SearchArchives for April 2009
29 April, 2009Electoral Commission
has voters on a roll
The Australian Electoral Commission has launched a search for 370,000 voters it believes are missing from the NSW electoral roll.Acting State Manager of the AEC for NSW, Tjoen San Lauw, said the Commission was stepping up its efforts to find the missing people and encourage them to enrol to vote Mr Lauw said people who were not enrolled could not vote in Federal, State and Local Government elections.
“We are currently sending 257,283 personally addressed letters—about two thirds of those missing from the electoral roll across the State—to where we think these people might be living,” Mr Lauw said.
“The mail-out package will include an enrolment form and reply paid envelope,” he said.
Mr Lauw said that in the past, many Australians had missed out on exercising their right to vote because they were unprepared.
“We know that to be a fact because people tried to enrol at the 2007 election after the rolls had well and truly closed,” he said.
“Some didn’t realise that they were not enrolled until they tried to vote on election day.”
Mr Lauw said that while the AEC was going to great lengths to ensure that everyone was enrolled, the law states that the final responsibility lies with the individual.
He said that voters could also check if they were on the electoral roll by visiting the AEC website www.aec.gov.au or by calling 13 23 26.
29 April, 2009
Image not everything
in record disposal
The State Records Authority is calling for comment and feedback on proposals to amend the general retention and disposal authority for imaged records, GDA24.This authority provides for the disposal of certain records which have been copied and sets out the circumstances under which they can be destroyed.
According to State Records, a number of important issues have arisen since GDA24 was last reviewed in 2006 and by consulting and researching, it hopes to evaluate how best to address those issues by reviewing and amending the authority.
“State Records is seeking comments and feedback from public offices on the current provisions of GDA24, any problems organisations have experienced in implementing GDA24 and any suggestions or recommendations for the amendment of GDA24 to address these problems,” the Authority says on its website.
It says some of the issues it would like comment and feedback on are:
- 'Appropriate' quality control measures and how to establish them;
- Quality control measures for scanning/imaging processes in Agencies;
- Problems in managing current exclusions;
- Examples of original records requested under FOI etc, after scanning and boxing;
- How do Agencies deal with original artworks or rare documents with intrinsic value?
The deadline for comments is Friday 12 June.
29 April, 2009
DPC fills in gaps on
vacancy advertising
Departments and Agencies have been reminded of the requirements surrounding recruitment advertising following the dismantling of the jobs.nsw website.Acting Director-General of Premier and Cabinet, Peter Duncan, has issued a DPC Circular explaining the current situation, which will apply until a new Government e-Recruitment system is established.
Mr Duncan said recruitment advertisements were still being processed by Government Advertising and were published in the Public Sector Notices and online at the Seek, careerone and mycareer recruitment sites.
“To ensure the effective coordination of recruitment advertising, all Agencies must advertise all positions through Government Advertising,” he said.
Mr Duncan reminded Agencies that the Premier’s Memoranda M2000-23 regarding changes to Government recruitment advertising and Memoranda 2008-21 regarding filling and advertising vacancies remained current.
He said Agencies must ensure they exercise restraint when advertising and filling positions.
Mr Duncan said all Agencies must now only use executive search agencies as a last resort for recruitment and must seek approval from the DPC to use recruitment agencies for any SES position.
He said any request must be accompanied by a sound business case.
Mr Duncan said Agencies would also need to seek approval from the DPC to advertise any Senior Executive Service positions.
The DPC Circular can be accessed at www.dpc.nsw.gov.au
29 April, 2009
RTA detours for gold
at Royal Easter Show
The Roads and Traffic Authority has won gold for its interactive information stand at the recent Royal Easter Show.The RTA stand received the award in the Home, Garden and Lifestyle Hall.
The Minister for Roads, Michael Daley, congratulated the RTA and staff who volunteered at the stand for their efforts in spreading the road safety message.
Mr Daley said the stand included the RTA’s Slow Down Roadshow which has been touring regional NSW and suburban Sydney for the past year.
“The roadshow includes a graphic display of two cars crashed under controlled conditions at the RTA Crashlab, one at 60 kmh and a second identical car at 100kmh,” he said.
“The difference between the two cars really sends home the consequences of speeding.”
Mr Daley said another feature was a display of child restraint devices showing how they had developed over the decades, highlighting improvements in safety standards.
He said the stand had included computers where participants could design their own number plates and find out more information about the RTA.
Mr Daley said an estimated 500,000 people had visited the stand during the Royal Easter Show.
“The Easter and school holiday period is the perfect time to be reminding people about road safety, with so many people travelling on our roads at this time of year,” he said.
29 April, 2009
Pomp and ceremony for
Governor’s Bicentenary
A State-wide program of celebrations and tributes is to be held next year to mark the 200th anniversary of the NSW governorship of Lachlan Macquarie.Premier Nathan Rees has thrown his weight behind the celebrations, saying Governor Macquarie made an outstanding and extensive contribution to the growth of NSW and many of his legacies endured.
Mr Rees has issued a Ministerial Memorandum urging all public servants to support the celebration.
“I encourage all Government Agencies and personnel to consider ways the bicentenary could be incorporated in their programs and event calendars,” he said.
Mr Rees said Leader of the House and Member for Riverstone, John Aquilina, would chair the bicentennial committee.
“The Macquarie 2010 Bicentenary Celebration Committee will oversee the State Government’s involvement in the Bicentenary,” he said.
“The Committee’s role will be one of overall leadership and coordination to achieve an appropriate celebration program that is meaningful and inclusive for the wider community.”
Mr Rees said a key initiative of the Committee would be to develop an endorsement program to support community and institutionally-based activities.
He said Governor Macquarie was sworn in on 1 January 1810 as the fifth Governor of the colony of NSW.
Mr Rees said during his 12 year tenure, Governor Macquarie helped transform NSW from a penal settlement to a flourishing society through his “visionary leadership, strength of character and principals of egalitarianism”.
“Macquarie is regarded by many as being the originator of the quintessential Australian value of the ‘fair-go’,” he said.
“He truly established a solid infrastructure and foundation for an economically independent civilization.”
29 April, 2009
Fire Brigade puts out
children’s website
NSW Fire Brigades have launched a new dedicated website to boost fire safety awareness among the State’s children.The Minister for Emergency Services, Steve Whan, said the NSWFB developed the BrigadeKids website and accompanying CD to help educate kids about the risks posed by fire.
“It is crucial that children are taught about fire safety and, most importantly, what they should do if a fire breaks out in their home,” Mr Whan said.
“This new website www.brigadekids.com will help get this information out to the youngest members of our community and their families in a fun and educational way.”
He said the website was designed for children aged four to 12, and taught them about fire safety through interactive games, quizzes, videos and songs.
Mr Whan said children would be able to take a virtual tour of a fire station and participate in a 'junior firefighter challenge'.
He said the website had been launched as part of Fire Prevention Week, which kicked off on 26 April, and will include a number of activities to encourage residents to reduce the risk of fire in the home.
“The number of house fires starts increasing as the cooler weather arrives and I'd encourage people to take the time during Fire Prevention Week to assess their home fire safety arrangements,” Mr Whan said.
“There are several simple precautionary steps people can take to protect their families and homes. Two of the most important are to have a working smoke alarm and a home escape plan so everyone knows how to get out of the house safely.”
Firefighters will visit 155 McDonald’s stores around NSW to raise awareness of fire safety and to promote the new BrigadeKids website.
NSW Fire Brigades Commissioner, Greg Mullins, said firefighters would host special events with community groups, particularly at-risk groups such as the elderly and culturally and linguistically diverse, during Fire Prevention Week.
Commissioner Mullins invited all residents to visit their local fire station on Sunday 3 May between 10am to 2pm as part of Fire Prevention Week.
The BrigadeKids website and CD were produced in partnership with McDonald's restaurants.
Copies of the CD were available during Open Day. The website and CD feature additional advice for parents and teachers on how to educate children about fire safety.
29 April, 2009
Jail-trained pups on
straight and narrow
Three more puppies trained by the inmates of NSW Correctional Centres have been officially designated Assistance Dogs for people with disabilities. The Minister for Corrective Services, John Robertson, said the labrador and golden retriever puppies, Viva, Simba and Roscoe, spent 18 months in training before ‘graduating’ from the program.
Mr Robertson said the puppies would help people with disabilities to gain a greater level of independence.
He said the NSW Government had been training pups in prison since 2002, handing more than a dozen puppies to Assistance Dogs Australia to help people with disabilities other than sight.
Mr Robertson said the partnership between the NSW Government and Assistance Dogs Australia would see all graduating dogs undergo an additional six months intensive training with professional trainers after their time in prison.
“The dogs learn tasks to assist their owners such as opening and closing doors, picking up dropped items and pressing the button at pedestrian traffic lights,” he said.
“They also help to provide companionship for people at home and relieve some of the loneliness and isolation associated with living with a physical disability.”
Mr Robertson said the program helped with the rehabilitation process for prison inmates.
“Inmates who participate in the program learn about commitment and responsibility – they are more likely to enroll in other rehabilitation programs and are better prepared for life post-release,” he said.
“These pups help the inmates learn how to relate, trust and care for something – all valuable skills for life after prison.”
The program is currently run out of Junee and Kirkconnell Correctional Centres in NSW, with the Government launching a similar program in Juvenile Justice Centres in March 2009.
The Minister for Juvenile Justice, Graham West, said the Justice Pups program enabled young people in custody to improve their self-esteem and develop a sense of responsibility.
“The Justice Pups program is a win-win; young offenders develop skills that may assist in their rehabilitation, the puppies become assistance dogs, and the recipients - people with disabilities - gain much needed assistance and companionship,” Mr West said.
29 April, 2009
Breast cancer warning
from the heart
A new awareness campaign promoting the importance of screening for breast cancer has been announced jointly by the Minister for Health (Cancer), Jodi McKay, and Acting Premier Carmel Tebbutt.Ms Tebbutt said the $1.5 million campaign encouraged women to have a mammogram every two years.
“The simple fact is, early diagnosis significantly increases a woman’s chance of surviving breast cancer, so regular testing is vital,” she said.
“Women often cite time as a constraint to having a mammogram and we want this campaign to emphasise that good health and living cancer-free should be a priority for women and their families.”
Ms McKay said many women were unaware they were entitled to a free mammogram every two years.
“This campaign will educate women about the importance of screening, and that full recovery from breast cancer is likely when it is detected early enough,” she said.
“The message is simple. If you are aged between 50 to 69 years old, book your mammogram now. Don’t put it off until it’s too late.”
Ms McKay said improved screening and cancer treatments had helped breast cancer deaths in NSW to decrease by 14 per cent in the last 10 years.
However, she said there was still more to be done.
“The Cancer Institute NSW estimates that last year alone there were 4,200 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed in NSW and more than 900 women who lost their lives to the disease,” she said.
Ms McKay said despite evidence supporting the benefits of breast screening, around 20 per cent of NSW women aged between 50-69 years of age were not screened every two years, either at a BreastScreen NSW free clinic or through a private screening centre.
“Considering the fact that there is a 97 per cent survival rate if breast cancer is detected early, that’s not enough women having a screening mammogram,” she said.
“These odds make a mammogram every two years one of the most important things a woman over 50 can do, particularly when you consider each screening only takes about an hour.”
The campaign will run until June across NSW and ACT television and radio.
Further information was available by contacting BreastScreen NSW on 13 20 50.
29 April, 2009
Salary inspectors in
$3 million payday
Inspectors from the Office of Industrial Relations have recovered more than $3 million in unpaid wages and other entitlements owed to NSW workers in the past nine months.Minister for Industrial Relations, John Hatzistergos, said the Office had carried out over 10,000 targeted workplace inspections across the State since July 2008, following up almost 900 complaints from workers and community members.
Mr Hatzistergos said over 1,000 employers had breached industrial relations laws and had to pay back their staff.
“While recovering the money is great news for the employees involved, it is disappointing so many employers are failing to comply with our industrial relations laws,” he said.
Mr Hatzistergos said the OIR telephone hotline had taken more than 120,000 calls so far this financial year, indicating many employers and workers were confused about their rights and responsibilities.
“OIR is focused on educating employers rather than trying to catch them out,” he said.
“Around 90 per cent of inspections are targetted campaigns as opposed to direct complaints from employees.”
Mr Hatzistergos said workplace inspectors provided information to employers and offered them the opportunity to ask questions and clarify their responsibilities to their employees.
“Most employers want to do the right thing, however those who ignore minimum legal standards are prosecuted and can face fines up to $11,000 for each offence,” he said.
Mr Hatzistergos said OIR staff had made some excellent recoveries, including $11,388 for a catering employee from the Central West for annual leave underpayment; over $10,000 for a taxi driver who had not received annual leave and sick leave payments; and $5,684 for a casual cleaner who had not received long service leave.
29 April, 2009
New grants program
a frill for women
A program of grants for national non-Government women’s organisations to improve the representation and advocacy of women’s and their issues has been unveiled by the Federal Minister for the Status of Women, Tanya Plibersek.Ms Plibersek said the organisations were eligible for up to $100,000, as promoting women’s rights was a high Government priority.
“Ensuring that representative organisations are well equipped to advocate and participate in current policy debates is critical to improving gender policy outcomes,” she said.
“I want women’s organisations to expand their networks and work with women who have not engaged in policy debates in the past or who find it difficult to be heard.”
Ms Plibersek said the grants would support women's organisations and allow them to work with diverse groups of women in the community to help them engage in policy debates.
She said women who may not see themselves as part of the formal women's movement were among key target groups.
“Young women, Indigenous women, women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and women with disabilities will also be a focus,” Ms Plibersek said.
“The grants will promote stronger engagement between women in the community, women's organisations and the Government.”
Grant application forms were available from www.ofw.fahcsia.gov.au or by phoning (02) 6212 9618.
29 April, 2009
Chinese visitors look
behind great walls
A delegation of Chinese justice officials has visited NSW Juvenile Justice staff to compare notes on dealing with young offenders, looking at alternatives to custody in particular.Minister for Juvenile Justice, Graham West, said the six officials were interested in the methods NSW used to deal with juvenile offenders, such as Youth Justice Conferencing.
Mr West said the delegation had discussed NSW’s juvenile justice system, including custodial and community services with Juvenile Justice staff.
“They were interested in measures to divert offenders from the formal justice system and also in non-custodial and community based sentencing options as alternatives to detention,” he said.
“The delegation were impressed with the statistics showing that Youth Justice Conferencing has the best success rate in reducing reoffending.”
Mr West said Youth Justice Conferencing was the only justice initiative which gives victims of crime the opportunity to address the offender directly and the right to veto the outcome.
He said the Government had hosted two Vietnamese delegations and another Chinese delegation in the past six months as part of its relationship with the Human Rights Commission.
“This Government, through its juvenile justice system, has also hosted delegations from the Swedish Parliamentary Committee on Justice and from justice agencies in the Philippines,” Mr West said.
He said the Chinese Ministry Of Justice was keen to draw upon Australian experience in dealing with minor criminal offences.
29 April, 2009
Maritime licences in
uncharted waters
NSW Maritime has called for public input on a proposal to change the licensing requirements for the operators of commercial waterski and aquaplane vessels to bring them into line with smaller vessels.NSW Maritime’s General Manager, Commercial Vessels, Howard Glenn, said he expected the changes to be welcomed by the operators.
Mr Glenn said small commercial vessel owners were required to hold either a valid general boat or personal watercraft licence while commercial waterski and aquaplane drivers had to hold the “more onerous” minimum restricted certificate of competency.
“As both classes of licence mainly operate in sheltered waters and the vessel sizes are similar, we are proposing that the same class of licence apply, with the proviso that commercial waterski and aquaplane drivers must also hold a valid first aid certificate,” he said.
“This proposed change represents a significant decrease in red tape, which also would make it easier for new entrants to the industry to gain the necessary qualifications and experience.”
Mr Glenn said the revised guidelines had been sent to stakeholders and members of the industry for a four-week public comment period.
He said the consultation would close on 25 May.
“If the public and industry submissions support the revised guidelines, it is expected they will take effect from 1 July 2009,” Mr Glenn said.
He said submissions could be lodged on the revised Guidelines for the Granting of Exemptions to Operators of Commercial Waterski and Aquaplane Vessels, by visiting www.maritime.nsw.gov.au
29 April, 2009
Grass looking greener
for park managers
Representatives of 11 Western Sydney Councils have taken the first steps towards revitalising public parks in their area by attending a forum hosted by Minister for Western Sydney, David Borger.Mr Borger said the forum aimed to bring together urban planners and Councils to come up with innovative cost effective solutions for “dead beat” parks.
“Unfortunately well-designed parks that attract multiple activities and people can be hard to find in most areas of Western Sydney,” he said.
“Somewhere in the last 50 years we have forgotten how to design urban parks – too often these ‘parks’ are left over land with no clear value for the local neighbourhood.
“They are just huge swathes of grassed areas with no movement, no trees and no activity – with absolutely no incentive to lure kids from the Playstation to the great outdoors.”
Mr Borger said as housing and employment grew in Western Sydney, Councils and communities needed to look at urban planning.
“That’s why late last year I asked for an audit on all the parks and reserves in the area,” he said.
Mr Borger said he was delighted that all 14 Western Sydney Councils responded to the audit.
Some nominations of under-utilised parks included Remembrance Park at Lidcombe; Bennett Park at St Marys; McQuade Park at Windsor; and Bella Vista Village Green.
Mr Borger said two leading urban planners, Managing Director of Environa Studio, Tone Wheeler, and the Director of Space Syntax, Martin Butterworth, attended the forum to help the Councils.
“At the forum, Councils were invited to talk about their nominated piece of land and were then given cost effective and fast acting solutions to turn things around by the two leading urban planners,” he said.
“We wanted solutions that could be put to work straight away that wouldn’t cost Councils a lot of money – these parks don’t need exorbitant funds thrown at them to turn things around, they just need some clever thinking and expert advice.”
Mr Borger said his Ministry would work closely with Councils over the coming months to put the forum ideas into action.
29 April, 2009
Watchdog sinks teeth
into young deaths
The NSW Ombudsman has presented the second volume of his report on reviewable child deaths in 2007 to the Parliament.The Reviewable Child Deaths Report covers the deaths of children that may have been the subject of a risk of harm report in the three years before they died, or if they died in suspicious circumstances or as a result of abuse or neglect.
The Ombudsman, Bruce Barbour found that 603 children and young people died in NSW in 2007, of which 162 deaths were reviewable.
His report was welcomed by the Minister for Community Services, Linda Burney, who said it would help strengthen current systems and improve practice in the field
“We are committed to understanding the circumstances of child deaths and making changes where they’re needed,” Ms Burney said.
