SearchArchives for December 2009
16 December, 2009Ads audit adds up to
additional controls
The Auditor-General has called for stricter rules on Government advertising and raised concerns that recent advertising campaigns catered to the interests of politicians. In his report, Government Advertising, Auditor-General, Peter Achterstraat examined whether recent campaigns were appropriate, adhered to the State’s advertising guidelines, were properly approved and whether the claims made in the ads could be substantiated.
The report, which followed up on previous audits conducted in 1995 and 2007, found there was an “unacceptable risk” of some campaigns being judged as serving the interests of political parties.
“Our first performance audit of Government advertising in 1995 found that guidance to Agencies was not sufficient to prevent the use of public funds for party political purposes,” Mr Achterstraat said.
“In our second performance audit of Government advertising in 2007 we found that processes had improved. However, NSW Guidelines were still not sufficient to prevent the use of public funds for party political purposes.”
He said the 2009 NSW Public Sector Cadetship campaign was an example in point where pictures of young people had been replaced by a photo of the Premier at the time, Nathan Rees.
“The advertisement proposed by the Department of Premier and Cabinet for the NSW Cadetship campaign did not use the Premier’s photograph,” he said.
“However, at the request of a member of the Premier’s staff, the advertisement was changed to include the Premier’s photograph as well as a quote from the Premier.”
The Auditor-General said under the State’s advertising guidelines, Members of the NSW Government should not be “named, depicted or otherwise promoted in a manner that a reasonable person would regard as excessive or gratuitous.”
Mr Achterstraat said the design of the Better Future Campaign was also decided by a member of the Premier’s staff.
“This level of involvement is not appropriate,” he said.
The A-G said he was also concerned about campaign budgets and the claims being made in advertisements.
“The $1.1 million spent on the Investing in Better Future Campaign could be considered excessive as it largely informed people about a building and jobs initiative — particularly when compared with recent NSW Health campaigns which cost far less,” he said
“The same campaign claimed that the program supported up to 160,000 jobs. While these claims could be substantiated, they could also be misleading as not all these jobs would be in NSW.”
The Auditor-General called for changes to the guidelines to ensure campaigns were subject to peer review before being approved.
“To improve accountability for publicly funded advertising, it is recommended that the Guidelines be revised by 31 January 2010,” Mr Achterstraat said.
He said the guidelines needed to clearly define the roles and responsibilities of the Cabinet, Ministers, ministerial staff and chief executives in Government advertising and ensure Agencies completed an economic appraisal for campaigns with a budget of $1 million or more.
The report was available from www.audit.nsw.gov.au
16 December, 2009
Disability plan to
enable more
The Ombudsman’s Office has finalised its Disability Action Plan for 2010-2014.The Plan is aimed at optimising services offered to all the community and is expected to guide the delivery of programs and services to people with a disability until 2014.
Ombudsman, Bruce Barbour said the Plan was a working document and would be regularly reviewed and updated.
Mr Barbour said it was essential that anyone who needed to contact his office was able to do so.
“To this end, we have identified a number of strategies that focus on the needs of particular vulnerable groups,” he said.
“One such strategy is our Disability Action Plan, which outlines our commitment to achieving the outcomes for people with disabilities set out in the NSW State Plan and Guidelines for Disability Action Planning by NSW Government Agencies.”
Mr Barbour said the Plan outlined strategies to remove barriers to services; provide information in accessible formats; make facilities and services accessible; support participation in public consultations and on Government committees; increase employment participation; and influence other Agencies to improve community participation and quality of life for people with a disability.
“Our vision is to ‘see fair, accountable and responsive administrative practice and service delivery in NSW’,” he said.
“We work to promote good conduct, fair decision making, protection of rights and the provision of quality services.”
The Ombudsman said the Plan complied with the NSW Disability Services Act (1993) and built on the Office’s experience and achievements of previous plans.
“The progress of implementation will be reviewed regularly and reported to our Senior Officers Group at least quarterly,” Mr Barbour said.
“Progress will also be reported in our annual report.”
16 December, 2009
Transport audits
run into trouble
The financial reports of Government transport, planning and industry Agencies have been examined by the Auditor-General for his Volume 10 Report to Parliament for 2009.Auditor-General, Peter Achterstraat highlighted excessive overtime and a reliance on contractors as key areas of concern for the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) and RailCorp.
Mr Achterstraat said the RTA spent $64.2 million on over 800 contractors in 2008-09, a substantial increase of the 600 contractors they engaged the previous year.
“The Authority continues to engage contractors for longer than one year, with some contractors engaged for over 20 years” he said.
The Auditor-General said RailCorp appointed around 690 contractors, with almost a quarter of them costing more than $1,000 per day.
“I recommend RailCorp review its use of contractors to ensure its represents good value for money,” Mr Achterstraat said.
He said overtime payments at the RTA had increased for those earning more than $50,000 when compared to 2007-09.
“The most overtime earned by an employee was $114,000,” the A-G said.
“I have previously recommended the Authority review its overtime approval procedures and monitor overtime levels to ensure overtime is effectively managed and achieves desired outcomes.
“RailCorp’s overtime payments are significant and should also be addressed.”
Mr Achterstraat recommended the Government review whether the corporate governance structures of Rail Infrastructure Corporation and the Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation are appropriate as they are the only not-for-profit Statutory State owned corporations (SOCs) in the NSW Public Sector.
His audit of recent rail fleet carriage acquisitions found most had been late or were running behind schedule but that on-time running continued to improve.
“All lines except the Northern line met or exceeded the 92 per cent target,” he said.
Mr Achterstraat said crowding remained the biggest concern for commuters, with over 50 per cent of passengers not happy about it.
The full text of the report was available from www.audit.nsw.gov.au
16 December, 2009
Big city planning
is capital idea
Australia’s capital cities are to develop 30-year strategic plans by 2012 that detail how they will respond to climate change, population growth and improved productivity.The move has been imposed by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) to ensure the nation’s most populous communities meet national criteria for transport, housing, urban development and sustainability.
Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd said capital city strategic plans were needed to boost economic productivity, respond to climate change and ensure Australia was prepared for a population of 35 million people by 2049.
“The national criteria will deliver better integrated and longer term - 30 year - infrastructure and land use plans,” Mr Rudd said.
“The criteria require planned, evidence based land release to improve housing affordability, better transport planning to tackle urban congestion, and new urban development to be better linked to transport, jobs and services.”
He said work would commence next year, with an initial report on each jurisdiction’s plan to be completed during 2011.
Mr Rudd said that from 1 January 2012, the Federal Government would link future infrastructure funding to States and Territories meeting these criteria.
“The Commonwealth must have confidence in the integrity of a capital city’s strategic planning system if it is to invest in that city,” he said.
Mr Rudd said the Commonwealth would also contribute to reforms by its property assets, service delivery and approval processes.
He said the reform would secure better outcomes from investments of all Governments in Australian cities and strengthen public confidence in the planning system.
16 December, 2009
Financial review
worth reading
The Half-Yearly Review for the 2009-10 Budget shows the State’s finances are expected to be back in surplus a year earlier than originally forecast.Premier, Kristina Keneally released the Review, saying the NSW economy was now forecast to grow by 1.5 per cent in 2009-10 compared to the 0.5 per cent contraction in Gross State Product estimated at Budget time.
“This puts NSW in pole position to lead the nation’s recovery from the biggest economic downturn in our lifetimes,” Ms Keneally said.
She said the figures showed the Government had acted “responsibly and prudently” to cushion the effects of the global economic crisis.
Treasurer, Eric Roozendaal said the Budget was expected to return to surplus in 2010-11 and that the outlook had improved by a total of $1.312 billion across the Budget and forward estimates period.
“The green shoots of recovery are growing in the NSW economy – we’re seeing stronger growth, lower unemployment and stronger Budget bottom lines than expected six months ago,” Mr Roozendaal said.
He said key releases in the Half-Yearly Review included increasing the State’s four-year infrastructure building program by $2.6 billion and a decrease in the expected peak unemployment rate from 8.5 per cent in 2011 to under 7 per cent in 2010.
“NSW was hit first and hit hardest by the global financial crisis,” he said.
“But what today’s review means is that we are now seeing the signs of a sustained recovery.
The 2009-10 Half-Yearly Budget Review was available from www.treasury.nsw.gov.au
16 December, 2009
Police flying high
to catch speedsters
NSW Police are to receive help from above in their efforts to keep motorists safe this Christmas, with a fixed-wing Police aircraft taking off to patrol country highways.Minister for Police, Michael Daley said the State’s unacceptably high 2009 road toll showed there was a need for additional resources to be employed to help apprehend dangerous drivers.
“That’s why we’re putting an extra $3.9 million into Highway Patrol operations this summer and putting a plane in the sky,” Mr Daley said.
“This new plane will not only be able to cover vast distances quickly, it will also be able to spot skylarks or people who are potentially impaired by fatigue and or alcohol.”
He said it would help detect erratic driving which is difficult to detect on the ground.
According to Mr Daley, speed, alcohol and fatigue were the top three killers on the road.
“The real tragedy, quite frankly, is that each one of these is avoidable,” he said.
“The thought of people dying on our roads over the holiday period sickens us all.”
Police Commissioner, Andrew Scipione said the aerial patrols would begin before Christmas.
“Our fixed wing Cessna 206H aircraft will operate from the Police Aviation Support Branch at Bankstown Airport and target sites where it’s been logistically difficult to carry out more traditional roadside enforcement methods,” Commissioner Scipione said.
“Traffic Police will be working from the aircraft to identify signs of fatigue and other issues that may be affecting a driver’s performance.”
Commissioner Scipione said the aerial crews would be able to summon and coordinate ground-based Police to intercept and stop potential offenders.
Mr Daley said a leave embargo applied to Highway Patrol Officers over the Christmas Holiday Period.
“This year, Operation Safe Arrival will enlist the help of over 500 Highway Patrol vehicles including 59 motorcycles and 4 drug buses,” he said.
“In addition to this, every police car is a mobile RBT so if you are planning on having a few celebratory drinks over Christmas, by all means, enjoy yourself but do so with your car keys locked securely back at home.”
Mr Daley said NSW Police and the NRMA had also joined forces to create a new poster campaign to be implemented shortly, informing people of the dangers of sending text messages while driving.
16 December, 2009
Tree criticism
gets the chop
Media reports that trees at Admiralty House in Sydney had been removed to offer better views of the harbour have been labelled as “nonsense” by the Official Secretary to the Governor-General, Stephen Brady.Mr Brady said the two coral trees had been removed from the foreshore area for environmental reasons.
“The trees were not only an invasive species, but their root systems had caused serious damage to the Admiralty House sea wall and marine barracks forecourt area and required removal,” Mr Brady said.
