29 June, 2011

‘No redundancies’ rule
made redundant

The policy of “no forced redundancies” for the NSW Public service is to be scrapped.
   The decision was announced by Premier, Barry O’Farrell who said it followed a review that found there were currently 390 excess PS staff on the public payroll, 56 of whom had been without a position for 12 months or more.
   Mr O’Farrell said 25 of the supernumerary staff had not held a permanent role for more than five years.
   He said the former system that allowed PS employees to “drift in limbo indefinitely” was bad for the staff concerned, bad for the Public Service and bad for taxpayers.
   He said the situation was costing taxpayers around $5.3 million a year and “has to stop”.
   Mr O’Farrell said the Government had decided to end the “no forced redundancies” policy, shorten the period for retaining excess employees from 12 to three months, reduce severance payments for PS staff who reject an initial offer for voluntary redundancy and offer a one-off incentive of $10,000 for current excess employees to accept a new voluntary redundancy offer.
   He issued Ministerial Memorandum, M2011-11 Changes to the Management of Excess Employees, saying that key features of the new policy would also include retention of the current severance payments for voluntary redundancy and three months salary maintenance for excess employees redeployed to a position at a lower grade.
   Mr O’Farrell said the new arrangements would commence on 1 August.
   “Excess employees will receive a fresh voluntary redundancy offer immediately,” the Premier said.
   “They must accept the offer and exit the Public Service within a month or they will be covered by the new policy.”
   He said the changes would mean Departments would be more willing to restructure and adjust their workforce as they wouldn’t have to carry the cost of excess employees indefinitely.
   “It is no longer an option for those without jobs to stay indefinitely – and be paid indefinitely,” Mr O’Farrell said.
   “These changes will not only reduce the cost to taxpayers but they will make the Public Service more flexible and efficient.”
   He said the changes would save taxpayers around $16 million.
   He said the new policy would not affect frontline workers such as school teachers, police, nurses, ambulance officers and rail workers.
   Mr O’Farrell said the new policy could be downloaded online at this PS News link.
   The Ministerial Memorandum could be accessed at this PS News link.

29 June, 2011

Wages policy sets
limits for PS

The State Government has issued its Public Sector wages policy formalising the cap on pay rises and setting out offsets, savings and other conditions for future wage and entitlement negotiations.
   Applying to all public sector Agencies except State Owned Corporations, the new 9-page NSW Public Sector Wages Policy 2011 limits wage increases for the PS to 2.5 per cent, with any increases beyond that required to be offset by savings.
   The policy says the wage increases may be awarded before the necessary savings are made but cannot be paid before savings are realised.
   The policy makes clear that not all the savings will be awarded as payrises or improvements in other conditions of employment.
   The policy lists examples of employee-related cost savings including changes to staffing levels, human resource policies, the composition of the workforce, work intensity and job redesign.
   It says savings can also be achieved through improved employee productivity; expansion of employees’ scope of work; and workforce management policies that lead to better utilisation of staff.
   It says rostering can be used to achieve savings as could increasing normal working hours; reducing allowable absences; enforcing minimum periods of annual leave to reduce leave liabilities; limiting access to ‘top up’ sick leave; reducing leave accruals during unpaid sick leave; eliminating payments for call backs within four hours; requiring higher duties for five days before paying allowances; and reducing maximums for accrued rostered days off.
   The policy also stipulates that only savings made after the commencement of the policy can be considered and reductions in conditions cannot take them below the minimum level.
   It lays out minimum conditions for paid and unpaid parental leave; superannuation contributions; long service or extended leave; annual and sick leave; pubic holiday entitlements and part-time work entitlements.
   The policy requires Agencies to consider their employees’ needs relating to balancing work and personal life, as well as ensuring access to salary sacrifice arrangements for superannuation and other purposes.
   It also requires approval by a Cabinet Standing Committee for each Agency’s bargaining parameters.
   “Agencies must consult the Wages Policy Taskforce on any proposal that may result in changes to remuneration or other conditions of employment,” the policy says.
   “The Wages Policy Taskforce is convened by the Department of Premier and Cabinet and includes representatives of NSW Treasury, the Department of Finance and Services and the Public Service Commission (when established).”
   The full policy can be downloaded at this PS News link.

29 June, 2011

Treasury pays up
for payouts

A new Treasury Circular has been issued setting out arrangements for supplementary funding of Departments and Agencies to meet the costs of employee redundancies.
   The Circular does not represent a substantive change to the existing policy but updates the arrangements following publication of the Premier’s Ministerial Memorandum M2011-11 detailing the new policy on managing excess PS employees.
   Signed by Treasury Deputy Secretary, Mark Ronsisvalle the Circular says funding would be available to assist Agencies meet the specific one-off costs associated with redundancies where the redundancy can be shown to result in a permanent reduction in expenses for the Agency.
   It says support had been put in place to assist Agencies achieve savings through efficiency dividends, wage offsets, other savings programs and Government directives.
   It says the assistance was available to general Government Agencies and, where there was justification, to other Agencies which receive significant operating subsidies or budget-funded grants.
   It says payments eligible to be funded centrally would include payments in lieu of notice, severance payments and standard incentive payments.
   The Circular says payments which are not eligible and therefore will still be met by the Agency include annual leave payments and retirement/superannuation fund benefits.
   Agencies seeking the supplementary funding should do so through their Minister to the Treasurer.
   “[The submission] will be reviewed by Treasury to verify that the program and supporting calculations are consistent with M2011-11 and this Circular,” the Circular says.
   “Recommendations will then be made to the Treasurer for funding and any net cost of service adjustments.”
   The Circular said that where the applications related to a non-budget sector Agency, the submission must be endorsed by the Agency that oversaw and funded the operating subsidy or program.
   “Once approval is obtained the redundancy program can be implemented,” it says.
   “Requests for reimbursement of payments or adjustments to cash allocations are to be forwarded to the Treasury analyst on a regular basis.”
   The full Treasury Circular can be downloaded from this PS News link.

29 June, 2011

Budget Office to
be reviewed

A public inquiry has been announced into the future role and functions of the Parliamentary Budget Office.
   Premier, Barry O’Farrell announced the move saying a Joint Select Committee of the Parliament would be set up to consider a range of issues relating to the Office including best practice, resourcing and oversight.
   Mr O’Farrell said one of the functions of the Office was to cost election promises.
   “The concept of having an independent process to cost election promises is a good one, but we have to ensure taxpayers are getting value for money,” Mr O’Farrell said.
   “This inquiry will look into the purpose of the Parliamentary Budget Office and whether the terms of the Act it is established under are appropriate.”
   He said the Select Committee would also look into the Office’s functions and powers, structures, staffing, resourcing, accountability and oversight mechanisms.
   He said under current arrangements the Office would cost taxpayers $13 million over four years.
   “It is appropriate that a Joint Select Committee conducts a full and open inquiry into whether the Office is in fact the best model for NSW for the purpose it is intended to serve,” Mr O’Farrell said.
   “For example, is it in taxpayers’ interest to have a full time, fully resourced Office to undertake tasks related to costing political parties’ election promises every four years or is it desirable that the role be expanded so it serves a meaningful purpose outside of election periods?”
   He said the Government had not made any decisions about the future of the Office and would be guided by the inquiry as to what steps were appropriate.
   “I am determined to deliver a system that ensures taxpayers get the truth about election commitments,” he said.
   Mr O’Farrell said the Committee would comprise MPs from both houses and would be chaired by the MP for Baulkam Hills, David Elliot.

29 June, 2011

Experts to advise on
‘recall’ elections

An advisory panel of experts is to be established to advise the Government on the possibility of introducing ‘recall elections’ in NSW.
   According to the Premier, Barry O’Farrell, recall elections would “give power back to the people” by triggering early elections.
   Mr O’Farrell said a “safety valve” was necessary to ensure fresh elections in cases where a Government became corrupt, incompetent or failed to act in the public’s best interests.
   He said David Jackson QC would chair the panel of experts, which would include Professor George Williams and Dr Elaine Thompson.
   “Eighteen US states including California have a recall mechanism, as well as the Canadian province of British Columbia,” Mr O’Farrell said.
   “The panel will be asked to consider the viability of introducing such a recall provision in NSW and the relevant requirements to force an early election.”
   He said the panel would examine the possible reasons required to trigger a recall election, the percentage of voters required to petition for a fresh election and whether or not time limits should apply before a Government could be forced back to the polls.
   “Generally my Government supports fixed four year terms for Parliament because they enable Governments to make the type of tough decisions that we are making now and deliver some certainty to the political process,” Mr O’Farrell said.
   “But we have to look at creating a safety valve where a deeply unpopular and/or corrupt Government has clearly lost public support and is damaging the State’s performance or prospects.”
   Mr O’Farrell said the present circumstances permitting an early election were very narrow.
   He said the panel’s terms of reference would require it to also examine the potential risks and benefits of a recall procedure.
   The panel would report back to the State Government by 30 September 2011.

29 June, 2011

Infrastructure fund
is big ticket item

A new fund to meet the costs of major infrastructure works has been announced by the Premier, Barry O’Farrell and Treasurer, Mike Baird.
   Restart NSW will fund a range of infrastructure projects across the State, with 30 per cent of its funds reserved for regional areas.
   Mr O’Farrell said Restart NSW would fund vital projects including public transport, road improvements, water utilities and freight and hospital upgrades.
   “Restart NSW will be funded from windfall State tax revenue allocated through the Budget process and other funds such as the proceeds of issuing Waratah Bonds,” Mr O’Farrell said.
   “It is also the intention to use funds from the proceeds of the proposed desalination plant transaction to boost Restart NSW.”
   He said the newly established Infrastructure NSW would determine how the fund was to be spent, to ensure fair investment.
   He said NSW had been “crying out” for a body like Infrastructure NSW and for the first time, the State would have an independent body laying out a strategic direction for infrastructure delivery.
   “The establishment of Infrastructure NSW will take the politics out of infrastructure decision-making to get the right projects delivered on time and on budget,” Mr O’Farrell said.
   “In other words, an independent body - without any obligation to do favours - will ensure the funds are allocated where they are needed most.”
   Mr Baird said Restart NSW would enable the Government to prioritise the State’s essential infrastructure in a fiscally responsible way.
   “The Auditor General will report to Parliament annually to ensure all funds are invested properly - in line with Restart NSW’s mandate,” Mr Baird said.
   “Funding contributions to Restart NSW will be invested into a dedicated interest earning account established by NSW Treasury Corporation, with interest revenue reinvested into Restart NSW.”
   He said projects to be funded by Restart NSW would be considered as part of a detailed 5-year Infrastructure Plan and 20 year State Infrastructure Strategy.

29 June, 2011

Carbon trading
pencilled in

Australia’s first Government-sponsored carbon trading scheme is to be trialled in the Lachlan Valley.
   Minister for Primary Industries, Katrina Hodgkinson said the soil carbon trading scheme would be piloted in the Lachlan Catchment in the Canowindra, Cudal and Manildra areas for up to five years.
   Ms Hodgkinson said the Lachlan Catchment Management Authority (CMA) had been engaged to deliver the project on behalf of her Department and the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage.
   “This project aims to find the best way to pay farmers to store carbon in their soil, while still achieving profitable and sustainable agricultural production,” Ms Hodgkinson said.
   “The Lachlan pilot will provide a better understanding of the potential of soils to sequester carbon, how a market-based scheme can tap into this potential and the best ways to get farmers to participate.”
   She said the project, funded under the NSW Catchment Management Action Program, could influence a national scheme for sequestering carbon in soil.
   Ms Hodgkinson said around 300 farmers were eligible to apply to participate in the pilot.
   “Both crop and livestock producers will be given the opportunity to bid competitively with other farmers to have their soil carbon sequestration activities funded,” she said.
   “Successful applicants can enter into contracts with Lachlan CMA to receive financial assistance over the period of the trial.”
   Ms Hodgkinson said the contracts would be based on verified increases in soil carbon, the adoption of standardised management techniques that increase soil carbon, or a combination of the two.
   “Soil samples will be sent to NSW Department of Primary Industries’ laboratories at Wollongbar, where LECO technology will be used to test carbon levels,” she said.
   “The trial will also provide a contrast of different farming techniques such as conventional cropping, minimal till cropping and livestock.”
   She said information sessions would be held in Canowindra, Manildra and Crudal in July.
   More information on the project can be obtained by phoning 1800 885 747 or online at this PS News link.

29 June, 2011

IPART buys into
consumer contracts

The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) has warned NSW consumers to take care entering ‘market contracts’ for electricity or gas.
   According to the Chief Executive of IPART, Jim Cox, recently approved increases in the regulated price of electricity and gas applied to small residential and business customers from 1 July 2011 but retailers may offer other contracts’ at lower prices.
   Mr Cox said the increases only applied to customers who were on regulated or ‘standard contracts’ with their energy retailer.
   “Retailers also offer ‘market contracts’ for electricity and gas, and the prices paid by customers on these contracts are often discounted compared to the regulated prices,” Mr Cox said.
   “Customers may be able to get a better deal by entering into a market contract.”
   Mr Cox said consumers who have been offered ‘market contracts’ should ask their energy retailer a couple of questions:

What actual prices will they be paying and how do those prices compare to the regulated prices in their area?
When can the prices change under the contract?
If the prices under the contract change on 1 July each year, what actual prices will they be paying after 1 July 2011?
How long do any discounts last?
Is the contract for a fixed period?
What happens if the contract is ended before the fixed period is over, are there any termination fees?
What happens when the fixed period ends?

   “It is also a good idea for customers to compare the prices and charges being offered under a market contract with those of other energy retailers,” Mr Cox said.
   “IPART’s myenergyoffers website is an independent source of this information, which allows you to easily compare all the generally available gas and electricity offers in your area.”
   He said IPART also recommended that customers read the terms and conditions of any offer and consider whether they suited their situation.
   “For example, the terms and conditions will tell you what payment options are available, what will happen if you pay a bill late, whether you have to pay a security deposit and whether you will have to pay a penalty if you move house during the contract period,” he said.
   Mr Cox said the myenergyoffers website could be accessed at this PS News link.

29 June, 2011

Holiday options
just the ticket

A new set of school holiday options and activities have been loaded onto the Office of Communities’ Go Play website and iPhone app in time for the coming holiday break from 4 July to 15.
   Minister for Citizenship and Communities, Victor Dominello said Go Play took the stress out of planning fun and affordable school holiday activities.
   “This winter we have a great range of indoor and outdoor activities for children of all ages,” Mr Dominello said
   “With the free Go Play iPhone app, parents can browse and compare different activities while they’re out and about, and then share their plans with friends via Facebook or Twitter.”
   He said the integrated 131 500 transport planner would also help parents pick the best public transport route to their venue.
   Mr Dominello said events on Go Play included Mini golf and Golf for beginners at the Sydney Olympic Park Golf Centre; a family bike riding puzzle; The Amazing Chase at Sydney Olympic Park; playtime for tomorrow’s builders and architects at Oikodome at the Powerhouse Museum; learning to make puppets for a puppet play at the Centennial Parklands Learning Centre; a cartooning workshop at the Art Gallery of NSW; creating an animal sculpture at the Shape Up sculpture workshop at the State Library of NSW; and watching the knights jousting at the Winterfest Medieval Fair at Parramatta Park.
   He said Go Play featured around 300 arts, cultural, sporting and recreational activities on offer from 16 NSW Government Agencies including the Sydney Opera House, the Australian Museum, Sports and Recreational Centres and NSW National Parks..
   “The Go Play site has become a popular choice for parents with about 44,000 visits to the site since its launch late last year,” Mr Dominello said.
   “We’re expecting the Go Play iPhone app to become just as popular – so far there have been over 400 downloads of the app.”
   He said the Go Play website and free iPhone app could be accessed and downloaded from this PS News link.