“The fact that 30 percent of children who died of abuse or neglect in NSW in the five years 2003-2007 hadn’t come to the notice of the Department indicates how widespread the problem of child abuse and neglect is.”
She said the Ombudsman’s report followed that of Justice James Wood who conducted a Special Commission of Inquiry into Child Protection Services in NSW and whose findings led to the Government’s five-year Keep Them Safe plan.
“The Government is one hundred percent committed to the reforms,” Ms Burney said.
She said one of the fundamental changes has been a community-wide approach to strengthening the child protection system and a greater role for Government agencies and non-Government organisations.
“This should allow the Department of Community Services to focus its resources on the most vulnerable children.”
Ms Burney pointed out that although the Ombudsman chose not to make any recommendations in his latest report, he did not find the Department of Community Services at fault in his findings.
She quoted the Ombudsman as saying: “It is important to acknowledge that where children had been reported to DoCS, in the majority of cases, the child’s death had no connection to reported child protection concerns.
“In some cases, DoCS may have appropriately had little or no recent contact with the children in the period prior to their deaths.”
Ms Burney said the Ombudsman would now become convenor of the Child Death Review Team which had been transferred from the NSW Commission for Children and Young People to his office.
She said future Ombudsman reports into reviewable deaths would focus on those caused by abuse or neglect or in suspicious circumstances and would be received every two years instead of annually.
The full text of the Ombudsman’s Reviewable Child Deaths Report can be accessed at his website www.ombo.nsw.gov.au
29 April, 2009
Fraudsters to face
face database
A new hi-tech system for combatting fraud among road-users is well on the way to being adopted, with the Minister for Roads, Michael Daley announcing that a contractor for the new facial recognition computer system would be announced within weeks.Mr Daley said the new system would be able to catch out anyone who tried to apply for more than one licence or photo card by matching their photo against the database.
“It’s our aim is to have it up and running in the Roads and Traffic Authority’s Proof of Identity and External Fraud units by mid-2009, so the community can benefit from the new technology as soon as possible,” he said.
“Initially, the system will be used in fraud investigations or in cases where a customer’s identity needs to be verified, however the longer term goal is to get it running across the board.”
Mr Daley said the system was a computer program that could “verify a person’s identity by comparing digital images of human faces.”
“The program looks at the underlying bone structure of a face, and checks it against the images on the database, to see if the person is already on the system,” he said.
“Not only will the new system make it harder for criminals to get licences illegally, it will also protect the rest of the community against identify fraud.”
Mr Daley said NSW Crime Commission estimates showed identity fraud cost the Australian community over $3.5 billion a year.
“The new system will form part of a national strategy designed to improve the security and integrity of all Australian drivers’ licences,” he said.
“It’s a considerable step forward in the fight against criminals who try to use false ID for money laundering, drug trafficking, illegal immigration and even terrorism.”
Mr Daley said the usual licence application and renewal processes would not change and that licences would remain the same.
29 April, 2009
Border task force
has edge on report
The final report from a Task Force examining cross-border links between NSW and Queensland has been released by the NSW Minister for Transport, David Campbell.Mr Campbell said the report recommended a cross-border liaison officer be nominated by both States to provide better coordination and integration of public transport services on both sides of the border.
He said Andrew Nicholls from the Ministry of Transport would be the new NSW liaison officer and would be responsible for progressing implementation of the recommendations made in the report.
Mr Campbell said the report had been endorsed by the Queensland Minister for Transport, Rachel Nolan.
“The Taskforce invited submissions to the process and all were carefully considered,” he said.
Mr Campbell said some submissions had advocated the restoration of the Casino to Murwillumbah train service, but that the report found the “greatest need for residents in the area is for intra-regional connectivity and local transport”.
“The Report concluded that re-commencement of the operation of passenger rail services on the Casino to Murwillumbah line is not warranted,” he said.
Mr Campbell said the Rail Infrastructure Corporation (RIC) was considering Byron Shire Council proposals for an additional crossing of the rail corridor in the town.
“It’s time to move forward towards considering the future of transport in the region, including across the border,” he said.
The report recommended no further work be advanced on rail links between northern NSW and south-east Queensland and that RIC be asked to assess the feasibility of allowing road traffic to traverse the rail line at another location in Byron Bay.
Mr Campbell said the Byron Bay project could include a second level-crossing provided the RIC and the Council agreed.
The report was available from www.transport.nsw.gov.au
29 April, 2009
Sydney port cruises
in for award
Sydney’s port facilities have won an award from an international cruise ship industry magazine.Sydney was named as having the world’s “Best Turnaround Port Operations” for 2008 by Dream World Cruise Destinations Magazine.
Minister for Tourism, Jodi McKay, said the award capped off another record cruise ship season.
Ms McKay said it was the second time in four years Sydney had won the award.
“This leading industry award is awarded to ports seen as the most reliable and efficient for cruise ship passenger exchanges,” she said.
“The jury awarded points for passenger terminal and cruise ship berth quality, public amenities and services.”
Ms McKay said security, baggage services, supplies, general logistics and communications, ship provisioning and customs procedures were all considered by the magazine, which surveyed the world’s top cruise lines and cruise passengers and captains.
“The cruise industry is extremely valuable to Sydney and NSW and this financial year has been another increase in ship visits, with 120 cruise ships and over 250,000 passengers visiting Sydney which is up from the 101 visits last year,” she said.
“This resulted in a direct visitor spend of more than $75 million.”
Ms McKay said maiden visits from the Arcadia, Millennium, Tahitian Princess and Royal Princess contributed to this season’s success.
She said the 2009/10 cruise season was expected to be just as promising, with a number of new vessels set to make their inaugural visits.
“The continued growth in cruise visits to Sydney shows that international tourists perceive Sydney as an exciting and secure destination,” Ms McKay said.
“The cruise industry is seen globally as one of the fastest growing segments of the tourism market.”
The Acting Ports Minister, Michael Daley, said the award was a testament to the hard work and dedication of Sydney Ports.
29 April, 2009
Super costs up
First State Super has announced changes to its superannuation accounts.
FSS said in a statement that the exit fee for money withdrawals would increase from $30 to $36 on 1 July 2009.
Social housing sets record
The NSW and Federal Ministers for Housing, David Borger and Tanya Plibersek, announced there has been a record response to the call for electronic tenders to build new social housing dwellings in NSW under the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan.
Mr Borger said submissions for 877 sites had been received in just four weeks.
He said each proposal was being examined in detail.
Zoo is fire ready
Two new Community Fire Units have been launched at Taronga Zoo by the Minister for Emergency Services, Steve Whan and the NSW Fire Brigades Commissioner, Greg Mullins.
The 20 volunteer members of the new CFUs work at the zoo and have been trained and provided with equipment by NSWFB to extinguish spot fires and fight ember attack in the event of a bushfire.
Uni opens optical nerve centre
The Institute of Photonics and Optical Sciences has been officially launched by Senator Anne McEwen on behalf of the Minister for Innovation, Senator Kim Carr.
The Institute is home to over 30 academic and research staff and 40 postgraduate students at the University of Sydney, and links the faculties of Science and Engineering.
It aspires to be the leading provider of photonics research and education in the Asia-Pacific region.
Darling Harbour is 21
The Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority is celebrating the 21st anniversary of Darling Harbour on Sunday 3 May.
Entertainment includes Japanese-Australian drumming group TaikOz and 2008 Australian Idol winner Wes Carr, as well as 200 multicultural performers, according to the Authority.
It said a fireworks show and live jet ski performance would also be held every Friday and Saturday night throughout May.
IPART takes on water
The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal is seeking public comment on changes to water, sewerage and stormwater charges.
IPART has released its draft determination on the issue, which said the average household could expect bills to increase by around $220 per annum.
Written comments on the draft close on 22 May 2009, with a final report to be issued by the Tribunal in mid-July 2009.
The draft was available from www.ipart.nsw.gov.au
Tax cut to boost confidence
Treasurer Eric Roozendaal has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to permanently cut payroll tax rate to boost business confidence.
Mr Roozendaal said two cuts totaling 0.25 percentage points would be made by the beginning of 2011.
He said a business with a $1 million payroll in 2008/09 would save around 20 per cent of its payroll tax bill when the new rates and indexed thresholds were fully implemented.
Film Office in the frame
The Film and Television Office has released new Terms of Trade which are expected to reward NSW-based producers who successfully develop and finance their productions and commit to production expenditure in NSW.
Under the new Terms of Trade, the FTO will roll over its development investment automatically on projects produced or post-produced in NSW by NSW production companies, waive its requirement to a share of net profits, and relinquish its copyright interest in projects in which it has development investment.
Ombudsman visits Hunter
Workplace Ombudsman staff have commenced random audits on metal and engineering businesses and associated industries in the NSW Hunter Valley region.
NSW Director, Ross Drysdale, said the audits would help ensure employers were treating apprentices and trainees fairly.
Inspectors will visit up to 40 businesses in Cardiff, Rutherford and Muswellbrook to ensure they are complying with changes to the main industry award.
Park appointment
An administrator is to be appointed to manage the affairs of the Burrendong State Park Trust after concerns were raised about the state of the Park by community members.
The Department of Lands is to conduct a full audit of the Park.
The membership of the current Trust is due to expire on 1 May 2009, however a new Trust will not be established immediately.
New Centrelink office
Centrelink has opened a new customer service centre at Broken Hill to replace the Arent Street Office.
Manager of the new centre, Fran Greville, said the building was purpose built to cater for Centrelink customers and staff.
The new office is located at 180 Beryl Street and is open from 8.15am to 4.45pm weekdays.
22 April, 2009
Attention trained on
PS apprentice goals
All NSW Departments and Agencies have been ordered by the Premier to implement policies that will lead to more jobs for apprentices.In a Memorandum to all Ministers, Mr Rees describes the Government’s Apprenticeship Program as “one of the critical components of the NSW Government’s jobs strategy” revolving around employing a minimum of 1,000 new apprentices for each of the next four years through Government funded initiatives.
Mr Rees said the way this is to be done is for Agencies to act as host employers of apprentices set to work on capital and maintenance programs with third party suppliers and contractors.
“Agencies should take note that future capital and maintenance program budget allocation for the next 4 years (2009/2010 to 2012/2013) will be directly tied to the targeted employment of apprentices,” Mr Rees said, “with ongoing funding levels conditional on meeting the NSW Government jobs strategy and commitments.”
He said Agencies would be responsible for ensuring that the working conditions governing apprenticeships were met by contract service providers. He said these included the requisite supervising tradesman ratio levels and appropriate support and opportunities for them to meet their training requirements.
“In the event an agency does not adequately participate or contribute to meeting the Government apprenticeship initiative, the forward (financial) program will be adjusted to make good this commitment,” Mr Rees said.
He had asked the Director General of the Department of Premier and Cabinet to confirm with Agency heads their commitments to the employment of a number of apprentices they would host over the next 4 years.
“I expect all Chief Executives to deliver on their commitments, and to be actively involved in meeting the Government’s job creation program,” Mr Rees said.
“My commitment to meeting the NSW Government’s jobs creation, incorporating the apprenticeship jobs initiative, remains paramount.”
In response, the DG of DPC, John Lee, issued a Circular advising that the Training Management Guidelines had been revised and reissued to support the Government’s jobs strategy.
“The Guidelines require construction industry enterprises on major Government projects to provide a strategic approach to training and skills development in the construction industry, at both the enterprise and project level,” Mr Lee’s Circular said.
He said employment and training targets would need to be included in tendering and contract documents and Agencies were required to report their progress via the Major Capital Projects Reporting System (MCPRS).
“Agencies are to ensure that future tenders for construction works above $1 million are only accepted if the responses specifically address the requirements,” Mr Lee said,
He and the Premier said the new arrangements would apply to all public sector Agencies with the Treasurer drawing the requirements to the attention of State Owned Corporations.
22 April, 2009
Red tape attack
gets green light
A plan to save $500 million by slashing bureaucratic red tape has been announced by the Minister for Regulatory Reform, Joe Tripodi.Mr Tripodi said red tape had been identified as a major issue for businesses at the NSW Jobs Summit in February.
“Time is money and we are going to save money by cutting the time it takes people to wade through red tape,” he said.
“It takes many forms including delays, bottlenecks, time costs, administration costs, competition restrictions, compliance costs, and fees and charges.”
Mr Tripodi said red tape costs were “deadweight costs to business” and that the Government aimed to save $500 million by June 2011.
“Since the Better Regulation Office was formed in July 2007, more than 100 red tape cuts have been made making it easier for everyone to get on with the job of doing business in NSW,” he said
Mr Tripodi said while the savings target was ambitious, the Government was determined to reduce the regulatory burden in NSW.
“We want the State to have an efficient and effective regulatory environment that encourages business growth and innovation and that means a minimum of red tape,” he said.
Mr Tripodi said in order to drive the initiative, Agency Chief Executive Officers would be held accountable for red tape reduction in their Departments.
“Agency CEOs will have to report to the Better Regulation Office twice a year on what red tape cuts they’ve made over the previous six months and plans to cut red tape over the next six months,” he said.
Progress towards the $500 million target is to be reported on the Better Regulation Office website, www.betterregulation.nsw.gov.au and in a quarterly newsletter.
22 April, 2009
Curriculum Centre
to be first class
A national curriculum authority is to be established in Sydney.Premier, Nathan Rees has announced that the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) would be set up to develop Australia’s first national curriculum and that Sydney would be its permanent home.
Mr Rees said ACARA would be responsible for overseeing the national curriculum and implementing a system of transparency for reporting student results.
“The Authority will be based in Sydney because of our outstanding record of achievement in curriculum development from kindergarten to year 12 and our testing and reporting processes,” Mr Rees said.
“Locating ACARA in Sydney means we can play an integral role by sharing our expertise, experience and resources in curriculum development and assessment.”
He welcomed the chance to work with the Commonwealth and other States on creating a national curriculum.
“All States and Territories bring specific expertise and experience to the development of the national curriculum,” he said.
He said NSW would invest $16 million over four years to support the new Authority which is expected to employee around 30 staff.
The public education system, the NSW Vice-Chancellors’ Committee, the Catholic Education Commission, the Secondary Principals associations and the Association of Independent Schools have supported the move to locate the Authority in Sydney.
Executive Director of the Association of Independent Schools, Dr Geoff Newcombe, said they were delighted New South Wales had been chosen.
“The independent school sector looks forward to working closely with the new national curriculum authority,” Dr Newcombe said.
The President of the Secondary Principals’ Council, Jim McAlpine, welcomed the announcement, saying it recognised the outstanding work that had occurred in New South Wales over the years.
“The New South Wales Board of Studies has provided great leadership in curriculum design and development and has involved all important professional groups in its work,” Mr McAlpine said.
“I would hope that the direction of the national curriculum will follow the great example of the work done in this State,” he said.
22 April, 2009
Energy directed
at power plan
A five-point plan to secure Sydney’s power supply has been unveiled by the Minister for Energy, Ian Macdonald.Mr Macdonald said the plan, which includes stronger legislation to protect electricity cables and changes to the Electricity Supply Act, would complement the largest energy infrastructure program in NSW history.
“We are delivering the biggest energy program in the State’s history, with a series of projects underway right across NSW to put in place the infrastructure needed for major economic growth in the future,” he said.
“Almost $18 billion is proposed to be spent and over the next five years one third of the State’s electricity infrastructure will be replaced, renewed or upgraded.”
Mr Macdonald said under the five-point plan the Government aimed to recover costs for cable damage, change planning laws to improve cable management, enforce mandatory notification of cable damage and make ‘dial before you dig’ and notification of works time and place compulsory.
He said around $2 billion had been proposed to invest in replacing 132,000 Volt and 11,000 Volt underground cables and $800 million would be invested in the CityGrid project which would see the City West Cable Tunnel and City North Zone substation completed.
“Other plans include building an extra level of backup supply into the CBD electricity network by 2014 to make Sydney the first CBD in Australia to achieve that standard, matching major international cities like New York,” Mr Macdonald said.
He said the plan included a requirement that all Government buildings and infrastructure regularly test their back-up power systems.
“This $18 billion expansion of the electricity network is expected to generate 3,700 jobs,” Mr Macdonald said.
“For example, EnergyAustralia’s proposed $8.5 billion expansion of the network is expected to generate 2,500 long term jobs including 1,000 apprentices and engineering graduates over the next five years.”
Mr Macdonald said Integral Energy had proposed a $2.8 billion expansion of its network which would generate around 600 jobs, including 300 new apprenticeships over the next five years.
“We need these apprentices to help us deliver our largest investment in the electricity network in the State’s history,” he said.
Mr Macdonald said a range of measures are already in place to protect the power supply.
“EnergyAustralia is investing $3 million a day to upgrade and renew the electricity network and more than $3 million a week is being spent on a program of preventative maintenance, monitoring and repairs,” he said.
“It’s important to remember that about 70 per cent of all power interruptions are currently due to factors beyond the control of the networks, such as people accidentally digging up cables, car accidents involving power lines, and trees falling.”
22 April, 2009
Weed campaign plants
seeds for thought
A new campaign urging home gardeners to make sure their plants weren’t weeds before planting them has been launched by the Department of Primary Industries.Primary Industries Minister, Ian Macdonald, said the campaign, NSW - No Space 4 Weeds, was aimed at stopping the spread of weedy garden plants into the environment and farms.
Mr Macdonald warned gardeners that weeds were one of the greatest threats to the Australian environment.
“They threaten the survival of more than 1,000 of our plant and animal species and make food production more expensive,” he said.
“With 65 per cent of our environmental weeds spreading from gardens, simple activities such as choosing non-weedy plants and disposing of garden waste properly will help reduce the impact of weeds in NSW.”
Mr Macdonald said the campaign highlighted the seriousness of the issue and called on residents to do their part to stop the spread.
“It’s time to stop and think about what we plant and how this impacts on the environment and our primary industries,” he said.
“A plant that suits one area may be a weed in another, so it’s important that we get advice from our Local Council weeds officer or accredited nursery.”
Mr Macdonald said gardeners needed to manage their plants to ensure they didn’t spread by removing old flower heads, fruits and berries and disposing of them correctly.
The campaign is set to run for the next five years and includes advertisements and an interactive display at major events such as the Royal Easter Show.
An education package developed by the Cooperative Research Centre for Australian Weed Management will also be rolled out to support the campaign.
NSW - No Space 4 Weeds is an initiative of the NSW Department of Primary Industries and funded by the NSW Noxious Weed grants program.
Further information was available from www.dpi.nsw.gov.au
22 April, 2009
School contractors in
class of their own
The Department of Commerce has announced seven Managing Contractors to take control of the 12,700 school building and improvement projects NSW has secured under the Commonwealth’s Nation Building Education program.Premier, Nathan Rees, said the appointments would result in almost 9,000 jobs across the State and meant NSW had the best project delivery companies working on local projects.
