
“And once our young explorers collect three stamps they can apply for an official certificate signed by me, which recognises their achievement.
“They have six months to complete the Challenge.”
Mr Rees said venues taking part in the initiative included the Australian Museum, the Art Gallery of NSW, Rouse Hill House and Farm, Elizabeth Farm, the Sydney Opera House, the State Library, the Powerhouse and the Sydney Observatory.
“At each venue, there will also be fun goals and activities for the kids to complete,” he said.
Mr Rees said the program aimed to help children develop an appreciation of culture and art.
“Exposure to art, big ideas and creativity helps developing minds reach their full potential,” he said.
“It just may spur on the next wave of artists, inventors, historians and designers.”
Over 600,000 children in NSW are eligible to take part in the Kids’ Adventure Passport challenge.
Further details on collecting passports and beginning the Challenge were available from www.arts.nsw.gov.au
15 July, 2009
Clinton MOU
fits the bill
The Government of NSW has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the US-based William J. Clinton Foundation as part of its commitment to addressing climate change.Premier, Nathan Rees signed the Clinton Climate Initiative to help promote an international response to the international issue.
Mr Rees said the MOU, which he signed with Chairman of the Initiative, Ira Magaziner, established a partnership that would allow a range of climate change issues to be targeted.
He said the agreement would focus on ways to increase the deployment of low emission technologies in Government-owned buildings and would tackle climate change in practical and significant ways.
“It will also allow us to tap in to a global network of ideas on reducing carbon pollution and fighting climate change,” Mr Rees said.
“It will strengthen our international ties and enable us to share knowledge and experience on the global stage.”
He said the MOU would also allow the Government and the Clinton Climate Initiative to work together to identify opportunities for commercial scale solar projects.
Mr Rees said they would also explore new opportunities in renewable energy and energy efficiency.
“NSW has long been a leader in climate change action,” he said.
“We introduced the world’s first performance rating tool in 1998, now known as NABERS, and we pioneered the world leading GGAS scheme in 2003.
“This new partnership agreement will help us to build on those successes.”
The Clinton Climate Initiative was originally launched to create and advance solutions to the core issues driving climate change.
It works with Governments and businesses around the world and focuses on three strategic program areas: increasing energy efficiency in cities, catalysing the large-scale supply of clean energy, and working to measure and value the carbon absorbed by forests.
Further information was available from www.clintonfoundation.org
15 July, 2009
Salary Circular
The Department of Premier and Cabinet has released a Circular on changes to the calculation of notional salary for the Senior Executive Service.
The notional salary determines payments for accrued leave to SES officers on separation and the cashing out of leave for SES officers.
According to the Circular, the notional salary is calculated by taking a SES officer’s total remuneration package (TRP) and subtracting their required superannuation contribution.
As of 1 July 2009, if the TRP is more than $175,141.20 per year, the notional salary is the TRP less $14,461.20.
If the TRP is equal or less than $175,141.20 per year, the notional salary is the TRP divided by 1.09.
Copies of the Circular are available from www.dpc.nsw.gov.au
Privacy exemption renewed
Privacy Commissioner, Judge Ken Taylor has renewed a privacy direction to allow the Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages to deal with personal information as outlined in the National Document Verification Service (DVS), which aims to enhance proof of identity processes and systems.
Under the direction, the Registry does not have to comply with all Information Protection Principals in the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998.
Instead it allows the Registry to partake in online document verification between Commonwealth and NSW Agencies to reduce identity fraud and theft.
Further information is available from www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au
Buses in recruit drive
The number of bus drivers recruited over the past two years has increased by 48 per cent, according to the Minister for Transport, David Campbell.
Mr Campbell said an average of 18 new drivers were recruited every week and that staffing levels at State Transit were at an all time high with 5,051 employees, including 3,951 bus drivers.
The strong recruitment drive reflects an increased need for bus drivers as the Government prepares to roll out new services and additional buses.
Cave birthday is surprise
As the Jenolan Caves Reserve Trust celebrated its 20th anniversary on 1 July, Acting Director, Dan Cove drew attention to Government management of the Caves.
Mr Cove said Government responsibility for Jenolan Caves had passed around a range of portfolios, including the Mines Department, the Lands Department, the NSW State Tourist Bureau and the Department of Railways.
He said the Trust had not expected it would celebrate its 20th birthday, as plans to transfer the caves’ administration to the Department of Environment and Climate Change had been underway for several years.
Funding for Centre
The NSW Rape Crisis Centre is to receive an additional $616,000 of State funding to expand its crisis intervention services for sexual assault.
The increase was announced following a 129 per cent increase in victims seeking counseling and support services over the past three years.
The Centre provides continuous, State-wide telephone and on-line crisis intervention, counselling, information, referral and support for victims of sexual assault.
Further information was available from www.nswrapecrisis.com.au
Hospital first
In an Australian first, Liverpool hospital will receive new technology to allow doctors to diagnose patients more accurately and quickly.
The new Spyglass camera will provide doctors with fibre optic technology that will allow them to see images of the treatment area internally.
The camera is expected to reduce the rate of invasive surgery as it will give doctors the capability to diagnose and treat patients in the one procedure.
Jail music funded
The NSW Government has provided Don Spencer’s Australian Children’s Music Foundation with $40,000 to help it continue supporting music programs for young offenders in detention.
Don Spencer, an Australian musician, founded the ACMF in 2002 and has been working in Juvenile Justice Centres since 2003.
Mr Spencer’s music program has involved hundreds of detainees at Acmena, Cobham, Juniperina, Riverina, Frank Baxter and Reiby Juvenile Justice Centres where he has distributed over $350,000 worth of instruments to disadvantaged youths and provided free musical equipment and tuition to schools in disadvantaged areas.
House building on track
The construction of new social housing residences under the Economic Stimulus Plan is ahead of schedule in NSW, according to the State and Federal Governments.
The Minister for Housing, David Borger said construction had begun on 564 homes since February and 2,669 other dwellings had been approved.
Further information was available from www.housing.nsw.gov.au
8 July, 2009
Complaints manual is
whinge win outcome
The NSW Ombudsman has published a practice manual for managing unreasonable complainants.The manual was completed after three years of research into dealing with unreasonable complainant conduct and aims to “contribute to fairness, integrity and good public administration in relation to handling complaints and investigations”.
Ombudsman, Bruce Barbour said the Managing Unreasonable Complaint Conduct Practice Manual was the result of a joint project between all Australian Parliamentary Ombudsmen’s offices.
Mr Barbour said the manual updated the Interim Practice Manual that was published in 2007.
“This Practice Manual proposes a framework of strategies for managing unreasonable conduct on the part of complainants,” he said.
“It is designed to encourage staff to respond confidently and firmly to such
conduct.”
Mr Barbour said in order for the strategies outlined in the manual to work staff needed to be aware of how to use them.
“The manual has been trialled by participating offices and staff have received training and advice on how to deal with “difficult complainants”, who can take up an “inordinate amount of time and resources”.
Under the complainant conduct project, the Ombudsman’s office has developed an approach to managing difficult clients, which includes a one-day workshop, Dealing with Unreasonable Complainant Conduct, for Agency staff.
The workshop, which should be attended by supervisors, managers, front line and case staff, examines management strategies, key messages for complainants, categories of unreasonable conduct, managing expectations, communication skills and how to see problems from other perspectives.
The manual aims to help staff overcome the challenges presented by complainants whose behaviour is “very angry, aggressive and abusive” towards them and who “threaten harm, can be dishonest or intentionally misleading in presenting the facts”.
The manual has been made available online - from www.ombo.nsw.gov.au - for free or in hardcopy for $25.