29 June, 2011

Dumping campaign
comes up dumps

The Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) has launched a new campaign to crack down on illegal dumping in the Sydney metropolitan area.
   Minister for the Environment, Robyn Parker said illegal dumping not only damaged the environment, but was an eyesore that undermined legitimate waste operators who were doing the right thing.
   Ms Parker said the Government was serious about chasing down rogue dumpers, who cost the community tens of millions of dollars every year.
   She said Operation Phoenix, led by OEH, would be targeting known transport routes for both legal and illegal operators, and tracking loaded vehicles to disposal sites.
   “If OEH officers suspect illegal activity they will request travel documents, collect information about the source of the waste and other evidence, which is used to determine the next course of action, be it prosecution, on the spot fines or clean-up orders,” Ms Parker said.
   “The campaign will mean that OEH officers will also be tracking waste operators who may well be operating perfectly legally.”
   She said this was an essential part of any crackdown, and those who were operating within the law would have nothing to fear.
   Ms Parker said reports from the community were often very helpful in finding illegal dumpers, who could face fines of up to $5 million or seven years in jail.
   “If people see what they suspect is illegal dumping they should report it to the OEH Environment Line on 131 555,” she said.
   “The more information people can give, such as vehicle registration numbers, locations and times, the easier it is for OEH to follow up the report.”

29 June, 2011

Road safety forum
gets green light

The Australian Youth and Road Trauma Forum is to continue educating high school students on the importance of road safety following a four year, $1 million commitment of support from the State Government.
   Premier, Barry O’Farrell said the forum aimed to reduce the fatality and injury of young people through road safety education and visual displays.
   “As the father of a teenager who’s just got his P plates and having sat through [one] of these sessions, I think it’s a fantastic program which highlights to students the danger of reckless driving,” Mr O’Farrell said.
   “This is exactly the sort of program I’m proud my Government is supporting because I’m confident this investment will save countless lives.”
   He said the forum, organised by the trauma staff at Westmead Hospital, involved more than 12,000 high school students from across NSW and the ACT.
   He said it would allow students to witness the “startling” realities of road trauma through graphic visual displays.
   “In 2010 alone, every week more than one person aged 15-24 died on our State’s roads from car crashes,” Mr O’Farrell said.
   “28% of all the road trauma admissions to Westmead Hospital last year were aged under 26 and, as a result, staff have a commitment to education that promotes prevention of road traffic trauma.”
   He said the forum was open to all students in Years 10, 11 and 12 from Government and non-Government schools.
   “Teens that attend the Forum will also witness a simulated fatal road crash as well as hear real stories from young people who have suffered brain injury in road crashes,” he said.
   “Research conducted by the University of New South Wales Injury Risk Management Research Centre has shown that students leave the forum with a changed attitude to driving and are more likely to retain road safety messages for an extended duration.”
   Mr O’Farrell said more information on the forum could be accessed at this PS News link.

29 June, 2011

Students look to PS
for study mentors

The Smith Family is calling for volunteers from the NSW Public Service with particular skills to join it in giving young students a good start in life by acting as mentors in its Learning for Life program.
   The charity has places available for mentors in the southern centres of Wagga Wagga, Goulburn, Nowra, Wollongong and Dapto.
   Volunteer Relationship Coordinator for Southern NSW and the ACT with The Smith Family, Michael Ormsby said the Learning for Life program supported tertiary education by providing students with a scholarship of up to $2,400 per year towards textbooks and other education expenses, and the opportunity to be matched with a mentor for support and guidance.
   Mr Ormsby said The Smith Family was looking for professional mentors in NSW with backgrounds and experience in areas such as acting and theatrical production, teaching (early childhood, preschool and kindergarten), secondary education (maths and IT), information systems, nursing, food science, cultural history, sports coaching, event management, psychology and commerce (human resources) and health science (medical radiation physics).
   He said the Tertiary Mentoring Program involved matching students with mentors who had worked or studied in the industry the students hoped to work in.
   Mr Ormsby said students and mentors would meet in person four times or more per year (typically twice per semester) for around an hour each time, and maintain contact via email or phone every four to six weeks.
   He said the mentor relationship was designed to last for the duration of the student’s course, with a minimum commitment of 12 months.
   He said The Smith Family was taking expressions of interest from interested mentors between June and August 2011 and would begin matching students with potential mentors starting in September.
   More information can be found by contacting Mr Ormsby on (02) 9085 7116 or emailing him at mich...@thesmithfamily.com.au

29 June, 2011

Railway partnership
steaming ahead

A partnership between the New South Wales and other State Governments, the Commonwealth and the railway industry is expected to lead to a new ‘roadmap’ for rail manufacturing.
   According to the Federal Minister for Innovation, Senator Kim Carr, the Rail Manufacturing Technology Roadmap would “help put the rail industry on the right track” for a successful future by matching its capabilities to domestic and international opportunities.
   Senator Carr said it was important Government understood the rail industry’s technology and manufacturing capabilities in order to identify development opportunities and ensure the industry continued to contribute significantly to the national economy.
   “The Roadmap will build a vision for the rail industry and provide direction for the next 30 years,” Senator Carr said.
   “It will identify pathways and areas for industry focus and investment, boosting capability and encouraging innovation.”
   He said Australia’s rail industry extended from signalling, communications and track; to rail components and building and maintaining rolling stock.
   He said the Roadmap would be developed over the next 12 months by ANU Edge and the Cooperative Research Centre for Rail Innovation, and the University of Cambridge Institute for Manufacturing and Strategic Connections Group.
   Senator Carr said rail industry stakeholders and interested parties were encouraged to put forward their views through the various workshops, interviews and surveys that would be organised.
   He said the Roadmap project was jointly funded by the New South Wales, Queensland and Victorian Governments as well as the Commonwealth and industry through the Australasian Railway Association.
   More information on the Roadmap and other rail supplier advocate initiatives can be found at this PS News link.

29 June, 2011

Phil fills bill after
killer tornado

As if dealing with NSW emergencies isn’t enough, Corporate Communications Manager with the State Emergency Services (SES), Phil Campbell also has his hands full responding to calls for help from the other side of the world.
   Following a tornado in the township of Phil Campbell in Alabama, USA, 20 men named Phil Campbell, three of them Australians, gathered to form a working-bee to provide assistance in the devastated area.
   Wearing T-shirts emblazoned with “I’m with Phil”, the Phil Campbells raised money, cleared debris and demolished buildings in order to help the community.
   NSW’s Mr Campbell, from the SES, said seven weeks after the tornado had hit, there was little progress made in clearing the debris, wrecked houses and trashed businesses.
   “Over one hundred families lost their homes – and in just those seven weeks since the tornado, the Phil Campbells of the world raised $30,000 which is enough to fund a house to be built by volunteer labour for one family, and we’re now raising funds to build more,” Mr Campbell said.
   “Where houses once stood are just concrete slabs, hundred-year-old trees have been reduced to jagged stumps, roofing iron is still caught in the tops of some, and we passed one tree in which a family’s washing was still caught in the branches.”
   He said a lot of clearing work was done along with some demolition.
   Mr Campbell said he also took dozens of SES soft-toy platypus mascots to give to local school children.
   “To be there was a life-changing experience,” he said.
   “Knowing we were bound by no more than our names and that of a small American town, and that between us we’d raised enough money to make a small but tangible difference in this small Deep South community.”
   Mr Campbell said new friendships were forged and a hoedown concert was organised to thank the Phil Campbell volunteers.
   More information on the town and its recovery can be found at this PS News link.

29 June, 2011

Grounded travellers
urged to aim high

Air travellers whose plans were affected by the recent ash-cloud and other events have been advised to contact Fair Trading for information on their consumer rights.
   Minister for Fair Trading, Anthony Roberts said Fair Trading could not direct travel related businesses, including airlines, in the way they managed the crisis but it could help resolve resultant disputes.
   “Affected consumers should consult their travel contracts and documents and check with service providers regarding refunds or alternative arrangements,” Mr Roberts said.
   “People will be facing situations where they have paid or made deposits on services they cannot now use, including accommodation, flights, tours and car hire.”
   He said consumers who used credit cards may be able to claim a ‘charge back’ via their credit card provider, but time limits applied.
   “Where disputes do arise between carriers and consumers, Fair Trading recommends consumers approach the supplier in the first instance,” he said.
   “If problems persist, people should direct complaints to the supplier’s Customer Services Manager.”
   Mr Roberts said it was best to put complaints in writing, particularly via email or fax.
   For insurance disputes, the Minister said they could be referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service on 1300 780 808 and free legal advice was available from the Insurance Law Service on 1300 663 464.
   He said visitors to NSW who experienced problems with travel related consumer services, could call the Traveller Consumer Helpline between 8.30am and 5pm Monday to Friday on 1300 55 20 01.
   Mr Roberts said more information on Fair Trading’s role could be accessed by calling 13 32 20, or by visiting the NSW Fair Trading website at this PS News link.

29 June, 2011

Centrelink scam
targets needy

The welfare agency Centrelink has issued a scam warning for people to be on the lookout for impostors posing as Centrelink Customer Service Officers in Sydney.
   The warning follows two incidents in the Auburn Local Government Area where people were asked to sign over to a particular energy provider to receive a $50 rebate from Centrelink.
   Area Manager for Western Sydney at Centrelink, Scott Chant said the Agency was not offering rebates of this kind.
   “People, particularly the elderly and those with minimal English language skills, should make sure they are dealing with a legitimate Centrelink Customer Service Officer before discussing any of their personal information or granting them permission to enter their home,” Mr Chant said.
   “Under normal circumstances, Centrelink will not visit customers at their home but contact them by phone first and make a pre-arranged appointment at a Centrelink office.”
   He said if a Centrelink Officer did visit a customer at home, he or she should produce an official Centrelink identification card with their name and photograph.
   “They should also provide the customer with a brochure titled Office and Home Interviews – Your Rights and Responsibilities,” he said.
   “Do not let anyone into your home unless they show you their identification card.”
   Mr Chant said clients who were concerned could call Centrelink on 1800 050 004 to confirm the authenticity of the officer before they let them into their home.
   “Centrelink has advised local police of these criminals’ operations and are working closely with them to ensure the safety and privacy of its customers,” he said.

29 June, 2011

New convention centre
plans unconventional

Public consultation is to be invited on plans for a new convention centre in Sydney with a major industry forum scheduled for 8 July.
   Premier, Barry O’Farrell said the forum would kick-start the consultation period by making the current design concept public; briefing industry on the Government’s timeframe, objectives and scope for the project; advising on potential development opportunities; and facilitating industry feedback to confirm the functional brief, design concept, and procurement options.
   “We’re moving on this quickly, but are also aware we need to get it right,” Mr O’Farrell said
   “So I make no apologies for extensive consultation with the experts.”
   Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Major Events, George Souris said the forum would reinforce the Government’s commitment to delivering the new convention centre in order to ensure Sydney became the premier destination for international conventions, exhibitions, entertainment and business events in Australia.
   “During the consultation period, the NSW Government will call for expressions of interest for the private sector to partner with Government in delivering the new facilities – with a shortlist and request for formal proposals to be released in November of this year,” Mr Souris said.
   “By March, the tender period will be finalised and the NSW Government will be awarding the proposal to the successful private sector partner in July 2012.”
   He said construction was expected to begin by the third quarter of 2012, with new facilities opened by 2015.
   “Hosting the meetings in Sydney will cement this city’s reputation as a global financial hub,” he said.
   “[It] will provide an opportunity to utilise the new convention and exhibition facility and showcase the new developments at Barangaroo.”

29 June, 2011

And in Other news...

Paramedics most trusted
For the seventh year in a row, Paramedics have been voted the most trusted profession.
   The Australian Reader’s Digest Trust Survey, which has been running for seven years, sampled a group of more than 1,000 Australians.
   The survey, which was conducted by a leading independent research company, put Paramedics just ahead of Fire-fighters, Nurses, Pilots and Doctors.

Inspector found corrupt
A former Willoughby City Council building inspector was found to have been engaged in corrupt conduct by the Independent Commission Against Corruption.
   The Commission found the inspector exploited his official functions to favour various business owners in the Chatswood area in return for cash, gifts, free meals and free massages and sexual services.
   The full investigation report can be found at this PS News link.

Price probe seeks comments
The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal is inviting public comment on the pricing of water provided by the Sydney Desalination Plant.
   The Tribunal released an issues paper inviting submissions from the public and stakeholders.
   Submissions close 29 July 2011.

Lake water lowered
The Murray Darling Basin Authority is planning to lower the water level in Lake Mulwala over the next two weeks.
   The further lowering is to eradicate remaining areas of an invasive aquatic weed called Egeria.
   The lowering is expected to kill off the weed in any exposed areas.

Carers Awards open
Minister for Ageing and Disability Services, Andrew Constance has encouraged people to submit nominations for the NSW Carers Award.
   With over 748,000 carers through the State, the Awards recognise carers from eight categories.
   These include Young Carer, Senior Carer, Caring Partner, Carer-Friendly Workplace, Carer Support Group, Caring Family or Parent, Caring Volunteer or Community Member, Caring School.
   Nominations close on the 22 July 2011 and can be submitted at this PS News link.

Farmer finalists named
The finalists for the NSW Farmer of the Year and Young Farmer of the Year Awards have been announced.
   Among the finalists are a fourth generation Merino producer from Wellington, a couple who run a beef breeding operation near Narrabri and a beef breeder from Book Book.
   The annual awards are being coordinated by the Department of Primary Industries and NSW Farmers.
   More information on the award can be found at this PS News link.

