SearchArchives for February 2009
25 February, 2009New air travel policy is down to earth
The Government’s policy on air travel for senior officials has been revised in a bid to save money.The new arrangements are set out in a Ministerial Memorandum issued by Premier Nathan Rees.
Mr Rees said his Memorandum revised the Government’s air travel policy to require that the “lowest logical fare of the day” be used for all domestic flights.
He said other significant changes had also been made to the policy, including that all travel bookings were to be made through the NSW Government’s appointed Travel Management Company and that the cheapest fare available that met the traveller’s logistical needs would be purchased for all domestic flights.
“In line with the “lowest logical fare of the day”, public officials may only specify destination, date and nominated time of the required travel,” the Premier said.
He said they could not specify a preferred airline.
“The Travel Management Company will allocate tickets within 20 minutes either side of the nominated time of travel on the most appropriate airline,” he said.
Mr Rees said senior officials could now fly business class only to Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
He urged all Ministers to exercise the strictest economy in approving overseas travel and to ensure it could be covered within the budget allocation for their organisation,
He said all overseas travel should be booked in economy class with exceptions only for CEOs, SES, Statutory Officers, Senior Officers and Chairs of boards and committees.
He said they could fly premium economy or business class.
Mr Rees said the revisions applied to all Agencies and employees in the Government Service, Teaching Service, NSW Police and the NSW Health Service.
The full text of the Memorandum was available at www.dpc.nsw.gov.au
25 February, 2009
NSW stimulated by stimulus package
The NSW Government has welcomed the Commonwealth’s $42 billion economic stimulus package, promising to ensure the local State components are delivered without delay.Premier, Nathan Rees, said despite major construction commitments and tight deadlines, NSW would deliver on the Nation Building and Jobs plan.
Speaking at the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) Economic and Political Overview 2009, Mr Rees detailed how NSW would deliver the school construction, social housing, private home renovations and road projects.
“As already agreed between the States and the Commonwealth, these projects must begin immediately in order to stimulate jobs and economic activity,” he said.
“That's why I will introduce urgent legislation and changes to planning policies, which will ensure the fastest possible delivery of the stimulus package priority projects.”
Mr Rees said the legislation would set out an implementation program for the works and create a new position of Infrastructure Coordinator-General to oversee, monitor and help Agencies execute them.
“The Infrastructure Coordinator-General will have power to establish special tendering and procurement guidelines and take over the delivery of a program if it is at risk of being delayed,” he said.
Mr Rees said the Coordinator-General would have the power to fast track projects funded by the stimulus package.
“The global financial crisis has placed jobs and the economy at risk in NSW and there is no time to lose,” he said.
Mr Rees said a special Task Force representing relevant agencies would be set up to provide advice to the Coordinator-General.
Former Chief Executive Officer of Tenix and Deputy Director General of the Olympic Coordination Authority, Bob Leece, has been appointed to the position, effective immediately.
“Mr Leece has a strong track record in delivering significant infrastructure projects to strict deadlines and budgets,” Mr Rees said.
“His work during the lead up to the Sydney 2000 Olympics is testament to his skills and experience.”
Mr Leece said he would bring together the State’s skilled workers to “ensure that NSW holds up its end of the bargain and makes a significant contribution to the national effort.”
Mr Rees said changes to the Infrastructure State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure SEPP) would drive most of the Government’s stimulus package projects in NSW.
He said changes had included making it easier for new homes to be built and extending approval provisions for schools.
“Currently public schools can get 10 day approvals for infrastructure such as gyms, school halls and libraries provided they follow standards set out in strict performance criteria – including being no more than two storeys tall, and managing noise and shadowing impacts,” Mr Rees said.
“This will now be extended to all NSW schools, including private schools.”
He said the changes to the Infrastructure SEPP would allow the Department of Housing to self-approve social housing developments of up to 20 dwellings and 8.5 metres in height in residential zones.
“We face unprecedented times and all tiers of Government must work together to get these projects up and running as quickly as we can,” Mr Rees said.
25 February, 2009
DoCS signs on to recruitment drive
The Department of Community Services has embarked on an extensive recruitment campaign to fill vacancies for Community Services caseworkers in western NSW.Minister for Community Services, Linda Burney, said the campaign would help the Department fill around 48 vacancies throughout its western region in locations such as Broken Hill, Brewarrina, Dubbo, Deniliquin, Cobar, Bourke, Leeton, Coonabarabran, Tumut and Walgett.
“A highly targetted advertising campaign has been developed for specific locations using a multi-media approach including advertisements in newspapers, online advertising in SEEK and MyCareer and ads in the koori media,” Ms Burney said.
“There will also be direct recruitment to specific categories of casework, like Brighter Futures and carer support.”
She said the print advertising campaign would run from 19 to 28 February.
“Filling Departmental vacancies in regional and remote areas is, and will continue to be, a challenge, due to the nature of the work and the breadth of coverage required to meet community needs,” Ms Burney said.
“That is why Community Services is trying different initiatives to attract qualified staff to these locations.”
She said over 50 per cent of the 1,025 additional caseworker positions created out of the $1.2 billion reform of the Department of Community Services had been created in rural and regional locations.
“But there are still shortages,” Ms Burney said.
“As at the end of January, there were 18 caseworker vacancies in Dubbo, three caseworker vacancies in Bourke and three caseworker vacancies in Brewarrina.”
She said of the 18 vacancies in Dubbo, 12 had been targeted for external recruitment and six were specialised positions which Community Services would try to fill internally.
Ms Burney said the Department had also initiated an internal ‘tree change’ scheme targeting experienced caseworkers to fill temporary vacancies in rural areas.
“This involves a short-term secondment program for metropolitan staff to work for periods of up to three months and has helped maintain services in a number of smaller rural offices, particularly in Western NSW,” she said.
“Feedback so far has been very positive with many caseworkers signing up for a second secondment or extending their existing one.”
Ms Burney said the Department also regularly participated in career events to provide valuable information about working in Western NSW and other rural locations.
She said more information was available from www.community.nsw.gov.au
25 February, 2009
Recovery specialists in floods wash-up
Disaster recovery specialists from the Department of Community Services had set up evacuation centres in the northern area of the State to provide relief from damaging floods.Minister for Community Services, Linda Burney, said the specialists had set up three Centres in Kendall, Urunga and Wauchope and had provided overnight accommodation for people in need before being shut down.
“All evacuation Centres have closed as people are now able to return to their homes,” she said.
“We will reopen them if the need arises as the situation changes.”
Mr Burney said staff had worked with the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), Anglicare, Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul and Red Cross to arrange the emergency shelters.
Director of Disaster Recovery Services at the Department, Wendy Graham, said evacuation centres provided an important first port of call for people affected by disaster.
“As well as providing a temporary refuge for those who can’t be at home, evacuation centres are places where flood-affected residents can get help with basic needs such as a dry change of clothes, food, blankets and personal support,” Ms Graham said.
Ms Burney said not all residents could reach evacuation centres due to the floodwaters.
“Community Services and State Emergency Services coordinated an air drop of food and emergency provisions to families with young children,” she said.
“Once the floodwaters subside, Community Services disaster recovery staff will continue to work with residents to assess damage and provide assistance to eligible families.”
Ms Burney encouraged flood-affected residents whose homes had been damaged to call the Community Services State Disaster Recovery Centre on 1800 018 444, for information regarding financial assistance.
“Those with limited financial resources and no insurance may qualify for assistance for essential household items and structural repairs,” she said.
Further information was available from www.community.nsw.gov.au
25 February, 2009
Leave Circular flows from flood emergency
The Director General of Premier and Cabinet, John Lee, has issued a Circular calling for flexibility to be afforded to staff caught up in floods.In the Circular, Mr Lee urged Chief Executives to support flood-affected employees.
He said a “flexible approach” to leave should be applied to employees who were unable to attend work due to the storms and flooding or because they volunteered to help emergency services Agencies.
Mr Lee said the provisions applied to staff members, ministerial staff and members of the Senior and Chief Executive Services.
He said employees who were unable to return to work as a result of transport difficulties or those who needed to care for children affected by the floods could be granted Family and Community Service Leave (FACS) to cover the period of the emergency.
“Where there is insufficient FACS leave to cover the absence, additional special leave may be granted.” Mr Lees said.
“The grant of additional special leave is limited to an additional 5 days and is based on the additional absence being absolutely necessary.”
He urged Chief Executives to consider extending the settlement period of the flexible working hours arrangement for an additional 4 weeks, grant employees working from home with special leave or time in lieu and to look at providing reimbursement for out of pocket expenses.
Mr Lees said staff who volunteered with the emergency services were to be granted special leave on full pay for the duration of their absence from work.
“There is no limit on the special leave that may be granted in these circumstances,” he said.
“On returning to duty employees should provide proof of attendance certified by an appropriate representative of the emergency service assisted.”
Mr Lees said special leave for rest purposes could also be granted to an employee returning to duty.
The circular was available from www.dpc.nsw.gov.au
25 February, 2009
Feds dive in with flood funding
The Commonwealth Government has announced a range of assistance measures for the people of Bourke and surrounding areas following the recent floods in the region.The Federal Government has activated the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements for the area and is to reimburse the State Government for money it spends on assisting affected residents.
The NSW Government will be reimbursed for finance provided to residents and businesses with personal hardship or damaged property; concessional interest rate loans to primary producers, small businesses and voluntary non-profit bodies to restore damaged facilities; and freight subsidies for primary producers of up to 50 per cent of the cost of road transport of livestock and emergency fodder.
The Commonwealth will also help the State by providing grants to Local Councils to meet the costs of emergency work and restoration of services and assistance to sporting clubs to repair damaged facilities.
The Federal Government said it was ready to provide additional support to New South Wales residents if required.
Approximately 200 mm of rain fell within 15 hours on one day during the flooding, the equivalent of two-thirds of Bourke’s annual rainfall, affecting many people.
Further information on how to receive financial assistance would be available by contacting the State Disaster Recovery Centre on 1800 018 444.
25 February, 2009
Sea level policy floated by DECC
A draft policy for dealing with the expected rise in sea levels due to climate change has been released for public consultation.Deputy Premier and Minister for the Environment and Climate Change, Carmel Tebbutt, and the Minister for Planning, Kristina Keneally, said the Government would consult with coastal Councils, key stakeholders and the public.
Ms Tebbutt said the State was taking a “coordinated, proactive approach” to climate change.
“The science is in - we know sea levels will rise along our coastline this century,” she said.
“There is strong national and international evidence, including from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the CSIRO, indicating sea level increases of up to 40cm to 2050 and 90cm to 2100.”
Ms Tebbutt said the Government had proposed to introduce the sea level rises as benchmarks and would hold consultation on the policy and the accuracy of the benchmarks.
“These benchmarks will mean the Government, Local Councils, the community and the private sector can make informed decisions about adapting to sea level rise,” she said.
Ms Keneally said the State needed to address the challenge sea level rises represented for land use planning.
“The Government will prepare guidelines on how sea level rise should be considered in broad land use strategies and local environment plans, as well as for individual development applications,” she said.
“This policy is about providing a ‘level playing field’ for coastal Councils, landowners, developers and infrastructure providers to support consistent planning and infrastructure investment decisions.”
Ms Keneally said the consultations would look at predicted flood risks and coastal hazards; potential impacts on coastal and estuarine habitats; public assets in low-lying coastal areas; and appropriate land use and development type in coastal areas.
She said submissions could be made until 3 April 2009 and further information is available from www.environment.nsw.gov.au
25 February, 2009
Warm response to bushfire fighters
The Victorian Premier, John Brumby, has personally thanked the people of NSW for the assistance they gave his State during the recent bushfire emergency.Mr Brumby said Victoria was grateful for the additional firefighters and resources NSW provided to help combat the disaster.
“New South Wales and Victoria have a long standing tradition of helping each other out during major bushfires,” he said.
“I know that Victorians welcome the support from their northern neighbours.”
Mr Brumby thanked the NSW Rural Fire Service for sending 50 strike team vehicles and over 200 personnel to team up with Victoria’s Country Fire Authority and its Department of Sustainability and Environment firefighters.
He said the NSW Fire Brigade also provided almost 50 personnel and two strike teams of 14 vehicles and two incident management teams that were not from the rural service.
“Department of Sustainability and Environment fire-fighter numbers have been boosted with 40 personnel and 11 vehicles from the New South Wales Forest and National Parks Services,” Mr Brumby said.
He thanked the coordination effort between Commonwealth, interstate and local organisations.
“It’s also important to thank the thousands of people from the Australian Defence Force, Police, SES, Councils, charities and other community organisations who have pitched in,” Mr Brumby said.
“Firefighters are doing everything from aviation to tall forest firefighting, burnt area recovery and bulldozer management.”
25 February, 2009
Boundary writers put edge on election
A process to redistribute electoral boundaries in New South Wales and Queensland has been announced by the Federal Electoral Commissioner, Ed Killesteyn.Commissioner Killesteyn and other members of the Australian Electoral Commission will direct the redistribution processes to redraw divisional boundaries in the two States.
“Redistribution Committees in Queensland and New South Wales will be formed to begin the task of creating electoral boundaries which contain a similar number of electors in their States,” Commissioner Killesteyn said.
“The Committees will undertake an extensive process of consultation and provide opportunities for individuals and organisations to make suggestions and comments on matters affecting the drawing of Federal Electoral boundaries and the naming of divisions.”
He said electoral boundaries would be redrawn to ensure each State and Territory gained representation in the House of Representatives in proportion to their populations.
The AEC would be placing advertisements in newspapers in Queensland and New South Wales to invite suggestions and comments about the redistributions.
Commissioner Killesteyn said the Electoral Commission had determined the enrolment projection times for the purposes of the redistributions would be 16 July 2012 for New South Wales and 9 July 2012 for Queensland.
He said the redistributions had been triggered by his determination of the number of Federal members of the House of Representatives that each State and Territory would be entitled to at the next Federal Election.
“Based on population changes, it was determined that Queensland would gain one seat and so would be entitled to 30 House of Representatives seats at the next Federal Election,” Commissioner Killesteyn said.
“At the same time it was determined that New South Wales would lose a seat, reducing their entitlement to 48.”
He said the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 required the Redistribution Committee for each State to comprise the Electoral Commissioner, the Australian Electoral Officer for the State and the State’s Surveyor-General and Auditor-General.
Commissioner Killesteyn said redistribution processes usually took a number of months, and new boundaries for New South Wales and Queensland were not expected to be finalised until late 2009.