“These successful tenderers will deliver the best value for money whilst ensuring we respond to local conditions and local employment opportunities,” Mr Rees said.
“More than $2.8 billion of the Commonwealth’s Nation Building funds is being used to benefit our school communities in these difficult economic times.”
He said students, parents, teachers, local trades people and suppliers would all benefit from the injection of funds.
“We will be delivering over 12,700 projects - this means there will be more than $400 million of expenditure in the 10 education regions in NSW over 24 months,” Mr Rees said.
He said jobs would be created for around 2,000 local subcontractors and trades people; 1,800 local site managers, local building project managers, surveyors and site planners; and 4,000 to 5,000 jobs would be generated in secondary industries such as truck drivers, manufacturing and fabrication companies.
“We also estimate that around 820 apprenticeships will be created or at least sustained through this program of works,” Mr Rees said.
“We are embarking on the fastest program of capital expenditure ever attempted.”
He compared the program to the Olympic Games, saying it was “twice the budget, to be delivered in half the time and with a hundred times as many projects”.
Mr Rees urged industry, communities and schools to work together and encouraged interested businesses to register at www.det.nsw.gov.au
He announced the successful tenderers as:
- Bovis Lend Lease P/L in the Hunter Central Coast and Northern Sydney Regions
- Richard Crookes Constructions in the Illawarra
- Reed Constructions in the North Coast and New England Regions
- Laing O’Rourke Australia Constructions P/L in the Riverina and Western NSW regions
- Hansen Yuncken P/L in South Western Sydney
- Abigroup P/L in Sydney region; and
- Brookfield Multiplex Constructions P/L in Western Sydney.
22 April, 2009
Centrelink swoop
cashes in on cheats
Centrelink investigators in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth have swooped on welfare cheats in raids and operations that could net taxpayers more than $215,000 in overpayments.Federal Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig, said dozens of Centrelink customers had been identified for failing to declare cash-in-hand payments.
Senator Ludwig warned others that Centrelink’s Intelligence Analysts and Fraud Investigators were able to detect suspected cases of fraud.
“Ripping off the welfare system by deliberately not declaring income to Centrelink will not be tolerated,” he said.
“While the vast majority of customers do the right thing there is a need for investigators to undertake these types of operations to catch those trying to rort the system.”
Senator Ludwig said workers in over 200 fast food outlets, cafes, bars, clubs and businesses offering adult services were interviewed in Sydney, with 29 Centrelink customers caught working for cash.
He said 22 of these customers had their Government payments suspended, and the remaining seven were still under investigation.
He said taxpayers could save around $154,000 as a result.
Senator Ludwig said over 100 taxi drivers had been interviewed in North Melbourne, sparking investigations into 15 cases which could save taxpayers up to $60,000.
Twenty three taxi drivers from Perth Airport are also facing further investigation over undeclared earnings.
“These operations send a clear message to the community that the system is fair and it will pursue those people who try to take advantage of it,” Senator Ludwig said.
Centrelink worked with the Police, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, Australian Taxation Office and the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service to conduct the operations.
People with information about potential fraud cases have been encouraged to contact the Government Services Fraud Tip-Off Line on 13 15 24 or visit www.centrelink.gov.au
22 April, 2009
Firefighters warm to
Anzac Day march
NSW Fire Brigades are to take a prominent place in this week’s Anzac Day activities with over 160 firefighters lining up to march in Sydney.The NSWFB will first hold a remembrance service and wreath laying ceremony at City of Sydney Fire Station, a custom which has been practised since 1928.
After the service NSWFB Commissioner, Greg Mullins, will take the salute from the contingent as it moves to the starting point for the Anzac Day March at Martin Place.
Organisers said the NSWFB contingent held a long established tradition of saluting the War Widows gathered on George Street, as well as City of Sydney Fire Station firefighters and the Commissioner, who will assemble on Bathurst Street as the contingent passes.
The marching firefighters will include serving and ex-services personnel as well as those who have family and relatives who fought in major wars.
The award-winning NSWFB Band will also march.
The band performs extensively throughout NSW and is leaving for a tour of the United States’ west coast in June this year.
The NSWFB contingent will be led by Assistant Commissioner, Bob Dobson, who has organised and led the NSWFB contingent in the March since 1986.
Anzac day 2009 marks Assistant Commissioner Dobson’s final day as a serving officer in the NSWFB and will be the last year he leads the NSWFB contingent in the march.
Assistant Commissioner Dobson will retire from the NSWFB after the march ending more than 39 years of service.
The march is held on 25 April and will begin with a commemorative service at 8am at City of Sydney Fire Station before moving on to Martin Place for a 9:30am start.
The march will follow George Street and Bathurst Street before finishing at Hyde Park.
22 April, 2009
Motor dealers revved
up by Fair Trading
The Office of Fair Trading has been ordered to take a tough stance against unlicensed motor vehicle dealers following an operation that uncovered high numbers of potentially illegal activities.Minister for Fair Trading, Virginia Judge said she was determined to see the illegal traders stamped out.
According to the Minister, the biggest blitz ever on unlicensed motor vehicle dealers, entitled Operation Winner, found 314 potentially unlicensed motor dealers at eight motor vehicle auctions, with 301 of them buying repairable write-offs.
“I am determined to see unlicensed motor dealers are stamped out, and have instructed Fair Trading to further investigate these potentially illegal activities,” Ms Judge said.
She said individuals identified in Operation Winner had bought up to 35 vehicles a year each, totalling almost 3,000 vehicles between them
“Unlicensed motor dealing is against the law,” Ms Judge said.
“It affects consumer confidence and hurts the reputation of licensed motor dealers who run their businesses fairly.”
She said anyone who carried on the business of buying, selling or exchanging motor vehicles without a valid licence could face penalties of $5,500 or prosecution with fines on conviction of up to $110,000.
Ms Judge praised Fair Trading investigators, saying they had worked with NSW Police to tackle the issue which had been raised by people in the car industry at the Western Sydney Community Cabinet last year.
She said after being alerted to the issue she had convened a roundtable in Penrith to examine the matter in greater detail.
“As you can see from these results, we are tackling a serious problem head-on,” Ms Judge said.
Operation Winner follows three motor industry compliance operations undertaken by Fair Trading in the past year, with penalties ranging from $550 to $5,500 depending on the breach of the Act.
Ms Judge said Operation Sutherland had included inspections of 59 licensed motor dealers and dismantlers in Sutherland Shire last year; Operation Thunderbird had targeted Parramatta Road motor dealers resulting in total fines of $46,500; and Operation Chariot II had targeted unlicensed motor vehicle dealing over the internet.
“Thanks to the ongoing efforts of Fair Trading, NSW car buyers will be better protected and decent motor dealers can go about their business in a fairer marketplace,” she said.
22 April, 2009
Numbers up for
jail phone users
The Department of Corrective Services has launched a trial program to train sniffer dogs to find mobile phones on prison visitors and inmates.Minister for Corrective Services, John Robertson described the move as an exciting NSW first which, if successful, would make Correctional Centres and communities much safer.
Mr Robertson said as mobile phones became smaller, it was more difficult to detect them.
“We all use mobile phones everyday but in the hands of a dangerous and violent criminal - a mobile phone can be a murder weapon,” he said.
“That’s why the State Government is exploring innovative programs like the canine phone detection initiative to keep the crims in and the phones out.”
Mr Robertson said during the trial the dogs would be trained at the Corrective Services Dog Detection Unit to recognise the smell of lithium, a chemical found in mobile phone batteries.
He said if the training was successful the program would be rolled out state-wide.
Commissioner for Corrective Services, Ron Woodham, said the issue of inmates possessing mobile telephones was a constant concern.
“Mobile telephones create a significant security threat in jails including, but not limited to plotting an escape; intimidation of witnesses and running an illegal business,” Commissioner Woodham said.
“The Department is determined to stop the trafficking of mobile phones into centres and any person caught doing so will be dealt with to the full extent of the law.”
Bringing mobile telephones into a correctional centre is an offence under the Summary Offences Act 1988 no. 25 andis punishable by a two-year custodial sentence, a $2,200 fine or both.
Mr Robertson said the Government was continually looking for ways to make NSW prisons safer.
“Metal detectors, intelligence based targeted searches of inmates and contraband searches of prison visitors are some of the existing strategies in place to keep prisons mobile phone free,” he said.
The Mobile Phone Detection trial will commence at the Windsor Canine Unit this month, with a Border Collie named Boe and Labrador named Jedda to be the first dogs to attend mobile phone detection school.
22 April, 2009
IP consultation
a good idea
Members of the public have been invited to have their say on proposed reforms to Australia's intellectual property system.Federal Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr, made the call saying a strong and efficient IP system was a cornerstone of successful innovation.
“The proposed reforms are designed to help Australian innovators take their inventions to a global marketplace and encourage foreign investors to bring their new technology to Australia,” Senator Carr said.
“This means growth both for our economy and our skilled workforce.”
He said the call for submissions provided a valuable opportunity for interested parties to contribute to the work of strengthening Australia’s innovation sector and boosting the nation’s economic prosperity.
“The multifaceted reforms aim to reduce barriers in the innovation landscape for researchers and inventors, allow patent claims to be resolved faster and strengthen penalties for counterfeiting and other serious forms of trade mark infringement,” he said.
“I encourage all stakeholders to make submissions and let their views be known.”
He said IP Australia was commencing consultation on two reform papers and would release further papers over the coming months.
The Getting the Balance Right paper was about raising patentability standards and giving greater certainty in the validity of granted patents while the Exemptions to Patent Infringement paper looked at ensuring that patents did not inhibit research and development in Australia.
The Minister said they were available at the IP website along with information on how to provide submissions at www.ipaustralia.gov.au. Submissions close 8 May 2009.
22 April, 2009
New weapon to fight
organised crime
A coordinated national approach to combatting organised crime in Australia is to be developed by the nation’s Attorneys-General.At a recent meeting in Canberra, the Attorneys agreed to consider common features that may be contained in State, Territory and Federal legislation to ensure there are no safe havens for organised crime groups.
Commonwealth Attorney-General, Robert McClelland said he would consider a range of legislative measures to facilitate this national response.
This may include greater telecommunications interception powers for covert investigations, making it easier to confiscate criminals’ assets and enhancing the cross-border investigative powers of law enforcement authorities.
Other proposals agreed to by the Attorneys-General to put to their States and Territories include coercive questioning of subjects, use of more sophisticated surveillance devices and protection of witnesses.
Mr McClelland said organised crime operated on a national scale and was estimated to cost Australia over $10 billion every year.
He said the Commonwealth was developing an Organised Crime Strategic Framework to enhance the understanding of threats posed by organised crime and improve the capacity to effectively prevent, disrupt, investigate and prosecute its activities.
22 April, 2009
BOCSAR statistics
show crime scene
The Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research has released its crime statistics for the two years to December 2008 which reveal that two major categories of crime rose, seven remained stable and eight fell.The statistics showed theft from retail stores increased by 7.8 per cent and fraud by 15.7 per cent.
There were recorded decreases in robbery without a weapon (down 6%); Robbery with a firearm (down 31%); robbery with a weapon not a firearm (down 19.1%); break and enter - dwelling (down 5.9%); break and enter - non-dwelling (down 6.2%); motor vehicle theft (down 8.9%); theft from a motor vehicle (down 7%); and theft from a person (down 12.2%)
Director of the Bureau, Don Weatherburn, said the downward trends in robbery were particularly encouraging.
“NSW has historically had the highest robbery rates in the country,” Dr Weatherburn said.
“Yet the rate of robbery with a firearm in NSW is now at its lowest point in more than 15 years, while the rate of robbery with a weapon other than a firearm is lower than it has been in more than a decade.”
The Bureau largely attributed the increase in fraud to a surge in petrol theft during 2008, saying the drop in petrol prices in December 2008 had led to a drop in petrol theft, which was likely to continue into 2009.
Regional crime rates were generally consistent with those across the State, with 94 per cent of all trend tests showing stable or falling crime.
However, there were some areas where regional trends bucked the trend for the State as a whole, including a 16 per cent increase in recorded incidences of break and enter in a dwelling and a 28 per cent increase in theft from a motor vehicle in the Central West.
The Bureau reported the growth in break and enter came from three Local Government Areas within the Central West Statistical Division - Cabonne, Forbes and Orange.
It said Cowra and Orange had also seen dramatic increases in theft from motor vehicles with rises of 198 per cent and 93 per cent respectively.
The Inner Sydney Statistical Subdivision stood out with decreases of over 20 per cent in five categories and 10 per cent in three.
The best performing LGAs were Sydney, which had downward trends for nine out of 17 major categories and Marrickville, which had downward trends in seven of 17 major categories.
Baulkham Hills and Orange were recognised as the worst performers, each recording upward trends for five of the 17 major categories.
The Bureau said the remaining seven major categories of crime: murder; assault - domestic violence related; assault - non-domestic violence related; sexual assault; indecent assault; act of indecency and other sexual offences; steal from dwelling and malicious damage to property, remained stable.
It said there were increases in crimes outside the top 17 categories, including increased drug offences and bail breaches which may reflect increased law enforcement rather than increased crime.
22 April, 2009
Online complaints
download warning
Almost 3,000 complaints against on-line traders in the past year have prompted Fair Trading Minister, Virginia Judge to warn consumers to be careful shopping online.Ms Judge said while over half Australians buy and sell goods on the internet, many had been hit with the perils of virtual trading.
“I am very concerned about the number of people who are being ripped off or caught out while shopping online,” she said.
“Shopping online is easy and convenient but there are major risks associated with purchasing products over the internet.”
Ms Judge said almost 50 per cent of the complaints related to non or partial delivery of goods, faults or damages and products not matching their descriptions.
“Fourteen per cent of complaints related directly to refunds, overcharging and other money issues,” she said.
“New technologies offer consumers many benefits, but with these benefits come new traps.
“Consumers need to be aware of the pitfalls of buying online, to avoid scams and costly mistakes.”
Ms Judge said the Office of Fair Trading had produced a list of ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’ for shopping online.
She encouraged consumers to research sites and only make purchases from sites they trusted, ensure the business was reputable and had a physical address; check the site’s return and refund policy, look out for hidden costs such as packing and not to provide bank account details, credit card numbers or other personal details to businesses they did not completely trust.
“I also recommend that you shop around, keep receipts and carefully check your credit card statements,” Ms Judge said.
“If you have any doubts I urge you to call the Office of Fair Trading on 13 32 20.”
22 April, 2009
Investment guide is
value for money
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has published a new guide to help investors and consumers get the best out of their term deposits.The Commission will also conduct a marketing and disclosure review of the term deposit market.
Term deposits in authorised Deposit-taking Institutions (ADIs) have grown by 39 per cent from June 2007 to September 2008, and ASIC estimates they now exceed $500 billion, making them one of the most used investments by investors and consumers.
Chairman of ASIC, Tony D’Aloisio said that the growth in ADI deposits, primarily term deposits, had been driven by investors and consumers reassessing risk reward premiums in favour of ADI-backed term deposits with the Commonwealth Government guarantee.
“ASIC will conduct a review of the marketing and disclosure associated with term deposits to test their adequacy,” Mr D’Aloisio said.
“We expect to complete our review by the end of May.”
He said ASIC would update the investor and consumer guide based on the findings of the review and issue additional guidance as necessary.
Mr D’Aloisio said investors and consumers should continue to have confidence in term deposits with ADIs.
“Our review is simply a ‘health check’ to ensure that investors and consumers can make properly informed decisions when choosing to make term deposits or to roll over existing deposits,” he said.
The new guide appears on ASIC’s investor and consumer website, www.fido.gov.au
22 April, 2009
Legal reforms throw
book at lawyers
A package of reforms to the governance of the legal profession proposed by Attorney-General John Hatzistergos includes measures to penalise legal firms that overcharge and exploit their clients.Mr Hatzistergos presented his options to a recent meeting of the Standing Committee of Attorneys General, saying although the majority of the legal profession acted with integrity, there were allegations that some lawyers overcharged clients, particularly those with limited English skills.
“The NSW Government has developed a package of options that seek to ensure greater transparency and accountability in the area of legal fees,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
He suggested the Standing Committee consider strengthening the provision that a written disclosure to a client may be in a language the client is more familiar with than English; requiring law practices to provide periodic, itemised bills to clients in personal injury matters; and prohibiting lawyers from deducting legal costs from a settlement amount before informing clients of the settlement amount or issuing them with a bill.
He also suggested a bill or cover letter must be signed by a principal of a law practice rather than a legal practitioner and that law practices be prohibited from charging excessive costs in a legal matter with a financial penalty for breaching this without a reasonable excuse.
Mr Hatzistergos said these options would send a strong message to law firms that overcharging vulnerable clients was unacceptable.
“The risk of having an adverse finding against a law practice would make its principals careful to ensure their firm is compliant with the law,” he said.
Mr Hatzistergos said he would like the options to be referred to a national working party for consultation with stakeholders.
22 April, 2009
No plans to sell school land
Minister for Education and Training, Verity Firth, has denied media reports that there were plans to sell large quantities of school land.
Ms Firth said Government policy stipulated land could only be sold if it was not needed for educational purposes and after extensive community consultation.
“School communities can rest assured, I would never agree to a proposal like this,” she said.
Timetable consultation
CityRail customers who travel on the Hunter Line have been invited to have their say on a proposed timetable to be introduced later in 2009.
The proposed timetable was available from the CityRail website, www.cityrail.info and feedback can be provided online or by calling the Transport Infoline on 131 500.
The local consultation period will run from until 1 May.
Fishers caught
A state-wide operation has cracked down on illegal fishing and handed out 249 infringement notices.
Over 4,600 fishers were checked by fisheries officers over the Easter long weekend, with infringement notices being issued to people who didn’t hold a recreational fishing licence, illegal use of fishing gear and offences relating to bag and size limits.
Witnesses of illegal fishing are urged to contact the Fisher’s Watch Line on 1800 043 536.
Info for businesses
Free information expos offering advice on dispute resolution, compliance, insolvency issues and business management have been made available for builders and tradespeople.
Minister for Fair Trading, Virginia Judge, said licence holders who attended one of the 15 Building Business Information Expos could earn up to four Continuing Professional Development points.
WorkCover, the Department of Planning, the Building Professionals Board, Long Service Payments, Security of Payments (Commerce) and the Office of Industrial Relations have all been invited to participate in the expos.
Language teachers sought
The Government has sought expressions of interest from people eager to protect and teach Aboriginal languages, with one-off grants of up to $25,000 available to Aboriginal community organisations.
Applications close on 22 May 2009, with further information available from www.alrrc.nsw.gov.au or by phoning 02-9219 0700.
