November 21, 2006
Disaster-Proof Plans Not Auditor-Proof
The Auditor-General has made a thorough review of business continuity plans for critical agencies in the electricity, water, maritime and health industries and found the plans for resuming operations after a disaster were adequate.
   Agencies were reviewed for the broader aspects of business continuity planning, information systems and for awareness of the State Records Office standards for record keeping, the Auditor-General said.
   "Overall, the plans are adequate. We also found some areas where improvements can be made," the Auditor said.
   All the agencies tested had operational business plans linked to critical business processes and objectives, recovery priorities and timeframes. They completed a risk assessment based on likelihood and severity and prioritised them into impact levels.
   Most agencies recently updated their plans, but four had not been formally endorsed by senior management or had only undertaken limited testing.
   All agencies were aware of the State Records Office Standards and their requirements for record keeping.
   The Auditor recommended that the plans be brought into a single framework to ensure consistency in the way they were written and compiled, and that they identified priorities for dealing with different levels of risk.
   The review found a number of agencies had not tested their plans to ensure practicality and effectiveness. The Auditor said Sydney Ports Corporation had not fully tested its plan, but had tested provision of port security in June 2005 and IT disaster recovery in September 2006.
   Sydney West Area Health Service tested power to its data centres and has planned for specific risks in other areas, however, the recent amalgamation of Area Health Services into Health Technology, had made it difficult to co-ordinate a broad operational plan.
   Northern Sydney Central Coast Area Health Service had plans for each hospital and major support units and  considered the amalgamations of Area Health Services, and the Shared Corporate Services Warrants Review ensured business objectives met expectations of health system users.
   The review identified opportunities for Sydney Water to improve its plan, including improved training and awareness programs in business continuity planning and asset class contingency plans for critical assets. Sydney Water was aiming to complete its plans by February 2007.

November 21, 2006
Judges Choose Choices Law
The High Court of Australia has made its decision on a challenge by all State and Territory governments to the constitutional validity of the Commonwealth’s Work Choices laws.
   A majority of five judges upheld the validity of the Work Choices laws, as passed by the Federal Parliament. Two judges dissented, holding that the laws were invalid.
   The Office of Industrial Relations said the effect of the decision was the environment under which the NSW industrial relations system had operated since 27 March this year would not change.
   For employers and employees absorbed into the Federal industrial relations system in March, working arrangements would continue to be governed by the relevant Notional Agreement Preserving State Award or Preserved State Agreement.
   Employees and employers in the NSW industrial relations system would not be affected by the High Court decision and would remain within the NSW system, the Department said.
   The decision did not address the definition of a constitutional corporation. The majority of the judges specifically noting that the question of what was a constitutional corporation ‘awaited a case in which it properly arose’.
   The Office of Industrial Relations was reviewing the detail of the High Court decision and more information would be posted on their website.

November 21, 2006
Farmers Tap Into Drought Hotline
The Department of Primary Industries has extended the operating hours for its Drought Hotline.
   The Hotline hours have been extended to include two extra hours at night from 7-9pm over and above the its operating hours of 8.30am to 4.30pm weekdays.
   According to the Department, almost the entire State was drought affected. The land area in drought was 93.6% (up from 89.3%) while the area experiencing marginal conditions was 4.1% (down from 8%). The area of the State with satisfactory conditions was just 2.3% (down from 2.7%).
   The Department said the Hotline would also be used to coordinate a Donations Register to assist farmers further. DPI staff would register pledges and welfare organisations would liaise directly with the donor.
   Most of NSW received less than 10 millimetres of rain in October, the lack of moisture having a devastating effect on crops leading up to harvest.
   The Department said crop forecast was 3.23 million tones, down almost 50 per cent from the mid-September estimates and 66 per cent on last year’s crop. This would mean  serious implications for crop producers who face another year with little or no income.
   For more information about farm family gatherings or drought assistance measures, visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/drought
   The Drought Hotline is 1800 814 647. The Rural Mental Health Line is 1800 201 123.

November 21, 2006
Terrorist Exercise Goes Off With A Blast
More than 200 police and emergency service officers took part in a public order training exercise using pyrotechnics to simulate explosions, fires and light flashes.
Exercise Commander, Superintendent Stuart Smith said while the exercise was designed to train officers in the Western Region, the lessons and experience would benefit all police and emergency services.
   The pyrotechnics provided a scenario of what officers may encounter and also added an unexpected element, he said
   “We had more than 45 members of the Operational Support Group involved in the exercise working closely with frontline police and first responders, including Fire Brigade and Ambulance officers," Superintendent Smith said.
   “Our aim was to see how they reacted and to enhance their decision making skills while under pressure.”
The exercise, called Aroona 2, was held at the Fire Brigades Training Centre at Wellington. Participants included Police, Fire Brigades, Ambulance Service, Rural Fire Service, Volunteer Rescue Association, and the District Emergency Management Committee.

November 21, 2006
Consumer Minister Blasts Banks as Robbers
Fair Trading Minister Diane Beamer said the Banking and Financial Services Ombudsman’s annual report highlighted the plight of consumers when dealing with banks and other lenders.
   “Not only are the banks reaping record profits from ever increasing fees and charges, this report demonstrates that overcharging or incorrect charging of fees is a major concern for customers,” Ms Beamer said.
   The Banking Ombudsman’s report said that disputes increased by 3.6 per cent on the previous year to more than 6300, with more than one-third relating to consumer finance such as credit cards, lines of credit and personal loans. 
   “Two thirds of these consumer finance complaints related directly to credit cards – unauthorised transactions and excessive or incorrect fees being the main problems,” Ms Beamer said. 
   “Excessive or incorrect fees also accounted for almost 65 per cent of disputes in relation to overdrafts and lines of credit.
   “The report showed that profits, rather than quality banking practices, were often the priority for banks and other lenders.
   "It’s time banks remembered that it is customers who make them their profit. It’s time banks put profits back into fixing their systems that bring so many complaints,” Ms Beamer said.

November 21, 2006
On-line Corroboree for Indigenous Justice
Policy makers and professionals in indigenous justice may be able to share their expertise and access leading-edge research on a new website.
   The website was initiated by the nation’s Justice Ministers in response to the high rate of incarceration of Indigenous people and aimed to help Governments develop better evidence-based responses to the issues facing Indigenous communities.
    Attorney General, Bob Debus said the Indigenous Justice Clearinghouse was the first website to bring together knowledge about the wide range of grassroots work addressing justice issues in Indigenous communities.
The Clearinghouse would provide a single entry point to access key information about Indigenous justice issues in Australia, Mr Debus said. It would include an online forum for exchanging informal knowledge between decision makers, researchers and practitioners in the field.
   He said it could also include a register of Indigenous justice resources and briefs on existing research and areas where further research was needed.
   The Clearinghouse was developed by the Attorney General’s Department and the Australian Institute of Criminology. For more information, visit www.indigenousjustice.gov.au

November 21, 2006
Past Catches Up With Plan for The Future
Planning Minister, Frank Sartor has gazetted a new Local Environmental Plan for the Sutherland Shire, ending years of delay for local residents and business.
   “This planning document is long overdue and provides much-needed clarity on planning matters in the Shire,” Mr Sartor said.
   “Today’s gazettal delivers a new LEP that recognises the Shire’s unique characteristics and is easier for investors and families to understand.”
   Last year, the Council requested another 45 changes to the draft and a third public exhibition – yet the plan was still inconsistent with State policies.
   Mr Sartor said his Department worked closely with Council officers to iron out problems. Changes addressed housing, business and employment, environmental and heritage issues.
   The final version plans to ensure no large scale reduction in the range of permissible uses, densities and heights in zones throughout the Shire, except on some environmentally sensitive and bushfire prone land.
   “The draft LEP submitted by Council would have restricted the provision of housing around main centres and transit nodes,” Mr Sartor said.
   “This just doesn’t make sense in light of the Government’s State Plan goal to encourage new housing and job opportunities close to existing public transport."

