October 31, 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.

October 31, 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.

October 31, 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.

October 31, 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.

October 31, 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.

October 31, 2006
Ombudsman Finds Police Have Power Failure
The NSW Ombudsman has found that new powers given to police to catch drug suppliers hadn’t worked so he recommended they be handed back.
   After investigating the success or otherwise of the Police Powers (Drug Detection in Border Areas Trial) Act 2003, the Ombudsman decided that the powers did not help police catch drug suppliers so the triakl should be wound up.
   The Act established an 18-month trial of police powers to stop and search vehicles for drugs, using drug detection dogs at checkpoints along border areas in the south of New South Wales.
   “Although police exercised their powers in a professional manner, the new powers in the Act did not help police in effectively targeting drug supply across State borders,” the NSW Ombudsman, Bruce Barbour, said.
   The NSW police agreed with him.
   The Ombudsman’s study lasted nine months and covered nine police operations. During the trial police searched eight per cent of all vehicles stopped (291 of 3809), usually because a drug dog indicated the presence of illicit drugs.
   However, despite the dog’s attentions, they found drugs in less than a third of cases (89 vehicles or 31 per cent).
   Of 411 people searched, drugs offences were detected in fewer than 25 per cent of them (101). Only two large amounts of drugs were located, but neither case resulted in a conviction for drug supply and most offences detected (51), resulted in a caution for possession of small amounts of cannabis.
   The average cost of each operation was almost $20,000 but the Ombudsman said if wages and other costs were included, the total cost was almost $$670,000.
   The study found police were hampered by some requirements of the legislation, particularly the extensive preparation required to set up a check point.
   “Our review indicates that the results achieved through this new law do not justify the costs involved," Mr Barbour said.
   "This is conceded by NSW Police. We have recommended that Parliament consider allowing the Act to expire,” Mr Barbour concluded.

October 31, 2006
Endangered Emus Spotted on Parade
More than 60 volunteers and staff of the NSW Department of Environment and Conservation took part in a most successful endangered coastal emu survey recently.
   Clarence Area Ranger Gina Hart said that the survey was a fantastic success, with more birds spotted than in recent years.
   "Based on the survey and recent sightings, we now estimate the coastal emu population at close to 150 birds," said Ms Hart. "The great result is largely due to the feedback from residents who provided their local knowledge on areas emus were using.
   "This helped to refine the survey and record birds that would not have been seen by volunteers unfamiliar with the area."
The survey was designed to monitor the size and range of the endangered north coast emu population.
   Volunteers surveyed suitable habitat from Red Rock north to Evans Head and west to Tucabia and the Shark Creek area.
   Emus were observed by walking and driving roads in trails where birds were likely to be foraging both on private property and national parks and surveys were also undertaken at Main Camp and national park and state forest estate in the Bungawalbin area.
   Ms Hart said although the results this year are very encouraging, this figure includes 65 chicks of which only a few are expected to make it through to adulthood.
   "Collisions with vehicles are still the largest known threat with 44 emus killed on the road in the last 6 years."

October 31, 2006
Cricket Exhibition Kicks Goal at Museum
The original Cricket Ashes Urn is on show at the Museum of Sydney until 8 November as part of a national touring exhibition from London’s Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).
   It's a rare opportunity to see the original urn and discover the intriguing story of its origins.
   The Ashes Exhibition celebrates more than 124 years of sporting rivalry between England and Australia and Assistant Curator Matthew Jones said the exhibition showcased rare cricket memorabilia, including blazers, bats, scorebooks, photographs and paintings from the MCC.
   "Some unforgettable Ashes series will also be featured,” Mr Jones said. “Bodyline – the 1932–33 Ashes, the Invincibles – the 1948 Ashes, Fast and furious – the 1974–75 Ashes, and the thrilling 2005 Ashes series."
   The story of the Ashes encompasses many great cricketers and the exhibition profiles the legendary WG Grace, Australian captain Billy Murdoch, fast bowler Fred ‘The Demon’ Spofforth, inventive batsman Victor Trumper, Warren Bardsley, Sir Donald Bradman and Betty Archdale, captain of the English women’s team 1934-35.
   The first Australian team to tour England in 1868 was an Aboriginal Eleven of talented players from western Victoria.
   They completed a gruelling schedule of matches, with exhibitions of boomerang throwing and sporting prowess between play. Highlights of the exhibition are two scorecards and a rare Aboriginal fighting club from this tour.

October 31, 2006
Kids Awards Come of Age
A record 136 nominations were received for this year’s NSW Children's Week Awards, sponsored by the Department of Community Services.
   Minister for Community Services Reba Meagher presented the awards at Taronga Zoo in Sydney.
   The Child Development Award for pride was won by young mother and leukemia sufferer, Zoey Pierce who is an inspiration at all around her. Reuben Schoneveld the runner-up.
   Girl Guide Bronwyn Hughes won the Endeavour Award for community work, with Sally Hunt the runner-up and the Youth Commitment Award went to Port Macquarie-Hastings Youth Advisory Council, with Merewether High School students Melissa Woodward and Anna Langdon runners-up.
   The Community for Children Award was won by SHINE for Kids, a volunteer group that support children with a parent in prison. The runner-up was the Bankstown Islamic Charitable Projects Association Scout Group.
   Meryn O'Brien of the UnitingCare Burnside Family Learning Centre in Ermington won the Child Development Award for community work. Runners-up were Laurinne Campbell, a child and adolescent mental health nurse from Narrabri and the Cabramatta High School Intensive English Centre.

October 31, 2006
Books On Show You Wouldn’t Read About
French beauty, fine bindings and exquisite artwork take centre stage in the largest collection ever of rare books on French Pacific voyages now on display at the State Library of NSW.
   The free exhibition, Bound for Glory: Exquisite Books of French Pacific Voyages, is a journey into the long and dangerous voyages of historic French explorers of the 1800s, via 12 lavishly illustrated volumes.
   According to exhibition curator, Paul Brunton the books are exquisite works of art which capture stories of the region that would have been lost if the French hadn't recorded them.
   The exhibition focuses on four remarkable voyages, beginning with the volumes of Nicolas Baudin who set sail in 1800 with the blessing of Napoleon Bonaparte.
   Baudin's mission was primarily scientific, involving mapping, collecting information on the natives and gathering samples of flora and fauna but there was speculation the journey was also an opportunity to spy on the British in Australia.
   Exploring uncharted and often treacherous coastlines, the expedition's scientists contributed greatly to the knowledge of Australia and their discoveries were finally published between 1807 and 1811.
   Baudin's volumes contained the first complete map of Australia, unique drawings of Tasmanian Aborigines and collections of flora and fauna never seen before in Europe.
   The exhibition features books entirely from the State Library of NSW collections and covers the journeys of Nicolas Baudin (1800–1804), Louis de Freycinet (1817–1820), Louis Duperrey (1822–1825) and Jules Dumont D'Urville (1826–1829).
   It runs until 25 February 2007.

October 31, 2006
Running Rules Outlined for Those Who Stand
The Premier's Department has issued a Circular reminding Public Servants of their obligations should they decide to run for State or Federal Parliament.
   Both the Commonwealth Constitution Act 1900 and the Constitution Act 1902 (NSW) say that a person cannot hold an office of profit under the Crown and sit in either House of Parliament. 
   This means public sector employees cannot remain employed in the public sector and be elected to either State or Federal Parliament.
   The Commonwealth Constitution Act 1900 also expressly provides that a person holding an office of profit under the Crown cannot contest Federal elections – that is to nominate as a candidate. 
   Additionally the Model Code of Conduct for NSW Public Sector Employees and the Code of Conduct and Ethics for Public Sector Executives refer to political participation. 
   The Model Code of Conduct states that employees must ensure any participation in party political activities does not conflict with their primary duty as a public employee to serve the Government of the day in a politically neutral manner.
   The Public Sector Employment and Management Act 2002 also outlines the arrangements for public sector employees, including employees of state owned corporations, who contest State elections. 
   Under the rules, public sector employees nominated for election are to be granted a leave of absence until the election is declared.
   The leave of absence is without pay, unless the employee applies to use available leave entitlements; and employees standing for election are not required to resign until elected.
   The Circular says that in order to avoid any potential conflict between political interests and public employment it is preferable for employees take their leave for election campaigning from the day of nomination for election.
   In the case of Federal elections, Commonwealth Constitution Act 1900 provides that a person cannot hold an office of profit under the Crown and be capable of being chosen or sitting as a senator or member of the House of Representatives. This means public sector employees cannot be nominated for election to the Federal Parliament unless they resign.
   Section 103 of the Act provides for the reappointment of Public Servants including employees of state owned corporations who resigned to contest Federal elections where the resignation in writing takes effect no more than three months before the date appointed for election.
   The Circular says that if a Public Servant is re-appointed, the person is taken to have been on leave without pay during the period between the resignation and reappointment and to have never resigned from employment.

October 31, 2006
ICAC Goes on Health Kick
The Independent Commission Against Corruption and the NSW Department of Health are to join forces to develop an education resource to assist area health services and hospitals manage their risk of corruption.
   The move follows extensive consultation this year by ICAC and health groups in NSW as part of an ICAC public health anti-corruption project.
   ICAC sought information on a range of issues including identification of the major corruption risks in the sector, why these risks occurred and what could be done to address them. Many of the concerns raised related to conflicts between public duty and private interests.
   The consultations confirmed earlier ICAC research that the four broad areas of potential risk in area health services were:
    misuse of resources;
   conflicts of interest;
   relationships with suppliers; and
   the delivery of clinical services.
   Most considered that the corruption prevention policy framework of NSW Health was sound.
   The most common suggestion for addressing the corruption risks was to develop an education or information resource covering issues such as conflicts of interest, ethics and public duty.
   ICAC has been working with the Department of Health for two years on the health project, called Strengthening the Corruption Resistance of the NSW Public Health Sector.
   It is the first anti-corruption project in Australia to target risks in the health sector.
   Despite the large size of Area Health Services in NSW, ICAC has received relatively few reports of corruption against them. However, earlier research suggested corruption risks in the sector deserved particular attention due to the importance of the services they provided and the particular characteristics of Area Health Services.
   These characteristics include being large and decentralised; having staff working in both private and public sectors; the high proportion of temporary, casual and contract staff; the management of large budgets and Government grants; and the procurement of specialised technology and equipment.
   The new anti-corruption resource for the health sector was expected to be ready for use later next year.