Further information was available from the Electoral Commission website www.aec.gov.au
25 February, 2009
Corruption talks on straight and narrow
The 2009 Australian Public Sector Anti-corruption Conference is to be held in Brisbane in July.Billed as the country’s leading anti-corruption conference, APSACC is a joint initiative of Queensland’s Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC), NSW’s Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and WA’s Corruption and Crime Commission (CCC) and has the support of the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity, the Police Integrity Commission (NSW) and the Office of Police Integrity (Victoria).
According to the Chair of the CMC, Robert Needham the conference will provide the latest information on how to enhance integrity in the public sector and fight the risk of complacency about corruption.
He said it would improve delegates’ ability to identify, prevent and manage corruption in the public sector by learning from major anti-corruption bodies and other experts.
“It will help delegates realise they don’t have to battle corruption alone,” Mr Needham said.
“We have an unprecedented line-up of high profile speakers and presenters and the conference will provide a unique opportunity to network and share experiences with peers.”
He said included in the line-up of speakers were the Chair of the Commission for Public Complaints Against the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Paul Kennedy; the Chief Justice of Queensland, Paul De Jersey; Queensland Integrity Commissioner Gary Crooke; former ICAC Commissioner Barry O’Keefe; and prominent journalists Chris Masters, Kerry O’Brien, Quentin Dempster and comedian Bryan Dawe.
The first APSAC Conference was held in Sydney in 2007 and attracted more than 500 delegates with organisers hoping for even more delegates this year. They expect interest not only from the host states with anti-corruption Commissions, but also from Tasmania, South Australia, Victoria and the Northern Territory.
Mr Needham said the 2009 conference would be of particular interest to health administrators, tertiary institutions and Agencies providing services in remote locations.
He said potential delegates could find out more about the conference, and register, by visiting www.APSACC.com.au
25 February, 2009
Strata complaints take Top 10 title
The Office of Fair Trading has released its Top 10 complaints about strata living in NSW.Minister for Fair Trading, Virginia Judge, said some of the complaints were very strange indeed.
Ms Judge said among the concerns reported to OFT was someone who wanted to keep a horse in an apartment, another who ran a trout farm from a bedroom and a body corporate that couldn’t decide on what to do with a nudist neighbour.
“On the whole, the reasons for most disagreements between neighbours, owners and owners’ corporations are what people might reasonably expect,” she said.
“However, some complaints Fair Trading investigates defy belief.”
Ms Judge said water leakage in one complaint had been caused by the neighbour above breeding trout in an above ground swimming pool.
She said on occasion, Fair Trading had to intervene when strata communities could not settle group disputes.
“In one case, an owners’ meeting was divided along gender lines over whether to take action against a female resident who watered the garden naked,” Ms Judge said.
“After heated discussions, the men were overruled in the interests of community harmony, and action was taken against the woman to ensure she remained clothed while at all times on common property.”
Ms Judge said the top 10 disputes were:
- Noisy neighbours
- Water penetration repairs taking too long
- People keeping pets without permission
- Owners removing carpet leading to noise disturbance
- People being refused permission to keep pets
- Owners complaining about majority decisions that they believed victimised them
- The owners’ corporation complaining of harassment by an owner who refused to accept majority decisions
- Car parking disputes
- Objections to levy increases
- People renovating common property without permission
“Fair Trading receives approximately 1,300 mediation applications from NSW’s 65,000 strata schemes each year,” she said.
“I’m pleased to say that while applications increased by 10 per cent in 2008, Fair Trading successfully mediated 70 per cent of those cases, with the remainder adjudicated by the Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal (CTTT) based on documentation provided by the parties.”
25 February, 2009
Circle sentencing gains circulation
The practice of ‘Circle Sentencing’ for Aboriginal offenders is to be expandedAttorney General, John Hatzistergos said the program would now be introduced in Nambucca, taking to 10 the number of locations in the State where Aboriginal justice operated.
Mr Hatzistergos said the program was being adjusted to ensure it met its key objective of reducing re-offending.
“Circle sentencing is an innovative program for Aboriginal offenders, which involves respected community members in the sentencing and rehabilitation process,” he said.
“However, as we continue to roll it out across the State it is important that the program meets all the objectives it was set up to achieve.”
Mr Hatzistergos said an evaluation of the program conducted by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research last year found it only had a limited impact on re-offending among participants.
He said the number of offenders referred to the program was being increased and that access to rehabilitation and support provided by Corrective Services and Health Departments would be improved.
Mr Hatzistergos said offender follow-up and training and support for elders involved in the circles would also be improved.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Paul Lynch, said circle sentences were conducted in a less formal setting than conventional courts and allowed elders to discuss the impact of the crime with the offender and help the magistrate to determine an appropriate sentence.
“While the sentences are generally similar in severity to those imposed by conventional courts, facing a panel of respected Elders can have a profound impact on Aboriginal offenders,” Mr Lynch said.
Local Duty Member of the Legislative Council for Kempsey, Kayee Griffin, said she was delighted the program was being expanded on the Mid-North Coast.
“In the past year we have seen an increase in referrals to the Kempsey program which reflects the confidence the Court and the local Aboriginal community have in the process,” Ms Griffin said.
25 February, 2009
Gardens caught with their plants down
A scientist at the Sydney Botanic Gardens has warned that many of the plant species we know and love will not have the capacity to survive climate change.Senior Botanist with the Sydney Botanic Gardens Trust, Dr Peter Weston, said a recent study – the largest of its kind ever conducted - found that most plant species do not have the capacity to adapt to the dramatic changes predicted.
Dr Weston said the study suggested that as habitats shrank, many plants would become extinct as they would have trouble adapting and surviving to new surroundings.
He said when researchers had traced the evolution characteristics of plants from different major vegetation areas such as rain forests and arid environments, they were struck by how rarely the plants were able to adapt and flourish outside their ancestral environments.
“For successful colonisation of a new environment, plants need to be able to germinate and establish reproductively successful populations,” Dr Weston said.
“Our study revealed that it can happen, but the plant’s new home needs to be very similar to its original one.
“For example, seeds of a plant that thrives in a rainforest may be able to disperse to another region that experiences long periods of drought but it is most unlikely to adapt to live there.”
Dr Weston said the study included over 11,000 plants species across Africa, Madagascar, Australia-New Guinea, New Caledonia, New Zealand and South America – equivalent to an estimated 15 per cent of the total plant life of these regions.
“The results of this study are relevant to the understanding of conservation for plants and plant habitats under climate change,” he said.
“Conservationists can’t expect plants to dramatically change their ecological preferences and evolve to fit new habitats as the boundaries of these biomes change in response to climate change.”
Dr Weston said species that were the most likely to survive climate change were those that had short lifecycles and could adapt to change quickly, such as weed species.
Executive Director of the Botanic Gardens Trust, Dr Tim Entwisle, said the study highlighted the importance of ‘systematics’ – the study of how plants are related and how they evolved.
“This is yet another example of how Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution is still relevant and useful 150 years after its publication in The Origin of Species,” Dr Entwisle said.
25 February, 2009
Astronomy Year to star for tourism
Tourism NSW has put its weight behind the International Year of Astronomy, setting up a dedicated webpage with links to activities and events planned across the State for the year-long celebration.Minister for Tourism, Jodi McKay said NSW was Australia’s premier astronomy State, housing around 90 per cent of the country’s astronomy infrastructure.
Ms McKay said the 2009 International Year of Astronomy would celebrate the exploration of the night skies and the astronomic discoveries made over the past 400 years.
“The theme of the celebration is “The Universe, Yours to Discover” and the best place to discover it is NSW,” she said.
“Tourism NSW has set up a dedicated webpage which will be jam-packed with links to events and activities happening around the State throughout the year designed to show off our stunning night skies.”
Ms McKay said some of the links on the website included “skywatching” itineraries for telescope enthusiasts, destination tips, the Sydney Observatory, the CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope and the Siding Springs Observatory near Coonabarabran.
She said many of the locations featuring links on the site were hosting special celebration events throughout the year.
Ms McKay said the 2009 celebrations also provided a golden opportunity to engage young people in science.
“Astronomy is a great way to introduce kids to subjects such as mathematics and physics that feature prominently in a number of scientific fields,” she said.
“The International Year of Astronomy will not only create new tourism opportunities but also provide a platform to excite people about science and make it relevant to children across the State.”
Chief Scientist for NSW, Professor Mary O’Kane, said the International Year of Astronomy highlighted NSW’s contribution to astronomical advancements.
“NSW is a world leader in astronomy and a number of related high-tech scientific fields,” Professor O’Kane said.
“The International Year of Astronomy is a fantastic time to acknowledge and support this expertise and to celebrate the good work being done by NSW astronomers and engineers to a wide audience.”
Further information about the 2009 International Year of Astronomy was available from www.visitnsw.com/astronomy
25 February, 2009
Inspectors dive in at fish market
A team of inspectors from the Federal Workplace Ombudsman’s Office visited the Sydney Fish Markets at Pyrmont last week to ensure the entitlements of workers at the markets were being met.The Federal Workplace Ombudsman said employers were randomly audited as part of the Office’s national campaign targeting the food services sector.
State Director of the Workplace Ombudsman NSW, Ross Drysdale said inspectors would visit almost 1,000 businesses around Australia during the campaign, including retail and wholesale poultry and seafood suppliers, grocers, small goods stores, bakeries, butchers, dairy producers, coffee shops and take-away food outlets.
Mr Drysdale said employers at the Fish Market who were found to be underpaying staff or breaching other workplace laws were initially asked to rectify the issue voluntarily. He said legal action would be considered against any employer found to be blatantly abusing the law, with maximum penalties of $33,000 per breach.
He said complaints coming into the Workplace Ombudsman had sparked the crackdown on the food services industry as they drew attention to the number of vulnerable workers employed in the industry.
Mr Drysdale said the decision to target the Fish Markets was an operational one made by the NSW inspectorate, and was not based on tip-offs that employers were not complying with workplace laws.
He said the Workplace Ombudsman conducted about 5,000 targeted audits each year in addition to investigating some 25,000 complaints.
25 February, 2009
Justice sessions to be Court in the act
A series of information sessions is to be held across the State in April to share experiences gained in the justice system with the broader community.Attorney General, John Hatzistergos, announced the plan saying participants would hear expert accounts of life in the criminal justice system first-hand and hopefully get a better understanding of the State’s Court and sentencing system.
Mr Hatzistergos said NSW had the strongest sentencing regime in Australia, but that over the past 15 years the use of imprisonment as a punishment had increased while prison terms were generally getting longer.
“Perceptions of crime and justice are often shaped without people hearing the full details of a case,” he said.
“The Government is committed to raising greater awareness of crime and sentencing rates to break down some of the existing misconceptions.”
Mr Hatzistergos said a study released by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) last year found a large proportion of people were mistaken in their views about crime rates, the proportion of violent crime and the proportion of offenders convicted and imprisoned.
“Those people who had the worst knowledge of the criminal justice system also had the least confidence in the system,” he said.
Mr Hatzistergos said the study found a high proportion of people wanted to know more about the Court system and sentencing.
He said the first sentencing information forum would be led by Chairman of the NSW Parole Board and former NSW Chief Magistrate, Ian Pike, in Parramatta on 7 April.
He said a panel including an expert from BOCSAR and Howard Brown from the Victims of Crime Assistance League would explain sentencing and provide information about crime, Court processes and support services for victims.
Mr Hatzistergos attended the 40th Anniversary Symposium of BOCSAR, congratulating it on its ongoing success and research into law and policy in NSW.
25 February, 2009
6000 new PS jobs for youngsters
Six thousand new Government apprenticeship and cadetship places have been announced to boost the economy and career opportunities for young people.
Premier, Nathan Rees, said starting this year, the number of Government apprentices would be tripled with an addtional 1,000 apprentices and 500 cadets hired every year for the next four years.
Mr Rees said creating a skilled workforce would help NSW combat the falling economy and jobs losses.
Court feedback
The Supreme Court of NSW has urged clients to complete a feedback form on what they thought about registry services.
The Court encouraged positive and negative comments on customer service and assistance, saying the form was easy and quick to navigate.
Further information and a copy of the form were available from www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au
100 days free travel
Travellers will be able to enjoy free train travel on the Epping to Chatswood Rail Link until 8 June as a special introduction to the new service.
Premier, Nathan Rees, said the $2.3 billion link would run a shuttle providing a 17 minute journey between the two stations.
Mr Rees encouraged the public to make the most of the service, saying it provided three new train stations around Macquarie Park and North Ryde.
Insurance encouragement
Residents affected by flooding on the Mid North Coast have been urged to seek free legal advice on how to make insurance claims.
Two hotlines were available for flood victims seeking advice – the Insurance Hotline (1300 663 464) and the Law Access Hotline (1300 888 529).
Copies of a free Legal Aid NSW guide called Turning the Tide, Storms, Floods, Insurance and You were available from www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au or from Legal Aid offices, Courts and libraries.
Flood scam warning
The Commissioner for Fair Trading, Lyn Baker has warned residents in the Bourke, Mid North Coast and Hunter regions to be wary of rip-off merchants looking to cash in on damage caused by recent floods and storms in the areas.
Ms Baker said following severe storms, opportunistic and “dodgy” builders, glaziers and roof tilers often appeared, hoping to catch home owners off guard.
She reminded householders to contact Fair Trading on 13 32 20 if they had been approached by a questionable merchant, and that they could check if a tradesperson was licenced at www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au
Water warning
NSW Maritime has warned residents that heavy rain has created dangerous boating conditions in many rivers and creeks.
The Agency said conditions would remain hazardous for days and that boaters should look out for submerged debris, fast flowing water and missing navigation signals.
It urged boaters to take extreme care until they knew the waterways were back to normal.
Energy Centre for Newcastle
Newcastle has been chosen as the home of the $20 million national Enterprise Connect Clean Energy Innovation Centre.
Enterprise Connect will partner with Newcastle Innovation – the commercial arm of the University of Newcastle - the Australian Institute for Commercialisation and the Western Australian Sustainable Energy Association to help small and medium enterprises operating in the clean energy sector.
The new centre will provide a range of business improvement services and capitalise on export opportunities, boost productivity and aid Australia’s transition to a low-carbon future.
Comment call on freight review
Public submissions into the NSW Grain Freight Review have been invited by the Federal Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Anthony Albanese, and the Minister for Agriculture, Tony Burke.
Submissions on changes in production patterns and domestic and export markets for grain; enhancing grain storage, transport and handling; and implications for regional communities and the environment would be accepted.