November 21, 2006
Floating Junk Brings Theory to Cronulla
An innovative arts project planned for December and January will showcase Sutherland Shire, the area that was subject to the Cronulla riots.
   Dedicated to the riot anniversary, a group of young people from different backgrounds in the Shire developed the new project with the message: “It’s harder to hurt someone when you know their story”.
   Since the riots last year, the young people have met regularly and listened to each other’s stories.
   They had been working with photographers, filmmakers, composers, older residents, shipwrights, seafarers, and local businesses in a project to build citizenship and create a strong picture of life in the Sutherland Shire. 
   The result was a unique new multi-media work for Sydney Festival, called Junk Theory.
   Every night at dusk from 5 December until 26 January, around the foreshores of Port Hacking, Botany Bay, Sydney Harbour and Pittwater, a Chinese junk plans to glide past residents, pedestrians, festival goers and picnickers.
   Projected onto its sails will be a series of portraits and evocative images of people who live in Sutherland Shire, taken by people who live there.
   Junk Theory was designed to create a beautiful and thought provoking picture of the values and cultures that make up Sydney City, while sailing around its waterways.
   It was created by Big hART – a national arts and social change company.
   Junk Theory will be at Bundeena, Botany Bay, from 5-21 December and at Pittwater, Sydney Harbour, from 6-26 January.
   More information at www.junktheory.org.

November 21, 2006
Cultures Cultivated By Community Commission
Finalists for the 2006 National Multicultural Marketing Awards have been announced by the Community Relations Commission.
   Commission chair Stepan Kerkyasharian said this year’s entries demonstrated a very clever understanding of the reality of cultural diversity in Australia. The awards highlighted innovation in dealing with cultural diversity and are now in their 18th year.
   In the export category, there was a plan to take Aussie wrestlers to China. There was also a project from Victoria where older immigrants joined with children to grow vegetables in school grounds, harvesting produce together and turning it into exotic dishes.
   In the big business category, the AFL was a strong contender for its dramatic success in diversifying the fan base, the player base and the supporter base to include 16,000 people of non-English speaking background.
   There was the first picture dictionary in Dinka, a major Sudanese language, published anywhere in the world.
   Bhavan Australia was seeking recognition for its large Darling Harbour celebration of the Indian festival of Holi Mahotsav, where people doused each other with iridescent coloured dyes.
   The 2005 Dubbo Multicultural Festival united the town in a way that set the highest standards in community harmony for the rest of the nation.
   “Not the least of all the entries are two important life-saving campaigns aimed at fighting smoking and breast cancer in specific ethnic communities,” Mr Kerkyasharian said.
   Winners will be announced soon.

November 21, 2006
Bankers Kick Tin For Disability Day
The Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care has announced that Westpac would continue as a major sponsor of the International Day of People with a Disability which would be held on 3 December.
   DADHC Director-General, Brendan O’Reilly said he was pleased Westpac had agreed to be a major sponsor.
   “This is the third year of the Don’t DIS my ABILITY campaign,” Mr O’Reilly said. “The campaign encourages individuals and businesses to challenge society’s stereotypes and attitudes toward people with a disability.”
   Jane Sachs, Westpac’s Human Resources Manager and International Day of People with a Disability Ambassador, said that Westpac recognised its social responsibility as a large employer.
   “The presence of people with a disability within Westpac has created a positive effect on staff morale and commitment and has helped us to create effective teamwork and a caring culture,” Ms Sachs said.
   In 2006, The United Nations theme for International Day of People with a Disability was E-Accessibility.
   Westpac’s latest Accessibility Action Plan, which it planned to launch on 11 December, focused on ensuring its website would be compatible with a variety of assistive technologies.
   The Don’t DIS My ABILITY campaign is designed to support disability awareness and highlight the positive energy and attitude of people with a disability.
   Funded by the Government and organised by DADHC, the International Day of People with a Disability will be the focus of more than 150 events across NSW, covering the arts, sports, community and education.

November 21, 2006
Kids to Find It’s Easy Being Green
A new three-year plan for Environmental Education has been released by the NSW Government.
   Chair of the Council on Environmental Education, Dr Ronnie Harding, said the plan recognised the importance of education to enable NSW to achieve its goals for environmental sustainability.
   "Since 14, education has consistently been rated as one of the more important initiatives the Government can undertake to protect or improve the environment," Dr Harding said.
    "We've brought together representatives from across Government, the community and private sectors and education institutions to develop one of the worlds most comprehensive and detailed environmental education plans."
Dr Harding said the plan was built on achievements and understandings of previous Government Environmental Education initiatives, including the initial Learning for Sustainability plan launched in 2002.
The new plan is designed to address environmental themes that will aim at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the environmental, social and economic costs of climate change.
   It will promote water conservation through urban and regional catchment water cycle management, and will support innovative urban planning, green design techniques and environmentally-friendly transport alternatives.
   "The plan calls on all sectors of the NSW community to play their part in building a learning society, one in which we are all informed and active contributors to creating a more sustainable future – at home, work, school and play," Dr Harding said.

November 21, 2006
Tourist Park Sends Rivals Packing
Lane Cove River Tourist Park has won two major industry awards for environmental initiatives, providing tourists with a unique eco-tourism experience.
Recently, the tourist park was recognised for environmental responsibility with a Caravan and Camping Industry Association Golden Gumnut award and an Australian Business Awards environmental award.
National Parks and Wildlife Service regional Manager, Chris McIntosh said the awards were well deserved for the work the park had put in to cutting down on fossil fuel reliance and building a habitat that guests could share with native plants and animals.
   "Minimising our impact on the environment is at the core of what we are trying to do at the tourist park," Mr McIntosh said.
"We've reduced water use in our amenity blocks, replaced power exhausts with natural ventilation and introduced solar lighting and more efficient hot water heaters.
   "We are also turning the park into a refuge for native plants and animals typical of the area to provide our guests with a unique holiday experience."
The park is now surrounded by native gardens of more than 500 native species, allowing visitors to enjoy a bush getaway 20 minutes from the city, he said.
The two hectare park attracts more than 350,000 visitors each year. It is walking distance from the Lane Cove National Park and River.

November 21, 2006
Artist Lands Landa Award
Director of the Art Gallery of New South Wales Edmund Capon has announced that Monika Tichacek was the winner of the 2006 Anne Landa Award for video and new media arts.
   Ms Tichacek received $25,000 for her work, The Shadowers 2004, a 35-minute, three-channel, rear-projection video installation with sound.
   Ms Tichacek was born in Switzerland 1975 and now lives in Sydney.
   In the presentation, a sado-masochistic relationship of force and submission unfolds between three protagonists, or shadowers (one of whom is the artist).  Ms Tichacek herself was the prime visual of her performances, performing, filming and editing her own work.
   Finalists for the award were Monika Tichacek (winner), Daniel Crooks, Daniel von Sturmer, Tony Schwensen, Philip Brophy, Grant Stevens and James Lynch.
   Judges were Edmund Capon, Linda Michael (Curator, Adelaide Biennial of Australian Art 2006) and Natasha Bullock (Assistant Curator, Contemporary Art, Art Gallery of New South Wales).
   The Anne Landa Award was the first award exhibition in Australia dedicated to moving image and new media arts.
   It was initiated by Sophie Landa and Edmund Capon in 2004 to honour Sophie's mother Anne Landa, a long serving trustee of the Art Gallery and enthusiastic supporter of the arts.
   The award included the presentation of recent work and the commissioning of new projects.

November 21, 2006
Tribunal Sees Red Over Red Tape
The NSW Government has been urged by an independent tribunal to cut red tape and improve the process of making regulations and legislation.
   Releasing its final report on regulatory reform the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal has called on the Government to streamline the administration process and make decisionmakers more accountable.
   The Tribunal’s report does not vary substantially from its July 2006 draft, but has been refined and amended in response to feedback.
   Tribunal CEO, Jim Cox said the recommendations would benefit business and the wider community and make New South Wales a leader in high quality regulation and reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens.
   “The reforms go to the heart of the underlying causes of current unnecessary regulatory burdens and make Ministers and Government officials more accountable to deliver better Government,” Mr Cox said.
   The Tribunal recommends strengthening the role of the Minister for Regulatory Reform to improve the Government regulatory process.
   Under the tribunal’s recommendation, the Minister would be required to certify that the effect on business and the community of proposed regulations or legislation had been adequately assessed before it can be considered by Cabinet.
   Supported by a Better Regulation Office, the Minister would provide political leadership and accountability to cut red tape.
   Mr Cox said the Better Regulation Office would encourage Government Departments to explore ways to achieve public policy outcomes that may not involve regulation. It would also encourage departments to consult more with stakeholders and better assess potential impacts.
   The wide-ranging review also identified inconsistencies, duplication and overlap between NSW regulation and that of the other states and the Commonwealth.
   The Tribunal considers the NSW Government will achieve significant gains through continuing reforms in occupational health and safety, planning and development assessment and workers’ compensation.
   Other areas identified for reform or further review were regulation of children’s services,  explosives (fireworks), Government grants, Government procurement, plumbing, privacy, trading hours and water (regulatory reporting and co-ordination).
   The Tribunal also made recommendations in other areas, including building
   regulation, chemicals and plastics, consumer protection, energy efficiency, energy markets,
   emissions management, grants administration, insurance, liquor, property agents, property tax, retail leases and trustee companies.
   The full report can be viewed at www.ipart.nsw.gov.au.

