30 January, 2008
DADHC Puts Case For Case Managers
The Department of Ageing Disability and Home Care is to recruit 100 new case managers under a newly-developed case management structure.
Minister for Disability Services, Kristina Keneally announced the new structure saying it would allow the Department to meet the increasing needs of people with a disability.
Ms Keneally said the changes would also improve access to therapy and other intervention services provided by and through DADHC in response to the individual needs of each person.
She Keneally said the new managers were part of the Stronger Together plan to improve service delivery.
“We will recruit 100 new case managers and 15 senior specialist staff to work with people with complex needs,” Ms Keneally said.
“Case management is a critical component in the effective delivery of services to people with a disability, their families and carers.”
She said case managers worked closely with individuals with the aim of ensuring they accessed the right services at the right time.
“Case managers can also play a vital role in ensuring people with a disability get access to a range of other community services,” Ms Keneally said.
“The role of a case manager is one of gatekeeper and triage, responsible for the packaging and providing of the most appropriate services.
She said the new positions and the restructuring of existing positions with case management roles would enable DADHC to introduce a fair and transparent entry to services.
Ms Keneally said recruitment for the new positions would begin early 2008.
30 January, 2008
PS Chimes in For Gongs on Honours List
Distinguished Public Servants once again featured prominently in the Queen’s Australia Day Honours list.
A summary of those who were rewarded for their public service, including officers to receive the Public Service Medal, are listed below.
PS News congratulates each on their awards:
Rebecca Jane Allnutt
Alice Springs, NT
For outstanding public service in the delivery of improved hearing health in the Northern Territory, particularly amongst Indigenous communities.
Fadwa Musa Al-Yaman
Weetangera, ACT
For outstanding public service in improving the accuracy and reliability of the data on Indigenous Australians contained in information collections for health, housing and community services.
Barry James Blaney
Ashgrove, Qld
For outstanding public service in the research and the development of enhanced production processes in primary industries.
Noel Humphrey Bowden
Mount Victoria, NSW
For outstanding public service in promoting the rights of people with an intellectual disability.
Robert Aubrey Bradshaw
Stuart Park, NT
For outstanding public service to the development of public sector administration in the Northern Territory.
Nancye Margaret Burkevics
Weston, ACT
For outstanding public service within the Australian Capital Territory Department of Education and Training.
Louise Anne Bye
NSW
For outstanding public service in enhancing the quality of education to Indigenous people in New South Wales.
Denis Arthur Byrnes
Albany Creek, Qld
For outstanding public service to local government.
Robert Ian Campbell
Monash, ACT
For outstanding public service in the administration of electoral processes in Australia and in the development and implementation of improved entitlements for Australia's veteran community.
Dermot David Casey
Hughes, ACT
For outstanding public service in improving medical and psychological health services for people in immigration detention.
Andrew Frank Close
Curtin, ACT
For outstanding public service in the development and use of computer-based systems to model water quality and water supply management within the Murray Darling Basin.
Colleen Dorn Dreis
Oatley, NSW
For outstanding public service to the Legal Service Branch of the New South Wales Department of Housing.
Sophie Mary Dwyer
Alderley, Qld
For outstanding public service in the field of environmental health.
John Herbert Eddy
Watsonia, Vic
For outstanding public service to education in Victoria, particularly in mentoring of staff and classroom teaching.
David Roy Filby
Highgate, SA
For outstanding public service to the Australian health care system.
Judith Elizabeth Flanagan
Hackett, ACT
For outstanding public service in the development and implementation of the Active After School Communities Program.
Andrew Forster
Ngunnawal, ACT
For outstanding public service in the provision of floral displays throughout Canberra, particularly the annual Floriade.
Brian Alexander Given
Lane Cove, NSW
For outstanding public service to the Office of Fair Trading within the New South Wales Department of Commerce.
Annette Maree Godfrey-Magee
For outstanding public service in the education of students with vision impairments.
Margaret Emily Hughes
Dubbo, NSW
For outstanding public service to education in New South Wales, particularly to the Dubbo School of Distance Education.
Mark Kevin Johnston
NSW
For outstanding public service to the National Parks and Wildlife Service of New South Wales, particularly on issues involving Indigenous communities.
Colin Arthur Judge
Panania, NSW
For outstanding public service to Sydney Water, particularly in media relations.
Gregory Stuart Martin
Duncraig, WA
For outstanding public service in Western Australia, particularly in the areas of planning and road infrastructure.
Graeme Allan Matthew
Monash, ACT
For outstanding public service to teaching and student welfare, particularly at the Alfred Deakin High School.
Joslene Mazel
Kingswood, SA
For outstanding public service to Indigenous communities in South Australia.
Deirdre Anne O’Donnell
Kew East, Vic
For outstanding public service as the State Ombudsman for Western Australia.
Martin Lee Parkinson
Yarralumla, ACT
For outstanding public service as a key contributor to the 2007 Report of the Task Group on Emissions Trading and, more broadly, to Australia's economic and financial relations.
Susan Joy Pidgeon
Reid, ACT
For outstanding public service in the development and implementation of a range of Government funded services that assist families to build stronger relationships or those who are affected by family separation, particularly the establishment of Family Relationship Centres across Australia.
Finn Axel Pratt
Chapman, ACT
For outstanding public service in the development and implementation of significant and innovative reforms to public employment services and workplace relations in Australia.
Peter Alan Quiggin
Cook, ACT
For outstanding public service in delivering the Government's legislative agenda at a time of significant legislative change and in a number of critical areas.
Robert Bruce Read
Boronia, Vic
For outstanding public service in assisting victims of crime, particularly for providing a direct and supportive environment at the time of crisis and in the long term.
Barbara Ann Richardson
Harbord, NSW
For outstanding public service to natural resource management and environment protection in New South Wales.
Geoffrey Graham Rowbotham
Ripley, Qld
For outstanding public service to the development of adult education initiatives within Training and Further Education.
Peter Gregory Rowley
Heathcote, NSW
For outstanding public service to the State Transit Authority in New South Wales.
John Anthony Ryan
Kambah, ACT
For outstanding public service as head of the Secretariat for the Prime Minister's Review of Uranium Mining, Processing and Nuclear Energy and in the development of policy in a range of critical areas, including energy reform, climate change and resources development.
Joan Beatrice Savic
Gordon, ACT
For outstanding public service in the promotion and facilitation of best practice in privacy and freedom of information in Centrelink and throughout the Australian Public Service.
David Gordon Southgate
Torrens, ACT
For outstanding public service in the development and management of the Australian Government's aviation environment reform initiatives, in particular the Transparent Noise Information Package software.
David Spiteri
Baulkham Hills, NSW
For outstanding public service to rail transport in New South Wales, particularly to safety and consumer service.
Leonie Stokes
NT
For outstanding public service to Human Resource management within the Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services.
George Ernest Veitch
McKellar, ACT
For outstanding public service in the field of financial management and budgeting.
David Waterford
Torrensville, SA
For outstanding public service, particularly towards social issues affecting the community of South Australia.
John Richard Watkinson
Samford, Qld
For outstanding public service to the maritime industry and maritime safety.
Ruth Evelyn Weston
Glen Iris, Vic
For outstanding public service as a researcher and contributor to policy development, particularly in the areas of separation and divorce, family law, family relationships, fertility decision making and child support.
William Kenneth Woonton
Benalla, Vic
For outstanding public service to Victoria's livestock industries and animal health.
30 January, 2008
Smartcard Dropped From the Ticket
The Public Transport Ticketing Corporation has terminated plans to develop the Tcard ticketing system and halted a trial of Tcards on buses.
The 106 people who were involved in the trial will have the balance on their cards refunded but school students using Tcard on school buses in Sydney could continue to use them and their paper bus passes.
The PTTC said it would now work with an expert group from across Government to explore a possible new system with a scoping exercise expected to be completed mid-year.
The expert group will be made up of officers from the PTTC, Ministry of Transport, Department of Premier and Cabinet, Treasury and an independent advisor.
The smartcard project was dropped after ongoing delays since being trialed in 2003. It is believed the plan to introduce an integrated cashless ticketing system to Sydney public transport had cost about $95 million. It was managed by Perth-based contractor, ERG.
The PTTC said it was working to minimise disruption as a result of the cancellation decision with all schools and bus operators to be contacted and notified of the new arrangements.
“Students or their parents who have concerns or queries should ring the 131 500 Transport Infoline,” the PTTC said.
It said it had met with representatives of the State Transit Authority’s Kingsgrove bus depot and Punchbowl buses which had been involved in the trial to explore transitional arrangements and had agreed that no passengers would be refused travel due to technical problems with the equipment.
The PTTC said the NSW Government remained committed to delivering an integrated ticketing system for Sydney and that it would remain as the Agency to deliver that system.
30 January, 2008
New Aussies To Call New South Wales Home
New South Wales welcomed more than 3300 new citizens on Australia day at 60 citizenship ceremonies around the State.
Federal Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans said taking the citizenship pledge was an important step for people from other countries who had elected to become Australians.
"Becoming an Australian citizen shows commitment and loyalty to this country and a desire to share in our common future," Senator Evans said.
He said the new citizens in NSW were among more than 14,000 people who became citizens at over 320 Australia Day ceremonies around the nation.
The events in NSW ranged from ceremonies for hundreds of conferees at Baulkham Hills and Blacktown in Sydney to small events for as few as two new citizens, Senator Evans said.
Among the new citizens was ice hockey player Traci Cummings from Canada and New Zealand-born Sydney schoolboy swimming star Te Haumi.
Senator Evans said Australia had been enriched by the cultures and traditions of the people from more than 200 countries who had come to Australia.
"The common bond that unites us all is citizenship," he said.
30 January, 2008
Health Inquiry is Good Medicine
A Special Commission of Inquiry into the delivery of patient care in the public health system has been announced by Health Minister, Reba Meagher.