Port has good year
Economic forecasts have predicted the Port of Newcastle will have a strong trade year despite the economic downturn.
Acting Minister for Ports and Waterways, Michael Daley, said the latest statistics showed 72.66 million tonnes of trade passed through the port in the nine months to March this year, almost 2.87 million tonnes more than the same period in 2007-08.
CAPAM meets on leadership
The Commonwealth Association for Public Administration and Management (CAPAM) is holding its 2009 Building Public Service Leadership Capacity Conference in Cukai, Malaysia.
In partnership with the Malaysian National Institute for Public Administration, the conference has as its theme the development of the next generation of Public Service leaders in Commonwealth countries.
“This challenge is especially difficult in the unique setting of the Public Service where organisations are immense, complex and multi-dimensioned,” CAPAM said in a statement on its website.
The conference, from June 22 to 24, builds on previous meetings in India (2005) and Ghana (2007).
Registration for the conference will open shortly.
15 April, 2009
Guidelines address tangled web 2.0
State Records has issued a new set of guidelines for dealing with important records generated via the internet and particularly web 2.0.The guidelines also offer tips on how to capture records created on web 2.0 and case studies are given as examples.
According to the guidelines, many web 2.0 applications create records that may need to be accounted for for legal reasons.
“It is important to remember that records are not defined by their format,” the guidelines say.
“New technologies such as web 2.0 are a challenge for records professionals as they produce records but are not designed for information capture and maintenance.”
The guidelines say record management professionals need to become aware of web applications being used or proposed to be used within their organisation and they should work out ways of capturing and preserving the required information as records.
“It is not appropriate for a records professional to ignore the use of web 2.0 applications within their organisation,” the guidelines say.
“Records professionals need to integrate web 2.0 applications into their records management programs rather than alienating it.”
They say a proactive approach would help prevent information losses that may result from the use of web 2.0 tools and include a “problems and advice’ section that guides records managers on how best to deal with issues likely to arise from web 2.0 interactions.
They suggest that getting in early is a good idea,
“It is good practice to make decisions on what needs to be captured before the commencement of using any web 2.0 technologies,” the guidelines say.
“The best way to do this is by a process of appraisal.”
To assist in the ongoing management of information used on web 2.0 and to keep the guidelines relevant and useable, State Records has set up an internet blog to host a discussion thread and has invited comments and questions.
“We envisage these guidelines will need to be updated more often than others,” the Agency says.
“So if you have some helpful tips or discussion points on this new area of recordkeeping, please add them to the blog.”
More information about the web 2.0 guidelines or State Records activities can be found on the State Records website www.records.nsw.gov.au/recordkeeping/
15 April, 2009
Gov’t takes chance on private lotteries
State Treasurer, Eric Roozendaal, has announced that some of the products of NSW Lotteries are to be licensed to the private sector.Mr Roozendaal said the Government would retain ownership of the products and their intellectual property but a long-term exclusive licence would be negotiated for their distribution.
The announcement was accompanied by a discussion paper on regulatory changes needed to ensure adequate controls existed over the private operator.
The Public Service Association criticised the plan.
According to Mr Roozendaal, the funds spent on running the lotteries could be better spent on other priorities such as health, transport and education.
“As a strong and resilient business, NSW Lotteries is a compelling investment opportunity,” Mr Roozendaal said.
He said the decision to offer the licence followed a strategic review of the NSW Lotteries business which considered current market conditions, the performance of the business, the reigning regulatory framework and possible licence terms, transaction structure and a timetable.
“The views of key stakeholders, including employees and NSW Lotteries agents, would continue to be an important consideration,” Mr Roozendaal said.
“The fair and equitable treatment of these stakeholders has been central to our deliberations.”
He said the features of the plan were that the Government would retain full ownership of the brands and IP and it would issue an exclusive, long term licence of about 30 years to the new operator.
He foreshadowed a need for new regulations to ensure the responsible behaviour of the new operator and said the Department of the Arts, Sport and Recreation had issued a consultation paper and invited comments from prospective licensees, key stakeholders and the community.
Minister for Gaming and Racing, Kevin Greene said the consultation process would ensure that the prospective operator of NSW Lotteries satisfied probity, capability and integrity requirements.
“We also need to ensure the sale of lottery products continues to be conducted responsibly and that harm minimisation remains a priority, especially as new technologies develop,” Mr Greene said.
Assistant General Secretary of the Public Service Association, Steve Turner said the decision to sell off the Lotteries “defied logic.”
"Selling off lotteries is like hocking off the family silver,” Mr Turner said.
“About a third of the cost of ticket sales is funnelled straight back into Government coffers each year.”
Mr Greene said the discussion paper was available on the Department of the Arts, Sport and Recreation website at www.dasr.nsw.gov.au and submissions could be made to lotteries@dasr.nsw.gov.au by 7 May 2009.
15 April, 2009
Waterway pollution is blooming Algae
The Department of Water and Energy has set up an Algal Information Hotline to provide the latest information on NSW waterways affected by outbreaks of blue-green algae.Minister for Water and Regional Development, Phil Costa, said there had been a number of recent outbreaks of the algae, including a major plume stretching 800 kilometres along the Murray between Albury and west of Swan Hill.
Mr Costa warned residents to avoid contact with the water in affected regions, saying the outbreak had been classified as Red Alert and was potentially toxic.
He said residents calling the hotline would be informed of which areas to avoid.
“A pre-recorded phone message will specify waterways currently under algal alert, as well as provide appropriate warnings for public health,” Mr Costa said.
He said appropriate local management strategies were in place to ensure town water supplies were not contaminated and completely safe for drinking.
He said water suppliers had put treatment systems in place to manage risks of contamination by blue-green algal toxins to water supplies in towns.
“This includes the border towns of Albury-Wodonga, Cobram-Barooga and Echuca-Moama,” he said.
“However, residents who are supplied by channel systems are advised to contact their water supply authority.”
Mr Costa said recent warm weather and the ongoing drought had created an excellent environment for the blue-green algae to flourish in.
“Blue-green algae is a naturally occurring phenomenon which is dependent on climatic conditions,” he said.
“It is expected this bloom will dissipate with the onset of cooler autumn weather patterns.”
Mr Costa said the Red Alert warning indicated that waters were unsuitable for recreational use or primary contact by domestic users and could pose a threat to livestock.
“The outbreak is being constantly monitored by the local Murray and Sunraysia Regional Algal Coordinating Committees, in conjunction with the Department of Water and Energy,” he said.
“Warning signs have been erected at key sites along the affected stretch of the Murray River to advise the public not to come into contact with affected water.”
Mr Costa reminded residents the toxic algae could cause gastroenteritis, skin and eye irritations, and respiratory conditions with hayfever-like symptoms.
He said boiling the water would not neutralise the algae.
Updates about blue-green algae blooms and red level warning areas could be obtained from the Algal Information Hotline on 1800 999 457 or www.dwe.nsw.gov.au
Anyone who has come in contact with the algae has been urged to seek medical advice.
15 April, 2009
Waste management paper is good tip
A consultation paper with the aim of establishing a national policy for waste management has been released for public comment.Issued by Environment Minister, Peter Garrett, A National Waste Policy: Managing Waste to 2020 is expected to help clarify what is appropriately dealt with at each level of Government - Local, State and Federal.
Mr Garrett said waste policy had not been considered in the national context since 1992 and that the paper was “a chance for us to agree on what our priorities should be in tackling waste and where they are best addressed.”
“The Australian Government, with support from State and Territory environment ministers through the Environment Protection and Heritage Council, is leading development of a national policy to identify best practice in waste management and resource recovery, and to ensure Australia has the right mix of incentives and regulation,” he said.
“Many State and Territory Governments are now reviewing their waste and resource recovery policies and all jurisdictions, as well as stakeholders, are being invited to contribute their experience and ideas.”
Mr Garrett said the amount of waste generated in Australia grew by more than 28 per cent between 2003 and 2007.
“I encourage the community to contribute their views, ideas and information by making a submission on the consultation paper to my Department or attending one of the public meetings taking place across Australia,” he said.
Submissions close on 13 May 2009.
Public meetings are scheduled for each capital city, Townsville, Kalgoorlie and Wagga Wagga from 21 April to 1 May 2009.
Further information was available from www.environment.gov.au
15 April, 2009
Science paper has winning formula
A research paper published by three Department of Primary Industries scientists has been chosen as one of the top 50 most cited from the international Journal of Animal Science.Science and Research Executive Director for DPI, Renata Brooks, said the American based Journal was one of the world’s most prestigious animal science journals.
Ms Brooks said a 2001 paper on the genetics of feed efficiency in beef cattle, authored by DPI scientists Dr Paul Arthur, Dr Robert Herd and Dr Peter Parnell had ranked 23rd on the list.
“This is a remarkable achievement given that more than 400 refereed papers are published in the journal each year,” she said.
Ms Brooks said the paper was the culmination of long term research beginning in1929 on an Angus herd at Trangie, which ultimately evaluated the effect of selection for increased growth rate on total herd profitability.
“It was the first comprehensive publication on feed efficiency genetics and it is still proving to be extremely valuable to other researchers and academics, in particular those now investigating ways to reduce methane emissions from cattle.”
“Methane accounts for 70 per cent of agriculture’s greenhouse gas emissions. Increasing feed efficiency is the fastest and most effective way to reduce methane emissions from cattle.”
Ms Brooks said the international recognition of the paper highlighted the high quality of research carried out by DPI scientists.
“DPI scientists have been ranked in the top 1 per cent of world research institutions in agricultural science, and plant and animal science,” she said.
“At any given time DPI scientists are undertaking more than 900 projects in collaboration with industry, other Government organisations and educational institutions to improve the profitability, sustainability and adaptability of the agricultural sector.”
15 April, 2009
NPWS hits trail to stop park vandalism
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has launched a 12-month campaign to combat vandalism and illegal trail bike riding in parks across the South East of the State.Director Southern from the NPWS, Alistair Henchman, said Operation ROPE, Random on Park Enforcement, would be a cooperative campaign with Police and other Government Agencies involved.
Mr Henchman said the crackdown had been prompted by increasing incidents of vandalism and illegal trail bike riding in the region's parks.
“The past year has been one of the worst we have experienced for vandalism in the parks,” he said.
“Destruction of signs and visitor facilities has been a real concern and we are determined to do something about this.”
Mr Henchman said as well as using remote cameras, NPWS staff and police would conduct frequent patrols on trail bikes in problem areas.
“One of the real problems we have is the use of unregistered trail bikes in national parks particularly on walking tracks and trails,” he said.
“Many of the riders are unlicensed as well. Aside from being a dangerous practise in remote areas a long way from medical assistance, trail bike riding on walking tracks can also be dangerous for bushwalkers as well as damaging to the environment.”
Mr Henchman said the campaign would also attempt to curtail other activities such as illegal hunting, illegal firewood collection and anti-social behavior.
He said licensed riders driving registered trail bikes on formed roads available to the public were acceptable.
“Our greatest allies in fighting illegal activity in the parks continue to be park visitors, many of whom have readily provided information to us which has led to successful prosecutions,” Mr Henchman said.
“All information we receive about illegal activity is treated with the strictest confidentiality.”
15 April, 2009
Health makes noise about mosquitoes
NSW Health has issued a warning to people living in or travelling to bushland that they should cover up to avoid mosquito bites as autumn is the peak season for mosquitoes to spread their diseases.Director of Communicable Diseases at NSW Health, Dr Jeremy McAnulty, said even people visiting bushland around Sydney should take care.
“Ross River and Barmah Forest virus infections can cause major illness with symptoms that include tiredness, rash, fever and sore and swollen joints that typically last several days,” Dr McAnulty said.
“Residents and visitors to rural areas are advised to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites and minimise their exposure to these viruses.”
He said while the diseases were not life threatening, they could be quite serious.
Dr McAnulty advised people to avoid mosquito bites by avoiding the outdoors in the late afternoon and at dusk, wearing insect repellent and clothing that covered arms and legs.
He also suggested people fit fly screens to windows and doors to help keep mosquitoes out of their houses.
He said further information on Ross River Fever and other diseases was available from NSW Health on www.health.nsw.gov.au
15 April, 2009
Health makes noise about mosquitoes
NSW Health has issued a warning to people living in or travelling to bushland that they should cover up to avoid mosquito bites as autumn is the peak season for mosquitoes to spread their diseases.Director of Communicable Diseases at NSW Health, Dr Jeremy McAnulty, said even people visiting bushland around Sydney should take care.
“Ross River and Barmah Forest virus infections can cause major illness with symptoms that include tiredness, rash, fever and sore and swollen joints that typically last several days,” Dr McAnulty said.
“Residents and visitors to rural areas are advised to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites and minimise their exposure to these viruses.”
He said while the diseases were not life threatening, they could be quite serious.
Dr McAnulty advised people to avoid mosquito bites by avoiding the outdoors in the late afternoon and at dusk, wearing insect repellent and clothing that covered arms and legs.
He also suggested people fit fly screens to windows and doors to help keep mosquitoes out of their houses.
He said further information on Ross River Fever and other diseases was available from NSW Health on www.health.nsw.gov.au
15 April, 2009
Suntan campaign shows colour
A campaign to draw awareness to the dangers of sun tanning appears to be having an effect with the Minister Assisting the Minister for Health on Cancer, Jodi McKay releasing statistics to show it is working.Ms McKay said the campaign, which finished in February, had shown the dangers of melanoma and challenged common misconceptions about tanning.
“The Dark Side of Tanning campaign sent a very powerful message regarding melanoma and just how deadly tanning can be,” she said.
“Feedback on the campaign from the Cancer Institute NSW indicates recognition was high among both males and females with the young adult specific advertising having a very strong impact on the target market.”
Ms McKay said 60 per cent of people surveyed said they had increased, or planned to increase their sun protection after seeing the campaign.
“A similar proportion (61 per cent) said they would be less likely to tan as a result of seeing the campaign,” she said.
“We have been working hard to raise awareness of melanoma in order to change behaviour and impact on incidence and mortality and the results presented here are encouraging.”
Ms McKay said while it was encouraging to see the advertisements had an impact on young adults, there was still more work to do.
She said there had been 3,559 new cases of melanoma in NSW in 2006, making it the fourth most common cancer.
However, she said the public frequently perceived it as less deadly than it really is.
“This misconception can translate into complacency and dangerous tanning behavior.
“Melanoma rates increased across almost all ages, with overall rates in the five years to the end of 2006 up 18.5 per cent in males and up 16.7 per cent in females.”
Ms McKay encouraged people to look for early signs of melanoma such as changes to the shape, colour and size of freckles, moles and blemishes and to be regularly checked by a doctor.
“Melanoma is by far the most serious cancer affecting our youth, but we can make a difference by getting young people to protect their skin when they’re outdoors.
15 April, 2009
DECC’s hands dirty on land contamination
Draft guidelines on the public’s duty to report land contamination have been released by the Department of Environment and Climate Change for public comment.The Department said the Draft Guidelines on the Duty to Report Contamination were developed under the Contaminated Land Management Act 1997.
The Act was amended in 2008 to allow sites to be cleaned up more efficiently while reinforcing the idea that the ‘polluter pays’.
The amendments are expected to come into force on 1 June 2009, and include introducing new powers to order a preliminary investigation to assist the EPA with decision making, to streamline investigation and remediation processes and allow the EPA to declare land to be ‘significantly contaminated’.
The amendments would also introduce new regulation-making powers for the Minister for pollution 'off-set' programs and would expand the penalty for providing false or misleading information to the EPA.
The amendments would enable management orders to be issued to those responsible for contaminating the land, allow the EPA to recover some administrative costs and require land owners and people carrying out certain activities to notify the EPA of contamination.
The proposed amendments were prepared in response to a review of the Contaminated Land Management Act, which highlighted areas which would provide greater clarity and simplify and streamline regulatory procedures.
The review was held in 2003 and included extensive public consultation.
Submissions on the draft guidelines close on 28 August 2009, with more information available from www.environment.nsw.gov.au
Submissions on the Contaminated Land Management Bill could be made by 12 October 2009, with further information available from clm.bill@environment.nsw.gov.au
15 April, 2009
Infrastructure review is big ticket item
The Commonwealth has proposed a package of reforms to improve the system by which large infrastructure assets are shared by other users.Federal Minister for Competition Policy, Chris Bowen has put his reforms to all States and Territories in a bid to have the National Access Regime improved to increase its efficiency and enhance competition.
The National Access Regime was established under the Commonwealth’s Trade Practices Act to ensure that large infrastructure assets were able to be used by third parties on reasonable terms and conditions, so that they don’t have to be duplicated by every user.
Mr Bowen said while the regime appeared to be working effectively, there were concerns it was generating regulatory risks that were hindering investment in essential infrastructure.
He said some infrastructure owners and access seekers claimed that processes under the regime were too lengthy and costly and that there was a broad consensus that something needed to be done to speed up the process.
“Currently, processes under the National Access Regime can go on for years,” Mr Bowen said.
“The National Access Regime needs to be improved to make decisions and arbitration faster.”
He said the package of reforms drew on recommendations from the Council of Australian Governments (COAG), the Productivity Commission, the National Competition Council (NCC) and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
He said the reforms would streamline administrative arrangements and provide greater regulatory certainty for infrastructure owners.
He said the reforms would implement COAG Competition and Infrastructure Reform Agreement commitments; streamline decision-making criteria and processes; improve regulatory certainty; and reform ACCC and NCC administrative processes.
Mr Bowen emphasised the changes would not strengthen or weaken the criteria for application of the regime.
“The reforms strike an appropriate balance between the rights and interests of infrastructure owners and investors on the one hand, and the competition benefits of facilitating access on the other,” he said.
“This will ensure both investment in nationally significant infrastructure and the efficient use of that infrastructure.”
Mr Bowen said the regime promoted the efficient use of nationally significant infrastructure and facilitated access in cases where replicating the infrastructure concerned would not be economical and where commercial negotiation with the infrastructure owner or operator has failed.
He said changes to the National Access Regime would be made in the next few months, after the State and Territory views had been considered.
15 April, 2009
Schools enlisted to mark ANZAC day
NSW schools have been urged to take an active role in the commemoration of Anzac Day to ensure the sacrifice of young men and women in the service of the nation is not forgotten.Premier Nathan Rees said that he and 12 student recipients of the 2009 Premier’s ANZAC Memorial Scholarships would travel to Gallipoli for ANZAC Day to help keep the ANZAC spirit alive.
“We will go to honour and respect the efforts of all our service men and women,” Mr Rees said.
“This tour will help bring the study of history alive by providing the students with a rare opportunity to see for themselves the battlefields of Gallipoli where Australian soldiers showed valour and bravery.”