November 21, 2006
PS to Watch Ps& Qs with MPs
The Premier's Department has reissued a Circular reminding Public Servants of the accepted custom and practice for providing information and advice to Members of Parliament.
   The preferred arrangements were clarified in September 12 when former Premier John Fahey codified the rules applying to the provision of information to Members of Parliament by Public Servants and these later confirmed by the Carr Government in February 16.
   The latest Circular points out that  accepted custom and practice in New South Wales is for Members of Parliament and/or their staff to contact the appropriate Minister or Minister’s staff when seeking information on particular issues. Alternatively, a written request is made to the head of the agency concerned.
   Similarly requests by Members of Parliament to inspect Government organisations or facilities such as jails or schools should be made officially to the Minister or Minister’s staff.
   The Circular says that in cases where a Member of Parliament, irrespective of political affiliation, makes an oral enquiry direct to an agency, the MP should be informed that the substance of the enquiry will be relayed to the Minister’s office which will contact him or her.
   Responses to oral and written requests for information should be channelled through the Minister’s office.
   The Circular says these requirements do not apply to a Member of Parliament in respect to his/her electorate.
   Members may communicate direct with branches of agencies located within their electorate and arrange inspections of a facility by direct contact with the local officer in charge.

November 21, 2006
PS Lawyer to Star in South Pacific
Senior Crown Prosecutor, Mark Tedeschi QC has been chosen to travel to Fiji to conduct the prosecution of Major General Sitiveni Rabuka. The arrangement is the result of an agreement between the Fijian Government and the NSW Director of Public Prosecutions.
   Major General Rabuka is alleged to have incited senior military officers to remove the Commissioner of Armed Forces and has been charged with two counts of attempting to incite a mutinous act. If convicted, the maximum sentence is life imprisonment.
   The matter will be heard before Justice Gerard Winter in the High Court in Suva.
   The Fijian Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions is an independent prosecuting agency but Fijian DPP Josaiah Naigulevu sought an Australian Crown Prosecutor for this matter to ensure there was no question – or even an appearance -  of political influence in the prosecution.
   Mark Tedeschi has been appointed a State Counsel in the Republic of the Fiji Islands, entitling him to prosecute on behalf of the Fijian DPP.
   The Fijian legal system is based on the British system with some notable differences.
   Instead of 12 jurors, matters are heard by a judge and five assessors - members of the public who make a recommendation to the judge with a majority vote.
   The judge makes the final decision as to whether the prosecution has made its case.
   The judge can depart from the recommendations of the assessors but must state the reasons for doing so.

November 21, 2006
Tribunal Sees Red Over Red Tape
The NSW Government has been urged by an independent tribunal to cut red tape and improve the process of making regulations and legislation.
   Releasing its final report on regulatory reform the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal has called on the Government to streamline the administration process and make decisionmakers more accountable.
   The Tribunal’s report does not vary substantially from its July 2006 draft, but has been refined and amended in response to feedback.
   Tribunal CEO, Jim Cox said the recommendations would benefit business and the wider community and make New South Wales a leader in high quality regulation and reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens.
   “The reforms go to the heart of the underlying causes of current unnecessary regulatory burdens and make Ministers and Government officials more accountable to deliver better Government,” Mr Cox said.
   The Tribunal recommends strengthening the role of the Minister for Regulatory Reform to improve the Government regulatory process.
   Under the tribunal’s recommendation, the Minister would be required to certify that the effect on business and the community of proposed regulations or legislation had been adequately assessed before it can be considered by Cabinet.
   Supported by a Better Regulation Office, the Minister would provide political leadership and accountability to cut red tape.
   Mr Cox said the Better Regulation Office would encourage Government Departments to explore ways to achieve public policy outcomes that may not involve regulation. It would also encourage departments to consult more with stakeholders and better assess potential impacts.
   The wide-ranging review also identified inconsistencies, duplication and overlap between NSW regulation and that of the other states and the Commonwealth.
   The Tribunal considers the NSW Government will achieve significant gains through continuing reforms in occupational health and safety, planning and development assessment and workers’ compensation.
   Other areas identified for reform or further review were regulation of children’s services,  explosives (fireworks), Government grants, Government procurement, plumbing, privacy, trading hours and water (regulatory reporting and co-ordination).
   The Tribunal also made recommendations in other areas, including building
   regulation, chemicals and plastics, consumer protection, energy efficiency, energy markets,
   emissions management, grants administration, insurance, liquor, property agents, property tax, retail leases and trustee companies.
   The full report can be viewed at www.ipart.nsw.gov.au.

November 21, 2006
PS to Watch Ps& Qs with MPs
The Premier's Department has reissued a Circular reminding Public Servants of the accepted custom and practice for providing information and advice to Members of Parliament.
   The preferred arrangements were clarified in September 12 when former Premier John Fahey codified the rules applying to the provision of information to Members of Parliament by Public Servants and these later confirmed by the Carr Government in February 16.
   The latest Circular points out that  accepted custom and practice in New South Wales is for Members of Parliament and/or their staff to contact the appropriate Minister or Minister’s staff when seeking information on particular issues. Alternatively, a written request is made to the head of the agency concerned.
   Similarly requests by Members of Parliament to inspect Government organisations or facilities such as jails or schools should be made officially to the Minister or Minister’s staff.
   The Circular says that in cases where a Member of Parliament, irrespective of political affiliation, makes an oral enquiry direct to an agency, the MP should be informed that the substance of the enquiry will be relayed to the Minister’s office which will contact him or her.
   Responses to oral and written requests for information should be channelled through the Minister’s office.
   The Circular says these requirements do not apply to a Member of Parliament in respect to his/her electorate.
   Members may communicate direct with branches of agencies located within their electorate and arrange inspections of a facility by direct contact with the local officer in charge.

November 21, 2006
PS Lawyer to Star in South Pacific
Senior Crown Prosecutor, Mark Tedeschi QC has been chosen to travel to Fiji to conduct the prosecution of Major General Sitiveni Rabuka. The arrangement is the result of an agreement between the Fijian Government and the NSW Director of Public Prosecutions.
   Major General Rabuka is alleged to have incited senior military officers to remove the Commissioner of Armed Forces and has been charged with two counts of attempting to incite a mutinous act. If convicted, the maximum sentence is life imprisonment.
   The matter will be heard before Justice Gerard Winter in the High Court in Suva.
   The Fijian Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions is an independent prosecuting agency but Fijian DPP Josaiah Naigulevu sought an Australian Crown Prosecutor for this matter to ensure there was no question – or even an appearance -  of political influence in the prosecution.
   Mark Tedeschi has been appointed a State Counsel in the Republic of the Fiji Islands, entitling him to prosecute on behalf of the Fijian DPP.
   The Fijian legal system is based on the British system with some notable differences.
   Instead of 12 jurors, matters are heard by a judge and five assessors - members of the public who make a recommendation to the judge with a majority vote.
   The judge makes the final decision as to whether the prosecution has made its case.
   The judge can depart from the recommendations of the assessors but must state the reasons for doing so.

November 21, 2006
University Fails Job-Talk Test
University of New South Wales staff are believed to have welcomed recommendations from the Australian Industrial Relations Commission that the University must consult on a proposed slashing of 600 jobs.
   Branch President of the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU), Adrianne Harris said the union had been trying to get the university to talk to staff since the job cuts were announced on 22 September.
   "The university has refused to give us any relevant information on what will happen to our jobs or the future of the university after such a large loss of staff," Ms Harris said.
   "The AIRC confirmed our view that the university has not complied with the requirements of our Enterprise Agreement and that the university should consult with the unions on the number of redundancies, on what positions will be made redundant and the impact of redundancies on remaining staff," she said.
   The university has reserved its right to challenge the union's ability to represent staff under the new Work Choices legislation.
   AIRC Commissioner Frank Raffaelli recommended that the UNSW provide to the unions with the overall numbers of persons seeking a voluntary redundancy (VR).
   The union  said UNSW must provide more specific details of where VR positions were located, particularly where the number of redundancies was significant in terms of the rest of staff in an area.
   It must engage with the unions in those areas affected by VR and as required.