Ms Meagher said the Commission had been set up in response to a call by Deputy State Coroner, Carl Milovanovich, when he handed down his findings into the death of 16-year-old Vanessa Anderson at Royal North Shore Hospital in November 2005.
Ms Meagher apologised to Ms Anderson’s family and expressed her profound sympathy for their loss.
She said the Government had acted swiftly to set up the Commission which provided an opportunity to look closely at the way health services were delivered and to identify changes needed.
“When mistakes happen within our hospitals it is important that we learn from them,” Ms Meagher said.
“By making improvements to the system (we) try to stop similar mistakes from occurring in the future.”
She said changes had already been made at Royal North Shore Hospital and at hospitals across the State, in the wake of Ms Anderson’s death.
She said there had been a number of inquiries into individual instances of patient care over recent years.
“Each of these inquiries has resulted in changes which have improved the way we deliver patient care,” Ms Meagher said.
“The establishment of this Special Commission of Inquiry provides an opportunity to look closely at the way we deliver health services now and to identify the changes needed to ensure better patient care.”
She said in handing down his findings, the Deputy Coroner made the point that the health system was staffed by dedicated professionals but was labouring under increased demands and expectations from the general public.
She said Peter Garling SC would lead the Inquiry and Terms of Reference would be announced soon.
30 January, 2008
Union Sees Red Over Green Cuts
The Public Service Association has expressed concern that proposed job cuts at the Department of Environment and Climate Change could lead to lowered environmental standards.
Senior Industrial Officer at the PSA, Stewart Little, said the Association feared illegal land clearing could increase as a result of a reduction in staff.
“In March 2007 we had more than 40 officers policing illegal broadscale land clearing,” Mr Little said.
“We now have a situation where there will be fewer than 10 under proposed cuts by the Department of Environment and Climate Change."
He said the cuts had come at a bad time.
“It’s difficult to believe that during one of the worst droughts on record and during a time of public concern at climate change, the Department charged with policing illegal land clearing is cutting jobs."
Mr Little said the issue arose when the Department of Natural Resources was broken up and functions reallocated to DECC.
He said the Department was currently investigating 1,000 alleged incidents of illegal land clearing with another 500 reported since April 2007.
"You now have the ridiculous situation where you have one or two officers that have the responsibility of policing areas the size of European countries, while large scale clearing goes on unabated in sensitive wetlands and ecosystems."
Mr Little said the latest staff cuts followed those made to Threatened Species and Protection of Environment positions in 2005 and 2006.
30 January, 2008
Women Short Changed On Equal Payrates
A survey conducted for the Federal Government’s Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency (EOWA) has discovered that serious deficiencies still exist in the achievement of equal pay for women workers.
The new research was based on data collected for EOWA by Macquarie University and showed that even the most senior female executives in the top 200 companies in Australia were paid less than their male equivalents.
Released by the Commonwealth’s Minister for Women, Tanya Plibersek, the report, entitled Gender Income Distribution of Top Earners, showed that women occupied just 7% of the Top Earner positions in the big companies.
It showed that female Chief Financial Officers and Chief Operating Officers earned just half the wage of their male counterparts, and in human resource positions where women were more numerous, the pay gap was 43 per cent.
“In CEO positions a female CEO earns two thirds of the salary earned by her male counterpart,” Ms Plibersek said.
She said in nine out of 10 industry sectors, the female median salary was less than the male median salary and there was no industry in which women are more likely to be top earners than men.
“Australian Bureau of Statistics data reveals that a full time working woman will earn, on average, 84 per cent of a full time working man’s wage,” Ms Plibersek said.
The Director of EOWA, Anna McPhee said the research showed that pay inequity started in a women’s first job and put her on the back foot for the rest of her career.
“The gaps between women’s and men’s earnings reflect a number of obstacles women still battle,” Ms McPhee said, “such as the undervaluation of women’s skills, women’s lower share of payments like overtime and bonuses, occupational and industrial segregation and lack of access to education.”
She said recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed a pay gap of 34.9 per cent between men and women’s average weekly earnings and another showed male graduates earned a higher starting salary and their salaries increased at a greater rate than women.
Ms Plibersek said the Government recognised the importance of women’s participation in the labour market to the nation’s productivity as well as the importance of paid work to the independence of women and the security of their families.
She said the Government was committed to reducing and eventually eliminating the earnings gap between male and female workers.
30 January, 2008
Zoos Dig Claws Into New Name
The Taronga and Western Plains Zoos are to be renamed and brought together as the “Taronga Conservation Society Australia.”
Director and Chief Executive of the zoos, Guy Cooper said with the zoos’ new activities in research and conservation and its wildlife projects such as the recent Gorilla birth at Taronga and its role in saving the Tasmanian Devil, a name was needed that better described their activities in the community.
"Because Taronga's name is well-known nationally and internationally, we decided to use it to bind both our wonderful zoos to our rapidly expanding efforts for wildlife under one name,” Mr Cooper said.
He said that name would be the Taronga Conservation Society Australia.
"This shows our zoos are part of one organisation dedicated to wildlife conservation and the Taronga Conservation Society Australia name is more representative of our new directions.”
He said the Western Plains Zoo would become the Taronga Western Plains Zoo and the zoos’ official name - the Zoological Parks Board of NSW – would remain as part of the formal structure. Mr Cooper said both Zoos' logos had been updated.
He said one of the first programs of the Taronga Conservation Society Australia would be the announcement of six wildlife conservation projects initiated by Zoo keepers, including breeding endangered Booroolong Frogs and supporting the endangered Sumatran Rhinoceros in Indonesia.
“As well as providing conservation education and direct support opportunities for over 1.5 million visitors annually, Zoo staff are doing everything from breeding endangered Black Rhinoceros to helping release Little Penguins at Manly,” he said.
Staff are also providing care for over 1500 injured and orphaned native animals each year through the zoos’ Wildlife Hospitals.
"We understand the community's fondness for the Taronga and Western Plains Zoos' names which have been part of the fabric of life in NSW for decades,” Mr Cooper said.
“Naturally those names are being kept.
"Our visitors will still visit Taronga and Taronga Western Plains Zoos as always, but now they'll have a clearer understanding of what our modern zoos are about and how theirsupport will have a very positive impact for wildlife across the planet."
30 January, 2008
Minerals Annual is Mine of Information
A record 621 new doctors have started work for 2008 in the State’s public hospitals.
Minister for Health, Reba Meagher said this was a 19 per cent increase on last year’s starting number.
Ms Meagher said the 2008 first year medical graduate and international medical graduate intake would benefit city and rural hospitals.
DPI says it is a “must read” for anyone in the industry or wishing to invest in NSW.
The NSW Minerals Industry Annual 2007 includes information on production, major exports, mineral exploration, environmental management, mine safety initiatives, new projects and future industry trends.
It also provides reference information on Government and industry organisations and is a thorough, wide ranging guide and an important resource tool for the industry both in Australia and overseas.
According to the Annual, the NSW mining industry provided around 20,000 direct jobs and at least three times that number indirectly through related services and flow-on industries.
It estimated the value of NSW mineral production at around $12.3 billion dollars in 2006/07 with coal production accounting for around $8.1 billion dollars, or about 66 per cent of the State's total value of mineral production.
The Annual can be purchased through the DPI website www.dpi.nsw.gov.au or by contacting the Department’s Maitland office on (02) 4931 6666.
30 January, 2008
Recreation Trails On Right Track
A $4.5 million walking and cycling track has been launched, opening up the entire length of the Western Sydney Parklands.
Planning Minister, Frank Sartor hailed the new track as a “key project” that made the biggest urban park in the Southern Hemisphere accessible to the families of western Sydney.
He said for the first time, the public could access the entire length of the Western Sydney Parklands via 19km of new track, linking to existing paths to create a continuous 27km track from Quakers Hill to Leppington.
He said the 5,280 hectare parklands were known as the “lungs of Western Sydney” and represented a major recreational asset for families across the region.
Nearly half the parklands were now opened to the public, an area around 25 times the size of Centennial Park.
“This is a key project to ensure families in Western Sydney can enjoy walking, cycling, picnics and magnificent views – without having to travel,” Mr Sartor said.
“It will also encourage more sustainable transport options and has been warmly welcomed by Bicycle NSW and other walking and cycling groups.”
He said the new track was part of a plan to create 2,000km of regional recreational trails across Sydney.
Construction of the track follows the passing of legislation in November 2006, establishing a Western Sydney Parklands Trust.
The Trust began operations this year under the chairmanship of property management expert Brendan Crotty and with members including the Directors General of the Departments of Planning and Environment and Climate Change; former senior executive at the Department of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability, Ro Coroneos; former NSW Deputy Auditor General, Jim Mitchell; Bob Waldron, who was with the Department of Planning’s Land Management Branch when the management vision for the Parklands was created; and the Deputy Mayor of Blacktown City Council, Michelle Rowland.
30 January, 2008
Harbor Development To Make Waves
Land clearing has begun on a harbourside site that the Planning Minister says will lead to one of the most exciting projects on Harbour since the Bridge.
Minister, Frank Sartor announced the start of demolition works at Barangaroo following Patrick Corporation’s relocation to Port Kembla last year. The works will remove the former stevedoring facilities from the site.
“After more than two years of competitions, planning and public consultation the demolition works at Barangaroo are a significant milestone,” Mr Sartor said.
“This is one of the most exciting projects on Sydney Harbour since the Harbour Bridge was built.”
He said the next stage of the project would involve detailed designs of the planned park and other public spaces, all of which would include public consultation.
The demolition was expected to be completed by early May, with construction expected to start by early 2009.
Mr Sartor said most of the site’s existing buildings and structures would be removed, but the Sydney Ports Control Tower and the heritage Moores Wharf building would not be affected.