22 June, 2011

ICAC strengthened
to protect integrity

New powers for the Independent Commission Against Corruption, strengthened protections for whistleblowers and changes to the rules governing Government advertising have been announced by the Premier, Barry O’Farrell.
   Mr O’Farrell said the measures would “restore integrity to Government in NSW”.
   “We promised reforms to restore integrity and honesty into Government and we are
   delivering on that commitment,” Mr O’Farrell said.
   He said action to protect whistleblowers meant public authorities would be required to designate an officer to receive information from whistleblowers and report back to people making disclosures within 45 days.
   Agencies would also have to report the number of disclosures made by whistleblowers each quarter.
   “In making these changes we have taken on board the recommendations of the Ombudsman to further strengthen our original plans to give whistleblowers more protection,” Mr O’Farrell said.
   He said the proposed changes also included strengthened the powers of the Independent Commission Against Corruption as well as those of the Inspector of the ICAC.
   He said among the changes to ICAC would be the power to enable the production of comprehensive briefs of evidence for prosecutions arising from corruption investigations; powers to allow it to seek prosecutions for perjury in higher courts; and powers for the Commissioner to remove staff members in whom he or she had lost confidence.
   Mr O’Farrell said the Inspector of ICAC would be permitted to publish reports more widely and would benefit from receive more information from ICAC relating to covert surveillance;
   He said changes to Government advertising would see the prohibition of party-political material with the Auditor-General empowered to scrutinise all Government advertising campaigns to ensure they complied.
   “Most importantly, we will make political parties liable to pay back the costs of advertising campaigns that breach these laws,” Mr O’Farrell said.

22 June, 2011

Salary cap to fit
senior staff too

The salary caps applying to Public Service payrises in NSW are to be extended to Judges, Magistrates and other senior Public Servants.
   Premier, Barry O’Farrell said the 2.5 per cent per year limit would also apply to Mayors and Councillors in Local Government and to the Members of State Parliament.
   Mr O’Farrell said MPs and senior PS staff bureaucrats should be treated exactly the same as nurses, teachers and other front line public servants.
   “No one wants to limit wage rises for hard working, nurses, teachers and other public servants but it has to be done if we are to fix NSW,” Mr O’Farrell said.
   “Our policy is clear - we will allow 2.5 per cent wage rises across the public service and rises above that level will need to be offset by productivity gains.
   He said if front line workers were going to have their increases limited to 2.5 per cent, then the same restriction should apply to Members of Parliament and other senior PS staff as well.
   He said the wages policy would ensure all public officials would be treated equally, while ensuring money was well spent.
   The Premier said the new law would ensure PS staff received fair pay increases and included an incentive to receive more if it was offset by savings.
   “We will be able to strike a balance between delivering fair wages for Public Servants while keeping the budget under control,” he said.

22 June, 2011

Circular sets scene
for worker action

The Department of Premier and Cabinet has issued a Circular providing direction and advice to Departments and Agencies likely to be caught up in industrial action.
   Circular C2011-19 Public Sector Industrial Relations, signed by the Director-General of DPC, Chris Eccles was issued following union comments and actions in response to the Industrial Relations Amendment (Public Sector Conditions of Employment) Bill.
   The Circular says a new Directive has been issued providing agencies with strategic and operational protocols for managing industrial action.
   “Agencies are to advise the Department of Premier and Cabinet immediately they are notified of, or become aware of, actual or proposed industrial action,” the Circular says.
   The Directive says Agencies must immediately record any industrial action and assess its impact on service delivery, other Agencies or the public, as well as any financial implications arising from the action.
   It sets out a range of actions available to agencies in response to industrial action, including informing employees they are required to attend to their duties as normal; not approving recreational or other leave where it coincided with industrial action; and not paying the salaries of employees for the time they fail to fulfil their duties.
   It also says Agencies should record the unauthorised absence of each employee and advise them that a medical certificate would need to be produced to support an application for sick/carers leave.
   The Directive says Agencies may refuse to authorise absences or require staff to be present at particular times in order to maintain an appropriate level of staffing, and may refuse requests by unions to meet with staff during normal working hours.
   It says Agencies should also allow all employees who want to work, to do so and warns that the victimisation of staff members prior to, during or following industrial action is not allowed.
   The Directive says all parties must comply with the dispute resolution and/or grievance provisions and Agencies should be prepared to seek the assistance of the Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) at the earliest opportunity.
   The Circular can be accessed at this PS News link and the Directive downloaded from this PS News link.

22 June, 2011

Audit throws book at
Barangaroo risks

The Auditor-General has issued a warning on the $1 billion Barangaroo project, saying “considerable risks” remained for the implementation of the project.
   In his report Government expenditure and transport planning in relation to implementing Barangaroo, Auditor-General Peter Achterstraat said the project was an ambitious and significant development for NSW but public transport limitations could impact on its success and there were question marks over its financial modelling.
   Mr Achterstraat said the three key risks to the success of the project included the possibility that developer contributions to Government could be less than forecast; the cost of the domain to be constructed by the Government could be higher than expected; and planned transport solutions may not be started or completed on time.
   He said one of the main factors in the success of the project depended on people being able to commute to and from Barangaroo with ease.
   He said 63 per cent of commuters were expected to use rail in the AM peak, which would increase the daily commuter load by 14,300 from December 2023 at the nearest train station.
   “Wynyard station is nearing capacity and will need to handle many more commuters,” Mr Achterstraat said.
   “Transport solutions for the CBD need to be started and completed on time.”
   He said the report also highlighted significant risks for the 15-year financial forecast, with the revenue from the developer likely to vary from that expected.
   “Barangaroo’s financial forecast has not been comprehensively revised since December 2009,” he said.
   “An update is especially important as the project enters its construction phase.”
   Mr Achterstraat said the financial modelling failed to include part of the cost of the Baragaroo Pedestrian link ($186 million), three ferry wharves (around $45 million) and the fit-out of the cultural space within the Headland Park (yet to be estimated).
   “Costs need to be monitored very closely so that the public domain part of Barangaroo remains within the $1 billion budget and at no cost to Government,” he said.
   “Any savings could fund other Government projects like schools and hospitals.”
   The full text of the Auditor-General’s report can be accessed at this PS News link and the audit team was led by Chris Bowdler, assisted by Lucy Stedman and Sean Crumlin.

22 June, 2011

Annual reports win
annual awards

The Annual reports of many NSW public sector Agencies were prominent among those recognised for excellence at the 2011 Australasian Reporting Awards (ARA) presented in Melbourne recently.
   Now in their 61st year, the Awards are primarily a benchmarking activity - not a competition – with reports judged against criteria to receive a Gold, Silver or Bronze Award.
   Chairman of the ARA, Tim Sheehy said the 2011 Awards were highlighted by very high standards of reporting despite the difficult economic times experience by many organisations during the reporting period.
   “The record number of Gold Awards shows that many organisations in Australia and New Zealand are very concerned about improving the quality of their annual reports, and further, that the quality of the best reports entered in these Awards is very high by world standards,” Mr Sheehy said.
   “It also indicates the ARA and its strong supporters, which include the professional associations CPA Australia and Chartered Secretaries Australia, have been very effective in both promoting the need for high quality reporting, and in helping organisations improve their performance.”
   He said the ARA also presented Special Awards for reporting in areas critical to the performance and accountability of an organisation, which included awards for best reporting on governance, sustainability, and occupational health and safety; and for communication and online reporting.
   Gold Award winners from NSW included the Art Gallery of NSW, the City of Ryde, the Judicial Commission of NSW, Legal Aid NSW, the Library Council of NSW, the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority, the Sydney Opera House and the NSW Audit Office.
   Among the organisations receiving Silver Awards were the Cancer Institute of NSW, Centennial Park and Moore Park Trust, Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, Hawkesbury-Nepean Catchment Management Authority, Hunter Water Corporation, the Independent Transport Safety Regulator, NSW Electoral Commission, NSW Clinical Excellence Commission, NSW Fire Brigades, the NSW Ombudsman, Parramatta City Council, the Roads and Traffic Authority, the University of Newcastle and Wagga Wagga City Council.
   Bronze Award winners included Cancer Council NSW, Ku-ring-gai Council, the Department of Justice and Attorney General, Penrith City Council, Port Kembla Port Corporation, Port Stephens Council, Sydney Ferries, Sydney Ports Corporation, Sydney Water, and The Hills Shire Council.
   As well as receiving a Gold Award, the Judicial Commission of New South Wales was a finalist in the Report of the Year Award which was taken out by the City of Boroondara from Victoria.

22 June, 2011

Tax cut planned to
create more jobs

Payroll tax is to be cut to create new jobs.
   Premier, Barry O’Farrell announced the plan saying it was part of a campaign to create up to 100,000 extra jobs across the NSW workforce.
   “I am appalled at the latest employment figures which showed that NSW is shedding jobs at a rate of more than 100 a day,” Mr O’Farrell said.
   “We are determined to not only end the slump but create an extra 100,000 jobs for people across the State.”
   Mr O’Farrell said the Government would offer a payroll tax rebate of $4,000 to businesses, which was the equivalent of the annual payroll tax bill for one employee on the average wage.
   He said it would be paid in two parts after the employee was hired, with the first after 12 months and the second after 24 months.
   He said the tax cuts would get the State moving again by creating more jobs for young people and more jobs in factories and manufacturing.
   Minister for Finance and Services, Greg Pearce said the rebate would give businesses the incentives they needed to employ new workers and stay in NSW.
   “Under our Jobs Action Plan, businesses that increase employment levels will not pay any payroll tax on the additional employees for their first year of employment,” Mr Pearce said.
   “To qualify for the rebate, the job must be a genuinely new position - defined as an increase in employee numbers over and above the highest number of NSW employees at the company over the last 12 months.”
   Treasurer, Mike Baird said the rebate would help make NSW the best State to do business in.
   “Over the past decade NSW has suffered the lowest jobs growth of any Australian State,” Mr Baird said.
   “The payroll tax rebate will give employers greater confidence to accelerate the expansion of their business and their workforce.”
   He said 100,000 new payroll tax paying jobs for NSW would translate to a rise in economic activity of up to $3.6 billion and would assist with restoring confidence to the NSW economy.
   “We are determined to create more jobs in NSW and the payroll tax rebate will not only encourage employment, but more importantly, it will promote the creation of long term sustainable jobs for the people of NSW,” Mr Baird said.

22 June, 2011

Electric price hike
sparks concerns

The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) has determined electricity price rises of an average 17.3 per cent across NSW
   In delivering its decision, the Tribunal registered its concern at the size of the increase.
   Chairman of IPART, Rod Sims said the price rises could be attributed to an increase in network costs that retailers were required to pay and the Federal Government’s Renewable Energy Target (RET) scheme.
   He said increases would vary between retailers with EnergyAustralia’s customers to see a 17.9 per cent increase, Integral Energy customers a 15.5 per cent rise and Country Energy customers an 18.1 per cent increase.
   He said annually, the average residential customer would pay $216 to $316 extra, and the average business customer would see an increase of $307 to $528 per year.
   He said the increases were necessary for electricity companies to recover the increased costs of doing business.
   Mr Sims said IPART welcomed State and Federal Government initiatives to correct “inappropriate” network and green policy settings, aimed at providing relief to the continuing increases in electricity prices.
   “We continue to recommend a number of further changes to Government policy because we believe there is more that can and should be done to ensure that customers are not paying more than necessary,” Mr Sims said.
   In delivering its determination, IPART had made a number the recommendations to the Government.
   Mr Sims said these included reviewing the National Electricity Rules to ensure network prices reflected the efficient cost of supply; making changes to the merits review provisions in the National Electricity Law to ensure a more balanced appeal process for network determinations; providing additional funding for customer groups to ensure they had sufficient technical expertise to engage in the review process; ensuring there was emergency assistance available to customers in financial distress; and reviewing Government’s package of customer assistance measures to make sure that it was delivering the best possible assistance to customers who needed it.
   Mr Sims said IPART also recommended the Government ensure the most cost-efficient options were adopted in the future, with particular attention to the elimination of the Renewable Energy Target scheme; a requirement that electricity retailers redistribute financial gains made from the Solar Bonus Scheme to offset the costs of the scheme; tightening of the Energy Savings Scheme; and evaluating all Government green schemes to ensure they remained cost effective.

22 June, 2011

Tribunal decides on
new news service

A new internet based news service has been launched by the Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal (CTTT) to keep consumers up to date on issues relating to dispute resolution in NSW.
   Minister for Fair Trading, Anthony Roberts encouraged consumers to subscribe to What’s New at the CTTT, available through the ‘About Us’ section of the website.
   Mr Roberts said subscribers would be told about upcoming events, new CTTT initiatives, changes to the website and new information resources.
   He said throughout the year, the Tribunal also held a range of community education events and consultative forums for stakeholders.
   Mr Roberts said the CTTT was an independent, specialist service for the “fair and timely” resolution of disputes, with applications available in the divisions of Tenancy, Social Housing, General, Home Building, Motor Vehicles, Strata and Community Schemes, Residential Parks, Commercial, and Retirement Villages.
   He said each division had specific application forms which could also be found on the Tribunal’s website.
   He said the CTTT received an average 60,000 applications each year and held approximately 70,000 hearings across 70 venues around the State.
   “The CTTT finalises 75 per cent of matters prior to or at hearing,” Mr Roberts said.
   “The majority of disputes are resolved within one month and 64 percent are resolved within 35 days of lodgement.
   He said the new What’s New service and many other resources were available online at this PS News link.

22 June, 2011

Murray water release
to go with the flow

The Commonwealth Government has announced that millions of litres of water have been released as environmental flows into the Murrumbidgee River to benefit lakes and wetlands in the Murray system as far downstream as South Australia’s Lower Lakes and Coorong.
   Federal Minister for Water, Tony Burke said the environmental flows include more than 100 gigalitres of Commonwealth water and additional contributions from the State Government and the Murray-Darling Basin Authority’s Living Murray program.
   Mr Burke said restoring the health of the Murray River was one of Australia’s biggest environmental challenges.
   He said the water would improve the river’s health and replenish river red gums and wetlands along the Murrumbidgee River from Gundagai through to the Murray River.
   Minister for the Environment, Robyn Parker said the wetlands provided habitat for rare, endangered and vulnerable species including waterbirds, frogs and other wildlife.
   “The delivery of this water has been carefully planned in close consultation with local and regional stakeholders through the Murrumbidgee environmental water advisory group,” Ms Parker said.
   “Environmental water will build on the benefits from recent river flows in spring 2010, which filled many wetlands for the first time in 10 years.”
   She said watering the wetlands meant they would stay full through winter and spring providing vegetation with their best chance to flourish.
   She said the flow into the Murrumbidgee River was being delivered through releases from Burrinjuck and Blowering Dams over 10 days or so this month, with assistance from the State Water Corporation and the Office of Environment and Heritage.
   According to Mr Burke, the release was the equivalent of discharging the water from 75,000 Olympic size swimming pools.
   He said it was the largest use of Commonwealth environment water that had occurred to date.
   “Because we have had a wet year in 2010-11 this is a real opportunity to build on good flows and carry over water in dams for future use,” Mr Burke said.
   He said it would mean there was improved insurance for the environment when drier times returned.