November 14, 2006
Ambulance Users Get Free Interstate Ride
Health Minister John Hatzistergos said NSW pensioners using Queensland and South Australia ambulance services would no longer have to pay.The NSW Government is to pay for NSW pensioners billed by the Queensland and South Australian ambulance services.
   This move follows Queensland's decision to not rejoin the interstate ambulance reciprocal deal, which allowed pensioners to access free ambulance cover.
   Greg Rochford, Chief Executive of the Ambulance Service of NSW, said the decision ensured that no NSW pensioner would be hit with a huge ambulance bill when travelling interstate.
   “From now on, any pensioner who receives an ambulance bill from the Queensland or South Australian Ambulance Services should send it to the Ambulance Service of NSW along with their pensioner details” Mr Rochford said.
   NSW pensioners who had already received an invoice from either the Queensland or South Australian Service since July 2006 should contact the Ambulance Service of NSW for an exemption form.

November 14, 2006
Children’s Court Grows Up at Parramatta 
Premier, Morris Iemma has opened the new Children’s Court of NSW in Parramatta, the first legal building on the site of the Parramatta Justice Precinct.
   The new court cost $39 million and is the most technologically advanced facility of its kind in the State.
   It has six highly secure courts and is designed to create a calm environment by using large public spaces filled with natural light.
   The innovative layout of the court separates children participating in criminal cases from those involved in care matters.
An on-site Children’s Court Clinic will provide expert assessments of children and the capacity of their parents to care for them. The reports will help Children’s Magistrates make decisions about a child’s welfare.
In criminal cases, vulnerable witnesses will be able to avoid contact with defendants by entering the Children’s Court through a private passageway and testifying from a secure site.
   The evidence of sexual assault victims will be video recorded for possible use in retrials.
The new Children’s Court of NSW has state-of-the-art security with around 100 closed circuit television cameras, an x-ray machine and walk-through metal detector. The building has 17 interview rooms as well as areas in which parents can nurse infants and victims can access support services.

November 14, 2006
Minister Serves in New Tenants Game
The Department of Fair Trading has launched a special kit to help newcomers to Australia understand their tenancy rights and obligations.
    A survey by the Department showes many people were not fully aware of their rights and responsibilities when renting a property and that those problems were far greater for non-English speaking tenants such as refugees or new arrivals.
   Fair Trading Minister, Diane Beamer, launched the new Tenancy Awareness Kit for non-English speaking tenants at the Think Smart Multicultural Media and Community Leaders Conference in Sydney.
   “Renting a home can present problems at the best of times, but for people who have come to Australia with no English and from, for example, the refugee camps of Africa, the problems are immense,” Ms Beamer said.
   “The Tenancy Awareness Kit will help new arrivals to Australia understand their tenancy rights and obligations, particularly for migrants, refugees and humanitarian entrants.”
   She said the kit was available in various languages and included an audio CD Renting Rights, frequently asked questions on renting and fact sheets.. 
   The Think Smart Multicultural Media and Community Leaders Conference brought together community leaders, workers and the media.

November 14, 2006
Drugs and Alcohol Found Guilty in Court Survey
Drug and alcohol abuse is the leading cause of indigenous overrepresentation in the justice system according to a study by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research.
The Bureau used data from the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Survey to identify social and economic factors underpinning indigenous contact with the justice system.
   The study showed indigenous Australians were far more likely to have been prosecuted or imprisoned for an offence if they abused drugs or alcohol, failed to complete year 12 or were unemployed.
Illicit drug use was the strongest predictor of both criminal prosecution and imprisonment and high-risk alcohol consumption was the second most important predictor of criminal prosecution and the third most important predictor of imprisonment.
The study found that people who took part in the Commonwealth Development Employment Project (CDEP) were less likely to face prosecution (compared with being unemployed).
Other factors that increased the risk of prosecution or imprisonment included experiencing financial stress, living in a crowded household and being a member of the stolen generation.
In another study the Bureau looked at whether or not the higher rate of indigenous imprisonment was due to racial bias in sentencing but researchers found no evidence that it was.
   Indigenous offenders were about 2.5 times more likely than non-indigenous offenders to receive a prison sentence if convicted however the difference disappears when controls are introduced for factors such as plea, offence and prior record that courts can legitimately take into account in sentencing.
The Bureau found indigenous offenders were more likely to receive a prison sentence than non-indigenous offenders because they had much longer criminal records, were more likely to be convicted of a violent offence, were more likely at any given court appearance to be convicted of multiple offences, more likely to have breached a previous court order and were much more likely to have re-offended after being given an alternative to full-time imprisonment, such as periodic detention and/or a suspended sentence
Bureau Director Dr Don Weatherburn said the findings carried important implications for indigenous policy.
   “Past policy has concentrated on reform of the justice system and/or on reducing the general level of economic and social disadvantage among Indigenous Australians,” Dr Weatherburn said.
   “Our research suggests the need for a more focused approach; one where the key priorities involve reducing indigenous drug and alcohol abuse, improving indigenous school performance and raising the level of indigenous employment," he said.

November 14, 2006
Water Managers Throw Book At Weed
Primary Industries Minister, Ian Macdonald has announced a new tool in the battle against salvinia, one of the most damaging aquatic weeds in Australia.
   An 80-page manual for control and management of salvinia has been produced by the NSW Department of Primary Industries in partnership with the Commonwealth Government.
   Mr Macdonald said the manual was the most comprehensive guide to the management and control of the invasive weed that was currently available.
   “It will allow people to develop site-specific management strategies for controlling salvinia, as it brings together insights from past field practices, scientific literature, and the experience of weed managers and experts,” Mr Macdonald said.
   He said it included four case studies highlighting specific management strategies, particularly those involving biological control and physical removal methods and would help weed managers across the country reduce the future environmental and economic costs of salvinia.
   Mr Macdonald said salvinia had a devastating impact on waterways because it formed a dense floating mat that covered the entire water surface, causing loss of fish and bird life, clogging irrigation equipment and increasing evaporation.
   The recent appointment of a new aquatic weeds project officer at the Grafton office of the Department of Primary Industries would also assist in getting information to producers about the importance of early weed detection, he said.
   “Detecting aquatic weeds early, before they become established, is the most important factor in whether infestations can be successfully eradicated or contained,” Mr Macdonald said.
   “In many cases early detection is the difference between a quick return to a pristine waterway and a devastating weed haven that has significant environmental and economic impacts.”
   The manual can be downloaded from www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/weeds.

November 14, 2006
Ombudsmen Blow Whistle on Need for National Whistleblower Laws
A coherent, national approach to whistleblower protection laws needed to be considered by all Australian Governments, including NSW, according to a new issues paper released jointly by the Ombudsmen of New South Wales, Queensland and the Commonwealth.
   NSW Ombudsman Bruce Barbour launched the paper at the 6th National Investigation Symposium in Sydney.
   Mr Barbour said whistleblowing, which he described as the preparedness of officials and employees to make public interest disclosures about wrongdoing, was vitally important to ensuring integrity and accountability in the public sector.
   “However it will not happen unless there is a sound legislative structure to facilitate and protect public interest disclosures,” Mr Barbour said.
   The paper entitled, Public Interest Disclosure Legislation in Australia: Towards the Next Generation, reviews all existing public sector whistleblowing legislation. It was prepared by Dr A J Brown of Griffith University as part of the national research project Whistling While They Work. The project included most of Australia’s public sector integrity agencies.
   Mr Barbour’s comments were reflected by Commonwealth Ombudsman, Professor John McMillan, who said the review highlighted the significant variations in style, coverage and principle among the different laws.
   Professor McMillan said the review illustrated the inconsistencies between the nine Acts covering whistleblowing in Australia — ranging from who will be protected, how they will be protected, and the obligations on agencies themselves.
   “There are strengths in some laws that other jurisdictions could heed. There are weaknesses in all laws that need to be addressed, perhaps by common answers,” Professor McMillan said.
   The paper calls for a national model for whistleblower legislation, saying public integrity and public sector standards would benefit from clearer legislation.
   It outlines the elements necessary to facilitate public interest disclosures, including protecting whistleblowers, ensuring disclosures are properly dealt with and facilitating the making of disclosures.
   At present, no whistleblower legislation in Australia adequately achieves all of these objectives.
   Queensland Ombudsman, David Bevan, encouraged both Government Agencies and the public to consider the issues and send comments to the project’s research team.
   “Ombudsmen’s offices, along with other integrity agencies, have a special interest in ensuring the effectiveness of public interest disclosure laws,” Mr Bevan said.
   “Comments on this paper from Government Agencies and the general public will help inform our collective thinking about what might constitute best practice in public interest disclosure legislation, and contribute to recommendations for reform,” he said.
   Comments are sought from both government agencies and the general public. To view the paper, go to www.nswombudsman.nsw.gov.au.