October 31, 2006
Summer Holidays: The Leave is On
Official leave arrangements have been announced for the Christmas and New Year holiday period.
   The Premier's Department has issued a Circular outlining the leave arrangements and instructing Agencies not involved in the delivery of front line services to maximise leave taken over Christmas and New Year, particularly during the last week of December and first week in January wherever possible.
   These arrangements may involve all, or sections of an Agency or a partial close down of a section to run on skeleton staff. 
   Decisions as to which areas would be appropriate to close down are to be made on a case by case basis by the Minister or Chief Executive. 
   Agencies are also asked to make arrangements as soon as practical and at least a month before Christmas or longer if required by industrial regulations. 
   Public holidays this year will fall on:
   Monday 25 December 2006 - Christmas Day; 
   Tuesday 26 December 2006 - Boxing Day; and
   Monday 1 January 2007 - New Year's Day.
   Those Public Servants not entitled to a union picnic day or some other special day, such as the Tuesday after Easter, are entitled to a Public Service holiday during the period between Boxing Day and New Year's Day.
   In addition a half-day of concessional leave may be granted on the afternoon of Friday 22 December or Friday 29 December subject to operational requirements but is  subject to attendance at work on the morning that the leave is granted.

October 31, 2006
Fire Bans Put Out To March
A solid fuel fire ban is now in force in State forests around Tumut, Tumbarumba, Batlow and Blowering Dam areas and it will remain in force until March next year.
   State Forests’ Resources and Protection manager, Charlie Taylor said the ban restricts the use of open fires because forest fuels were dry, increasing the risk of campfires escaping into the forests.
   “It has been introduced early this year because the forest fuels had dried out during a very dry spring,” Mr Taylor said.
   He said the ban applied to all NSW State forests in the region, which included pine plantations and native forests.
   “Under the seasonal fire ban, all fires using solid fuels such as wood or charcoal are prohibited at all times,” Mr Taylor said. “The pine plantations and native forests are a highly valuable resource and are particularly important to the regional economy.
   “It is essential that every effort is made to reduce the chance of damage to the forests by wildfire.”
   He said by banning solid fuel campfires in the forest areas Forests NSW helped prevent the chance of a fire escaping and destroying valuable forests and also improved safety for forest visitors.
   Mr Taylor said Forests NSW enforced a Solid Fuel Fire Ban when conditions were such that the lighting of fires was likely to result in a bushfire.
   “Gas appliances are not affected by the solid fuel fire bans, but care should still be taken when using them in the forests," he said.
   "We are asking campers who may be coming into the forests during the summer to bring gas appliances,” he said.
   The ban applies every day throughout summer and not just on days of declared Total Fire Ban. (TOBAN) and failure to comply carried a maximum penalty of $2200.
   Mr Taylor said a similar ban would be introduced in State forests in the Riverina Region of south-western NSW from midnight on Wednesday 1 November and would apply in State forests along the Murray River from Howlong to Tooleybuc and along the Edward and Murrumbidgee River systems.

October 31, 2006
Booti Booti Ranger Kicks Off Shoes
National Parks and Wildlife Service Great Lakes Area Ranger David Turner has retired after 28 years of service. More than 21 of those years were spent at Booti Booti National Park near Forster on the North Coast.
   NPWS Great Lakes Area Manager Steve Smith said Mr Turner had contributed an enormous amount to the national park and reserve system in the Great Lakes area over his career.
   "David's dedication to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage helped establish and maintain the spectacular reserve system in the local area, which is so highly valued by the community," said Mr Smith.
Mr Turner joined the NPWS in 1978 as a maintenance supervisor at Royal National Park on the edge of Sydney.
   He moved to Forster in 1985 to manage the then Booti Booti State Conservation Area, later becoming responsible for a much wider area including Barrington Tops and Myall Lakes national parks.
   "Assisted by strong local community support, he helped influence the outcome that saw Booti Booti become a national park in 12, to ensure long-term protection for the park's outstanding conservation values," Mr Smith said.
Mr Turner is renowned for his specialist knowledge of Australian birds, and has generated an invaluable database of bird records. He has been responsible for many park facility construction works in local national parks to enable the public to use and enjoy the parks.
"Park managers must balance appropriate public use with long term protection and conservation, which is rarely an easy task and David's experience and skills will be missed following his retirement," Mr Smith said.
   "He has also been a regular face around local parks in the Great Lakes Area for the past 21 years, and so for the public, as well as for David's work colleagues, I suppose it's the end of an era," said Mr Smith.

October 31, 2006
Drug Enforcers Seeing Double
The number of people arrested for methamphetamine in New South Wales has more than doubled over the past decade, according to the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research and the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC).
   In 2005, there were 3091 arrests for methamphetamine or 46 per 100,000 persons in NSW an 253 per cent rise on the 1114 methamphetamine arrests in 15 (18 per 100,000 arrests per 100,000 persons).
   Methamphetamine is a synthetic stimulant drug sold under various street names, including speed, base, meth, ice, crystal or crystal meth and amphetamines.
   Ice, or crystal meth, is methamphetamine in its purest form and typically has a purity of around 80 per cent.
   Lead author of the report, Dr Rebecca McKetin, Senior Research Fellow at NDARC, said there had been much conjecture about whether the increased popularity of ice had lead to a rise in violent behaviour.
   Over the past decade, the assault rate in NSW had almost doubled from from 522 per 100,000 persons in 15 to 942 per 100,000 persons in 2005.
   The report explained how methamphetamine use could lead to violent behaviour in some situations, but it was likely to be one of a number of factors contributing to the increasing assault rate in NSW.
   “The best evidence we currently have suggests that the drug’s use would only be implicated in a small proportion of assaults,” said Dr McKetin.
   Most violence associated with methamphetamine use occurred when users experienced drug-induced psychosis.
   “There is no direct evidence that simply taking this drug makes people become violent," Dr McKetin said. "Rather, it’s a case of chronic users of the drug, who are experiencing drug-induced paranoia, reacting to situations in a violent way.”
   Personality, drug withdrawal, alcohol and circumstances all play a role in precipitating violence.

October 31, 2006
New Land Use Plan is Hot Property
The Department of Planning has released a draft State Environmental Planning Policy to update planning provisions relating to infrastructure and Government land.
   The draft policy outlines planning processes for considering classes of public infrastructure and particular infrastructure projects and is open for public comment. It exempts some minor public infrastructure from the need for an approval and clarifies where new infrastructure can be located.
   The draft policy also provides for additional permissible uses on Government land and requires State agencies constructing infrastructure to consult local councils when a new infrastructure development was likely to affect existing local infrastructure or services.
   It covers air transport facilities including the construction of airport runways, traffic control facilities, fencing, passenger terminals, hangars, retail, commercial, recreational, tourist, residential or industrial development.
   It also covers correctional Centres and educational establishments such as school halls, permanent classrooms and sporting fields.
   The draft policy refers to electricity and gas transmission and distribution networks, emergency services and bushfire hazard reduction and flood mitigation activities as well as covering health services facilities, housing and group homes, national parks, regional parks, marine parks and other reserves and port, wharf and other boating infrastructure facilities.
   Primary industry research stations, rail and road facilities, sewerage systems, soil management, stormwater systems, telecommunications networks, travelling stock reserves, waste facilities, water supply and waterway and foreshore management are also covered.
   The draft document does not represent policy at this stage and comments can be sent to assessments@planning.nsw.gov.au by 17 November 2006.

October 24, 2006
Running Rules Outlined for Those Who Stand
The Premier's Department has issued a Circular reminding Public Servants of their obligations should they decide to run for State or Federal Parliament.
   Both the Commonwealth Constitution Act 1900 and the Constitution Act 1902 (NSW) say that a person cannot hold an office of profit under the Crown and sit in either House of Parliament. 
   This means public sector employees cannot remain employed in the public sector and be elected to either State or Federal Parliament.
   The Commonwealth Constitution Act 1900 also expressly provides that a person holding an office of profit under the Crown cannot contest Federal elections – that is to nominate as a candidate. 
   Additionally the Model Code of Conduct for NSW Public Sector Employees and the Code of Conduct and Ethics for Public Sector Executives refer to political participation. 
   The Model Code of Conduct states that employees must ensure any participation in party political activities does not conflict with their primary duty as a public employee to serve the Government of the day in a politically neutral manner.
   The Public Sector Employment and Management Act 2002 also outlines the arrangements for public sector employees, including employees of state owned corporations, who contest State elections. 
   Under the rules, public sector employees nominated for election are to be granted a leave of absence until the election is declared.
   The leave of absence is without pay, unless the employee applies to use available leave entitlements; and employees standing for election are not required to resign until elected.
   The Circular says that in order to avoid any potential conflict between political interests and public employment it is preferable for employees take their leave for election campaigning from the day of nomination for election.
   In the case of Federal elections, Commonwealth Constitution Act 1900 provides that a person cannot hold an office of profit under the Crown and be capable of being chosen or sitting as a senator or member of the House of Representatives. This means public sector employees cannot be nominated for election to the Federal Parliament unless they resign.
   Section 103 of the Act provides for the reappointment of Public Servants including employees of state owned corporations who resigned to contest Federal elections where the resignation in writing takes effect no more than three months before the date appointed for election.
   The Circular says that if a Public Servant is re-appointed, the person is taken to have been on leave without pay during the period between the resignation and reappointment and to have never resigned from employment.

October 24, 2006
ICAC Goes on Health Kick
The Independent Commission Against Corruption and the NSW Department of Health are to join forces to develop an education resource to assist area health services and hospitals manage their risk of corruption.
   The move follows extensive consultation this year by ICAC and health groups in NSW as part of an ICAC public health anti-corruption project.
   ICAC sought information on a range of issues including identification of the major corruption risks in the sector, why these risks occurred and what could be done to address them. Many of the concerns raised related to conflicts between public duty and private interests.
   The consultations confirmed earlier ICAC research that the four broad areas of potential risk in area health services were:
    misuse of resources;
   conflicts of interest;
   relationships with suppliers; and
   the delivery of clinical services.
   Most considered that the corruption prevention policy framework of NSW Health was sound.
   The most common suggestion for addressing the corruption risks was to develop an education or information resource covering issues such as conflicts of interest, ethics and public duty.
   ICAC has been working with the Department of Health for two years on the health project, called Strengthening the Corruption Resistance of the NSW Public Health Sector.
   It is the first anti-corruption project in Australia to target risks in the health sector.
   Despite the large size of Area Health Services in NSW, ICAC has received relatively few reports of corruption against them. However, earlier research suggested corruption risks in the sector deserved particular attention due to the importance of the services they provided and the particular characteristics of Area Health Services.
   These characteristics include being large and decentralised; having staff working in both private and public sectors; the high proportion of temporary, casual and contract staff; the management of large budgets and Government grants; and the procurement of specialised technology and equipment.
   The new anti-corruption resource for the health sector was expected to be ready for use later next year.