22 June, 2011

RTA reminder drives
motorists online

The Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) has issued a reminder to motorists that they can update ownership details online when buying or selling a vehicle.
   The RTA said only a small number of motorists in the State remembered to complete a Notice of Disposal when they sold or disposed of a vehicle.
   It said submission was free and was much quicker and easier using the online facilities.
   “It is the responsibility of the seller to let the RTA know when they sell or dispose of a vehicle by submitting a Notice of Disposal,” a spokesperson for the Authority said.
   “If the seller does this promptly the buyer can easily register the vehicle into their own name.”
   The RTA urged buyers to encourage the seller to complete the Notice of Disposal upon sale in order to avoid inconvenience.
   “If the seller does not complete the form, the buyer will need to visit a motor registry and will not be able to complete their registration online,” the spokesperson said.
   “Motorists need to be aware if they do not update the vehicle ownership details as soon as possible, they can be held responsible for offences committed by the new owner until the new owner registers the vehicle in their name.”
   The Authority said sellers needed to provide information about the vehicle, the seller and the buyer in order to complete a Notice of Disposal.
   Online Registration Transfer can be carried out on the MyRTA website, available at this PS News link.

22 June, 2011

Forestry NSW logs onto
manager workshops

A series of workshops to improve incident management in major forest fires has been announced by Forests NSW.
   State Fire Manager at Forests NSW, Tim McGuffog said the next workshop for Forestry staff was being run at Coffs Harbour this week and would be followed by one in Pennant Hills in August.
   Mr McGuffog said the week-long workshops would address issues in fire incident control management which arose from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s 2009 bushfires.
   “Leadership and teamwork within incident management teams was one of the most important issues to come out of the Royal Commission and the other one was getting information to the public,” Mr McGuffog said.
   He said 70 senior Forests NSW staff would be attending the workshops, which would focus on community relations and updated fire management procedures.
   “With a very valuable public estate covering some 2.4 million hectares of forest across NSW, fire fighting is a crucial part of Forests NSW business,” he said.
   Mr McGuffog said the workshops would also feature key presenters including Stuart Ellis, who assisted counsel in the Victorian Royal Commission, and Bob Kearney, a volunteer fire fighter from South Australia.
   He said the primary instructor for the workshops, Kevin Monk, a former training manager with the Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment, would give an overview and update of incident management focusing on the importance of public information.
   Mr McGuffog said as well as presentations, the workshops would be interactive, with an emphasis on group discussions and feedback, and the opportunity to ensure that senior Forests NSW staff had the most current incident management qualifications.

22 June, 2011

MyZone has tickets
on light rail

A plan to include light rail in the MyZone ticketing system has been announced to save commuters time and money and encourage the use of public transport.
   Minister for Transport, Gladys Berejiklian revealed the plan to allow commuters who used MyMulti tickets as part of the MyZone system, to use the light rail network.
   “This is great news for commuters, tourists, pensioners and families,” Ms Berejiklian said.
   “Including light rail in MyZone means a more integrated ticketing system and less hassle for commuters who want access to all modes of public transport in Sydney on one ticket.”
   She said tickets that would now be recognised on light rail included MyMulti weekly (adult and concession); MyMulti 28, 90 and 365 day; MyMulti Day (adult and concession); Pensioner Excursion; and Family Funday Sunday Tickets.
   “Including light rail in MyZone will increase access to public transport and encourage more people to get out of their cars,” Ms Berejiklian said.
   She said MyZone tickets would now be recognised on the 7.2 kilometre Inner West Light Rail route between Central Station and Lilyfield.
   The Minister said the NSW Government had also established a light rail project team to conduct a feasibility study into further extensions to the network in the CBD, the University of NSW and the University of Sydney.
   “Light rail will also be included in the future electronic ticketing system because light rail will only succeed in Sydney if it is part of the broader public transport network,” she said.

22 June, 2011

Sports Ministers in
match fixing tackle

NSW has signed up to a new national strategy to stamp out match fixing in sport.
   Minister for Sport and Recreation, Graham Annesley said the national policy would pursue consistent national legislation with the intention of meeting the potential threat to sport posed by corrupt conduct and organised crime.
   “The Government is very supportive of a national approach to addressing the issue of inappropriate and fraudulent sports betting involving any attempted match-fixing,” Mr Annesley said.
   “Following today’s announcement I will work closely with Commonwealth Government authorities and my colleagues in NSW, particularly the Attorney General and the Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Hospitality and Racing, to ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to meet the challenges ahead.”
   He said the enormous growth of gambling on sporting events, specifically the recent increase in more exotic bet types, was one of the most significant threats to the integrity of sport.
   “Australians expect the sport they watch or participate in to be played honestly and to the ideals of fair play and good sportsmanship,” Mr Annesley said.
   “Having worked in professional sport as an administrator for many years, I recognise the significant contribution of sport to our society and the good it can do for communities.”
   He said any sport with questionable integrity would not enjoy public confidence and over time would become a “sideshow lacking credibility”.
   He said the State Government would pursue close consultation with national and state sporting bodies in implementing the policy.
   Mr Annesley said the Government was committed to doing everything possible to ensure sports were free from the threat of match-fixing and corruption.

22 June, 2011

Airport lands
radar upgrade

A $6 million upgrade of a major radar facility at Sydney airport has been announced by Airservices Australia.
   General Manager of Technology and Asset Services at Airservices, Alastair Hodgson said the national Mode S Terminal Area Radar project would significantly enhance the ability of air traffic controllers to monitor aircraft in all weather conditions, up to 474 km around the city.
   “Mode S technology delivers significant benefits to Airservices and the aviation industry, including higher rates of operational availability, the quality and quantity of the data received, and less frequent maintenance requirements,” Mr Hodgson said.
   “[It also] allows selective interrogation of individual aircraft and offers the ability to receive Down-linked Aircraft Parameter (DAP) data.”
   He said the upgraded radar equipment would be better protected from high winds and would improve safety by ensuring extended and uncontrolled outages were kept to a minimum.
   He said work to replace the existing radar was enabled through the use of a temporary radar facility at Cecil Park in western Sydney.
   “By using a temporary radar facility during these critical works, we were able to maintain high safety levels for aircraft while replacing key surveillance technology in our busiest airport,” Mr Hodgson said.
   He said upgrades in Sydney follow similar projects at airports in Queensland, Victoria and the Northern Territory.
   Mr Hodgson said another radar was expected to be commissioned in South Australia next month.

22 June, 2011

Mental health talks
to develop policy

Community consultation on reforms to mental health services in NSW has been announced by the Premier, Barry O’Farrell and Minister for Mental Health, Kevin Humphries.
   Mr O’Farrell said the consultation would build on steps being taken towards the establishment of a Mental Health Commission by mid-2012.
   “Our responsibility is to build the framework for the next generation of mental health care and we want to ensure we get it right,” Mr O’Farrell said.
   “Over the next six weeks, the NSW Government’s Mental Health Taskforce will oversee consultation across the State.”
   He said people could participate in a variety of ways which included attending one of six major forums to be held in central Sydney, Western Sydney, Dubbo, Wagga Wagga, Coffs Harbour and Nowra; completing an online survey; or by attending local events held by MPs.
   “The NSW Government is encouraging MPs from all sides of politics to gather ideas and views from across their own local communities,” he said.
   The Premier said the consultation would help the Government better manage the experience of mental health patients and carers; divert mental health patients away from the prison system; and ensure the smooth operation of the Mental Health Review Tribunal.
   “We want to ensure there is quarantined and accountable funding for mental health expenditure and that resources are focused where they are most needed, through the most appropriate models of care,” Mr O’Farrell said.
   Minister for Mental Health, Kevin Humphries said the online survey would ensure people who could not attend a major forum or a local event organised by their State MP would still have an opportunity to have their say.
   “It’s important that we get this right, and the message I’m hearing time and again from families of suicide victims and others suffering mental health problems is that the previous Government didn’t listen to those directly impacted by mental health problems,” Mr Humphries said.
   “The NSW Government will work to build a mental health system in which the NSW community can have confidence.”
   More information and access to the online survey can be found at this PS News link.

22 June, 2011

Refugees at home
in Refugee Week

The people of NSW have joined in celebrating Australia’s humanitarian efforts and the positive contributions made by refugees in Refugee Week 2011, now on.
   Federal Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen, said the community had embraced Refugee week in the State’s major cities and regional areas with hundreds of events staged in recognition of refugees’ remarkable journeys.
   Mr Bowen said refugees had added to the rich diversity of the nation and Refugee Week gave all Australians an opportunity to feel proud of their country’s humanitarian efforts.
   “Since the end of World War II, more than 750,000 refugees and others in humanitarian need have been resettled in Australia,” Mr Bowen said.
   “We’re playing our part in providing refugees with protection, assisting others who are in great humanitarian need and in reuniting families.”
   He said the fundamentals of the humanitarian program had served the community well and had evolved over time to respond to changing situations across the globe.
   He said some of the festivities would include the annual Humanitarian Awards in Sydney, the Australian Refugee Film Festival in Coffs Harbour, African drumming and singing workshops in Orange and a traditional market in Wollongong featuring arts, crafts and music from Asia and Africa.
   A list of events for Refugee Week 2011 can be found at this PS News link.

22 June, 2011
Electricity warning
Deputy Commissioner at Fair Trading NSW, Steve Griffin has warned NSW residents of the dangers of electricity and the importance of using licensed electricians for all electrical work.
   Mr Griffin said the warning follows findings that in 2009/10 there were five fatalities from 51 accidents, up from the four fatalities from 47 accidents in the previous year.
   He said the increase was a serious concern.
   He said reports on electrical accidents, as well as more information, was available from this PS News link.

Land survey begins
A three-month airborne land survey has commenced in far north-east NSW as part of the New Frontiers exploration initiative.
   The low impact survey will collect new data to assist the Government’s strategic land use decision making and determine the potential for future investment.
   It will collect new data to assist in mapping rock types and structures and provide an efficient database for land use and natural resource management in the State.
   Once the survey is completed, 88 per cent of NSW will have been surveyed.

DPI warns on mice baits
The Department of Primary Industries has urged farmers to use registered mice baits.
   The Department has also warned that if instructions are not followed correctly, they impact on wildlife and domestic animals.
   It said poor practices can lead to “bait shyness” where mice are less likely to eat the real bait after coming across illegal and ineffective baits.
   More information can be found at this PS News link.

15 June, 2011

New consumer alliance
for super protection

A new ‘Super-Complaints’ service for consumers has been announced by NSW Fair Trading.
   Announcing that Fair Trading had entered an 18-month trial agreement with consumer group CHOICE to provide the service, the Minister for Fair Trading, Anthony Roberts said the private organisation was a significant contributor to consumer research and policy development.
   Mr Roberts said the new service would allow CHOICE to present evidence of any market failures that posed a risk to consumers in NSW to Fair Trading for consideration.
   He said Fair Trading would research and assess the issues raised and report publicly on any action taken.
   “CHOICE has previously undertaken significant research work for NSW Fair Trading, on extended warranties and credit card surcharges,” Mr Roberts said.
   “The organisations work well together, so I expect encouraging results from this pilot project.”
   Chief Executive at CHOICE, Nick Stace said the Super-Complaints project put power into the hands of the public.
   “Where consumers identify problems that add up to systemic failures in any particular sector, CHOICE will have the authority to formally refer these sectors to the scrutiny of Fair Trading,” Mr Stace said.
   “New South Wales is only the second place in the world to introduce such powers and the first to do so in Australia.”
   He said following a successful trial in NSW, he hoped a similar arrangement would be introduced nationally.

15 June, 2011

Queen pins honours
on starring staff

Public sector staff appeared prominently in the 2011 Queens’ Birthday Honours list with the following personnel singled out for awards for excellence, commitment and ability.
The new awards are:

MEMBER IN THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA (AM)

Professor Janette (Jennie) BRAND-MILLER AM
University of Sydney
For service to education in the field of human nutrition as a researcher and academic, and as a supporter of people with a hearing impairment.

Dr Michael John DUDLEY AM
Sydney Children's Hospital
For service to medicine as a clinician in the child and adolescent mental health area, to medical education, and to a range of professional associations.

Michael John DWYER AM
Formerly with First State Super
For service to the superannuation industry through leadership and executive roles, and to the community through Australia for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

Professor Leslie David FIELD AM
University of New South Wales
For service to the administration of higher education, and to the discipline of chemistry as an academic and researcher.

Professor Lisa Rae JACKSON PULVER AM
University of New South Wales
For service to medical education, particularly through the Muru Marri Indigenous Health Unit at the University of New South Wales, and as a supporter of educational opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Professor George John WILLIAMS AM
University of New South Wales
For distinguished service to the law in the fields of anti-terrorism, human rights and constitutional law as an academic, author, adviser and public commentator.

MEDAL OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA (OAM)

Kerrie Louise GRIFFITH OAM
Nowra High School
For service to public education in the Shoalhaven area.

Dr Nicholas Alexander TALLEY OAM
St George Hospital
For service to medicine in the field of gastroenterology.

Bruce Raymond WHITE OAM
Formerly with the Department of Agriculture
For service to the beekeeping industry.

Professor Peter William WOLNIZER OAM
University of Sydney
For service to higher education in the field of business and economics as an academic and administrator.

Associate Professor James MacDougall WYLLIE OAM
University of Western Sydney
For service to medicine as a surgeon, to medical administration and professional associations, and to the community of Mount Druitt.

PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL PSM

Michael James ARANDT PSM
For outstanding public service to water management in New South Wales.

Mr Arandt has demonstrated exemplary public service over the past 30 years to State Water authorities, the communities of Menindee and Broken Hill and a vast number of water users across New South Wales. Regarded by his peers as a public servant of the highest character, Mr Arandt played an integral role in the management of the Menindee Lakes water storage scheme throughout a period that included floods in 1998 and 2000, and the extended drought from 2002 until 2009.

Thomas John BAGNAT PSM
National Parks and Wildlife
For outstanding public service to the National Parks and Wildlife Service in New South Wales.
Mr Bagnat has demonstrated outstanding commitment to his work, to the community and to the environment throughout his extensive career with NPWS. He has held his current position as Regional Manager, Central Coast Hunter Range Region, for over 11 years.

James Alexander CHRISTIAN PSM
Department of Human Services,
For outstanding public service to Indigenous affairs in the NSW Department of Human Services.
Mr Christian has provided an outstanding service in improving opportunities for economic participation and employment of Indigenous people. He initiated and implemented programs which significantly contributed to the improvement of the economic position of Indigenous people.

John Brown CUMBERFORD PSM
Bathurst Library and Museum
For outstanding public service to the provision of library services in New South Wales.
For almost 40 years, Mr Cumberford has been a dedicated, skilled and enthusiastic Librarian within the public service.

Mrs Shirley Anne FULLER PSM
New England
For outstanding public service to the provision of educational services in the New England region.
Mrs Fuller has provided outstanding leadership and service in public education which have influenced school students, their families and teachers in rural New South Wales. For more than 40 years, Mrs Fuller has provided outstanding educational services in the New England region.

Fiona Margaret HOWARD PSM
NSW Police
For outstanding public service to the provision of educational services in the NSW Police Force.

Stewart James McLEOD PSM
Dubbo Local Government
For outstanding public service in the areas of water supply and sewerage management in New South Wales, particularly in the Dubbo region.
Mr McLeod has made an outstanding contribution to local government and public works engineering in New South Wales. He is recognised as a visionary and active leader who championed the development of critical infrastructure in Dubbo, where he has served for over 30 years in Engineering and Technical Services.