Training workshops are to be held in Sydney from August to December, with dates available by visiting the Ombudsman’s website or phoning (02) 9286 1019.
8 July, 2009
Overseas offices are
export quality
The State Government has officially opened two new business offices in China.The Minister for State Development, Ian Macdonald said the new offices would win investment and trade for NSW despite the trials posed by the global economic crisis.
Mr Macdonald said the NSW Government would also be establishing new businesses offices in Mumbai in India and in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates later in 2009.
He launched the NSW Government Business Offices in Guangzhou and Shanghai, saying China was a key marked for the State.
“That’s why it’s important for us to have an in-market presence there especially in these difficult economic times,” Mr Macdonald said.
“The new offices give us the capacity to build awareness of Sydney’s and NSW’s strengths in financial services, infrastructure and construction, education and tourism services and as a source of world-class products and services.”
He said the Government had chosen to locate the offices in Guangzhou and Shanghai as they were both major business centres in China and would give NSW access to a number of different opportunities.
Mr Macdonald said Guangzhou was the capital of Guangdong, the province which NSW established a sister-State relationship with around 30 years ago.
8 July, 2009
Charges dive as
Trustee rises
The cap on management fees charged by the Office of the Protective Commissioner has been cut from $50,000 to $15,000 following the amalgamation of the Office with the Public Trustee.Attorney General, John Hatzistergos said the new office would be called the NSW Trustee and Guardian.
Mr Hatzistergos said the new cap meant clients with disabilities and mental illnesses would see their fees reduced.
“The reduction in fees for clients of the Protective Commissioner recognises the Government has an obligation to provide fair and equitable services, especially when it comes to vulnerable members of the community,” he said.
Mr Hatzistergos said the reduction followed those implemented in April following recommendations by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).
He said the recommendations included capping the four per cent annual income fee for privately managed clients at $2,000 and removing the 50 per cent threshold test for pension income for privately managed clients.
Mr Hatzistergos said IPART also recommended the fee for account keeping be increased from $100 to $200 or $300 for complex accounts.
He said as part of the amalgamation, the branch structure of the Public Trustee would enable clients of the Protective Commissioner to access services beyond metropolitan Sydney in places such as Gosford, Newcastle, Armidale, Broken Hill, Lismore, Port Macquarie, Wollongong and Bathurst.
The Protective Commissioner is an independent office responsible for managing the financial affairs of around 9,000 people with a disability or mental illness.
The Public Trustee acts as executor in deceased estates and provides legal and financial services to around 27,000 clients on a yearly basis.
8 July, 2009
Tender powers up
electricity contract
NSW Procurement has written to Departments and Agencies seeking confirmation of their commitment to purchasing electricity under the State Contracts Control Board (SCCB) whole-of-Government contracts.NSW Procurement plans to issue a Request for Tender shortly for the supply of conventional electricity and green power to large NSW Government sites including street lighting and traffic signals.
In its letter, NSW Procurement said the strategy of the tender was to obtain pricing from retail suppliers based on a nominated load of electricity for the whole-of-Government, calculated from historical consumption data.
It urged Departments and Agencies to foreshadow any expected future changes to electricity useage, so it could provide accurate data for potential tenderers to determine their pricing.
“With firm commitment on the volume of electricity to be purchased from all Agencies, we can aggregate NSW Government’s purchasing power and obtain the lowest possible prices compared to any individual agency negotiation, achieving significant savings,” the letter said.
“Therefore, your commitment is vital to our success in securing the best possible rates for the new contract.”
NSW Procurement said it had helped NSW Government Agencies save $64 million in the last financial year, and that for the past three years, the State Government’s electricity contract had provided “lowest pricing to Government”.
It said on formation of the contract, customers would be required to place their orders for conventional electricity and green power in a “short timeframe of possibly six weeks”, adding that it would contact Departments and Agencies with advance notice of the forms and due dates of the orders.
It said it was a requirement of the Premier’s Memorandum 2006-11 that all NSW Government Agencies were required to use SCCB whole-of-Government contracts, where they were available, when procuring goods and services.
8 July, 2009
Park visitors see
wood for trees
A study of visitors to NSW national parks has revealed their importance to the community and local economy according to the Minister for the Environment, Carmel Tebbutt.Ms Tebbutt said the telephone survey, which was the first of its kind undertaken in NSW, found there had been 38 million visits to NSW national parks in 2008.
“These results show just how important parks are to communities around NSW,” she said.
“Our parks not only provide a haven for native plants and animals, and offer a range of recreational choices, but also contribute jobs and money to local economies.”
Ms Tebbutt said the survey involved more than 15,700 participants and would be conducted every second year in the future.
“Survey results showed the five most popular parks were the Blue Mountains National Park, Royal National Park, Ku-ring-gai Chase, Lane Cove and Kosciusko national parks,” she said.
“Ninety one per cent of visits were from within NSW, while Victoria and Queensland contributed the most interstate visits, followed by the ACT.”
Ms Tebbutt said the survey asked participants what activities they enjoyed doing in national parks and whether they were satisfied with their experience.
“Bushwalking was the most popular activity (54 per cent), followed by water sports (17 per cent) and picnicking (14 per cent),” she said.
“And I am pleased to report that ninety per cent of visitors reported they were either satisfied or very satisfied with their experience.”
Ms Tebbutt encouraged Australians to explore their national parks as they included some of the “most spectacular scenery” and “rainforests, rivers, beaches, wetlands and alpine areas”.
8 July, 2009
Train of thought
turns to timetable
A new CityRail timetable to come into effect in October has been posted on the internet.Minister for Transport, David Campbell has encouraged CityRail passengers to view the new 2009 Timetable to prepare for its introduction.
Mr Campbell said the Timetable would be introduced after a public awareness campaign was run to ensure passengers were aware of the changes.
“The 2009 timetable has been finalised following extensive community consultation,” he said.
“This has resulted in a number of service improvements such as frequency of trains and connections to other services being fully incorporated in the new timetable.”
Mr Campbell said the timetable took advantage of opportunities provided by integrating the $2.3 billion Epping to Chatswood rail link into the broader rail network.
He said the integration allowed CityRail to run additional services to ease crowding issues.
“More than 10,000 people are riding the Epping to Chatswood Rail Link each day and I expect that number to grow when it is fully integrated into the network,” Mr Campbell said.
He said the new timetable was aimed at addressing crowding issues before 626 new PPP carriages were rolled out next year.
“The new timetable will see additional peak hour services, with six-car trains increased to eight-car trains on more services across Sydney to provide extra capacity,” Mr Campbell said.
He said the timetable included additional peak services to the Western, South and East Hills lines; additional services from 9am to 12 noon for Western, South, Northern and North Shore passengers; increased train capacity; a more even speak of patronage; additional weekend services for some lines; improved platform arrangements and direct rail access from the CBD to the Macquarie Park/North Ryde employment corridor.
The new Timetable could be viewed at www.131500.info
8 July, 2009
Law Agencies become
partners in crime
A new law enforcement body to target organised and illegal drug crime has been set up jointly by the NSW Crime Commission and a number of Commonwealth Agencies.The NSW Crime Commission and the NSW State Crime Command have joined forces with the Australian Federal Police, Australian Customs and Border Protection Services and the Australian Crime Commission to set up the Joint Organised Crime Group.
Leader of the Group, Joint Organised Crime Commander, Superintendent Peter Baker said the JOCG would enable a more effective response to the changing nature of crime.
“It allows a more flexible investigative response to intelligence received in relation to the activities of organised crime groups and of individuals involved in organised crime,” Superintendent Baker said.