October 24, 2006
Summer Holidays: The Leave is On
Official leave arrangements have been announced for the Christmas and New Year holiday period.
   The Premier's Department has issued a Circular outlining the leave arrangements and instructing Agencies not involved in the delivery of front line services to maximise leave taken over Christmas and New Year, particularly during the last week of December and first week in January wherever possible.
   These arrangements may involve all, or sections of an Agency or a partial close down of a section to run on skeleton staff. 
   Decisions as to which areas would be appropriate to close down are to be made on a case by case basis by the Minister or Chief Executive. 
   Agencies are also asked to make arrangements as soon as practical and at least a month before Christmas or longer if required by industrial regulations. 
   Public holidays this year will fall on:
   Monday 25 December 2006 - Christmas Day; 
   Tuesday 26 December 2006 - Boxing Day; and
   Monday 1 January 2007 - New Year's Day.
   Those Public Servants not entitled to a union picnic day or some other special day, such as the Tuesday after Easter, are entitled to a Public Service holiday during the period between Boxing Day and New Year's Day.
   In addition a half-day of concessional leave may be granted on the afternoon of Friday 22 December or Friday 29 December subject to operational requirements but is  subject to attendance at work on the morning that the leave is granted.

October 24, 2006
Fire Bans Put Out To March
A solid fuel fire ban is now in force in State forests around Tumut, Tumbarumba, Batlow and Blowering Dam areas and it will remain in force until March next year.
   State Forests’ Resources and Protection manager, Charlie Taylor said the ban restricts the use of open fires because forest fuels were dry, increasing the risk of campfires escaping into the forests.
   “It has been introduced early this year because the forest fuels had dried out during a very dry spring,” Mr Taylor said.
   He said the ban applied to all NSW State forests in the region, which included pine plantations and native forests.
   “Under the seasonal fire ban, all fires using solid fuels such as wood or charcoal are prohibited at all times,” Mr Taylor said. “The pine plantations and native forests are a highly valuable resource and are particularly important to the regional economy.
   “It is essential that every effort is made to reduce the chance of damage to the forests by wildfire.”
   He said by banning solid fuel campfires in the forest areas Forests NSW helped prevent the chance of a fire escaping and destroying valuable forests and also improved safety for forest visitors.
   Mr Taylor said Forests NSW enforced a Solid Fuel Fire Ban when conditions were such that the lighting of fires was likely to result in a bushfire.
   “Gas appliances are not affected by the solid fuel fire bans, but care should still be taken when using them in the forests," he said.
   "We are asking campers who may be coming into the forests during the summer to bring gas appliances,” he said.
   The ban applies every day throughout summer and not just on days of declared Total Fire Ban. (TOBAN) and failure to comply carried a maximum penalty of $2200.
   Mr Taylor said a similar ban would be introduced in State forests in the Riverina Region of south-western NSW from midnight on Wednesday 1 November and would apply in State forests along the Murray River from Howlong to Tooleybuc and along the Edward and Murrumbidgee River systems.

October 24, 2006
Booti Booti Ranger Kicks Off Shoes
National Parks and Wildlife Service Great Lakes Area Ranger David Turner has retired after 28 years of service. More than 21 of those years were spent at Booti Booti National Park near Forster on the North Coast.
   NPWS Great Lakes Area Manager Steve Smith said Mr Turner had contributed an enormous amount to the national park and reserve system in the Great Lakes area over his career.
   "David's dedication to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage helped establish and maintain the spectacular reserve system in the local area, which is so highly valued by the community," said Mr Smith.
Mr Turner joined the NPWS in 1978 as a maintenance supervisor at Royal National Park on the edge of Sydney.
   He moved to Forster in 1985 to manage the then Booti Booti State Conservation Area, later becoming responsible for a much wider area including Barrington Tops and Myall Lakes national parks.
   "Assisted by strong local community support, he helped influence the outcome that saw Booti Booti become a national park in 12, to ensure long-term protection for the park's outstanding conservation values," Mr Smith said.
Mr Turner is renowned for his specialist knowledge of Australian birds, and has generated an invaluable database of bird records. He has been responsible for many park facility construction works in local national parks to enable the public to use and enjoy the parks.
"Park managers must balance appropriate public use with long term protection and conservation, which is rarely an easy task and David's experience and skills will be missed following his retirement," Mr Smith said.
   "He has also been a regular face around local parks in the Great Lakes Area for the past 21 years, and so for the public, as well as for David's work colleagues, I suppose it's the end of an era," said Mr Smith.

October 24, 2006
Drug Enforcers Seeing Double
The number of people arrested for methamphetamine in New South Wales has more than doubled over the past decade, according to the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and
   Research and the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC).
   In 2005, there were 3091 arrests for methamphetamine or 46 per 100,000 persons in NSW an 253 per cent rise on the 1114 methamphetamine arrests in 15 (18 per 100,000 arrests per 100,000 persons).
   Methamphetamine is a synthetic stimulant drug sold under various street names, including speed, base, meth, ice, crystal or crystal meth and amphetamines.
   Ice, or crystal meth, is methamphetamine in its purest form and typically has a purity of around 80 per cent.
   Lead author of the report, Dr Rebecca McKetin, Senior Research Fellow at NDARC, said there had been much conjecture about whether the increased popularity of ice had lead to a rise in violent behaviour.
   Over the past decade, the assault rate in NSW had almost doubled from from 522 per 100,000 persons in 15 to 942 per 100,000 persons in 2005.
   The report explained how methamphetamine use could lead to violent behaviour in some situations, but it was likely to be one of a number of factors contributing to the increasing assault rate in NSW.
   “The best evidence we currently have suggests that the drug’s use would only be implicated in a small proportion of assaults,” said Dr McKetin.
   Most violence associated with methamphetamine use occurred when users experienced drug-induced psychosis.
   “There is no direct evidence that simply taking this drug makes people become violent," Dr McKetin said. "Rather, it’s a case of chronic users of the drug, who are experiencing drug-induced paranoia, reacting to situations in a violent way.”
   Personality, drug withdrawal, alcohol and circumstances all play a role in precipitating violence.

October 24, 2006
New Land Use Plan is Hot Property
The Department of Planning has released a draft State Environmental Planning Policy to update planning provisions relating to infrastructure and Government land.
   The draft policy outlines planning processes for considering classes of public infrastructure and particular infrastructure projects and is open for public comment. It exempts some minor public infrastructure from the need for an approval and clarifies where new infrastructure
   The draft policy also provides for additional permissible uses on Government land and requires State agencies constructing infrastructure to consult local councils when a new infrastructure development was likely to affect existing local infrastructure or services.
   It covers air transport facilities including the construction of airport runways, traffic control facilities, fencing, passenger terminals, hangars, retail, commercial, recreational, tourist, residential or industrial development.
   It also covers correctional Centres and educational establishments such as school halls, permanent classrooms and sporting fields.
   The draft policy refers to electricity and gas transmission and distribution networks, emergency services and bushfire hazard reduction and flood mitigation activities as well as covering health services facilities, housing and group homes, national parks, regional parks, marine parks and other reserves and port, wharf and other boating infrastructure facilities.
   Primary industry research stations, rail and road facilities, sewerage systems, soil management, stormwater systems, telecommunications networks, travelling stock reserves, waste facilities, water supply and waterway and foreshore management are also covered.
   The draft document does not represent policy at this stage and comments can be sent to assessments@planning.nsw.gov.au by 17 November 2006.

October 24, 2006
Legal Aid Makes Refugee Record
A new audiovisual CD will help African and Afghan communities learn more about Australian law.
   Produced by Legal Aid NSW and launched during Refugee Week, the CD targets people speaking Amharic, Dari, Dinka, Pushto, Somali, Swahili and Tigrinya.
   Legal Aid also held workshops to help communities understand the basics of Australian law and where to can go for help when they have a legal problem.
   Legal Aid NSW head Bill Grant said it was important that people who come to Australia understand our legal system so that they can protect and enforce their legal rights.
   Workshop coordinator Kirsten Cameron said many had experienced trauma only to be faced with the enormous challenge of resettlement, a new culture, language and legal system.
   "Legal Aid hopes these workshops will go part way towards increasing understanding of how the legal system works in Australia and in particular, how Legal Aid can assist," Ms Cameron said.
   The workshops were presented by Legal Aid lawyers assisted by bilingual community workers and interpreters.
   As well as a general introduction to the legal system, the workshops covered areas of law such as debt, traffic, housing and family law.

October 24, 2006
Painter Shows Colour of His Money
Australian surrealist painter James Gleeson and his partner Frank O’Keefe have set up a foundation to help the Art Gallery of New South Wales expand its collection.
   The gallery is the sole beneficiary of the recently established Gleeson O’Keefe Foundation which has begun with $6 million and is expected to grow to $16 million over time.
   Gallery director Edmund Capon said it was by far the largest fund ever established for the benefit of the gallery.
   "This generosity is unparalleled in the history of the institution," Mr Capon said.
   He said a literary imagination and a masterful technique had typified the art of James Gleeson since the days of his indenture at East Sydney Technical College in the 1930s.
   Among the first Australian artists loosely grouped to embrace surrealism, Gleeson, now 91, remained its last legitimate defender, although his colleague at the time and occasional collaborator, Robert Klippel, could be accorded the distinction in sculpture.
   Robert Klippel died in 2001 and is widely regarded as Australia’s greatest sculptor.
   Through the Foundation, the Art Gallery recently purchased one of Robert Klippel’s most significant works from the 1970s, Opus 300. 
   James Gleeson said he was thrilled with this purchase.
   Opus 300 is the Gleeson O’Keefe Foundation’s inaugural purchase.