He expected a total of more than 6,000 tonnes of material to be removed from the site with about 5,850 tonnes recycled. He said this would include around 4,000 tonnes of concrete, 800 tonnes of brick and 1,050 tonnes of metal as well as oregon and hardwood timber.
The redevelopment of the 22-hectare site on the western edge of the CBD, and the CUB site next to Central Station, would create two new gateways to the city.
Mr Sartor said, once completed, Barangaroo would provide 11 hectares of new foreshore parkland, office space for up to 15,000 workers and would complete a 14km foreshore walk from Woolloomooloo to Anzac Bridge. A new harbour-front recreational area would also be established, comparable in size to Hyde Park.
He said the site would also incorporate world-class environmentally sustainable design initiatives such as water harvesting, recycling, energy efficiency and sustainable designs.
“This project is expected to generate $2.5 billion in construction to 2020, and thousands of construction jobs,” Mr Sartor said.
More information can be found at www.barangaroo.com.
30 January, 2008
Funding Makes Room For Open Spaces
Funding for 38 open space projects across 23 Local Government Areas has been approved under the latest round of the Metropolitan Greenspace Program.
The projects are to cost $2.4 million.
Planning Minister, Frank Sartor said the funding, granted to Councils on a dollar-for-dollar basis would help improve around 34.5 kilometres of walking and cycling tracks and was part of the plan for 2000km of recreational tracks in Sydney.
“Under the Metropolitan Strategy, we want to put a regional recreational trail no more than 1.5km – or a 15 minute walk - from every residential area in Sydney.
“This year we will fund projects such as upgrades to trails along Sydney’s picturesque waterways, through bushland and across the Blue Mountains. \
He said the program was implemented in partnership with Local Government as an example of what State and Local Governments can achieve together.
“The emphasis this year was on Councils entering into partnerships to develop regional trails across their Local Government boundaries,” Mr Sartor said.
Among the new projects to be funded under the program are a shared pathway along Ropes Creek within Tregear and Whalan Reserves at Blacktown worth $100,000; $145,500 for the Greater Blue Mountains Trails project; $90,000 for Camden Council to complete development of Narellan Central Park; $100,000 for Gosford City Council to investigate the cultural and natural significance of the Rumbalara and Katandra Reserves; $150,000 for Hornsby Shire Council for a major upgrade of the 14 hectare Crosslands Reserve; and $150,000 for Kogarah Council to build a new walking and cycling track and a timber boardwalk over the Georges River at Oatley Bay.
30 January, 2008
Drought Bus Bogged in Floods
The award-winning Centrelink Drought Bus, has been diverted from the drought-affected farmers of Raymond Terrace, Cessnock, Peats Ridge and Mangrove Mountain and is instead helping the flood-affected communities of South-West Queensland.
Cooordinator of the Drought Bus program, Megan Gerrish of Centrelink “sincerely apologised” to the people affected by the diversion but hoped they understood why.
Ms Gerrish said the Commonwealth Government needed to mobilise support as quickly as possible to help the people affected by the floods.
"Driving into flood-affected areas will be a new challenge for staff on board the bus,” Ms Gerrish said, “(we) are used to providing support to people trying to cope with the drought.”
She said however, the professional team of specialist staff on the bus would take with them a wealth of experience in dealing with people facing difficult times.
"The mobile nature of the vehicle allows us to take Australian Government services to those most in need.
"We hope to bring the Drought Bus back to the Hunter and Central Coast regions in the future," Ms Gerrish said.
Federal Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig said the Centrelink staff aboard the bus would be able to provide general Centrelink assistance, advice and information about help in exceptional circumstances.
“There is also a Social Worker on the Bus who is available to talk to people confidentially,” Senator Ludwig said.
The Minister congratulated the Centrelink staff who worked over the Australia Day weekend providing services every day at Recovery Centres and on the bus.
“I’d encourage anyone who thinks they may be eligible for assistance to contact Centrelink,” he said.
30 January, 2008
New Tools to Open Tribunal Bench
The first in a series of educational tools has been launched to help the public access the Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal’s services.
Minister for Fair Trading, Linda Burney, visited the Newcastle Tribunal to launch the tools saying the Tribunal offered cheap, effective and fast access to justice.
“People seeking the assistance of the CTTT in the resolution of a dispute should be well prepared, particularly if it is their first contact with the legal system and they are without legal representation,” Ms Burney said.
“The 10 Top Tips for Conciliation and fact sheet are important because they explain the benefits of conciliation and the procedure people have to go through.”
She said conciliation was chosen as the first of the educational materials to be produced because up to 80 per cent of matters where both parties appear were now finalised by conciliation.
“Recent research has highlighted that better information on the conciliation process may lift this number even higher,” Ms Burney said.
“Over 130,000 people across NSW access the CTTT each year.”
She said dispute resolution could be stressful for many people particularly if they were not fully aware of what to expect.
“These easy-to-understand fact sheets will be a great tool in assisting people to access the justice system,” Ms Burney said.
“As part of the CTTT’s commitment to constant improvement it conducted research to assess its service delivery.”
She said the only way to improve services was to ask the users for feedback and suggestions.
“The research showed that consumers wanted tips and advice on what to expect and how to participate in the process,” Ms Burney said.
“The fact sheets provide information in a simple, easily digestible format and on a ‘need to know’ basis.”
30 January, 2008
Green For Go In Horse Flu Race
Recognition by other States and Territories of NSW’s Equine Influenza ‘green zone’ was a major stamp of approval according to Primary Industries Minister, Ian Macdonald.
Mr Macdonald said the other jurisdictions would now recognise NSW’s EI green zones on equal terms with their own disease-free areas.
"This means that 86 per cent of NSW is accepted nationally as disease free and movements across the border from this area of NSW will be eased from Friday 1 February," Mr Macdonald said.
"This is further significant step towards a return to normal for the States’ horse industries.”
He said securing national agreement to lifting quarantine requirements for horses moving out of the State from the green zone meant the zone would be reclassified as white.
"This will really benefit horse owners living along the border in southern NSW who have had to contend with stringent border crossing restrictions even though the area has been disease free for some time,” he said.
"Until now all horses moving into Victoria from the NSW Green Zone required a permit and had to spend up to two weeks in quarantine in both states.
"Now, all that will be required is a Travelling Horse Statement in NSW and a permit from the DPI in the destination State."
Mr Macdonald said requirements for horse movements within the new white zone would be the same as for the current green zone and all other movements between EI zones in NSW would remain unchanged.
He said NSW was on track to be free of EI by mid-March.
"This is good news for our horse industries, but it hinges on not one more case in the coming weeks.
"Good bio-security, reporting of suspect horses and sensible movement of animals is more crucial to the campaign than ever.”
Mr Macdonald said there was no room for complacency as one undiagnosed sick horse could “bring down the house of cards."
30 January, 2008
Grocery Report To Be Top Shelf
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is to hold an inquiry into grocery prices.
The newly-elected Federal Government has ordered the inquiry which will be open to submissions from the public.
The ACCC is to produce an issues paper soon on matters relevant to the inquiry and expects to hold a series of public hearings across the nation when comments on those issues are received.
Chairman of the ACCC, Graeme Samuel will lead the project assisted by Commissioners John Martin and Stephen King.
Mr Samuel said the inquiry was being conducted under the prices surveillance provisions of the Commonwealth Trade Practices Act 1974 which meant it would have powers to gather information and take evidence from witnesses under oath.
Among the issues to be examined by the inquiry would be the structure of the Australian grocery industry; the nature of competition in the industry; the pricing practices of the national grocery chains; the position of small retailers; factors influencing prices; and impediments to efficent pricing of inputs.
The ACCC is currently giving notice of the inquiry in the Gazette and in newspaper advertisements in every State and Territory.
The Commission is due to report its findings to the Federal Government by 31 July 2008 and more information, including requirements for submissions, is available from the ACCC website www.accc.gov.au
30 January, 2008
Bondi Beach makes Heritage
Australia’s highest heritage honour has been bestowed on Bondi Beach in Sydney.
The Beach was added to the National Heritage List on the eve of Australia Day to recognise its key role in developing Australia’s beach culture and world famous surf lifesaving movement.
Bondi Beach is the third most visited site in Sydney after other Heritage listed sites the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.
AG’s call for Council members
The Attorney General’s Department is calling for applications to the Disability Advisory Council.
Several positions are available for people with interests in the Justice System and in representing either people who were Aboriginal with disabilities; people with an acquired brain injury; or people with disabilities from cultural and linguistically diverse communities.
Applications close 5.00pm, 25 February. Visit www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au for details.
School bus amnesty
The State Transit Authority has announced an amnesty on bus travelling students who do not have a school bus pass until 8 February.
The students will be allowed to travel free during the amnesty which is restricted to travel to and from home to school, Monday to Friday, on school days before 6.30pm.
Students travelling on Sydney Buses and Western Sydney Buses from 11 February must possess a valid school bus pass or pay the bus fare.
Hotels get runs for cricket
Minister for Gaming and Racing, Graham West has extended trading hours for hotels until midnight on Sundays in February and March 2008.
The extension coincides with the 2008 Commonwealth Bank day/night International Cricket Series starting soon.
Hoteliers have been warned to check their licence conditions before deciding to trade until midnight on the available days.
Peninsula plans extended
The public exhibition of plans for the development on the Wallarah Peninsula is to be extended until Friday 29 February 2008.
The extension is to ensure members of the public have sufficient time to view the documents and make submissions on the plans.
The plans are available at www.planning.nsw.gov.au
Artists backed for Tamworth
The Department of Aboriginal Affairs has supported Aboriginal performers showcasing their skills at the recent Tamworth Country Music Festival.
DAA provided $7000 for the artists, supplemented by groups in Tamworth who were keen to see Aboriginal people represented at the festival.
The Country Music Festival often has a high Aboriginal attendance but Indigenous performers are rarely paid.