Speaking at the RSL and Schools Remember ANZAC Commemoration Service, Mr Rees said the story of Gallipoli must never be forgotten.
He joined over 800 students and teachers for the annual Service at the ANZAC Memorial in Sydney's Hyde Park.
Mr Rees participated in a wreath laying ceremony and inspected the official guard which was led by Cadet Under Officer, David Tian from the James Ruse Agricultural High School Australian Army Cadet Unit.
Canterbury Girls High School student, Gabrielle Craven, presented an ANZAC address on behalf of all students.
Mr Rees said listening to the youths share their understanding of the ANZAC tradition was inspiring.
“It is also moving to recall that many of those who served Australia in its hour of need were only a few years older than the students representing their schools at today's ceremony,” he said.
“A growing number of students are pursuing the stories of individual service personnel, some members of their own families.”
Minister for Education, Verity Firth, joined Mr Rees at the Service, saying the significance the Government placed on remembering the ANZAC spirit was reflected in NSW school curriculum.
“Students are gaining a strong and deep understanding of the significance of ANZAC Day and the part it plays in defining the Australian spirit,” Ms Firth said.
“This emphasis on studying the experiences of Australians at war is reflected in a growing number of young people joining ANZAC remembrances across the State.”
15 April, 2009
Fireweed no match for new DPI officer
A specialist fireweed project officer has been appointed by the Department of Primary Industries to introduce a five-year campaign to tackle fireweed across the State by improving pasture management.Minister for Primary Industries, Ian Macdonald, said the new officer, Craig Muir, would focus on raising the awareness of fireweed control methods among livestock producers on the productive coastal regions of NSW.
“He will support landholders, Local Councils and DPI and Catchment Management Authority staff in tackling this rampant endemic weed,” Mr Macdonald said.
“This will involve running workshops, conducting management trials and demonstrations and providing best practice technical information.”
Mr Muir said it was up to individual landholders and Councils to stop the spread of fireweed.
“I will be working with Councils and landholders in parts of the State where fireweed is a noxious weed to minimise its impact on primary production,” Mr Muir said.
"Early action, vigilance and persistence are the keys to success in the fight against fireweed.”
Mr Muir said maintaining competitive pastures year-round was crucial for fireweed control.
“Getting pasture management right - including seeding, fertilisers, pesticides and grazing - will help reduce the impact of fireweed,” he said.
Mr Muir said for areas not affected by fireweed, prevention was the key.
“Care must be taken to ensure fireweed seed isn’t imported onto your property by new livestock or in fodder,” he said.
“Working with your neighbours to stop it spreading ‘over-the-fence’ is also crucial.”
Manager of Weeds at DPI, Richard Carter, said fireweed was widespread throughout the State and was most common in overgrazed or neglected pastures after drought, or on land that had been recently disturbed or cultivated.
Mr Carter said drought conditions over recent years had increased the area infested by fireweed to regions of the south coast, the Hunter and the north coast.
The control program has been funded through the NSW Fireweed Initiative 2008 - 2013 and was part of the NSW Invasive Species Plan developed following a review by the Noxious Weeds Advisory Committee.
15 April, 2009
Zoo animals at home in detention visit
Taronga Zoo’s ‘Zoomobile’ has visited the inmates of the Juniperina Juvenile Justice Centre and took the opportunity of teaching them the importance of wildlife conservation.Minister for Juvenile Justice, Graham West, said the young offenders were given the opportunity to listen to a Taronga Zoo Education Officer speak on the importance of protecting Australian wildlife and habitats.
Mr West said the visit included close-up encounters with native Australian animals such as echidnas and snakes.
“The visit fosters a young person’s appreciation for wildlife and helps them develop a real interest in animal conservation,” he said.
“The young people are encouraged to respect both the environment and the communities they live in.”
Education Officer from Taronga Zoo, Caroline Tibbitts, said Zoomobiles travelled throughout NSW offering a “hands on” wildlife experience for people who were unable to visit the zoo.
“The Zoomobile is literally a miniature ‘zoo on wheels’ that comes complete with a fantastic array of Australian native animals,” Ms Tibbitts said.
She said the visit to the Juvenile Justice Centre allowed the young people in custody to meet “‘Spike,’ the echidna, ‘Treeo,’ the Green tree frog, ‘Mulga,’ the galah, ‘Levi,’ the ringtail possum, ‘Little Spots,’ the diamond python and ‘Sludge,’ the shingleback lizard.”
15 April, 2009
Repairs plan nailed in stimulus deal
An injection of $178 million of Federal funding into the maintenance programs of NSW schools is expected to see 1,334 Government schools receive new carpets, fresh paint jobs and playground upgrades.Minister for Education and Training, Verity Firth, announced the first round of the Commonwealth Government’s National School Pride maintenance program, saying it would create around 1,000 jobs across the State.
Ms Firth said the program was the first phase of economic stimulus spending in NSW schools as part of the $4.9 billion Building the Education Revolution program.
“The Commonwealth is also funding around $100 million worth of maintenance for 1,148 non-Government schools,” she said
Ms Firth said the Government had introduced measures to help create and protect local jobs as part of the stimulus spending.
“To help connect people in the construction industry who are interested in being part of this program, the NSW Department of Education and Training has set up a website where contractors, tradespeople and suppliers can register their details,” she said.
“I would encourage all interested parties to visit the Department’s website as soon as possible.”
Ms Firth said the Federal money was in addition to the funds contributed by the NSW Government to public education.
“In NSW we are already spending more than $2 billion over four years to deliver the largest public education and training capital works program ever undertaken in the State,” she said.
“Maintenance works being funded under the federal National School Pride program might not be particularly glamorous, but they are important to the everyday life of NSW schools.”
15 April, 2009
Commercial plan is on the money
A plan for the orderly development of retail and commercial Centres has been released by the State Minister for Planning, Kristina Keneally.Ms Keneally said the plan would promote investment and jobs in the retail and commercial development industry.
“The retail and commercial sectors are the backbone of the modern NSW economy and a key contributor to the creation of the kinds of communities in which people want to live,” she said.
“In 2007 the retail and commercial sectors contributed 41 per cent or $125 billion to the State’s economic growth, as well as 1.5 million jobs - almost half of all employment in this State.”
Ms Keneally said after public and industry feedback and submissions, the policy would ensure the supply of commercial land exceeded the market’s demand, encouraging competition by allowing space for new businesses to open.
“The NSW Government can, should and must do what we can to provide a planning system which helps businesses and communities grow,” she said.
She said the planning system could be used to encourage competition and business investment, or by companies to stop competitors moving nearby.
“That’s a point which has been made in studies by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and the Productivity Commission, both of which stressed the need to ensure land use planning is not a barrier to market entry,” she said.
“The challenge for the planning system is to create the right framework for new businesses to enter the market to keep competition strong, and that’s what this policy aims to do.
Ms Keneally said once the Centres Policy was finalised it would consolidate the State’s position into one framework and outline how the approach could be implemented on the ground.
She said the policy discouraged the continued spread of isolated, car-dependent retail areas.
“This approach will avoid the massive costs associated with a much looser, more decentralised model as is commonly seen in the United States.
“Such an approach in Sydney alone would significantly increase car travel and its associated impacts, leading to a reduction in NSW growth of up to $19.6 billion over a 20 year period.
“By identifying and supporting Centres we can ensure efficient use of infrastructure, provide jobs closer to home, and reduce car trips through co-location of retail with other facilities.”
15 April, 2009
Nuclear research is glowing success
All the might and power of Australia’s only nuclear reactor has been put to work on a research program designed to make chocolate taste better.The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, ANSTO, is using its new Open Pool Australian Lightwater (OPAL) reactor at Sydney’s Lucas heights to look deep into the unknown atomic structures which give chocolate its flavour and texture.
Scientists have been looking at what makes some chocolates more brittle and others more flavoursome in order to find better manufacturing techniques and to improve the quality, taste and shelf life of chocolate.
In earlier research, ANSTO scientists discovered the taste of chocolate depended on which crystalline forms predominated as the chocolate was prepared.
They were able to identify the forms that were popular and tasted best, and gain a better understanding of how temperature and mixing controlled the crystallisation of the cocoa butter.
With the OPAL reactor now fully operational, ANSTO scientists plan to explore other aspects of chocolate, including why chocolate in hollow Easter eggs tastes different from solid chocolate and whether flows within chocolate moulds affect its flavour and texture.
A small angle neutron scattering instrument, Quokka, uses neutrons produced by the OPAL reactor to investigate the size, shape and distribution of molecules in a large range of materials, including chocolate.
Samples of chocolate are placed in a special cell where the temperature can be raised or lowered and the cocoa butter mixed at different rates.
Beams of neutrons provide a view of the sub-microscopic world by scattering off atoms in the material being probed.
The pattern obtained from the scattered neutrons, one of the fundamental particles that make up matter, reveals information about the molecular structure of chocolate.
ANSTO scientists are also investigating the impact of processes such as heating, mixing and fermenting on the structure of various foods, including pasta.
15 April, 2009
IPAA hosts women
The NSW branch of the Institute of Public Administration Australia is hosting Women in the Public Sector - Experiences and Contributions for women in senior leadership positions.
The event is free and will feature the Minister for Community Services, Linda Burney and Minister for Education and Training and Women, Verity Firth, as guest speakers.
For further information or to make a booking, contact lauren@nsw.ipaa.org.au
Open day at fire stations
NSW Fire Brigades is to hold its annual Open Day on Sunday, 3 May 2009, with fire stations across the State opening their doors to give visitors an insight into Australia’s largest fire and rescue service.
The Open Day will mark the end of Fire Prevention Week, during which residents will be encouraged to assess their fire safety arrangements.
NSW fire stations will arrange a number of events for communities and high-risk groups such as the elderly, to remind them of the simple steps they can take to prevent house fires this winter.
Golf course tender called
The Government has put out a tender for the management of Moore Park Golf course, one of Australia’s most popular courses and the closest public access course to the Sydney CBD.
The tender process is being undertaken by the State Property Authority on behalf of the Centennial Park and Moore Park Trust.
The tender will close on 27 May, with further information available from www.tenders.nsw.gov.au
Schools join climate challenge
School students will be given the chance to win prizes for sharing their thoughts on what climate change means to them.
The Federal Department of Climate Change's Think Climate, Think Change competition is open to students in years 3 to 9.
The competition opens on 28 April 2009 and closes 24 June 2009.
Find out more at www.climatechange.gov.au
Work on power supplies
Maintenance work on Sydney’s energy supply is to be carried out after a range of safety measures have been put in place.
Minister for Energy, Ian Macdonald said he had met with Energy Australia, who had advised him crews were working around the clock to fix power supplies and strengthen the network.
Mr Macdonald said minor interruptions to power supply could affect up to six businesses, but a minimal impact strategy had been assumed.
Boost to public housing
Public housing in the Newcastle and Hunter regions is to receive a boost with over $48 million being invested in maintenance work.
Premier, Nathan Rees, said the State and Federal Governments’ investment would support over 400 local jobs and provide houses with new carpet, painting and repairs to the kitchen, bathroom, doors, gates and other fittings.
Mr Rees said 12,906 houses in the area would be revamped over the next few years.
New bus schedule available
A timetable for Sydney Buses’ new Eastern Region network is now available.
The new network is set to commence services on 26 April and will introduce an extended Route 348, operating as a cross-regional route between Bondi Junction, Randwick Junction, UNSW, Alexandria and Wolli Creek railway station
Further information was available from www.sydneybuses.info
Indigenous project funded
A project known as A Stone Throw Away is to receive an additional $5,000 in funding to allow the Greater Taree Council to continue running it.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Paul Lynch, said the project was delivering encouraging results and was successfully engaging young Aboriginal people in recreational activities to help foster pride, tackle anti-social behavior and improve relationships.
Mr Lynch said a Partnership Community Project Officer was also being recruited to help the Taree-Purfleet Aboriginal Community strengthen Government structures.
Aboriginal language graduates
Eighteen TAFE students have graduated with Certificates in Aboriginal Language, furthering the State’s push to revitalise and protect the Wiradjuri language and other Aboriginal languages.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Paul Lynch, said the graduates’ qualifications in the Wiradjuri language could be used to teach in schools and Aboriginal communities.
The students were taught by Wiradjuri Aboriginal Elder, Stan Grant Senior, who began the course after receiving support through the Government’s NSW Aboriginal Languages Research and Resource Centre.
Disability Awards open
Nominations are now open for the National Disability Awards.
This year the scope of the Award categories has been broadened to recognise the diverse nature of contributions made by, and for, people with disabilities in areas such as business and employment.
Anyone can make a nomination for each category of the Minister's Lifelong Achievement Award, Disability Rights Young Leader Award, Business Award, Local Government Award, and Social Inclusion Award.
Nominations close 22 May, with more information available by visiting www.idpwd.com.au or phoning 1800 440 385.
SES for Batemans Bay
A new State Emergency Service unit is to be established in Batemans Bay.
The new unit already has 20 trained members, two emergency response vehicles, a storm trailer and equipment.
It will be located in the former volunteer Rescue association premises, which will be renovated before the unit moves in.
DPI appoints extension officer
A new horticultural extension officer from the Department of Primary Industries has started work at Yanco Agricultural Institute,
David Troldahl specialises in vegetable production and has been a technical officer in plant breeding for 20 years.
His services will be available to growers and industry personnel throughout the Riverina to help further develop the largest vegetable growing area in NSW.
8 April, 2009
New controller to rebuild communities
A new position of State Emergency Recovery Controller has been created to ensure communities in NSW affected by major emergencies recover as soon and as completely as possible.To be known as ‘SERCon,’ the new position was announced by Premier Nathan Rees during a visit to the flood affected Mid North Coast.
Mr Rees said the first SERCon would be the Director of the Office for Emergency Services, Stacey Tannos and his deputy would be Veronica Lee from the Department of Premier and Cabinet’s Security and Recovery Coordination Section.
“The SERCon’s job is to ensure the relevant Government, welfare and private sector bodies are providing the services, support and other resources needed to help restore affected communities and to clear any obstacles in the way,” Mr Rees said.
“This could include helping source alternative supplies of building materials once local stocks are depleted, compiling registers of qualified tradespeople or identifying sources of feed for primary producers if their feedstock is burnt or flooded.”
He said the new emergency recovery arrangements streamlined existing community support mechanisms and the Government would soon advertise four new jobs to provide support to the SERCon.
Minister for Emergency Services, Steve Whan, said the new NSW State Disaster Plan (Displan) would be amended to incorporate the new emergency recovery arrangements.
“This will help guide our recovery processes to ensure communities can return as soon as possible to where they were before the emergency, or, preferably, to develop and become more resilient through a structured recovery process,” Mr Whan said.
Announcement of the SERcon came after Mr Rees had declared the Mid North Coast a natural disaster zone following the second major floods in the region in under two months.
Mr Whan, said the declaration covered Coffs Harbour, Nambucca and Bellingen Local Government areas and would help Councils and residents repair damage to property and public services.
He said the natural disaster declaration could be extended to other Local Government areas as ongoing assessments of flood damage along the Coast were carried out.
“The entire region has been drenched by phenomenal amounts of rain,” he said.
“Coffs Harbour recorded up to 440mm in 24 hours and nearby Red Hill 450mm. Nambucca recorded an astounding 700mm in 48 hours,” he said.
Mr Whan thanked members of the SES, the NSW Fire Brigades, Rural Fire Service, Ambulance Service, Police Force and Local Councils for their hard work.
8 April, 2009
Leave campaign is no holiday
The NSW Government has joined the Commonwealth in a campaign to encourage workers to use up their accumulated leave by going on holidays.Minister for Tourism, Jodi McKay, said the No Leave, No Life campaign highlighted the fact that NSW workers had accrued almost 50 million days of annual leave, the highest of all the States.
Ms McKay said a range of flexible and affordable getaways were being developed by Tourism NSW and industry to help residents take a break.
“There has never been a better time to holiday within NSW and taking a short break will benefit individuals and families, help business and benefit the State’s economy,” she said.
“If only 10 per cent of these accrued annual leave days were taken as short breaks within NSW, this could create an extra $547 million in spending, supporting almost 4,000 jobs in the tourism industry.”
Ms McKay also released a response to the Jobs Summit where the Tourism roundtable identified encouraging short breaks as a key stimulus to local economies.
“We understand that with the current global financial situation, people are reassessing their travel options and looking to travel closer to home,” she said.
“NSW is blessed with all the ingredients required for a sensational holiday experience that’s flexible and affordable enough for everyone to take the time they need to relax and recharge.”
Ms McKay encouraged residents to make the most of the recently launched Short Breaks from Sydney campaign which offered a range of cheap accommodation deals at destinations within two or three hours drive of Sydney.
“The campaign includes accommodation from $70 a night and with the Easter school holidays just around the corner, this is exactly the sort of getaway ideal for workers looking to use some of their annual leave,” she said.
An online campaign in association with No Leave, No Life, was available at www.visitnsw.com
Ms McKay said Australian workers had accrued 123 million days of leave, valued at around $33 billion in wages.
8 April, 2009
Old records to get the needle
State Records is calling for feedback from Departments and Agencies on proposals to change the rules for disposing of financial and accounting records.A review of the General disposal authority: financial and accounting records (GDA7) is being conducted to ensure that disposal decisions made under the authority are appropriate and that the ability of users to implement it is improved.
According to State Records, users’ views have already been canvassed and have revealed gaps in coverage, disposal decisions and difficulties in implementing the authority.
State Records has also assessed the disposal coverage for similar records in other Australian jurisdictions and drafted a set of revised disposal classes for financial and accounting records.
It has now invited NSW public offices to comment.
According to State Records, users have identified four general weaknesses with GDA7:
- A lack of disposal coverage for specific records not covered under current descriptions in the authority;
- Ambiguous and confusing disposal class descriptions;
- Disposal actions that are difficult to implement or not reflective of legislative requirements; and
- The structure of the authority and its relationship overlaps with the General retention and disposal authority: administrative records (GA28).
- Disposal classes should describe records in terms of what they record or relate to, rather than their format;
- Disposal coverage should be included for all ‘missing’ records;
- Some minimum retention periods should be extended to meet legislative requirements;
- A disposal trigger of ‘after end of financial year in which record was created’ should be used instead of ‘after audit’;
- Coverage for financial and accounting records should be included in GA28.
“In particular, we are seeking the views of public offices about the draft revised disposal classes for accounting and salary records: are these classes comprehensive and implementable?”
Comments and suggestions should be sent to Emma Harris, Project Officer, Government Recordkeeping at emma.harris@records.nsw.gov.au
8 April, 2009
PS flood helpers inundated with praise
Staff from the Departments of Community Services and Primary Industries have been singled out for special mention for their efforts assisting the communities affected by flooding on the Mid North Coast.Minister for Community Services, Linda Burney and Minister for Primary Industries, Ian Macdonald, thanked staff and volunteers for their work in helping to manage the disaster.