October 24, 2006
Award Winners Make History
Winners of the Premier's History Awards and the NSW History Fellowship have been announced by Arts Minister, Bob Debus.
   Mr Debus said the Premier's History Awards were established in 17 to honour distinguished achievement in history by Australians. He said the NSW History Fellowship was first awarded in 10 and the biennial NSW Indigenous History Fellowship in 18. The awards and fellowships are conducted in association with the History Council of New South Wales.
   Mr Debus said the winners of the 2006 NSW Premier's History Awards were:
   Audio-visual history prize ($15,000)
   Rolf de Heer for the film Ten Canoes
   The shortlist included Wain Fimeri for Revealing Gallipoli, Nicole McCuaig and Veronica Fury for Black Soldier Blues, Julie Nimmo and Elena Govor for Pioneers of Love and Nicole Steinke for Remembering Rowe Street

   General History Prize ($15,000)
    R J B Bosworth for the book Mussolini's Italy: Life Under the Dictatorship 1915-1945
 The shortlist included Geoffrey Blainey for A Short History of the 20th Century and A M Gibbs for Bernard Shaw: A Life
  
Young People's History Prize ($15,000)
   Pamela Freeman for her book The Black Dress: Mary MacKillop's Early Years
 The shortlist included Jackie French for They Came on Viking Ships and Lee Whitmore for The Safe House

   State Records NSW – John and Patricia Ward History Prize ($15,000)
   Gwenda Tavan for her work The Long, Slow Death of White Australia
   The shortlist was Jenny Hocking for Frank Hardy: Politics, Literature, Life and Andrew Moore for Francis De Groot: Irish Fascist Australian Legend  
  
   2006 NSW History Fellowship ($20,000)
   John Bennett to enable him to write the biography of Sir Alfred Stephen, Third Chief Justice of NSW (1844-1873) which will form part of the series Lives of the Australian Chief Justices, a major state and national project.  
  
   2006 NSW Indigenous History Fellowship ($20,000)
   Heidi Norman, to allow her to research the impact of economic change on Aboriginal people in the Redfern and Waterloo communities.

October 24, 2006
Hunter Set Up To Catch New Settlers
An innovative regional strategy for the Lower Hunter area of New South Wales has been released with the promise of green corridors as well as new homes and jobs.
   The NSW Government has prepared a 25-year land use strategy to ensure the region develops in a strong and sustainable way, providing for 115,000 new homes and a projected population growth of 160,000 people.
   The strategy plans for up to 66,000 new jobs and ensures an adequate supply of employment land while promoting growth, including a greater choice of housing and jobs in Newcastle's CBD and other centres.
   The Lower Hunter is the sixth largest urban area in Australia and a major centre of economic activity in NSW. It is expected to continue to grow as people are attracted by its lifestyle and opportunities.
   Planning Minister, Frank Sartor said the strategy would guide the Lower Hunter’s growth for the next 25 years by identifying future development areas, principal land use types, settlement patterns and conservation outcomes.
    He said the strategy also created important green corridors of land with high environmental value that would be managed for conservation purposes, the corridors aligning with, and in some cases expanding, existing public reserves.
   Mr Sartor said the plan protected high quality agricultural land and natural resources such as water aquifers and extractive materials and covered the five local government areas of Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens, Maitland and Cessnock.
   He said it would be reviewed every five years.
   Mr Sartor said the strategy aimed at harnessing the region’s competitive advantages to maximise economic opportunities, including its strong manufacturing and industrial heritage, internationally-significant port and airport and world-class teaching hospital and educational facilities.

October 24, 2006
Law Reformers Go Public on Privacy
The Australian Law Reform Commission has released an issues paper following a major review of Australia’s privacy laws.
   The ability of laws to keep pace with technology and whether young people cared as much about privacy as their elders were questions asked by the Commission in the paper Review of Privacy which is available now.
   President of the ALRC, Professor David Weisbrot said computers had an amazing capacity to capture, store and match personal information and this was routinely collected.
   “Just by surfing the web, you may reveal vast amounts of personal information, often without your knowledge,” Professor Weisbrot said. “For example, your health, education, credit history, and sexual or political orientation.”
   Professor Weisbrot said there was potential for this information to be matched with information in other databases, to create comprehensive profiles of individuals and his group wanted to know how concerned Australians are about this and what they want done about it.
   “We also want to know if tech-savvy young people who have grown up in a ‘surveillance society’ have different views than their parents.
   “They appear to be much more willing to share personal information and photos on the web.”
   Professor  Weisbrot’s comments coincided with the launch of the issues paper which was the first of several consultation documents to be released.
   “These technologies can be powerful tools, for example, in assuring identity and protecting against terrorism, but we are facing a ‘brave new world’ in terms of how technology impacts on privacy.
   “We need to think about where to draw the line in safeguarding the privacy of individuals.”
   The ALRC Commissioner in charge of the Inquiry, Professor Les McCrimmon, said a major issue was the complexity of privacy regulations.
   “Some organisations have to comply with up to six layers of privacy regulation,” Professor McCrimmon said.
   “Simplifying the privacy regime will reduce red tape, assist compliance, and ensure privacy obligations don’t place too much of a time and financial burden on organisations, particularly small businesses.”
   The issues paper poses 142 questions in the course of the review the ALRC expects to make recommendations to change the law. A final report is due to be completed in March 2008.
   The Issues Paper can be viewed at www.austlii.edu.au/au/other/alrc/publications/issues/31.

October 24, 2006
Response Teams Fired Up For Hot Weather
Quick response teams have been set up across the State by Forests NSW in anticipation of severe fire conditions that have been predicted with the unusually high temperatures forecast for the coming fire season.
   The quick response teams would work with Rural Fire Service volunteers and firefighters from other land managers to combat fire outbreaks in native forests and around timber plantations, the Minister for Primary Industries, Ian Macdonald said.
   If the need arose fire fighting teams would be moved from the north of the state to the south as conditions required he said.
   “In a normal year southern Forests NSW staff move north to combat fires at this time of year with northern Forests NSW staff moving south later in the season to assist with fires,” Mr Macdonald said.
   “This year it seems that the northern teams will be required in southern regions, where we have valuable softwood plantations, sooner than we expected.”
   He said with the continuing policy of zero tolerance of fire in or near softwood and hardwood plantations it meant that Forests NSW would assist other State agency and private fire fighting efforts adjacent to plantations to ensure that fire is controlled before it can enter plantations.
   “These plantations are the major source of construction timber for building and housing industry in New South Wales and will be protected at all costs.”
   Forests NSW Timber Supply Manager, Steve Rayson said that as in previous years, Forests NSW was recruiting additional casual staff to boost its fire fighting capability in a number of regions.
   “These people will be ready to assist our own employees who quickly move from normal duties to firefighting as they are needed,” Mr Rayson said
   “With particularly severe conditions expected in the central west, we will station our fire fighting helicopter in the Macquarie Region at Bathurst for a quick response to fire outbreaks.”
   He said the helicopter had already been in action helping combat a fire in Turon State Forest which was caused by an aircraft crash north east of Bathurst.
   Additional helicopters and fixed wing aircraft will be retained during the fire fighting season to combat fires or assist in directing ground-based responses.
   Mr Rayson said people who suspected a fire outbreak near plantations or elsewhere should call 000 or their local Rural Fire Service to ensure a rapid response.

October 24, 2006
Union Plans Big Day Out
The Community and Public Sector Union has called on Public Sector workers to join forces on a National Day of Union and Community Action.
   A year after they say more than one million people protested against the changes to industrial legislation at similar rallies around the nation the CPSU says the laws continue to have an impact on workers.
   “One year later, with these unfair laws in place and many stories of unfair contracts, cuts to pay and conditions, jobs going offshore and workers getting the sack with no means to appeal, November 30 is an opportunity for all of us to show the Government that the battle has only begun,” said a CPSU spokesman.
   “As the election year looms, it’s a great opportunity to tell your politicians what you really want: A fair set of industrial laws that protect your rights at work, gives people real choices and treats workers with dignity and respect.”
   The spokesman said communities around Australia would link together through a Sky Channel broadcast for the rally. Images from the Melbourne rally at the MCG will be beamed live to major rallies in all capital cities and regional Centres plus hundreds of locations around the country.
   More information about the rallies and post-rally activities would be circulated before the day.
   Two main main venues have been identified in Sydney for the rally:  Belmore Park near Central Station, and Tumbalong Park at  Darling Harbour starting at 8.30am. Protesters are encouraged to arrive by 8.
   The CPSU said there would be many other rallies in other Centres across NSW and Australia,  a full list is available at http://rightsatwork.com.au/campaigns/nov30rally

October 24, 2006
WorkCover on Safe Ground as Show Sponsor
WorkCover NSW fielded a strong presence at this year’s Safety Show and Conference aimed at helping businesses improve their workplace safety.
   The show was held at Sydney Olympic Park this month with WorkCover acting as a principal sponsor, providing free information and advice on how to meet occupational health and safety requirements.
   Chief Executive Officer of WorkCover, Jon Blackwell, said WorkCover provided solutions-focussed advice with clear information for industry about what they needed to do to comply with legislation.
   With over 350 exhibitors over three days, the show featured major innovations in workplace safety solutions, including the latest in dangerous goods handling, working at heights, machine guarding and OHS training.
   WorkCover Business Advisory Officers provided practical information, and technical experts presented seminars on topics, including safety culture, health and well-being in workplaces, OHS consultation, dangerous goods and injury management.
   “WorkCover’s stand featured an interactive display that allowed people to explore the wide range of information available on our website,” Mr Blackwell said.
   The Safety Conference, organised by the Safety Institute of Australia, ran simultaneously with the Safety Show, and featured more than 90 Australian and international speakers.
   The conference hosted an international breakfast, as well as the WorkCover NSW Hypothetical hosted by ABC Radio presenter Adam Spencer.
   The Hypothetical, entitled ‘Rustling up the Relatives’, consisted of panel discussions by WorkCover representatives and leading industry experts on a range of OHS and workers compensation scenarios likely to be encountered in a small family business.
   A highlight of the show was the 2006 Safe Work Awards held in the Waterview Convention Centre, Sydney Olympic Park, which recognised innovation and excellence in workplace safety in businesses across New South Wales.