23 January, 2008
Red Tape Cuts Get Green Light
Cutting through bureaucratic red tape could see years taken off the delivery dates of important new infrastructure projects including schools and hospitals, according to Planning Minister, Frank Sartor.
Mr Sartor said less red tape could “slash years” off the time taken for the facilities to be provided.
He was announcing the gazettal of a new State-wide planning framework which would simplify infrastructure planning approvals by overhauling antiquated planning provisions for smaller, some of which were developed more than 80 years ago.
“This is a major step,” Mr Sartor said.
He said it would underpin the Government’s $110 billion infrastructure spending program over the next decade.
“The Government is committed to delivering infrastructure to support the growing population and strong economic growth.
“But the system was letting us down.”
He said Councils were taking nearly 100 days on average to approve minor capital works such as covered outdoor areas and classroom and library extensions.
“Many organisations were also finding it difficult to expand or create new facilities due to outdated land zonings.”
He said the new planning policy:
* Consolidated 20 existing State environmental planning policies into one;
* Allowed NSW Agencies to approve routine building projects if set conditions were met; and
* Exempted minor infrastructure from development applications;
He said these moves would also assist regional Councils who would no longer need development applications for such works as protecting emergency water supplies, managing flooding and undertaking river management works.
Mr Sartor said most submissions were supportive of the new policy’s aims and objectives but some changes were made following its exhibition. These included;
* Making it easier for infrastructure providers to undertake essential maintenance and emergency:
* Increasing the requirements on public infrastructure providers to consult with local Councils; and
* Protecting residents of new developments along major road and rail corridors from excessive internal noise.
A new test had been introduced to ensure that any new uses on certain State lands were in-keeping with the nearby area and this would be in the form of a compatibility certificate issued by the Director-General of Planning.
“We have already streamlined the planning system for large-scale infrastructure projects – now we’re tackling smaller projects too,” Mr Sartor said.
23 January, 2008
Selection Criteria Is De-Selected
The requirement that all job applicants for positions in the NSW Public Service address Common Selection Criteria is to be removed from 30 January 2008.
The change was a recommendation endorsed by Cabinet following a review of Government recruitment practices by the Council on the Cost and Quality of Government.
The change has been notified in a Circular issued by the Department of Premier and Cabinet.
According to the Acting Director General of DPC, Graeme Head, dropping the need to address Common Selection Criteria was one of a series of reforms recommended to simplify recruitment practices.
“It is also consistent with the Government’s new recruitment branding Careers that Count which aims to place the NSW Public Sector as an efficient, diverse and value based employer appealing to a broad range of candidates in the labour market,” Mr Head said in the Circular.
He said the Government remained committed to cultural diversity, equal employment opportunity, ethical practice and occupational health and safety, which as principles, would continue to be promoted to job applicants and recruitment staff.
“Agencies play a key role in maintaining these principles in two ways,” he said:
“1. Ensuring that all job offer letters contain the sentence: “In accepting this position you agree to support core NSW public sector values of cultural diversity, equity and ethical practice, and a healthy, safe and fair workplace,” and,
“2. Ensuring that all new employees receive an appropriate induction on the principles of cultural diversity, EEO, ethical practice and OH&S.”
Mr Head said employees should also receive regular refresher training, particularly in areas aligned to their responsibilities.
“To assist agencies in providing adequate training, the Public Sector Workforce Office has developed with TAFE a course on Public sector Fundamentals.”
The Circular says these one- and two-day courses can be delivered at a number of NSW regional centres.
“Other relevant agencies such as WorkCover, the Community Relations Commission, the Anti-Discrimination Board, the Independent Commission Against Corruption and the Ombudsman, can also advise on available training and other resources.”
Mr Head said that if knowledge of the former Common Selection Criteria was directly relevant to a position, it should now form part of the selection criteria but a maximum of eight should be identified.
The new arrangements will apply for all positions advertised in the Public Sector Notices from 30 January 2008.
23 January, 2008
Cooperation is New Life for Health
A new regime of State and Federal cooperation in health management has been hailed by NSW Minister for Health, Reba Meagher, as a ‘new era.’
Ms Meagher said the positive outcomes from a recent State/Commonwealth meeting showed that both the NSW and Federal Governments shared a commitment to reducing waiting lists for surgery.
NSW received $43.3 million in additional funding from the Commonwealth to help reduce elective surgery waiting lists across the State.
Ms Meagher said this was the largest allocation of all the States and Territories, with 8,743 local people likely to benefit.
“Today’s announcement marks the beginning of a new era of State and Commonwealth cooperation with regard to health services,” Ms Meagher said.
“NSW has performed well over the past few years in reducing its elective surgery waiting lists.
“I’m very pleased that this additional funding will allow us to further improve our performance.”
She said the extra funding would enable NSW to increase its surgical activity.
“This significant funding package shows that the intentions of both the NSW and Commonwealth Governments are clearly aligned in aiming to provide a better deal for those people in NSW who are waiting for surgery.”
She said the State’s Predictable Surgery program had already cut waiting lists over the past 18 months.
“This program has enabled NSW hospitals to slash the number of patients who have waited more than 30 days for urgent elective surgery from over 5,000 in January 2005 to its lowest level ever, currently at less than 100.
“There has also been a reduction in the number of patients waiting more than a year for non-urgent elective surgery from over 10,000 in February 2005 to currently only about 200 people.”
Ms Meagher said the increased funding for elective surgery was the first phase in the new Federal Government’s $600 million elective surgery funding package, with capital funding and performance-based funding yet to come.
23 January, 2008
PS Rules on Time Off For Good Behaviour
All Public Service Agencies have been reminded of the Government’s commitment to cultural diversity with a Circular issued by the Department of Premier and Cabinet containing a list of religious festivals PS staff apply for leave for.
Circular C2008-03 Accessing Leave Entitlements And Flexible Work Hours draws attention to the culturally diverse nature of the public sector workforce.
A list of significant religious dates accompanies the Circular and Chief Executives are asked to distribute it. The list was provided by the Community Relations Commission of NSW.
“Chief Executives are also asked to remind managers and supervisors to be sensitive in accommodating the needs of employees requiring access to their leave entitlements and flexible work hours for the purposes of observing religious duties,” the Circular says.
“We are encouraging all Government organisations in the NSW Public Sector including State Owned Corporations to put in place policies to accommodate religious practices where practicable.’
The Circular makes clear that employees seeking leave for religious reasons must obtain the agreement of their relevant manager.
23 January, 2008
Posties Compete for Stamp of Approval
Australia Post has begun the search for three Olympic champion posties to represent the organisation at this year’s Beijing Olympic Games.
The roles involve sorting and delivering mail for Australian athletes in the official Olympic village and is part of Australia Post’s overall sponsorship of the Australian Olympic team.
National Sponsorship Manager for Australia Post, Terry Hearity, said the corporation first introduced the program at the Barcelona Olympic Games in 1992.
“In that first year, our posties sorted and delivered about 50,000 letters,” Mr Hearity said.
“At the last Olympics in Athens in 2004, volumes had grown to around 250,000 letters and cards.”
He said a lot of the mail was generated by the LetterLink program which encouraged children and young people from primary, secondary and special schools to write letters of encouragement to athletes.
“We then provide a postcard for team members so that they can acknowledge the letters they receive.”
Mr Hearity said that the competition was open to all of Australia Post’s 35,000 staff - not just existing posties.
“It’s a rigorous judging process that involves a written application, interviews at a State and Territory level; and then a final set of interviews at Post’s headquarters in Melbourne. The three posties we select are effectively ambassadors for the entire organisation.
“Once the people are selected, we run them through a special training program so that they can handle the job once they arrive in Beijing,” he said.
Entries close on 8 February 2008.
The official launch of the LetterLink program will take place in July this year when special letter writing kits will be delivered to 10,000 schools around Australia.
In a separate deal, Australia Post also sponsors the Boomers basketball team which qualified for the Olympics last year.
23 January, 2008
Boot Scooters Told To Toe the Line
NSW Police are encouraging Tamworth locals and visitors to enjoy themselves within the confines of the law at the 2008 Country Music Festival which is well under way in Tamworth.
Police have been out in force in and around the Tamworth CBD as tens of thousands of country music enthusiasts gather for the big event.
Police have issued a number of warnings to discourage festival-goers from engaging in anti-social or other criminal behavior.
Operation Tamworth Country Music 2008 includes general duties officers, the Public Order and Riot Squad, the Operational Support Group, the Dog Squad, Mounted Police, Highway Patrol, detectives, the Oxley Target Action Group, beats and push bike police.
Oxley Local Area Commander, Superintendent Clint Pheeney, said the security operation was about maximising the safety and security of fans to help make this Country Music Festival the best ever.
“This operation has taken months of planning and we are confident that we have put in place the right measures to ensure a successful community event,” Superintendent Pheeney said.
"This is not about us being the fun police, it's about us taking the necessary steps to ensure that the event is safe and secure and free of troublemakers.”
He said country music fans and families who did the right thing had nothing to worry about but those who wanted to play up could be assured they'd be dealt with accordingly.
23 January, 2008
Ambulance Cold On ICE Emails
The Ambulance Service of NSW has distanced itself from an email encouraging people to identify ‘ICE’ contacts in the mobile phone.
The service has advised that the email suggesting the practice and using the name of the Service, was not from them.
In a statement, the Service said there was an unauthorised email being sent, asking people to join the In Case of Emergency (ICE) campaign.
“This email is not from the Ambulance Service of NSW,” statement said.
For the record, the Ambulance service made clear its view on the ICE campaign:
“The Ambulance Service has not launched any campaign supporting ICE (In Case of
Emergency),” it said.
“Ambulance supports any method of contacting family in a critical medical emergency.
“Methods that can be used include information in diaries, wallets, drivers’ licences, and mobile phones. The concept of ICE has merit and would be another source of information to assist with identification.”
The service said it was important to note, however that in cases involving more than one patient or where a mobile phone had been borrowed from someone else, it may be difficult to match personal belongings to any one individual.