Ms Burney said DoCS staff had made sure flood-affected residents were supported and had a dry place to sleep, food and appropriate clothing.
“I’ve been told of one Community Services officer in Coffs Harbour who assembled a team of caseworkers to organise an evacuation centre. The centre housed more than 600 people - a great effort at such short notice,” she said.
“Not only did they organise accommodation, they also provided food and drinks and extra support for elderly people and a group of stranded school children.”
Ms Burney praised staff for being on hand in the middle of the night to set up an evacuation centre at Urunga.
“Staff from Kempsey were called out at 11pm to set up the Urunga evacuation centre,” she said.
“Incredibly, all this was achieved in blackout conditions caused by the flooding.”
Mr Macdonald said Primary Industries staff were working to help producers affected by the floods.
He said the Department was working with the NSW Farmers Association to identify recovery issues for rural producers.
“The main priorities are providing assistance with stock disposal on properties where livestock have drowned, and also monitoring local dairy producers,” Mr Macdonald said.
“The DPI staff are there to ensure assistance measures such as access to transport subsidies for fodder are coordinated quickly.”
He said staff were rostered at recovery centres at Coffs Harour, Urunga and Bellingen, with a Rural Assistance Advisory officer also available locally to explain different forms of assistance.
“This is very much a team effort with other stakeholders such as NSW Farmers Association, with the aim to minimise the emergency’s impact and assist in the recovery process,” Mr Macdonald said.
He said Primary Producers in natural disaster zones could be eligible for loans of up to $130,000 and transport subsidies of up to 50 per cent for the carriage of livestock, water and fodder.
Similarly, the Department of Community Services offers financial assistance for affected flood residents.
8 April, 2009
Council Awards in the can
Nominations are now open for the 2009 National Awards for Local Government.Run by the Commonwealth Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, the awards recognise the work of elected Councils and their officials who deliver practical improvements to local communities.
Since the inception of the Awards in 1986, thousands of projects have been recognised for their work within local communities.
The Department advised that changes had been made to the way the awards have been structured for 2009, with a new theme, Local Government: Building Australian Communities, introduced to recognise Government initiatives in providing infrastructure and service delivery.
There are 11 categories, with one award to be presented in each group.
DITRDLGT encourages all elected Local Governments to enter the awards and demonstrate how they contribute to building Australian communities.
Entries for the 2009 National Awards close on 17 April 2009.
The award categories are:
Capacity Building
Innovation in Regional Development
Strength in Diversity
Strengthening Indigenous Communities
Women in Local Government
Youth Engagement
Community Services
Excellence in Alcohol Management
Health and Wellbeing
Environment
Innovation in Natural Resource Management
Leading Community Greenhouse Actions
Infrastructure and Services
Improving Service Delivery through Collaborations
Managing Community Assets
Further information was available by contacting 1800 065 113, or visiting www.infrastructure.gov.au/local/awards
8 April, 2009
Violence workers in new Court push
Up to the equivalent of 23 new full-time positions are to be created as domestic violence advocacy workers to assist victims taking out Apprehended Violence Orders in NSW Courts.Attorney-General, John Hatzistergos announced the new positions saying they would be part-time and attached to the Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Program.
Mr Hatzistergos said the positions were made possible by an additional $2.6 million in funding from the State Government.
“Domestic violence is an abhorrent crime that destroys families and often thrusts women and children into the justice system for the first time in their lives,” he said.
“The new advocacy workers will help people seeking Apprehended Violence Orders and will provide referrals to counselling, housing and material aid services that may be of assistance.”
Mr Hatzistergos said the service would also conduct community development and educational activities to raise awareness about domestic violence.
“With this additional funding, the service will be able to direct more resources toward women in culturally diverse and Aboriginal communities,” he said.
Mr Hatzistergos said there were already domestic violence advocacy workers in 65 NSW Courts, with the additional workers to extend services to a total of 107 Courts.
Minister for Women, Verity Firth, said the recruitment drive showed the Government’s commitment to tackling domestic violence.
“Domestic violence evidence kits have been rolled out to all police commands,” Ms Firth said.
“We have also given the police powers to apply for 24-hour Telephone Interim AVOs, and to apply for AVOs on behalf of victims who are reluctant to proceed.”
She said the initiatives were part of the NSW Government’s four-year, $40 million package aimed at addressing domestic violence.
The services for the Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Program are provided by non-government organisations through funds administered by Legal Aid.
8 April, 2009
Computer contract lapped up by Lenovo
A $150 million contract to produce 267,000 laptop computers for the State’s 200,000 senior secondary school students and their 25,000 teachers has been awarded to Chinese company Lenovo.The announcement came at the end of a competitive tender process which began in December 2008.
Premier, Nathan Rees, said production of the new laptops would begin immediately as he wanted them in classrooms “as soon as possible.”
Mr Rees said agreements with Microsoft and Adobe had been signed to give students and teachers access to comprehensive software.
“NSW public schools lead the nation in providing computer resources, giving our teachers and our young people the vital skills they need to help them succeed in our IT savvy world,” he said.
“The combination of the laptops and the software contracts we have signed will open our classrooms up to the world.”
Mr Rees said the State would invest a further $25.5 million in providing software, on top of Federal Government funding.
“Part of this includes a $20 million agreement with Adobe - $12 million from the NSW Government and $8 million from the Federal Government,” he said.
“Using this software, students will be able to create videos, edit photos and make presentations for class assignments and projects.”
Mr Rees said the software would also enable video conferencing and collaboration using built-in cameras.
“The Adobe software will be available not only for laptops but for all computers in NSW public schools and TAFE colleges,” he said.
Mr Rees said students would have access to all the programs commonly found in the modern office workplace, including Word, Excel and Power Point.
“The deal with Microsoft is a world-first in student licensing, based on a per student approach rather than licensing per device,” he said.
“I want kids more engaged in the classroom, turning up to school enthusiastic and ready to learn.”
Mr Rees said high schools would begin to go wireless in May and over 400 full-time technical support officers would be recruited to deal with IT issues.
He said secondary teachers would begin receiving laptops during Term 2, 2009 while Year Nine students would be the first to receive theirs in Term 3.
“Students and teachers will be using the same technology, and we are giving our teachers a head start to familiarise themselves with the technology before it hits the classroom,” Mr Rees said.
Minister for Education and Training, Verity Firth, said the laptops had been designed specifically to meet the needs of the State’s students.
“The new laptops will be safe and secure, with filters to block inappropriate material and encoding to ensure they aren't a target of theft,” Ms Firth said.
Federal Parliamentary Secretary, Maxine McKew, said that the National Secondary School Computer Fund was a partnership between the Commonwealth and NSW Government and all educational jurisdictions.
“These initiatives will improve our secondary school students' access to information, and take us further towards a world-class education system,” Ms McKew said.
8 April, 2009
Trustee executes move to Bathurst
The Public Trustee is to open a new office in Bathurst.Attorney General, John Hatzistergos announced the move saying it would bring services such as will making, power of attorney, estate and trust management to the citizens of the Central West.
He said it would also bring the Central West citizens the services offered by the Office of the Protective Commissioner when OPC and the Public Trustee were merged.
“Both the Public Trustee and Protective Commissioner provide important financial management services to the people of NSW,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
He said the new office would provide a central NSW location between other Public Trustee offices currently located in Sydney, Armidale and Broken Hill, with the closest OPC office at Parramatta.
MP for Bathurst, Gerard Martin, said the new office would provide a face-to-face service to the local community. He highlighted the importance of the service for people with impaired decision making abilities.
“The office will represent a significant boost to the local economy and will create five to six jobs which will be advertised locally,” Mr Martin said.
“Not only will this office make life easier for people in Bathurst, it will offer helpful advice and services to those living in towns including Dubbo and Orange and many other rural communities in central NSW.”
The merger of the Public Trustee and the Protective Commission was announced as part of the 2008 Mini Budget.
The Protective Commissioner provides financial management services to people who are unable to manage their own affairs due to cognitive impairment or mental illness.
8 April, 2009
Royal Commissions attract big wigs
The Australian Law Reform Commission has released an Issues Paper and a call for public comment on questions arising in its review of Royal Commissions.The ALRC has been charged with examining the Commonwealth’s Royal Commissions Act 1902 with a view to advising the Federal Government on whether less formal alternatives to Royal Commissions could be appropriate in some cases.
President of the ALRC, Professor David Weisbrot, said while Royal Commissions looked at issues of great public importance, they were usually extremely expensive.
Professor Weisbrot said they played an important role in ensuring systematic failure was addressed, particularly when controversial issues could not be handled satisfactorily by the Courts or political process.
“A key concern for the ALRC is whether an alternative model of executive inquiry might provide similar advantages and outcomes to Royal Commissions, in terms of respect, independence, protection of witnesses and so on, while offering more flexibility, less formality and greater cost effectiveness,” he said.
Professor Weisbrot said there were often expressions of disappointment when less formal means of inquiry were established, as was the case with Dr Mohamed Haneef and Cornelia Rau.
“Royal Commissions usually prove to be very expensive,” he said.
“We estimate that, in today’s dollars, the Royal Commission into the Building and Construction Industry cost taxpayers over $70M, the one into the collapse of insurer HIH cost over $47M, and the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody cost over $50M.”
The Commissioner in charge of the ALRC Inquiry, Professor Les McCrimmon, said the current Act gave Royal Commissions a range of coercive information gathering powers.
“A Royal Commission can apply for a search warrant, summon witnesses to give evidence and require the production of evidence,” Professor McCrimmon said.
“The exercise of such powers must be balanced carefully against the rights of those being investigated.”
He said the Act also contained a number of criminal offences that could be used to punish failure to comply with a Royal Commission, interfering with witnesses, or interfering with the work of a Commission.
“We will be exploring whether civil penalties may be more appropriate in some of these contexts,” Professor McCrimmon said.
The ALRC has developed an Online Discussion Forum to complement the Issues Paper.
The forum has been organised around key questions being considered in the Inquiry and could be accessed at talk.alrc.gov.au while the Issues paper was available from www.alrc.gov.au
The closing date for written submissions was 19 May 2009, with the ALRC’s final report due by 30 October 2009.
8 April, 2009
Treadmill danger jogs FTO warning
An education campaign has been launched by the Office of Fair Trading to warn parents of the dangers home treadmills pose to young children.Minister for Fair Trading, Virginia Judge, said over 100 children in Australia had suffered from serious friction burn injuries from treadmills since 2001.
Ms Judge said the accidents had occurred partly due to the increase in popularity and availability of home treadmills.
“The message is clear - children and treadmills don’t mix,” she said.
Ms Judge said NSW Severe Burns Injury Service data showed most injuries occurred when a baby or toddler had moved to the back of the treadmill, where they were out of sight, and touched the moving belt or got their hand caught under it.
“The result can be severe friction burns that take months to heal and require skin graft operations and even plastic surgery when the child is older,” she said.
“Even in carefully child-proofed homes, treadmills still pose a risk.”
Ms Judge said a product safety standard for treadmills under the Fair Trading Act 1987 would commence on 1 June 2009 and would require prominent and permanent warning labels be affixed to all treadmills sold in NSW.
She said Fair Trading had distributed thousands of posters to children’s services, playgroups and community health and baby health centres, warning parents of the dangers associated with home treadmills.
She suggested treadmill owners use their treadmill in a room away from children, use safety barriers to keep kids away from the treadmill, keep the treadmill unplugged when not in use, store it away from children’s reach and choose a treadmill with protective covers and a safety stop switch.
The campaign has been supported by the NSW Severe Burns Injury Service, NSW Health, Westmead Children’s Hospital, the Playgroup Association of NSW, Lady Gowrie Children’s Service, the Kindergarten Union, Families NSW and Kidsafe NSW.
8 April, 2009
Radio review is sound policy
The radio frequency spectrum used by Commonwealth, State and Territory police, security and public safety services is to be standardised.The move is one of a number of initiatives outlined in a discussion paper released recently by the Australian Communications and Media Authority and has been endorsed by the Federal Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy.
"ACMA's review of the 400MHz spectrum band presents a nation-building opportunity to improve emergency services and law enforcement intercommunications," Senator Conroy said.
"I urge all relevant agencies and the State and Territory Governments to focus on ACMA's proposals and use the submissions process to identify and explore all relevant issues, and work towards increased interoperability."
He said the Federal Government had introduced a Digital Regions Initiative which would fund education, health and emergency services projects in partnership with State, Territory and Local Governments.
In the area of emergency services, he said it would support projects that used digital technologies to improve emergency and disaster response both within and across State and Territory borders.
Senator Conroy said applications for the Digital Regions Initiative will be called later this year.
"The harmonisation of police, ambulance and emergency services radio communications across State borders has been a long-standing goal," Senator Conroy said.
"The review of the spectrum infrastructure required to do this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity."
ACMA's discussion paper, Spectrum Proposals: 403-520 MHz - Proposals for future arrangements in the 400 MHz band, is available from: www.acma.gov.au
8 April, 2009
Land use study is grounds for hope
A report into the available land for housing in Sydney has revealed that a 10-year supply exists for potential development.Planning Minister, Kristina Keneally, released the Government’s 2007-08 Metropolitan Development Program report, saying the program was key to managing land and housing supply in Sydney.
Ms Keneally said the report showed there was enough underdeveloped or ‘Greenfield’ housing land to bring five years’ supply to the market, and 10 years worth of supply in redevelopment sites in urbanised areas.
“These reports are a resource for planning infrastructure such as schools, water supplies, hospitals and transport, and also a valuable tool for the land development and building industries,” Ms Keneally said.
She said the 2007/08 MDP report found there were 66 Greenfield release areas with a potential for over 100,000 dwellings. Of these areas, 39 had been zoned and serviced.
She said major sites in existing areas could potentially hold 117,774 dwellings, 56 per cent of the supply for the existing urban area over the next 10 years. These sites included Green Square, Homebush Bay, Wolli Creek and the CBD areas of Sydney, Parramatta and Liverpool.
Ms Keneally said although the NSW housing market had experienced a downturn, it was not due to a lack of land supply.
However, she said as the economic crisis impacted on home construction rates, the Government had implemented initiatives to help offset its effects.
“We’ve launched the NSW Housing Code, allowing people wanting to build new homes to get approval in 10 days, saving an average of 110 days per application if the proposed house meets set standards,” Ms Keneally said.
“We’ve reduced infrastructure levies to provide a much-needed boost to the building industry, reducing State and Local Government levies by up to $64,000 per lot.”
She said the Department of Planning had been restructured to make it more efficient, the Government was working to fast-track land to the market and was offering First Home Owners assistance.
“The boosted State and Federal First Home Owner Grant Programs deliver up to $41,990 in direct assistance for first home buyers building or purchasing new homes, and up to $31,990 for first home buyers purchasing existing homes,” Ms Keneally said.
She said the MDP report showed the Government was expected to meet buyer demand, with 42 per cent of new Sydney dwellings to be within 800 metres of public transport and the amount of infill dwelling production outside transit nodes to fall from 34 per cent to 33 per cent.
“The MDP report is a handbook for everybody involved in planning the future of our city and bringing housing on to the market,” Ms Keneally said.
8 April, 2009
Eureka Prizes get unexpected surprise
In its attempts to encourage ground-breaking responses and outstanding research into the effects and solutions of climate change, the Government is to sponsor two awards in this year’s Australian Museum Eureka Prizes.Deputy Premier and Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, Carmel Tebbutt, said the Eureka Science Awards attracted over $50,000 in sponsorship money and would focus on innovative solutions to climate change and research into its potential health effects.
Ms Tebbutt said climate change and global warming would impact on a number of areas of society.
“For example, we expect a significant increase in heat related illnesses and health effects from air pollution as well as an increase in extreme events like bushfires, drought, floods and coastal storms,” she said.
Ms Tebbutt said it was important to come up with practical answers and to conduct research into the area to ensure Australians were well prepared to deal with any consequences.
“That is why we are offering two separate $10,000 climate-change research prizes as part of the 2009 Eureka Prizes, one for outstanding research into the health impacts of climate change and one for innovative solutions to challenges posed by climate change,” she said.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to recognise the important role our top scientists and engineers will play in helping us address the significant health, social and environmental challenges of climate change, and in leading the search for solutions.”
Minister for Science and Medical Research, Jodi McKay, said the Eureka Awards were held annually, with this year’s seeing 18 prizes awarded across four categories — Research and Innovation, Leadership, School Science, and Science Journalism and Communication.
“The Eureka Prizes are presented each year by the Australian Museum to champion and reward excellence in science, and are regarded as Australia's most comprehensive national science awards,” Ms McKay said.
“I congratulate the Australian Museum on this year celebrating the 20th anniversary of bringing together Government Agencies, the private sector, institutions and individuals to reward excellence in science.”
Ms McKay encouraged medical researchers and environmental professionals to enter the awards.
She said entries closed on 1 May 2009, with further information available from www.amonline.net.au or (02) 9320 6483.
8 April, 2009
Archives offers gold to mine its treasures
The National Archives of Australia is offering research grants to people who want to delve into its collected secrets and produce innovative research projects.Grants worth a total of $40,000 are available to researchers, scholars and archivists with projects could make use of some of the more than 50 million records the Archives holds that cover Australian Government activities since Federation and significant 19th-century records transferred from the colonies to the Commonwealth.
Former award-holders had explored topics as diverse as censorship, volunteering, copyright reform, foreign policy and Australian prisoners of war.
The three grants on offer are the Margaret George Award for talented, emerging scholars - up to $10,000, the Frederick Watson Fellowship for established scholars - up to $15,000, and the Ian Maclean Award for archivists and other professionals interested in archival issues - up to $15,000.
Applications close on Friday 26 June 2009, and the grants will be awarded in September.
The research work can be undertaken at any one of the National Archives’ offices, in any Australian capital city, and the grants may be awarded on a full-time or part-time basis.
More information is available from the Archives website www.naa.gov.au and applications can be submitted to grants@naa.gov.au or mailed to: Grants and Awards, National Archives of Australia, PO Box 7425, Canberra Business Centre ACT 2610.
8 April, 2009
Super fund changes to account for time
The reporting requirements of superannuation funds are to be changed to demand that they report long-term returns prominently in member statements.The Federal Minister for Superannuation, Senator Nick Sherry, announced the new rules which he said had been introduced to reinforce the fact that superannuation is a long-term investment.
Senator Sherry said the changes would require the Funds to disclose their five and 10 year returns in the periodic statements they issue to members.
"It is important that super fund members appreciate that super is a long-term investment," Senator Sherry said.