October 24, 2006
Support for Farmers coming a cropper
An innovative calculator has been developed by the Department of Primary Industries to help farmers make decisions on the future of their failing crops.
   The calculator, which assesses the value of a farm’s harvest will assist farmers find the cost of alternative management options, thereby guiding them as they decide their future.
   The Minister for Primary Industries, Ian Macdonald, said a computer spreadsheet could calculate the cost of baling crops for hay or silage, and taking crops through to harvest.
   With many crops across the State on the brink of failure Mr Macdonald said farmers needed to make informed decisions and carefully look at costs associated with all of their options.
   “There are quite a few costs associated with turning crops to hay or silage such as cutting, conditioning, raking, baling and wrapping costs (in the case of baled silage),” Mr Macdonald said.
   “These costs also interact with dry matter yields and bale size and make it confusing,” he said.
   “The calculator allows farmers to input data for their own situation so as to see what their own costs can expect to be – it is part of a new direction being taken by the State Government to help farmers in NSW during the worst drought in 100 years.”
   Departmental district agronomist at Forbes, Ken Motley, said the calculator allowed costs to be worked out on an area, dry matter, product produced and energy basis.
   “By knowing costs and having an idea of the product’s potential value, the best economic outcomes can work through more clearly,” Mr Motley said.
   “In times of drought it is vital that farmers keep their on-farm expenses minimal, especially when salvaging a crop”.
   Estimating yield potentials in dry times is very difficult and once farmers make a decision to salvage either graze-out or cut crops for hay they need to take a few factors into consideration.
   The DPI drought feed calculator is available from www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/drought

October 24, 2006
Car Buyers Urged to Take Blinkers Off
Warnings have been issued to consumers by Fair Trading Minister, Diane Beamer, against buying used cars from unlicensed dealers and of the dangers of not getting a pre-sale independent inspection before any used car purchase.
   Ms Beamer’s warning follows the release of a survey showing the level of faults in used cars uncovered by NRMA pre-sale inspections.
   With NSW Fair Trading receiving more than 2,000 complaints a year over used car purchases, most for defective goods and warranties, purchasers had to be aware of the dangers Ms Beamer said.
    “There have been a number of successful prosecutions recently of unlicensed motor dealers including one who was ordered to pay more $60,000 when he was caught winding back odometers,” Ms Beamer said.
    “I am advised that every inspection in the survey uncovered at least one fault and that one-in-ten inspections identified faults that would cost more than $2,000 to rectify.”
   She said consumers should also be fully aware of warranty conditions covering used cars.
   “If consumers fail to get a pre-sale inspection they face the prospect of being ripped off or facing hefty repair bills later. Even worse, there could be serious safety concerns with an uninspected vehicle.”
   The standard statutory 3-month/5,000 km covers the car and all accessories fitted at the time of sale – but not superficial damage, services, batteries and tyres, or defects arising from misuse.
   Variations exist for older or luxury vehicles. Dealers are obliged to display extensive information about a vehicle including the terms of the warranty. Licensed dealers are obliged to sell vehicles in a roadworthy condition. Private vehicle sales or car markets are not covered by warranties.
   “Car buyers should be wary of unlicensed dealers. They can mislead consumers about the condition or history of a vehicle and adopt practices such as odometer windbacks” Ms Beamer said. 
    “Fair Trading will continue to pursue rogue traders, but consumers can help themselves by making sure car dealers are licensed, do a REVS check on any prospective used vehicle purchase and get an independent, professional pre-sale inspection.”
   You can do a “REVS check” online or by contacting Fair Trading on 13 32 20

October 17, 2006
Law Reformers Go Public on Privacy
The Australian Law Reform Commission has released an issues paper following a major review of Australia’s privacy laws.
   The ability of laws to keep pace with technology and whether young people cared as much about privacy as their elders were questions asked by the Commission in the paper Review of Privacy which is available now.
   President of the ALRC, Professor David Weisbrot said computers had an amazing capacity to capture, store and match personal information and this was routinely collected.
   “Just by surfing the web, you may reveal vast amounts of personal information, often without your knowledge,” Professor Weisbrot said. “For example, your health, education, credit history, and sexual or political orientation.”
   Professor Weisbrot said there was potential for this information to be matched with information in other databases, to create comprehensive profiles of individuals and his group wanted to know how concerned Australians are about this and what they want done about it.
   “We also want to know if tech-savvy young people who have grown up in a ‘surveillance society’ have different views than their parents.
   “They appear to be much more willing to share personal information and photos on the web.”
   Professor  Weisbrot’s comments coincided with the launch of the issues paper which was the first of several consultation documents to be released.
   “These technologies can be powerful tools, for example, in assuring identity and protecting against terrorism, but we are facing a ‘brave new world’ in terms of how technology impacts on privacy.
   “We need to think about where to draw the line in safeguarding the privacy of individuals.”
   The ALRC Commissioner in charge of the Inquiry, Professor Les McCrimmon, said a major issue was the complexity of privacy regulations.
   “Some organisations have to comply with up to six layers of privacy regulation,” Professor McCrimmon said.
   “Simplifying the privacy regime will reduce red tape, assist compliance, and ensure privacy obligations don’t place too much of a time and financial burden on organisations, particularly small businesses.”
   The issues paper poses 142 questions in the course of the review the ALRC expects to make recommendations to change the law. A final report is due to be completed in March 2008.
   The Issues Paper can be viewed at www.austlii.edu.au/au/other/alrc/publications/issues/31.

October 17, 2006
Response Teams Fired Up For Hot Weather
Quick response teams have been set up across the State by Forests NSW in anticipation of severe fire conditions that have been predicted with the unusually high temperatures forecast for the coming fire season.
   The quick response teams would work with Rural Fire Service volunteers and firefighters from other land managers to combat fire outbreaks in native forests and around timber plantations, the Minister for Primary Industries, Ian Macdonald said.
   If the need arose fire fighting teams would be moved from the north of the state to the south as conditions required he said.
   “In a normal year southern Forests NSW staff move north to combat fires at this time of year with northern Forests NSW staff moving south later in the season to assist with fires,” Mr Macdonald said.
   “This year it seems that the northern teams will be required in southern regions, where we have valuable softwood plantations, sooner than we expected.”
   He said with the continuing policy of zero tolerance of fire in or near softwood and hardwood plantations it meant that Forests NSW would assist other State agency and private fire fighting efforts adjacent to plantations to ensure that fire is controlled before it can enter plantations.
   “These plantations are the major source of construction timber for building and housing industry in New South Wales and will be protected at all costs.”
   Forests NSW Timber Supply Manager, Steve Rayson said that as in previous years, Forests NSW was recruiting additional casual staff to boost its fire fighting capability in a number of regions.
   “These people will be ready to assist our own employees who quickly move from normal duties to firefighting as they are needed,” Mr Rayson said
   “With particularly severe conditions expected in the central west, we will station our fire fighting helicopter in the Macquarie Region at Bathurst for a quick response to fire outbreaks.”
   He said the helicopter had already been in action helping combat a fire in Turon State Forest which was caused by an aircraft crash north east of Bathurst.
   Additional helicopters and fixed wing aircraft will be retained during the fire fighting season to combat fires or assist in directing ground-based responses.
   Mr Rayson said people who suspected a fire outbreak near plantations or elsewhere should call 000 or their local Rural Fire Service to ensure a rapid response.

October 17, 2006
Union Plans Big Day Out
The Community and Public Sector Union has called on Public Sector workers to join forces on a National Day of Union and Community Action.
   A year after they say more than one million people protested against the changes to industrial legislation at similar rallies around the nation the CPSU says the laws continue to have an impact on workers.
   “One year later, with these unfair laws in place and many stories of unfair contracts, cuts to pay and conditions, jobs going offshore and workers getting the sack with no means to appeal, November 30 is an opportunity for all of us to show the Government that the battle has only begun,” said a CPSU spokesman.
   “As the election year looms, it’s a great opportunity to tell your politicians what you really want: A fair set of industrial laws that protect your rights at work, gives people real choices and treats workers with dignity and respect.”
   The spokesman said communities around Australia would link together through a Sky Channel broadcast for the rally. Images from the Melbourne rally at the MCG will be beamed live to major rallies in all capital cities and regional Centres plus hundreds of locations around the country.
   More information about the rallies and post-rally activities would be circulated before the day.
   Two main main venues have been identified in Sydney for the rally:  Belmore Park near Central Station, and Tumbalong Park at  Darling Harbour starting at 8.30am. Protesters are encouraged to arrive by 8.
   The CPSU said there would be many other rallies in other Centres across NSW and Australia,  a full list is available at http://rightsatwork.com.au/campaigns/nov30rally

October 17, 2006
WorkCover on Safe Ground as Show Sponsor
WorkCover NSW fielded a strong presence at this year’s Safety Show and Conference aimed at helping businesses improve their workplace safety.
   The show was held at Sydney Olympic Park this month with WorkCover acting as a principal sponsor, providing free information and advice on how to meet occupational health and safety requirements.
   Chief Executive Officer of WorkCover, Jon Blackwell, said WorkCover provided solutions-focussed advice with clear information for industry about what they needed to do to comply with legislation.
   With over 350 exhibitors over three days, the show featured major innovations in workplace safety solutions, including the latest in dangerous goods handling, working at heights, machine guarding and OHS training.
   WorkCover Business Advisory Officers provided practical information, and technical experts presented seminars on topics, including safety culture, health and well-being in workplaces, OHS consultation, dangerous goods and injury management.
   “WorkCover’s stand featured an interactive display that allowed people to explore the wide range of information available on our website,” Mr Blackwell said.
   The Safety Conference, organised by the Safety Institute of Australia, ran simultaneously with the Safety Show, and featured more than 90 Australian and international speakers.
   The conference hosted an international breakfast, as well as the WorkCover NSW Hypothetical hosted by ABC Radio presenter Adam Spencer.
   The Hypothetical, entitled ‘Rustling up the Relatives’, consisted of panel discussions by WorkCover representatives and leading industry experts on a range of OHS and workers compensation scenarios likely to be encountered in a small family business.
   A highlight of the show was the 2006 Safe Work Awards held in the Waterview Convention Centre, Sydney Olympic Park, which recognised innovation and excellence in workplace safety in businesses across New South Wales.