“This may in turn lead to unnecessary distress,” it said.
“The Ambulance Service also advises that as with all stored personal information, individuals need to be mindful of confidentiality issues.”
23 January, 2008
OFT Minister In Rental Breakdown
The Office of Fair Trading has warned first time renters to exercise caution when moving into rental properties.
Acting Minister for Fair Trading and Youth, Verity Firth said many new university and TAFE students were leaving home at this time of year and becoming first time renters or share accommodation tenants.
“Before they move out of home they need to be aware of their rights and responsibilities and also what their landlord’s obligations are towards them,” Ms Firth said.
“By law, all tenants must receive a copy of the Renting guide and should read it thoroughly before they sign a lease.
“The guide is very easy to follow and contains all of the relevant information tenants need at the beginning of their lease.”
She said young tenants must ensure they complied with tenancy laws.
“Respecting the peace and privacy of neighbours is fundamental,” Ms Firth said.
“The rent must be paid on time and rented property must be cared for properly.”
She said if young renters wanted to change tenants then they must obtain the landlord’s permission to do so.
“While most students are responsible tenants, they need to remember that if they don’t stick to the rules they can be evicted or lose their bond which may ruin their chances of renting another property down the line,” Ms Firth said.
OFT has information on renting including a Student guide to consumer rights and the Renting guide available at www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au or call 13 32 20.
23 January, 2008
Record Starters Just What Doctors Order
A record 621 new doctors have started work for 2008 in the State’s public hospitals.
Minister for Health, Reba Meagher said this was a 19 per cent increase on last year’s starting number.
Ms Meagher said the 2008 first year medical graduate and international medical graduate intake would benefit city and rural hospitals.
“The first two years of postgraduate employment and continued training for doctors are vital for developing a highly skilled workforce for NSW,” Ms Meagher said.
“With the University of Newcastle graduating medical students in mid-2008, the State's total number of interns will increase again during the year.”
She said doctors beginning in January included Australian and New Zealand medical school graduates who required an intern year to become fully registered.
She said intakes also included international medical graduates who passed the Australian Medical Council exam and required a period of supervised training.
“These interns are entering a new system that involves a group of hospitals being linked to provide networked training.
“Each network is structured to provide a broad variety of training and teaching experiences through a mix of tertiary, metropolitan, regional and rural hospitals.
“Graduate doctors will work at more than one hospital within their network during their first two years, a process that also helps distribute the medical workforce more equitably across NSW.”
Ms Meagher said 35 new doctors were recruited directly to rural hospitals where they would spend the majority of their intern year.
“This has been made possible by a scheme called the Rural Preferential Recruitment Program, which was established to facilitate graduates who have an interest in rural medicine in completing their training in a rural location,” she said.
“The scheme is now in its second year with 10 hospitals participating in 2008.”
The Westmead hospital Network, which incorporates seven public hospitals, took the most graduates this year with 87.
23 January, 2008
Centrelink Callers Get Red Cross Lines
More than 20 Centrelink staff in NSW have joined a Red Cross telephone service that helps the charity stay in touch with some of the community’s socially isolated people.
Sue Rapley, from Centrelink’s Camden office, is a volunteer with the Red Cross's Telecross service which is a free daily phone service for people who feel isolated or may be at risk due to health problems.
Ms Rapley said she was proud to be involved with Telecross as it made her feel she was making a real difference to the lives of those who lived alone.
“When I first heard about this service, I knew I wanted to be involved,” Ms Rapley said.
“More staff then found out about Telecross and wanted to participate. Another 20 have since joined the Telecross team. It’s a wonderful experience to know you’re helping someone keep their independence with a simple phone call.”
She said the enthusiasm of her colleagues to become involved with Telecross highlights the caring nature of Centrelink staff, who volunteered in their own time.
“The calls don’t take much time but can brighten someone’s day,” she said.
Regional Manager of Australian Red Cross, Jennifer Savage, said volunteers like Ms Rapley were the key to the success of Telecross.
“It’s through the selfless actions of volunteers like Sue that Telecross can make such a big difference in people’s lives, even at times saving lives,” Ms Savage said.
People interested in volunteering or receiving calls from Telecross can call 1800 353 220.
23 January, 2008
Watery Grave for Unwanted Ship
HMAS Adelaide has been decommissioned to become an artificial reef and dive attraction at Terrigal.
The oldest of the Royal Australian Navy’s Adelaide Class Frigates, HMAS Adelaide was relieved of her duties at her home port at HMAS Stirling, Western Australia, after 27 years of service.
The Department of Defence said the Adelaide was a long-range escort frigate which had undertaken roles that included surface warfare, air defence, anti-submarine warfare, surveillance and reconnaissance. It was built in the United States at Seattle’s Todd Pacific Shipyard and was commissioned into the RAN on 15 November 1980.
The Department said the name Adelaide would not be missing from the Australian Fleet for long, with one of the new Canberra Class LHDs planned to bear it in turn.
The outgoing Adelaide is the second ship in the RAN to bear the name. The first was a light cruiser that served between 1922 and 1946, witnessing action in the Second World War.
The second Adelaide was one of the first RAN warships to be deployed to the Persian Gulf in 1990 as part of Operation Damask. Since then, Adelaide has been deployed twice more to the Gulf as part of Operation Slipper in 2002 and Operation Catalyst in 2004. The ship also assisted during both East Timor operations in 1999 and 2006.
Adelaide was also the ship that conducted the search and rescue of lone yachtsmen Thierry Dubois and Tony Bullimore from the Southern Ocean in 1997.
Once out of uniform, Adelaide will be taken to the NSW Central Coast where she has been gifted to the NSW Government. The hulk will then be sunk off Terrigal.
23 January, 2008
Country student Sees the World
A student from La Trobe University has been invited overseas to assist with an international research project.
Annaleise Klein, a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management and Ecology student at the University’s Albury-Wodonga campus has travelled to France for several weeks to inject the University’s expertise and assistance into the project.
Part of a larger European Union funded program of research, the project is looking into the stability of spent nuclear waste in geological settings.
Ms Klein is to test Australian-developed research concepts in specialised laboratories at Grenoble University.
Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental Management and Ecology at La Trobe, Dr Ewen Silvester is to supervise the Australian component of the research which would focus on developing a specialised sensor probe to determine the redox potential (the chemical reactivity) of geological materials.
“The ultimate aim of the research is to develop a sophisticated sensor that could be used to measure the reactivity of soils and sediments in any environment,” Dr Silvester said.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for Annaleise, as she will be working in the laboratories of Professor Laurent Charlet, an expert in the reactivity of clay mineral in low oxygen conditions.
“This experience will further develop Annaleise’s already high levels of skills and knowledge in this area of chemistry – and no doubt provide inspiration and motivation for the future.”
23 January, 2008
Legal Website Opens Doors to Courtrooms
The Attorney General’s Department has launched a website aimed at making the justice system more accessible to people with a disability or who are from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
The website was developed by the Department’s Diversity Services unit and explains court processes in straight-forward language and gives information about how the Courts could accommodate individual requirements.
Diversity Services Manager at AGs Julia Haraksin, said everyone in NSW was entitled to fair and equitable access to the State’s Courts.
”Courts provide a range of services to ensure no one is disadvantaged,” Ms Haraksin said, “and this website explains how to request an interpreter, equipment or assistance.”
She said the website would be an important tool in the fight against discrimination.
“The Diversity Services website will empower members of the community who often face discrimination by informing them of their legal rights and the remedies available to them,” Ms Haraksin said.
She said it also had information on disability access and relevant Departmental publications, many of which were translated into community languages.
“Other features of the website included links to Government and non-Government legal, rights and support services; a summary of the Attorney General’s Department Disability Strategic Plan; and a summary of the Department’s Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities’ Access Plan.”
The address of the Diversity Services website is www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/diversityservices.
23 January, 2008
Cash Watchdog Doesn’t Mint Words
The Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre, AUSTRAC, has issued a warning to people travelling overseas for Chinese New Year that they needed to know and understand new laws governing the taking of funds into and out of Australia.
AUSTRAC Chief Executive Officer, Neil Jensen said that under the new law there were now two different requirements to report the movement of funds.
“Up to 110,000 travellers come to Australia from China, Hong Kong and Taipei during Chinese New Year,” Mr Jensen said. “Some of those travellers may be carrying gifts of ‘lucky money’.”
He said it was important they know the law about bringing funds into and out of Australia and they should also make sure family members visiting them in Australia know about it.
Mr Jensen said the new requirements were:
* When entering or leaving Australia travelers asked by a Customs or police officer if they were carrying travelers cheques, personal cheques, money orders, postal orders, promissory notes or any other bearer negotiable instruments of any amount were required to say so; and .
* they still needed to always declare amounts of $10,000 cash or more, or the equivalent in foreign currency.
Mr Jensen said the need to declare this amount of cash money applied to anyone entering or leaving Australia and they should do so without waiting to be asked by a Customs or police officer.
The new reporting requirements were introduced under the Commonwealth’s Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006.
“This law is already playing a vital role in preventing money laundering, the funding of terrorism and major crime,” Mr Jensen said.
If travellers do declare they are carrying $10,000 or more (or foreign currency equivalent) they will be asked to complete a Cross-Border Movement - Physical Currency $10,000 or More form. They will be given this form at the Customs examination area.
If they are asked to report their bearer negotiable instruments, they may be asked to fill out a Cross Border Movement - Bearer Negotiable Instrument Declaration form. A Customs officer or Police Officer will hand over the form at the Customs examination area.
There are no fees charged by AUSTRAC, Customs or the police for carrying, disclosing or reporting cash or bearer negotiable instruments. There is no limit to the funds that can be brought into or out of Australia.
Mr Jensen said reporting the funds did not mean they would be confiscated.
He said it was important the Government knew of the movement of funds into and out of Australia.