“Any suggestion that trees were removed to provide a better view of the harbour is nonsense.”
He said coral trees were being removed across the State by National Parks and city Councils due to their destructive nature.
Mr Brady said the sea wall at Admiralty House was part of the heritage listed Admiralty House precinct and underwent regular repairs to prevent it disintegrating into the harbour.
“The suggestion that the trees were removed for a New Year’s Eve function by the Governor-General is false,” he said.
Mr Brady said the trees were removed as part of the five-year Landscape Management Plan for the property.
He said a native revegetation program was now underway.
16 December, 2009
Ombudsman finds
against agencies
The NSW Ombudsman has released his report into the death of a two-year-old boy who was the subject of numerous reports to the Department of Community Services.Ombudsman, Bruce Barbour said his investigation had focused on the adequacy of the actions taken by DoCS and a non-Government support service when responding to concerns about the child, Dean Shillingsworth, and his two siblings.
“My investigation found that the actions taken by both Agencies did not effectively protect Dean,” Mr Barbour said.
“DoCS received numerous risk of harm reports about Dean and his siblings in the year before he died, none of which received comprehensive assessment.
“The non-Government family support service worked with Dean and his mother at a critical time. However, the service failed to effectively identify the risks to Dean and to convey accurate information about the family’s situation.”
The Ombudsman said his review highlighted the importance of putting a “robust information exchange regime” in place to ensure Government and non-Government Agencies could exchange information legally, adequately and in a timely manner.
“The work of my office has demonstrated very clearly the risks inherent in responding to child protection concerns with only partial information, making it impossible to conduct a proper holistic risk assessment,” Mr Barbour said.
He said his review showed DoCS had received 34 risk of harm reports relating to the family between 2001 and Dean’s death in 2007.
The Ombudsman said most of the reports were closed by Departmental officers due to competing priorities and none had resulted in a comprehensive secondary risk of harm assessment.
“During his short life, Dean was reported to DoCS once before he was born and nine times after his birth,” Mr Barbour said.
“During the same period (2005–2007), his older sister was the subject of a further 11 reports to DoCS.”
The Ombudsman said there were a number of challenges “inherent” in changes to the child protection system which had been recommended by Justice James Wood in his Inquiry into Child Protection Services.
In response to Justice Wood’s report, the State Government developed a five year comprehensive plan to reform child protection in NSW, Keep them Safe: A shared approach to child wellbeing.
Mr Barbour said the plan aimed to make child protection a ‘shared responsibility’, and gave all relevant Government Agencies prescribed responsibilities.
He said in the future DoCS would only respond to cases where there was risk of significant harm and that relevant Agencies would establish Child Wellbeing Units to help their staff to determine cases that warranted DoCS’ intervention.
However, Mr Barbour said establishing Child Wellbeing Units without the support of a Statewide Family Referral Service system and without expanding early intervention services meant Agencies may not have the capacity to provide the required support for families.
The Ombudsman said greater involvement of non-Government agencies was “clearly appropriate” and had the potential to deliver more effective services.
Dean’s mother was charged with his murder in October 2007 and pleaded guilty in August 2009.
The Ombudsman’s full report was available from www.ombo.nsw.gov.au
16 December, 2009
New system holds
Court to ransom
A new electronic case management system is to be introduced into the Supreme Court of NSW.The new system, JusticeLink, will be implemented before Christmas and replace the Court’s current system which has been in use since 1989.
Supreme Court registry staff will use the new system to administer and manage civil cases.
According to the Court, JusticeLink will allow the Supreme, District and Local Courts to administer their cases on the same, integrated system and is already used in the criminal jurisdictions of the three Courts.
The new system is expected to be introduced into the District and Local Courts’ civil registries during 2010, with later releases to enable Court users to file documents and access case information online, without contacting the registry.
The Court says the introduction of JusticeLink will be accompanied by several changes to civil registry operations, some of which are temporary and some permanent.
The Court has advised users that some disruptions will affect them, but that every effort would be made to minimise disturbances.
It says on 18 December the civil registry will be unable to create new proceedings, list matters or record orders.
“This is a temporary change affecting all civil registry users,” the Court said.
It said staff would have access to read-only files during the transition to JusticeLink and would be able to answer basic enquiries about listing dates or orders recorded before 18 December.
“However, staff will not be able to allocate case numbers or future listing dates to any new originating processes (summons, statement of claim, motion).
“The only new originating processes staff will be able to handle on Friday 18 December are urgent applications to be heard by the Duty Judge that very day.
“Full registry services will be restored on Monday, 21 December 2009.”
The system change-over is also expected to cause a temporary increase to waiting times.
Under JusticeLink, all civil proceedings will be allocated new case numbers, Court users will no longer have to prepare their own receipt or wait in the cashier’s queue and email is to become the Supreme Court’s preferred method of contacting parties.
Additional information on how the changes will affect Court users was available from the Supreme Court’s factsheet, Important information for Court users about the upgrade of the Court’s computer system in December 2009, which was available from www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au
16 December, 2009
Bus increases are
fare way to go
The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal has released its final determination on bus fare prices for 2010 to 2013.IPART said fares would rise by an average of 3.4 per cent on 3 January 2010 and that they would rise by a total of 6 per cent plus inflation over the four year period.
The fare rises cover 25 bus contract regions for Sydney metropolitan and outer metropolitan areas including the Blue Mountains, Newcastle and Wollongong.
Under IPART’s determination, bus fares would increase by slightly more than the rate of inflation in each year to 2013.
IPART said the fare increases would allow the Government to recover around half of its total costs in providing contracted bus services, which is similar to its current level of cost recovery.
The final determination is largely unchanged from IPART’s draft determination which was released in October 2009, although some fares will increase by less than originally proposed.
Acting Chairman and Chief Executive of IPART, James Cox said the Tribunal believed bus passengers should pay no more than their fair share to cover the costs of providing them with bus services.
“We have analysed the costs of bus operators carefully and have calculated the efficient costs of providing services to fare-paying passengers,” Mr Cox said.
From next year the price of single trip tickets will increase by between 10 and 20 cents and will increase by up to 20 cents in January of 2011, 2012 and 2013.
TravelTen, Private Bus Weekly and T-WayTen1 tickets will increase by between 40 cents and $1.60 on 3 January 2010.
Over the subsequent three years, most of these tickets are expected to increase by between 80 cents and $1.60 in January of each year.
IPART said Weekly TravelPasses would increase by between $1.00 and $2.00 over the next four years.
The Tribunal said time-based fares in Newcastle would increase by 10 to 30 cents on 3 January 2010 and by between 10 and 40 cents over the subsequent three years.
TimeTen tickets in Newcastle will increase by 70 cents in 2010 and by between 90 cents and $1.00 for the remaining three years.
16 December, 2009
Tinnies targeted in
boat safety scheme
The results of the State’s first ‘Targeting Tinnies’ maritime safety campaign for the summer have shown speeding and breaches of safety equipment rules were the most common offences.Minister for Ports and Waterways, Paul McLeay said the campaign had targeted open aluminum boats and NSW Maritime Boating Safety Officers had conducted over 1,700 on-water safety checks over two days.
“Operation Targeting Tinnies involved a coordinated State-wide safety campaign by NSW Maritime Boating Safety Officers, paying particular attention to open runabouts due to safety concerns surrounding these popular craft,” Mr McLeay said.
“It appears skippers in regional areas need to be more responsible when it comes to safety equipment, while in Sydney it is speeding.”
He called on all skippers to make safety a priority this boating season.
On the North Coast, 294 vessels were checked with 18 receiving fines and 28 receiving warnings.
Seven lifejacket-related fines were issued as were three fines for failing to hold a current licence.
In the Hunter/Inland, 202 vessels were checked with 17 fines and 8 warnings issued.
In Hawkesbury/Broken Bay 167 vessels were stopped and 26 fines and three warnings issued while in the Sydney region 408 tinnies were checked and 33 fines issued, almost half for speeding.
On the South Coast 248 vessels were checked and just seven fines issued.
The largest number of fines was issued in the Murray/Inland, with 42 handed out after 421 vessels were checked.
16 December, 2009
Pedestrians told to
watch their step
Pedestrians have been urged to act responsibly when crossing roads during the Christmas and New Year period to help prevent accidents and fatalities.Minister for Transport and Roads, David Campbell called on pedestrians to take care following an increase in the number of pedestrian deaths during 2009.
Mr Campbell said 60 pedestrians had already died on NSW roads this year, an increase of 15 compared to the same time last year.
“Pedestrians are among our most vulnerable road users and people need to be aware of their own safety when out celebrating during the festive season,” Mr Campbell said.
“It’s very important to follow pedestrian signals, to walk safely when crossing roads and to avoid walking long distances after drinking.”
He said around 20 per cent of all people killed on NSW roads each year were pedestrians.
“Of those killed or injured, children, older pedestrians and alcohol-affected pedestrians are the most vulnerable,” Mr Campbell said.
He also urged motorists to take care and watch out for pedestrians.
“More than half of pedestrian fatalities occur in darkness or at dusk,” Mr Campbell said.
“People should also plan their trip home before they head out for a drink and should stop, look, listen and think before crossing the road and use pedestrian facilities where available.
“With the busy party season approaching it is more important than ever to ensure you are aware of your surroundings when walking, especially at night.”
16 December, 2009
Investors to bank
on new ASIC guide
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has launched a guide for retail investors.The free Guide, Investing between the flags,outlines the basic principles of investing and suggestions on developing and sticking to a sound investment plan.
Chairman of the Commission, Tony D’Aloisio said the Guide would help retail investors invest more wisely, although he added that investing was never risk free.
“When you go swimming at the beach, you will reduce the risk of drowning if you swim between the flags, similarly, when you invest, you will reduce the risk of losing your money if you adopt the investing behaviours identified in this guide which has been developed over a long period of time,” Mr D’Aloisio said.
“The wise investor takes time to understand the basic principles of investing such as diversification and the trade-off between risk and return.”
The guide includes six steps to investing safely, including understanding tolerance for risk, goals and timeframes; understanding how different investments work; and developing an investment plan such as spreading investments between different asset classes, managers and sectors.
Other tips include suggestions on deciding how to invest, implementing a plan, and monitoring investments.
The Guide also features case studies showing how people at different life stages have different investment goals and what to consider when working towards those goals.
For a free copy of the guide, visit www.fido.gov.au
16 December, 2009
Uni’s energy research
gets power boost
Construction of a new energy research facility at the University of New South Wales has begun, with the first sod turned by the Federal Minister for Education and Deputy Prime Minister, Julia Gillard.Ms Gillard said the new $155 million Tyree Energy Technologies Building would be used to conducted research into renewable energy.