Submissions close on 17 March, with further information available from www.infrastructure.gov.au
Graffiti crackdown continues
Graffiti laws have been tightened with a ban placed on carrying marker pens and etching implements with the intent of committing graffiti vandalism.
Attorney General, John Hatzistergos, said the new offence was part of a package of new laws to tackle the proliferation of graffiti.
Mr Hatzistergos said harsher penalties for offenders and new powers for the Office of Fair Trading and NSW Police had been introduced to crack down on the crime.
Anti-drink campaign launched
An advertising campaign targeting drink drivers has been launched by the Minister for Roads, Michael Daley.
Mr Daley said the $320,000 TV, radio and print media campaign highlighted the number of residents breathalysed in the State each year, warning drivers they could be breath-tested anywhere at any time.
“The message is clear - if you plan to enjoy a drink with mates then leave the car at home and arrange alternative transport or somewhere to stay overnight,” he said.
18 February, 2009
Fires ignite new PS leave arrangements
The Director General of Premier and Cabinet, John Lee, has issued a Circular setting out the leave entitlements of staff caught up in, or helping to fight, bushfires across the State.In the Circular Mr Lee urges Chief Executives to support their bushfire-affected employees.
He said a “flexible approach” to leave should be applied to employees who volunteered with the Emergency Services or were otherwise affected by the fires.
“Staff who assist the Emergency Services are to be granted special leave on full pay for the time they are absent from duty,” Mr Lee said.
“There is no limit on the special leave that may be granted in such circumstances.”
He said volunteer staff needed to provide proof of attendance, certified by an authorised representative of the Service they volunteered with.
He said under the Public Service Conditions of Employment Reviewed Award 2006, any staff who had been unable to come into work due to the fires, or remained home to protect their family or property, would be granted family and community service leave for the duration of the emergency.
“This includes staff who are required to care for their children due to school closures,” he said.
Mr Lee said due to the exceptional circumstances, Department Heads could extend the affected flexible working hours settlement period by a further four weeks.
“Where an entitlement to family and community service leave is not sufficient to cover the period of absence, additional special leave may be granted at your discretion,” he said.
“The grant of additional special leave is contingent on you being satisfied that the threat to life and/or property was real.”
Mr Lee said staff should provide confirmation from the local fire authority or Police.
He said staff who were performing duties away from their usual work location and could not return home due to road closures could be granted special leave or time off in lieu.
“The following arrangements apply to officers, temporary employees and Ministerial employees as well as holders of positions in the Senior and Chief Executive Services in organisations covered by Schedule 1, Part 1 of the Public Sector Employment and Management Act 2002,” Mr Lee said.
“Chief Executive Officers of other Public Sector organisations are urged to extend similar concessions to all affected employees in their organisation.”
The Circular could be accessed at www.dpc.nsw.gov.au
18 February, 2009
Red hot reaction to bushfire call
The NSW response to the Victorian bushfire emergency has been “swift and extremely generous” according to Premier Nathan Rees, with support staff sent south numbering in the hundreds and financial contributions reaching millions.Mr Rees up to 300 firefighters, 71 fire engines, nine NSW Police officers, five paramedics, a NSW burns specialist, two burns nurses, two critical incident support personnel and 25 specialist Urban Search and Rescue personnel were on the ground, on stand-by or offered to Victoria.
The Premier thanked all the other Government staff, businesses and community organisations who had offered their help and support by donating time or other goods such as food, clothes, blankets and tents.
He said the NSW Government hotline established to handle non-cash assistance to victims of the fires had received up to 100 callers an hour offering transport, accommodation and other services.
“NSW businesses and other community groups wanting to offer non-cash assistance should call the NSW Government Hotline on 1800 227 228 to pledge their support,” Mr Rees said.
He said the Government remained ready to provide further assistance should it be needed.
Minister for Emergency Services, Steve Whan, said the community’s goodwill had been overwhelming.
Mr Whan said people had helped however they could, and had offered everything from 500 tents to accommodation for the homeless.
“I want to thank the volunteers from the State Emergency Service, Volunteer Rescue Association and Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol who have given their time to staff the hotline, along with personnel from the NSW Police Force, Department of Community Services and Department of Primary Industries,” he said.
“These crews have done a tremendous job in difficult circumstances and I thank them greatly for their assistance.”
Mr Rees and Mr Whan said while NSW residents had been generous, the most useful donation they could make was to the Red Cross.
“The most important contribution we can make right now is still cash and I urge people to continue to dig deep and pledge cash to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal on 1800 811 700,” Mr Rees said.
Mr Whan presented the Red Cross with a $1 million dollar cheque from the State Government after the Premier pledged the money last week.
He handed the cheque to Executive Director of the Red Cross, Lewis Kaplan.
“This $1 million contribution will go towards assisting the victims of the devastating Victorian bushfires,” Mr Whan said.
“We stand ready to provide our Victorian neighbours with any further assistance that may be required.”
Mr Rees urged NSW residents to pass on their condolences to Victoria through a condolence book that had been placed in the Fountain Court at NSW Parliament House.
“I encourage everyone to visit Parliament House and share their thoughts and feelings with the victims of the Victorian fire tragedy,” he said.
18 February, 2009
Red carpet put out for fire homecoming
The Commissioner of the Rural Fire Service and the Minister for Emergency Services have welcomed home over 180 firefighters and other personnel sent to Victoria to assist with the bushfire disaster in that State.Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons and Minister Steve Whan met and thanked the RFS firefighters, NSW Fire Brigades officers and Ambulance officers who returned from their emergency duties via Sydney airport.
Mr Whan said crews of firefighters from Sutherland, Wollondilly and Macarthur districts had been in Victoria for around a week before being replaced by other NSW firefighting personnel.
“They've been working hard alongside their colleagues and counterparts from other States, working on fires at Yea, Kilmore and Beechworth, doing property protection, backburning and mop-up work,” he said.
“They will no doubt come home tired and saddened by what they have seen but they also return with the praise and gratitude of the people of NSW and Victoria for the important work they've done.”
Mr Whan said the firefighters would now spend time with their families and would be offered counselling to help them deal with the close contact they had with the tragedy.
“Some of these firefighters have been through some of the worst fires in Australia’s history but nothing can compare to this disaster,” he said.
“Even the most hardened firefighter would be affected by this tragedy and the RFS is making available the full resources of its Critical Incident Support team to assist these members and their families.”
Mr Whan thanked the families and employers of the volunteers for their support, saying without them the firefighters would not have been able to respond so swiftly and effectively. “Conditions on the ground in Victoria are very demanding, the skill and training required to undertake this type of work cannot be underestimated,” he said.
“What we have seen in Victoria over the past few days has shocked us all and these men and women have been in the thick of it.”
Mr Whan said there were over 300 people from agencies such as the RFS, Fire Brigades, State Emergency Service, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Forests NSW, the NSW Ambulance Service and NSW Police Force providing assistance in Victoria.
18 February, 2009
Bushfire donors get fingers burned
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has issued a public warning that false charity collectors may be taking advantage of the Victorian bushfires.The Commission has posted tips on how to avoid the scammers on its SCAMwatch website, www.scamwatch.gov.au
Chairman of the Commission, Graeme Samuel, said scams were constantly evolving as fraudsters thought up new ways to extract money from their targets.
“It has already been reported in the media that people are being approached by rip off merchants attempting to exploit the Victorian bushfire tragedy,” Mr Samuel said.
He urged people to watch for any warning signs indicating charity scams saying they included unknown charities, well-known charities operating via a fake website, letters and emails; collectors without proper identification; and collectors unable to provide details about the charity.
Mr Samuel said fake collectors often became defensive over questions about the charity, asked for cash, wouldn’t accept cheques or asked for cheques to be made out to them rather than to the charity.
He said online collectors would insist on cash money transfers and would not provide receipts with details of the charity.
“Protect yourself from charity scams by approaching charity organisations directly to make a donation or offer support,” Mr Samuel said.
“Don’t rely on any phone number or website address given by the person who first called, visited or emailed you because they could be impersonating a legitimate charity.”
He warned the public never to give out credit card or online account details to a non-trusted source and to check the legitimacy of the charity with a Fair Trading Agency.
“Consumers who believe they have been approached by someone impersonating a legitimate charity, or by a fake charity, can report the scam to the ACCC Infocentre on 1300 302 502 or through the SCAMwatch website,” Mr Samuel said.
18 February, 2009
Union in tribute to emergency workers
Public Service union leaders have paid tribute to the contribution being made by members of the Public Service following the Victorian bushfire tragedy.Federal Secretary of the State Public Services Federation and joint National Secretary of the Community and Public Sector Union, David Carey, said the dedication shown by PS workers following the disaster was “humbling”.
“Working through extremes that would be unimaginable in most of our working lives, our friends and colleagues and public workers are working to save, protect and preserve vital public services while fighting the terror of the fires,” Mr Carey said.
“While many public workers have suffered the worst possible personal loss themselves, they work on.”
He said staff were working to heal and counsel the injured and bereaved, as well as feeding and clothing the displaced and housing thousands who had lost homes.
“They are being literal heroes - there is no other word- in the face of horror and trauma on a scale never seen in Australia,” Mr Carey said.
“Our movement, the trade union movement, tens of thousands of other Public Sector workers and the whole community thank you and praise you.
“You are emblems of the selflessness and community we aspire to be. We are with you, in our prayers for your safety, our hope for your recovery.”
Mr Carey encouraged union members who knew of a colleague or relative experiencing hardship due to the bushfires to contact Unions Australia on 1300 486 466, or email appeal@actu.asn.au, so that support could be arranged.
He said a special page had been set up on the ACTU website, www.actu.asn.au to provide up to date information about unions’ support for bushfire victims.
18 February, 2009
Bushfire savings spark super idea
Bushfire victims have been reminded that they may be eligible for early access to their superannuation if they find themselves facing hardship.Minister for Superannuation and Corporate Law, Senator Nick Sherry, said depending on their circumstances, fund members could also be able to claim on the death or Total and Permanent Disablement (TPD) insurance often included in superannuation schemes.
“I would like to express my condolences to all those who have suffered and lost loved ones,” Senator Sherry said.
“I have spoken with the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), and asked it to communicate with super funds and their insurers about prioritising bushfire-related life insurance and TPD claims.”
He said usually superannuation savings could not be accessed before an individual was at least 55, but that under limited circumstances the law allowed early access.
Senator Sherry said this included applications under “severe financial hardship” provisions, which had be made directly to super funds and must meet strict conditions.
“APRA separately administers applications for early release of superannuation on prescribed 'compassionate grounds',” he said.
“These grounds include mortgage assistance in the case of threat of foreclosure, certain medical expenses, modifications to a home or vehicle in the case of severe disability, and expenses associated with a dependent's death or funeral.”
Senator Sherry said he had asked APRA to prioritise any access requests arising from areas where the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery arrangements applied.
“This will include Victorian bushfire-related and Queensland flood-related applications for early access to superannuation on specified compassionate grounds,” he said.
Affected members or their families should contact their Superannuation Scheme for help with proof of identity, processing claims and more information.
In most cases personnel would be available to help with death benefit claims, invalidity and other superannuation related claims.
Senator Sherry said more information about entitlements was available from Centrelink on 131021 or www.centrelink.gov.au, or by visiting www.apra.gov.au
18 February, 2009
Ambulance weighs in for obese patients
The NSW Ambulance Service is to take delivery of five new ‘mega-lift’ ambulances designed to cater to the needs of increasing numbers of obese people requiring transport to public hospitals.Minister for Health, John Della Bosca, examined the new units saying two would be located in Sydney and the others in Western, Southern and Northern NSW.
Mr Della Bosca said there had been a dramatic rise in the number of people needing the mega-lift ambulances, with only 45 requiring them in 2002 compared to 576 in 2008, an increase of over 1,200 per cent.
“The ambulances - which cost $280,000 each - are mainly used to transport people who weigh in excess of 180 kilograms, or people whose girth is too large for the normal ambulance stretcher,” he said.
“They are rated to carry a patient up to 500 kilograms in weight with no exertion on paramedics when loading and unloading patients.”
Mr Della Bosca said the ambulances would be moved between locations to meet the demands of areas with the highest need.
He said they featured hydraulic access ramps to weigh patients and specially designed stretchers fitted with hydraulic lifting systems.
“The vehicles have also been designed to be multi-purpose; they can be used by medical retrieval teams and for counter terrorism,” Mr Della Bosca said.
“The back of the vehicle is totally isolated and sealed off from the cab allowing paramedics wearing protection equipment to treat a contaminated patient or a patient who may have ingested an organophosphate, such as nerve gas.”
He said the recently released Garling Report into acute care services in public hospitals recommended ambulance resources and the skills of paramedics were used more effectively.
“These new ambulances are an excellent way of meeting the changing health needs of the community and improving patient care,” Mr Della Bosca said.
“The new vehicles can carry up to 10 paramedics in the event of a major emergency.”
He said they were developed in consultation with on-road paramedics and helicopter retrieval teams including doctors from the Bankstown Helicopter Base.
18 February, 2009
Cancer warning as growth continues
The Chief Cancer Officer with the Cancer Institute of NSW has issued a new warning to NSW’s smokers and drinkers, saying they now represented a quarter of all cancer deaths in the community.Professor Jim Bishop, who is also CEO of the Institute, said steady increases in the incidence of four relatively uncommon tobacco and alcohol related cancers had led to the warning and unfortunately, each had a poor prognosis.
Professor Bishop said lifestyle choices such as smoking, an inadequate diet and excessive alcohol intake were having a devastating effect on individual and community health.
“Bladder, kidney, liver and oesophageal cancers together accounted for close to 1,200 deaths in New South Wales in 2005,” he said.
“That’s too many; particularly when you consider that a large number of these cancers are preventable with a change in lifestyle.”
Professor Bishop said the risk of being diagnosed with bladder, kidney, liver or oesophageal cancer was increased considerably in smokers, with heavy smokers two to three times more likely to develop kidney cancer.
He called for continued public awareness campaigns on the health effects of smoking.
“Public education on the dangers of smoking is making a difference,” he said.
“The vast majority of smokers credit health reasons as the main motivator to quit.”
He said over 80 per cent of teenagers surveyed said they were less likely to smoke after viewing graphic anti-smoking ads.
Professor Bishop said the continued anti-smoking campaigns, the Cancer Institute’s campaign promoting five servings of vegetables and two servings of fruit per day and restraint in alcohol consumption could lead to a decrease in the new cases of kidney, bladder, liver and oesophageal cancers.
“Incredibly, up to 90 per cent of oesophageal cancers may be due to tobacco and alcohol consumption and smokers did not fare much better in bladder or kidney cancer,” he said.