23 January, 2008
Cable Plan Brings Power to People
The Department of Planning has granted approval for a seven kilometre electricity cable between Matraville and Kurnell.
Director-General of Planning, Sam Haddad said the $110 million Botany Bay cable project would secure electricity supplies to Sydney’s inner metropolitan area and redevelop the major electricity substation at Kurnell.
“The new cables will be a major plank in Sydney’s electricity supply,” Mr Haddad said.
“They will deliver a reliable supply of electricity to more than 61,000 homes and businesses in Sydney’s east through to the Sydney CBD, including Sydney Airport and Port Botany.
“At the same time, the cables will also provide an important back-up supply in and around Kurnell and help cater for growing demand.”
Mr Haddad said EnergyAustralia had proposed the cable which would run from a redeveloped Kurnell substation to Bunnerong substation at Matraville, via a submarine crossing through Botany Bay.
EnergyAustralia has been consulting with the local community on the project since early 2006.
Minister for Planning, Frank Sartor attached more than 50 strict conditions to the approval of the Botany Bay Cable Project.
These included that EnergyAustralia submit a Seagrass Management Plan, prepared in consultation with the Department of Environment and Climate Change and Department of Primary Industries.
Other conditions included limits on construction noise near residential areas and that all works at the Bunnerong substation must ensure the Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub Endangered Ecological Community located on the property was not disturbed.
Construction was expected to start in the first half of 2008 and take about 18 months to complete.
23 January, 2008
Sentence is the Word In Council Report
The Sentencing Council has released its recommendations following a review of periodic detention.
Attorney-General, John Hatzistergos said careful consideration would be given to the recommendations and all options would be looked into regarding the future of periodic detention.
“I will closely examine the option of replacing Periodic Detention with Community Corrections Orders as a way of forcing offenders to make changes to their lives that they will not make by themselves,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
“These would be custodial sentences that would be suspended conditionally upon compliance with the Court orders.”
He said in some cases, offenders could be expected to comply with job search, work and rehabilitation requirements or face full-time detention.
“This may mean residing overnight in dedicated transitional centres while offenders get their life on track,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
He said the recommendations were endorsed by three key victims groups following concerns about the ongoing suitability and viability of periodic detention.
“The report raised concerns that periodic detention is for the most part only available as a sentencing option for the metropolitan area.
“In addition, it does not challenge offender’s issues and perceptions regarding their offending behaviour.”
He said it was important to reassure community groups that work performed as part of periodic detention would continue under a new scheme.
“The works currently performed by detainees will still continue as part of any changes,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
He said NSW was the only State with periodic detention and that schemes similar to Community Corrections Orders had been introduced in three other States.
23 January, 2008
Police outsource DNA
NSW Police is to outsource criminal DNA testing to a private company.
The move is aimed at clearing backlogs of police samples and to keep up with service demand.
The backlog had risen to 9,000 by the middle of 2007.
Police say they will be able to test an extra 30,000 samples over the next three years thanks to the move.
Resources audits planned
The Natural Resources Commission is seeking Expressions of Interest from potential partner organisations to help with a new program of audits.
The audits are to investigate the effectiveness of Government investments in natural resource management.
The audit program is to commence mid February and Expressions of Interest can be made to www.nrc.nsw.gov.au
Ambulance opens new station
A new, $1.98 million Ambulance Station has been officially opened in Dubbo.
Key features of the station included a new base to accommodate up to 12 ambulances and 35 staff; a shaded rear wall to help climate control; and a purpose-built staff training and conference area.
The new station has 22 paramedics and seven modern ambulances to provide 24-hour service to the local community. It attends about 7,800 incidents each year.
Management plan is tops
National Parks and Wildlife Service staff will be available on 2 February to discuss the draft Plan of Management for Barrington Tops and Mount Royal national parks and Barrington Tops State Conservation Area.
NPWS has invited the community to attend an ‘Open Day’ at the Dungog RSL from 10am to 2pm.
The draft plan will be on public exhibition until 31 March. More information is available from www.npws.nsw.gov.au
16 January, 2008
DPI Intranet Nets Top 10 Status
The Department of Primary Industries’ intranet website has been named in the top 10 intranets in the world.
DPI Director General, Dr Richard Sheldrake announced that InSite was awarded the honour through an annual review by Jakob Nielsen, principal of the Nielsen Norman Group and an internationally renowned web usability expert.
“NSW DPI was the only Australian winner, with the majority of the top 10 list for 2008 being large international corporations from Europe and the United States,” Dr Sheldrake said.
“This is a major international coup for NSW DPI and the NSW Government.”
He said the award put DPI on a par with corporations including British Airways and the Bank of America.
“The Department faced tough competition from hundreds of organisations, which submit their intranets to the Nielsen Norman Group for judging in these awards each year,” Dr Sheldrake said.
“I understand representatives from all divisions worked with the Communications Branch to determine the structure of the site, its features and appearance.”
The DPI intranet is used for internal communications between 3,500 staff across more than 130 locations.
“This ranking is a credit to all staff, particularly Internal Communications Manager Kate Needham and Web Content Officer Penny Wheeler for their thorough research, active consultation, technical expertise and creative energy," Dr Sheldrake said.
“It’s also an opportunity for all staff to be proud of the many outstanding achievements from all areas of the Department including agriculture, fisheries, forestry and mining.
“I encourage DPI staff to continue to utilise and support this valuable communications tool through intranet content.”
16 January, 2008
Repeal Appeal For Red Tape Cuts
The Premier, Morris Iemma has announced that the Minister for Regulatory Reform, Joe Tripodi, is to take principal carriage of the staged repeal process for statutory rules and regulations and will determine responses to requests for postponement.
Mr Iemma said that Mr Tripodi would be supported by the Legal Branch in the Department of Premier and Cabinet, with requests for postponement still to be made to him.
Issuing Ministerial Memorandum No. 1 of 2008, Mr Iemma said rules and regulations due for staged repeal under the Government’s anti-red-tape measures could either be re-made with major or minor amendments, be allowed to lapse or have their repeal postponed.
He said strict deadlines had been introduced to ensure that whatever action, particularly remaking, could be completed on time.
The staged repeal program was coordinated by the Parliamentary Counsel's Office which wrote to Agencies whose regulations were due for repeal seeking notification by 1 December of their Ministers’ intentions regarding the regulations. Under the staged repeal process, the affected rules and regulations would be repealed on 1 September each year.
Should a Minister decide not to repeal a regulation the Agency is to provide drafting instructions for its replacement.
Mr Iemma said that because of the Government’s commitment toremoving bureaucratic red tape, requests for postponement of the repeal process would be carefully scrutinised.
“Requests for postponement must be made to me by the Minister within whose administration the regulation falls,” Mr Iemma said.
He said all requests for postponement needed to be made by 31 January to allow the Minister for Regulatory Reform time consider the requests and respond with enough time for Ministers to remake the regulations if their request was denied.
“Where regulations due for repeal have already been postponed on five previous occasions, it is not possible for further postponements to be granted,” the Premier said.
Ministerial Memorandum M2008-01 can be viewed on the Department of Premier and Cabinet website www.dpc.nsw.gov.au
16 January, 2008
Schools Step Up To Meet Walk Challenge
St Paul’s College, Walla Walla and Bulli High School were among the winners of the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing’s “Around Australia in 40 Days Challenge”.
Federal Minister for Health, Nicola Roxon congratulated the schools saying the event was open to teams of high school students in years 7, 8 and 9, and attracted about 35,000 students from more than 300 schools.
St Paul’s won the NSW Division and Bulli High was runner up.
“For 40 days they recorded the number of steps they took each day and entered them online,” Ms Roxon said. “(This) let students see how far they had travelled on a virtual route around Australia.”
She said a quarter of Australian children were overweight or obese and physical activity – along with healthy eating – could help to maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of poor health later in life.
“Promoting a healthy relationship with food and exercise early in a child’s life is part of our plan to tackle the obesity problem in Australia,” Ms Roxon said.
“As a major first step, we will raise the status of obesity to a National Health Priority Area, ensuring it is at the forefront of the national health agenda”
She said healthy and active children were more likely to grow into healthy and active adults, reducing the burden on their loved ones and on the health system.
Ms Roxon congratulated all the students and schools who took part in the Challenge, the winner from each State and Territory receiving $10,000 in sporting equipment from Hart Sport, and the runners-up received $2500 in sporting equipment.
Other winning schools were:
ACT:
Winner - Brindabella Christian College, Lyneham;
Runner-up - Merici College, Braddon.
VIC:
Winner - Matthew Flinders Girls Secondary College, Geelong;
Runner-up - Wesley College, Glen Waverley.
QLD:
Winner - San Sisto College, Carina;
Runner-up - Texas State School, Texas.
SA:
Winner - Loreto College, Marryatville;
Runner-up - Tyndale Christian School, Salisbury East.
WA:
Winner - Mount Lawley Senior High School, Mt Lawley;
Runner-up - Christmas Island District High School, Christmas Island.
TAS:
Winner - Flinders Island District High School, Whitemark;
Runner-up - Clarence High School, Bellerive.
NT:
Winner - St Philips College, Alice Springs;
Runner-up - Taminmin High School, Humpty Doo.
16 January, 2008
AGs Stone Crows In Parramatta Crimewave
The Attorney-General’s Department has fallen victim to ongoing theft at the hands (?) of the wildlife surrounding its new offices in Parramatta.
Landscapers at the new Justice Precinct Offices blew the whistle on the thieves after they noticed large numbers of pebbles going missing from the building’s pebble garden.
Project Director of the Precinct, Malcolm Levy said clever detective work quickly identified the chief culprits.
“The suspect was described as having a beak and two wings and was last seen flying from the crime scene in a southerly direction,” Mr Levy said.
“We have reason to believe a number of feathered felons were involved in the pebble heist.”