“The seizure and confiscation of proceeds of crime will continue to be a key strategy of the Group.”
He said the collective powers of each Agency would be used to focus on all groups associated with organised drug importation and distribution within the NSW region.
The joint group is to be made up of officers from all five Agencies.
8 July, 2009
Digital radio is
wired for success
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation has switched on its digital radio services in Sydney as part of a national roll-out of its new network.Managing Director of the ABC, Mark Scott said switching on its digital service meant new and increased content for listeners.
Mr Scott said along with Sydney, the service had commenced in Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.
He said while the digital radio services would initially only be available in the capital cities the Government was considering extending them to other metropolitan centres and regional areas.
Mr Scott said the ABC would offer simulcasts of its existing ABC Radio services along with three new music stations: ABC Dig Music, ABC Jazz and ABC Country.
Director of ABC Radio, Kate Dundas said digital radio would allow the ABC to deliver a greater variety of content and to present special event broadcasts, including the planned uninterrupted coverage of the 2009 Ashes series.
Ms Dundas said other opportunities for the broadcaster included alternative programming choices on networks such as ABC NewsRadio during Parliamentary session broadcasts, and special event concert broadcasts from triple j and ABC Classic FM.
“With our new music services on digital radio joining the ABC broadcast family, we’re pleased to commence the Digital Radio roll-out,” she said.
“It’s the next exciting move in the ABC delivering audiences the high quality content they seek from us.”
Further information was available from www.abc.net.au/digitalradio
8 July, 2009
Harbour Authority
baying for input
The Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority has launched what it says is the most interactive consultation process in NSW Government history.The consultation process will help to decide the future of land and foreshore to the west of Sydney Harbour Bridge.
The Authority has invited Sydney residents to have their say on the 80 hectares of land known as Bays Precinct.
It has encouraged community groups, businesses, Councils and the public to share their ideas by participating in two online interactive community forums.
The forums have been established to promote community engagement on the future of the land which is located on the harbor, two kilometres from the CBD.
Bays Precinct is bounded by the suburbs of Balmain, Rozelle, Lilyfield, Annandale, Glebe, Ultimo and Pyrmont.
The site includes Glebe Island, White Bay, White Bay Power Station, Rozelle Bay, Rozelle Rail Yards and Blackwattle Bay, including Sydney Fish Market.
Bays Precinct is used for maritime, working harbour, commercial maritime and mixed use activities and includes large areas of disused land.
The Authority said the future of the Precinct was important to “both the local community and Sydney's wider population” and that future planning needed to consider local needs, the maritime economy and Sydney's role as a global city.
Ideas generated through the online forum will be used to develop a set of draft principles to guide future planning in the area.
The forums could be accessed at www.thebaysprecinct.net.au
8 July, 2009
State to run tight
ship with new vessel
The NSW Government is now the proud owner of a 138m-long guided missile frigate following an official handover from the Commonwealth Department of Defence.The decommissioned HMAS Adelaide has been granted to the State to form an artificial reef and dive wreck off the coast of Terrigal.
Premier, Nathan Rees thanked Federal Minister for Defence, Senator John Faulkner at the handover.
Mr Rees said the Commonwealth would contribute up to $5.8 million dollars to prepare the ship, ensure environmental hazards were removed and to finally scuttle it just off the coast.
“We expect avid divers from around the globe to visit the Central Coast to take advantage of this magnificent opportunity – this is a fantastic addition to the already spectacular attractions the Coast has to offer,” he said.
“This is a tremendous opportunity to create and support existing jobs on the Central Coast.”
A deed of agreement for the handover was first signed in July 2008 to allow arrangements to be made between the Department of Defence and the State Government.
Mr Rees said the NSW Government was now responsible for preparing, transporting and sinking the ship.
Senator Faulkner said the Commonwealth was “delighted” ex-HMAS Adelaide would become a major dive attraction and provide “significant benefits” to the Central Coast.
Federal Member for Robertson, Belinda Neal was involved in lobbying for ex-HMAS Adelaide to be scuttled in the waters off Terrigal.
Ms Neal said the move would boost local tourism and add to the “critical mass of tourism opportunities of the Central Coast”.
State Member for The Entrance, Grant McBride said the ship provided an exciting tourism opportunity.
“We are already one of the world’s great dive spots – this will be a shot in the arm for our local tourism industry and that means jobs for the Central Coast,” Mr McBride said.
8 July, 2009
Congratulations as
Jane crosses over
The Minister for Disability Services, Paul Lynch has congratulated the retiring Regional Director of the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care in the Hunter, Jane Cross on her contribution to the welfare of people with disabilities.Mr Lynch said Ms Cross had made innovative changes to the welfare of clients and had been an inspiration to fellow DADHC staff.
“Jane started her career as a nurse at the Stockton Centre and many years later returned as its Chief Executive Officer,” he said.
“In doing so, she gave inspiration to many people to show what a person could achieve in their career.”
Ms Cross had worked as Hunter Regional Director since 2005.
Mr Lynch said she made a significant impact during her career, including changing the way residents were allocated accommodation at the region’s four large residences.
“At the same time she set in motion the process under which those centres could be closed and replaced by more modern, state-of-the-art accommodation better suited to the needs of people with a disability who are ageing,” he said.
Minister for the Hunter, Jodi McKay said Ms Cross had ensured client focus was paramount in all her work.
“Jane has dedicated her life to caring for others and we would like to thank her for her continued hard work in improving the lives of older people and people with a disability in the Hunter region and wish her all the best in the future,” Ms McKay said.
8 July, 2009
State to raise bar
on bail breaches
Figures from the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research have revealed a 32 per cent jump in the number of juvenile prisoners committed to remand in NSW between 2007 and 2008.Spokesperson for BOCSAR, Dr Don Weatherburn said over the same period the annual cost of keeping the juveniles in remand rose by 29 per cent, from $36.7 million to $47.2 million.
Dr Weatherburn said two factors had contributed to the growth on remand from an average of 181 juveniles per day to 239 per day.
“The first is an increase in the rate at which police are arresting juveniles for breach of bail,” he said.
“The second is an increase in the length of time juveniles are spending on remand.”
Dr Weatherburn said the number of juveniles arrested for breaching bail had risen from around 100 per month in 2000 to around 300 a month in late 2008.
Attorney General, John Hatzistergos, said new laws introduced in 2007 to crack down on bail breaches by juveniles had aided in the increased number of juveniles being caught out.
“In 2007, the Government introduced laws to prevent accused persons from ‘judge shopping’ through the making of repeat and frivolous applications for bail,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
“The move followed instances of repeat applications for bail based on unchanged factors, which were causing distress to victims and wasting Court time.”
Mr Hatzistergos said under the laws, while an accused person could still seek a review or appeal of a bail decision, they were prohibited from making a repeat application in the same Court unless new facts or circumstances arose.
Dr Weatherburn said the laws had increased the remand problem, with juveniles currently spending an average of 35 days in remand compared to 10 to 15 days before the laws were introduced.
Mr Hatzistergos said the Government would amend the Bail Act to make it clear an accused person could make a fresh application for bail if new facts or circumstances arose as some legal practitioners were delaying making bail applications to ensure their client’s “one chance” at bail was not wasted.
“This has meant some offenders are spending longer periods of time on remand prior to making an application for bail,” he said.
“In the case of juveniles, new information permitting a fresh application would include a report from the Department of Juvenile Justice or the Department of Community Services,” he said.
Further information on the figures was available from www.bocsar.nsw.gov.au
8 July, 2009
Indigenous training
blazes trail for SES
The State Emergency Service has announced a new training program to foster greater understanding between the SES and Indigenous communities.Minister for Emergency Services, Steve Whan said the cultural awareness training scheme would help volunteers and staff to better understand Indigenous culture and engage with Indigenous communities around the State.