"The past year has been a difficult one for super fund members due to the impact of the global financial crisis on returns, however, if fund members focus only on short-term returns, they risk switching investment options or funds to their long-term detriment."
He said clear information about medium-to-long-term returns could help fund members appreciate their superannuation.
Senator Sherry said the superannuation industry had been consulted on the changes which would also require that the long-term return be disclosed at the investment option or sub-plan level and be “highlighted, positioned and presented” in a manner that would attract the member's attention.
“For the upcoming reporting season 2008/09, only the five-year return would be required to be disclosed,” Senator Sherry said, “and disclosure could be made either on the periodic statement or in a separate insert which would be sent to members together with the periodic statement.”
He said the disclosure would also assist the superannuation funds communicate their performance better over the long-term cycle, including their rises, falls and flat periods.
“In line with the Government's aim of increasing efficiencies and reducing costs for members, super funds will also be able to use a website as the default method of delivering their annual report,” Senator Sherry said.
“In addition, where a member has electronic access to personal fund information and has given permission, the fund will no longer be required to provide a written or an electronic member statement,” he said.
8 April, 2009
Council excellence calls Unis to table
Universities have been invited to apply to the Federal Government for the honour of hosting Australia's first Centre of Excellence for Local Government.Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said the Centre would foster improvement and professionalism within Australia's third sphere of Government and was expected to showcase and encourage innovation and best practice across Local Government, improve the Local Government workforce capability to address skill shortages, assist Local Government to attract and retain skilled staff, and deliver training and development, including specialised leadership programs.
The Prime Minister said up to $8 million would be made available for the landmark project which would help share knowledge and bridge the gaps between Local Governments, training providers and research institutions.
Mr Rudd said that when the Government consulted with Local Government on the proposal it showed that a range of dispersed education and training services already existed, however significant gaps remained and there was a lack of coordination.
“I encourage universities intending to submit an application to consider partnering with other institutions, Local Government stakeholders or others with expertise,” he said.
“Applicants should build on other related and existing initiatives and propose strategies and services that are practical and affordable.”
Mr Rudd said that they would also need to show how they would work with stakeholders to deliver services nationally, including online services, as well as tailoring specific services to meet regional needs.
He said applications closed on Wednesday 22 April 2009 and a decision on the successful applicant would be made after an independent assessment process.
The application form and further information, including where to lodge applications, was available at www.infrastructure.gov.au
8 April, 2009
Oyster probe shelved
A NSW Maritime campaign to promote compliance and education in the oyster industry has been postponed in the wake of the damage to oyster crops by recent flooding.
The month long campaign had been due to begin this month but has been rescheduled for later in 2009.
NSW Maritime said the campaign had been put on hold so it would not impede efforts by oyster farmers to get their crops back on track.
HR Institute’s new look awards
The global financial crisis has had an impact on this year's Australian Human Resources Institute's Australian HR and People Management Awards.
The 2009 awards will look at the role played in the present financial climate by responsible business practices and will be judged by role models in their fields with awards named after them.
The 209 awards will include the Lynda Gratton Award for CEO of the Year - Lynda Grattan is professor of management at the London Business School - and The Dave Ulrich Award for HR Leader of the Year, named after the professor of business at the University of Michigan.
The 2009 national AHRI award winners will be announced at a gala dinner presentation on November 11 in Melbourne.
Bus survey on
Sydney Buses has invited the public to participate in a Customer Satisfaction Survey to let them know how they can improve their services.
The five minute survey covers topics such as customer services, comfort of travel, ticket purchase and accessibility.
To participate, visit www.surveymonkey.com
Nuclear site open
The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation is to hold free school holiday tours of its Lucas Heights facility.
Children, teachers and parents will learn about climate change research, radiation, and some uses of nuclear science on the two and a half hour tours which will run from 14 April to 22 April (excluding Sunday) from 10am and 1pm each day.
ANSTO is Australia’s centre of nuclear excellence and innovation and tour bookings are essential on (02) 9717 3111.
Mammoth display at Museum
The Australian Museum is to host an exhibition on woolly mammoths just in time for the Easter school holidays.
Australian Museum Palaeontologist, Robert Jones, said woolly mammoths never lived in Australia, so residents should take the rare opportunity to learn about the “amazing giants.”
Exhibition highlights include a man-made hut constructed from replica mammoth bones and skin; examples of original mammoth fossils; and a refrigerated display case containing genuine 20,000 year old muscle and skin samples of a Siberian mammoth.
Costello to speak at Symposium
The NSW Ombudsman has announced that the dinner speaker at its upcoming Symposium, Working Together: Advancing Child Protection in the Workplace, is to be the Chief Executive of World Vision Australia, Rev Tim Costello.
The Symposium will be held from 25 to 26 May in Sydney and more information is available from (02) 9254 5000 or www.ombo.nsw.gov.au
Housing site survey
Housing NSW is undertaking feasibility studies to determine its best sites for redevelopment.
In a letter to Local Councils, Housing NSW said residents on identified sites would be offered alternative housing.
The Agency said to address the ageing population and the increase in people with mobility issues, their portfolio of sites would include smaller, well-located and easily adaptable houses.
DECC calls for grant ideas
has called on Government organisations, schools and non-profit organisations to apply for a share of $6.7 million worth of grants for environmental projects.
The 2009 Environmental Trust Grants program aims to help make a difference to the environment.
Grants range from $2,500 for Eco Schools up to $100,000 for restoration and rehabilitation and environmental education grants.
Further information was available by visiting www.environmentaltrust.nsw.gov.au
Scientist awards open
Nominations have opened for the NSW Scientist of the Year Awards.
The awards recognise research that has a practical application and the ability to deliver economic, health, environmental or technological benefits to NSW.
Winners of the six categories will receive $5,000, with an overall NSW Scientist of the Year Award of $55,000 also being awarded.
Nominations close on 12 June, with more information available from www.osmr.nsw.gov.au
Builders the key to recovery
Housing NSW has told small business owners and local building tradesmen they will be the key to successfully delivering the Commonwealth’s Nation Building program.
Over 9,000 new social housing dwellings need to be delivered in the next two to three years, using an estimated 70,000,000 bricks, 700,000 lineal metres of wall frame, 70,000 windows, 75,000 doors, 3,000,000m2 of plasterboard and 500,000m2 of wall and floor tiles in NSW alone.
Small businesses involved in manufacturing and building services have been encouraged to contact buildinghousingnsw@housing.nsw.gov.au if interested in delivering the housing program.
Film Office backs magnificent 7
The NSW Film and Television Office has selected seven new feature film projects from its script development program, Aurora.
Six scripts are from NSW and one is from South Australia and the creators will work with four internationally renowned industry experts to further develop them.
The Aurora program is supported by Screen Australia.
1 April, 2009
Health upgrade gets injection of hope
A new Bureau of Health Information is to be set up to join more doctors at hospitals, a new role for senior nurses and free transport for long-distance patients as the main initiatives announced by the Government in its response to the Garling Special Commission of Inquiry into the State’s hospital and health system.To cost $485 million, the Government’s total response to the report adopts 134 of its 139 recommendations.
Premier Nathan Rees said the report showed while the health services were “of an excellent clinical quality,” the system was “bogging” frontline staff down in paperwork and bureaucracy.
Mr Rees said in response to the report, the Government’s initiatives would focus on ensuring patients got the best medical treatment and were cared for in a compassionate manner.
He said the Bureau of Health Information would independently provide information on the performance of the health system.
“Being in hospital can be a very traumatic time and we must do everything in our power to provide patients and their families with the care and support they need,” Mr Rees said.
He said the Caring Together: The Health Action Plan for NSW was the first of a three stage approach to revitalise public hospitals.
“The first phase of our approach is about immediately putting in place commonsense initiatives that go to the heart of the Garling report.”
He said the initiatives would see some paperwork removed from senior nurses and midwives to allow them to focus on coordinating services, supervising junior staff and managing quick responses to existing patient conditions.
Mr Rees said an additional 500 ward-based Clinical Support Officers would allow doctors and nurses to focus on patient care, and extra cleaning staff would improve infection control.
Mr Rees said the Government would build on existing training programs, provide additional training places and require health executives to provide public information such as budget and performance so staff could use it to plan and improve at a local level.
He said communication with staff and their ability to have a say in decision making would be improved by the establishment of an Executive Medical Director position in each area.
Minister for Health, John Della Bosca, said just two recommendations made by the report were not accepted.
“Refunding patients for medication for hospital-acquired infection after being discharged is not supported as it is difficult to determine whether infections are related to breaches of infection control or an inevitable consequence of an injury,” Mr Della Bosca said.
“Creation of a non-Ambulance trained driver position was also not supported because it is important to have as many trained paramedics in a vehicle as possible in case of incidents involving multiple patients.”
He said stage two of the Action Plan would be implemented in six months and would look at linking health services to community need and the workforce.
“Stage three will be an intergenerational plan for the future which will start in 18 months time,” Mr Della Bosca said.
“There will be regular public reporting on progress.”
1 April, 2009
Privacy voice heard on overhaul plans
Privacy Commissioner, Ken Taylor has supported moves to appoint an Information Commissioner to oversight both privacy and Freedom of Information issues in NSW.Responding to the NSW Law Reform Commission’s consultation paper on privacy legislation, Commissioner Taylor said he supported the proposal which was in line with an approach being taken at the national level by the Australian Law Reform Commission.
“Recognising that contemporary privacy issues in the community are characterised by or associated with data protection, this Commission favours the introduction of an Information Commissioner,” Commissioner Taylor said.
“Privacy NSW does not support any proposal that the office of the Ombudsman hold the position of Information Commissioner.”
He said as a general comment, Privacy NSW favoured adopting a model similar to that proposed by the Commonwealth as to do so would advance the goal of harmony between Federal and State laws.
Commissioner Taylor also threw his weight behind combining personal and non-personal information in the same legislation.
“This Commission’s view is that the protection of an individual’s personal information is best dealt with by a ‘cradle to grave’ approach to regulation,” he said, “which should reflect its life cycle within an Agency and be regulated by privacy legislation.”
“Multiplicity of information laws and governance structures relating to access and amendment of personal information potentially compromises the protection of personal and health information in its life cycle.”
Commissioner Taylor said one of the aims of Privacy NSW, which oversees both the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act (PPIP Act) and the Health Records and Information Privacy Act (HRIP Act) was to harmonise dealings with personal and health information across the public sector.
“The Commission therefore supports the continued inclusion of the access and amendment provisions for personal information within the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act,” he said.
“We also support the proposal that the FOI Act be amended to make clear that first party access to, and amendment of personal information, should be sought through the PPIP Act.”
Commissioner Taylor there was good reason to copy other States’ privacy arrangements as that would help with information sharing between the States and Commonwealth.
“Privacy NSW is looking for the unification of the privacy principles in the short term,” he said.
He reserved comments on some of the issues raised in the NSWLRC paper until the Commonwealth’s position had been made clear.
Many of the issues being addressed by the Commonwealth were outlined in comments made by the Special minister of State last week and reported in PS News at Free information in FOI overhaul.
Full details on Privacy NSW’s response to the consultation paper can be found on its website at www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/lawlink/privacynsw
1 April, 2009
Climate study leads to weather warning
A scientist with the CSIRO has warned that warmer temperatures and increasing air pollution could complicate episodes of heat stress suffered by people in Sydney.Dr Martin Cope made the prediction based on new research.
In an address to the Greenhouse 2009 Conference, Dr Cope said the number of days in Sydney over 30°C were projected to increase significantly in the future.
“This, in turn, will increase fire risk and associated levels of air pollution,” he said.
“At higher temperatures, polluting compounds from sources such as motor vehicles or bushfires react in the air to generate ozone.”
He said this was of “particular concern” as high ozone levels could trigger asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and other health problems, leading to an increase in heat-stress related deaths and hospitalisations.
He said the elderly were particularly at risk.
“We have modelled climate and ozone pollution for Sydney for a 2050-2060 climate change scenario and found that the number of hospital admissions due to ozone pollution is predicted to increase by up to three times the current rate,” Dr Cope said.
The World Health Organisation has estimated climate change could cause over 150,000 premature deaths worldwide each year.
Consultant with sustainability firm, Net Balance, Nicole Joffe, also addressed the conference.
Ms Joffe, said between 2081-2100, extreme heat stress cases in the Melbourne region could increase by between 100 and 226 per cent above levels recorded in 1981-2000.
1 April, 2009
Union lays down law on juvenile justice
The Public Service Association has drawn attention to conditions in the State’s Juvenile Justice system claiming many of its facilities are overcrowded and underfunded.According to the PSA there had been an increase in admissions over the past year as tougher bail laws came into force and the position was compounded by the closure of Keelong last month.
According to PSA industrial organiser, Julie Bond, a number of Centres around the State were experiencing increased numbers of inmates and were coping by using ad hoc units and rooms not set up for long-term juvenile detention.
“The Department (of Juvenile Justice) is treating the over-crowding problem as if it is a temporary situation,” Ms Bond said, “but it will only get worse.”
She said plans to use 50 new beds at Emu Plains to help solve the overcrowding problems were unlikely to succeed because it was designed in a double-room structure which made it unsuitable for housing and rehabilitating young people.
“If the government was serious about safety in our Juvenile Justice system, they would ensure all detainees are put in single rooms, but to cut costs they are doubling up and this is leading to an increase in assaults.”
“Emu Plains is structured around double rooms, which youth workers will tell you are inappropriate for young people in detention,” she said.
Ms Bond said the PSA had predicted that admission numbers in Juvenile Justice would reach over 8,000 in 2009, with 682 young people being admitted to Centres in January alone.
“The Government needs to decide if it is serious about rehabilitation and helping these kids overcome their problems, or if they are more interested in simply locking them up until they are old enough to hand over to a real prison,” Ms Bond said.
1 April, 2009
SES puts fire under recruitment plan
The success of an Indigenous Training Project at the State Emergency Service has prompted the SES to look at attracting more volunteers from culturally diverse communities.Emergency Services Minister, Steve Whan said the SES had signed up about 60 new members from Indigenous communities around NSW so far, as well as raising awareness of the Service's role in emergencies.
Mr Whan said under the training initiative, the SES had developed relationships with Indigenous community leaders and boosted its Indigenous representation.
“As well as bolstering SES numbers, this program has helped empower local Indigenous communities by helping them develop skills that will make them more resilient in the event of floods, storms and other emergencies,” Mr Whan said.
He said the course was established in Moree in 2007, where it had its first success, with 14 Indigenous volunteers joining the local unit after completing the two week intensive training course.
“Training programs have since been provided in Purfleet (near Taree), Cabbage Tree Island, Wagga Wagga and Toomelah, with training now under way at Nowra,” he said.
“This year, the program will be expanded to communities in Condobolin, Cowra, Lake Cargellico, Tingha, Albury, Tabulam, Willcannia and Wentworth.”
Mr Whan said the SES was eager to investigate whether this training model could be adapted to attract more members from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities.
He said a training forum had been held to canvass opportunities to develop a pilot CALD program, initially in areas of southern Sydney, such as Fairfield and Hurstville.
“People from non-English speaking backgrounds, particularly if they have only recently arrived in Australia, may not be aware of the SES, its services or even how to summon its help by calling 132 500,” Mr Whan said.
“The Emergency Services and the Government are committed to attracting new volunteers from across our society, particularly CALD and Aboriginal communities, to ensure our services reflect the communities they work hard to assist and protect.”
He said the Sudanese community in Wagga Wagga had approached the SES to run a course for its members, following the success of the Indigenous training.
“This training provides volunteers with adaptable and transferable skills that are increasingly attractive to employers, who recognise the value of the practical experience and leadership qualities our volunteers demonstrate,” Mr Whan said.
He said the training forum had included representatives of the SES, the Department of Education and Training's Adult and Community Education Unit and independent, not-for-profit Community Colleges, who were working together to deliver the Indigenous training.
1 April, 2009
Agencies lead way during Earth Hour
NSW Government Departments and Agencies were conspicuous by their enthusiastic support for the recent Earth Hour initiative with many taking part by dimming lights and turning off unnecessary appliances and equipment during the event.Among those who made the commitment to take part were the Art Gallery of NSW, the Australian Museum, the Department of Commerce, Department of Environment and Climate Change, Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Department of Water and Energy, Department of Planning, New South Wales Fire Brigade, Parliament House, RailCorp, Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority and the Attorney General’s Department.
The Art Gallery turned off the display lights in the pavilion housing its Asian art galleries, which, when lit at night, glow like a paper lantern over Sydney Harbour.
The Australian Museum, the Department of Premier and Cabined and the Department of Planning turned off all non-essential lighting and power, while the Department of Commerce switched off lights in the McKell Building in Sydney and the Enterprise in Parramatta.
The Department of Environment and Climate Change ran an awareness campaign for its staff which included encouraging them to participate in Earth Hour, posting articles in their staff newsletter and providing information on how much energy and emissions it could save every day if everyone turned their computers off stand-by.
Department of Water and Energy staff in NSW offices were asked to turn off all lighting and non-essential appliances. The Department also ran Switch me Off, an initiative to encourage staff to turn off their computers after work.
Non-essential lighting at Parliament House, the Attorney General’s Department and RailCorp was switched off, while the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority turned off the internal and some external lights and encouraged stakeholders to participate.
Further information was available from individual Department websites.
1 April, 2009
No arguments about disputes paper
An issues paper promoting the use of non-Court methods for resolving disputes has been released by the National Alternative Dispute Resolution Advisory Council (NADRAC).Attorney General, Robert McClelland, welcomed the paper entitled Alternative Dispute Resolution in the Civil Justice System, saying it would provide incentive to use Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
Mr McClelland said the paper was an important step towards removing barriers to the use of ADR rather than the Courts, before and after the commencement of civil proceedings.
“Access to justice is a critical issue and ADR is a key mechanism to deliver just that,” he said.
“The legal system must be able to provide a framework that allows people to resolve their legal disputes in a simple, fair and cost-effective manner.”
Mr McClelland said the paper examined how to increase public awareness of ADR; changes to civil procedure, costs and fees to provide greater incentives to use ADR; mandating ADR prior to litigation; improving assessment and referral services; and using ADR techniques to improve Court and tribunal hearings.
Mr McClelland encouraged the public to comment on the issues raised by the paper, including the use of ADR by the Government and its Agencies.
He said comments on improving data collection and research, professional education and training and standard setting for ADR services would also be welcomed.
Further information and a copy of the paper were available from www.nadrac.gov.au
Submissions closed 15 May, with NADRAC due to report back to Mr McClelland by 30 September 2009.