“What’s particularly concerning about this figure is that even when diagnosed early, less than a quarter of those with oesophageal cancer are alive five years after diagnosis.”
Professor Bishop said people who were diagnosed with bladder cancer early had a higher chance of survival and urged anyone with symptoms such as blood in their urine to see their doctor.
He said kidney cancer patients diagnosed after the disease had spread only had a 6 per cent chance of surviving five years, compared with 90 per cent who survived for five years when diagnosed early.
“This data emphasises the need to redouble our efforts to steer people towards a healthy lifestyle, to diagnose this cancer earlier and to reduce the number of deaths,” Professor Bishop said.
18 February, 2009
ICAC teaches parents a lesson
The Independent Commission Against Corruption has found parents who tried to pay a primary school teacher to help their son get good marks to go to a selective public high school were guilty of corrupt conduct.ICAC found that by paying the teacher at Westmead Public School $2,500 to give their son special attention, the parents may have breached the Crimes Act.
The ICAC’s Report on an attempt to obtain entry to a selective public high school through payment of money found the parents had made two payments to their son’s teacher during 2008.
The investigation arose after the Department of Education and Training informed the Commission of the payments, which the teacher had reported to her superiors.
The investigation found in a letter to the teacher, the parents had asked that she give their son more help in all areas, particularly reading comprehension.
“We hope his ability was recognised and he can get a good school marks and also do well in the selective exam,” the letter said.
“I hope you give him a favourable consideration in the school assessment and report.”
The Commission found the parents were improperly seeking to influence the school’s internal assessment marks in favour of their son.
The parents said they had overheard other parents at the school suggesting making payments to the teacher would be a viable approach to improving the treatment of their son, which they alleged had been “unfair.”
Commissioner of ICAC, Jerrold Cripps, said the evidence that other parents had paid teachers, or had claimed to have paid them, was “unsatisfactory and unreliable.”
Three witnesses gave evidence during ICAC’s public enquiry in December 2008.
18 February, 2009
Library brings violence to book
A new, free, legal resource explaining the law relating to domestic violence has been released and circulated by the State Library of NSW.The latest edition of legal magazine, Hot Topics provides the community and students with easy to read information on the issue.
Hot Topics 66: Domestic Violence, has been made available as an online resource and explains what domestic violence is, how common it is and a victim's legal options for protection.
The magazine says domestic violence was usually committed by men against women and children, but could occur in all kinds of domestic relationships.
The edition was updated by the Women’s Legal Services of NSW and included information on a range of behaviours within a domestic relationship involving abuse of power.
The magazine also included recent changes to the law relating to domestic violence in NSW, with a close focus on Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) proceedings and the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007 which came into force last year.
Hot Topics is published by the State Library of NSW, Legal Information Access Centre four times a year and is written by law experts.
All NSW public libraries receive Hot Topics.
A number of issues dating back to 2005 were available online, with subscriptions available for $82.50 or single issues available for $22 each.
The most recent issue on domestic violence could be accessed from www.liac.sl.nsw.gov.au
18 February, 2009
Carbon pencilled into DPI website
The Department of Primary Industries has added two new pages to its Departmental website covering carbon sequestration in the soil.According to the Department, carbon sequestration was a ‘hot topic’ and the new pages would be up-to-date and informative.
The pages will highlight the work being done by NSW DPI to assess and explore the potential for the long term storing of carbon in the soil, and the benefit this would have in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
According to DI, the first page will feature a Scoping Paper, Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) Sequestration Potential for Agriculture in NSW, written by DPI scientists Yin Chan, Annette Cowie, Georgina Kelly, Bhupinderpal Singh and Peter Slavich.
The paper provides information on SOC sequestration potential in NSW, saying the highest potential existed in pasture lands in high rainfall regions.
“Considerable increases can be achieved by pasture improvement and improved management practices,” the paper says.
“Significant SOC potential also exists in the low rainfall rangelands which comprises nearly 50 per cent of NSW.”
The paper promotes conservation tillage practices to halt further carbon losses from cropping soils, and new land conversion and soil improvement options such as organics recycling.
“Many of the management practices that are effective in increasing SOC in agricultural soils also improve productivity and profitability, conserve the resource base and protect the environment,” it says.
The second page will provide background information on research being conducted by the Department into biochar, a carbon-rich material which has great capacity to retain carbon in the soil.
The Department said biochar could be an “immediate solution to reducing the global impact of faming” and could reduce the impact form all agricultural waste.
It said the presence of biochar in the earth could store carbon as well as improve water quality, increase soil fertility, raise agricultural productivity and reduce pressure on old growth forests.
The Department is currently involved in a number of projects on biochar including land management to increase soil carbon sequestration in NSW, an assessment of Biochar for agronomic benefits, carbon sequestration and rehabilitation, an assessment of Biochar in Sugarcane cropping systems and reducing nitrous oxide emissions.
The new website pages could be assessed by following the links from www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/research
18 February, 2009
Archives branches into family trees
The National Archives of Australia is to throw open its Sydney vaults for a day to allow visitors to ‘Shake Your Family Tree’ and explore their family history.On Wednesday, 25 February from 10am to 4pm all will be welcome to visit the Archives at 120 Miller Road, Chester Hill, to learn about grandparents, parents and other relatives, and possibly unearth personal treasures.
The ‘Shake Your Family Tree’ Day is a free event being coordinated at National Archives offices around the nation.
According to the Director-General of the National Archives, Ross Gibbs, some of the treasures visitors could find would include letters, photographs and other documents in service records, immigration and citizenship applications, employment records, copyright registrations and other Government records.
“Highlights of the Sydney program include behind-the-scenes tours of the repository and seminars on preserving precious family history documents and photographs,” Mr Gibbs said.
Bookings are essential.
He said visitors would be able to view documents from the Archives’ collection, talk to reference staff about family history research, and learn how to use the online database.
They will also be able to pick up a Shake Your Family Tree showbag.
“This annual open day is a great opportunity for new or experienced family researchers to learn about family history,” Mr Gibbs said.
“People are often amazed to discover what we hold and that we’ve probably got something on most families in Australia.”
“If members of your family migrated here in the 20th century, served in the Defence forces, or worked for, or had any other dealings with, the Commonwealth Government, we’re likely to have something to interest you.”
For more information on Archives or the ‘Shake Your Family Tree’ Day, visit www.naa.gov.au
18 February, 2009
Minister not kidding on child protection
The Minister for Community Services has met with representatives of the NSW Aboriginal community to discuss the safety and wellbeing of Aboriginal children in readiness for the Government’s response to Justice Wood’s enquiry into child protection.The Minister, Linda Burney, said she wanted to obtain the views of the community on an improved child protection model for the State.
“I am determined that we will work together – Government and community – to give Aboriginal children the best chance in life,” Ms Burney said.
“The Government will release its response in March but before this happens, I want to hear the views of as many stakeholders as possible.”
She said the 111 recommendations Justice Wood handed down following his Special Commission of Inquiry into Child Protection Services in NSW in November would provide the blueprint for the Government’s response.
Ms Burney said the Wood report emphasised the importance of preventing Aboriginal children from entering the child protection system.
“The fact that 30 per cent of children in care are Aboriginal is intolerable,” she said.
“The likelihood of an Aboriginal child going into care is 10 times more than for non-Aboriginal children.”
Ms Burney said one of the key messages from Justice Wood was the need to broaden responsibility for child protection to the whole of Government and the community.
“Of course this is nothing new for the Indigenous community,” she said.
“In Aboriginal culture, we share responsibility for the children in our extended families and communities.”
Ms Burney said the Wood Commission had generated healthy debate about what a new child protection system might look like, particularly around some of the recommendations affecting Aboriginal communities.
“As the first Aboriginal Community Services Minister in NSW, I can say the days of Government dictating policy in Aboriginal affairs without reference to the views of the Aboriginal community are over,” she said.
18 February, 2009
Fair Trading takes dark view of bitumen
The Commissioner for Fair Trading, Lyn Baker has warned consumers not to deal with itinerant workers offering to lay asphalt.Ms Baker said the traders, known to their victims as Bitumen Bandits, were under investigation by the Office of Fair Trading for completing faulty or substandard work.
“Fair Trading has received information that a group has recently arrived in Australia from the United Kingdom,” she said.
“The group is very well organised and travels as a family. They move quickly and will target all areas of the State - metropolitan and rural.”
Ms Baker said the workers had hit Taree, Old Bar and Tinonee this month, and were expected to head further north along the NSW coast.
“A Fair Trading investigator issued fines to the group and it appears they have subsequently quit their accommodation in Old Bar and headed north,” she said.
Ms Baker said the group used well rehearsed scripts, often saying they had just completed a bitumen surfacing job “down the road” and had some supplies left over.
They then offered to supply a bitumen surface on driveways for a reduced price if the consumer paid cash or with a cash cheque.
She said the traders had offered to drive consumers to the bank to withdraw cash or to cash a cheque.
“After completing the work, they quickly leave the area and consumers are unable to contact them or obtain refunds or warranties,” Ms Baker said.
“Their work is always substandard and usually fails completely within two to three weeks.”
She said the group appeared to prefer rural areas or housing estates where the homes had a substantial unpaved driveway.
Ms Baker said Fair Trading was seeking information from consumers who had contact with itinerant traders in New South Wales.
“Call Fair Trading on 13 32 20,” she said.
“All information will be treated confidentially.”
18 February, 2009
Creative report paints bright picture
A report outlining the economic contribution of the creative industries sector has been released by the Minister for State Development, Ian Macdonald.Mr Macdonald said the report, Creative Industry Insights, would assist the Government plan for the industry’s future.
He said the report and its accompanying Economic Fundamentals included detailed economic data and analysis of a range of creative industries which were important to NSW as they employed 5 per cent of the State’s workers, generated jobs at twice the rate of other industries and provided wages that were 18 per cent higher than average.
“NSW is already the Australian leader in 10 out of 11 creative industry sub-sectors - design, publishing, advertising, architecture, visual arts, music, television, film, performing arts and radio,” Mr Macdonald said.
“We're committed to growing these areas as well as going for gold in the high value 11th sector of electronic games.”
Mr Macdonald said the global economic turmoil meant it was important to strengthen the State’s position in key areas of the economy, such as creative industries.
“Options to enrich the sector could include more education and training, direct funding of creative activities, detailed and ongoing research and development of strategic growth opportunities and greater co-ordination of information and promotions,” he said.
Mr Macdonald said creative industries were vital to cities like Sydney as they created new business and job opportunities and attracted talented people.
“They also promote innovation across the economy and fuel cultural vibrancy.”
He said over 200 stakeholders had been consulted in preparation of the report, and industry groups would be invited to take part in policy-setting workshops later in 2009.
The report was available from www.business.nsw.gov.au
18 February, 2009
Botanic art plants seed of inspiration
An art exhibition exploring endangered plant species and their seeds has been created by the 2008 Artist in Residence at Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens, Emma Robertson.After a year with the Gardens, Ms Robertson said she hoped the Ascendant and Descendant exhibition would draw attention to what might be lost - not just the beauty of endangered plants, but also their unique, diverse and irreplaceable contribution to the Earth.
“During my residency, I’ve been inspired by the incredible range of beautiful plants in Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens,” Ms Robertson said.
“The Spirit Collection with its unique artefacts was particularly delightful.”
The Spirit Collection consisted of plants in spirit jars, fossils and slides in old glass slide mounts.
“The fossil plants and old slide mounts were exceptionally inspiring and influenced the development of many of my artworks in the Ascendant and Descendant exhibition,” Ms Robertson said.
“My research also included an orientation tour of an extensive Herbarium collection at the National Herbarium of NSW where more than 1.1 million plant specimens are stored along with the world’s largest collection of plants from NSW.
She said she also met with staff at the Seedbank at Mount Annan Botanic Garden who shared their knowledge of endangered plant species with her.
Executive Director of the Botanic Gardens Trust, Dr Tim Entwisle, said Ms Robertson’s work brought a fresh perspective to endangered plants and ‘living fossils’, plants that had changed little over millions of years.
Dr Entwisle said the exhibition aligned itself with a joint initiative between the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney and the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, London.
He said the partnership was part of the Millennium Seedbank Project which aimed to store 10 per cent of the world’s flora in seedbanks by 2010.
“Emma’s exhibition will draw attention to our unique and fascinating Australian flora,” Dr Entwisle said.
“Nearly 80 per cent of Australia’s plants grow in this country and nowhere else, but one in 20 of them are under threat of extinction.
“We need to be better custodians of this heritage, and Emma’s work reminds us of the beauty and the importance of our native plant life.”
Ms Robertson created the background of her artworks using acrylic paint, while the surface is drawn with pencil, graphite and conte.
The exhibition will run from 19 February to 27 March, with some of the artworks available for sale.
18 February, 2009
Privatisation advisers appointed
Specialist financial, accounting, tax and legal advisors have been appointed to assist with the proposed sales of WSN Environmental Solutions, Pillar Administration and NSW Lotteries.
Advisors from Goldman Sachs JBWere, UBS, Ernst and Young, Gilbert and Tobin and Clayton Utz will prepare transaction strategies for the State Government to review.
Youngsters meet boss
The NSW Division of the Institute of Public Administration Australia has invited young professionals to participate in a round table discussion with the Director General of the Department of Education and Training.
The Seminar, Meet the Chief, will feature Michael Coutts-Trotter who was appointed Director General at DET in April 2007.
The seminar will be held on 27 February, with bookings available by contacting lauren@nsw.ipaa.org.au
Briefings in doubt
Official Treasury briefings for Opposition members may be banned by the Australian Capital Territory Government following attacks on the briefings made in the Territory’s Legislative Assembly.
ACT Chief Minister Jon Stanhope threatened to withdraw the briefings after the Opposition ridiculed the information it received during question time recently.
Mr Stanhope said the tactics were ‘cowardly and unfair” and politicised the Public Servants involved.
Women to party
The Public Service Association of NSW has invited women to attend International Women’s Day celebrations at Sydney Town Hall on 7 March.
The celebrations will include a rally, community and organisation stalls, speakers and a march down George, King and Elizabeth streets.
Further information on the event is available from www.women.nsw.gov.au
Tipstaff jobs open
Applications for the position of Tipstaff to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of New South Wales have been invited from suitably qualified people.
The appointment will begin in January 2010, with applicants expected to continue on the staff of the Chief Justice as Research Director in 2011.
Applications close 18 March 2009, with further information available by visiting www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au or emailing mila_cerecina@courts.nsw.gov.au
Students exhibit
An exhibition showcasing the best works of 60 visual arts students who completed their Higher School Certificate in 2008 has been launched at part of ARTEXPRESS.