Mr Whan said the new training program coincided with National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week.
“The theme of this year's NAIDOC Week, from July 5 to 12, is Honouring our Elders, Nurturing our Youth and in a way, this new program reflects that idea," he said.
“It will combine an appreciation of an ancient culture with modern learning techniques, using electronic technology to reach as many of our 10,000 SES volunteers and staff members as practicable.”
Mr Whan said the SES would work with Adult and Community Education to develop and implement the new program.
SES Indigenous Liaison Officer, Carl Ralph said the new program represented the Service’s commitment to working with Indigenous communities.
“I am really proud to be part of this program," Mr Ralph said.
"The program, which is now in development, will use E-learning techniques and is intended to be fully operational later this year.”
Mr Whan said the scheme would build on the success of the SES Diversity in Volunteering program which trained Aboriginal people as SES volunteers.
“This project has so far attracted about 60 new SES members from Indigenous communities around NSW, as well as raising awareness of the Service's role in emergencies,” he said.
“Under this initiative, the SES has worked to develop relationships with Indigenous community leaders and boost its Indigenous representation by providing Aboriginal people with targeted SES induction, first aid and rescue training courses.”
8 July, 2009
Schools lobbied for
Enrol to Vote week
The Australian Electoral Commission has urged secondary schools across the State to register for national Enrol to Vote Week this year.State Manager for NSW, San Lauw said 471 secondary schools and colleges across NSW and the ACT had already registered but that there was still time for other schools to get involved.
Mr Lauw said the AEC would work in partnership with secondary schools from 27 July to 2 August to encourage 17 and 18-year-old students to enrol to vote.
He said Enrol to Vote Week received strong support from over 524 participating schools in NSW and the ACT in 2008.
Mr Lauw said one in five 18 to 24-year-olds were not enrolled to vote and around one in two 18-year-olds were not enrolled.
“In addition, many 17-year-olds are not aware that they can enrol now,” he said.
“This year the focus of Enrol to Vote Week is to encourage and assist 17-year-olds to enrol so they are automatically able to vote as soon as they turn 18.
“Our message is that enrolling to vote is not something you have to wait until you’re 18 to do.”
Mr Lauw said AEC officers would be available for in-school visits during Enrol to Vote Week and would support students in completing their enrolment forms at school.
He said enrolment forms would also be collected as part of the initiative.
Schools could register to participate in Enrol to Vote Week 2009 by visiting www.enroltovoteweek.aec.gov.au or by phoning 13 23 26.
8 July, 2009
Howe about that
tourism campaign?
A tourism campaign promoting the attractions of Lord Howe Island has been hailed a success for producing record results.Minister for Tourism, Jodi McKay said the three-week campaign had offered Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne holidaymakers accommodation and flight packages if they visited the World Heritage destination between May and September this year.
Ms McKay said the response had been “outstanding” with more than a 200 per cent increase on seat sales compared to the same period last year.
“The NSW Government, through Tourism NSW, partnered with Lord Howe Island Tourism, QantasLink and travel agents to promote the Island during winter,” she said.
Ms McKay said increasing visitor numbers was important to tourism operators on the Island.
“The campaign has provided a real boost for Lord Howe Island tourism operators, which is encouraging in these tough economic times,” she said.
Ms McKay said Lord Howe Island, which is in the Tasman Sea just 700 kilometres north-east of Sydney, was a unique NSW tourism attraction.
“The Island allows no more than 400 visitors at any one time, fostering a relaxed and unhurried experience that provides the perfect break from a busy routine,” she said.
“A holiday on Lord Howe Island is like entering another world. It’s an island paradise right on the shores of NSW and a perfect example of the beautiful coastal holiday experiences in our State.”
Further information was available from www.visitnsw.com
8 July, 2009
State hammers home
housing drive
A “small army” of 190 building companies has been recruited by the State Government to build up to 9,500 new homes as part of the Economic Stimulus Plan.Premier, Nathan Rees said the Government was working in partnership with the Commonwealth to deliver the social housing initiative.
Mr Rees said the building companies had been recruited by expanding Housing NSW’s Builders’ Register from 51 firms to 241 after receiving a “staggering amount” of applications from firms eager to be involved in the program.
“Because of the scale of this program we need a small army of builders, architects, carpenters, brickies, plumbers, surveyors, engineers and landscapers to help us build these homes,” he said.
“We need to move quickly – 75 per cent of the properties that the Commonwealth is funding as part of their Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan need to be ready for tenants to move in by Dec 2010.”
Mr Rees said the Builders’ Register was a list of pre-approved building firms that could be approached to tender for building work.
“The Register is broken into regions with building firms allocated to one or more region,” he said.
“This approach is smart, sensible, saves time and most importantly, it guarantees value for money.
“Having a panel of tried and tested firms with the ability to deliver cuts down the assessment process and also gives us the added confidence of knowing our building work is in safe hands.”
Federal Minister for Housing, Tanya Plibersek said the social housing component of the Plan would support jobs in the construction sector and provide more affordable housing to people in need.
“When the stimulus package gets up to full steam, there will be around 35,000 individual construction projects around the country,” Ms Plibersek said.
“It's not just about jobs for builders, tradespeople and their apprentices but also associated industries such as building manufacturers and suppliers who help keep the Australian economy ticking over.”
Ray Zeaiter, from one of the companies on the Register, said it meant a lot to his company and staff to be included.
“I can employ up to 50 subcontractors ranging from brickies, to carpenters, electricians, painters and plumbers” Mr Zeaiter said.
8 July, 2009
Ombudsman wins
The NSW Ombudsman has won a silver medal for its 2007-2008 Annual Report.
The Ombudsman was awarded the honour under the Australasian Reporting Awards.
A copy of the report was available from www.ombo.nsw.gov.au
DADHC complaints reviewed
The NSW Ombudsman has reviewed complaint handling processes by 20 service providers funded by the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care.
The review was conducted under the Community Participation Program, which aims to help young people with a disability increase their independence.
The Ombudsman found a “high level of commitment” to developing and refining complaint handling procedures existed within the service providers.
The report was available from www.ombo.nsw.gov.au
New Indigenous position
The NSW Rural Fire Service has created the new position of Aboriginal Liaison Officer to help build closer relationships with Aboriginal Communities across the State.
The new officer will help the RFS develop initiatives to attract more Aboriginal members to its ranks and help increase the cultural awareness of staff and volunteers.
New look for MCA
The Museum of Contemporary Art is to receive a $50 million facelift following approval for its redevelopment by the State Government.
The museum, located at Circular Quay, will be extended to include improved gallery and educational spaces, a lecture theatre, improved storage, and a new café.
The project is expected to create around 250 jobs.
Renovated Courthouse revealed
The newly renovated Parramatta Courthouse has been officially opened by Attorney General, John Hatzistergos and the Member for Parramatta, Tanya Gadiel.
The $14 million renovation was completed on budget and on schedule, and includes refurbished public areas, new videoconferencing technology and a “safe room” for witnesses and victims of crime.
Crack down on teen crime
A tough new approach to teenagers who partake in offences such as graffiti, possession of knives, possession of alcohol and theft have been announced by Attorney General, John Hatzistergos.
Youths who commit the offences are to be placed under Youth Conduct Orders which have been designed to make them face up to their anti-social behaviour and prevent them from committing future crimes.
The Orders impose strict limits on offenders’ movements and behaviour such as enforced curfews, school attendance requirements and non-association orders.