October 17, 2006
Support for Farmers coming a cropper
An innovative calculator has been developed by the Department of Primary Industries to help farmers make decisions on the future of their failing crops.
   The calculator, which assesses the value of a farm’s harvest will assist farmers find the cost of alternative management options, thereby guiding them as they decide their future.
   The Minister for Primary Industries, Ian Macdonald, said a computer spreadsheet could calculate the cost of baling crops for hay or silage, and taking crops through to harvest.
   With many crops across the State on the brink of failure Mr Macdonald said farmers needed to make informed decisions and carefully look at costs associated with all of their options.
   “There are quite a few costs associated with turning crops to hay or silage such as cutting, conditioning, raking, baling and wrapping costs (in the case of baled silage),” Mr Macdonald said.
   “These costs also interact with dry matter yields and bale size and make it confusing,” he said.
   “The calculator allows farmers to input data for their own situation so as to see what their own costs can expect to be – it is part of a new direction being taken by the State Government to help farmers in NSW during the worst drought in 100 years.”
   Departmental district agronomist at Forbes, Ken Motley, said the calculator allowed costs to be worked out on an area, dry matter, product produced and energy basis.
   “By knowing costs and having an idea of the product’s potential value, the best economic outcomes can work through more clearly,” Mr Motley said.
   “In times of drought it is vital that farmers keep their on-farm expenses minimal, especially when salvaging a crop”.
   Estimating yield potentials in dry times is very difficult and once farmers make a decision to salvage either graze-out or cut crops for hay they need to take a few factors into consideration.
   The DPI drought feed calculator is available from www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/drought

October 17, 2006
Car Buyers Urged to Take Blinkers Off
Warnings have been issued to consumers by Fair Trading Minister, Diane Beamer, against buying used cars from unlicensed dealers and of the dangers of not getting a pre-sale independent inspection before any used car purchase.
   Ms Beamer’s warning follows the release of a survey showing the level of faults in used cars uncovered by NRMA pre-sale inspections.
   With NSW Fair Trading receiving more than 2,000 complaints a year over used car purchases, most for defective goods and warranties, purchasers had to be aware of the dangers Ms Beamer said.
    “There have been a number of successful prosecutions recently of unlicensed motor dealers including one who was ordered to pay more $60,000 when he was caught winding back odometers,” Ms Beamer said.
    “I am advised that every inspection in the survey uncovered at least one fault and that one-in-ten inspections identified faults that would cost more than $2,000 to rectify.”
   She said consumers should also be fully aware of warranty conditions covering used cars.
   “If consumers fail to get a pre-sale inspection they face the prospect of being ripped off or facing hefty repair bills later. Even worse, there could be serious safety concerns with an uninspected vehicle.”
   The standard statutory 3-month/5,000 km covers the car and all accessories fitted at the time of sale – but not superficial damage, services, batteries and tyres, or defects arising from misuse.
   Variations exist for older or luxury vehicles. Dealers are obliged to display extensive information about a vehicle including the terms of the warranty. Licensed dealers are obliged to sell vehicles in a roadworthy condition. Private vehicle sales or car markets are not covered by warranties.
   “Car buyers should be wary of unlicensed dealers. They can mislead consumers about the condition or history of a vehicle and adopt practices such as odometer windbacks” Ms Beamer said. 
    “Fair Trading will continue to pursue rogue traders, but consumers can help themselves by making sure car dealers are licensed, do a REVS check on any prospective used vehicle purchase and get an independent, professional pre-sale inspection.”
   You can do a “REVS check” online or by contacting Fair Trading on 13 32 20

October 17, 2006
Carers are Sharers of Respite Funding
Residents of the Bega Valley with severe or profound disabilities have received financial support from the NSW Government to cover a choice of respite services.
   Minister for Disability Services, John Della Bosca, announced that funding of $400,000 would be available to the people and their families to provide respite support for those in need.
   He said 50 new respite packages would be distributed worth about $8,000 each, to give families a choice of services from a selection of approved organisations in the Valley and surrounding areas.
   He said respite plans would be tailored to each individual’s needs, to ensure they received the support they required.
   Many of the people receiving these new respite packages will be adding them to their existing support funded by the Government, the funds being part of a package rejected by the Nardy House Management Committee.
   "The Committee was informed last month that the funding would be distributed directly to people with a disability and their families if the Committee leaders continued to refuse to use the money to provide respite,” Mr Della Bosca said.
   "Unfortunately, the Committee again rejected the offer and, instead, the funds will now be provided directly to the community in the form of individualised respite packages”.
   He said the respite packages would end the delays experienced by families in the local community who had been seeking respite.
   The Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care remains open to further discussions with the Nardy House Committee on a respite coordination model for the facility.
   The NSW Government recently announced a 10-year plan for disability services, Stronger Together, which included an additional $1.3 billion in its first five years.
   Mr Della Bosca said the package included increased respite, supported accommodation, therapy, day programs, in-home support and a range of other practical supports for people with a disability.
   Families wanting further information or to apply for a respite package should telephone the Regional Information and Referral Officer on (02) 6200 7300.

October 17, 2006
Uni Research On the Money
Australian Research Council Funding of more than $7.5million has been granted to Macquarie University for 27 new research projects to be conducted over the next four years.
   The grant was announced by the Federal Minister for Education, Julie Bishop.
   Ms Bishop said 16 Macquarie projects worth almost $5 million had been funded under the Discovery Projects scheme, which supported fundamental research by individuals and teams.
   Among these were projects to help deliver “broadband to the bush”; research to better understand human impacts on the Murray-Darling basin; and the development of devices to detect specific disease markers of practical utility in diagnostic and clinical situations.
   In addition, the University received seven grants for new Linkage Projects, which encouraged and developed long-term strategic research alliances between higher education organisations and industry.
   These included a collaboration with the Cancer Council of NSW that was aimed at reducing the rate of smoking in Australia; and a partnership with Melbourne In-Vitro Fertilisation to inform policy and services that can better support Australian families planning and rearing children.
   The cutting-edge sciences of photonics, astronomy, proteomics and biochemistry also received a boost with Macquarie named as lead institution in four multi-university Linkage Infrastructure Equipment and Facilities projects, worth a combined $1.2 million.
   Dean of Higher Degree Research at Macquarie, Professor John Hooper, said Macquarie’s success will have a number of flow-on benefits.
    “These research projects will not only increase our knowledge on a range of important issues and help to keep our country competitive in the business world, they will also have very real benefits for the community in their day-to-day lives in areas such as health, environment and technology,” Professor Hooper said.

October 17, 2006
Heritage Prizes to Harbour’s Bright Lights
The Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority has awarded its annual Heritage Prizes to two promising architectural and archaeology students.
    The top award of $3000 went to University of Sydney graduate, Nadia Iacono, for her work Managing the Archaeology of the Modern City .and the $2000 runners-up prize was presented to Tony Gilmour, also of Sydney University for his work, He who pays the piper calls the tune? A revisionist approach to the commercialisation of heritage environments.
   Presenting the awards at a ceremony in the Chinese Garden of Friendship, the Foreshore Authority’s Chairman, Jon Isaacs said the works of Nadia and Tony would provide key models for researchers and students interested in the history and conservation of Sydney’s heritage places.
   “The students’ works constitute significant sources of reference for the ongoing study and understanding of our country’s history,” Mr Isaacs said.
   “It is thanks to the strong skills and commitment demonstrated by students like Nadia and Tony that we can look forward to the continued conservation and interpretation of Australia’s heritage.
   Mr Isaacs said the Heritage Prize was a valuable acknowledgment that recognised the works of students dedicated to researching and protecting our past.
   He said entries for this year’s Heritage Prize came from a diverse array of subjects including heritage commercialisation, asbestos retention and removal in heritage sites, protecting the urban archaeological heritage of modern cities and the examination of unpublished and unidentified glass plates from the early 1900s.
   Award adjudicator and Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority Archaeologist, Dr Wayne Johnson, said the high standard of entries was indicative of the quality of heritage conservation being taught today in Australian universities.
   “The value we gain by drawing upon our heritage and conserving it for future generations is immense,” Dr Johnson said. “The material researched and submitted by these students will make a fundamental contribution to the Foreshore Authority’s ongoing development of policies and frameworks to understand, conserve and interpret urban heritage places or collections.”
   Each year the Foreshore Authority invites postgraduate students and honours undergraduates from a wide range of disciplines including architecture, heritage, history, planning, archives, engineering, environmental science, tourism, geography and urban design to compete for the Heritage Prize which is now in its tenth year.
   For more information on the Heritage Prize go to www.shfa.nsw.gov.au or email heritage@shfa.nsw.gov.au

October 17, 2006
Muswellbrook PlanningPanel is Coal-Oriented
An independent panel of experts has been named by the Department of Planning to review the proposed Anvil Hill Coal Project near Muswellbrook.
   The proposal by Centennial Hunter Pty Ltd is to construct and operate a new open cut coal mine at Wybong, 20 kilometres west of Muswellbrook.
   Director General of Planning, Sam Haddad, said the independent panel would hold a number of public hearings and provide valuable expert advice on the mine proposal.
   Public hearings on the proposed project were due to start in Muswellbrook this month.
   “The hearings will provide an independent forum where key issues can be heard and thoroughly examined to ensure the correct decision is made,” Mr Haddad said. “It will also ensure that everyone in the community will have the opportunity to express their views and have any concerns examined.
   He said the panel would focus on the potential impacts on noise, air quality and flora and fauna and will provide feedback to the Department about any other significant issues that may be raised in submissions or during the public hearings.”
   The panel will be chaired by former Planning Minister Andrew Refshauge.
   “Dr Refshauge will chair this panel because of his wealth of knowledge about the NSW planning system, including complex major projects,” Mr Haddad said.
   Other members of the panel were:
   • Dr David Robertson, Director of Cumberland Ecology.
   • Robin Ormerod, Managing Director of Pacific Air and Environment.
   • Najah Ishac, Senior Acoustic Engineer at Environmental Resource Management.
   Mr Haddad said the community had already been invited to comment on the proposal as part of a 6-week public exhibition phase begun in August.
   “All submissions received by the Department will be provided to the panel of experts,” Mr Haddad said.
   “In addition, members of the community can present their submissions to the panel at the hearings if they have stated this intention in their submission.”
   After the panel has completed its review, it will be considered by the Department to assist the Minister for Planning in making a final determination.

October 17, 2006
Property Poll for Fair Traders
An on-line survey has been launched by the Office of Fair Trading for people who are buying, selling, renting or leasing a home or property.
   Aimed to gather information about people’s experiences on the property market, the survey is intended to inform the Office’s operations and information in the area.
   According to Fair Trading Minister, Diane Beamer, moving house can be a very stressful experience.
   “We want to hear about people’s experiences to see how much they know and how much information they are provided with, Ms Beamer said.
   She said Fair Trading had major responsibilities in the areas of buying, selling and renting property.
   "We want to gauge the success or otherwise of Fair Trading’s operations and information in these areas."
   Ms Beamer said Fair Trading administered the licences of property professionals as well as legislation governing operation of strata schemes, residential parks, retirement villages, holiday parks, cooperative housing and residential tenancies.
   “In addition, Fair Trading’s Rental Bond Board looks after all bond money in NSW and disputes are handled by the Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal.”
   She said last financial year, about 80 per cent of applications made to the Tribunal related to tenancy and other property issues.
   Fair Trading also provides information about buying, selling, renting and leasing out property through its website and Centres. 
   The two-minute survey can be found at www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au and the results obtained will be announced in Fair Trading Week from 6 to10 November.