The Department believes thieving crows mistook the pebbles for eggs and took them away and tried to smash them.
“We are unsure whether the crows wanted to eliminate potential competition or were just looking for a feed of egg yolk,” Mr Levy said.
In its cunning plan to foil the thieves, the Department laid four rubber snakes across the pebble garden to deter the birds.
“The impact was immediate,” Mr Levy said.
“The crows were clearly terrified of the snakes and have left our pebbles alone since the replica reptiles were introduced.”
He said the positions of the snakes would be moved regularly so the birds did not realise they were fake.
Director General of the Department, Laurie Glanfield has decided that no further action would be taken against the law-breaking birds.
“I am delighted that the Department has found a humane and cost-effective solution to the problem,” Mr Glanfield said.
“This is one of the most unusual crime prevention programs I have witnessed and certainly the first to involve birds.”
16 January, 2008
Clouds Lifted Over Nuclear Plant Tours
Australia’s only nuclear reactor, OPAL, in Lucas Heights is throwing open its doors for school holiday tours.
School children and their parents can tour the reactor and other exciting science facilities at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, ANSTO, on New Illawarra Road, southern Sydney.
According to ANSTO, touring the facility would help visitors find out how radiation worked and how radioactive waste was safely managed. It would also let them in on climate change research using nuclear techniques to determine rainfall patterns and greenhouse gas levels going back many hundreds of thousands of years.
ANSTO said the OPAL reactor was used to produce nuclear medicines and to irradiate products such as silicon used in electronic equipment. The neutrons it produces were re also used for research into structures (eg aeroplanes and turbines), obesity and plastics.
Students can also learn about the many other applications of nuclear science including:
* reducing the need for pesticides by controlling fruit fly larvae population;
* irradiation of rubber tyres to increase toughness;
* using radioisotopes to detect when bottles of beer and other food and drink containers are filled to the correct level;
* smoke detectors which are powered by tiny low-powered radioisotopes
tracing air and water pollution and identifying its sources; and
* determining the age of artefacts such as Ned Kelly’s armour and old bones.
ANSTO manages a 70 hectare campus at Lucas Heights and with 1000 staff is Australia’s’ centre of nuclear innovation. As the primary supplier of nuclear medicines, ANSTO makes more than half a million doses every year.
The two-hour tours run every Tuesday and Thursday at 10am and are free to the public but must be pre-booked by calling 9717 3111.
Closed footwear must be worn, (no high heels) and children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. There is free parking on-site.
16 January, 2008
Heritage Impacts To Get New look
The Department of Environment and Climate Change is calling for public input into a review of the consultation process for proposed developments that may impact on Aboriginal heritage.
The Department is calling on members of the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities to play a part.
Director General of DECC, Lisa Corbyn said the Department issued Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit's to developers whose work might impact on Aboriginal cultural heritage objects and places and was looking at improving consultation.
“Aboriginal cultural heritage provides essential links between the past and present,” Ms Corbyn said, “and is an essential part of Aboriginal identity.
"Any activity that impacts on the landscape could have a direct impact on Aboriginal cultural heritage, so a clear and practical consultation process between Aboriginal communities and developers is very important."
She said in order to make an informed decision about applications for AHIPs, DECC needed to adequate information from the right people about the significance of Aboriginal Heritage that might be impacted upon.
She said the Department respected the role of Aboriginal people in the management and protection of their cultural heritage and took the process of issuing AHIPs very seriously.
“The aim of this discussion paper is to pose some questions for both Aboriginal communities and other stakeholders to consider, whilst gaining some constructive comments from the people directly involved in the consultation process."
She said as part of the review process that DECC would run 24 forums across country NSW, as well as a forum for State and Local Gvernment Aencies in Sydney and one specifically for heritage professionals and applicants that require an AHIP under the NPW Act.
Written submissions on the discussion paper would be accepted until 31 March 2008 and copies could be obtained from Local Aboriginal Land Councils, the DECC website www.environment.nsw.gov.au, or by calling 131 555.
16 January, 2008
Border Health Issues Spread to Victoria
Albury-Wodonga looks set to be the site of Australia’s first cross-border health service.
NSW Health Minister, Reba Meagher and her Victorian counterpart, Daniel Andrews have released an independent report outlining a strategy for integrating health services for the 100,000 people of the Border region.
The report was prepared by leading health administrator and economist Professor Stephen Duckett.
Ms Meagher said the health services of the Border region were unique and a cooperative approach was vital for the future of the Border’s healthcare.
“We’ve seen some excellent examples of cross-border collaboration through the Border Cancer Services and Paediatric Services to-date,” she said.
“As the Duckett report outlines, there are considerable benefits to be gained through the integration of health services in Albury-Wodonga.
“Our Governments are committed to progressing integration planning and to meeting the long-term health needs of the Border region.”
She said both Governments recognised the enormous amount of interest and support the project had generated among local communities.
“Both Governments are committed to making sure the community and stakeholders are kept informed about progress as we move forward” she said.
Mr Andrews said the Duckett report was integral to informing the planning process by the two States.
He said the report endorsed the concept of an integrated health service and highlighted the many challenges.
“This is a unique and complex process, which involves bringing together two different State systems,” Mr Andrews said. “It is important we take the time needed to ensure we get it right.”
The Duckett report is available at www.dhs.vic.gov.au
16 January, 2008
Registry Weddings Go Without Hitch
The NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages is now holding weddings at its new Parramatta Justice Precinct Offices.
Attorney General, John Hatzistergos announced the new service saying demand for Registry weddings had increased 37 per cent in the past five years.
“Opening a new office at Parramatta enables the Registry to better serve Western Sydney which is one of the fastest growing areas in Australia,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
Ceremonies are to be held in a custom-built marriage room and in a marriage garden overlooking the Parramatta River.
He said the Registry offered an affordable and elegant option for those considering marriage.
“Planning a wedding is exciting for couples, but it can also be stressful, time-consuming and costly,” he said.
“The Registry ensures all legal requirements, including registration of marriages, are looked after.”
Twelve couples have already booked their wedding at the new Registry.
The Justice Precinct Offices opened in November 2007, located in the new headquarters of the Attorney General’s Department.
Mr Hatzistergos said that in 2007, more than 3,300 wedding ceremonies were held by the Registry.
16 January, 2008
Council Rates Highly For Safety Design
A Municipal Council’s plan to “design out” crime from its community has been applauded by Attorney General, John Hatzistergos.
Mr Hatzistergos welcomed the plan devised by the Woollahra Municipal Council, saying it was eligible for up to $150,000 in funding for focusing on creating safe public and private spaces.
“The design of a space can have a significant impact on crime rates,” Mr Hatzistergos said. “For example, offenders may be more reluctant to commit a crime in a tidy and well lit area as the risk of being seen would be greater.
“Council will conduct safety audits to identify public areas that need to be modified to deter criminal and anti-social activity. It will also run campaigns encouraging residents and local businesses to adopt safe design measures for their properties.”
He said reducing the community’s fear of crime would be another key priority of the Council’s plan.
“Recent data shows crime rates are generally falling or stable in the Woollahra Local Government area,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
“By engaging the community in its crime prevention strategies, the Council’s plan will encourage the community to report crime and take pride in the neighbourhood.”
He said other objectives of the Woollahra crime prevention plan included reducing alcohol related crime and encouraging safe drinking practices among young people; nnti-graffiti strategies; raising awareness of domestic violence and abuse of elderly people; and reducing theft from motor vehicles by discouraging people from leaving valuables on display..
Mr Hatzistergos said the plan was developed in consultation with police and community groups and reflected the State Plan’s emphasis on the importance of partnerships with local communities to develop crime prevention strategies.
“Woollahra Council’s commitment to innovative crime prevention strategies dates back to 1988 when it established a Community Consultative Committee,” he said.
“I congratulate Council on its continuing efforts to promote community safety.”
16 January, 2008
Australia Day Talk Advances Australia
Australians have taken full advantage of the realities and possibilities the continent offered its pioneers but there were still a few things to fix according to Premier Morris Iemma’s Australia Day address this year.
“This country changed us,” Mr Iemma said. “It created a new reality.
“It gave us space, physically and metaphorically, in which to create new possibilities.
“Today, 220 years since the First Settlers hove into Sydney Harbour, observed by the First Witnesses, it is fair to say the Australian people have taken full advantage of those new
realities and new possibilities.”
He said over those years Australia had created an open, friendly lifestyle that was no longer at odds with the climate.
“We’ve crafted a robust democracy with an egalitarian ethos to underpin it.
“And we have realised that as a nation of settlers, we can never slam the door in the face of those prepared to share in our future through hard work and sacrifice.”
Mr Iemma said however, that all was not perfect.
“What is still conspicuously lacking among the richness of our achievements, though, is a
shared understanding of how this land is to be fairly shared between black and white Australians and how our complex history is to be understood.”
He said every Australian should be immensely proud and relieved at the prospect of an apology to the stolen generations by the Commonwealth Parliament during 2008.
“It won’t solve inequality in Aboriginal communities,” he said. “Nor will it result in white families having their backyards taken from them.
“It will simply be the act of a grown-up country finally ready to admit the wrongs and mistakes in its past.”
Mr Iemma said that at 220 years old, Australia was big enough and strong enough to do that while at the same time celebrating its achievements and victories.
Australia day will be celebrated on 26 January.
16 January, 2008
New Landscape for Lands Registry
The Department of Lands’ Titling and Registry Services Lodgment service is to be temporarily
relocated from 29 January 2008.
The Department’s Deputy Director General and General Manager, Land and Property Information, Des Mooney said the T&RS Lodgement Services facility is to move out of the Ground Floor West Wing at Queens Square to permit a major refurbishment to be undertaken.
Mr Mooney said on that date all lodgment services would be moved to the Ground Floor South Wing.
“Customers will be able to access these services through the entrance normally reserved for staff opposite St Mary’s Cathedral,” Mr Mooney said.