Further information was available from www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au
Early education reminder
Parents of young children have been urged to enrol their kids in early education as soon as possible by the Minister for Community Services, Linda Burney.
Ms Burney said places in such programs filled up fast.
She said the social and educational benefits of early childhood education had positive long-term impacts on children and helped them cope with the move to primary school.
Further information was available from www.community.nsw.gov.au
Wind farm approved
A 73-turbine wind farm has been approved for construction at Gullen Range, near Goulburn.
The farm is expected to supply enough power for around 63,000 NSW homes and to reduce greenhouse gases by up to 511,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year.
Michael Jackson display
Michael Jackson is to be commemorated by a display at the Powerhouse Museum.
The display will feature memorabilia from the Museum’s collection, including an official tour jacked from the pop star’s Bad world tour.
It will also include a condolence book for visitors to record their thoughts and memories in.
The exhibition is expected to open in December 2009, with further information available from www.powerhousemuseum.com
1 July, 2009
Cold facts released
on PS jobs freeze
Details of the Public Service job freeze have been filled in by the Premier, Nathan Rees in a Ministerial Memorandum dated 26 June.On that date, all non-front line jobs, consultants’ contracts, executive search and temporary appointments were frozen across the entire NSW Public Sector.
Mr Rees said the only jobs exempt from the freeze were those associated with capital works other than IT projects; programs funded under Commonwealth stimulus measures; and entry level jobs such as apprenticeships, traineeships, cadetships and graduate programs.
“Under limited circumstances an exemption may be given where a sound business case has been provided, including restructuring imperatives, associated savings strategies and a cost/benefit analysis,” he said.
“Exemption requests must be supported by the Agency CEO or appropriate delegate.”
Mr Rees said a central Employment Assessment Committee (EAC) had been established to approve any recruitment activity regarding jobs affected by the freeze.
He said all NSW Agencies must seek approval from the Department of Premier and Cabinet to advertise any Senior Executive Service and executive contract positions.
He said restrictions applied to advertising jobs located in the Greater Metropolitan Sydney area, other capital cities or national press, excluding cultural press such as the Koori Mail.
“All requests to advertise in metropolitan or national press (for both front and non-front line positions) must be referred to DPC for approval,” he said,
Mr Rees said the restrictions applied to all “agencies and employees in the Government Service”, which included Public Service Departments, Non-Public Service Divisions and Special Employment Divisions, the Teaching Service, NSW Police and the NSW Health Service.
He said the Treasurer, Eric Roozendaal would write separately to State Owned Corporations regarding the freeze on jobs.
He said further information on the process for having appointments approved was available from www.dpc.nsw.gov.au
1 July, 2009
Leave purchases
buy time for staff
Employees of the NSW Public Service are now able to purchase additional leave following the adoption of a new Conditions Award.The new leave conditions were outlined in a Circular released by the Director General of the Department of Premier and Cabinet, John Lee.
Mr Lee said the new Award, Crown Employees (Public Service Conditions of Employment) Award 2009 incorporated a clause on purchased leave which would allow Public Servants to buy either 10 or 20 days of additional leave in a 12 month period.
He said each application for purchased leave would be assessed according to operational requirements and personal needs.
“The approval of Purchased Leave Agreements is subject to departmental business needs,” Mr Lee said.
He said the leave would be funded through a reduction of the staff member’s ordinary rate of pay.
Mr Lee said the leave could not be accrued, and would be refunded if it was not taken within the specified timeframe.
He said the new Award had been created on 28 May 2009 and would remain in force until 30 June 2011, replacing the previous Award, Crown Employees (Public Service Conditions of Employment) Reviewed Award 2006.
Mr Lee reminded Agencies covered by the Crown Employees Salaries Award Memorandum of Understanding that had enterprise specific awards that they were to bring their conditions in line with the changes as soon as practicable.
“The Award, including a copy with the changes indicated in bold will be placed on the Department of Premier and Cabinet website www.dpc.nsw.gov.au under Public Sector Employment Pay and Conditions,” he said.
Mr Lee said amendments to the Personnel Handbook were being prepared to reflect the changes.
1 July, 2009
Teaching fines a
lesson learned
The Departments of Education and Training and Juvenile Justice have been fined $540,000 in the NSW Industrial Court for failing to provide safe working places for two Teachers’ Aides.The Court convicted the two Departments for breaching the Occupational Health and Safety Act at Putland School in the Cobham Juvenile Justice Centre.
General Secretary of the Public Service Association, John Cahill prosecuted the Agencies on behalf of the Teachers’ Aides who suffered “serious and ongoing” psychological harm after they were threatened by juveniles and DJJ staff failed to respond to duress alarms.
“The decision will hopefully encourage the Departments to improve their safety so that incidents of officers failing to respond to alarms do not occur in the future,” Mr Cahill said.
He said he hoped the ruling would also make the Departments “think twice about reducing front line staff in an attempt to cut costs”.
The PSA’s Les Carr said the $540,000 was a record penalty for a Union prosecuted case.
He said the Departments were found guilty in December 2008 and that the recent hearing was for the passing of sentences.
“The Departments were found guilty of three serious breaches of the safety laws,” Mr Carr said.
“The fines for the three offences were $250,000, $200,000 and $220,000 totalling $670,000 – this was reduced to $540,000 because of some overlap of offences.”
He said the PSA would receive half the fine, which it would put towards continuing Occupational Health and Safety operations.
The Departments were also ordered to cover the PSA’s legal costs.
Mr Carr said the case could represent the last union prosecution of an employer if the Federal Government’s harmonised Occupational Health and Safety plans were implemented.
1 July, 2009
State shifts ground
in housing transfer
The State Government has announced it is to transfer thousands of publicly-owned houses to community housing organisations in an effort to strengthen the sector.Minister for Housing, David Borger said the decision was an “historic shift” in NSW housing policy.
Mr Borger said the move would help the sector grow and increase its independence.
“Community housing organisations are locally based, not-for-profit organisations who manage Government funded housing for people on lower incomes,” he said.
“In simple terms, by transferring the ownership of our properties to the community housing sector we give them the ability to borrow funds to build and buy more homes.”
Mr Borger said allowing community housing organisations to own the homes also allowed them to secure private investment more easily.
He said the titles of around 7,000 NSW properties would be transferred by the end of June 2012.
“We expect that this will help community housing organisations raise millions of dollars to build and buy more homes,” Mr Borger said.
“Based on independent analysis and subject to market conditions, community housing providers could borrow up to 50 per cent of the market value of each property.”
He said only high performing community housing providers would hold title to Government-funded homes.
Mr Borger said the sector had a “strong track record” in managing social housing, had high levels of tenant satisfaction and could deliver more housing than the Government alone.
“We will keep an ongoing interest in the transferred properties and approval will be needed to redevelop or sell any of the properties to ensure that the numbers of social housing homes in NSW don’t drop,” he said.
Mr Borger said the new policy adhered to regulations introduced in May to protect tenants and ensure high quality services.
“As part of the new regulations, community housing organisations need to demonstrate how they meet certain standards if they want to continue receiving Government funding,” he said.
“They need to now show how they effectively manage their tenants, their assets, their finances, developments and partnerships.”
Mr Borger said the properties would include those delivered through the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan and those currently owned by Housing NSW.
1 July, 2009
Dot Sydney a
hit. Period
The development of a new internet regime that offered ‘dot Sydney’ as a domain name has won the support of the NSW Government.Premier, Nathan Rees said the new domain name would help promote Sydney as a destination for business and tourism.
Mr Rees announced the Government’s support for the initiative in his opening speech at the 35th International Public Meeting of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).