The building is to be the focal point of the University’s new Centre for Energy Research and Policy Analysis (CERPA), which brings together nine of the uni’s faculties to work on energy challenges.
CERPA combines the research strengths and expertise of staff at the University of New South Wales in a coordinated group focused on developing solutions to future energy challenges.
It includes experts in climate science, energy policy, legal frameworks, energy markets and assessment capabilities.
The building has been named after Tyree Industries founder, Sir William Tyree who was joined Ms Gillard at the ceremony.
Tyree Industries designs and manufactures electrical products.
The new facility is expected to support the University’s work in photovoltaics and research into carbon capture and storage, oil and gas reservoir characterisation, nanomaterials and policy and market analysis. It will also house learning space for 300 engineering students.
The project received $75 million from the Australian Government’s Education Investment Fund (EIF) and will be designed to be carbon-neutral.
The EIF is an $11 billion fund aimed at fuelling investment in Australia’s universities, vocational education institutions and major research institutes.
The 2009 funding round focused on higher education institutions, with $304 million available for new research facilities or capital expenditure in universities.
The Tyree Energy Technologies Building is expected to be completed by early 2012.
16 December, 2009
Drink drive study
under the weather
The Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) has revealed that 15.5 per cent of drink-drivers are caught reoffending within five years.Director of the Bureau, Dr Don Weatherburn said the Bureau’s research showed there was no relationship between the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) range in which an offender fell and their risk of returning to Court for the same offence.
Dr Weatherburn said the study, Drink Driving and Recidivism in NSW, involved the Bureau following 23,373 offenders convicted of a drink driving offence in 2002 for a period of five years.
“One of the strongest predictors of the likelihood of a further drink-driving offence is the offender’s prior criminal record,” Dr Weatherburn said.
He said while 14 per cent of drink drivers with no convictions in the five years prior to their 2002 offence were reconvicted of another drink-driving offence within five years, 21 per cent of offenders with two or more prior convictions reoffended.
The research found 16.6 per cent of men reoffended compared to 9.7 per cent of women and Indigenous offenders reoffended at a rate of 23.9 per cent compared to 15.4 per cent of non-Indigenous offenders.
Dr Weatherburn said 18.3 per cent of people under 25 years reoffended (compared to 8.5 per cent those 55 and over) and 17.1 per cent of offenders living in areas with the highest level of socio-economic disadvantage were caught out compared to 13.9 per cent of those who lived in areas of the lowest disadvantage.
He said offenders who received a licence disqualification of 13 months or more were less likely to be reconvicted of a drink driving offence than those who did not receive licence disqualification as a penalty.
“For reasons that remain unclear, however, those with shorter licence disqualification periods were more likely to be re-convicted for another drink driving, driving licence, motor vehicle registration or motor vehicle roadworthiness offence than those who did not receive any licence disqualification at all,” Dr Weatherburn said.
“This outcome may be the result of some extraneous (unmeasured) difference between those given a short disqualification period and those receiving no disqualification at all.”
The full report could be accessed at www.bocsar.nsw.gov.au
16 December, 2009
Children’s framework
is welcome policy
A new national framework for children’s services has been welcomed by the Minister for Community Services, Linda Burney.Ms Burney said the framework was agreed upon at the most recent meeting of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) to ensure all Australian children had the best possible start to life.
Ms Burney said the scheme would improve the safety and quality of children’s services in NSW and would be introduced progressively from 1 July 2010.
She said leaders at the COAG meeting also agreed to a new unified national quality system to replace the current licensing and accreditation process undertaken by States, Territories and the Commonwealth.
“The new approach aims to improve the quality of services provided to children in their early years, improve information to parents about the quality and rating of the services in their community and streamline the regulation and quality assurance systems for services,” Ms Burney said.
“I support this commitment because we know the difference quality early child education and care can make for children, especially those who are disadvantaged.”
The National Quality Standard (NQS) will be operational from 1 January 2012 and will include improvements to staff/child ratios across all age groups and service types.
Ms Burney said she was pleased to see that many of the standards outlined in the NQS were already in place in NSW services.
“NSW is already a leader in our requirements for university trained early childhood teachers in long day care and preschool services with 30 or more children,” she said.
“We’ve also already committed to a 1:4 staff/child ratio for children aged two and under, as will be required by all services in Australia under the NQS.”
Ms Burney said the NQS would introduce a new ratings system to help parents identify quality services for their children.
She said the new system would encourage service providers to focus on continuous quality improvement.
“Some of the best experiences children can have in the early years take place in quality children’s services, whether that is a child care centre, family day care home or preschool,” Mr Burney said.
A newly formed body, comprising Commonwealth, state and territory representatives, will be responsible for guiding the national system that will cover long day care, family day care, outside school hours care and preschool services.
The new Framework and Standards are aimed a delivering consistent services across Australia.
16 December, 2009
Wage increases
Wage packages are set to increase by around 3 per cent for Chief and Senior Executive Services following an annual determination of the Statutory and Other Offices Remuneration Tribunal.
The Report and Determination were published in the Government Gazette of 20 November 2009.
The Determination took effect from 1 October 2009, with further information available from www.remtribunals.nsw.gov.au
ACCC stamps on stamp rise
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has objected to Australia Post’s plan to raise the price of stamps from 55 to 60 cents.
The ACCC said it was unable to agree to the price increase as the proposed costs of Australia Post did not reflect the decline in demand for letter services.
Australia Post said it was “surprised and extremely disappointed” at the ACCC’s opposition to the price increase.
Fair work week in January
Fair Work Week is to run from 4 to 8 January 2010 and will highlight the new Fair Work system which is set to come into force on 1 January.
The new Fair Work system comprises a safety net of 10 legislated National Employment Standards and new modern awards to implement a nation-wide workplace relations system for the private sector.
Fair Work Week aims to raise awareness and understanding of the new workplace relations system and further information is available from www.fairwork.gov.au
Housing tenders called
Tenders have been called to transfer the ownership and management of 4,500 Government-owned social housing homes to non-profit organisations.
Housing Minister, David Borger said 12 not-for-profit Community Housing Organisations had already been approved for 857 homes rolled out under Stage 1 of the Commonwealth’s Nation Building plan.
Further information on tenders for houses being rolled out under Stage 2 was available from www.tenders.nsw.gov.au. Submissions close 26 February 2010.
Records newsletter
State Records NSW has released Issue 41 of its newsletter Now&Then which informs readers of upcoming events, news and programs at the Archives.
The online issue includes information updates, Christmas opening hours and details of the Authority’s Christmas Competition 2009.
Further information was available from www.records.nsw.gov.au
PS News on holiday
This is the final edition of PS News for 2009.
The editor, staff and contributors to PS News wish every reader and their families a healthy and relaxing Christmas break and a rewarding new year.
The first edition for 2010 will be published during the week of 18 January.
9 December, 2009
Privacy watchdog
shares secret fears
The Privacy Commissioner has raised concerns about privacy laws and amendments to freedom of information legislation, warning that privacy needed to remain protected in the face of a more information-friendly Government.The Commissioner, Judge Ken Taylor made the comments in his Annual Report 2008/2009.
Judge Taylor said draft legislation had been released to replace current freedom of information (FOI) legislation and usher in a more open Government regime.
“My principal concern, as Privacy Commissioner, was for the current privacy law reform process to proceed in tandem with the reform of the freedom of information laws,” Judge Taylor said.
“I expressed the view that law reform should not be driven solely by concerns about access to Government information and that privacy protection should equally inform the process.
“I also noted that there remains an outstanding issue of how privacy and open Government laws should intersect, particularly where the personal information of third persons is sought under an access application.”
Judge Taylor said he would like to see the current reform of privacy laws proceed simultaneously with FOI laws to ensure privacy was “adequately protected” in the context of FOI.
He said Privacy Contact Officers working within Agencies had performed well but a number of queries directed towards them concerned issues not covered by NSW privacy laws.
“Queries received from members of the public continue to concern privacy issues relating to surveillance at home and work, access to medical records and the use of criminal records,” Judge Taylor said.
“Some of these issues are not within the scope of NSW privacy laws, which deal with privacy in information that is largely held by Government Agencies.”
Judge Taylor said some privacy rights such as nuisance, harassment or workplace surveillance were protected by law, but that there were “still gaps.”
“The NSW Law Reform Commission (NSWLRC) has recently recommended that these gaps be filled by the introduction of a statutory cause of action for invasion of privacy, which I have supported,” he said.
Judge Taylor said another issue was the proposal to bring the Privacy Commissioner and the new statutory office of Information Commissioner together into the same office.
“Any co-location of Privacy NSW and the Information Commissioner’s Office is likely to pose some challenges in the financial year 2009/2010,” he said.
“However, it will also bring an opportunity to revitalise its operations and develop strong, cooperative relationships with Agencies in the provision of balanced guidance on their open government and privacy obligations.”
The Commissioner’s report was available from www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au
9 December, 2009
PS in from cold as
job freeze melts
The Tasmanian Government is to overturn its freeze on Public Service jobs after admitting the policy was taking a toll on service delivery.Premier, David Bartlett introduced the moratorium on jobs in 2008, targetting up to 800 jobs across all Government Departments as a result of the global financial crisis and expected Budget deficit.
While Mr Bartlett said frontline positions would be protected from the cull, he admitted this week that the cuts were starting to impact on the delivery of services.
The Premier said the Parks and Wildlife Service and Department of Justice would be among the first to benefit from the release of pressure with Agencies such as health, education and police next in line.
Mr Bartlett said he wanted Public Servants to know he appreciated the sacrifices they had made in response to the “belt-tightening” brought about by the financial crisis.
“I am looking at what we can do to relieve the most critical pressure points that those cuts are obviously creating in terms of service delivery,” he said.
He has held discussions with key Public Service unions about easing the freeze, especially as the Government had emerged from the financial threat in stronger shape than originally predicted.
General Secretary of the Community and Public Sector Union, Tom Lynch said the implications of the about-face decision would be far-reaching.
“This is not only great news for those thousands of public sector workers who have been struggling to maintain service levels but it is also great news for every Tasmanian who relies upon those services,” Mr Lynch said.
“Putting some of the rewards from our improving economy back into services is consistent with this Government’s record and is exactly the sort of Christmas present many Tasmanians need.”
9 December, 2009
Auditor ticks
off agencies
The Auditor-General has released Volumes Eight and Nine of his Report to Parliament, commenting on financial audits for Emergency Services, Law and Order, Education and Community Agencies.The Auditor-General, Peter Achterstraat said he was concerned about excessive overtime and funding for compensation, death and disability schemes in Emergency Services and Law and Order Agencies.