November 14, 2006
High Flyers Break Pay Barrier
Agency heads and senior executives have won a four per cent pay rise from the Remuneration Tribunal.
   The increase takes effect from 1 October 2006 and exceeds the Government’s  bid for a three per cent rise.
   In explaining its decision, the Tribunal said it had awarded a four per cent rise to the highest echelons of the PS in 2005 to ensure their pay did not fall significantly behind award-based salary increases received by key public sector groups, particularly other senior officers.
   The Tribunal said it also considered carefully the 2006-07 Budget strategy as provided by the NSW Treasury and the Government’s recommendation that increase be limited to three per cent.
   The Tribunal also took into account the latest key national economic indicators that showed the Wage Price Index for the public sector in NSW was four per cent for the year ended June 2006 and 4.4 for the public sector across Australia. The CPI for the same period was four per cent nationally and 3.8 per cent for Sydney.
   In its submission the Government said its preferred approach to wage outcomes was through negotiated wage settlements ratified through the NSW Industrial Relations Commission. It said since 15 this approach had delivered significant wage increases to teachers, nurses, police and the general Public Service in return for productivity improvements and that most of the current Awards and Agreements began in 2004 and expire in 2008.
   In coming to its decision, the Tribunal noted that Secretaries of Commonwealth Departments received increases of 4.4 per cent from 1 July 2006 and the Federal SES received increases between 3.9 per cent and 6.6 per cent. In other jurisdictions public sector executive pay increased between three per cent and 4.5 per cent.
   Finally the Tribunal noted Federal and NSW politicians received increases of seven per cent in July 2006.
   The Tribunal said a key factor in attracting the talented to the SES is remuneration. It said the level must be sufficiently high to attract and retain the best possible people in the highest levels of the bureaucracy and to achieve this, increases must, at the very least, keep pace with those provided in the general community and certainly within the public sector.
   The Tribunal was of the view that the next 12 months would be significant for the NSW public sector with the State Plan setting the directions and priorities for the public sector for the next decade. It said any changes would need to be driven by the CES and SES in the first instance.
   It was therefore critical in the Tribunal’s view that CES and SES remuneration levels remain competitive.
   “Therefore the Tribunal cannot support the Government’s recommendation of three per cent on this occasion but considers that in all the circumstances an increase of four per cent is appropriate,” it said.
   The Tribunal said the increase would be subject to a satisfactory performance assessment of each SES officer.

November 14, 2006
Employment Office Branches Out
The Public Employment Office (PEO) has been restructured following a recent review.
   The PEO now has six teams in two operational branches, the Workforce Policy and Advice Branch and Workforce Strategy Branch and a Strategic Support team.
   The new structure is as follows.
   Workforce Policy and Advice Branch
   This branch provides a client advisory service for public sector agencies and advice to the Director General, Premier and Government on employee relations matters.
   The Superannuation, Executive and Legal Services section is responsible for superannuation policy and legislation, the administration of the Senior Executive Service and provides advice to public sector agencies on industrial and employment legislation, particularly the Public Sector Employment and Management Act 2002.
   The Workforce Profile Unit collects and analyses census data of all public sector employees and reports to the Government, agencies and the public.
  
   Workforce Strategy Branch
 The Workforce Planning, Development and Equity Unit is responsible for the development of sector-wide strategies and assisting agencies with their workforce planning and capability development needs including whole of government EEO strategies, policies and programs.
   The Program Management Unit coordinates and administers a range of sector-wide programs including central funding for executive leadership programs, the Public Sector Management Program, Indigenous Cadetship Program and the Premier’s Public Sector Awards.
   The Recruitment and Redeployment Unit develops policy and provides advice on key policy initiatives relating to recruitment and redeployment, including executive recruitment and induction. The unit also assists agencies in managing organisational change and restructures.
  
   Strategic Support Team
 The Strategic Support Team manages and coordinates the strategic information services and support functions of PEO and corporate activities.

November 14, 2006
Auditor Has Each-Way Bet on State Accounts
A report from the Auditor-General has found the State's financial performance to be underpinned by a solid balance sheet but operating pressures, including increasing salary costs and a narrow and volatile tax base were cause for concern.
   The Auditor-General, Peter Achterstraat, issued a qualified audit opinion on the Total State Sector Accounts because he could not obtain all the necessary information to form an opinion on the value of the Crown reserves that should be recognised as land.
   However, the audit opinion on the Statement of Budget Result was unqualified.
   The report noted that in previous years, it had been recommended that the Government provide better non-financial information to the public.
   "This information would complement the Treasurer’s Report on State Finances and the Budget papers, which provide information on the State’s finances," the report said. "We are pleased that the Government has announced its intention to measure and report public sector performance at the State level through the State Plan it is developing," the report said.
   "The integrity of the reporting will be crucial in obtaining public confidence. Independent verification of the performance indicators is fundamental to the acceptance by the public of their validity."
   The report also noted the Government’s commitment to develop a new performance management and budgeting system for the 2008-09 Budget.
   It recommended comprehensive indicators be chosen for the state plan.
   For each identified priority area of Government, indicators should reflect all the important activities or outcomes in that area and the State’s performance on each key indicator should be compared, as far as possible, with benchmarks such as other states, the report said.
   It also recommended that the Government authorise the Auditor-General to verify the completeness, reliability and comparability of performance indicators supporting the State Plan and the Budget.
   Agencies’ annual reports should be consistent with the state level indicators, expanding on them to allow greater analysis of the performance in each area, the Auditor-General found.

November 14, 2006
Fair Trading Week Comes Home to Roost
This year's Fair Trading Week focuses on home sweet home - property and tenancy issues – with events across New South Wales from 5 to 10 November covering buying, selling and renting.
   For most people buying or selling a house is one of the biggest decisions they will make in a lifetime and was also a big decision for renters and landlords. 
   The Office of Fair Trading conducted a survey of buyers, sellers, renters and landlords earlier this year to find out how well people understood their rights and obligations when making real estate transactions and the results of the survey will be unveiled this week.
   Fair Trading Week was also an opportunity for the Office to showcase its work to the people of NSW.
   Activities planned for the Week included information stands at shopping centres, open days at Fair Trading Centres, seminars for self-managing landlords, high school workshops and information sessions in towns all over NSW.
   For a full list of events in Sydney, the Hunter, Northern, Western and Southern regions, visit www.industrialrelations.nsw.gov.au.

November 14, 2006
Police Place Command Centre on Order
NSW Police are to get a purpose-built mobile command centre, following the release of a report into their handling of the Cronulla riots.
The vehicle will be used as a command centre during incidents such as riots and disasters, to allow police commanders and front-line police to coordinate intelligence and communications.
The report on the 2005 Macquarie Fields riots recommended a mobile command centre and the move has been supported by NSW Police Commissioner Ken Moroney.
   New police minister John Watkins said the vehicle is one of his first priorities.
   "It means forward commanders can get ready access to their superiors and other agencies, such as fire brigade, ambulance or the military, so appropriate back-up can be requested and coordinated," Mr Watkins said.
   The vehicle would be a first for NSW and could be used in counter-terrorism, public order and natural disaster response operations.
   Mr Watkins said it would be equipped with state-of-the-art communications systems and secure wireless internet connections and display screens, so commanders could plot a situation and move available units to control rapidly changing situations.
   A review on the police handling of the Cronulla riot highlighted the need for a secure and fully operational command post.
   Premier Morris Iemma has promised to fix the problems identified by the Cronulla review.