“NSW supports the idea of registering geographic and city names such as dot Sydney, dot Berlin or dot London,” he said.
“While this is good news for our tourism and hospitality sectors, it is a boon for making our IT industry even stronger.”
Mr Rees said one of the major topics at the ICANN meeting had been domain names.
He said securing the international meeting in Sydney highlighted the city’s important position as the “digital gateway to Australia”.
“We have directly supported ICANN to set up an office in Sydney through the work of the NSW Department of State and Regional Development,” Mr Rees said.
He said the Government was committed to expanding the ICT industry, which was worth $31 billion and employed over 160,000 people.
“NSW is proud of our stake in this fast growing industry with 76 per cent of the nation’s overseas ICT companies such as Microsoft and Google based in Sydney,” Mr Rees said.
He said the Government planned to promote NSW as a competitive leader in ICT through supporting international ICT tradeshows and undertaking targeted overseas business missions.
1 July, 2009
Health of cancer
services revealed
An audit of radiotherapy services for cancer patients has uncovered shortfalls in access for some patients and in strategic planning for the future.The Audit Office of NSW’s report, Tackling Cancer with Radiotherapy, examined whether patients had reasonable access to radiotherapy services, the location and staffing of radiotherapy centres and the use of current funding.
In its report, the Office said radiotherapy was the one of the main treatments for cancer and could be used to reduce pain and cure the disease.
Deputy Auditor-General, Tony Whitfield said he was concerned there was no 10 year strategic plan for radiotherapy services across the State.
“Over that period, the Cancer Institute NSW predicts the incidence of the disease will rise by 30 per cent, meaning by 2016, there will be an estimated 45,000 cases diagnosed each year,” Mr Whitfield said.
“We expected that NSW Health would have a strategy or plan to help ensure that the provision and delivery of radiotherapy services are directed to areas of need and the highest priorities.”
According to the report, only around 70 per cent of cancer patients deemed suitable for radiotherapy were actually receiving it.
“We found that decisions concerning the location of facilities consider a number of factors including population distribution and size, workforce training and availability, and patient access,” Mr Whitfield said.
“NSW Health needs to conduct further detailed analysis of options for radiotherapy services and sites in the geographic areas of need, including the Central Coast, Hunter New England and Illawarra-Shoalhaven areas.”
In his report, Mr Whitfield made 16 recommendations that covered providing services more efficiently and effectively, ensuring future radiotherapy services met patient demand, improving waiting times, offering patients on waiting lists access to other radiotherapy centres, and extending existing opening hours.
Mr Whitfield said overall, radiotherapy services were managed in “a reasonably efficient and effective manner”.
“Much is being done to further improve efficiency and effectiveness, and more can be done,” he said.
“Most patients have reasonable access to radiotherapy services. Centres are for the most part adequately staffed, well equipped and well utilised.”
Mr Whitfield praised staff for their commitment to providing radiotherapy services.
“During the course of the audit we were impressed by the dedication and efforts of medical, nursing and allied health staff in NSW radiotherapy treatment centres, and cancer services more broadly, in providing care and support for patients and families dealing with a diagnosis of cancer,” he said.
A copy of the Audit report was available from www.audit.nsw.gov.au
1 July, 2009
Electricity review
to spark reforms
A joint review of contestable services on the electricity network is to be conducted by the Better Regulation Office, Department of Water and Energy and the Office of Fair Trading.The review aims to examine contestability in the NSW electricity distribution sector NSW and will make recommendations to ensure the governance arrangements supporting contestable services are effective, efficient and appropriate.
The Government’s regulatory approach to contestable services is to promote competitive outcomes and a safe and reliable supply of electricity
The review is expected to focus on three key areas – the Scheme for the Accreditation of Service Providers (ASP Scheme), the certification of design of major work undertaken by accredited service providers (ASPs) and the inspection of certified work.
The ASP Scheme will be reviewed to ensure it is achieving its objectives and is operating efficiently and effectively.
The scheme will be assessed to determine whether there is any overlap between accreditation procedures and the authorisation process undertaken by distribution network service providers (DNSPs).
The review will also look at whether other categories of work such as recoverable work, should be made fully contestable as a number of these types of work are contestable at a DNSP’s discretion.
Design certification is carried out to ensure the technical parameters of a new network are correct and meet DNSP design standards.
The certification process will be reviewed to incorporate any problems experienced by customers and ASPs undertaking work that requires design certification and will look at alternate approaches to design certification and the impact of national reforms
Connection work is inspected to ensure safety and technical standards are met.
The inspection process will be reviewed to cover any problems from customers or ASPs; consider alternative arrangements; and the impact of national reforms.
The Government has released an Issues Paper seeking public input into the review.
Submissions to the review close on 7 August 2009, with a copy of the Issues Paper and further information available here.
1 July, 2009
Sun shines on
solar scheme
A new solar energy bonus scheme that rewards homeowners for feeding excess power from their rooftop panels into the electricity grid has been detailed by the Ministers for Energy and Climate Change.Minister for Climate Change, Carmel Tebbutt and Minister for Energy, Ian Macdonald said the scheme would provide a boost for renewable energy in NSW and had the potential to generate an additional 500 jobs.
Ms Tebbutt said the scheme was expected to reward households with around $900 each year and would operate for 20 years.
“We have delivered a balanced outcome that will support the uptake of solar panels without unduly burdening all electricity consumers,” she said.
“It will pay eligible systems 60 cents per kilowatt hour for the renewable energy they feed back into the grid - this is around four times greater than the average price of electricity.”
Ms Tebbutt said the scheme would include systems up to 10 kilowatts in size, which could include households, small businesses, some community organisations and some schools.
“While the scheme will initially apply to roof-top solar panels, we will consider the inclusion of micro wind turbines and community solar farms,” she said.
Mr Macdonald said the NSW Government wanted to “get the balance right” when implementing the scheme.
“Solar bonus schemes such as this are paid for by all electricity customers,” he said.
“It is important to shield vulnerable individuals and families who are not in a position to install solar panels from a significant increase in their electricity bills.”
Mr Macdonald said the Government chose a net system as it would encourage people to better manage their power and energy use.
“It will also provide a greater degree of harmonisation with schemes in Victoria, South
Australia, Queensland and Western Australia,” he said.
The scheme is set to commence on 1 January 2010 and will be reviewed in 2012.
1 July, 2009
CBD park to get
green light
A new public park in the Sydney CBD is to be a major feature of plans to build a new metro railway station at Town Hall.Premier, Nathan Rees said the new Town Hall square would help re-create the historical precinct.
Mr Rees said the City of Sydney Council would build and manage the park when the site became available after the new metro station had been constructed.
“As commuters and tourists exit from the underground metro they will emerge into a green open space with some of our most iconic buildings front and centre,” he said.
“The addition of the park will help turn this key city intersection into a green getaway in the middle of Australia’s largest city.”
Mr Rees said the State Government had started working with the City of Sydney as one of the major property owners, along with other private owners.
“The concept for the park, bounded by Pitt, Park and George Streets was part of Council’s Sustainable Sydney 2030 plan,” he said.
Minister for Transport, David Campbell said construction was scheduled to begin in 2010 and that a number of properties would be required to create the park.
“Negotiations with property owners have just begun and provisions will be made to address the inconvenience of relocation for any long term lease holders,” Mr Campbell said.
He said geotechnical surveys found the Town Hall Square Metro needed to be shifted slightly to the south.
“Moving the station in this way means that the corner of Park and George Streets has become the perfect site for station construction,” Mr Campbell said.
“Some of these buildings were already earmarked for demolition and a thorough process will be used to negotiate with all owners.”