Mr Achterstraat said his review found overtime payments to staff at the Department of Corrective Services had cost the NSW Government over $40 million.
“The review also identified that the most overtime paid to any individual employee during the year was $77,380 ($76,679 in 2007-08),” he said.
“These overtime payments are unacceptably high.”
Mr Achterstraat said the Attorney General’s Department was yet to process more than two and a half years of compensation claims which were worth over $150 million.
He said the delay was largely due to the Department restricting the number of claims it processed to the money available to it.
“The Department needs to seek funding to clear the significant backlog in victims’ compensation claims,” Mr Achterstraat said.
The number of new claims made each year is increasing and the number determined and paid has remained at similar levels over the last four years.”
The Auditor raised concerns about the NSW Police Force, saying it needed to ensure it had sufficient money to meet the increasing costs of its Death and Disability Scheme.
“The scheme’s liability has gone up nearly five times from $29 million in 2006 to $147 million in 2009,” he said.
There were fewer concerns raised with Education and Community Agencies, with Mr Achterstraat saying the maintenance backlog at NSW public schools had been reduced thanks to an additional $31.6 million for the Department of Education and Training (DET).
“The backlog is now at $21.3 million, down from $50.8 million last year,” he said.
Mr Achterstraat said DET faced a loss of key teaching skills with large numbers of teachers due to retire soon.
“Statistics show that 44.1 per cent of school teachers are aged 50 years and over (43.8 per cent in 2008),” he said.
“The Department advised that these employees may reach retirement age over the next eight years, with the majority in the later age groups reaching retirement age in the next four to six years.”
The Auditor-General said although school retention rates remained stable at about 65 per cent, they were still below the national average.
In his report, Mr Achterstraat recommended operational shortcomings at the Sydney Opera House be addressed, including critical problems with stage machinery.
The reports were available from www.audit.nsw.gov.au
9 December, 2009
Dangerous toys found
in Fair Trading play
Fair Trading has conducted the largest ever statewide sweep of toy retailers and markets, removing over 100 dangerous toys from the shelves.Minister for Fair Trading, Virginia Judge, said checks were conducted every year in the lead up to Christmas to ensure toys did not pose a safety risk to children and consumers.
“Everyone wants a bargain at Christmas time but there is no bargaining with your child’s safety,” Ms Judge said.
She said Fair Trading inspectors visited 661 retail outlets in 163 towns across NSW and inspected over half a million toys.
“While 90 per cent of stores were compliant, Fair Trading identified and removed 103 toys and products that failed to meet NSW’s stringent product safety standards,” Ms Judge said.
“Toys included rubber yo-yo balls, rattles, musical instruments, battery operated animals and squeaky toys.
“Rigorous testing revealed these toys present a potentially fatal inhalation or choking hazard due to small parts.”
Ms Judge said some projectile toys could become stuck in a child’s throat and cause eye injuries.
“One of the most concerning toys was a toy laser gun that also doubled as a fire lighter,” she said.
“This toy is completely irresponsible and could cause serious burn injuries to children.”
Ms Judge said the majority of unsafe products were found in metropolitan discount variety stores and markets and that all of them were imported from China.
“If parents have purchased any of these products they should remove them immediately and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund,” she said.
Ms Judge said suppliers who supplied or sold unsafe products faced stiff penalties, with maximum fines of $22,000 for individuals and $110,000 for corporations.
“Fair Trading will continue the hunt for dangerous products over the coming weeks to ensure that unsafe products remain off the shelves and away from young children,” she said.
Ms Judge recommended consumers take care when buying toys for children, suggesting they buy washable, non-breakable toys for babies, read all labels before purchasing, check toys regularly for loose parts, check for gaps or holes that could trap fingers and check for sharp edges or rough surfaces.
Fair Trading’s toy safety checklist was available from www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au
9 December, 2009
Schools turn to
radio for fire info
The Department of Education and Training has advised families concerned about bushfires to monitor their local radio stations for updates on school operations.The Department also suggested families regularly check the Rural Fire Service website, which contains information on bushfire conditions.
Staff from the Department have been working closely with the State Emergency Operations Centre to ensure DET is immediately notified of any dangerous weather conditions as soon as they are declared.
DET said school principals in bushfire-prone areas had also reviewed their emergency management plans to ensure strategies were place to respond to emergencies and protect the safety of students and staff.
A spokesperson for the Rural Fire Service (RFS) said all public schools in NSW were required to follow the directions of local emergency personnel in the event of a fire.
“If people have any concerns they should check the RFS website first or call 1800 679 737,” the spokesperson said.
“Fire updates are on the website and that’s where you can get the best source of information.”
Minister for Emergency Services, Steve Whan said the RFS would use three public alert levels: Emergency Warning, Watch and Act, and Advice.
“These messages may be accompanied by the use of the Standard Emergency Warning Signal on radio and television,” Mr Whan said.
He said the new national fire danger rating and warning system had been introduced and included a top-level fire rating category of ‘Catastrophic’.
Mr Whan said a ‘Catastrophic’ warning forecasted the possibility of uncontrollable and unpredictable fires which could spread quickly.
The order of the new fire danger ratings is: Low-Moderate, High, Very High, Severe, Extreme and Catastrophic.
The RFS website was available at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au
9 December, 2009
Cycling brochure to
get wheels spinning
A new brochure outlining safety tips for cyclists who travel in groups has been released by the Assistant Minister for Transport, David Borger.Mr Borger said the brochure, Riding in groups – a guide on riding safely on our roads, was a joint initiative of the Bicycle Advisory Council and the Road Freight Advisory Council and was endorsed by NSW Police, Bicycle NSW and Cycling NSW.
He said the brochure set out advice on how cyclists could enhance their safety, including limiting their group to no more than 20 riders.
“Riding in traffic can be safe and enjoyable for cyclists who follow some commonsense tips,” Mr Borger said.
“We all know ‘the road is there to share’ and in order to save lives all road users need to obey the rules and respect others.”
He said cyclists were among the most vulnerable road users.
“We can maximise safety for all road users by limiting cycling groups to 20 riders of a similar riding standard of experience and fitness,” Mr Borger said.
“Travelling in groups larger than 20 can make it difficult and potentially dangerous for other road users to pass safely.”
He also suggested cyclists maintain appropriate distances, communicate clearly with others in the group, ride within their limits, take notice of the road ahead, clearly signal their intentions and don’t use headphones or audio equipment.
Mr Borger said the brochure reminded cyclists to understand and observe the road rules.
“Cyclists, like all other road users, are expected to obey the rules,” he said.
“This includes all signs and signals, staying clear of moving motor vehicles, wearing a helmet, ride no more than two abreast unless passing and follow lane markings.
“Cyclists should also look out for pedestrians and give way to them and they are strongly advised to wear brightly coloured or reflective clothing to help make them more visible.”
The brochure was available at www.rta.nsw.gov.au
9 December, 2009
Copyright circular
fit for royalty
The Department of Premier and Cabinet has reminded Agencies to pay their copyright fees for the past three financial years.In a DPC Circular, Director General, John Lee says Agencies are obligated to pay the fee as compensation to copyright holders for Government employees copying published work such as newspapers, magazines and journals.
Mr Lee said the fees must be paid to the Copyright Agency Ltd.
“As required by the Copyright Act 1968, the NSW Government has entered into an agreement with the Copyright Agency Limited (CAL) for payment of copyright fees for NSW Government reproduction (i.e. copying) of published works,” he says.
“Under the agreement, CAL will invoice each Agency for the financial years ending 30 June 2007, 30 June 2008 and 30 June 2009.”
Mr Lee says invoices were expected to be released from November 2009 and asked that Chief Finance Officers pay them “as soon as practicable.”
“While copyright fees have not been paid since 2006, when the last agreement ceased, Treasury has advised that each Agency’s annual budget has included provision for copyright fees,” he said.
Mr Lee says further information regarding Agency obligations was available from www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au and that a set of frequently asked questions had been developed to help Agencies understand copyright obligations.
The Circular, C2009-38 Payment of copyright fees to the Copyright Agency Limited (CAL) supersedes a 2005 Circular on the same subject.
The new Circular is available from www.dpc.nsw.gov.au
9 December, 2009
Volunteers plug into
new email service
State Emergency Service volunteers are to be linked to a new email system over the next two months in a technology upgrade worth $2 million per year.Minister for Emergency Services, Steve Whan was joined by SES Commissioner, Murray Kear and Microsoft’s Director for Public Sector Australia, Pip Marlow at the launch of the new system.
Mr Whan said the new email system would enable the Service’s 7,000 volunteers to receive and share important SES information in a faster and easier manner.
“It will help them keep up-to-date on matters such as training, health and safety, community education, search and rescue techniques and operational response activities,” Mr Whan said.
“This advance, providing active volunteers with their own individual email addresses and 15 gigabytes of virtual data storage, has been made possible with the support of Microsoft through its Global Citizenship Program.”
He said the new system was a key feature of the Service’s new Everyone’s Online intranet system which was launched in November 2009 to give staff and volunteers easier access to information and data.
Mr Kear said the SES was committed to improving communication between members to help them function more effectively.
“We are delighted to have the support of the State Government and Microsoft in the provision of this cutting edge technology,” he said.
Ms Marlow said Microsoft welcomed the opportunity to partner the SES on the project.
“Microsoft has a strong commitment to supporting volunteerism and this project will enable the volunteers of the SES to undertake their vital work more readily,” she said.
Mr Whan thanked SES volunteers for their efforts over the past year to protect and help the NSW community, particularly during successive floods in Northern NSW.
“The members of the SES are always ready to help when they’re needed and I wish each of them the best for their safety during the summer storm and flood season,” he said.
9 December, 2009
Trains on track to
protect heritage
A set of Heritage principles to guide the design and construction the Sydney Metro has been unveiled by the Minister for Transport, David Campbell.Mr Campbell said the principles for the rail system would help ensure it was sensitive to the historic characteristics of the local environment.
He said Sydney Metro had worked closely with the National Trust to develop the principles, which cover all aspects of heritage assessment, conservation, construction and design.
“The heritage principles were developed by Sydney Metro in consultation with community and peak groups including the National Trust, to get the best heritage outcomes for metro in Sydney,” Mr Campbell said.
“The principles have been tested and refined at the recent station design principles workshops held by Sydney Metro.”
He said the heritage principles committed Sydney Metro to conserving existing significant elements of listed heritage items, conservation areas and historic views and vistas.
They also ensure Sydney Metro considers heritage at all phases of the project by including heritage specialists in contract design documentation and construction and ensuring the Sydney Metro Design Review Panel considers heritage in its oversight of architectural design.