ARTEXPRESS is a joint initiative of the Department of Education and Training and the Office of the Board of Studies and features artwork submitted for the 2008 HSC.
The artworks will be displayed at a number of galleries including the Art Gallery of NSW, the Hazelhurst Regional Gallery and Arts Centre, Sydney Olympic Park Authority and Bathurst Regional Art Gallery.
Tax by bucketful
People who give money to “bucket donations” can claim a tax deduction for their contribution up to $10 in their tax return for 2008/09 without the usual need to keep a receipt.
The Australian Tax Office said it was using a practical approach to ensure those donating to help the victims of the Victorian bushfires and Northern Queensland floods can do so with minimum fuss.
Further tax information relating to natural disasters was available from the Tax Office on 13 28 61 or by visiting www.ato.gov.au
New BBQ at park
The Centennial Park Trust has announced that a new barbeque will be constructed at Queens Park to replace one that was trashed by vandals in late 2008.
The barbeque is expected to be completed at the end of February, with the public warned some access restrictions would be in place until then.
The Trust urged anyone who saw vandals at work in the Parklands to contact the Parkland Rangers on 0412 718 611.
New planning rules
The Department of Planning has issued two Circulars advising of the commencement of new planning requirements covering new building inspection requirements and enforcement matters.
Details of the new rules, which come into effect on 2 March are available from www.planning.nsw.gov.au
Scientist researched
The life of Charles Darwin has inspired a Seminar to be run by the National Maritime Museum and the Australian Research Council
The Seminar is to look at Darwin’s life, his scientific discoveries and research into natural history.
It will be presented at the National Maritime Museum to coincide with the opening of the museum's exhibition Charles Darwin - Voyages and ideas that shook the world.
A symposium will be open to everyone from 20 to 21 March from 9.30am to 6pm for a registration of $50. Phone (02) 9298 3644 or visit www.anmm.gov.au/charlesdarwi n for more information.
Visitor facilities upgraded
The National Parks and Wildlife Service has informed the public the Jerusalem Creek Day Use Area in Barrington Tops National Park near Dungog would be receiving new picnic and visitor facilities.
The NPWS said the area would be closed from 2 March to 20 March to allow the installation to be completed.
The work is to include a picnic shelter, gas BBQ shelter, information signage and improved walking tracks.
Water flows unchanged
The Department of Water and Energy has announced there will be no changes to water allocations in the Murray, Murrumbidgee and Lower Darling rivers despite some inflows from the Snowy Hydro Scheme.
The Department said increased evaporation losses combined with reduced natural flows had offset any improvement the inflows could have made to water availability.
Plant design paper
The Australian Safety and Compensation Council is seeking public comment on a discussion paper proposing strategies to address issues associated with the design and manufacture of industrial plant.
The ASCC is seeking comment on whether the proposed approaches to improve the safety and regulation of plant design are appropriate.
Further information was available from www.ascc.gov.au, with the public comment period open until 15 May.
11 February, 2009
Ombudsman files FOI under ‘lost cause’
The NSW Ombudsman has recommended a ‘radical overhaul’ of the State’s Freedom of Information system.In a report tabled in Parliament last week, the Ombudsman, Bruce Barbour, said the current system was “not working well” and was frustrating for both users and administrators.
“We need a simpler system,” the Ombudsman said.
Following an investigation into the FOI practices of 18 Agencies, an audit of their FOI files, interviews with 70 staff dealing with FOI and consideration of the responses to a public discussion paper, the Ombudsman has concluded that the current problems with the scheme can only be fixed by scrapping the existing law and replacing it with a new Act.
He said the current Act was 20 years old, had been amended 60 times and had failed to keep up with the times.
“Since the FOI Act commenced in 1989 much has changed,” the Ombudsman said.
“Government has changed, community expectations have changed and information has changed.”
“Proper access to information can only be fixed with a fresh start.”
“This means a new Act, written in plain English which we recommend be called the Open Government Information Act.”
The Ombudsman also called for the appointment of an Information Commissioner and a wholesale change in the attitude and culture of the Government and Public Service.
An independent Information Commissioner, he said, would encourage Agencies to release more information, provide the Agencies with guidance, help them when they fall short and hold them to account when they failed to release information.
He said by doing this, the Information commissioner would ensure the public’s right to access information was protected.
Mr Barbour said many of the problems his review identified could be overcome by requiring the Government and PS to be more pro-active, by making more information available without the need for a formal application
Among 88 recommendations he made to improve the scheme, the Ombudsma suggested Agencies produce and maintain publications schemes and disclosure logs, similar to those operating in other jurisdictions.
He recognised that an incumbent Government would be reluctant to release more information than it needed due to the possibility of being embarrassed or having its public position on a matter potentially damaged.
But he said now was the time the Government and Opposition to demonstrate a bipartisan willingness to “fix a broken system,” and set the foundation for proper, easy and fair access to information which would have as its consequence a greater openness and transparency of the Government.
“This report provides the foundation for change,” Mr Barbour said.
“It is now up to the Government to make that change a reality.”
11 February, 2009
Firefighters blaze trail across border
Firefighters and other specialist personnel from the Rural Fire Service, the NSW Fire Brigades, Police Force, Ambulance Service, Forests NSW and DECC and Ambulance Service have been deployed to Victoria to help deal with that State’s worst bushfire disaster in history.Premier, Nathan Rees announced that a major taskforce had been put together to assist the Victorian authorities.
Mr Rees offered his condolences to those who had lost loved ones and their homes, saying the NSW Government would provide whatever resources the Victorian emergency services required.
“We are deploying firefighters and other specialist personnel from the Rural Fire Service (RFS), NSW Fire Brigades (NSWFB), NSW Police Force and NSW Ambulance Service to assist in the response to this emergency,” he said.
“NSW and Victoria have a proud history of going to each other’s aid in times of great need.”
Mr Rees said the Government had invoked the State’s Employment Protection Provisions to safeguard emergency services volunteers taking part in operations in NSW and Victoria from discrimination in their workplaces.
Minister for Emergency Services, Steve Whan, said the first of over 250 firefighters and 50 tankers in 10 strike teams had already arrived in Victoria.
“These include more than 200 firefighters and 40 tankers in eight teams from the RFS and another 10 tankers and 50 officers in two teams from the Fire Brigades” Mr Whan said.
“We anticipate that in addition to these strike teams, an extra 20 lightweight striker units may be required to assist with operations in inaccessible terrain.”
He said the Government had also offered 25 specialist Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) personnel from the Fire Brigades to help with search activities and damage assessment.
“NSW firefighters are among the most respected in the world because of their expertise, training and dedication and we are always ready to share these resources with other States, when required.”
Mr Rees said a team of nine NSW Police officers trained in Disaster Victim Identification had been sent to help their Victorian colleagues.
“Five paramedics from the NSW Ambulance Service are already on site with another four on standby to accompany any Fire Brigades USAR personnel who may be deployed,” he said.
Mr Rees said over 500 firefighters and 40 aircraft were still fighting more than 50 bushfires in NSW.
“The majority of these fires are contained or controlled,” he said.
11 February, 2009
Lobbyist Code to exercise influence
Premier Nathan Rees has reminded Ministers and senior staff of their obligations under the newly-introduced Code of Conduct for dealing with lobbyists.The Code came into effect on 1 February.
In a Ministerial Memorandum, Mr Rees told all Ministers, Parliamentary Secretaries, Ministerial staff, Parliamentary Secretary staff, the staff of Public Sector Agencies and Government Members of Parliament that they and their staff must comply with the Code.
Mr Rees said under the Code, Government representatives must not allow lobbying by a professional lobbyist unless the lobbyist is listed on the Register of Lobbyists and has disclosed information about their contract with the representative.
“Breaches of the Lobbyist Code should be reported to the Director-General of the Department of Premier and Cabinet,” he said.
Mr Rees reminded Ministers that the Ministerial Code of Conduct and all other Codes that applied to them had been amended to require them to comply with the Lobbyist Code.
“This means that a breach of the Lobbyist Code by persons to whom those Codes of Conduct apply will also constitute a breach of the relevant Code of Conduct,” he said.
“The Model Code of Conduct for all Public Sector Agencies has also been amended to include a requirement that all staff employed, engaged or contracted to Public Sector Agencies must comply with the Lobbyist Code.”
Mr Rees said all PS Chief Executives needed to update their Agency’s Code of Conduct to ensure the Lobbyist Code provision was included.
“Government representatives should ensure that they are aware of their obligations under the Code,” he said.
“To assist in that process, the Department of Premier and Cabinet has developed an e-learning module on the Code and Register.”
Mr Rees encouraged all staff to undertake the module and suggested it be incorporated into the induction program for new staff.
He said the obligations in the Lobbyist Code were additional to the obligations already imposed on public officials to ensure lobbying was conducted appropriately.
Mr Rees said these included the obligations set out in Memorandum 2006-01, Guidelines for Managing Lobbyists and Corruption Allegations Made During Lobbying.
The Register of Lobbyists and the e-learning module were available from the DPC’s website, www.dpc.nsw.gov.au
11 February, 2009
Inspectors launch bedroom blitz
State and Federal workplace inspectors from the NSW Office of Industrial Relations and the Federal Workplace Ombudsman have converged on Wollongong for a two-day blitz on the accommodation industry.The inspectors randomly targetted up to 20 hotels and serviced apartments to check workplace conditions.
The blitz came at the end of a three month campaign by the Workplace Ombudsman to scrutinise hotels and the hospitality industry.
The visits were requested by the OIR to help improve compliance with State and Federal workplace laws.
Letters announcing the audits and providing educational material were sent to around 60 local businesses before the team of officials moved in.
Executive Director of the Workplace Ombudsman’s Office, Michael Campbell, said it was important for employers to understand their legal responsibilities as non-compliance with record-keeping and payslip obligations continued to be an issue in many industries.
“Keeping proper employment records is not an option for employers, it is a legal obligation,” Mr Campbell said.
Executive Director of the OIR, Don Jones, said the program aimed to help employers better understand their obligations.
Mr Jones said inspectors had provided information and advice on workplace rights and obligations such as pay rates, conditions of employment, leave entitlements and employment records.
“Most employers want to do the right thing and this joint campaign will provide an opportunity for Wollongong employers to ask questions and ensure they are doing just that,” he said.
“A free workshop will also be held on February 18 to provide local employers with information about their workplace obligations and the differences between State and Federal legislation.”
Mr Jones said breaches could lead to legal action and hefty fines, and that employers were asked to rectify them voluntarily.
He said a maximum penalty of $33,000 was applicable.
For further information or to register for the workshop, phone (02) 9020 4612 or visit www.industrialrelations.nsw.gov.au
11 February, 2009
High-tech Courts set bench marks
NSW’s high-tech justice system is attracting international attention with delegations from at least six countries visiting Sydney’s Courtrooms to see the potential for technology and advances in crime prevention first-hand.Attorney General, John Hatzistergos, welcomed the international interest, saying NSW led the world in technologically advanced Courts and innovative crime prevention programs.
He said most recently, the Chief Magistrate of Papua New Guinea visited the headquarters of the Attorney General’s Department in Parramatta.
Mr Hatzistergos said PNG’s Restorative Justice Team was interested in programs designed to reduce re-offending.
He said the PNG delegation had learned about programs such as the Drug Court, Circle Sentencing, Forum Sentencing, Magistrates Early Referral into Treatment (MERIT) and the Domestic Violence Intervention Court Model.
“A common link among many of these programs is their focus on addressing the causes of offending behaviour and giving participants a pathway to a law abiding future,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
He said the Productivity Commission’s Report on Government Services found the NSW Court system was rated among the best in Australia.
The new Parramatta Justice Precinct was among those that attracted international attention as it included audio visual technology, CCTV links from prisons and witness rooms and the latest security equipment to protect judges and hold terrorism trials.
Mr Hatzistergos said a legal delegation from China had inspected domestic violence programs, Swedish representatives had studied strategies to combat youth and organised crime, delegates from Thailand had looked at how NSW conducted drugs trials, Ukrainian visitors examined Court facilities for people with a disability, Vietnam delegates discussed victims’ support programs and a group of Singaporeans toured the high security Sydney West Trial Courts, intending to build a similar complex of their own.
11 February, 2009
Indigenous forum to guide mentoring
The NSW Division of the Institute of Public Administration Australia is conducting a forum on mentoring Indigenous staff.The IPAA conducted its first Aboriginal mentoring program last year, in conjunction with the Department of Premier and Cabinet, the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and training organisation, HarrisBromley.
The upcoming forum will provide participants with the chance to discuss the impacts, challenges and results of the program, in which 12 mentees and 12 mentors took part.
The panel of experts involved in the forum will include Julie Moore, Anne Rauch, Bernadette Harris, Scott Campbell and Terry Jordan.
Ms Moore is an Aboriginal woman from Wreck Bay on the South Coast.
She has served in NSW and Commonwealth Government sectors in frontline and policy roles, and has spent the past 8 years working at DPC as a Senior Adviser in Aboriginal Employment.
Ms Rauch is Manager, Learning and Development at IPAA NSW and has been a trainer, curriculum developer, author, policy officer and quality improvement consultant.
Ms Harris is a private consultant and author and has over 20 years experience in management roles.
Mr Campbell works at the Department of Education and Training and took part in the first mentoring program as a mentee.
Mr Jordan, an Aboriginal elder, helped design the program.
The forum, which will be held on 23 February 2009, will be facilitated by the Director of Academic Studies, Brush Farm Corrective Services Academy, and Convenor of IPAA NSW Capacity, Duncan Sutherland.
It will be held at the State Library of NSW, Sydney and bookings are essential.
For further information visit www.nsw.ipaa.org.au
11 February, 2009
Jail sell-off slammed by survey
The Public Service Association of NSW has released the results of a survey it says reveals that less than 20 per cent of the community support plans to privatise State prisons.Prison Officers released the survey results at the launch of the Stop the Cell-Off campaign, the union’s bid to have the privatisation plans shelved.
Officers from Long Bay Prison walked off the Job last week to rally outside the offices of local Labor MP, Michael Daley, who is believed to have shown support for the privatisation.
General Secretary of the NSW PSA, John Cahill, said the rally showed Prison Officers and the general community were “appalled” by the idea of private corporations running prisons for profit.
Mr Cahill said the poll of 1,003 people, conducted by Essential Research, found 19 per cent of respondents supported the privatisation of Cessnock and Parklea prisons, and only 20 per cent supported the proposal to privatise prisoner transport.