He said the change meant the heritage buildings in Pitt Street were no longer needed for the project.
Mr Campbell said community information sessions would be held in the CBD, Balmain and Pyrmont in early July to provide the public, property owners and other stakeholders with details of the preferred alignment.
Submissions in relation to the Sydney Metro project would be welcomed, with further information available from www.sydneymetro.nsw.gov.au
1 July, 2009
Forest agreement
almost out of woods
Implementation of 20-year regional forest agreements in NSW is 90 per cent complete according to a recently completed progress report by the NSW and Federal Governments.Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Tony Burke and NSW Minister for the Environment, Carmel Tebbutt released the draft report which covered the Eden, North East and Southern Regional Forest Agreements (RFAs).
RFA’s set the framework for forest management, with the aim of balancing conservation with sustainable harvesting.
The progress report on the RFAs showed 124 of the 138 milestones had been finished or were underway.
Information about two milestones was yet to be published and the remaining 12 were found to be not applicable or not for review in the initial five-year period.
Mr Burke said the Commonwealth would continue to support a sustainable forestry sector that was “globally competitive” and looked after local jobs.
“Regional Forest Agreements are the cornerstone of our national forest policy and the key mechanism for supporting jobs and industry and protecting biodiversity and threatened species,” he said.
Ms Tebbutt said the RFAs aimed to protect the environmental values; encourage job creation in forest-based industries such as including tourism and wood production; and ensure native forests were managed in an ecologically sustainable way.
She said the NSW agreements had resulted in about 1.2 million hectares of forests being added to the State’s national parks and reserves.
“These agreements have allowed us to protect key ecosystems and provided certainty for both conservation outcomes and the timber industry,” Ms Tebbutt said.
“The decisions behind these RFAs brought an end to decades of conflict over the use and allocation of forests, and both Governments want to make sure the undertakings made in these agreements are being properly implemented.”
An independent reviewer is to consider the draft report and public submissions before compiling a report for both Governments.
To make a submission or view the report visit www.environment.nsw.gov.au
1 July, 2009
Violence campaign a
hit with the League
A new $200,000 media campaign against domestic violence has enlisted the support of a number of famous Rugby League players.The first in a series of TV ads promoting the Tackling Violence campaign were officially launched by the Minister for Community Services, Linda Burney who initiated the program and is leading the Government’s anti-domestic violence efforts.
Ms Burney was joined by Rugby players Larry Corowa, Ricky Walford, and David Peachey, and the Chief Executive Officer of Australian Rugby League (ARL), Geoff Carr at the launch.
She said the Government had given six Rugby League teams $5,000 each to create and deliver campaigns to reduce domestic violence in their local communities.
“We are also working with community partners and schools to provide education and information on the nature and impact of domestic violence,” Ms Burney said.
She said the new advertisement for the Windsor Wolves’ local community was produced with input from the club and players.
Windsor Wolves Captain, Craig Trindall said his team was committed to the project.
“This is an opportunity for us as players and as men to show that just because we play tough on the field, doesn’t mean we can play tough at home,” Mr Trindall said.
“We are committed to showing leadership, to saying to kids who look up to us as role models that violence against women and children is not on.”
Ms Burney said the Tingha Tigers (captained by Nathan Blacklock), Lower Clarence Magpies, Dubbo CYMS, Dubbo Macquarie Raiders (captained by David Peachey), Windsor Wolves (captained by Craig Trindall) and the Bay and Basin United Sharks in Nowra had signed up to Tackling Violence.
“By signing up to Tackling Violence, players from these teams have become role models,” she said.
“They have all signed a code of conduct that penalises any player who commits violence against a woman or child.”
Ms Burney said domestic and family violence cost the NSW economy $2.8 billion each year.
Tackling Violence is being delivered in partnership with the ARL, National Rugby League, National Indigenous TV and the Mudgin-Gal Aboriginal Women’s Corporation with support from the Department of Premier and Cabinet, Attorney General’s Department, and the Department of Arts, Sport and Recreation.
1 July, 2009
Seniors card to
be King at expo
Staff from the Seniors Card scheme are to be on hand to meet their clients at a forthcoming Retirement and Lifestyle Expo in Sydney.Minister for Ageing, Paul Lynch said the staff would be available to explain the benefits of the Card’s discount program.
Mr Lynch said the Expo, which would be held from 24 to 26 July was also an opportunity for people to join the program, provided they had photo identification and proof of permanent NSW residency.
The Seniors Card is a free discount card that gives members access to discounts and NSW Government concessions.
It has almost 1 million members and is administered and funded by the NSW Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care.
Mr Lynch said to qualify for a card, seniors must be permanent NSW residents, be 60 or over and work no more than 20 hours a week in paid employment.
Member for Parramatta, Tanya Gadiel said Seniors Card benefits included discounts on transport, entry into national parks, museums and zoos and a range of other benefits from business partners.
“Seniors are encouraged to visit the Seniors Card stand for details about the latest special offers, competitions and discounts for members,” Ms Gadiel said.
“Promotional bags with special offers will be handed out to 2,000 members.”
Over 220 exhibitors are expected to take part in the Retirement and Lifestyle Expo.
Entry is $12 for adults and $10 for Senior Card holders.
A complete list of the discounts available to NSW Seniors Card members could be found at www.seniorscard.nsw.gov.au
1 July, 2009
Videos a good sign
for deaf community
The Office of Industrial Relations has introduced new online resources to help residents with partial or complete hearing loss.Content on the site that is Auslan (Australian Sign Language) accessible is expected to help inform the estimated 660,000 – or one in 10 - deaf and hearing impaired workers and job seekers of their workplace rights and entitlements.
Minister for Industrial Relations, John Hatzistergos said OIR had responded to the needs of the deaf community by working closely with the Deaf Society of NSW to develop a series of videos.
He said the online resources feature a deaf person communicating important workplace messages in Auslan.
“The videos cover a range of topics,” Mr Hatzistergos said, “from illegal unpaid trial work and the importance of keeping workplace records, to wages, working conditions and the differences between full-time, part-time and casual work.”
He said it was important that critical information be accessible to the deaf community in their native language, and urged other organisations to follow suit.
Chief Executive of the Deaf Society of NSW, Sharon Everson said the move was a positive step.
“Auslan is not based on the English language; it is a visual language with its own unique syntax and grammar, and is without a written form,” Ms Everson said.
“For this reason, reading information from a website is not practical for many deaf Australians.”
Policy and Strategy Coordinator for the Australian Federation of Deaf Societies, Alex Chapman praised the Office for taking the lead in improving website information access for deaf people.
1 July, 2009
Cancer call for
Customs staff
Customs Officers who have worked at Customs House at Sydney International Airport and older facilities have been urged to take part in the investigation of a possible cancer cluster.Associate Professor of Public Health at the University of Sydney, Professor Tim Driscoll, is to lead the investigation.
Professor Driscoll, who has conducted similar investigations for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, will consult regularly with a reference group including representatives from Customs management and the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU).
The CPSU said on its website that Professor Driscoll would examine a wide variety of potential factors, including air quality and other equipment at CHSIA such as X-Ray machines.
“Professor Driscoll has also made clear that he wishes to examine the possibility of other potential factors at facilities other than Customs House,” the CPSU said.
“This will include an examination of known hazards such as AVGAS fumes, air quality, and any other chemicals or hazardous materials that Customs Officers may have come into contact with in the course of their duties at facilities other than Customs House.”
The union said the investigation could be relevant to Customs Officers who had performed duties at the International Terminal, Container Examination Faciltities, Clyde Post and Air Cargo.
“Professor Driscoll is also interested in any issues arising from older Customs facilities such as Blue Building, Link Road,” the Union said.