A qualified heritage architect will be appointed to help develop station and public areas designs and heritage impact assessments will be conducted.
Mr Campbell said the principles would be embedded in everything Sydney Metro did as it managed planning, construction and design.
“We expect Sydney to achieve a similar high-quality outcome to other modern global metros, which are widely recognised for their success in integrating with the urban landscape, including heritage areas,” he said.
The Sydney Metro will serve major transport corridors not currently serviced by mass transit, or that do not have the capacity to meet future demand, such as Parramatta Road, Victoria Road and Anzac Parade.
The metro system aims to provide a fast, frequent, easy and reliable way to travel.
Mr Campbell said the Heritage principles were available from www.sydneymetro.nsw.gov.au
9 December, 2009
OFT advice is free
Christmas gift
The Office of Fair Trading has urged consumers to do their homework before seeking a refund for unwanted Christmas gifts.Minister for Fair Trading, Virginia Judge said Fair Trading had dealt with almost 3,000 refund complaints over the past 12 months, with 33 per cent recorded between 1 November 2008 and 28 February 2009.
Ms Firth said many consumers believed they were automatically entitled to a refund which was not always correct.
“Legally, refunds are only available if the goods are faulty or defective, different to the sample shown or described in advertising, or not fit for purpose intended,” she said.
“Consumers need to sort myth from fact when dealing with refunds at Christmas time.”
Ms Firth said Christmas was one of the busiest times for refunds and that many retailers offered refund conditions “above and beyond their legal requirements” as a gesture of goodwill.
“These policies help maintain customer loyalty but some smaller retailers can’t afford to be so generous,” she said.
Ms Judge said consumers should always check with the trader about the specific conditions of their refund policy before purchasing a Christmas present.
“Before handing over your cash, research the product’s features and shop around to compare quality and price,” she said.
“If you’ve found the same item for a cheaper price at a different store or you no longer want the Christmas present that does not guarantee you a refund.”
Ms Judge said it was illegal for a trader to display signs such as ‘no refunds’ or ‘no refund after seven days’ or ‘exchange, repair or store credit only’.
“Consumers can get it wrong sometimes, but the fact remains that educated consumers have a far better chance of getting their money back,” she said.
“The most important lesson to remember this Christmas is: always keep your receipts. Without a receipt it is difficult to prove where, and when, the item was purchased.”
9 December, 2009
Road safety campaign
to drive new message
A new campaign to encourage drivers to stay safe over the upcoming holidays has been unveiled by the Ministers for Transport and Police, David Campbell and Michael Daley.The Roads and Traffic Authority and NSW Police have partnered up again this year to run the $3.9 million campaign, Enhanced Enforcement Program.
Mr Campbell said the campaign would run over four months and include an extra 87,700 police hours on the road and a new print and outdoor advertising campaign.
“The NSW road toll is already more than 90 above the figures for this time last year and over 50 above the total road toll for 2008 - I ask motorists to take extra care on the road as they head away for holidays,” Mr Campbell said.
“Speeding, fatigue, not wearing seatbelts and drink driving are the four main contributors to fatality crashes in NSW.”
Mr Daley said Police knew where drivers were more likely to speed and where they were more likely to drink and drive.
“By putting this intelligence into practice, Police and the RTA have come up with tailor-made strategies for each region to make sure each community’s road safety concerns are properly addressed,” he said.
“Over the course of the summer, there will be 52 additional police operations working in local area commands across NSW, alongside four state-wide campaigns – Operations Drink Drive 1 and 2, Operation Safe Arrival and Operation Safe Return.”
Mr Daley said Operation Backline in the Western Region would target speeding, drink driving, fatigue and inappropriate driver behaviour.
“In South Western Sydney, Operation Safer Local Roads will focus on passenger seatbelts and pedestrian safety among other offences, while up in Northern NSW there will be a focus on speeding and drink driving,” he said.
“These Police operations have been timed to take place when we know we’ll need them most in order to remove as many unsafe drivers from our roads as possible.”
Mr Daley thanked Police from the Highway Patrol Unit and the Local Area Commands who were instrumental in developing the enforcement component of the campaign.
The advertising campaign, You’re in our sights, includes print, online and billboard advertising to send the message that drivers can get caught anywhere, anytime.
The advertising campaign will run until June 2010.
9 December, 2009
Skin cancer warning
sees light of day
NSW is set to experience the highest rates of melanoma since records began, with experts fearing this year could be the worst ever for new cases.Former Minister Assisting the Minister for Health on Cancer issues, Barbara Perry hosted a barbeque at Coogee Beach in Sydney on the first day of summer to encourage beach-goers and local school kids to be sun smart over summer.
“Almost 4,000 new cases of melanoma – or nearly 70 busloads of people - are expected to be diagnosed in NSW this year alone,” Ms Perry said.
She said unseasonably hot weather had already brought many people out into the sun.
“I’m urging people to be sensible - seeking shade, sunscreen, a hat, protective clothing and sunglasses are effective ways to be sun smart,” Ms Perry said.
“This summer the only thing that should be sizzling is food on the barbecue – not your skin.”
She said even if there was no evidence of the skin burning, the sun was still doing damage.
“We all need to remember that anytime we are outside without adequate protection, the sun’s rays are effectively sizzling our skin, meaning skin cells are in trauma,” Ms Perry said.
“Our skin is precious and that’s why we all need to protect ourselves from harmful rays this summer.”
Ms Perry said NSW has the third highest rate of melanoma in males in the world, surpassed only by Queensland and Western Australia.
“If not treated early, a melanoma only one millimetre deep can become an extremely deadly disease, spreading and infecting other organs in the body,” she said.
“It’s important to monitor your skin for any changes. Your GP is the best person to see because they know your full history, can examine your skin and advise you regarding appropriate care.”
9 December, 2009
Education Committee
to stand on principle
A new committee to monitor and evaluate education reforms and initiatives has been announced by the Minister for Education and Training, Verity Firth.Ms Firth said the NSW National Partnerships Evaluation Committee was made up of some of Australia’s top education experts and academics.
The Committee is to be chaired by the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Council for Educational Research, Dr John Ainley.
Ms Firth said the Committee would monitor education programs introduced jointly by the State and the Commonwealth under the Smarter Schools National Partnerships.
She said the State was an “enthusiastic partner” in National Partnerships and had allocated $175 million over the next five years to expand educational reforms in NSW to complement the Commonwealth’s investment of $716 million.
“It means that over five years, $891 million in new funding will be flowing into the NSW education system,” Ms Firth said.
“It’s allowing us to pilot new programs to improve the quality of our teachers and redouble our efforts on improving literacy and numeracy outcomes for students from disadvantaged communities.”
She said the Committee would evaluate the Centres for Excellence program, the Highly Accomplished Teachers program and literacy and numeracy programs in primary schools.
“This is a very significant investment which is why I wanted these new initiatives monitored closely so that we will know what is working and why,” Ms Firth said.
“The Committee’s evaluation will guide which approaches we choose to take forward into the future.”
The Committee held its first meeting on 1 December.
Along with Dr Ainley, the Committee members include Tom Alegounarias, Professor Shirley Alexander, Associate Professor Peter Aubusson, Emeritus Professor Denise Bradley, Dr John Buchanan, Jenny Cranston, Emeritus Professor Meredith Edwards, Trevor Fletcher, Patrick Lee, Leslie Loble, Caralee McLiesh, Associate Professor Jim McMorrow, Dr Geoff Newcombe, Seamus O’Grady, Professor Mary O’Kane, Associate Professor Geoff Riordan and Peter Riordan.
9 December, 2009
Alcohol restrictions
hit violence for six
Assaults on people in Newcastle after dark fell 29 per cent after restrictions on 14 licensed premises were implemented by the New South Wales Liquor Administration Board in March 2008.According to research conducted by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) the decrease represents 133 less assaults a year.
BOCSAR’s report said the restrictions included a lockout from 1am for all 14 hotels and bringing closing times forward.
The hotels were required to produce a Plan of Management and arrange for independent audits to be carried out on a quarterly basis.
The restrictions also required a supervisor to be on the premises from 11pm to monitor responsible service of alcohol.
BOCSAR reported that the hotels were prohibited from selling shots and other high alcohol content drinks after 10.00pm and could only sell four drinks to any one person at a time.
The BOCSAR study examined changes in the total number of assaults; the number linked to alcohol and the number of police call outs both before and after the restrictions were applied.
It also examined trends in alcohol-related crime in an area close to Newcastle city where there were no trading restrictions.
The Bureau said recorded crime and linking data revealed a significant reduction in alcohol-related assaults in the controlled area of Newcastle but not in the comparison site.
It concluded that there was strong evidence that restricting alcohol reduced assaults.
9 December, 2009
Achiever awarded
for child protection
The Department of Community Services has hosted an Aboriginal Staff Conference to focus on reforms to the child protection sector.Casework Manager for the Department, Keith Hinton won an Outstanding Achievement Award at the conference for successfully implementing an early intervention program in a remote NSW Aboriginal community.
Minister for Community Services, Linda Burney attended the conference and said Mr Hinton won the award for introducing the Brighter Futures program to Gulargambone, over 100km north of Dubbo.
Ms Burney said the program provides support for vulnerable families to prevent their problems from increasing or getting worse.
“In the past, the Gulargambone community has had very little engagement with services provided by Community Services,” she said.
“Keith Hinton’s tireless dedication and energy has resulted in over 55 families receiving Brighter Futures services.
“This is an especially impressive result given the small size and remoteness of the community. I congratulate Mr Hinton on his achievement.”
Ms Burney said nominations for the Outstanding Achievement Award were made by senior management and then independently assessed by a review panel.
Two team awards for Outstanding Achievement were also presented at the conference.
Ms Burney said this year’s Aboriginal Staff Conference, which was themed ‘Progress: Make It Real, Make it Work’, was held in Penrith and was attended by over 300 Aboriginal staff.
“Aboriginal people represent a quarter of the Community Services client base and I am delighted to recognise the essential contribution Aboriginal staff make to the work of Community Services,” she said.
Ms Burney said the Department was currently recruiting Aboriginal caseworkers and that further information was available from www.community.nsw.gov.au
9 December, 2009
Public to have word
on sentences
Public comment has been sought on a new sentencing proposal for children aged 10 to 14 who have been convicted of murder.Attorney General, John Hatzistergos said a report released by the NSW Sentencing Council reviewed laws surrounding the sentencing of child murderers and recommended the introduction of a new ‘provisional sentencing’ option for Courts.
“Under the proposal, a Sentencing Court would have the option of imposing a sentence which it could vary or adjust as the child matures,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
He said a Court could only impose a provisional sentence if the offender’s young age did not permit a proper psychological assessment to be carried out.