“Where the public has a view, that view is overwhelmingly opposed – in fact 70 per cent of people who have formed an opinion oppose the sell-off,” he said.
“They know that privatisation will mean fewer, lower paid jobs, less security for the community and a dramatic decrease in rehabilitation programs and standards of care.”
Mr Cahill said experience from overseas and interstate prisons had shown everyone suffered when prisons were privatised.
“Nor is there any strong evidence that taxpayers will save a cent – in fact, often, private prisons cost more to run than public ones,” he said.
“We note the new Minister for Corrective Services’ (Mr Roberston’s) longstanding and vocal opposition to privatisation, and look forward to working with him to implement reform while retaining this core part of the justice system in state control.”
Further information on the campaign was available from www.stopthecelloff.org.au
11 February, 2009
Transport tender hits the road
The latest in internet technology and call centre best practice are to be put to use in the NSW public transport system with the Minister for Transport, David Campbell, calling tenders for a multi-million dollar transport information service.Mr Cambell said the contract was being offered to operate the 131500 Transport Information service
“Getting people public transport information is the key to easy and efficient travel,” he said.
“The 131500 Transport Info services are incredibly popular, with the website and call centre having about 25,000 contacts from passengers every day.”
Mr Campbell encouraged businesses interested in running the service and helping deliver better transport information to apply for the contract.
“Not only does the service give out information on timetables, fares and special events, it also takes in complaints and feedback from passengers, so that we can keep improving services,” he said.
“The website is growing increasingly popular and I want to look at whether it can be made even more accessible and user-friendly.”
Mr Campbell said the Government was looking at technologies to improve trip planning on the web and via mobile devices.
“Demand for passenger information is growing, with 10.6 per cent increase last financial year compared to 2006/07,” he said.
“In recent years telephone enquiries have dropped off slightly, while we’ve seen significant growth in website visits.”
Mr Campbell said the current contract was coming to an end, so the tender was now available to interested businesses.
He said tenders closed on 2 April, with the new contract becoming effective in June 2010.
The tender could be accessed from http://tenders.nsw.gov.au/nsw, with information on trip planning available by phoning 131500 or visiting www.131500.com.au
11 February, 2009
Sprinkler ban off to hose down heat
The Minster for Water, Phil Costa, has announced that water restrictions would be relaxed to allow NSW’s youngsters to play under the garden sprinkler on hot days.Mr Costa said common sense had prevailed.
“With the mercury headed well above 40 degrees there is room for flexibility and common sense,” he said.
Mr Costa said there had been an influx of people contacting Sydney Water seeking more information on current restrictions and swimming pools due to the hot weather.
He said Level 3 water restrictions were still in place.
“This means that a permit is required to fill a new or renovated swimming pool larger than 10,000 litres,” Mr Costa said.
“Once you have the initial permit you can top-up as needed.
“Play pools for the kids or your animals are fine.”
He also reminded residents to slip-slop-slap before spending time outside.
“Families enjoying the outdoors with a bit of water play have to remember the danger of the sun,” Mr Costa said.
He said the Level 3 restrictions included limiting hand-held hosing or drip-watering of lawns and gardens to Sundays and Wednesdays before 10am and after 4pm and washing vehicles and homes was only allowed with a trigger nozzle or high-pressure water cleaning equipment (to a maximum of 10L/minute).
Mr Costa said paths and driveways were not to be hosed at any time and no other watering systems were allowed.
“No hoses or taps are to be left running unattended, except when filling pools or containers,” he said.
Mr Costa said further information was available from www.sydneywater.com.au
11 February, 2009
State encouraged by stimulus package
The Federal Government’s nation-building stimulus package has been welcomed by NSW Minister for Housing, David Borger who said the State stood ready to deliver on its ambitious jobs and house building targets.Mr Borger said the combined State and Commonwealth action would generate almost 32,000 jobs and apprenticeships across the State.
“The NSW Government is hoping to receive around $2 billion for new social housing from the Federal Government's economic stimulus package,” he said.
“With the State’s existing accelerated housing program and the massive investment by the Commonwealth we will deliver up to 9,000 new dwellings and place up to 17,500 people into homes in the next two to three years.”
Mr Borger said Housing NSW planned to build 4,000 homes and had already begun work to bring forward other projects to meet the target.
“The Premier has also said he will consider enacting special planning powers if needed to cut red tape and get projects up and running as fast as possible and Housing NSW is already responding to that very clear message,” he said.
Mr Borger said Housing NSW’s new building program was an “extraordinary investment in the social housing sector”, with Commonwealth funds to be used to build 6,000 new social housing dwellings.
“The Federal Government’s stimulus package will provide desperately needed dwellings in areas where housing supply for low income earners is in short supply,” he said.
Mr Borger said the building focus would be the greater metropolitan area of Sydney, the Illawarra, Central Coast, Hunter region and mid and far North Coast to boost employment in the regions.
He said the NSW Government would work with the private sector, Local Government and community housing providers to deliver the program.
“The Commonwealth has delivered a once in a lifetime opportunity to really change the face of social housing in this country and this State and we will ensure the people of NSW get the full benefit of these measures to secure jobs and housing,” he said.
11 February, 2009
Legal profession to be brought to book
Regulation of Australia’s fragmented legal profession is to be reformed following an agreement by all States, Territories and the Commonwealth to cooperate.The Federal Minister for Finance and Deregulation, Lindsay Tanner, said the Commonwealth believed there were significant efficiencies and cost savings to be gained through the reform.
“Compliance costs would be significantly reduced for the profession and consumers of legal services, especially those operating across borders, and Australia’s international competitiveness would be strengthened,” Mr Tanner said.
He said regulation of the legal profession had been the subject of many changes in recent years.
“However, the regulation remains overly complex and inconsistent and each jurisdiction maintains its own regulatory structure,” Mr Tanner said.
Commonwealth Attorney-General Robert McClelland said he would work closely with the States and Territories, the legal profession and other stakeholders on the initiative.
“It is likely that the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General will be called on to assist with the reform process,” Mr McClelland said.
A spokesman for the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) said that the current diversity of regulators added unnecessary costs and red tape for lawyers and consumers.
“The legal services are a critical part of Australia’s economy and require clear and efficient national regulation,” the spokesperson said.
The initiative was an important step towards strengthening the economy in the face of the global financial crisis and delivering a “seamless national economy.”
The spokesperson said papers for discussion were to be prepared for the next COAG meeting.
11 February, 2009
Birthday cake for Drug Court
The NSW Drug Court has turned 10.Attorney General, John Hatzistergos, said the Court’s birthday had been celebrated with a special conference featuring law, health and correction experts who analysed how the Court had achieved its success.
Mr Hatzistergos said the Court had helped almost 1,700 drug-dependent offenders address the causes of their criminal behavior, with around 150 defendants completing the program every year following intensive drug treatment and rehabilitation.
“The Drug Court was the first of its kind in Australia, and since it opened in 1999 other States have used the successful program as a model for their own programs,” he said.
Mr Hatzistergos said the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research evaluated the Drug Court last year, finding it was an effective alternative to prison for drug dependent offenders.
“The evaluation showed that the program is more cost-effective than prison in reducing re-offending rates among drug offenders,” he said.
“Those who finish the program are 37 per cent less likely to be convicted of a further offence and 58 per cent less likely to be convicted of a drug offence.”
Mr Hatzistergos said the Government was considering extending the Drug Court program.
MP for Parramatta, Tanya Gadiel, said a purpose-built Drug Court registry was being constructed at Parramatta Courthouse as part of the building’s $13 million upgrade.
“Not only is the Drug Court a worthwhile program, it is also the catalyst for continued infrastructure investment in Parramatta,” Ms Gadiel said.
She said the Drug Court was operating at the neighbouring Sydney West Trial Courts until the upgrade is completed in July.
The Drug Court’s birthday conference was held on 6 February and included speakers including the Director of the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, Professor Richard Mattick; NSW Director of Public Prosecutions, Nicholas Cowdery QC; Senior NSW Drug Court Judge, Roger Dive; and Magistrate Stephanie Tonkin.
11 February, 2009
Rail upgrade on the right track
Work has begun on a 36km dedicated rail freight line from Macarthur to Chullora that is expected to help clear the single largest bottleneck on the State’s interstate rail network.Announced by the Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Anthony Albanese, the project’s cost is estimated at $309 million with 500 direct jobs expected to be created and 1,500 indirect jobs.
Mr Albanese said the Southern Sydney Freight Line has been funded by the Commonwealth-owned Australian Rail Track Corporation and is expected to be completed by early 2010.
“Currently, freight trains face frustrating delays on the Sydney network because of the priority given to passenger trains and because of limited track capacity,” he said.
“A dedicated freight line from Macarthur to Chullora will unclog this bottleneck by providing access to up to five freight trains per hour in the peak direction and 24-hour access to Port Botany through southern Sydney.”
Mr Albanese said the project would also provide facilities such as lifts, pedestrian overbridges and wheelchair ramps to improve passenger access at Leumeah, Minto, Cabramatta, Sefton, Warwick Farm and Casula train stations.
He said $8.7 million would be put towards additional car parking, improved lighting and community amenities, and $13.5 million would be used to construct noise walls along the corridor.
Mr Albanese also announced two additional measures to improve Sydney’s rail network, saying $15 million had been allocated to accelerate planning and design work on the new dedicated freight line between North Strathfield and Gosford, and that work on the $27.2 million upgrade to the Port Botany Rail Line would begin in March/April.
“The northern Sydney project will provide access for four freight trains an hour for 22 hours a day, while the Port Botany upgrade will increase the average train load to the Port from 40 to 60 containers,” he said.
Mr Albanese said this and other rail projects currently underway would cut freight times along the Melbourne to Brisbane corridor from around 37 hours to around 26 hours - a 30 per cent improvement.
He said over the next six years, the Government would invest more than $3.2 billion in the interstate rail network, with almost half the funding expected to be spent within the next 18 months.
“The purpose of this massive new investment is to make rail more competitive by slashing travel times and improving reliability, helping to reduce the number of trucks on our roads with each 1,500 metre train equivalent to around 100 semi trailers.”
11 February, 2009
Tourism event on way to Sydney
Tourism Australia has announced that Sydney is to be the host city for Australia’s premier incentive travel trade event Dreamtime.Head of TA’s Business Events Australia, Joyce DiMascio, said Dreamtime aimed to generate future business for Australia’s high yielding business events sector.
Ms DiMascio said the seven day event was expected to attract around 100 business events decision makers (buyers) and 20 international media from Australia’s key markets including Asia, Europe, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
“Australia has a proven reputation internationally as a country that stages world-class events and Dreamtime provides a tremendous opportunity to showcase the unique business events experiences on offer in the Harbour City of Sydney,” Ms DiMascio said.
“Many businesses have long recognised the benefits in rewarding and motivating staff by hosting their business events in Australia because we offer outstanding experiences in remarkable locations.”
She said Dreamtime was the only event to provide decision makers with the opportunity to meet face-to-face with tourism businesses and experience Australia first-hand at the one event.
She said Dreamtime would be a low carbon impact event and would offer participants first-hand experiences.
“Increasingly, there is demand globally for events which have a greater commitment to sustainable practices.”
“Dreamtime will be an opportune time to highlight Australia’s credentials for staging sustainable events and follows Tourism Australia’s recent CSR Audit of the business events sector.”
The Dreamtime 2009 program is expected to see international buyers and media spend five days in Sydney and two days at a second destination within Australia for educational visits.
Chief Executive of Business Events Sydney, Jon Hutchison, said he was delighted his organisation had secured the rights to host Dreamtime.
“Together with our partners we are eager to host this prestigious event and are confident that Sydney will exceed expectations of buyers and sellers,” Mr Hutchison said.
“The innovative program will deliver experiences that are new and dynamic covering culture, arts, entertainment, the environment and indigenous culture.
Ms DiMascio said the event had been ‘refashioned’ to reflect the changing focus in the business events sector.
“Experience has taught us that once we get the decision makers to Australia and they experience the destination first-hand, perceived barriers such as time and distance are less significant for clients.”
Dreamtime 2009 is scheduled to be held in October, with final dates to be confirmed.
11 February, 2009
Failed students on top at Centrelink
The Federal Minister for Human Services is encouraging school students who missed out on their preferred university offers to contact Centrelink for advice and support as they consider other options for success.The Minister, Senator Joe Ludwig, said Centrelink’s Career Information Centres provided expert advice and support on a range of options for Australian job seekers.
“Last year, more than 60,000 people took advantage of the services offered by Centrelink’s Career Information Centres,” Senator Ludwig said.
He said Career Information Centres were located in Sydney, Newcastle and Warrawong and were equipped to provide career information to school leavers and help them look at a range of study, training or work options.
“Many students wait until results and university offers come out to really decide what they want to do,” Senator Ludwig said.
“This means that now is the time to see how the Career Information Centres can assist them to get where they want to go.”
He said the Career Information Centres had details on education and training pathways, including Australian apprenticeships in a wide range of industries.
“One of the great programs available at many centres is Career Voyager, which is a career assessment tool that allows people to explore career opportunities based on their interests,” he said.
“I encourage school leavers, in particular those in rural areas who may not be able to visit a centre in person, to take advantage of the remote servicing options.”
Each Career Information Centre has its own dedicated Freecall 1800 telephone number and email address for such inquiries.
For further information visit www.centrelink.gov.au
11 February, 2009
Praise for Emergency services
The Governor General and Her Majesty the Queen have praised the efforts of emergency services crews and offered their condolences to the victims of bushfires in NSW and Victoria.
Queen Elizabeth said she admired the firefighters and other emergency services for their “extraordinary efforts”, and sent her “heartfelt condolences to the families of all those who have died and my deep sympathy to the many that have lost their homes.”
Governor General, Quentin Bryce, thanked firefighters, police and volunteers for their “Herculean efforts to save homes and lives.”
“Our country will thank them when the time is right,” she said.
Highway understanding
A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between the Australian Defence Force and the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority to improve traffic conditions associated with Defence’s new Headquarters Joint Operations Command facility.
The HQJOC facility, located off the Kings Highway in NSW, around 10 kilometres east of Queanbeyan, has led to an increase in traffic flow.
The MOU provides for a program of work to make safety and efficiency improvements to sections of the Highway, due to be completed by 2011.
Bourke ban
The NSW Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing has restricted the sale of takeaway alcohol in the western township of Bourke to reduce the impact of alcohol abuse on the community.
New powers under the Liquor Act were used to curb retail alcohol sales to reduce injuries from glass and alcohol-related violence.