October 17, 2006
Premier Puts Weights on Terror Exercises
Premier, Morris Iemma has issued a circular outlining Whole-of-Government measures as part of the NSW Counter Terrorism Exercise Program.
   According to Mr Iemma, terrorism exercises involving simulated terrorist attacks are held to test counter terrorism capabilities and sometimes require access to, and the use of, NSW Government owned land, facilities and assets including the rail network, power generation facilities and water infrastructure. He said access to private sector assets was also sometimes required.
   In this regard the Premier’s circular sets out the approach that should be applied to risk management and the payment of any liabilities that might arise from exercise undertaken as part of the Program.
   It says that deeds of indemnity will not be issued to Government agencies so they shouldn’t ask for them and that only in exceptional circumstances would a private property owner be entitled to one.
   The Circular says it would be up to the NSW Counter Terrorism Exercise Steering Committee, in consultation with NSW Treasury, to decide if the exceptional circumstances existed. The Circular says that provision of a Certificate of Currency adequately demonstrated that appropriate insurance cover was in place to meet any liabilities.
   Under the terms of the Circular, the NSW Counter Terrorism Exercise Steering Committee should, on behalf of the agency or agencies designated as responsible for the  exercise, provide a Certificate of Currency to those agencies and private asset holders who have agreed to allow an exercise to be conducted upon or around their properties.
   The Circular states that in the event of a loss, risk allocation should occur on a fault basis; whereby the Government agency, private asset holder, or other party whose negligence caused the loss would be held responsible.
   In cases where the loss was not due to one party's negligence, or the negligent party could not be identified, the “responsible” agency as designated by the NSW Counter Terrorism Exercise Steering Committee would be liable. In appropriate circumstances the loss may be apportioned among a number of agencies.
   The Circular says any disputes arising between Government agencies are to be resolved in accordance with an earlier Memorandum from the Premier covering litigation involving Government Authorities. Disputes arising with private sector parties should be  resolved by the responsible agency.
   Premier Iemma asked Chief Executives to ensure that this approach was complied with and encouraged State-owned corporations to adopt the approach as part of their policy.

October 17, 2006
Bankers put Money Where the Art Is
The Art Gallery of New South Wales has entered a three-year partnership with global financial services firm UBS.
   According to Gallery director Edmund Capon, the partnership is the most significant contemporary sponsorship the Gallery has received.
   Mr Capon said the UBS sponsorship would enable the Gallery to reveal the depth of its collection through regular changes in display and new programs.  He said that to date the Gallery had displayed only a small proportion of its contemporary collection.
   “This sponsorship will ensure people see more of its rich holdings,” Mr Capon said.
   He said there would also be a range of activities for families, public talks, an annual keynote international lecture, a film program and a dedicated contemporary website.
   UBS has also supported the publication of the Contemporary Handbook, with 164 artist entries and 465 colour images covering international and Australian art in the gallery collection.
   The first display focuses on the work of leading national and international artists and recent acquisitions by Anselm Kiefer, Bill Henson and Janet Laurence.

October 17, 2006
$1000 Murray Award for the Write Stuff
The Institute of Public Administration Australia is calling for entries in its annual  Sir George Murray Essay Competition.
   An initiative of the IPAA National Council, the competition was established in 1939 to promote public administration in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia but has since become a national event, the winner earning the Sir George Murray Award..
   Organised by the SA Division of the Institute on behalf of the Council, the award honours the former Patron of the South Australian Regional Group of the Institute of Public Administration, Sir George Murray. 
   According to organisers, the competition promotes creative thinking, analytical writing and debate on issues in Australian public administration. Entries are judged by a panel of senior administrators and academics across Australia.
   The 2006 Competition is now open and entries close at 5pm on Friday 3 November 2006.
    First prize is $1000, second is $500 and the winning entry is published in the Australian Journal of Public Administration. More information is available from www.sa.ipaa.org.au.

October 17, 2006
Planner Sends Pool Owners Back to BASIX
The Department of Planning has reminded householders that the building sustainability index (BASIX) now applied to new major alterations and additions, along with large pools.
   According to the Director-General of Planning,  Sam Haddad, proposed home alterations and additions worth more than $100,000 and new swimming pools larger than 40,000 litres now needed a BASIX certificate if they required planning approval.
   Mr Haddad said the BASIX system had been widely supported for delivering long-term environmental benefits and savings for homeowners through reduced power and water bills.
   “BASIX is expected to save 28.7 billion litres of water across NSW per annum and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 800,000 tonnes per annum,” Mr Haddad said.
   He said householders should visit www.basix.nsw.gov.au to receive a free BASIX certificate for their plans before they were lodged with their local council or private certifier for approval.
   “The tool analyses the type of planned renovation and sets practicable and cost-effective measures in terms of insulation, glazing and shading,” he said.
   “It also sets minimum efficiency standards for lighting and water fixtures.”
   Mr Haddad said the average pool in NSW was 45,000 litres, and needed a similar volume of water every two years to keep it full.
   “This represents an additional 10 per cent increase in water consumption over and above what the average NSW household uses.”
   “If you are building a large swimming pool, BASIX requires you to install a rainwater tank, to allow you to top up the pool.
   “As well, BASIX will ensure there is not excessive power usage to heat the pool.”
   Mr Haddad urged people to use the BASIX system voluntarily, even if their renovation value was less than $100,000.
   He said those who did so would not have to comply with any separate, existing local council energy and water efficiency provisions.
   BASIX was introduced to apply to the construction of new homes from July 1, 2004.
   Independent research has shown that new home owners who comply with BASIX can slash household water and power bills by an average $600 a year.

October 17, 2006
Part-time Firefighters Hot Property
Forests NSW has put out a call for 15 temporary firefighters to work over summer in its Hume Region around Tumut, Batlow and Tumbarumba.
   Regional Fire Manager for Forests NSW, Charlie Taylor said the organisation was looking for temporary firefighters to help protect the State's valuable plantation and native forest assets in the region. He said the temporary positions would be based at Tumbarumba and Tumut.
   "We are looking for fit, energetic people, preferably with a rural or practical background," Mr Taylor said.
   “When not actively fighting fires, these people will be employed on a wide range of activities including weed spraying, clearing fire trails and other maintenance jobs around the forests and plantations.”
   Mr Taylor said the temporary work was a good introduction to Forests NSW and provided an excellent skills base for those seeking permanent employment in the forest industries.
   He said applicants needed to be prepared to work outdoors in a wide range of conditions. They should be willing to work flexible hours, especially when a bushfire occurred.
   All applicants must pass a medical examination, a physical assessment and a fitness walk before starting work.
   Mr Taylor said the first few weeks of work would include training where required.
   He said Forests NSW provided accredited training for firefighting, four-wheel-driving, chainsaw operation, OH&S and first-aid and other rural and practical skills.
   Applicants must have a current driver’s licence and provide their own accommodation.
   Temporary staff may also be asked to help Forests NSW with its extensive hazard reduction burning program in autumn.
   For more information,  contact Forests NSW Tumut office on 02-6947 3911.

October 17, 2006
Photo Exhibition Puts Aborigines in the Picture
An exhibition of black and white photographs recording the lives of Aboriginal people from 1919 to 1966 has been launched at the State Records Gallery in Sydney by the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Milton Orkopoulos.
    The In Living Memory exhibition marks the first time photographs from the Records of the Aborigines Welfare Board have been displayed and according to Mr Orkopoulos included wedding photos, group photos taken on missions, photos of children from boys' and girls' homes and individual portraits.
   "It shows images taken and collected by the Aborigines Welfare Board (formerly the Aborigines Protection Board) which implemented policies that governed the lives of Aboriginal people in NSW between 1883 and 1969," Mr Orkopoulos said.
   He said about 1000 loosely stored black and white photographs of Aboriginal people taken between 1919 and 1966 had survived.
   "They can provide the missing piece of the puzzle that is the past for some members of the Aboriginal community and a link to a period whose policies had tremendous ramifications for people's lives," Mr Orkopoulos said..
   Staging the exhibition required consent, advice and support from many parts of  NSW's Aboriginal community and provided an opportunity for people to share their stories.
   Mr Orkopoulos said the exhibition also served as a reminder for the wider community of the mistakes made that should never be forgotten and never be repeated.
   The exhibition also included contemporary photographs taken by Mervyn Bishop during the community consultation process as well as photos contributed by communities across New South Wales.
   Entry to the exhibition is free and it will run to 30 June 2007 at the State Records Gallery, Sydney Records Centre, 2 Globe Street (off George Street), The Rocks.

October 10, 2006
Women Gather for Talkfest
Women from all walks of life are to meet in Grafton from 20 to 22 October for the 14th Annual Women’s Gathering.
   Sponsored by the Department of Primary Industries and North Coast Institute of TAFE, the gathering will include workshops, speakers, river and island tours, food and entertainment and the event will also be covered online.
   Speakers will include Pauline Clague from the Yeagl/Bundjalung Nation, a film and television producer/writer/director with credits including SBS’s Message Stick as well as ex-Graftonian  Jenny Hutson who will give a keynote address. Ms Hutson now lives in Brisbane, chairs a company and is managing director of a merchant and investment bank. 
   North Coast comedienne, Mandy Nolan is to perform at the gathering’s official dinner on Saturday night, 21 October and will conduct a workshop entitled The Path of Laugh. 
   Workshops will cover looking for work, starting a small business, farm-based enterprise, climate change, solar power, occupational health and safety, managing money, estates and wills, tenancy issues, sexually acquired debt, post-retirement lifestyles, home loans, domestic violence, sexual health, waterway health, and leadership.
   Global networking specialist, Robyn Henderson will share insider tips in a workshop to help women network their way into succeeding in community, career and business, , including via cyberspace.
   There will be patchwork workshops, jewellery making, knitting, scrap booking, decorating felt bears, singing and wine appreciation.
   Participants will also be able to sample Middle Eastern drumming, belly dance, Pilates, or Wu Tao, a Chinese healing technique which combines dance, music and meditation. 
   For more information visit www.womensgathering2006.org.au.