“With young children who have committed very serious crimes, it can initially be difficult to determine whether the presence of a serious psychological disorder poses an ongoing risk for community safety,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
“Under this proposal, the Court could impose a final sentence once the child matures, taking into account any mental health conditions that have emerged.”
He said under the proposed system the Court could review a provisional sentence after two years, at the mid-point of the non-parole period, or when it deemed necessary.
Mr Hatzistergos said the child could also apply for a final determination of the sentence at any time.
He said provisional sentencing would be a departure from existing laws which provide for finality in all sentencing decisions.
“The principle of finality is not just there to provide certainty to those who are being sentenced – it can also provide closure to victims of crime,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
He said the Government would consult with victims of crime and the public before deciding whether to accept the report’s recommendation.
Submissions close 31 January 2010, with a copy of the report, Provisional Sentencing for Children, available from www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au
9 December, 2009
IPART rests water clock
The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal has ‘reset the clock’ on its review of bulk water prices for 2010 after the NSW Office of Water (NOW) finally produced its submission.
IPART had ‘stopped the clock’ on the review after NOW failed to supply its submission by the due date of 11 September 2009 and had instead requested an extension until 2 December.
NOW’s submission indicates a shortfall in user revenue of $19.4 million over the 2006-10 determination period.
Transport boost for holidays
Additional transport services for Sydney have been arranged for the holiday season.
Extra buses, trains and ferries, special event clearways and taxi ranks have been organised to make it easier for people to get home from Christmas parties and late night shopping.
Extra services include over 100 additional bus services on Friday and Saturday nights, increased operating hours for the free CBD shuttle bus and additional late night trains.
Superweek super
Sydney Superweek has been declared a super success by Treasurer, Eric Roozendaal.
Over 325,000 people attended sport and music events throughout the week, which included V8 Supercars and a Cold Chisel concert.
The V8 supercar race attracted 185,000 people over three days, 35,000 more than expected.
Two-day project to beat pest
The plant bio-security branch of Industry and Investment NSW has undertaken a 48-hour operation to rid a Sydney home of the world’s toughest termite, the West Indian Drywood termite.
The home was encased in an airtight tent before being fumigated as usual methods for eradicating common termite species do not affect the West Indian Drywood.
The termite is usually found in more tropical and temperate environments, but had been detected in Sydney a handful of times.
Comment call on ship design
The National Marine Safety Committee has called for public comment on draft guidelines aimed at making it easier for commercial vessels designed and built in one State to serve in another.
The guidelines would be used by Marine Safety Agencies when reviewing the design, construction and operation of commercial vessels to ensure they comply with the National Standard for Commercial Vessels.
Submissions close on 30 January 2010, with further information available from www.nmsc.gov.au
Safety plan for miners
New guidelines to help the State’s mining industry better manage the health and safety risks posed by miner fatigue have been released.
The Fatigue Management Plan aims to help reduce the likelihood of fatalities and injuries in the mining industry, which were identified as major issues in the 2004 Wran Mine Safety Review.
The guide explains how to develop and implement a fatigue management plan which can be used on a site-by-site basis with a practical risk management process, and is available from www.dpi.nsw.gov.au
2 December, 2009
Regulation Guide
untangles red tape
A revised Guide to Better Regulation has been published to help cut bureaucratic red tape and improve best practice in regulation across Government.Premier, Nathan Rees said the Guide would help Agencies apply the seven better regulation principles in new regulatory proposals and reduce red tape and delay in existing legislation.
The Guide was reviewed after it had been in operation for 12 months, from 1 June 2008 to 1 June 2009.
“The purpose of the review was to ensure that objectives are being met, to improve and simplify the way the Government’s gate keeping requirements are being implemented and to respond to feedback on the Guide,” Mr Rees said.
He said the better regulation principles and the intent of the Guide remained unchanged but that a number of amendments had been made.
Mr Rees said key amendments in the revised Guide included placing greater emphasis on the quantification of impacts to help reduce red tape; placing greater emphasis on simplifying existing regulation; additional information on preparing and submitting Better Regulation Statements; and simplifying Executive Council proposals.
“Agencies must demonstrate that all new and amending regulatory proposals submitted for consideration by Cabinet or the Executive Council meet the better regulation principles,” he said.
“A Better Regulation Statement is required for significant regulatory proposals and must be approved by the Minister for Regulatory Reform.”
Mr Rees said the revised Guide was available online at www.betterregulation.nsw.gov.au, along with supplementary documents to help in the development of regulatory proposals.
2 December, 2009
Green Agencies
upset Auditor
The Auditor General has raised a number of areas of concern for climate change, environment and water Agencies in Volume Seven of his Report to Parliament.Auditor General, Peter Achterstraat said large Government computer projects, such as the customer management system being undertaken by Sydney Water, continued to run above budget and behind schedule.
He said the customer management system was now expected to cost $55 million, more than double its original budget of $21 million and was running a year and a half behind schedule.
Mr Achterstraat said another Sydney Water project designed to consolidate the Corporation’s asset management software had blown out from $18.4 million to $31.3 million, with its completion date pushed back from August 2009 to October 2010.
“It is imperative that Government computer projects are well thought out, budgeted for and governed to deliver benefit to the NSW taxpayer,” the Auditor-General said.
He said the Hunter Water Corporation’s Tillegra Dam project, which is awaiting a decision on whether or not it will be constructed, has been estimated to cost $406 million, an increase of $64 million on original projections.
“Hunter Water has advised me that any decision on the dam is unlikely to be made until April 2010 at the earliest”, Mr Achterstraat said.
He said 14 Agencies had not complied with their obligations to report to the Department of Environment and Climate Change on how they recycle and reuse waste.
“Some of these are large Agencies that produce significant amounts of waste,” the Auditor said.
“This undermines whole-of-Government efforts to maximise resource usage and minimise waste.”
Mr Achterstraat said during 2008-09 there were 97 prosecutions for environmental offences with fines and penalties of $1.6 million compared to 125 prosecutions totalling $455,000 during the previous year.
In his report he also highlighted the issue of invoices for water usage on farms still not being issued on time.
“Three years of farmer water invoices for ‘surveyed unregulated’ water worth nearly a $1 million dollars have not been issued,” Mr Achterstraat said.
“While this is an improvement on previous years, it is still not good enough.”
2 December, 2009
Bushfire refuges get
warm reception
The first bush fire safety refuges have been announced by the Minister for Emergency Services, Steve Whan.Mr Whan said the Neighbourhood Safer Places (NSP) concept was identified as an additional safety measure for bush fire prone communities following the Victorian fires in February 2009.
“Neighbourhood Safer Places are community refuges where people can go at short notice if a major fire is threatened, or if they had decided to stay and defend their home but then find this is too dangerous in the fire conditions,” Mr Whan said.
“They are a place of last resort.”
He said the locations of the first of the refuges were available online and included Albury City, Bankstown, Kempsey, Manly, Narromine, Pittwater, the Upper Hunter and Wagga Wagga.
“The list is not exhaustive, as work is still going on to identify and validate locations in some areas,” Mr Whan said.
“The website will be updated as new sites are confirmed and it is a credit to the Rural Fire Service given that these recommendations from the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission were only delivered on 17 August.”
He urged people living in bushfire prone areas to make sure they are aware of NSPs in their community.
Mr Whan said signs would be provided to identify the refuges and information would be distributed to local communities.
According to the Rural Fire Service (RFS) website, NSPs are identified buildings or spaces within the community that can “provide a higher level of protection from the immediate life threatening effects of a bush fire.”
However, the RFS warns that the refuges still entail some risk and cannot be considered completely safe.
Mr Whan said Neighbourhood Safe Places could include buildings such as local schools and clubs or open spaces such as football ovals or cleared parklands.
“All Local Emergency Management Committees (comprising Local Government, Emergency Services, Police and health) in bush fire prone areas across NSW are currently working to identify potential Neighbourhood Safer Places for their communities,” he said.
A full list of current NSPs was available at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au, with more expected to be announced in the coming months.
2 December, 2009
Attorney pulls plug
on hoax email
The Attorney General has warned the public not to be taken in by a hoax email that encourages people to check if they are entitled to a share of a non-existent estate.Attorney General, John Hatzistergos said the email claimed to be from his office but assured the public that it was a scam.
Mr Hatzistergos said the email used part of a legitimate media release issued by his Office earlier this year about money distributed to beneficiaries of deceased estates by the NSW Trustee and Guardian.
He said the email was written in Dutch and claimed a man named Heiman de Waal had died without making a will.
Mr Hatzistergos said the email then encouraged people to call a telephone number to find out whether they were owed money from his estate.
“If you receive this email you should delete it immediately and do not attempt to make contact with the scammer or provide them with any personal information, such as bank account details,” he said.
Mr Hatzistergos said the scammer claimed to be from the Australian Association of Genealogists and Records Agents, but that the Association had confirmed it has no knowledge of the author.
“I am gravely concerned that an unscrupulous individual would manipulate a legitimate media release to take advantage of vulnerable members of the community,” he said.
“I have asked that further investigations are conducted to track down the author of the scam.”
Mr Hatzistergos said all claims made on the estates of people who die without a will are closely scrutinised and payments only made to those with proof of their entitlements.
“I can assure the community the NSW Trustee and Guardian conducts exhaustive research to ensure that deceased estates go to rightful heirs and next of kin,” he said.
2 December, 2009
Heritage land gets
new value system
A new system of valuing heritage land is to be used for rating and taxing purposes from 1 January 2010. Minister for Lands, Tony Kelly said amendments to the Valuation of Land Act 1916 and the Heritage Act 1977 would help ensure consistency regarding valuation of improvements made to Heritage restricted land.
“Recent judgments prompted by a series of Court of Appeal decisions, will have a significant impact on the current accepted practice of valuing heritage restricted properties,” Mr Kelly said.
He said under the changes when a valuation of heritage land was carried out, the age, state of repair and condition of any improvements would not be required to be taken into account, to ensure more predictable land tax revenues could be planned.
“It’s important the Government respond to the flow on effects to the amount and predictability of land tax revenue collected from heritage properties,” Mr Kelly said.
“It’s important to ensure that age, state of repair and condition of any improvements on the land is not to be taken into account when assessing the value of heritage restricted land.”
He said the changes would reflect the Valuer General’s long-standing practice when valuing heritage restricted land.
“A more consistent State-wide application of planning laws with regard to heritage property will flow from these amendments and deliver improved planning outcomes,” Mr Kelly said.