Dianne Jeanette MARSHALL PSM
Department of Education and Training
For outstanding public service to the provision of educational services in New South Wales.
Mrs Marshall is an educator who has made a substantial impact to improving the quality of teaching in New South Wales. In her role as Program Director of the Digital Education Revolution, she has demonstrated outstanding leadership which generated successful outcomes for teaching and learning in New South Wales public secondary schools.

Rodney Kelvin STOWE PSM
NSW Fair Trading
For outstanding public service in the provision of consumer protection to the community of New South Wales.
For more than three decades, Mr Stowe has demonstrated exceptional service in public administration, particularly within NSW Fair Trading, in excelling in the provision of consumer protection to the citizens of New South Wales. Both in his policy and operational roles, Mr Stowe has consistently driven NSW Fair Trading towards delivering better outcomes for consumers and quality service to the public.

Joseph William WAUGH PSM
NSW Law Reform Commission
For outstanding public service to the NSW Law Reform Commission.
Over the past 14 years, Mr Waugh has been dedicated to ensuring recommendations are made for effective law reform in New South Wales. In his role as a Law Reform Officer, he undertakes high level research with a meticulous approach, and contributes to providing complex policy advice on law reform projects as well as assisting in project management and consultation.

AUSTRALIAN POLICE MEDAL (APM)

Superintendent Matthew Gerard (Matt) APPLETON APM
Superintendent Appleton joined the NSW Police Force as a Junior Trainee in 1979 at the NSW Police Academy, Redfern. His outstanding service in policing has seen Superintendent Appleton at the forefront of the provision of high level criminal investigation services to state of New South Wales.

Inspector Edward Charles BILLETT APM
Inspector Billett joined the NSW Police Force as a Cadet in 1969 annd is now Duty Officer, Marrickville Local Area Command. He has played a significant role working with youth and Indigenous communities. He has been successful in applying for special grants to allow children to travel to Sydney to experience the beach and surf, as well as a range of activities that would not normally be available to them.

Senior Sergeant Peter James DAVIS APM
Senior Sergeant Davis joined the NSW Police Force as a Trainee in 1984. He has spent over 20 years as a dedicated weapons trainer, gaining experience and qualifications and becoming considered the 'subject matter expert' in the area of weapons and tactics for the NSW Police Force.

Detective Sergeant Cynthia Maree DONOVAN, APM
Detective Sergeant Donovan joined the NSW Police Force as a Trainee in 1982 and has served as Team Leader of the (then) Child Protection Investigation Team (later the Joint Investigation Response Team) in Tamworth, oversighting numerous investigations into the abuse of children. From June 1998, with 3 staff later increasing to 9 investigators, Detective Sergeant Donovan was responsible for the management of investigations into child abuse across an area in excess of 115,000 square kilometres.

Detective Inspector Wayne George HAYES APM
Detective Inspector Hayes joined the NSW Police Force as a Trainee in 1979 and is currently Coordinator at the Gangs Squad, State Crime Command. Detective Inspector Hayes has spent most of his service as a major crime investigator.

Senior Constable Justine Louise HOUSEGO APM
Senior Constable Housego joined the NSW Police Force as a Trainee in 1990 and has
served with distinction since. She has received accolades from all areas of the community and within the NSW Police Force for her work, dedication, professionalism and customer service.

Superintendent Patrick Allen PAROZ APM
Superintendent Paroz joined the NSW Police Force as a Trainee in 1983 and now serves in the Drug and Alcohol Coordination, Major Events and Incidents Group. Superintendent Paroz has demonstrated a strong commitment to his local communities, especially with disadvantaged youths and their families.

Inspector Ross Michael WILKINSON APM
Inspector Wilkinson joined the NSW Police Force as a Trainee at the NSW Police Academy in Goulburn and is currently Duty Officer at Chifley Local Area Command. Inspector Wilkinson's integrity and devotion to duty is an example to all. He displays great calmness when under extreme and sustained pressure or danger.

AUSTRALIAN FIRE SERVICE MEDAL (AFSM)

Judee Anne BRYANT AFSM
Mrs Bryant has been a member of the South Durras Brigade since 1981 and was elected Captain in 2001, a position she still holds. She is an outstanding example of a volunteer who demonstrates distinguished service in the numerous roles she undertakes, not only within the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) but within the general community.

Norman Alfred CARTER AFSM
Mr Carter joined the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) in the Gloucester District in 1960 and has been active in providing exemplary service to the organisation and community.

Jeffrey James CREE AFSM
Mr Cree has provided over 43 years’ dedicated and distinguished service to the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS), originally with the Berowra Brigade, then later with the Belrose and Davidson Brigades. He has been a field officer for 38 years, rising from Deputy Captain to Group Officer.

Grahame FOTHERGILL AFSM
Mr Fothergill joined the Farmborough Heights Bush Fire Brigade in 1977 and has held the position of Brigade Captain for over 20 years, and Group Captain for the past 5 years.

Richard Anthony (Rick) GRIFFITHS AFSM
Mr Griffiths joined the (then) NSW Fire Brigades, now known as Fire and Rescue NSW, in 1976. He has served with dedication and distinction, culminating in his promotion to Chief Superintendent and position of Assistant Director Education and Training, with state-wide responsibility for the professional development of more than 7,000 firefighters and support staff.

David Murray HOADLEY AFSM
Mr Hoadley has been a member of the NSW Rural Fire Service since joining the Blayney Brigade Barry in 1969, and was appointed in 1992 as the part-time Fire Control Officer for Blayney Shire Council. In 2001 Mr Hoadley was instrumental in the formation of the Canobolas Zone, a combination of the Blayney, Cabonne and Orange areas and, as a result, was appointed as the Zone Manager.

Warren Ernest SIMMONS AFSM
Mr Simmons joined Fire and Rescue NSW in 1978 as a retained (on call) firefighter at Byron Bay. He was appointed as Deputy Captain in 1993 and Captain in 2000.

Herbert Fitzroy (Roy) STACY AFSM Mr Stacy moved to the Griffith area in 1947 and joined the Benerembah and Warrawidgee Brigades. He was instrumental in establishing the Kooba Bush Fire Brigade and was its Captain for 13 years.

Mr John Leslie TAPPER AFSM
Mr Tapper joined the Fire and Rescue NSW in 1974 and has served with distinction. He has dedicated 25 of his 37 years’ service to the specialist field of breathing apparatus and rendering safe hazardous material incidents.

EMERGENCY SERVICES MEDAL (ESM)

Jennifer Ann NORTH ESM
Mrs North joined the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) in 1991 and has provided exceptional service to the organisation in the Operations Branch at the State Headquarters in Wollongong where she has held key positions on the SES's State Operations Centre through more than 350 flood and 80 storm events.

AMBULANCE SERVICE MEDAL (ASM)

Maxwell Harry (Max) CADDIS ASM
Mr Caddis played an important role in the formative years of Ambulance NSW. While holding the position of Superintendent of Education, he was instrumental in introducing significant changes to education practice and played an important role in the introduction of Intensive Care Paramedics.

Terence Lindsay (Terry) NELSON ASM
Mr Nelson commenced as an Honorary Ambulance Officer at Wagga Wagga in 1972 and as a permanent Ambulance Officer in 1998 became actively involved in the development of the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) communication and dispatch system. In 2009 he oversaw the installation and successful implementation of the CAD upgrade.

Mr Maxwell Clinton (Max) STONESTREET ASM
Mr Stonestreet has been in charge of the Western Control Centre for approximately 10 years during which time he has displayed the highest quality of management and leadership.

15 June, 2011

Ministers get
conduct code

The Department of Premier and Cabinet has published a new Code of Conduct for Ministers in its Ministerial Handbook.
   Premier, Barry O’Farrell has alerted all Ministers to the new Code by issuing Ministerial Memorandum M2011-09 Code of Conduct For Ministers of the Crown.
   Mr O’Farrell said the Code was essential for the maintenance of the integrity of, and public confidence in, the Government and its Ministers.
   The Premier said it was important Ministers exhibited, and were seen to exhibit, the highest standards of probity while pursuing the interests of the people of NSW.
   “The Code also reiterates that it is essential for the proper working of Executive Government that Ministers of the Crown should enjoy and retain the trust and confidence of their ministerial colleagues,” Mr O’Farrell said.
   “Both in their official dealings and in the manner in which they discharge their official responsibilities.”
   He said the Code covered Ministers’ general obligations, registration of any interests, conflicts of interest, confidentiality of information, misuse of public property, gifts and hospitality, employment or engagement outside Parliament and lobbying.
   Mr O’Farrell said the Code of Conduct would be revised and updated if required.
   He said a copy of the Code could be accessed online at this PS News link.
   The Ministerial Memorandum can be accessed at this PS News link.

15 June, 2011

Delivery agreement
goes back to base

The intergovernmental agreement between the State Government and Local Councils that determines which one is responsible for providing which services is to be reviewed.
   Minister for Local Government, Don Page said he wanted to end a culture of cost shifting that had emerged between Councils and the State Government.
   Mr Page said the NSW Intergovernmental Agreement, which was designed to clarify which level of Government was responsible for the cost of services, needed refinement.
   He said a review would eliminate false claims of cost shifting and lead to better public understanding of the roles of each tier of Government.
   “Some Councils argue, incorrectly, that cost shifting includes such things as the provision of educational or medical services, but these are services provided by Councils at their own discretion in response to community requests,” Mr Page said.
   He said some Councils had claimed cost shifting on contributions to fire services, libraries and weed control, which were mandated by legislation and were essential functions of Local Government.
   “The role of Local Governments needs to be better understood to identify what are the core functions of Councils, what projects are the joint responsibility of local and State Governments, and which are exclusively the responsibility of the NSW Government,” Mr Page said.
   “Our review of the NSW Intergovernmental Agreement in the next year will aim to do that.”

15 June, 2011

Marine park audit
to make a splash

An independent, scientific audit of NSW’s marine parks has been announced jointly by the Ministers for Primary Industries, Katrina Hodgkinson and for the Environment, Robyn Parker.
   According to the Ministers, the audit will ensure that the scientific foundations of the Government’s marine parks policy are rigorous, transparent and publicly available.
   They said the audit would be led by Associate Professor Robert Beeton from the University of Queensland with further members appointed in a month or so.
   Ms Hodgkinson said as Chair of the Independent Scientific Audit of Marine Parks in NSW, Professor Beeton would play a key role in ensuring that the right balance between sustainable fishing and conservation of marine biodiversity was achieved in the State’s Marine Parks Policy.
   Ms Parker said the audit would enable the Government to implement a Marine Parks Policy that was based on science and not on politics.
   “The independent scientific audit will provide a firm basis for consultation with communities and enable us to develop balanced policies that provide for protection of the marine environment as well as supporting a wide range of other uses including recreational activities,” Ms Parker said.
   Professor Beeton said the audit would review the effectiveness of marine parks in protecting different habitat types and provide recommendations of further action and alternative management approaches.
   “This independent scientific audit will follow a proven and transparent process that ensures the delivery of evidence-based outcomes,” Professor Beeton said.
   “All parties will be able to review the evidence and reasoning behind the recommendations we make.”
   He said the terms of reference for the audit would include reviews of domestic and international commitments to conservation; of data provided by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and the Office of Environment and Heritage; of the identification and prioritising of threats to different types of marine environments; and of the science relating to the effectiveness of marine parks in protecting different habitat types.
   Professor Beeton said the Audit Panel would aim to make recommendations on how to increase cost-effectiveness of marine park zoning; ways to improve inclusion of social and economic impacts into decision-making processes; ways to address significant information gaps; and how all current potential threats to the marine environment could be effectively addressed and which bodies or agencies would be most appropriate to address them.
   The audit is due for completion at the end of 2011.

15 June, 2011

Accounting students
get the numbers

A new program announced for TAFE NSW is to offer students of Accounting the opportunity to progress to a higher education qualification after two years.
   Minister for Education, Andrew Piccoli said students who completed their Associate Degree of Accounting after two years at TAFE would be given the opportunity to progress to the third year of a university bachelor degree.
   “We are recognising a strategic alliance between industry, TAFE NSW and universities, working together to develop and deliver a tertiary pathway to accounting which will help to address skill shortages and meet the projected growth in demand for accountants,” Mr Piccoli said.
   “This program offers real choice for people who may not have previously considered going to university or getting a post school qualification.”
   Mr Piccoli said the Tertiary Pathway initiative provided students with more opportunities to gain higher education qualifications.
   He said the program was especially important for people who had not had the opportunity to take part in higher education, including people from low socio-economic communities, rural and regional communities and Indigenous Australians.
   He said students would be able to start the new program in 2012 at six TAFE NSW locations across the State.
   He said these included four metropolitan (Northern Sydney, Sydney, South Western Sydney and Western Sydney) and two regional (North Coast and Riverina) locations.
   Mr Piccoli said any students who did not wish to progress to the degree stage could apply to be registered as a Business Activity Statement agent.

15 June, 2011

Gamblers win in
lotteries call

The Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing (OLGR) has called on NSW Lotteries to advise its customers they are entitled to an independent review in the case of a dispute over non-payment of prizes.
   The Office’s call follows a review of the Lotteries complaint handling procedures.
   Minister for Major Events and Racing, George Souris said people were unaware that OLGR had the power to investigate disputes between NSW Lotteries and its customers over non-payment of valid prizes.
   “The review identified that neither brochures available at lotteries retail outlets nor the Complaint Handling Charter on the NSW Lotteries website contains any information about the role of OLGR as an independent investigative body,” Mr Souris said.
   “While NSW Lotteries has a complaints handling process including a mechanism to review decisions, OLGR’s role is to independently examine any dispute over the non-payment of a valid prize where the complainant is not satisfied with the response by NSW Lotteries.”
   He said OLGR had provided NSW Lotteries with specific material to include on its website and Complaint Handling Charter.
   “While this is not in response to a rise in complaints or any particular case, it is imperative that lotteries customers are aware of this independent review process and that it is promoted at the point of sale and on the NSW Lotteries website,” he said.
   “The non-payment of a valid prize is a breach of NSW Lotteries licences and OLGR has the power to order that it be rectified or disciplinary action could be taken. It is also an offence for a person to lodge a claim for a prize they know is false or misleading.
   Mr Souris said OLGR had also placed information about its role in reviewing disputes in a prominent position on its website.
   The Office of Liquor, Gambling and Racing’s website can be found at this PS News link.