November 14, 2006
Graffiti Law Paints New Picture for Spray Cans
Fair Trading Minister, Diane Beamer, said NSW retailers were now required to restrict access to spray paint cans from November in a move to counter graffiti.
   She said retailers had until 1 February 2007 to fully comply with the new laws.
   The Minister said new legislation required retailers who sold spray paint cans to keep them in a locked cabinet, behind a counter or on a shelf 2.1 metres in height or more.
   “The Government is working with police, other authorities and the community to prevent vandalism,” Ms Beamer said..
   She said the Office of Fair Trading was conducting an education campaign for traders, explaining the adjustments required to conform with the new laws.
   “Inspectors are talking to shop keepers across the State during their regular visits to traders, giving them advice and suggestions.
   “Making the spray paint cans inaccessible is one way to make it harder for vandals to get hold of their materials," she said.
   The penalties for graffiti crime are high. Anyone found guilty of wilfully damaging or defacing premises or other property by spray paint can receive a maximum fine of $2200 or six months jail.

November 7, 2006
Ombudsmen Blow Whistle on Need for National Whistleblower Laws
A coherent, national approach to whistleblower protection laws needed to be considered by all Australian Governments, including NSW, according to a new issues paper released jointly by the Ombudsmen of New South Wales, Queensland and the Commonwealth.
   NSW Ombudsman Bruce Barbour launched the paper at the 6th National Investigation Symposium in Sydney.
   Mr Barbour said whistleblowing, which he described as the preparedness of officials and employees to make public interest disclosures about wrongdoing, was vitally important to ensuring integrity and accountability in the public sector.
   “However it will not happen unless there is a sound legislative structure to facilitate and protect public interest disclosures,” Mr Barbour said.
   The paper entitled, Public Interest Disclosure Legislation in Australia: Towards the Next Generation, reviews all existing public sector whistleblowing legislation. It was prepared by Dr A J Brown of Griffith University as part of the national research project Whistling While They Work. The project included most of Australia’s public sector integrity agencies.
   Mr Barbour’s comments were reflected by Commonwealth Ombudsman, Professor John McMillan, who said the review highlighted the significant variations in style, coverage and principle among the different laws.
   Professor McMillan said the review illustrated the inconsistencies between the nine Acts covering whistleblowing in Australia — ranging from who will be protected, how they will be protected, and the obligations on agencies themselves.
   “There are strengths in some laws that other jurisdictions could heed. There are weaknesses in all laws that need to be addressed, perhaps by common answers,” Professor McMillan said.
   The paper calls for a national model for whistleblower legislation, saying public integrity and public sector standards would benefit from clearer legislation.
   It outlines the elements necessary to facilitate public interest disclosures, including protecting whistleblowers, ensuring disclosures are properly dealt with and facilitating the making of disclosures.
   At present, no whistleblower legislation in Australia adequately achieves all of these objectives.
   Queensland Ombudsman, David Bevan, encouraged both Government Agencies and the public to consider the issues and send comments to the project’s research team.
   “Ombudsmen’s offices, along with other integrity agencies, have a special interest in ensuring the effectiveness of public interest disclosure laws,” Mr Bevan said.
   “Comments on this paper from Government Agencies and the general public will help inform our collective thinking about what might constitute best practice in public interest disclosure legislation, and contribute to recommendations for reform,” he said.
   Comments are sought from both government agencies and the general public. To view the paper, go to www.nswombudsman.nsw.gov.au.

November 7, 2006
High Flyers Break Pay Barrier
Agency heads and senior executives have won a four per cent pay rise from the Remuneration Tribunal.
   The increase takes effect from 1 October 2006 and exceeds the Government’s  bid for a three per cent rise.
   In explaining its decision, the Tribunal said it had awarded a four per cent rise to the highest echelons of the PS in 2005 to ensure their pay did not fall significantly behind award-based salary increases received by key public sector groups, particularly other senior officers.
   The Tribunal said it also considered carefully the 2006-07 Budget strategy as provided by the NSW Treasury and the Government’s recommendation that increase be limited to three per cent.
   The Tribunal also took into account the latest key national economic indicators that showed the Wage Price Index for the public sector in NSW was four per cent for the year ended June 2006 and 4.4 for the public sector across Australia. The CPI for the same period was four per cent nationally and 3.8 per cent for Sydney.
   In its submission the Government said its preferred approach to wage outcomes was through negotiated wage settlements ratified through the NSW Industrial Relations Commission. It said since 15 this approach had delivered significant wage increases to teachers, nurses, police and the general Public Service in return for productivity improvements and that most of the current Awards and Agreements began in 2004 and expire in 2008.
   In coming to its decision, the Tribunal noted that Secretaries of Commonwealth Departments received increases of 4.4 per cent from 1 July 2006 and the Federal SES received increases between 3.9 per cent and 6.6 per cent. In other jurisdictions public sector executive pay increased between three per cent and 4.5 per cent.
   Finally the Tribunal noted Federal and NSW politicians received increases of seven per cent in July 2006.
   The Tribunal said a key factor in attracting the talented to the SES is remuneration. It said the level must be sufficiently high to attract and retain the best possible people in the highest levels of the bureaucracy and to achieve this, increases must, at the very least, keep pace with those provided in the general community and certainly within the public sector.
   The Tribunal was of the view that the next 12 months would be significant for the NSW public sector with the State Plan setting the directions and priorities for the public sector for the next decade. It said any changes would need to be driven by the CES and SES in the first instance.
   It was therefore critical in the Tribunal’s view that CES and SES remuneration levels remain competitive.
   “Therefore the Tribunal cannot support the Government’s recommendation of three per cent on this occasion but considers that in all the circumstances an increase of four per cent is appropriate,” it said.
   The Tribunal said the increase would be subject to a satisfactory performance assessment of each SES officer.

November 7, 2006
Employment Office Branches Out
The Public Employment Office (PEO) has been restructured following a recent review.
   The PEO now has six teams in two operational branches, the Workforce Policy and Advice Branch and Workforce Strategy Branch and a Strategic Support team.
   The new structure is as follows.
   Workforce Policy and Advice Branch
   This branch  provides a client advisory service for public sector agencies and advice to the Director General, Premier and Government on employee relations matters.
   The Superannuation, Executive and Legal Services section is responsible for superannuation policy and legislation, the administration of the Senior Executive Service and provides advice to public sector agencies on industrial and employment legislation, particularly the Public Sector Employment and Management Act 2002.
   The Workforce Profile Unit collects and analyses census data of all public sector employees and reports to the Government, agencies and the public.
  
   Workforce Strategy Branch
 The Workforce Planning, Development and Equity Unit is responsible for the development of sector-wide strategies and assisting agencies with their workforce planning and capability development needs including whole of government EEO strategies, policies and programs.
   The Program Management Unit coordinates and administers a range of sector-wide programs including central funding for executive leadership programs, the Public Sector Management Program, Indigenous Cadetship Program and the Premier’s Public Sector Awards.
   The Recruitment and Redeployment Unit develops policy and provides advice on key policy initiatives relating to recruitment and redeployment, including executive recruitment and induction. The unit also assists agencies in managing organisational change and restructures.
  
   Strategic Support Team
 The Strategic Support Team manages and coordinates the strategic information services and support functions of PEO and corporate activities.

November 7, 2006
Auditor Has Each-Way Bet on State Accounts
A report from the Auditor-General has found the State's financial performance to be underpinned by a solid balance sheet but operating pressures, including increasing salary costs and a narrow and volatile tax base were cause for concern.
   The Auditor-General, Peter Achterstraat, issued a qualified audit opinion on the Total State Sector Accounts because he could not obtain all the necessary information to form an opinion on the value of the Crown reserves that should be recognised as land.
   However, the audit opinion on the Statement of Budget Result was unqualified.
   The report noted that in previous years, it had been recommended that the Government provide better non-financial information to the public.
   "This information would complement the Treasurer’s Report on State Finances and the Budget papers, which provide information on the State’s finances," the report said. "We are pleased that the Government has announced its intention to measure and report public sector performance at the State level through the State Plan it is developing," the report said.
   "The integrity of the reporting will be crucial in obtaining public confidence. Independent verification of the performance indicators is fundamental to the acceptance by the public of their validity."
   The report also noted the Government’s commitment to develop a new performance management and budgeting system for the 2008-09 Budget.
   It recommended comprehensive indicators be chosen for the state plan.
   For each identified priority area of Government, indicators should reflect all the important activities or outcomes in that area and the State’s performance on each key indicator should be compared, as far as possible, with benchmarks such as other states, the report said.
   It also recommended that the Government authorise the Auditor-General to verify the completeness, reliability and comparability of performance indicators supporting the State Plan and the Budget.
   Agencies’ annual reports should be consistent with the state level indicators, expanding on them to allow greater analysis of the performance in each area, the Auditor-General found.