2 December, 2009
New lines drawn for
planners’ contacts
New rules dealing with contact between officers of the Department of Planning and developers, registered lobbyists and community groups come into effect this week.Minister for Planning, Kristina Keneally said the Guidelines would increase transparency and accountability in the planning system and around meetings with lobbyists, developers, community groups and opponents.
“The Guidelines mandate that meetings with lobbyists occur on Government premises or on-site, in the presence of two Department officers, and full minutes will be recorded and retained,” Ms Keneally said.
She said the Guidelines had been sent to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) for review.
“If ICAC has a view on how the rules can be further strengthened, the Government will certainly take that into consideration,” Ms Keneally said.
She said the rules had been introduced following a Parliamentary Inquiry into possible cases of communication between planning officials and representatives of the Badgerys Creek Consortium influencing planning decisions.
She said while the Inquiry found “no clear evidence” that planning decisions had been influenced, she thought it was “appropriate to consider further steps to strengthen and improve transparency in the planning system.”
Ms Keneally said the Guidelines would build on other Government measures that had already been introduced to increase transparency within the planning system
She said such measures included introducing the Lobbyist Register and Code of Conduct and introducing the independent Planning Assessment Commission.
“The Government’s changes are part of our building of Australia’s best planning system,” Ms Keneally said.
The guidelines are expected to be made available from www.planning.nsw.gov.au
2 December, 2009
Undercover report
no secret business
An Ombudsman’s report into undercover law enforcement operations found Agencies had a high success rate during 2008-09 and used their powers appropriately.The 2008-2009 Controlled Operations Annual Report examined the records of the NSW Police Force, the Crime Commission, the Independent Commission Against Corruption, the Police Integrity Commission and the Australian Crime Commission.
Ombudsman, Bruce Barbour said the report was conducted to ensure undercover operations, known as controlled operations, were run in compliance with the law and were fully accountable.
Mr Barbour said controlled operations involved law enforcement officers or authorised civilians infiltrating criminal enterprises to gather evidence to arrest or prosecute offenders.
He said doing so sometimes required participants to commit offences.
Mr Barbour said most operations in 2008-09 were targeted at drug trafficking (76 per cent) and usually required participants to buy and possess drugs, which would leave them open to prosecution unless they were authorised to break the law.
Authorisation under the Law Enforcement (Controlled Operations) Act 1997 makes these operations legal.
“Controlled operations are one of the most effective tools to investigate and disrupt high level criminal activity,” Mr Barbour said.
“My inspections found that they have a high success rate and that all the Agencies continue to use these powers in a responsible and effective way.”
He said that in past years, a major issue of non-compliance with the Act was the failure of law enforcement officers to provide a report on the results of the undercover operation to the Chief Executive Officer within two months.
He said failing to do so breached the Code of Conduct.
“The situation has improved greatly during 2008–2009. The number of delayed reports has been reduced markedly,” Mr Barbour said.
“This has largely been achieved by NSW Police Force providing an officer permanently tasked with ensuring compliance with these requirements.
He said during the 2008-09 financial year 334 controlled operations were authorised and 328 operations completed.
The completed operations involved 531 law enforcement officers and 174 civilians.
NSW Police were the largest users of controlled operations with 303 controlled activities conducted (up from 298 in 2007-08), almost 70 per cent of which resulted in arrests and charges.
The NSW Crime Commission completed nine controlled operations (down from 27 in the previous year), the Independent Commission Against Corruption conducted eight (up from 4), the Police Integrity Commission conducted 1 (up from 0) and the Australian Crime Commission conducted seven (up from 2).
The Australian Federal Police and Australian Customs Service are able to conduct controlled operations under the NSW law but according to Mr Barbour, neither Agency has done so to date.
The full Ombudsman’s report is available from www.ombo.nsw.gov.au
2 December, 2009
Housing opens door
to greener gardens
A plan to “green up” and cool down social housing estates in NSW has been launched by the Minister for Housing, David Borger.Mr Borger said a $30 million tree planting and landscaping program had been designed to improve the quality of life of social housing tenants and to provide additional cooling.
Mr Borger said the ‘Green Street’ program would help reduce the summer heat and improve the aesthetics of social housing areas to help them blend in with the rest of the community.
“Studies have shown that canopies of trees can cool street temperatures by as much as 8 degrees and that’s obviously going to be a big positive for our tenants,” he said.
“There is also increasing recognition that green space can have a major positive impact on people’s quality of life in social housing and enhance wider-community relations.”
Mr Borger said Green Street would also have a positive environmental impact by reducing Co2 in the atmosphere.
“Depending on size and species of trees planted, it’s estimated the entire program could eventually help cut Co2 levels by more than 7,000 tonnes a year,” he said.
Mr Borger said over 15,000 trees and thousands more shrubs would be planted in social housing estates over the next two to three years.
He said most plants would be “super-advanced in maturity” to ensure tenants didn’t have to wait long to see the benefits.
“Most of the trees will be planted in main street and gateway sites to improve street appeal but we recognise it takes more than just trees on nature strips to green a street,” Mr Borger said.
“A big part of the program involves giving plants to adjoining public housing tenants for their front gardens, upgrading neighbourhood parks, landscaping common open space and adding more community gardens to the 62 already developed under existing Housing NSW programs.”
He said the entire program would be carefully planned and rolled out by Housing NSW in consultation with a panel of landscape architects, Local Councils and residents.
Mr Borger said the program would also be supported by non-profit organisations such as Boystown.
“Boystown will employ local social housing residents and provide them with work experience,” he said.
“Residents will also have the opportunity to gain formal landscaping accreditation.”
Member for Mt Druitt, Richard Amery said the Blacktown City Council was providing half the shrubs and trees from its local nursery, free of charge to any tenant wanting to improve their front yards.
2 December, 2009
Learner drive changes
save parents from ‘L’
The Roads and Traffic Authority has introduced new rules for learner drivers that take the pressure off parents teaching their children to drive. Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport, David Borger said from 19 December a one hour professional driving lesson would count for three hours in the learner driver logbook.
Mr Borger said the changes to the NSW Graduated Licensing Scheme for novice drivers would be capped at a maximum of 10 one-hour lessons counting as 30 logbook hours.
“This means learner drivers will still need to complete 120 hours of driving in total, but 30 hours will be recorded in the driver’s log book for 10 hours of professional driving instruction,” he said.
Mr Borger said as of 19 December, learners who were 25 or over would no longer be required to complete a log book.
“This is a sensible approach as research shows older learner drivers are more inclined to drive safely than younger novice drivers,” he said.
“For many of these older learner drivers, the 120 hour logbook requirement is a significant barrier that impacts on their work and family commitments.”
Chief Executive Officer of the NRMA Group, Tony Stuart welcomed the announcement, saying it was a win for learner drivers and their parents.
“The NRMA is pleased the NSW Government has struck a happy medium between making sure learner drivers get the best breadth of driver training experience possible while also providing some relief to parents who had to spend 120 hours in the car with their children,” Mr Stuart said.
“These changes will help ensure learner drivers qualify for their Ps as better drivers and will help parents too.”
Mr Borger said lessons were not compulsory but that the new program would act as an incentive for learner drivers to obtain professional lessons.
“We know from research there are road safety benefits for learner drivers obtaining as much practice as possible in a wide range of driving situations and conditions,” Mr borger said.
“Parents and non-professional supervising drivers play a vital role in helping learners get experience but professional driving tuition also plays an important role.
“In particular, research shows that lessons are more likely to be of benefit if they are structured, focusing on safe driving practices.”
2 December, 2009
Train program derails
anti-social behaviour
Anti-social behaviour on trains and train stations is to be targeted in the lead up to Christmas.Minister for Transport, David Campbell said Transit Officers would target behaviour such as drinking, offensive conduct and smoking on trains or stations.
“With school holidays approaching and in the run up to Christmas there’s no doubt people will be attending a lot of parties and we want everyone to have a good time,” Mr Campbell said.
“But everyone deserves to have a comfortable and safe journey on the network and that’s why Transit Officers will be cracking down on anti-social behaviour.
“The message is clear: bad behaviour is unacceptable and offenders will be caught and fined.”
He said new advertisements were being put up in trains and on stations to remind people it is an offence to smoke and drink on trains and stations and that aggressive behaviour also would not be tolerated
“The summer holiday season is a great time of year and I’m just calling on people to enjoy themselves, but don’t take things too far,” Mr Campbell said.
“There are substantial on-the-spot fines for people caught doing the wrong thing and I’m sure no one wants that at this time of year.”
He said plain-clothed and uniformed Transit Officers would work closely with NSW Police Officers to enforce penalties and to spread the message that anti-social behaviour is unacceptable.
2 December, 2009
Family violence panel
to home in on deaths
A domestic violence homicide review panel has been announced to help prevent deaths due to domestic violence.Minister for Women, Linda Burney and Attorney General, John Hatzistergos said the panel was being established following the recommendations of an expert group that examined homicides related to domestic violence.
Ms Burney said she was confident the new panel would be “rigorous” in its investigations and make recommendations to Government to help tackle the problem.
“This new model will help us find out how we can improve the system to help prevent domestic violence-related deaths,” Ms Burney said.
“From 2003 to 2008, 215 people died as a result of domestic violence, which equates to 42 per cent of all homicides. Most of those who died were women.
“This is a shocking statistic. One domestic violence homicide is one too many.”
She said the Government had budgeted $504,000 for this financial year to set up the review panel, which would create a mechanism to analyse all domestic violence homicides.
She said the expert group included representatives from the Government and non-Government sectors and was set up to advise the Government.
“They recommended an ongoing review process be established for domestic violence homicides to ensure that laws, policies and services are effective.”
Ms Burney said the new panel would consist of Government and non-Government experts.
Mr Hatzistergos said the legislation that would give effect to the panel would allow the Coroner or a former coronial officer to Chair it.
He said the NSW State Coroner, Mary Jerram would be the first Chair.
“Establishing a panel convened by the Coroner will mean it will have better access to information on domestic violence-related deaths across Australia via the National Coroners Information System (NCIS),” Mr Hatzistergos said.
“The NCIS improves the ability of all Coroners to identify and address systematic problems within their jurisdiction by allowing comparison with similar coronial cases in other States.
Convenor of the Domestic Violence Coalition Committee, Betty Green commended the decision to establish a domestic violence homicide review in NSW.
“This is a significant step forward and one which I believe will not only make a difference in the long term but also honour the women, children and men who have been killed in the context of domestic violence,” Ms Green said.
2 December, 2009
Law runs rings round
hookey players
A collaborative across-agency response to school non-attendance is to come into effect next year to give the Department of Education and Training and the Courts more flexibility when dealing with children who fail to attend school.The new legislation is expected to enable a more compassionate and better targeted approach to the problem of non-attendance and will see Agencies and non-Government organisations with responsibilities for providing services for children work together.