October 10, 2006
Fisheries Share Scheme no Red Herring
A new framework for managing several of the State’s commercial fisheries has been released for public comment until 3 November.
   Department of Primary Industries’ Director of Wild Harvest Fisheries, Anthony Hurst, said the share management scheme was developed through extensive consultation with the commercial fishing industry.
   “Currently commercial fishers are issued with a licence which needs to be renewed each year," Mr Hurst said. “Share management will give NSW commercial fishers a secure access right in the form of shares and greater flexibility to adjust their businesses through share trading.”
   He said share management would promote longer term investment and better fishing practices due to a more secure fishing right and it would cut red tape as well.
   Mr Hurst said around 1200 fishers from the estuary general, estuary prawn trawl, ocean hauling, ocean trap and line and ocean trawl fisheries stood to benefit from the new system, share numbers and types reflecting the history of the fishing business.
   Mr Hurst said abalone and lobster fisheries were already share managed, while the inland and sea urchin, turban fisheries and southern fish trawl are to remain as restricted fisheries for the time being.
   “I strongly encourage commercial fishers and other interested persons to make a written submission on the proposed new system,” Mr Hurst said. 
   He said the new system was expected to take effect in early 2007 and copies of the draft share management plans could be obtained by calling (02)-9527 8411.

October 10, 2006
Photo Exhibition Puts Aborigines in the Picture
An exhibition of black and white photographs recording the lives of Aboriginal people from 1919 to 1966 has been launched at the State Records Gallery in Sydney by the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Milton Orkopoulos.
    The In Living Memory exhibition marks the first time photographs from the Records of the Aborigines Welfare Board have been displayed and according to Mr Orkopoulos included wedding photos, group photos taken on missions, photos of children from boys' and girls' homes and individual portraits.
   "It shows images taken and collected by the Aborigines Welfare Board (formerly the Aborigines Protection Board) which implemented policies that governed the lives of Aboriginal people in NSW between 1883 and 1969," Mr Orkopoulos said.
   He said about 1000 loosely stored black and white photographs of Aboriginal people taken between 1919 and 1966 had survived.
   "They can provide the missing piece of the puzzle that is the past for some members of the Aboriginal community and a link to a period whose policies had tremendous ramifications for people's lives," Mr Orkopoulos said..
   Staging the exhibition required consent, advice and support from many parts of  NSW's Aboriginal community and provided an opportunity for people to share their stories.
   Mr Orkopoulos said the exhibition also served as a reminder for the wider community of the mistakes made that should never be forgotten and never be repeated.
   The exhibition also included contemporary photographs taken by Mervyn Bishop during the community consultation process as well as photos contributed by communities across New South Wales.
   Entry to the exhibition is free and it will run to 30 June 2007 at the State Records Gallery, Sydney Records Centre, 2 Globe Street (off George Street), The Rocks.

October 10, 2006
Part-time Firefighters Hot Property
Forests NSW has put out a call for 15 temporary firefighters to work over summer in its Hume Region around Tumut, Batlow and Tumbarumba.
   Regional Fire Manager for Forests NSW, Charlie Taylor said the organisation was looking for temporary firefighters to help protect the State's valuable plantation and native forest assets in the region. He said the temporary positions would be based at Tumbarumba and Tumut.
   "We are looking for fit, energetic people, preferably with a rural or practical background," Mr Taylor said.
   “When not actively fighting fires, these people will be employed on a wide range of activities including weed spraying, clearing fire trails and other maintenance jobs around the forests and plantations.”
   Mr Taylor said the temporary work was a good introduction to Forests NSW and provided an excellent skills base for those seeking permanent employment in the forest industries.
   He said applicants needed to be prepared to work outdoors in a wide range of conditions. They should be willing to work flexible hours, especially when a bushfire occurred.
   All applicants must pass a medical examination, a physical assessment and a fitness walk before starting work.
   Mr Taylor said the first few weeks of work would include training where required.
   He said Forests NSW provided accredited training for firefighting, four-wheel-driving, chainsaw operation, OH&S and first-aid and other rural and practical skills.
   Applicants must have a current driver’s licence and provide their own accommodation.
   Temporary staff may also be asked to help Forests NSW with its extensive hazard reduction burning program in autumn.
   For more information,  contact Forests NSW Tumut office on 02-6947 3911.

October 10, 2006
Planner Sends Pool Owners Back to BASIX
The Department of Planning has reminded householders that the building sustainability index (BASIX) now applied to new major alterations and additions, along with large pools.
   According to the Director-General of Planning,  Sam Haddad, proposed home alterations and additions worth more than $100,000 and new swimming pools larger than 40,000 litres now needed a BASIX certificate if they required planning approval.
   Mr Haddad said the BASIX system had been widely supported for delivering long-term environmental benefits and savings for homeowners through reduced power and water bills.
   “BASIX is expected to save 28.7 billion litres of water across NSW per annum and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 800,000 tonnes per annum,” Mr Haddad said.
   He said householders should visit www.basix.nsw.gov.au to receive a free BASIX certificate for their plans before they were lodged with their local council or private certifier for approval.
   “The tool analyses the type of planned renovation and sets practicable and cost-effective measures in terms of insulation, glazing and shading,” he said.
   “It also sets minimum efficiency standards for lighting and water fixtures.”
   Mr Haddad said the average pool in NSW was 45,000 litres, and needed a similar volume of water every two years to keep it full.
   “This represents an additional 10 per cent increase in water consumption over and above what the average NSW household uses.”
   “If you are building a large swimming pool, BASIX requires you to install a rainwater tank, to allow you to top up the pool.
   “As well, BASIX will ensure there is not excessive power usage to heat the pool.”
   Mr Haddad urged people to use the BASIX system voluntarily, even if their renovation value was less than $100,000.
   He said those who did so would not have to comply with any separate, existing local council energy and water efficiency provisions.
   BASIX was introduced to apply to the construction of new homes from July 1, 2004.
   Independent research has shown that new home owners who comply with BASIX can slash household water and power bills by an average $600 a year.

October 10, 2006
$1000 Murray Award for the Write Stuff
The Institute of Public Administration Australia is calling for entries in its annual  Sir George Murray Essay Competition.
   An initiative of the IPAA National Council, the competition was established in 1939 to promote public administration in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia but has since become a national event, the winner earning the Sir George Murray Award..
   Organised by the SA Division of the Institute on behalf of the Council, the award honours the former Patron of the South Australian Regional Group of the Institute of Public Administration, Sir George Murray. 
   According to organisers, the competition promotes creative thinking, analytical writing and debate on issues in Australian public administration. Entries are judged by a panel of senior administrators and academics across Australia.
   The 2006 Competition is now open and entries close at 5pm on Friday 3 November 2006.
    First prize is $1000, second is $500 and the winning entry is published in the Australian Journal of Public Administration. More information is available from www.sa.ipaa.org.au.

October 10, 2006
Bankers put Money Where the Art Is
The Art Gallery of New South Wales has entered a three-year partnership with global financial services firm UBS.
   According to Gallery director Edmund Capon, the partnership is the most significant contemporary sponsorship the Gallery has received.
   Mr Capon said the UBS sponsorship would enable the Gallery to reveal the depth of its collection through regular changes in display and new programs.  He said that to date the Gallery had displayed only a small proportion of its contemporary collection.
   “This sponsorship will ensure people see more of its rich holdings,” Mr Capon said.
   He said there would also be a range of activities for families, public talks, an annual keynote international lecture, a film program and a dedicated contemporary website.
   UBS has also supported the publication of the Contemporary Handbook, with 164 artist entries and 465 colour images covering international and Australian art in the gallery collection.
   The first display focuses on the work of leading national and international artists and recent acquisitions by Anselm Kiefer, Bill Henson and Janet Laurence

October 10, 2006
Premier Puts Weights on Terror Exercises
Premier, Morris Iemma has issued a circular outlining Whole-of-Government measures as part of the NSW Counter Terrorism Exercise Program.
   According to Mr Iemma, terrorism exercises involving simulated terrorist attacks are held to test counter terrorism capabilities and sometimes require access to, and the use of, NSW Government owned land, facilities and assets including the rail network, power generation facilities and water infrastructure. He said access to private sector assets was also sometimes required.
   In this regard the Premier’s circular sets out the approach that should be applied to risk management and the payment of any liabilities that might arise from exercise undertaken as part of the Program.
   It says that deeds of indemnity will not be issued to Government agencies so they shouldn’t ask for them and that only in exceptional circumstances would a private property owner be entitled to one.
   The Circular says it would be up to the NSW Counter Terrorism Exercise Steering Committee, in consultation with NSW Treasury, to decide if the exceptional circumstances existed. The Circular says that provision of a Certificate of Currency adequately demonstrated that appropriate insurance cover was in place to meet any liabilities.
   Under the terms of the Circular, the NSW Counter Terrorism Exercise Steering Committee should, on behalf of the agency or agencies designated as responsible for the  exercise, provide a Certificate of Currency to those agencies and private asset holders who have agreed to allow an exercise to be conducted upon or around their properties.
   The Circular states that in the event of a loss, risk allocation should occur on a fault basis; whereby the Government agency, private asset holder, or other party whose negligence caused the loss would be held responsible.
   In cases where the loss was not due to one party's negligence, or the negligent party could not be identified, the “responsible” agency as designated by the NSW Counter Terrorism Exercise Steering Committee would be liable. In appropriate circumstances the loss may be apportioned among a number of agencies.
   The Circular says any disputes arising between Government agencies are to be resolved in accordance with an earlier Memorandum from the Premier covering litigation involving Government Authorities. Disputes arising with private sector parties should be  resolved by the responsible agency.
   Premier Iemma asked Chief Executives to ensure that this approach was complied with and encouraged State-owned corporations to adopt the approach as part of their policy.

October 10, 2006
Property Poll for Fair Traders
An on-line survey has been launched by the Office of Fair Trading for people who are buying, selling, renting or leasing a home or property.
   Aimed to gather information about people’s experiences on the property market, the survey is intended to inform the Office’s operations and information in the area.
   According to Fair Trading Minister, Diane Beamer, moving house can be a very stressful experience.
   “We want to hear about people’s experiences to see how much they know and how much information they are provided with, Ms Beamer said.
   She said Fair Trading had major responsibilities in the areas of buying, selling and renting property.
   "We want to gauge the success or otherwise of Fair Trading’s operations and information in these areas."
   Ms Beamer said Fair Trading administered the licences of property professionals as well as legislation governing operation of strata schemes, residential parks, retirement villages, holiday parks, cooperative housing and residential tenancies.
   “In addition, Fair Trading’s Rental Bond Board looks after all bond money in NSW and disputes are handled by the Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal.”
   She said last financial year, about 80 per cent of applications made to the Tribunal related to tenancy and other property issues.
   Fair Trading also provides information about buying, selling, renting and leasing out property through its website and Centres. 
   The two-minute survey can be found at www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au and the results obtained will be announced in Fair Trading Week from 6 to10 November.