November 7, 2006
Fair Trading Week Comes Home to Roost
This year's Fair Trading Week focuses on home sweet home - property and tenancy issues – with events across New South Wales from 5 to 10 November covering buying, selling and renting.
   For most people buying or selling a house is one of the biggest decisions they will make in a lifetime and was also a big decision for renters and landlords. 
   The Office of Fair Trading conducted a survey of buyers, sellers, renters and landlords earlier this year to find out how well people understood their rights and obligations when making real estate transactions and the results of the survey will be unveiled this week.
   Fair Trading Week was also an opportunity for the Office to showcase its work to the people of NSW.
   Activities planned for the Week included information stands at shopping centres, open days at Fair Trading Centres, seminars for self-managing landlords, high school workshops and information sessions in towns all over NSW.
   For a full list of events in Sydney, the Hunter, Northern, Western and Southern regions, visit www.industrialrelations.nsw.gov.au.

November 7, 2006
Police Place Command Centre on Order
NSW Police are to get a purpose-built mobile command centre, following the release of a report into their handling of the Cronulla riots.
The vehicle will be used as a command centre during incidents such as riots and disasters, to allow police commanders and front-line police to coordinate intelligence and communications.
The report on the 2005 Macquarie Fields riots recommended a mobile command centre and the move has been supported by NSW Police Commissioner Ken Moroney.
   New police minister John Watkins said the vehicle is one of his first priorities.
   "It means forward commanders can get ready access to their superiors and other agencies, such as fire brigade, ambulance or the military, so appropriate back-up can be requested and coordinated," Mr Watkins said.
   The vehicle would be a first for NSW and could be used in counter-terrorism, public order and natural disaster response operations.
   Mr Watkins said it would be equipped with state-of-the-art communications systems and secure wireless internet connections and display screens, so commanders could plot a situation and move available units to control rapidly changing situations.
   A review on the police handling of the Cronulla riot highlighted the need for a secure and fully operational command post.
   Premier Morris Iemma has promised to fix the problems identified by the Cronulla review.

November 7, 2006
Graffiti Law Paints New Picture for Spray Cans
Fair Trading Minister, Diane Beamer, said NSW retailers were now required to restrict access to spray paint cans from November in a move to counter graffiti.
   She said retailers had until 1 February 2007 to fully comply with the new laws.
   The Minister said new legislation required retailers who sold spray paint cans to keep them in a locked cabinet, behind a counter or on a shelf 2.1 metres in height or more.
   “The Government is working with police, other authorities and the community to prevent vandalism,” Ms Beamer said..
   She said the Office of Fair Trading was conducting an education campaign for traders, explaining the adjustments required to conform with the new laws.
   “Inspectors are talking to shop keepers across the State during their regular visits to traders, giving them advice and suggestions.
   “Making the spray paint cans inaccessible is one way to make it harder for vandals to get hold of their materials," she said.
   The penalties for graffiti crime are high. Anyone found guilty of wilfully damaging or defacing premises or other property by spray paint can receive a maximum fine of $2200 or six months jail.

November 7, 2006
WorkCover Contest Makes Every Poster a Winner
The winners have been announced for the WorkCover Young Workers Poster Competition.
   WorkCover head Jon Blackwell presented awards for the poster campaign featuring the slogans Your Job, Your Rights, Your Safety and Secure Your Safety saying the winning designs sent a strong message to young workers about identifying risks and ensuring a safe working environment.
   Mr Blackwell said the posters raised awareness of occupational health and safety risks for workers in the 15-25 age group.
   “More than 300 students across NSW entered this competition and it is gratifying to see the diverse and highly original approaches in educating young workers about workplace safety,” Mr Blackwell said.
   “With young workers at a higher risk of being injured on the job than most other age groups, it is encouraging to see such a large number of students supporting this important initiative.
   He presented a total of $13,000 in cash prizes to 14 high school, TAFE, and university students from across the Sydney metropolitan area.
   Ten high school students were awarded $500 each for their entries and thirty-two runners up from the secondary and tertiary categories each received an Apple iPod Nano.
   Major winners came from Epping Boys High School, Sydney Institute of TAFE - St George Campus and University of New South Wales.

November 7, 2006
Charities Win From Gambling Seminars
The Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing is running free seminars this month about charitable fundraising and community gaming.
   Inspectors from the Office will be on hand to answer questions about activities under the Lotteries and Art Unions Act 1901 and Charitable Fundraising Act 11.
   Seminars will be held in Glen Innes on 14 November, Tamworth on 15 November and Armidale on 16 November.
   Topics covered include the day-to-day responsibilities of charitable fundraising authority holders and the presentation and format of audited financial accounts as required by legislation.
   The inspectors will also explain the legal requirements for conducting raffles and other games of chance and common problems with fundraising appeals and community gaming activities such as raffles.
   According to organisers the seminars will benefit all not-for-profit organisations that conduct charitable fundraising and/or community gaming activities.
   There will be time after the seminars for inspectors to discuss specific issues.
   To book a place, call 02-95 0686 or email charity.seminars@olgr.nsw.gov.au by COB 10 November.

November 7, 2006
Lighthouse Lights Up for 125th Birthday
The historic lighthouse on Montague Island on the south coast turned 125 years old on 1 November.
   The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) threw a party for the birthday beacon, inviting people connected to the lighthouse such as former keepers and their families through to those who have serviced and worked on it. Aboriginal elder John Mumbler welcomed guests to the party at Montague Island, known traditionally as Barunguba.
   The lighthouse was built in 1881 from large granite blocks quarried on the island. Tim Shepherd, NPWS Far South Coast Regional Manager, said the Montague Island
   lighthouse and residences have a special place in the region's history.
   "Taking three years to complete and standing at 21 metres high, it is remarkable how such a structure of beauty and craftsmanship was pieced together," Mr Shepherd said.
   "The time, skill and team effort put into the completion of the lighthouse is admired and appreciated by all those who visit the island."
In the past, there were three lighthouse keepers at a time living on the island with their families.
   It was automated in 1986 when the last keeper, John Short, manually turned on the light for the last time.
   The old lens and lantern are displayed at the museum in the Narooma Visitor Centre.
   Management for Montague Island was transferred from the Commonwealth to NPWS in 1989. It has become a major tourism destination for the region, winning a number of tourism awards.

November 7, 2006
Landscape Plan Scoops Up Award
The Centennial Park and Moore Park Trust has received the inaugural award from the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects for exceptional conservation through its park improvement plan 2003-2010.
   The Award may be given to any agency responsible for the management and stewardship of public lands and acknowledged the integrity of design while recognising landscapes should be allowed to evolve and change.
   The Trust was commended for developing its overall park improvement plan with outstanding rigour and consultation ensuring a park system that was sustainable, attractive, cost effective, safe and of high quality.
   Director of Centennial Parklands, Steve Corbett, said they were extremely proud to receive inaugural award.
   "It is a wonderful recognition of the vision we have as custodians to balance and effectively manage the past, present and future needs of Centennial Parklands," Mr Corbett said.
   In judging the award, the AILA was particularly taken by the park's ponds restoration program, the most extensive project undertaken by the Trust.
   The program brought enormous environmental benefits, improved water quality and increased habitat for fauna.
   A booklet about the improvements is available from info@cp.nsw.gov.au