The Department of Education and Training (DET) said the changes would help it resolve attendance problems before legal action against a parent or truanting child is taken.
Under the changes, DET will be given the power to deal more effectively with parents who refuse to send their children to school and the Minister for Education and Training will be able to approve the participation of a child in an alternative education program if they are unable to attend school for social, cultural or other reasons.
DET said alternative education programs would be recognised as another way of meeting the compulsory education requirements of the Act, however the ultimate aim would be for the child to resume their formal school education.
The legislation will give the Department increased powers to organise conferences with families and schools to address the causes of non-attendance and develop strategies to improve attendance.
Representatives of other relevant Agencies or community groups could also be invited to attend.
The reforms are also expected to improve DET’s ability to obtain information about a child’s age, identity and whereabouts and why they are not receiving schooling.
Under the changes, concerned individuals will also be able to give information to DET about a child they suspect is being deprived of an education while remaining anonymous.
The Department is also recruiting and training an additional 25 Home School Liaison Officers and 15 Aboriginal Student Liaison Officers to commence duty across the State from the beginning of the 2010 school year.
DET said it hoped the majority of non-enrolment and non-attendance matters would be resolved through the pre-court conference process, but that it might need to seek the intervention of the Court in resolving some matters.
The Children’s Court has been given new jurisdiction to deal with such matters, and is expected to focus on remedial rather than punitive measures.
The Court will be able to order mediation with the school, family counselling, participation by parents in adult literacy classes, referral of parents for drug and alcohol treatment and for assistance with mental health issues.
Further information regarding the changes is expected to be available in early January 2010.
2 December, 2009
Ethics at school in
a class of its own
Ethics classes are to be trialled in 10 NSW schools as an alternative to religious education.Premier, Nathan Rees approved the teaching of ethics classes from next year - the first time in 100 years - saying the current system did not allow for children not participating in scripture to attend education classes.
“There is real concern that students not attending religious scripture classes are missing an opportunity to learn,” Mr Rees said.
“Approving ethics classes means a simple addition to classes without diminishing the importance of religion for other families.”
Mr Rees said the Minister for Education, Verity Firth would consult with the Teacher’s Federation, religious organisations and other groups about trialling the classes.
He said the Government was developing a proposal with the St James Ethics Centre to conduct a trial in up to 10 primary schools over two terms in 2010.
“Schools that are interested in being involved in the trial will be able to nominate themselves and students can only attend with the permission of their parents,” Mr Rees said.
He said the course would deal with issues such as fairness, bullying, honesty and other topics that were age-appropriate.
“This is not about ending religious education in our schools, it’s about providing a choice,” he said.
“The final curriculum will be developed and approved by the NSW Board of Studies.”
Ms Firth said the course would encourage children to discuss and explore issues as a group.
“The Education Department and the Board of Studies will work closely with the St James Ethics Centre to develop an appropriate course that covers topics suitable for primary age children,” Ms Firth said.
“I look forward to confirming the details of the course after they have been worked out over the coming months.”
President of the Federation of Parents and Citizens Associations, Di Giblin said she was pleased with the decision which she said would bring NSW education into the 21st Century.
“This will provide students with an opportunity to examine ethics that underline their own values and reflect the choices they make in everyday life,” Ms Giblin said.
2 December, 2009
Researchers net
online safety job
A new research project examining the implications cyber-safety and cyber-security have for children will be undertaken by the Australian Council for Educational Research and the Illawarra Regional Information Service (IRIS) at the University of Wollongong.Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy said the project would track awareness of cyber-security issues and help the Government develop policy responses.
“The online environment offers a world of opportunity for young people and families, but it is important they are empowered to confront emerging problems, such as security of personal information and cyber-bullying,” Senator Conroy said.
He said the project would include two surveys of young internet users, one for parents and guardians and one for teachers, in the first half of 2010
Senator Conroy said the Government was committed to developing and implementing a “comprehensive and evidence-based approach” to cyber-safety.
“It is important that our efforts to create a safer online environment are informed by a sound understanding of the risks through research of this kind,” he said.
Senator Conroy said the research project would complement and inform the work of the Consultative Working Group and Youth Advisory Group on Cyber-Safety, and assist the cyber-safety initiatives of the Australian Communications and Media Authority and the Australian Federal Police.
2 December, 2009
War history grants
hit community targets
Over 100 projects honouring Australia’s wartime heritage have received a total of $303,708 in funding under the Government’s saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants program.Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Allan Griffin approved funding for the 110 projects, saying the grants would help communities commemorate local wartime history.
“The grants will fund local activities and initiatives that recognise the service and sacrifice of Australians who have served in wars, conflicts and peace operations,” Mr Griffin said.
“In particular, helping regional and rural communities across Australia maintain their places of remembrance is an important function of this grants program as these memorials play a central role in honouring local sons and daughters who have served the nation.”
He said the grants would be used to restore and display wartime memorabilia, upgrade community war memorials, purchase association banners and hold commemorative events.
“Commemorative activities in local communities play a major role in encouraging Australians - especially younger Australians - to learn about our wartime experiences and provide an opportunity for veterans to share their stories,” Mr Griffin said.
“Australia has a proud wartime history that has been part of the lives of so many Australian families.”
He encouraged local community and ex-service organisations interested in applying for funding to visit www.dva.gov.au or contact their nearest DVA office.
A list of approved projects was also available from www.dva.gov.au
2 December, 2009
Sydney Superweek
is the place to be
EventsNSW has estimated that ‘Sydney Superweek’ will attract up to 30,000 interstate and overseas visitors and inject $35 million into the State economy.Premier, Nathan Rees launched the week saying it was an “unrivalled” sporting and entertainment event that would run from 2 to 6 December.
“There is simply no better place to spend the first week of summer than Sydney – especially when you have a calendar of events like these,” Mr Rees said.
“As summer begins, Sydney provides a backdrop like no other city in the world. That is why the NSW Government has strategically timed this blockbuster package of major events.”
EventsNSW said it expected around 300,000 people to attend events over the week.
Events include the World Cruiserweight title fight between Danny Green and Roy Jones Jr on 2 December, the Australian Open Golf on 3 December and a concert by the Presets and Sneaky Sound system on 4 December.
“In the space of five days you can see: Australia’s biggest ever fight, the best bands Australia has to offer, Australia’s best golfers on Australia’s best course and a brand new event at the home of the best ever Olympics,” Mr Rees said.
Treasurer, Eric Roozendaal said Sydney Superweek would further strengthen Sydney’s reputation as a global city.
“Superweek is an outstanding opportunity to promote Sydney as a tourist destination, while reinforcing our reputation for hosting significant major events,” Mr Roozendaal said.
2 December, 2009
Fair Trading staff commended
The Minister for Fair Trading, Virginia Judge has commended staff of the Fair Trading Office for organising community events, seminars and presentations to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Fair Trading Week, which was held last month.
Ms Judge said none of the Office’s achievements would have been possible without the “dedicated and talented team” of Fair Trading Staff around the State.
Records suspends urgent orders
The State Records Authority has announced that its five day urgent copying service will not be available over the Christmas/New Year period.
The Authority said its Offices would be closed from 25 to 28 December (inclusive) and would open for three days (29 to 31 December) before closing on 1 and 2 January 2010.
It said copy orders would be completed within the standard time frame of 15 working days.
SWAHS Doctor charged
A doctor employed by the Sydney West Area Health Service (SWAHS) has been charged by NSW Police with supplying prohibited drugs.
SWAHS suspended the doctor from all duties after being alerted to the investigation and cooperated with the Medical Board’s enquiries.
The charge relates to the death of a woman who was not being treated by SWAHS.
RTA catches up with trucks
Staff from the Roads and Traffic Authority are to visit truck rest stops along the Newell Highway as part of a public education campaign to increase the profile of heavy vehicle enforcement activities.
Drivers of heavy vehicles have been encouraged to take part in discussions with RTA staff on road safety issues such as speeding, driver fatigue, drink driving and overloading of vehicles.
Visits will be held at Jerilderie on 17 and 18 December and at West Wyalong in early 2010.
Reserve bosses get payrise
Payments to the employers of Defence Reservists have been increased to $1,183.10 a week.
Self-employed reservists and other employers in need of financial assistance under the Employer Support Payment Scheme will receive the payment, which was increased from $1123.30
Spike in energy complaints
The Energy and Water Ombudsman has reported that complaints about high utility bills have continued to increase and now make up 40 per cent of customer complaints.
The Ombudsman has urged people who think their bill is too high to check their energy and water usage, compare their bill to previous years and double check for price increases.
It said if clients were still unhappy with their bill they should contact their retailer before contacting the Ombudsman to lodge a complaint.
Pokie DVD issued
A new DVD attacking commonly held myths about poker machines has been released by the Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing in a bid to reduce problem gambling.
The free DVD, Gaming Machines: Facts and Myth, shows how poker machines work and outlines how small the chances of winning a jackpot really are.
The DVD was available from www.gamblinghelp.nsw.gov.au
1,200 copies are to be sent to Gambling Helpcounsellors, libraries, doctors, lawyers, workplace counsellors, social workers, corrective service workers and others who may encounter problem gamblers.
Fire truck delivered
The first of 15 new fire trucks for NSW has been delivered to Northmead Fire Station.
The $528,000 fire engine features a water pump that supplies up to 4,000 litres of water per minute and a foam system to fight chemical, petrol and bush fires.
The 15 new trucks will be rolled out across the State over the next four weeks in a $7 million boost to community fire safety.
Research upends crime wisdom
New research released by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research has shown 74 per cent of people charged with domestic homicide had no contact with police for violence-related incidents in the 12 months prior to the homicide.
It also showed 48 per cent of the people charged had no contact in the five years prior to the homicide.
The research has overturned conventional beliefs that offenders in domestic homicide incidents are well known to police prior to the murder.
BOCSAR examined trends and characteristics of domestic homicides in NSW from January 2003 to June 2008, and more information about its findings can be obtained from www.bocsar.nsw.gov.au
Country halls get more funds
Funding to help country communities repair and upgrade their local halls has been boosted by the State Government.
Premier, Nathan Rees said country halls were a central point for country towns and provided a place for the community to socialise.
Mr Rees said the original $2.5 million in funding over five years would be increased by $2 million.
Community Centre refurbished
Residents of Mount Druitt have given their local Community Centre a complete makeover in an effort to deter crime and encourage community pride.
The Centre, which has been a target of vandalism and anti-social behaviour, was redesigned by students at the University of Technology’s Designing Out Crime Research Centre.
The new plan includes better facilities inside the Centre, a social BBQ area, a garden, a safe children’s play area and security lighting.