1 April, 2009
Film Office has new processes taped
The NSW Film and Television Office has streamlined its Industry and Audience Development Program to improve outcomes, simplify processes, create greater certainty and demonstrate the program’s strategic value.Chief Executive of the FTO, Tania Chambers, said under the proposed amendments, organisations would be able to apply for one-off project funding twice a year, which would provide them with greater flexibility.
Ms Chambers said funding would be capped at $10,000 while applications for amounts over $10,000 and multi-year funding applications for 2009-10 would be by invitation only.
She said from 2010-11 onwards, the FTO would call for Expressions of Interest for multi-year funding and would require shortlisted candidates to develop business plans and business cases.
“Under these proposed guidelines, the FTO will be encouraging organisations to think about strategic partnerships, the sharing of resources and information, and how to leverage additional support,” Ms Chambers said.
She said the FTO’s review of Industry and Audience Development funding in 2007-08 indicated that of the $893,000 delivered to clients across NSW, approximately half went to project funding for public access activity, such as film festivals and tours in Regional NSW. A further 50 per cent went to industry development and resources such as Screen Producers Association of Australia Fringe, Women in Film and Television Media Mentoring for Women, Metro Screen and ICE.
Applications for Industry and Audience Development projects for July 2009 to December 2009 open on 6 April and close on 1 May 2009.
Guidelines would be available from 6 April.
1 April, 2009
Police capture North Head site
Approval for the redevelopment of the Australian Institute of Police Management site on North Head has been announced jointly by the NSW and Commonwealth Governments.Planning Minister, Kristina Keneally joined Federal Minister for Home Affairs, Bob Debus to announce the approval saying the $21 million project would deliver improved and modern facilities for the Australian Federal Police as well as benefitting all Australian police forces.
Ms Keneally said the redevelopment would also create construction and training jobs and increase environmental protection for the Fairy Penguin and Long-nosed Bandicoot.
She said the new development would be located on the southern portion of North Head, one of the most iconic sites in Sydney.
Ms Keneally said public feedback on the redevelopment had led to amendments to the original proposal, resulting in a “far superior redevelopment plan that will benefit the site, the training facilities, the community and the local environment.”
“In particular, the local Long-nosed Bandicoot population will now have an additional 470 square metres of foraging area than is currently available on the site,” she said.
“The demolition of existing accommodation buildings on the northern boundary of the site will ensure a far greater buffer zone between the development and the endangered habitat of the Fairy Penguin population while delivering new modern training facilities for Australian and overseas police forces.”
Ms Keneally said the redevelopment would deliver significant heritage benefits, by opening up important views from the harbour to the historic former Seaman’s Isolation Hospital.
Mr Debus said the redevelopment approval was a win for all parties.
“This has been a great example of how the Federal and State Governments work together to ensure the needs of the local environment and local community are met,” Mr debus said.
“The construction of new accommodation, with a total of 54 beds, a new library extension, an administration building and new toilet and facilities building will help create a new modern facility for the Australian Institute of Police Management.
“The introduction of an integrated stormwater and drainage solution for the site means the redevelopment is also likely to improve the quality of stormwater run-off - enhancing the water quality of Spring Cove and the Fairy Penguin’s foreshore nesting and breeding areas.”
The redevelopment will also include the demolition of some existing buildings, retention of exiting heritage cottages on the site, car parking for 35 vehicles and landscaping.
State and Federal Government Agencies including the Federal Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, the NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change and the Rural Fire service all advised on the amended proposal.
1 April, 2009
Bottles in hot water over faulty cap
NSW Health has issued a State-wide recall of plastic drinking bottles that were issued to pre-schools as part of a health promotion initiative.The recall was ordered when it was discovered that a valve lid on the bottles was potentially faulty.
Director of Health Advancement with NSW Health, Liz Develin, said over 2,600 water bottles were planned for supply to pre-schools in the Illawarra, the central coast and Sydney’s northern beaches.
Ms Develin said the initiative was part of the Munch & Move program which aimed to encourage children to drink more tap water instead of sugary soft drinks.
“The Central Coast Health Promotion Unit received advice from one pre-school last week that a valve on the lid of one of the bottles had come off,” she said.
“The health promotion team took immediate action to retrieve the drink bottles from those northern beaches and central coast pre-schools affected.”
Ms Develin said the Health Department contacted all NSW health promotion units to advise of the action and to ensure no other teams with the same product distributed it.
“Pre-schools in the Illawarra have also received the product and contact has been made with facilities to ensure the water bottles are retrieved as a precaution,” she said.
“Fortunately there have been no incidents reported.”
Ms Develin confirmed NSW Health had alerted Recall Australia.
She has recommended any parents in possession of a clear bottle with an orange lid, printed with the Munch & Move logo return the product to their pre-school for health promotion staff to collect.
Munch & Move is a statewide program targeting three to five year olds.
It is aimed at educating early childhood professionals, children, parents and families about appropriate physical activity and nutrition to help curb increasing rates of childhood obesity.
1 April, 2009
Anti-arson plan forged by Forum
A national Action Plan to stamp out arson has been developed by a National Forum on the Reduction of Deliberate Bushfires in Australia.Convened by Commonwealth Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, the Forum was attended by more than 30 police, fire agency officers and arson specialists from around the country.
It considered a range of measures to ensure the strongest possible deterrents were put in place to prevent and discourage arson.
Forum representatives said the key to reducing and preventing bushfire arson was maximising cooperation between fire agencies, police, social services, the criminal justice system, and all levels of Government.
The Forum committed itself to developing a National Action Plan on Arson, which included consideration of nationally consistent laws; national best practice arson prevention measures; establishing programs to target known arsonists; and law enforcement collaboration.
Forum participants discussed updating nationally accredited training programs to include arson prevention strategies; incorporating arson fuel reduction strategies into State and Territory land management; community education; and developing a national website to facilitate information flows.
Other initiatives to be progressed included a national framework for data collection on bushfire arson, nationally recognised training in investigatory techniques, research into the bushfire season and the development of evaluation tools to measure the success of public communication and education strategies.
The outcomes of the Forum are to be discussed by the Australian Emergency Management Committee and the Ministerial Council on Police and Emergency Management in April.
The Forum reported that up to 50 per cent of bushfires in Australia were deliberately lit, causing an estimated $1.6 billion in damages each year.
1 April, 2009
DPI sinks teeth into shark protection
A range of new measures to protect the users of NSW beaches from sharks has gone on display with an invitation to all from the Government to make their comments known.Minister for Primary Industries, Ian Macdonald, said while the Government’s shark meshing program had a track record of success, the review was a chance for NSW residents to comment on proposed changes to management.
“This Government is in the business of listening and I encourage the public to play an active role in determining the future direction of the shark meshing program,” Mr Macdonald said.
He said since the meshing program commenced in 1937, there had been just one fatal shark attack at a meshed beach.
Prior to that there were 24 fatalities recorded in Sydney waters alone over the period 1900-1937.
“The review recommends a range of options including an education campaign to be rolled out this Spring focusing on how the public can reduce risk of shark attack, for example by avoiding swimming in schools of baitfish, murky water or bathing at dawn and dusk,” Mr Macdonald said.
“It also explores signage at local beaches warning of shark danger.”
He said some of the key recommendations of the review included establishing a research and monitoring program; more frequent net checking; a review of the NSW Shark Meshing (Bather Protection) program every five years; and the publication of annual reports and review reports following serious attacks.
Mr Macdonald said the review also recommended an ongoing assessment of the impact and risk of the Shark Meshing Program on marine species and ongoing involvement of the State’s threatened species scientific committees.
He said the review was not a knee jerk reaction to recent attacks, but had been planned for months.
“It is part of an ongoing and comprehensive review of the management arrangements for the program that the Government has been considering for some time,” he said.
A copy of the review was available from www.dpi.nsw.gov.au
1 April, 2009
Metrobus trial on right route
The trial of the new Metrobus service between Leichhardt and Kingsford has been so successful that a further four routes are to be introduced across Sydney.Premier, Nathan Rees said the positive response from the community to the existing Route 10 Metrobus since its trial began in October meant that a new one running between Lane Cove and Rosebery via the CBD would commence in October.
Mr Rees said with the additional four Metrobuses, a network would be established to attract more people to public transport by providing commuters with an easy way of navigating Sydney.
“With more than 600,000 people having travelled on the Route 10 Metrobus, and patronage up by 81 per cent since it started, we know that the Metrobus model is a positive one for commuters,” Mr Rees said.
“The Metrobus network will service the most densely populated areas of Sydney- suburbs within a 10 kilometre radius of the CBD - providing almost a quarter of a million extra passenger spaces every week.”
Mr Rees said while the north-south Route 20 between Lane Cove and Rosebery would be introduced this year, three more routes would be introduced in 2010.
He said Route 30 would run between Mosman and Enmore, Route 40 would run between Chatswood and Bondi Junction and Route 50 would run between Drummoyne and Randwick.
Minister for Transport, David Campbell said all five Metrobus routes would connect at the Metro Hub in Park Street.
“We will continue the Metrobus Trial to examine which bus and seating configurations best meet the needs of commuters, before the new routes commence,” Mr Campbell said.
The Metrobus model is based on connecting places of work, shopping districts, entertainment and dining venues and hospitals by a high frequency, cashless service that does not require a timetable.
“The new Metrobus routes will provide extra services, on top of existing bus routes,” Mr Campbell said.
1 April, 2009
New Marine Rescuers about to surface
The new volunteer marine rescue organisation, Marine Rescue NSW has taken a major step towards a bright future with the launch last week of its dedicated website.Ports and Waterways Minister, Joe Tripodi, said the new site would enable the volunteer rescue community to monitor related news and information and register interest in joining the new group.
Mr Tripodi said the new State organisation would eliminate duplication and provide more consistent coverage of marine rescue across NSW.
“There will be many other advantages such as training, standardised vessels and a re-engineered radio network,” he said.
Mr Tripodi said the proposal to form the new organisation had received support from existing volunteer marine rescue groups such as the Volunteer Rescue Association, the Australian Volunteer Coastguard and the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol.
“Ninety three per cent of nearly 800 submissions came out in support of the new organisation which was the main recommendation of the Price Report into volunteer marine rescue services in NSW,” he said.
Mr Tripodi said the activation of the website showed the progress being made towards the introduction of Marine Rescue NSW, which would provide a valuable service to the boating community of the State.
He said the Diane Beamer was chairing a working group established to set up the necessary framework for the organisation.
To help establish Marine Rescue NSW, NSW Maritime is to provide $3 million in transitional funding.
This is in addition to around $1.4 million in ongoing annual funding.
The new Marine Rescue NSW website could be accessed at www.marinerescuensw.com.au
1 April, 2009
Literary Awards open up on people’s prize
A new prize has been added to the Premier’s Literary Awards to mark their 30th anniversary.Premier and Minister for the Arts, Nathan Rees announced the new prize saying it would be a People’s Choice Award with everyone in NSW eligible to vote for it via the internet.
Mr Rees disclosed the new award while announcing the finalists for this year’s awards.
“We wanted to do something special this year to help celebrate the 30th anniversary of the awards, which were started by my predecessor Neville Wran in 1979,” he said.
“With this new award, the people of NSW will be able to vote on a web-site for one of the six books shortlisted for the Christina Stead Prize for fiction.”
Mr Rees said the addition of the People’s Choice Award helped NSW continue to lead the way in honouring Australia’s writers, poets and commentators.
“The People’s Choice Award gives you, the reader, the opportunity to honour your favourite author,” he said.
“I know only too well the unique pleasure that can be gained from a much-loved book and I hope this prize will encourage others to read the books on the shortlist and cast a vote.”
Mr Rees said he was proud to acknowledge Australia had some of the best writers in the world.
He said this year’s awards had received 642 author nominations, with a wide range of Australian publishers represented.
The winner of the People’s Choice Award and winners of the other categories will be announced on 18 May.
Voting in the People’s Choice Awards has been restricted to NSW residents and closes on 11 May.
Votes could be lodged at www.pla.nsw.gov.au and the shortlisted authors for 2009 are:
Helen Garner (Flemington, VIC) - The Spare Room
Kate Grenville (Lyneham, ACT) - The Lieutenant
Julia Leigh (Bondi Beach, NSW) - Disquiet
Joan London (Fremantle, WA) - The Good Parents
Steve Toltz (North Bondi, NSW) - A Fraction of the Whole
Tim Winton (Fremantle, WA) - Breath
1 April, 2009
Minister egg-cited over Easter decision
A decision by the Administrative Decisions Tribunal to uphold a ruling by the Director General of Commerce that big retailers could not trade as usual on Easter Sunday has been welcomed by the Minister for Industrial Relations, John Hatzistergos.Mr Hatzistergos said 25 retailers had applied to trade on Easter Sunday and all had been rejected.
He said the decision of the Tribunal to reject an appeal from hardware giant Bunnings sent a strong message to the community.
“These special days deserve to be celebrated by the community, whether it be through religious observance, or time spent with family and friends,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
He said over 100 retailers across the State had applied to the Director General to be able to trade on restricted days, which they were banned from doing under laws introduced last year.
Mr Hatzistergos said the laws stopped most retailers from opening on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, before 1pm on ANZAC Day and on Christmas and Boxing Days unless they were granted an exemption.
He said the rules did not apply to small, family-owned businesses and retailers in some tourist zones.
Mr Hatzistergos said the Tribunal’s refusal to let Bunnings operate upheld the laws.
“This is a win for the community and is in keeping with the intent of the legislation that these four-and-a-half days are days of restricted trading.”
He said six applications to trade on ANZAC Day, two on Good Friday and one on
Christmas Day had also been refused.
“On all other days - that is the 360.5 days of the year - there are no restrictions on shops opening to trade,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
He said the Shop Trading Act 2008 intended to balance the interests of consumers, retailers and retail workers, but that retailers whose applications had been turned down could appeal to the Administrative Decisions Tribunal as Bunnings had done.
1 April, 2009
Call for single Authority
The Sydney Chamber of Commerce has called for the creation of a single transport authority for Sydney to coordinate all aspects of transport planning and infrastructure delivery across the city.
Executive Director, Patricia Forsythe, said the new authority was needed to “forge a new direction for Sydney transport.”
She said a single body would facilitate better service coordination.
Fair Pay in comment case
The Australian Fair Pay Commission has responded to media reports that it was planning to cancel the 2009 Minimum Wage Review, currently in progress.
The Commission denied the reports saying a number of issues had been raised with it by stakeholders, including the new minimum wage-setting arrangements under Fair Work Australia and the separate process of Award Modernisation being undertaken by the Australian Industrial Relations Commission.
“Consistent with past practice, the Commission sought the views of all stakeholders on these and other matters, to ensure the full range of views was canvassed and all parties had the opportunity to comment.”
It said it would announce its decision in July.
Dividend fails in the West
The Western Australian Government has announced that its 3% efficiency dividend has failed to generate the savings it had hoped.
State Treasurer, Troy Buswell said a number of Government Agencies had been unable to deliver the cuts and the Budget would be affected as a result.
He said it was “pointless” of the Government to plan on achieving the savings if they couldn’t be achieved.
PS unionists said it was unwise to cut public sector jobs to fund election promises.
Car parks promote public transport
Five new commuter car parks are to be built in Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Central Coast and the Illawarra to increase facilities for public transport users.
Minister for Transport, David Campbell, said 3,000 extra car spaces would be provided at train stations across Sydney.
The car parks are to be built a Waterfall, Berowra, Ourimbah, Woonona and Katoomba.
Yamba named top town
The NSW town of Yamba has been named Australia’s best town by a panel of tourism and travel experts.
The Australian Traveller magazine listed 29 towns from NSW in its top 100 list, more than any other State.
For a full list of towns, visit www.australiantraveler.com
Housework stats
The Australian Bureau of Statistics has released figures showing while Australians were more likely to live in de facto relationships, women still did most of the housework.
The ABS said in 2006 women did two-thirds of the housework while men did two-thirds of paid work.
While men are doing more household work than in the past, in 2006 women still did nearly twice as much as men.
Further information was available from http://www.abs.gov.au
Drugs program expanded
The Government is to expand its drug and alcohol program Getting it Together to include three communities struggling with youth drug and alcohol addiction, homelessness and crime.
The program will be extended to cover Lismore, Central Coast and Toomelah/Boggabilla.
Getting it Together aims to link young people to drug and alcohol programs to help them deal with substance abuse head on.
Fridge buyback heads South
Households in the Illawarra will soon be included in the Government’s emission-saving Fridge Buyback program.
Under the program, households are paid $35 to get rid of their second fridge to reduce the amount of energy used by NSW residents.
Homes in Wollongong and Shellharbour will be eligible for the rebate from early April, and further information is available from www.environment.nsw.gov.au
Anti-smokes campaign aimed at youth
National Youth Tobacco Free Day has been used to promote the fact that the earlier a person starts smoking, the harder it is to quit.
March 27 was the day youths were informed of the Government’s Cigarettes are Eating you Alive campaign, regarded as being one of the world’s most graphic anti-tobacco campaigns.
The campaign will run until 11 April, with National Youth Tobacco Free Day included as a motivation for teenagers to quit smoking.
Creative look at tourism
A new $1.5 million tourism campaign to showcase Sydney’s creative industries and attractions has been announced by the Minister for Tourism, Jodi McKay.
Ms McKay said the campaign would include “Mambo” style artwork and encourage visitors to ‘Bring your grey matter to life in Sydney’.
“The Tourism NSW campaign will feature VIVID Sydney as well as promoting the
Sydney Writers Festival, the 56th Sydney Film Festival, the Archibald Prize, the Sydney Royal Easter Show, and a host of events to celebrate Darling Harbour’s 21st Birthday,” Ms McKay said.
Trainees to get help
Apprentices and trainees who have lost their jobs will be provided with help in finding employment and one-off payments of up to $2,500 to cover relocation costs.
A register of those who had lost their jobs would be established, with staff working to find employers who would provide jobs and training.
Education Minister, Verity Firth, said State Training Services would work closely with registered training organisations, including TAFE NSW, to provide a range of training options.
Stamps mark Post Office’s 200th
Australia Post has released 10 new stamps to celebrate 200 years of postal services in Australia.
The stamps highlight the contribution Australia Post has made to the lives of Australians since it was established in 1809.
The stamps, designed by Lynette Traynor of the Australia Post Design Studio, feature key historic moments such as the appointment of Australia’s first postmaster, photographs of early regional post offices, early air mail services and the importance of the postie.
Kirby Cup taking acceptors
The Australian Law Reform Commission and the Australian Law Students’ Association have called on law students to register for the 2009 Kirby Cup.
The 2009 Kirby Cup, one of Australia’s most prestigious law reform competitions, will focus on animal rights, with teams asked to consider key issues raised in Federal regulatory framework.
Registrations close 10 April 2009, with further information available from www.alrc.gov.au