The move followed an application from NSW Police for conditions to be imposed on six licensed venues in Bourke.
The restrictions come into force on 16 February, and include bans on fortified wine in containers larger than 750ml, beer in longnecks and cask wine with a volume over 2 litres.
Water race scrubbed
NSW Maritime cancelled the Southern 80 waterski racing event after three event ambulance crews were diverted to the bushfire effort.
The decision to ‘red-flag’ the event was made for safety reasons after it was clear three of the five ambulances on standby for the event were required elsewhere.
The 2009 event was about 70 per cent complete, but has now been declared over.
Cancer awards open
The Cancer Institute of NSW has called for nominations for the NSW Premier’s Award for the most Outstanding Cancer Researcher of 2009.
The awards were established in 2006 to recognise the commitment and talent of outstanding NSW scientists who had a significant impact on cancer treatment, clinical trials, prevention and research.
Nominations close on 4 March, with the winner receiving a grant of $50,000 from the Cancer Institute NSW to further their research.
Further information was available from www.cancerinstitute.org.au
Barangaroo comment
Sydney Residents and businesses have been invited to comment on an amended proposal to create a more natural headland for Barangaroo at East Darling Harbour.
The park proposal includes a large headland park, new southern and northern coves, a foreshore promenade from King Street to Walsh Bay, a concealed car park under the headland and a promenade and parklands.
The proposal will be exhibited at the Department of Planning Exhibition Space in Sydney and at the City of Sydney Council until 6 March 2009.
School zones to flash
Twenty-five school zones are to be fitted with flashing lights to warn motorists to take care.
Minister for Roads, Michael Daley, said the lights had already been installed in 266 school zones, and would introduce them to a total of 400 school zones over four years.
He said installation would start this month in school zones including Gosford, Burwood, Albury, Corrimal, Daceyville, Forest Lodge, Picton, Strathfield and Eastwood.
Data to be centralised
The NSW Government is to begin consolidating its 130 data centres this year.
Government Chief Information Officer, Emanuel Rodriguez was reported as saying the 130 Centres would be reduced to two and that the search was on for suitable accommodation.
The $60 million-plus project is expected to take 10 years to complete.
Eureka Prize taking entries
Entries are now open for the 2009 Australian Museum Eureka Prize.
Australian universities, science organisations and the Defence industry are invited to submit nominations for the Prize with entries closing on 1 May.
Hosted annually by the Australian Museum, the Eureka Prizes reward excellence in the fields of research and innovation, science leadership, school science and science journalism and communication.
More information can be found at www.austmus.gov.au and winners will be announced at a dinner in Sydney on 18 August 2009.
4 February, 2009
PSA goes public on PS privatisation call
The NSW Public Service Association has called on the new Minister for Corrective Services and Public Sector Reform, John Robertson, to take a hard line on PS privatisations.Welcoming Mr Robertson to his new portfolios, the General Secretary of the PSA, John Cahill, said he had a “golden opportunity” to bring an end to a “failed era” of privatisation.
Mr Cahill said Mr Robertson had the credentials to show there was a better way to manage the public sector.
“Mr Robertson has long argued that privatisation of essential services is against the public interest - now he has the power to put those arguments into practice,” he said.
“For too long we have seen politicians from all political parties who see the only response to a problem is to throw their hands in the air and privatise public assets.”
Mr Cahill said plans to privatise two of the State’s prisons in Cessnock and Parklea were unfounded and would see private corporations running jails for profits.
“The PSA is developing a plan for the Government to manage the prisons more effectively while keeping them under public control,” he said.
“The union movement was inspired by the campaign Mr Robertson led to oppose power privatisation - and we are looking for similar leadership now.”
Mr Cahill said the PSA was looking forward to presenting Mr Robertson with their plans.
“At times of financial crisis it is essential that the public has access to well-resourced services - our members are committed to delivering these services and look forward to the Minister's support,” he said.
Independent MP for Lake Macquarie, Greg Piper, has also stated his opposition to the move to privatise the prisons.
In a letter to the outgoing Minister for Corrective Services, John Hatzistergos, Mr Piper raised his concerns about the privatisation.
“The prison system, particularly where there is direct contact with prisoners, is an inherently difficult work environment encumbered with the stress of being a place where workers are abused, threatened and actually assaulted,” he said.
“I personally find it difficult to reconcile how a system, which would be established primarily for private profit, could provide the level of care and services which the community expects from our prison system.”
Mr Piper suggested it was time to reconsider policy to improve staff support and increase efforts towards rehabilitative programs.
“I believe that privatising such a public service sends a very bad signal as to the Government's view on what our corrective services system should be achieving,” he said.
4 February, 2009
Police blow whistle on local MPs
The NSW Police Association has foreshadowed a set of Guidelines being drawn up to guard against politicians and Local Government Councillors treating police as political footballs.President of the Association, Bob Pritchard, said the Commissioned Police Officers Branch of the NSWPA was developing the guidelines to help local police commanders manage their relationships with local elected representatives.
Mr Pritchard said the public deserved “nothing but the best” from their police and elected officials.
“We can’t afford to have our police being used as political footballs,” he said.
“These are the men and women that are charged with looking after our communities – they need to be free to get on with their job.”
Mr Pritchard said the guidelines would cover the type, nature and scope of information that could be shared between police, politicians and Councillors.
“While the guidelines are yet to be finalised, we anticipate they will include a code of conduct that ensures these relationships are managed in a professional and ethical manner that reduces the risk of inappropriate or undue manipulation, threat or intimidation that could compromise either the police or local representatives,” he said.
Mr Pritchard said the guidelines would focus on finding the balance between the role Local representatives played in raising concerns and the need for Police to investigate them.
4 February, 2009
Performance report is hard act to follow
The 14th report into Government services has been released by the Council of Australian Governments covering the performance of Governments across a range of services.Published for COAG by a Steering Committee of senior officials from the State, federal and Territory Governments, the Report on Government Services 2009 covers such issues as health services, education, community safety and housing and is designed to promote open and informed debate about Government performance.
The Steering Committee was chaired by the Chairman of the Productivity Commission, Gary Banks, who said it was an important document for all Australians.
“Everyone relies on Government services at different stages of their life,” Mr Banks said, “And services are particularly important for the more disadvantaged members of society.”
“Governments spent over $132 billion on the services covered in this year's Report,” he said, “More than 70 per cent of their recurrent expenditure, equivalent to around 13 per cent of Australia's gross domestic product.”
Mr Banks said this year’s report included a number of improvements, including a revised ambulance indicator framework - with reporting against four new indicators - and it reported for the first time on hospital readmissions and community follow up after an episode of mental illness; maintenance of individual functioning from the Transition Care Program for aged care; response times for child protection services; and school attendance data for students in years 1 to 10.
He said reporting on services to Indigenous Australians remained a priority and this year’s report included school learning outcomes for Indigenous students by remoteness area for each State and Territory and information on Indigenous preschool attendance.
“There has also been further improvement in the reporting of Indigenous hospitalisations data.”
Mr Banks said that during 2008, COAG emphasised the importance of performance reporting in its reform of Specific Purpose Payments.
He said it set out agreed objectives, outputs, outcomes and performance indicators for new National Agreements that would be monitored by the COAG Reform Council.
“The Steering Committee will provide relevant performance information to the Council,” he said.
“COAG has initiated a review to ensure this Report is appropriately aligned with the National Agreements, and to examine improvements to the Report's scope and processes.”
Information on what the Steering Committee found in its studies is summarised in the Fact Sheets attached to the report and the whole publication can be accessed at www.pc.gov.au
4 February, 2009
Women’s Day no secret business
NSW Government Departments and Agencies have been urged to promote International Women’s Day on 8 March this year and encourage staff to attend related functions.In a Circular from the Department of Premier and Cabinet, DPC head John Lee said a number of events had been planned to celebrate the Day, including a fund-raising breakfast in Sydney hosted by the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM).
Mr Lee said the breakfast attracted about 1,500 guests each year.
“As part of the celebrations for International Women’s Day NSW, Government Ministers, Local Members and members of the public have nominated a woman from their community for the NSW Woman of the Year award,” he said.
“The winner will be announced at the Premier’s reception to mark International Women’s Day.”
Mr Lee said IWD recognised and celebrated the achievements and contributions of women around the world.
“It is also a day to acknowledge that women still face disadvantage across a range of areas,” he said.
Mr Lee said this year’s theme, Women and Education, recognised that increased access to education for women provided them with the best way to expand their career choices, obtain financial security and achieve their full potential.
He urged all Departments to make the most of the celebrations by visiting www.women.nsw.gov.au for a list of events and promotional material.
The Circular could be accessed at www.dpc.nsw.gov.au
4 February, 2009
Councils signed up for climate change
Local Government Councils are to be given assistance to prepare their communities for the likely impacts of climate change.Federal Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong, said the Councils were “crucial” to the task of helping communities tackle climate change and the Local Adaptation Pathways Program had been set up to help them do it.
Senator Wong said that as an example, the Brisbane City Council was helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging sustainable transport options, generating renewable energy, and using water and energy more efficiently.
“The Council is doing this with the assistance of the Australian Government’s Cities for Climate Protection Program – demonstrating the great practical results that are generated when different levels of Government work together,” she said.
However, Senator Wong said more action was needed to help Local Governments around Australia support their communities as they adapted to the effects of climate change that were already being noticed.
“Councils may apply for a share in $500,000 of funding to help them develop the information and skills required to identify climate change risks and develop strategies to manage those risk,” she said.
She said potential risks included increased severe weather events such as cyclones, flooding and storm surges, along with changed rainfall patterns and the negative effects on residents’ health.
“Local Governments play a key role in how we manage the climate change risks to our communities,” she said.
“They have a wide range of responsibilities for the communities they serve, including planning and development, natural resource management, property and infrastructure, and for health and recreational facilities.”
Senator Wong encouraged Local Government areas to work together to apply for the funding, with a focus on remote and regional councils in this funding round.
Up to $75,000 will be available for a single Council, $120,000 for two Councils and $140,000 for three or more Councils.
Expressions of interest for grants under the Local Adaptation Pathways Program are due by 25 February 2009.
Further information was available from www.climatechange.gov.au
4 February, 2009
Indigenous tracks lead to forums
Human Resource Managers across the NSW Public Service as well as Aboriginal staff and their supervisors have been invited to a series of Making It Our Business consultation forums at the end of this month.Hosted by the Department of Premier and Cabinet in partnership with Department of Aboriginal Affairs, the MIOB Forums will be held in Sydney, Dubbo, Lismore and Wagga Wagga on 27 February.
The MIOB Forums will focus on creating action plans to improve the recruitment, attraction, skills acquisition, career development and retention of Aboriginal people in the Public Service.
MIOB is part of the Government’s plan to improve the employment of Aboriginal people in the NSW PS, with the forums aimed at giving participants the chance to share ideas and contribute to a plan to progress MIOB to its next phase.
Although the Government has met its Aboriginal employment target of 2 per cent, there is an ongoing concentration of Aboriginal employees in lower salary levels.
For those unable to participate in the forums, DPC has urged them to complete an online Consultation Survey to ensure they can have their say.
Nominations to attend the forums close on 6 February, with flyers and booking forms available from www.dpc.nsw.gov.au
Further information was available by contacting the DPC on (02) 9228 3549 or (02) 9228 3610.
4 February, 2009
Phone campaign causing hang-ups
A media campaign aimed at educating the public about nuisance calls to the emergency number Triple-0 is believed to be discouraging genuinely ill patients from calling for assistance.The Ambulance Service of NSW has reminded these people, especially in rural communities, that the campaign is not aimed at them.
The reminder came after reports that some members of rural communities had driven critically ill children, relatives or themselves to hospital rather than waiting for an ambulance to arrive.
The Service reassured the public that its paramedics were trained medical professionals who could supply medical treatment while the patient was being transported to the hospital, urging them not to wait to call for help.
“It is important, that in medical emergency situations, members of the community don’t panic and try to drive themselves to the hospital,” a spokesperson said.
The Service said members of the public could do more for the patient by staying calm, reassuring them, keeping their airway open, stopping life threatening bleeding and getting help, rather than moving them inappropriately.
“By being able to deliver essential life-saving treatment at the scene, as well as en-route to hospital, ambulance paramedics can start delivering treatment much earlier than if a person tries to get to the hospital by other means,” it said.
The Ambulance Service said many patients thought calling Tripple-0 and asking for an ambulance was a waste of the Service’s time.
However, the Service said its paramedics were trained to help patients when they were unwell.
The Ambulance Service said NSW residents should call Triple-0 (000) and relay any information requested in an emergency, learn first aid, keep a first aid kit at home and in the car and teach children how to call triple-0.
4 February, 2009
Teenage students to be kept in school
The school leaving age is to be increased to 17.Premier Nathan Rees announced the change, up from 15, saying it would help ensure NSW students enjoyed a world-class education and improved opportunities to go to University or secure employment.
“From 2010 all students in NSW will complete Year 10,” Mr Rees said.
“In addition if a student is under 17 and wants to leave school after Year 10, they will need to be in vocational training, an apprenticeship or paid employment for more than 25 hours per week.”
He said on average, early school leavers earned less money over their life time than those who continued at school, and that increasing the school leaving age would lead to better wages over all.
Mr Rees said staying at school increased the chances of finding employment, with figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showing early school leavers were two-and-a-half times more likely to be unemployed.
“The evidence is clear – a good education means better chances in life,” he said.
Mr Rees said the NSW economy could gain around $2.7 billion if early school leaver numbers were halved by 2050.
He said people who completed school were also more likely to pursue further training and study.
“This change is about setting students in NSW up for life.”
“We have a first-rate education system in NSW. We need a flexible, skilled and educated workforce to drive our economy.”
“With the fragile global economy we have to be smarter and more skilled to compete – and I want NSW students to be frontrunners.”
He said whether students chose to go to university, to take up vocational training or go straight into the workforce, they would have the backing of a “world-class education.”
“I am determined to ensure that our students have the education and the skills to take on the world,” Mr Rees said.
4 February, 2009
RTA chief hits the road
The Chief Executive Officer of the Roads and Transport Authority, Les Wielinga has resigned.Minister for Roads, Michael Daley, thanked Mr Wielinga for his outstanding service to the Authority.
Mr Daley said Mr Wielinga played a leading role in developing critical road infrastructure for NSW residents.
“Mr Wielinga is a road engineer with more than 30 years experience who has spent his career building roads across the state since he joined the RTA at the age of 18,” he said.