November 7, 2006
Kids Weed All About It for Environment
School children at six schools across Wakool Shire have become Weed Warriors to tackle horehound – a noxious weed spreading across the region.
   Primary Industries Minister Ian Macdonald, said Weed Warriors was a national program involving students in the management of local weed issues.
   “During the program, students work with local weed officers, land managers and community groups to implement a biological control program for a regional priority weed,” Mr Macdonald said.
   In NSW, the program is coordinated by the Department of Primary Industries and implemented locally by Wakool Shire Council and Forests NSW.
   Local Weed Warriors coordinator, Stephen Battenally, from Wakool Shire Council, said Barham Primary School, Wakool Public School, Burraboi Public School, Mallam Public School, Moulamein Public School and Tooleybuc Central School took part.
   Horehound is a noxious weed that spreads easily, taking over bushland, grassland and forest.
   “I take horehound plants to each school and introduce the children to a biological agent to the weeds – which in this case is the horehound plume moth at a caterpillar stage," Mr Battenally said.
   They then watch the life cycle of the moth from egg to caterpillar in a cage.
   “I return to the schools in mid December to release the caterpillars into areas infested with horehound, often in a visual place near to town, so that the children can see them at work," he said.
   “The kids love being Weed Warriors and more schools from other shires are joining the program,” he said.
   Forests NSW Regional Manager, Gary Rodda, said the program in the Riverina was now in its third year and had made a significant contribution to increasing education about weeds.
   “It is vitally important that we instill in our future land managers a sense of connection to, and responsibility for, their natural surroundings to help them to act on local environment issues, as there is no substitute for direct experience and active participation,” he said.
   Weed Warriors is an initiative of the Cooperative Research Centre for Australian Weed Management and is funded by the Natural Heritage Trust

November 7, 2006
PS Gift Rules Wrapped Up By ICAC
The Independent Commission Against Corruption has produced guidelines and a toolkit to help guide NSW Public Servants offered gifts, benefits or bribes in the course of their official duties.
   The guidelines and toolkit provide public sector Agencies with practical assistance in managing gifts and benefits and include an electronic gifts register for Agencies to set up and use themselves.
   Nine steps a public official should take are included in the guidelines should someone believe they have been offered a bribe, such as recording events, informing their supervisor and contacting ICAC directly.
   ICAC receives more than 200 complaints each year concerning gifts, benefits, bribes and commissions and  Commissioner Jerrold Cripps said the issue of gifts and benefits could be a grey area for public officials.
   “A gift or benefit is considered a bribe if it is offered or sought in order to influence a public official’s behaviour,” Commissioner Cripps said.
   “However, drawing the line between the proper and improper acceptance of gifts and benefits can be difficult.
   "These guidelines will help agencies manage gifts and benefits that fall outside the definition of bribery.”
   The guidelines say gifts can be offered to individuals in the course of business relationships and are usually given for commercial purposes such as creating a feeling of obligation in the receiver. 
   However, a person who offers a gift to a public official, or an official who accepts a gift or benefit may, under some circumstances, be guilty of an offence.
   For example, ICAC made corrupt conduct findings against a former employee of the Department of Housing who accepted various gifts and benefits from real estate agents appointed to sell public housing properties. These benefits included two holidays at Queensland resorts.
   The gifts and benefits guidelines and toolkit are being sent to all public sector Agencies in NSW.
   The electronic gift register has been adapted from a register used at the Department of Natural Resources and at the ICAC.

November 7, 2006
Police Cop Report Recommendations Sweet
NSW Police Commissioner, Ken Moroney has given in-principle support to all 33 recommendations of the Hazzard Report into the Cronulla riots and the nine recommendations of the Sorrenson/Jeffries report into Strike Force Enoggera. Five recommendations of the Hazzard Report have already been implemented, he said.
   The Sorrenson/Jeffries report reviews the managerial policies, practices and procedures of Strike Force Enoggera - established to investigate the criminal incidents arising from the events on 11-13 December 2006.
   Mr Moroney said he had nothing but praise and admiration for every police officer who dealt with the unprecedented events of that period.
   "They performed bravely and upheld standards of which the entire NSW community should be immensely proud," Mr Moroney said. "Those officers have my full support."
He said the Hazzard Report had recognised significant progress already in addressing a number of issues and noted the Police Operations Centre was being upgraded for APEC and said he would also propose a stand-alone greenfields Police Operations facility and a mobile forward command vehicle.”
   “A number of NSW Police officers have recently returned from the United Kingdom where they have undergone command and control training at the London Metropolitan Police Public Order Training College.
   “Chief Superintendent Steve Cullen in his role as Commander of the Public Order and Riot Squad has also attended the Advanced Public Order Program in the UK.”
Commissioner Moroney said there had been a significant improvement in the capacity of the force to deal with public disorder and progress had been made towards establishing the NSW Police Command College.

November 7, 2006
Housing Officer Accused of Feathering Own Nest
The Independent Commission Against Corruption has found a former officer of the NSW Department of Housing, and two real estate agents engaged in corrupt conduct in relation to the sale of public housing between 19 and 2004.  
   The former Departmental Property Sales Manager organised the sale of surplus public housing properties for the Department and the former Home Purchase Assistance Authority.  
   In 2001-2002, he arranged for five properties to be sold “at an under-value” through two real estate agents to companies controlled by his friends. The properties were resold shortly after for $2,000 more than what was previously paid, with net profits shared by the Departmental officer and his friends.  
   The ICAC report says that the officer “knowingly abused his position as a public official for private gain and engaged in a course of corrupt conduct involving numerous frauds, concerted efforts to sell public property at an undervalue and the receipt of secret profits”.  
   The ICAC also found the two real estate agents “engaged in corrupt conduct by colluding with the officer to defraud the Authority or Department”.  
   In addition, from 2000-2005, one real estate agent gave various benefits to the Departmental officer and his wife, at a time when the officer was responsible for appointing real estate agents to sell properties for the Authority or Department.
   These benefits included two holidays at Queensland resorts which ICAC found were “corrupt inducements or rewards”.  
   ICAC is seeking the advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to prosecute the Departmental officer and the real estate agents for a number of offences.
   It has also released guidelines and a toolkit to assist agencies when public officials are offered gifts and benefits – see “Gift Rules Wrapped Up By ICAC” in this edition of PS News.

November 7, 2006
TABLETS Work for Ambulance Service
The NSW Ambulance Service has won a Baxter safety award for its innovative TABLETS project.
   The project will improve care across the NSW Health Service by ensuring everyday medications prescribed to patients arrive at hospital with the patient during an emergency admission. Providing the medications ensures presenting and coexisting conditions are treated in a timely manner.
   Soon every ambulance in NSW will be equipped with clearly labelled,
   patient identifiable, self sealing plastic bags for packaging and transport of medications with the patient.
   Greg Rochford, Chief Executive of the Ambulance Service of NSW, said the concept had been coordinated by ambulance staff.
   “This is a simple concept, cleverly done," Mr Rochford said.
   "It will greatly improve continuity of care from the patient’s general practitioner to the emergency ambulance and into hospital.”
   The project is aimed specifically at patients aged 75 years and over.
   Research has shown that when these patients arrive at hospital without their regular medications, there is an increase in the length of the patient’s stay in hospital and an increased risk of adverse events.
   Ambulance Officers across NSW are urging all patients to have their medications gathered together when they have called for an ambulance.
   It is a good idea to keep all of your medications in one central location – such as kitchen bench, bedside table or bathroom cupboard – where it will be easy for the ambulance officers to find.

November 7, 2006
NSW Gets Shiny New Car Repair Laws 
A nationally-developed Code of Conduct between smash repairers and insurers has become mandatory in New South Wales.
   Fair Trading Minister, Diane Beamer, said the law represented a new direction in the way business was done and disputes settled in the State .
   “Enshrining the code in law will provide for a fair, timely and transparent conduct between insurers and repairers," Ms Beamer said.
   “The law will ensure consumers will not be inconvenienced or unfairly treated through the practices of, or disputes between, insurers or repairers.
   The law will make the smash repair industry fairer for repairers, insurers and consumers, she said.
   It will also go a long way to ending the long-running dispute between the Motor Traders Association and IAG-NRMA insurance which Ms Beamer said had threatened to cripple the smash repair industry in NSW.
   Extensive negotiations resulted in improvements to the web-based repair management system and free consumer choice of repairer.
   The newly adopted code of conduct provides for a transparent and independent external dispute resolution mechanism and requires full disclosure in preferred smash repairer arrangements, retention of preferred smash repair status upon the sale of a business and full disclosure in quoting for work and payment.
   It covers standards for the allocation of responsibility for repair warranties, standards for payment terms and up-front disclosure on whether insurance policies provide choice of repairer.
   Areas of the new law relating to network repairer schemes and disclosure obligations commence on 30 March 2007 and insurers and repairers who have not signed up to the voluntary code will have until 30 March to become compliant.
   “While the code is backed up by strong penalties they will only be considered as a last resort when both parties have exhausted all the dispute settling provisions or if one party refuses to participate.” Ms Beamer said.
   The penalties include court injunctions, orders to disclose information, trading prohibition orders, civil action for damages and court orders to compensate for damage.