15 June, 2011

IPART rates
Local Councils

The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) has approved special rate rises for 18 Local Government Councils.
   IPART is in its first year of responsibility for setting minimum rates and variations for the State’s 152 Councils and rejected four special applications and is still considering one.
   Chairman of IPART, Rob Sims said rate rises were set by the Tribunal, with the option for Councils to seek special rate variations.
   Mr Sims said IPART had set rate rises at 2.8 per cent for 2011/12.
   “For ratepayers in these Councils with an annual rate notice of $1,000, the rate peg increase in 2011/12 amounts to $28, or around 50 cents per week,” Mr Sims said.
   He said IPART estimated the total increase in average residential ordinary rates in 2011/12 where special rate rises were approved would be less than $50 for 14 Councils and between $50 and $105 for 6 Councils.
   He said the rate set by IPART did not allow for a lift in Council services to meet growing expectations from communities or backlogs in infrastructure maintenance.
   He said any rise above IPART’s rate required approval from the Tribunal, a process which provided flexibility for individual Council circumstances, while ensuring accountability to local communities.
   “Before IPART approved any of the special rate variations a number of factors were examined, including demonstrated need for the increase, affordability of the increases for
   ratepayers and whether a Council had sought to achieve significant productivity savings,” Mr Sims said.
   “Councils need to consult with their communities on their expenditure plans and be transparent in their request to increase revenue.”
   He said all approved special variations had conditions to ensure that each Council clearly reported on the expenditure and outcomes achieved as a result of the special variation in its annual report.
   Mr Sims said details of each variation request could be found at this PS News link.

15 June, 2011

Classroom connection
is first class move

A new initiative that links school classrooms together to work on keeping the internet safe for children has been launched in NSW by the Federal Minister for Justice, Brendan O’Connor.
   ‘Connected Classrooms’ is the latest stage in the Australian Federal Police’s ThinkUKnow cyber safety initiative.
   Mr O’Connor said Connected Classrooms would use internet video conferencing and smart board technology to deliver presentations to parents, carers and teachers at metropolitan and regional schools across NSW.
   “While the internet provides many benefits, there are people who try to use the internet and mobile technologies for criminal purposes, and to harm others, including young people,” Mr O’Connor said.
   “Connected Classroom sessions are designed to ensure that parents, carers and teachers across New South Wales can receive cyber safety education on how to ensure children have fun online, stay in control and report anything that makes them feel uncomfortable.”
   He said ThinkUKnow, a joint project of the AFP, Microsoft and Ninemsn, had proven itself to be a valuable resource since its introduction in 2010.
   He said last year the project delivered 210 presentations to 7,499 parents, carers and teachers across Australia.
   “I congratulate the AFP, Microsoft and ninemsn on their continuing work on this valuable program,” Mr Page said.

15 June, 2011

Transport drives
website revamp

The Department of Transport has announced it has revamped its website for the transport and logistics industry.
   The Logistics Information Navigation Centre (LINC) is a national web-based resource providing information about the industry.
   According to the Department, the relaunched site will include a specific NSW component that can be accessed by visiting this PS News link.
   “This is a fantastic resource, providing information on transport and logistics in NSW, including job opportunities, fact sheets, statistics and regulations,” a spokesman for the Department said.
   “People looking for employment in the transport and logistics sector now have an ideal way to investigate jobs and plan a career pathway into the industry.”
   The spokesman commended the work of the former Freight and Logistics Council of NSW for its help in developing the NSW section of the web-based portal.
   “Visitors to the site are greeted with a modern homepage and can select which State they would like transport and logistics information on,” he said.
   NSW has joined South Australia, Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia in launching the respective State components of the website, making it a national industry program designed to improve access to industry resources and information.
   The spokesman said the LINC website would be an important resource for providing industry sector information, assistance in locating service providers and major facilities, and a good source of information on a diverse range of industry topics.
   The project was coordinated through the South Australian Freight Council and can be accessed at this PS News link.
   The NSW-specific component of the site that can be visited at this PS News link.

15 June, 2011

Court puts case for
friendly agreements

The Supreme Court of NSW has entered agreements with three Courts in China to promote ‘friendly relations’ and the exchange of information and advice.
   The three Memoranda of Understanding between the NSW Court and those in Shanghai, Hubei and Guangdong are specifically “statements of intent” rather than formal agreements.
   The Memoranda state their objectives as establishing and widening areas of cooperation between the Supreme Court of NSW and its Chinese partners.
   As well as promoting cooperation between the judiciaries, the Memoranda also set out opportunities to arrange and facilitate visits of judicial personnel “to promote the acquisition of knowledge on the judicial system of each court”.
   The Memoranda also promote the “favourable consideration” of requests to exchange and encourage delegations to and from courts in Australia or China.
   They also encourage each of the courts to invite judges to visit, in order to exchange knowledge or attend workshops, conferences or seminars.
   The Memoranda are signed by the President of the High People’s Courts of Guangdong, Hubei and Shanghai, as well as the Chief Justice of the NSW Supreme Court.
   The Memoranda can be accessed from the Supreme Court’s website, accessed from this PS News link.

15 June, 2011

GST changes prompt
Treasury Circular

A new Treasury Circular has been issued advising Departments and Agencies of changes to the Goods and Services Tax law that determines which Government taxes and charges are not subject to the GST.
   Signed by Acting Treasury Secretary Michael Lambert, Circular TC 11/09 Goods and Services Tax (GST) exemption for certain government taxes, fees and charges (Division 81 of the GST Act) says the current list of exempt charges at Division 81 of the Act is to be scrapped and a new self assessment ‘principles-based’ approach to providing the exemptions will replace it.
   The Circular says the current list will be “grandfathered” for one year until 30 June 2012 to give agencies “an opportunity to review the GST status of items listed on the Determination against the new legislative mechanism and inform NSW Treasury of any discrepancies”.
   “This will allow Treasury to discuss with other jurisdictions the need for regulations to specifically exempt items that become taxable under the new mechanism where there is policy justification for the item to remain exempt,” the Circular says.
   It says the new Division 81 contains three broad categories which set out the taxes, fees and charges that qualify for exemption.
   These include Australian taxes; fees or charges for the provision, retention or amendment of a permission, exemption, authority or licence; and fees or charges paid to an Australian Government Agency for recording, copying, modifying, receiving, processing, searching for or allowing access to information.
   “The new legislation also provides a regulation making power to exempt items that would otherwise be taxable and to make taxable items that would otherwise be exempt,” the Circular says.
   “This is to ensure the right policy outcomes are achieved where the primary legislation does not achieve this.
   “Changes to the regulations that represent a change to the GST base need to be agreed by all jurisdictions.”
   It says the new arrangements mean Agencies no longer need to have Australian taxes or certain Government fees or charges listed on a Determination in order for those taxes or charges not to be subject to GST.
   The Circular says Treasury anticipates that most items included in the old Division 81 will fall clearly within one of the three new categories, as initial analysis showed 90 per cent of the items listed for NSW should be clearly identifiable as exempt under the new section.
   The Circular can be accessed at this PS News link.

15 June, 2011

Farmers pad up
for mice plague

Farmers across the State have been praised for their early action and effective forward planning in dealing with a looming mice plague.
   Minister for Primary Industries, Katrina Hodgkinson said the farmers’ actions had led to a welcome decline in the demand for baits over the last few weeks.
   Ms Hodgkinson said even though the early action had allowed manufacturers of mice baits to make headway into a backlog of orders, a new permit had been approved for the use of unsterilised grain for mice baiting to double their production.
   “I’ve been extremely worried about the ongoing situation, and the emergency permit has been issued by the APVMA in response to bottlenecks in production and the highest demand for baits in some 15 years,” Ms Hodgkinson said.
   “The availability of sterilised grain has been a major impediment to the supply of mouse bait and has contributed to the long delays being experienced by many farmers across the State.”
   She said canola, wheat and barley crops were being targeted by early action, with some farmers needing to completely re-sow paddocks.
   “The timing of mice control is critical and delays can push back when crops can be sown or lead to significant damage to newly sown crops,” she said.
   “The new emergency permit will allow production to be scaled up further and help farmers access baits quicker and minimise crop damage.
   Ms Hodgkinson said the permit still required the use of certified grain to limit biosecurity risks, but the lower cost of unsterilized grain could bring down bait costs.
   “Farmers also need to consider potential risks associated with using unsterilised grain, including the potential for weed seeds and seed-borne diseases,” she said.
   “The new unsterilised grain will be clearly labelled so farmers can make a decision based on their own circumstances.”

15 June, 2011

Flu vaccine gets a
shot in the arm

The Ambulance Service of NSW has issued a reminder to the community that the time has come to be vaccinated against influenza.
   Ambulance NSW said it was most important for people in high risk areas to be vaccinated, such as people with chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma and renal disease, pregnant woman and aboriginal people over the age of 15.
   The Ambulance Service said influenza was highly infectious in the first five days.
   It said ways to reduce the spread of infection included using a tissue to cover the nose when sneezing and the mouth while coughing; disposing of contaminated tissues after use; frequently washing your hands with soap and warm water; and helping track flu by logging into the flu tracking website, available at this PS News link.
   Ambulance NSW also warned against the symptoms of Hypothermia.
   It said hypothermia was most likely to occur amongst the elderly, infirm, seriously unwell or the very young.
   Bushwalkers and adventurists have also been reminded to take care to prepare themselves for the colder weather.
   The Ambulance Service recommended the community rug up for the colder weather, ensuring they wear appropriate clothing for the conditions, and to check in with relatives who may live alone.
   More information on both influenza and hypothermia can be found at this PS News link.

15 June, 2011

Watchdog heats up
cold water warning

NSW Maritime has warned boat operators of the dangers of cold water and bad weather as the temperature drops.
   Chief Executive at NSW Maritime, Steve Dunn said Operation Cold Water aimed to raise awareness of the causes and prevention of hypothermia.
   “In the past five years, there have been 12 serious incidents reported involving hypothermia, including five fatal incidents where hypothermia was considered a factor,” Mr Dunn said.
   “Put simply, cold water can kill.”
   He said NSW was experiencing some of its coldest weather in many years and it was important boaters were alert to the dangers of hypothermia.
   Mr Dunn said hypothermia was caused by a drop in the body’s core temperature which could lead to symptoms of confusion, disorientation and loss of consciousness.
   He said boaters should take precautionary measures before boating, like ensuring all passengers were dressed appropriately for the conditions; checking the weather before heading out; knowing when to wear a life jacket; telling someone where they were are going and when they expected to return; and ensuring the boat was suitable for the conditions.
   “When boating, there is always a chance of capsize, swamping or falling in the water - especially for people in smaller craft,” Mr Dunn said.
   He said boaters should remember that swimming in heavy clothes or waders was almost impossible.
   “Waders should be avoided in boats unless a lifejacket is worn at all times,” he said.
   “A lifejacket will keep you afloat and will also offer insulation against the cold.”
   Mr Dunn also reminded boaters that it was law in NSW to wear a lifejacket in a variety of heightened risk situations including instances where passengers were under the age of 12; when boating alone; when boating at night; when in a boat less than 4.8m; and when on board a boat on alpine waters or offshore.
   More information about the effects of cold water can be obtained from this PS News link.

15 June, 2011

Premier bails out
of Bail Act

A comprehensive review of the Bail Act has been announced by the Premier, Barry O’Farrell, and Attorney General, Greg Smith, following concerns that juveniles may have been unfairly treated.
   Mr O’Farrell said the Bail Act had become a “patchwork quilt” that was difficult to read and understand, following 17 amendments since it was introduced 33 years ago.
   “I’m concerned that juveniles charged with petty offences are being forced to mix with hardened criminals while on remand and that could influence them towards a life of crime,” Mr O’Farrell said.
   “This is particularly disturbing when many of the young offenders are eventually released by the courts without any custodial sentence.”
   Mr Smith said following a change to the Act in 2007 to only allow one bail application unless there was a ‘change in circumstances’, the number of minors in remand jumped from 3,623 to 5,082 in 2008.
   He said another amendment in 2009 to make it slightly easier to make a second bail application contained no special provision for juveniles and only 20 per cent of those on remand ended up with a sentence of detention.
   “I am concerned the Bail Act had moved away from the spirit and intent of the original legislation,” Mr Smith said.
   “This was to ensure attendance at a hearing or trial, to stop defendants from committing further offences and to prevent interference with witnesses.”
   He said NSW needed to get “smarter” about law and order and try to strike a balance between the protection of the public and the need for those charged with offences to end up in jail.
   Mr O’Farrell said the NSW Law Reform Commission project would be headed by retired Supreme Court Judge, Hal Sperling QC.
   He said the report would be delivered by November.
   The terms of reference and consultation questions are available online at this PS News link.

15 June, 2011
Solar checks announced
Fair Trading will conduct 500 safety checks on solar panel installations in Baulkham Hills, Blacktown, Kellyville and the surrounding areas.
   The checks follow inspections of 55 homes in Port Macquarie which revealed ‘alarming’ defects and breaches.
   The checks will be conducted by Fair Trading inspectors and teams of licensed and qualified electricians, at no cost to consumers.
   Fair Trading said fines and possible prosecution would be sought for major defects, with licence suspension or cancellation for installers with a significant number of defects.

River health project
The Hawkesbury River is to benefit from the construction of a new treated wastewater reuse scheme at South Windsor.
   The project, which will improve the health of river, will see the reuse of 1.4 billion litres of treated wastewater every year.
   The project is due for completion by 31 August 2011.

Meningococcal warning
NSW Health urged the public to be alert for the early symptoms of meningococcal disease.
   Peak season is about to begin and people have been warned to watch for high fever, headaches, neck stiffness, aversion to bright lights, nausea and vomiting, reddish-purple rashes or spots and drowsiness.
   NSW Health says anyone who is experiencing these symptoms may be showing early signs of meningococcal disease.
   More information can be found at this PS News link.

Bank comments called
The Department of Finance and Services has called for public comment on an application by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA).
   CBA is seeking approval to open two branches in NSW on the August Bank Holiday.
   Submissions must be submitted in writing or via email to Shoptrading@services.nsw.gov.au by 24 June 2011.

New chopper for police
The NSW Police Force has taken receipt of a new PolAir 4 helicopter.
   The new helicopter will allow for increased cruise speed and improve response times to Wollongong, the Central Coats and Newcastle.
   NSW Police expect to have the helicopter operational in the coming months.

Parenting workers graduate
20 bi-lingual workers in the NSW Government’s parenting program, Triple P, have graduated.
   Practitioners in the Western Sydney area who are a part of the Positive Parenting Program now number close to 200.
   The Triple P program is delivered free to parents by the NSW Government.
   More information on the program can be accessed at this PS News link.

Clean-up competition
Primary School children have been encouraged to enter a competition to name a new vessel designed to clean Sydney Harbour.
   The new $1.9 million, purpose-built vessel is designed to clear the Harbour of any debris and rubbish.
   NSW Maritime has established a website, available at this PS News link, to host competition information and the entry process.
   Entries close on 29 July 2011.

Boating grants available
NSW Maritime has called for applications for new or improved boating infrastructure projects.
   Local Councils, boating clubs and community groups have all been encouraged to lodge their grant applications for a share in the Government’s $5 million Better Boating Program.
   Applications close 29 July 2011.
   Application forms can be found at this PS News link.