“He has an excellent record of service and achievement having worked on many major projects including the Westlink M7, upgrades of the Pacific Highway and the delivery of the Lane Cove Tunnel.”
Mr Daley said Mr Wielinga had been appointed as CEO in July 2006.
“Mr Wielinga has been instrumental in the move to take Sydney’s motorways completely cashless, including the recent introduction of cashless tolling on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.”
He said Mr Wielinga was leaving to head up the new Sydney Metro Authority.
“I thank him for his professionalism and dedication and wish him well in his new role,” Mr Daley said.
The RTA’s Director of Network Management, Michael Bushby, will take over as Acting CEO from 16 February.
“Mr Bushby has extensive experience both in NSW having worked at the RTA since 1998, but also before that in various other roles in engineering and road management,” Mr Daley said.
“The Government will formally appoint a new CEO in the coming months.”
4 February, 2009
Defence makes big splash in harbour
A trial of new Defence technologies designed to protect ports, naval bases and ships from terrorist attack is being carried out on Sydney Harbour until 13 February.Federal Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, Warren Snowdon, said the Kondari trial would involve simulated attacks from boats, divers and underwater vehicles.
Mr Snowdon said the Defence Science and Technology Organisation and the Royal Australian Navy at Garden Island Naval Base had arranged the trial to strengthen underwater force protection.
“It has been shown around the world that maritime facilities are vulnerable to attack,” Mr Snowdon said.
“Australian ports and harbours are vital to the country’s trade and economy, and as such, the Australian Government is taking strong measures to ensure their protection.”
Mr Snowdon said the Australian Federal Police, NSW Police and Sydney Ports were participating in the trial which had attracted international Defence experts from the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand and the United States, including the US Coast Guard.
He said the trial would test diver detection sonar, underwater warning systems, imaging sonar, Remotely Operated Vehicles and Autonomous Underwater Vehicles used for hull, pier and seabed searches.
“The trial will evaluate the capabilities of these technologies against real scenarios in complex environments and provide a better understanding of the operational issues affecting these systems,” Mr Snowdon said.
“The participation of our coalition partners, industry and State Authorities in the trial should ensure that Australia is well prepared and equipped with the right technologies to counter threats against our maritime assets.”
4 February, 2009
Cybersafety course to untangle web
A national program to train teachers in ‘Cybersafety’ is being rolled out by the national media watchdog, the Australian Communications and Media Authority.Chairman of ACMA, Chris Chapman, said the program included information and awareness-raising campaigns, activities and programs for developing cybersafety education materials for use in schools and homes and researching current trends in cybersafety.
“This interactive and cutting edge program is aimed at equipping educators to teach their students about cybersafety,” Mr Chapman said.
“It forms part of the Australian Government’s commitment to cybersafety education and is free to participants.”
He said Cybersafety Outreach – Professional Development for Educators was designed for primary and secondary level educators and had been developed through extensive consultation with key stakeholders and was based on research from Australia and overseas.
He said the Commonwealth Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations would work with ACMA to promote the program through the Australian Government Quality Teaching Program network.
Mr Chapman said the program was trialled during a two-day pilot attended by over 50 practising teachers and industry stakeholders.
“There has been incredible interest in this very targeted program with the pilot oversubscribed, booking requests for workshops and presentations flooding in and additional trainers engaged to meet the demand,” he said.
He said over the next two years the national outreach program would offer professional development for school teachers and educators; a national program for trainee teachers; presentations to parents, students, library staff and other stakeholders; education products for school aged children; guides for libraries; a cybersafety website and contactcentre; a complaints hotline; internet safety publications on social networking, mobile phone use and safe use of the internet; and research into young people’s use of online media.
The contact centre could be contacted on 1800 880 176, with the website available at www.acma.gov.au/hotline
4 February, 2009
New firefighters smoked out
Eighteen new firefighters have been stationed across Sydney after graduating from the NSW Fire Brigades Training College in Alexandria.NSWFB Commissioner, Greg Mullins, said the 18 men and women were equipped with the skills and knowledge to protect the community in any fire or emergency situation.
“Today’s recruits have completed a demanding 16-week training course in areas including firefighting, community risk management, fire technology, rescue and managing hazardous materials,” Commissioner Mullins said.
“The full-time firefighters will not only fight fires but are trained to respond to a range of emergencies including rescue situations, dangerous chemical spills, gas leaks and even dealing with the consequences of a terrorist attack.”
He said the recruits would play a vital role in community education and would share their fire safety expertise to increase community safety.
Commissioner Mullins said the graduates were the first recruit class from 160 firefighters appointed under the Brigade's 2008 recruitment campaign aimed at attracting young men and women to the organisation.
“We had a fantastic response from the public with over 6,800 men and women applying for full-time firefighting careers,” he said.
“These 18 recruits are amongst the thousands of hopefuls recruited into the firefighting ranks.”
Commissioner Mullins said the recruits came from a number of different backgrounds, including retail, physiotherapy, landscaping, teaching and child care.
He said they would take up positions at stations in Cabramatta, Northmead, Gladesville, Kellyville, Leichhardt, Redfern and across Sydney's CBD.
“As their experience and training develop, recruits could be stationed anywhere in the State,” Commissioner Mullins said.
4 February, 2009
Roads office on the move
The Roads and Traffic Authority’s City South Motor Registry has been relocated.The new registry is in Tower C of the Centennial Plaza on the corner of Foveaux and Mary Streets Surry Hills, just 300 metres from its previous site.
The new facility features better seating for customers, state-of-the-art counter windows and driver knowledge testing centres.
A spokesperson for the Registry said the “new generation” registry was the third to open in NSW, with the other two located in Blacktown and Parramatta.
“The new motor registries have been designed to provide a modern and comfortable environment for customers while improving the efficiency of services,” the spokesperson said.
“The new registry even includes a voice activated ticketing system to improve the flow of transactions.”
All existing service and opening hours would be unaffected by the location change.
The spokesperson said signs would be placed at the former site to redirect clients to the new location.
“The improvements at the new City South registry demonstrates the RTA’s ongoing commitment to delivering quality customer service in Sydney’s inner city areas,” the spokesman said.
The new motor registry includes nine transaction counters; four knowledge test counters and employs 14 staff.
4 February, 2009
Children subjects of grown up study
A new study by the University of Sydney has revealed that children’s academic progress could be influenced by the policies adopted by childcare centres, preschools and schools.Conducted by researcher Natalie Johnston-Anderson, the study found a sharp break between the policy of guiding children while they were at childcare centres, to a system based on rules, discipline and rewards when they arrived at school.
She found the sudden change in behaviour this represented led many of the children to have difficulty coping and this in turn could lead to long-lasting effects.
Ms Johnston-Anderson said children who found it difficult to cope with the transition to school could have trouble establishing a rapport with their teacher.
“The nature and quality of the kindergarten teacher-child relationship can have repercussions throughout a child’s schooling,” she said.
Ms Johnston-Anderson conducted the research as part of her honours thesis.
She said before-school policies recognised young children would act out if they were controlled by adults, while most school policies featured a ‘student welfare’ or ‘student discipline’ approach.
Ms Johnston-Anderson said 86 per cent of school policies used rewards such as stickers and certificates while less than 10 per cent of preschools did, with many being against the use of rewards at all.
She said 71 per cent of school policies featured lists of school rules, while just one third of preschool policies did, and no childcare centre policies did.
Ms Johnston-Anderson said schools focused on the responsibilities of children in the classroom more than before-school centres.
“Where the behavioural environment represents a gradual rather than sudden change for children, the chance of developing positive teacher-child relationships and hence having a successful transition is higher for all children,” she said.
“For children already at risk, the differences between the two environments can add an extra layer of challenge when they may already be struggling with learning basic numeracy and literacy skills.”
Ms Johnston-Anderson called for “greater consistency” in teacher training and more coordination between the two sectors.
“Teachers in kindergarten classrooms should understand and use the best elements of good childcare and good preschool practice to make the transition easier for children,” she said.
4 February, 2009
Funeral regulations are born again
New Regulations governing the State’s funeral industry came into effect on 1 February, promising consumers more detailed information on the costs and components of a funeral.Minister for Fair Trading, Virginia Judge, welcomed the changes saying they would ease the burden on bereaved families and people wishing to plan their own funerals.
Ms Judge said under the Fair Trading Amendment (Funeral Goods and Services) Regulation 2008, funeral directors must now provide clients with information about basic funeral options, itemised quotes and invoices, costs and inclusions before entering into any arrangements or making payments.
“The last thing families need as they cope with the loss of a loved one is confusion over the costs of involved in arranging a funeral,” she said.
“Similarly, people who would like to pre-arrange funerals will be able to compare prices and know exactly what goods and services will be provided.”
Ms Judge said the amendments were made after research by the Office of Fair Trading and a Legislative Council inquiry highlighted consumer concerns in the industry.
She said the research found funeral directors did not always provide written quotes or itemised invoices, there were inconsistent definitions of services and there was uncertainty over what was covered by the funeral director’s professional fee.
Ms Judge said to ease confusion, her office had released a publication, entitled Funerals,to aid consumers.
“It contains essential information on arranging and paying for a funeral, including information on the new basic funeral notice, quoting and invoicing requirements,” she said.
“75,000 copies of the brochure will be distributed to key community groups and Government Agencies, including social workers at Centrelink and all public and private hospitals; Coroner’s courts; community health centres; aged care facilities and assessment teams; multicultural and Indigenous medical services and hospitals.”
Ms Judge said the initiative had been endorsed by the Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association (CPSA).
Policy Coordinator for the CPSA, Charmaine Crowe, said the Association had consulted with many people who had been misled about their rights regarding funeral arrangements.
“This is why it is important to have clear information about the options available so that you can make the right decision,” Ms Crowe said.
The Funeral industry will receive bulk copies of the guide for their members to distribute.
Ms Judge said copies could be ordered by phoning 13 32 20.
4 February, 2009
Marine students in swim at Jervis Bay
The Jervis Bay Marine Park has been home to a number of University students interested in marine conservation over the summer.Park Manager, Matt Carr, said the student interns had the opportunity to learn more about the Park and careers in marine conservation while putting their own skills to the test.
Mr Carr said the internships provided students with a fantastic chance to learn more about how a marine park operated.
“The students liaise with the community and visitors and participate in marine park research, monitoring and educational programs,” he said.
“They also have plenty of opportunities to get out in the boat and experience the natural beauty of the marine park first hand.”
Southern Cross University student, Ashley Johnson, who is studying coastal Land Resource Management in Lismore, said he would continue with the internship this month.
Mr Johnson said as well as assisting with annual recreational fishing surveys, he would help the Park with its dolphin and sea eagle monitoring programs.
“This internship has given me an insight into the daily activities of marine park rangers, which is a field I'm really keen to pursue as a career,” he said.
“It has also given me the opportunity to improve my boating and animal identification skills.”
Wendy Cotter, who grew up in the local area, in St Georges Basin, is studying ecotourism and Charles Sturt University in Albury.
Ms Cotter said she had enjoyed her internship at Jervis Bay Marine Park.
“I grew up in the local area and always appreciated its natural beauty, but not to the same extent as when I moved away and inland for university,” she said.
It is for this reason that I chose to come back here and work with the Jervis Bay Marine Park, an organisation that works to conserve what we have in this area.
4 February, 2009
Privacy Directions help PS
Privacy Commissioner, Judge Ken Taylor has re-made eight Public Interest Directions under the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998.
The Directions make it possible for NSW public sector agencies to deal with personal information in a manner which, in other circumstances might breach the Information Protection Principles.
The Privacy Commissioner only makes such Directions where he is satisfied that it is in the public interest to do so and details of the eight re-made ones can be obtained from
www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au
Mentoring sessions on
The NSW branch of the Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA) is hosting a training session on mentoring Indigenous staff members on 23 February.
The event, Mentoring Indigenous Staff, will be held at the State Library of NSW in Sydney and include speakers from IPAA NSW and the Department of Premier and Cabinet.
It is free for IPAA NSW members and $66 for non-members.
Further information was available by emailing lauren@nsw.ipaa.org.au
Fishers caught
Fisheries Officers with the Department of Primary Industries detected 31 fisheries offences during a compliance operation conducted on the Lachlan River near Forbes over the Australia Day long weekend.
The Officers targeted the inspection of fishing licences, monitored bag and size limits, methods used to capture fish and protected species.
The Department urged fishers to comply with the law or risk facing fines of up to $22,000.
New Ministers
Premier Nathan Rees has announced two new additions to the Cabinet - Steve Whan and John Robertson.
Mr Robertson is Minister for Corrective Services, Special Minister of State and Minister for Public Sector Reform and Mr Whan, Minister for Emergency Services and Minister for Small Business.
Planning workshops
The Department of Planning is to present free NSW Housing code implementation workshops for all practitioners, Councils, Council customer service and communities.
The workshops will outline how new houses and other alterations and additions could be implemented under the new Housing Code.
They will be held throughout February, with registration details and further information available from www.planning.nsw.gov.au
Milestone for tank rebates
Fifty thousand Sydney Water customers have now taken advantage of the Government’s rainwater tank rebate, marking a milestone in the initiative.
Tanks installed through the rebate program save an estimated 1.9 billion litres of water each year.
Rebates of up to $1,500 are available depending on the tank’s date of purchase, size and if a qualified plumber is used to hook-up the washing machine and toilet.
HIV campaign on
The State Government is expected to launch a new campaign to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections and HIV.
The campaign, due to be released in April or May, will be designed by George Patterson Y&R Sydney.
Managing Director of the firm, Julie Porter, said the ad campaign would be innovative and “very, very visible.”
Foster carers needed
The Department of Community Services has called for more Central Coast residents to become foster carers for children and young people unable to live with their families.
An information session for interested people is being hosted on 11 February at the Mingara Recreational Club in Tumbi Umbi.
Contact DoCS Wyong Community Service centre on 4352 6500 for further information.
Election returns due
The Election Funding Authority has reminded people and corporations who donated money to candidates and political parties in NSW that they have until 25 February to lodge their declaration.
The EFA said any donor who gave money since the March 2004 Local Government election and had not lodged a declaration must to so to avoid penalties of up to $22,000.
The Authority said it was also waiting on declarations from Members of Parliament and those involved in recent elections, even if they had not received any donations.
Halls Peak camping
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has announced a new camping area at Halls Peak on the Chandler River.
The new facility includes 13 campsites with pit fires, toilets and two day-use areas with picnic tables and wood fired BBQs.
Bookings can be made through the Armidale NPWS office on 6738 9100.
Vehicle entrance fees, camping fees and access by key only apply.