It said those who had information or concerns should speak to Professor Driscoll when he visited Customs areas over the coming weeks.
The CPSU said they could also contact their representative on the committee, Simon Bowering, at simon.bowering@customs.gov.au
The reference group met for the first time on 23 June.
1 July, 2009
Teachers plug in
to new laptops
Up to 9,500 laptop computers have begun rolling out to Year 9 teachers across NSW as part of the Federal Government’s Education Revolution.Minister for Education and Training, Verity Firth said by 6 July around one third of all teachers at NSW public high and central schools would have received a wireless laptop.
Ms Firth said a second round of laptops would be distributed later in 2009 so around 60 per cent of teachers in secondary schools would have an individual laptop by the end of the year.
“In partnership with the Commonwealth, resources have been developed to support schools in the successful implementation of roll-out of laptops,” she said.
“They include a comprehensive suite of digital and on-line resources, key curriculum resources and video conferences.”
Ms Firth said the Digital Education Revolution would also see around 92,000 students receive laptops this year, with the first Year 9 students to receive theirs in Term 3.
“From 2010 to 2012, each Year 9 student starting at a NSW public school will receive a laptop,” she said.
“More than 200,000 laptops will be distributed over the life of this $386 million program.”
Ms Firth said students and teachers would receive the same model of laptop to ensure consistency.
She said the NSW Government had begun recruitment processes for over 400 new Technology Support Officers to work at NSW schools.
“These Technology Support Officers will support the roll-out process, as well as providing ongoing IT support to all students and teachers using the new technology,” Ms Firth said.
“We have also begun wirelessly enabling 463 NSW public high and central schools, giving them wireless network access.”
She said the new laptops would have filters to block inappropriate material and encoding to ensure they were not the targets of theft.
1 July, 2009
Land rights changes
are groundbreaking
Planned changes to NSW land rights laws are expected to create jobs and assist Aboriginal Land Councils develop their land.Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Paul Lynch said the amendments to the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 would provide clearer processes for Aboriginal Land Councils to use when disposing of or developing land.
Mr Lynch said the amendments would also deliver more confidence to the property
industry when engaging with Aboriginal Land Councils.
“These amendments will encourage greater economic development by Aboriginal communities in NSW and create jobs for young people, he said.
“Land assets are critical for Aboriginal communities - not just for the social and cultural benefits they bring - but for the economic benefits they deliver.”
Mr Lynch said the amendments would align all dealings with land, except acquisition, with community and business plans.
He said they would also require Local Aboriginal Land Councils to pay a Community Development Levy on some land dealings.
Mr Lynch said the levy would be paid into a new Community Development Fund and used to acquire further land and to distribute loans and grants to local Aboriginal Land Councils.
The NSW Aboriginal Land Council, as the peak body for Land Councils, will pay matching amounts to the Community Development Fund.
Mr Lynch said the proposed amendments would regulate processes and provide
certainty for third parties to enter into consultancy or partnership agreements with Land Councils.
“The Bill reflects the coming together of both the rights agenda and the economic development agenda,” he said.
“Over the last decade and a half there have been times when various participants in public debates have placed those agendas in opposition to each other.
“This legislation allows Aboriginal people, through democratically-elected structures, to pursue in ways they choose, appropriate economic development.”
1 July, 2009
New laws knock down
building contractor
A Kellyville building contractor has been named as the first to be suspended under new consumer laws that came into effect on 1 April.Minister for Fair Trading, Virginia Judge said the building licence of GAJAC Pty Ltd was suspended on 16 June.
Ms Judge said the contractor had an outstanding money order of $11,550 that was due and payable by 18 May 2009.
She said under the Home Building Act 1989, building contractors were afforded 28 days before suspension occurred.
Ms Judge said after contact could not be made with GAJAC, whose phone was disconnected and whose mail was returned, the contractor was suspended.
She said prior to 1 April 2009, if a builder refused to satisfy a money order issued by the Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal, they could continue to trade until their licence came up for renewal.
“The recent advent of three year licences meant that licence holders could (in some instances) continue to hold their licence for up to three years while still having outstanding Tribunal orders,” Ms Judge said.
“On 1 April 2009, changes to the Act empowered the Office of Fair Trading’s Home Building Service to suspend the licences of builders who had outstanding Tribunal money orders.”
She said the suspension provisions applied only to matters lodged with the Tribunal after 1 April 2009 and resulted in a Tribunal money order.
Ms Judge said under the new legislation suspensions were automatic and could be lifted if the outstanding money order was paid.
Further information on the Home Building Act 1989 was available from www.legislation.nsw.gov.au
1 July, 2009
Guarantee a goer
The NSW Government is to take up the Commonwealth’s guarantee of State borrowings to ensure the cost of borrowing for the State is as low as possible.
The guarantee provides more certain access to long-term investors, the lowest possible cost of funds and increases the potential investor base.
Treasurer Eric Roozendaal said the move would help protect the long-term interests of the State while supporting jobs and infrastructure.
Records re-listed
The Supreme Court and State Records volunteers have joined forces to correctly identify and list all probate packets held by the State Records Authority of NSW.
The Supreme Court is to recall 100 boxes at a time for re-listing.
While the packets are being re-listed they will be temporarily unavailable to the public.
For a list of what is and is not available visit www.records.nsw.gov.au
Visitors meet
The NSW Ombudsman has hosted the annual Official Community Visitors conference, which provided the Visitors with an opportunity to share their experiences in helping safeguard the rights of people with a disability.
There are 30 Official Community Visitors in NSW, all of whom are appointed by the Minister for Disability.
The Visitors promote the best interests of children, young people and people with a disability in care and provide advice to the Minister for Disability and the Ombudsman about how to improve residents’ quality of care.
Alcohol crime targeted
The Sydney Liquor Taskforce has met for the first time to help tackle alcohol crime and violence around Sydney’s CBD.
Following the Taskforce’s first meeting, new legislation has been proposed to freeze new alcohol licenses in trouble hot spots in the CBD for 12 months.
Targeted areas will include Kings Cross, the Oxford St precinct in Darlinghurst and parts of the southern CBD.
The taskforce will report directly to the Premier and Lord Mayor.
SES cool for snow season
The State Emergency Service is better trained and equipped for alpine search and rescue than ever before in the lead up to the 2009 snow season, according to Minister for Emergency Services, Steve Whan.
The Government invested almost $650,000 over two years to improve the search and rescue capability of SES units in the alpine territory.
Volunteers from Tumut, Queanbeyan and the Snowy River are also prepared to help the NSW Police Force on rescue missions should they be needed.
Communities get broadband
The first 11 communities to benefit from the Community Broadband Development Program have been announced.
The following rural communities will be the first to be hooked up to affordable high speed broadband: Balranald, Coleambally, Dalgety, Delegate, Goodooga, Hill End, Jubulum (near Tabulam), Pilliga, Quambone, South West Rocks and Wilcannia.
Boating reforms
Reforms to cut red tape and streamline commercial boating licence requirements have been proposed by the Minister for Ports and Waterways, Joe Tripodi.
Mr Tripodi said the measures would make it easier for people to find work in the maritime industry such as jobs on ski boats, charter yachts and ferries.
Further information was available from www.maritime.nsw.gov.au
Ombudsman talks
The NSW Ombudsman, Bruce Barbour has attended the International Ombudsman Institute’s 9th world conference in Stockholm.
Mr Barbour spoke about the work of the Ombudsman’s office in relation to children as part of a workshop on the role of the Ombudsman in protecting vulnerable members of the community.
A copy of his speech was available from www.ombo.nsw.gov.au