8 June, 2011

PS payrise cap passed
by Parliament

Legislation capping payrises in the NSW Public Service at 2.5 per cent per year has been passed by Parliament.
   Premier, Barry O’Farrell said the new law would ensure PS staff received fair pay increases and included an incentive to receive more if it was offset by savings.
   Mr O’Farrell defended the cap saying the NSW PS had expanded to more than 322,000 employees and was costing the State more than $27 billion a year.
   He said Victoria and Queensland each had about 200,000 Public Servants, and on a per-capita basis, NSW should have about 290,000.
   “If we had not acted to ensure wages increases above 2.5 per cent are matched by savings, the impact on the State’s Budget over the next four years would be in the order of $1.96 billion,” Mr O’Farrell said.
   “Under this policy we will be able to strike a balance between delivering fair wages for Public Servants while keeping the budget under control.”
   The new laws have angered PS unions.
   General Secretary at the Public Service Association, John Cahill said the new legislation would undermine public sector wages and conditions.
   Mr Cahill said the legislation would limit unions’ power to argue for fair work conditions if the Government did not bargain in good faith.
   “Public sector workers could face the choice of having to cut jobs and services to pay for their own pay rise,” Mr Cahill said.
   He said unions had called for a ban on unpaid overtime in response to the new laws.

8 June, 2011

New ICAC team to
aid whistleblowers

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is to set up a dedicated team to support Government whistleblowers reporting suspected corrupt conduct.
   To start work on 1 July, the team was announced by Deputy Commissioner, Theresa Hamilton who said reporting corrupt conduct for public officials was not always easy.
   “It can require a lot of courage in some cases to come forward and blow the whistle on suspected corrupt conduct, particularly if it is happening in your own workplace,” Ms Hamilton said.
   “The ICAC recognises the key role whistleblowers play in exposing public sector corruption and is keen to ensure that they are afforded the guidance and support they need.”
   She said the new committee was a recommendation of a recent review into the Commission’s handling of whistleblowers and would comprise senior staff drawn from operational divisions within ICAC.
   “The committee will be able to offer guidance and assistance in instances where a whistleblower has broader concerns or needs beyond the scope of the complaint or investigation,” she said.
   Ms Hamilton said the committee would be operational from the time amendments to the Public Interest Disclosures Act 1994 were to take effect, which would mean better protection for PS employees and certain contractors who blew the whistle.
   More information on the Commission, the Committee and whistle blowing can be accessed from this PS News link.

8 June, 2011

State Records brings
history to book

State Records NSW has published a new book to mark the 50th anniversary of the passage of the Archives Act 1960.
   Chair of the State Records Board, Lucy Tuksa said the Act ensured the State’s unique documentary heritage was protected and cared for into the future by an archival authority.
   Professor Tuksa said the new book, written by Peter Tyler, celebrated this important step in Australia’s past by covering the history of the State Records Authority from its birth as the Archives Authority of NSW to the present day.
   “[Dr Tyler has] synthesised an immense and far-reaching history into a rich biography of an organisation, from its extremely prolonged gestation until its birth in 1961 and to its present state of maturity,” Professor Tuksa said.
   She said the anniversary was a time to reflect on the richness of the collection that made up the NSW State archives.
   She said its collection held a variety of documents from as early as 1788, which documented the business of Government from the birth of the colony until the present day.
   The collection spanned records which documented citizen’s legal rights; Government employment, education, health and ‘brushes with the law’; the experiences of early and soldier settlers; convict records; and other interesting and quirky documents.
   Professor Tuksa said the anniversary would also see a new project to develop and implement the New South Wales Government’s first digital State archives facility, which would be capable of accepting, preserving and making available ‘born digital’ Government records as State archives.
   It said the project would transform State Records into a truly ‘digital’ archive for the 21st century.
   Access to the State Archives and more information about the book can be found at this PS News link.

8 June, 2011

Bus tickets added to
salary packages

Staff of the ACT Public Service are to be eligible to ‘salary package’ bus travel on the local network in a new arrangement announced by the ACT Chief Minister, Katy Gallagher.
   From 1 June 2011 the ACT Government will provide ACT Public Service employees access to salary packaging for bus fares on the ACT Internal Omnibus Network (ACTION).
   “I am very pleased to announce this important initiative which will see ACT Public Service employees save up to between $300 and $400 a year on the cost of public transport for travel between home and work,” Ms Gallagher said.
   “As the second biggest employer in Canberra with a workforce of nearly 20,000 this is a significant commitment to our employees and the community.”
   The Chief Minister said the initiative aimed to provide savings to ACT Public Servants and their families as well as see a greater patronage on buses, which would in turn diminish the carbon footprint of the Territory.
   “A commitment to initiate arrangements was made in the ACTPS 2010-2011 enterprise bargaining agreements to introduce salary packaging of public transport costs for ACT Government employees,” she said.
   “The benefit applies to all Public Service employees including part-time workers, and also applies to family members for their travel between home and work or school on ACTION buses under a private ruling obtained from the Australian Taxation Office.”

8 June, 2011

Infrastructure audit
to set new agenda

A ‘Council-by-Council’ audit of the infrastructure needs of Local Government areas has been announced by the Premier, Barry O’Farrell and Minister for Local Government, Don Page.
   Mr O’Farrell said the Government was determined to foster a strong relationship with Local Government to deliver infrastructure and services to people in NSW.
   “Local Government is a major manager of infrastructure in NSW, providing many of the local amenities NSW families rely on every day,” Mr O’Farrell said.
   “The Council-by-Council audit will identify infrastructure needs in every Local Government area of NSW.”
   He said the audit would cover all urban and economic infrastructure such as roads, community halls, libraries, parks, sports grounds and water facilities.
   The Government would use the findings to determine where the State’s infrastructure needed improvement and would encourage cooperation with Councils to deliver on those needs for the local community.
   Minister for Local Government, Don Page said the Government was going to provide Councils with the support they needed to deliver real change.
   “The NSW Government has shown its commitment already by removing Part 3A of the Planning Act, restoring democracy to the Illawarra, dissolving interim planning panels, and developing a Strategic Regional Land Use policy to strike a balance between our important agricultural, mining and energy sectors,” Mr Page said.
   “As Councils manage most of the State’s infrastructure, I am determined to ensure both levels of Government are working together to improve the lives of people across the State.”

8 June, 2011

Rail price cuts
a fare result

The prices of monthly, quarterly and yearly rail tickets are to be cut by up to $240 under new arrangements announced by the Premier, Barry O’Farrell and Minister for Transport, Gladys Berejiklian.
   Mr O’Farrell said rail fares for regular commuters would be cut by nine per cent on 1 July 2011.
   “The rising cost of living is the single most pressing issue facing families,” Mr O’Farrell said.
   “This fare cut will put dollars back in their pocket.”
   He said the changes would mean cheaper fares and shorter queues; rewards for regular commuters; and serve as an incentive for people to leave their cars at home.
   “Family budgets are stretched due to rising prices, particularly from electricity,” he said.
   “This rewards regular rail commuters who use the system every day.”
   Ms Berejiklian said cutting fares and reducing queues would encourage people to use public transport and make rail travel more affordable for Sydney’s commuters.
   “I want to take this opportunity to encourage commuters who buy their tickets each day or weekly, to consider buying a monthly, quarterly or yearly ticket to make the most of these savings,” Ms Berejiklian said.
   “It is also a great way to avoid the Monday morning rush to buy tickets.”
   She said she didn’t want public transport to be the last choice for commuters and the new fares would serve to make rail travel a more appealing option.
   Ms Berejiklian said the reduced fares would save commuters from Gosford to Wynyard $20 when buying a monthly ticket ($240 a year); from Campbelltown, $17 on a monthly ticket ($204 a year); and $9 on a monthly, $25 on a quarterly and $100 on a yearly MyMulti ticket.
   She said the fare cuts would cost the Government around $5 million a year.

8 June, 2011

Treasury sets
out tax duties

A new Treasury Circular has been issued setting out agencies’ responsibilities for complying with the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT).
   Signed by Acting Treasury Secretary Michael Lambert, Circular TC 11/08 reminds agencies they have been aware of their GST obligations since 1999-2000 and FBT since April 2001.
   The Circular reminded Agencies they may be subject to a tax audit by the ATO like any other business and may be subject to audits by the NSW Auditor-General.
   It warned not to question the underlying policy intent concerning the application of taxation laws, particularly the GST, to Government.
   It said Agency responsibilities relating to FBT and GST included compliance with all relevant taxation laws; obtaining appropriate technical and legal advice; maintaining and producing accurate records; ensuring that adequate management arrangements and internal controls were in place to facilitate compliance; and where serious disputes between Agencies and the ATO arose, informing Treasury before commencing litigation.
   The Circular also outlined Agency responsibilities with regard to FBT, which include registering any newly created Agencies; lodging any Business Activity Quarterly statements accurately and within the specified timeframe; working out and accurately reporting any reportable fringe benefit amounts for individual employees; and proactively solving day-to-day FBT issues with the ATO using its online tools.
   The Circular said the Treasury would assist agencies with compliance by representing the interests of NSW in relevant forums; issuing Treasury Circulars when necessary; assisting with major cross-agency GST or FBT issues; facilitating access to technical advice; holding annual GST and FBT seminars; organising an annual FBT Newsletter every September; and providing proof of identity to the ATO for entities seeking GST registration.
   It said Agencies were responsible to the ATO for instances of non-compliance.
   The Treasury Circular can be accessed at this PS News link.

8 June, 2011

Sound plan for
disability trial

Moves to have the proposed National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) trialled in the Hunter region have been announced by the Minister for Disability Services, Andrew Constance.
   Mr Constance said people with a disability deserved the best opportunity to stay in their own homes, participate in the community and have certainty about their future.
   He said the Productivity Commission’s draft report on Disability Care and Support, proposed an NDIS to address findings that showed the current disability support system to be underfunded, unfair, fragmented and inefficient.
   “The current service system gives people with a disability little choice and no certainty of access to appropriate supports,” Mr Constance said.
   “We need to make significant changes to address these issues.”
   He said independent modelling had shown the demand for Government funded disability services was increasing by 10 per cent every year and the Government would be spending an extra $2 billion in disability services between now and 2015/16.
   “Not addressing this will have severe consequences for people with a disability and their families and for the economy of NSW,” he said.
   “The projected annual growth in demand is unsustainable for any State or Territory Government and a new funding source is required.”
   Mr Constance said it was important for people to get behind a national scheme and show their support by joining the Every Australian Counts campaign.
   He said the Government was committed to reforming the disability services system in NSW to make it more responsive to the needs of people with a disability, their families and their carers.
   “This includes planning for a more sustainable system that is also flexible and fair and can continue to support an increasing demand for support services in future years” Mr Constance said.
   “The key to this is a National Disability Insurance Scheme.”

8 June, 2011

City plugs into
e-waste scheme

An e-waste collections program launched by the City of Sydney three years ago has recycled 100 tonnes of old TVs, computers, mobile phones and DVDs according to the City’s Acting Chief Executive, Garry Harding.
   Mr Harding said since the first collection day in November 2008, residents had dropped off more than 2,600 electronic waste items, 95 per cent of which had been recycled.
   “The City is one of a small number of Councils who provide a free e-waste collection
   Service which diverts unwanted electronic goods from landfill where harmful chemicals leach into the soil and carbon emissions are released into the atmosphere,” Mr Harding said.
   “We congratulate the hundreds of Sydneysiders who have participated in our e-waste collections since 2008.”
   He said Australians produced over 140,000 tonnes of e-waste a year, with most of it ending up in landfill.
   In 2008, 17 million televisions, computers and computer products were discarded but only 10 per cent of these were recycled
   Mr Harding said the problem of electronic waste had been exacerbated over the past few years by the arrival of new digital, HD and 3D televisions in readiness for the phasing out of the old analogue transmission signal across Australia over the next two years.
   “According to the Federal Government, electronic waste is growing three times faster than any other type of waste,” Mr Harding said.
   “Without a national recycling program this waste will treble in the next decade to nearly 700 million items annually.”
   He said at the Council’s drop-off in March, close to 400 items were collected, equating to 13.3 tonnes, which was a nine per cent increase on the previous quarter.
   He said items that were recyclable included televisions, computer desktops, monitors, laptops, joysticks, printers, photocopiers, fax machines, scanners, DVD players, video recorders, electronic games, CDs, DVDs, tapes, cameras, mobile phones and household batteries.

8 June, 2011

Verdict wanted on
Tribunal forms

The Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal (CTTT) is calling for community feedback on its new tenancy dispute forms and information.
   Minister for Fair Trading, Anthony Roberts encouraged the community to comment on the forms and information saying since 2002, the CTTT had helped more than 800,000 tenants, landlords and their agents sort out tenancy disputes.
   “Over that time, the CTTT has improved and reviewed its dispute resolution processes and accompanying products and services to keep up with consumer and trader needs and expectations,” Mr Roberts said.
   “The most recent improvements have resulted in more user-friendly tenancy and social housing dispute application forms, introduced earlier this year to complement the Residential Tenancies Act 2010.”
   He said there had also been improvements made to the CTTT Online lodgement facility to simplify online applications for those types of disputes.
   Mr Roberts said feedback was sought from people who had applied to the CTTT since the commencement of the new tenancy laws on 31 January 2011.
   He said comment would be welcomed on the CTTT Tenancy Division printed application forms; CTTT Social Housing Division printed application forms; online lodgement of tenancy and social housing applications; and other supporting website information.
   Feedback can be submitted until the end of July 2011 and the survey was available from this PS News link.

8 June, 2011

Shops come up short
on new consumer law

A study of the State’s major retailers by NSW Fair Trading has found that only three-quarters of them have a basic understanding of their obligations under the new Australian Consumer Law (ACL).
   Minister for Fair Trading, Anthony Roberts said recent inspections of 159 outlets by Fair Trading showed an overall 78 per cent basic level awareness of ACL by store managers.
   Mr Roberts said the checks included retailers in 29 Sydney locations and 21 regional locations, including Armidale, Tweed Heads, Lismore, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Orange, Dubbo and Wagga Wagga.
   He said businesses must comply with the new law and Fair Trading would continue to work with retailers to improve understanding of the ACL.
   He said there was a particular need for improvement around laws on refunds, lay-bys and defective goods.
   “Managers and store owners must make sure all their workers, especially those on the shop floor, are provided with necessary education and training, so they know their responsibilities under the ACL,” Mr Roberts said.
   “If Fair Trading maximizes the message to business, then there is less risk of unfair outcomes for consumers.”
   The Minister said before the law was introduced, Fair Trading found around 14 per cent of small and medium retailers and 20 per cent of major retailers had a general awareness of the new laws.
   “The latest checks show great improvement but clearly there is more work to be done,” he said.
   “I want to be confident retailers are not offering lay-bys without a written agreement, that they’re not putting up illegal ’no refund’ signs and that they clearly understand and apply the new law as it pertains to defective goods.”
   Mr Roberts said Fair Trading had taken a strong role in educating consumers and traders on the new national law by publishing newsletters for 1,200 industry associations, distributing 50,000 guides and promoting online seminars.
   He said Fair Trading was also working on a smart-phone application which will provide consumers with easily accessible information on the new laws.
   More information on the new ACL and downloadable free refunds signs for retailers can be found at this PS News link.