He said the refurbishment was necessary to address a number of issues including outdated office layouts that reflected a business and service delivery model of the early 1990s; the need for an improved design to cater for an increasingly electronic business environment; and enhanced safety and security of staff, as well as of documents presented to LPI.
“The refurbishment is expected to take between three and four months to complete,” mr Mooney said.
“During this period, the electronic ticketing system will be unavailable. Tickets will be issued by the concierge.”
He said LPI would make every effort to minimise inconvenience to customers while the refurbishment was under way.
16 January, 2008
ID Is Easy as ABC For School Starters
The Department of Education is calling on parents whose children start school this year to order their children’s Birth Certificates soon to avoid the last minute rush before school goes back.
Parents enrolling children for the first time are required to provide proof of their child’s age before they can be enrolled.
Registrar for the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, Greg Curry said although there were many things to consider when starting at school, ensuring children had their birth certificates was an important item to check off the list.
“Preparing for your child’s first day at school can be daunting with so many things to plan and organise,” Mr Curry said.
“Every January the Registry deals with a big increase in Birth Certificate applications as parents prepare to send their children to school.”
The Department said another important thing to remember was that each public school had a defined local enrolment area which parents should check before enrolling their children.
Birth certificate application forms can be downloaded from the Registry’s website www.bdm.nsw.gov.au or call by calling 1300 655 236.
The Department expected more than 80,000 children to start school this year.
16 January, 2008
Employment Expo Judged a Good Job
A recent Employment Expo conducted by Centrelink in Kempsey was judged a huge success with 650 local job seekers, employers and employment providers attending on the day.
Manager of Centrelink, Kempsey, Rosie Kovacs said employment initiatives like the Kempsey Expo could really make a difference in lives of local jobseekers.
"There are many people who are keen to find work, but don’t know how to go about looking for jobs or getting the training they need," Ms Kovacs said.
"Initiatives like Centrelink’s Employment Expos provide a link to training and work that’s available in a person’s own community.
She said eight job seekers who attended the Kempsey Expo had since found work, one of whom was local teenager, Stevie Sutton, 17, who was ‘talent-spotted’ at the expo and now works as a barista at Jeff Bradley’s local Espresso cafe.
Stevie had previously graduated from a Barista Certificate Course and was at the expo making coffee when she was noticed.
Stevie said the Expo was great for local jobseekers.
"The Centrelink Employment Expo provided me with the opportunity to show Jeff and other employers my barista skills," said Stevie.
"It’s great having a job, I couldn’t be happier."
16 January, 2008
Students Lectured on Study Course options
Young people who missed out on entrance to their preferred University course have been warned to be wary when choosing a second option.
Fair Trading Minister, Linda Burney said that for many students, the reality would soon dawn that they won’t be able to follow their dream and over the next few weeks many alternative training courses would be advertised.
“Young people must be careful to avoid being duped into paying for so-called qualifications that are not worth the paper they’re printed on,” Ms Burney said.
“Students should take the time to do their homework before signing up for private courses.”
She said Fair Trading received 318 complaints last year regarding training and educational courses, most of which were disputes over fees and refunds, misleading information and course quality.
“Some students discover too late that their private course ‘qualifications’ are not recognised in the relevant industry and they have wasted their time and money.”
Ms Burney said students should check that any private training providers were registered and the course was properly accredited and recognised.
She said details of registered training organisations, and accredited courses could be found on the National Training Information Service website at www.ntis.gov.au.
Ms Burney said students intending to do any course should:
* shop around for the course that best suits their needs;
* find out what courses are offered through TAFE;
* be wary of making large up-front payments for private courses;
* read the contract carefully, especially cancellation and refund conditions.
She urged students who had a complaint about a course or a company offering courses to contact Fair Trading on 13 32 20 or lodge a complaint online to www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au
16 January, 2008
DECC Project Brings Memories to Book
The Department of Environment and Climate Change has published a new book to capture the unique historical perspective of Aboriginal women along the lower Richmond River.
DECC’s Aboriginal Heritage Conservation Officer, Ashley Moran said the book tells the stories of 12 Aboriginal women from Cabbage Tree Island and Ballina.
“Each of the women tell stories about their childhood memories and working lives as domestic servants and factory workers in the inner city suburbs of Brisbane and Sydney,” Mr Moran said.
“These accounts describe community spirit between the various families that once lived on the lower Richmond River, during a time when life was hard and limited for Aboriginal people.”
One of the interviewees, Gloria Kelly said that the aspect of growing up on Cabbage Tree Island she remembered most wass the kinship, caring and sharing environment.
“There are stories about how their parents protected them from the realities of the outside world, keeping them safe during a time when the Aboriginal Welfare Board was a constant threat to Aboriginal families living on reserves and missions across NSW,” Mr Moran said.
Another interviewee, Mavis Davies said the community used to get together and sing.
“We were a real happy family and loving family,” Ms Davies said.
Mr Moran said times may have changed for the women but their memories, love and knowledge would be passed on for all to appreciate in the Ballina/Cabbage Tree Island Aboriginal Women's Heritage Book.
16 January, 2008
ASIC Resolution for New Year Campaign
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission is using the concept of New Year resolutions as a means of improving people’s financial positions.
Acting Executive Director of Consumer Protection, Delia Rickard outlined six financial resolutions she said could make a big impact on personal finances.
“Just a little effort can make a big impact on your finances,” Ms Rickard said. “Add some, or all, of these six simple financial resolutions to your list for 2008 and see what progress you can make in a year.”
The resolutions are:
* Work out your financial goals and objectives:
Once you know what you’re trying to achieve with your savings and investments, it will make it much easier to work out a plan and stick to it. You may want to set up a more secure or comfortable retirement, pay for your children’s education, or just want to open up more choices about how you spend your life.
A financial adviser can help you work out your financial goals - make sure your financial adviser is licensed by ASIC.
* Take stock of your financial situation and consider diversification:
Most Australians have money invested in one or more super funds, and many also own shares or an investment property. It’s important to take stock of your financial situation from time to time and the new year is a good opportunity to do that.
By working out what you own and what you owe, you can work out how much you can afford to invest.
You should also consider diversification, which is spreading your investments so you don’t have “all your eggs in the one basket”.
* Control your debts: Getting your debts under control is the first step to taking charge of your finances, and credit cards are one of the most expensive ways you can borrow money.
Use ASIC’s online budget planner to work out a budget that allows you to make more than the minimum payment, and stop using your card.
Use alternatives to credit such as cash, EFTPOS or debit cards and lay-by for the post-Christmas sales.
* Learn more about investing:
Investing can be fun, and there are many organisations running courses ranging from lunchtime information sessions run by the Australian Securities Exchange through to university courses. Many adult education centres and evening colleges run courses on investing basics.
There are also some excellent websites with information about investing.
*Watch out for financial scams:
While most Australians invest confidently and successfully, it’s always good to know how to spot, and avoid, a financial scam.
Warning signs include offers that are urgent, secret or something involving less risk and effort than real investments. Remember the golden rule, if it sounds too good to be true, it’s probably a lie.
* Get the most from your superannuation:
Keep as few super accounts as possible. Combining your super accounts could save you fees and charges, and help you keep track of your super.
Make sure your fund knows your Tax File Number. It helps you make sure your super is taxed at the special low rate and ensures you are not subject to extra restrictions on making contributions.
Find out about what investment options your super fund offers. You may find you can select an investment option that is better suited to your stage in life.
16 January, 2008
Bargaining brings 4.4%
The Trends in Federal Enterprise Bargaining report for the September quarter has been released showing an average annualised wage increase for Australian Public Service agreements lodged between 1 October 2006 and 30 September 2007 as 4.4 per cent.
This was up from 4.2 per cent in the previous 12 months and compares with the private sector equivalent of 3.8 per cent year on year.
The report prompted the public sector unions to declare that public servants were getting above average pay increases.
Lood claim booklet
Legal Aid NSW has produced a guide to help people in flood-affected areas of northern NSW make insurance claims.
The 20-page booklet, entitled Turning the Tide: Storms, Floods, Insurance and You, will be available for free from Ballina, Byron Bay, Kyogle, Lismore and Tweed Heads courthouses or can be downloaded from www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au
The website also has a short fact sheet as a guide to getting insurance claims paid.
ATO assures on floods
The Australian Tax Office has assured those affected by the recent floods in Queensland and NSW that they don’t need to worry about their tax at this time.
Acting Tax Commissioner, Bruce Quigley said anyone having problems meeting their tax obligations because of the floods, or who had recently received a letter or notice from the ATO, should call 13 11 42 to make arrangements to meet their individual circumstances.
DPI hooks fishing DVD
The Department of Primary Industries is to produce a DVD to promote safety among fishing fans.
The Department will join the Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW and other fish industry stakeholders in the production of the DVD entitled Fishing Safely Within NSW – Don’t Put Your Life on the Line.
Themes would include freshwater fishing safety, saltwater fishing safety and fishing first aid and safety.
Corruption awards
Nominations have opened for the 2008 Corruption Prevention Network awards.
The awards recognise excellence in corruption prevention and detection.
Nominations close 11 July with awardees to be announced 11 September. Nomination guidelines are available at www.corruptionprevention.net
Courts going green
Grants are being offered to Courthouses to pay for projects that would make their facilities more environmentally friendly.
Courts are being encouraged to submit proposals about how they could minimise their carbon footprints to obtain up to $5,000 per project.
The Land and Environment Court was the first to take up the challenge and is to install a tank for water recycling.
Road toll rundown
Statistics from the Roads and Traffic Authority have shown a 10 per cent reduction in road fatalities in 2007.
RTA said that although the figure was the lowest loss of life on NSW roads since World War Two, 445 deaths were still recorded.
The reduction follows a strategic package of road safety initiatives introduced during 2007 to address issues of speeding and younger drivers.