8 June, 2011

Public sinks teeth
into shark paper

The Department of Primary Industries has invited public comment on a discussion paper proposing arrangements for the future protection of grey nurse sharks in NSW.
   Minister for Primary Industries, Katrina Hodgkinson said the Government was committed to finding a solution that benefitted the grey nurse shark population and local communities.
   “As promised prior to the election, we want to ensure the public, as well as the scientific community, have a proper chance to be consulted before any final decision is made,” Ms Hodgkinson said.
   “The NSW Government has also committed to a scientific audit of the effectiveness of marine park zoning and the existing grey nurse shark management arrangements.”
   She said the outcomes from the community consultation and scientific audit would be used to guide the development of new management arrangements for Fish Rock and Green Island.
   “Fishing and diving provide many social and economic benefits to local and regional communities,” she said.
   “It is important that the community get a clear understanding of exactly what is proposed and have the chance to provide input before final decisions are made.”
   Ms Hodgkinson said the discussion paper would be mailed out to interest groups and key stakeholders to ensure comprehensive consultation.
   “We will also be holding public information sessions at venues along the NSW coast in July, with details to be advertised in local papers,” she said.
   “I invite everyone with an interest in this issue to have their say.”
   She said the paper would be out for public consultation until Friday 26 August and would be available at local Fisheries and Marine Park offices or online at this PS News link.

8 June, 2011

Boaters warned
on gas danger

NSW Maritime has warned boaters to beware the dangers of carbon monoxide after a near-tragic accident on Lake Macquarie earlier this year.
   Chief Executive of NSW Maritime, Steve Dunn said the carbon dioxide from engine exhausts was colourless, odourless, tasteless and extremely dangerous.
   Mr Dunn said the incident earlier this year involved a 67-year-old man who started his inboard engine and left it running to charge his battery.
   An investigation by NSW Maritime found the man had left the engine running with only part of the storm covers removed from his vessel, trapping the carbon monoxide inside.
   Mr Dunn said the man was found by a nearby skipper and an off-duty life guard, who applied CPR.
   He said ambulance officers transported the victim to the Mater Hospital, where he was later discharged after spending the night under observation.
   “Carbon monoxide has claimed lives in the past and it is important boaters are aware of this danger,” Mr Dunn said.
   “Regular maintenance, proper boat operation, and being alert to the dangers of exhaust fumes when in confined spaces can reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.”
   He said when working on or near a boat, if you could smell exhaust fumes or your eyes were being irritated by exhaust fumes, there was a good chance you were being subjected to carbon monoxide exposure.
   Mr Dunn said prolonged exposure could lead to symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning which included a headache, nausea, weakness or dizziness.
   He said more details on the dangers of carbon monoxide could be found at this PS News link.

8 June, 2011

Writing on the wall
for graffiti artists

Tough new penalties for graffiti artists could include disqualification from driving under new laws announced by the Premier, Barry O’Farrell and Attorney General, Greg Smith.
   Mr O’Farrell said the public was sick and tired of graffiti, which was costing the State over $100 million every year.
   “The time has come to not only make offenders clean up their mess but also face tough penalties,” Mr O’Farrell said.
   “As the father of a teenager, I understand there’s nothing more valuable to young people than their driver’s licence.”
   Mr O’Farrell said figures from the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research showed over two thirds of graffiti offenders were identified as under the age of 18 and over 50 per cent were male.
   He said under the new legislation, courts would have the power to extend the time graffiti offenders spent on learner or provisional licences; suspend a drivers licence; or limit the number of demerit points they were able to accrue over a specific period;.
   He said courts would also be able to order the cleaning up of graffiti as a condition of any Community Service Orders imposed on graffiti offenders.
   Mr Smith said graffiti was a threat to businesses, individuals and local Councils.
   “Our plan to tackle graffiti in local communities balances penalties for young people who do the wrong thing and offers positive incentives to break a developing juvenile habit,” Mr Smith said.
   “The introduction of stronger penalties for offenders and a scheme to ensure graffiti is promptly detected and removed will discourage vandals, improve public safety and build community pride,” he said.

8 June, 2011

Green is go on
harbour islands

A number of innovative green initiatives on Cockatoo Island and North Head Sanctuary have been completed with the popular landmarks now enjoying the benefits of water harvesting, energy generation and energy efficient technology.
   Funded by the Commonwealth under its Green Precinct Fund, the measures included solar power installations, historic restorations and water reclamation programs.
   Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and Urban Water, Senator Don Farrell said Cockatoo Island had been turned into a sustainable heritage, tourism and events hub.
   He said the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust had installed a solar photovoltaic array that generated 20 per cent of the island’s electricity needs and saved more than 110 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year.
   He said the trust had also set up two solar farms at North Head Sanctuary, which were generating 20 per cent of the site’s electricity needs and saving over 65 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year.
   “Cockatoo Island and North Head are prominent Sydney landmarks that, under the Sydney Harbour Trust’s management, are becoming integral to the cultural life of the city,” Senator Farrell said.
   “In a few short years, Cockatoo Island has been transformed from a contaminated industrial site that was closed to the public, into what is now a hub for tourism and a public venue for large contemporary art and other events.”
   He said details of the Green Precincts Fund could be accessed at this PS News link.

8 June, 2011

High School passes
community test

Warilla High School has been recognised for its focus on links with the community by being awarded the 2010 Cohesive Community School Award.
   The award is given to just one NSW school – government or non-government – each year and was presented by the Acting Director-General of the Department of Education and Communities, Pam Christie.
   Ms Christie said Warilla High School was a “remarkable” school, with committed teachers who worked tirelessly to support students in their schooling and community endeavours.
   Warilla High School Principal, Glenn Isemonger said the school had seized any opportunity for students to play their part within the community.
   Mr Isemonger said the diverse range of activities undertaken at the school reflected the different cultures within the school community.
   He said the school also worked with community organisations to ensure students had access to work experience, work placements, traineeships and work skills programs.
   “Our homework centre is strongly supported by Shellharbour Council and Wollongong University through their AIME (Indigenous mentoring) program,” Mr Isemonger said.
   “We [also] have a talented sports initiative strongly supported by Warilla Bowling Club.”
   He said during the year, the school’s volunteering activities included weekly nursing home visits, creating hampers for the needy, student mentoring and raising more than $15,000 for St Vincent de Paul.
   “Our students enjoy and recognise the benefits of coming to school,” Mr Isemonger said.
   “We believe in them and they in return believe in what they can achieve.”
   Ms Christie said other schools to receive special commendation included Auburn North Public School; Chifley College, Bidwill Campus; Cringila Public School; Marrickville West Public School; Randwick Girls High School; Robert Townson High School and Robert Townson Public School; Tabulam Public School; Wee Waa High School and Wee Waa Public School and Woolgoolga High School.

8 June, 2011

Fair Trading home for
itinerant crackdown

NSW Fair Trading has been chosen to lead a new national initiative to stamp out illegal itinerant traders who offer dodgy services such as bitumen driveways, roof painting and cheap, unsafe electrical products.
   According to the Minister for Fair Trading, Anthony Roberts, a meeting of consumer regulators from across the country agreed to a NSW plan that would see cross border co-operation on illegal trading, involving a number of law enforcement agencies.
   Mr Roberts said the initiative would see Fair Trading work closely with the NSW Police Force, the NSW Crime Commission and the NSW State Debt Recovery Office
   “We will use the new Australian Consumer Law against the persistent and pernicious practices of illegal itinerant traders who prey on the vulnerable, the trusting and the poor,” Mr Roberts said.
   He said work had already commenced and all jurisdictions would conduct concerted, nationally coordinated operations under the Australian Consumer Law, using new prosecution powers and remedies to remove the proceeds of unlawful selling from itinerant traders.
   “All jurisdictions will work with their police services to help stop, detain and arrest offenders,” he said.
   Mr Roberts said illegal itinerants structured their unlawful operations to minimise the ability of consumers to get remedies in courts and consumer tribunals, or through dispute resolution.
   “This is organised, criminal activity that creates market distortions as legitimate businesses face unfair competition,” he said.
   “Consumers caught by these crooks experience loss of money and loss of face.”
   He said operations would focus on the home renovation and improvement market, the home entertainment products market and products and services supplied into Indigenous communities in regional and remote areas.

8 June, 2011
Solar plans shelved
Plans to reduce feed-in tariffs for householders with solar energy installations have been shelved.
   Premier Barry O’Farrell said he had listened to community and political concerns about the retrospective nature of the changes and decided not to go ahead.
   The changes would have reduced the input tariff from 60 cents a kilowatt to 40.

Camera audit popular
The NSW Auditor General, Peter Achterstraat has received over 1,700 survey responses and more than 100 submissions for his inquiry into speed cameras.
   Mr Achterstraat said the speed camera audit followed community concerns that some speed cameras were not improving road safety at their present locations.
   He said he would release a report in July which will explore whether speed camera are located in areas identified as having greatest road safety risk and whether they reduced speeding.

CTTT increases fees
Changes to the Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal’s charges are to be introduced on 1 July 2011.
   The new fees and charges will be introduced to reflect the annual CPI increase.
   The new charges will be $36.00 fee for most applications; $74.00 for strata and community schemes applications; and $5.00 reduced fee maintained for pensioners and students.
   Sound recordings and transcripts will continue to be charged at cost.

Intelligence deal signed
Corrective Services NSW and the Australian Crime Commission have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to share intelligence.
   Federal Minister for Home Affairs and Justice, Brendan O’Connor said the move was the first step towards improving national intelligence sharing.
   Mr O’Connor said improving national intelligence sharing between corrective service and law enforcement agencies would enhance the national picture of organised crime and inform strategies to reduce supply, demand and harm to the community.

Navy parties for 100th
The Royal Australian Navy will mark its 100 years of service with a free Family and Community Day at the National Maritime Museum.
   Activities will include naval demonstrations such as Sea king displays, Navy clearance dives, flight emulators, dive tank operations and RAN band performances.
   Kids will have access to face painting, showbags and a specially-themed
   “Sailor Styling” kids activity program where children can make their own Navy vessel to take home, dress up as a sailor and learn more about signal flags (entry charges apply).
   Further information can be found at this PS News link.

Fishing review announced
The NSW Government is to review the current commercial fishing arrangements.
   The NSW seafood industry generates over half a billion dollars of economic activity each year, and employs more than 4000 people.
   Minister for Primary Industries, Katrina Hodgkinson said it was important the State’s fisheries resources were managed sustainably and responsibly.
   “We look forward to working with the Sydney Fish Market and the broader industry to create a sustainable, viable and healthy commercial fishing sector,” Ms Hodgkinson said.

Tourism entries open
Entries for the 2011 NSW Tourism Awards are now open.
   The Awards recognise and congratulate tourism businesses who have demonstrated outstanding achievement and success.
   Nominations close 25 July with the winners being announced on 17 November 2011.
   More information on the Awards and how to enter can be accessed at this PS News link.

Outreach for Wagga Wagga
The Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal (CTTT) is hosting an Aboriginal Outreach on 28 June.
   The event, to be held in Wagga Wagga, is designed to provide people with information on how the CTTT can help in resolving disputes.
   The outreach will run from 10am until 1pm at Gannambarra, 32 Chaston Street, Wagga Wagga.
   AN event flyer can be downloaded from this PS News link.

1 June, 2011

Names being taken for
Premier’s PS Awards

Nominations are now open for the Premier’s Public Sector Awards 2011.
   Recognising and rewarding outstanding performance and achievement in the NSW public sector, the annual awards focus on innovation and will be presented in November.
   In his Department of Premier and Cabinet Circular C2011-18 Premier’s Public Sector Awards 2011, Director General of DPC, Chris Eccles said the awards looked for original, creative and groundbreaking developments, approaches or practices that contributed to better service delivery which in turn led to improved outcomes for the community.
   Mr Eccles said the awards encouraged continuous improvement of systems to enable better delivery of services to the public; encouraged informed reflection on PS performance; recognised success; promoted excellence; and indentified better management practices.
   He called on Agencies to nominate Award Ambassadors to co-ordinate the communication and online submission of their award nominations.
   Mr Eccles said Award Ambassadors needed to register their contact details by email to ppsawards@dpc.nsw.gov.au and all NSW PS agencies and services, including Departments, Authorities, Government Trading Enterprises, Commissions, Boards and State Owned Corporations, were entitled to submit nominations.
   He said the Teaching Service, NSW Police and the NSW Health Service were also included.
   Nominations close Friday 29 July 2011 and more information is available by phoning (02) 9228 4444 or visiting the awards website at this PS News link.
   The DPC Circular can be accessed at this PS News link.

1 June, 2011

New Agency to build
on infrastructure

A new Agency to co-ordinate infrastructure planning across the whole of the NSW Government has been announced by the Premier, Barry O’Farrell.
   Mr O’Farrell said the new Agency - Infrastructure NSW - would take the politics out of infrastructure delivery in NSW and develop the most efficient and effective funding mechanisms to deliver the best results.
   “The creation of Infrastructure NSW will ensure independent infrastructure decision making in this State, to get the right infrastructure projects delivered on time and on budget as soon as possible,” Mr O’Farrell said.
   “With an independent Chair, it will comprise five persons appointed from the private sector, along with the CEO of Infrastructure NSW, the Directors-General of the Departments of Premier and Cabinet, Trade, Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services, and Planning and Infrastructure and the Secretary of the Treasury.”
   He said Infrastructure NSW would direct and oversee the preparation of a 20-year State Infrastructure Strategy, as well as detailed five year Infrastructure plans that set out project details, sequencing and funding arrangements consistent with the 20-year strategy.
   “This will provide an opportunity for all members of this Parliament to scrutinise the plans and speak for their communities about infrastructure priorities for the near, medium and longer term,” he said.
   Mr O’Farrell said the new Agency would also co-ordinate funding submissions to the Commonwealth.
   Chief Executive at Infrastructure Partnerships Australia (IPA), Brendan Lyon has welcomed the introduction of new legislation to create Infrastructure NSW.
   “Infrastructure NSW offers the opportunity to draw a line under the past and snap New South Wales out of its infrastructure paralysis.” Mr Lyon said.
   “Infrastructure NSW is being given considerable powers to oversee the strategic planning and delivery of major projects.”
   Mr Lyon said the new Agency would restore integrity and transparency to the infrastructure program in NSW.
   “Infrastructure NSW has been the subject of deep and sustained consultation between the Government and industry,” he said.
   “We look forward to working with Infrastructure NSW to drive better infrastructure outcomes in New South Wales.”

1 June, 2011

Overtime out in
payrise protest

A number of public sector unions have voted to ban unpaid overtime in the NSW PS as a protest against the 2.5% payrise cap.
   Delegates from 10 unions attended the annual NSW Public Service Association (PSA) meeting in Sydney, where they launched a campaign against proposed legislation to cap Public Service payrises.
   According to the unions, the cap would sideline the independent Industrial Relation Commission in the wage-setting process for the PS, requiring it to abide by Regulations issued by the Finance Minister.
   General Secretary of the PSA, John Cahill said the legislation was not acceptable as it would require PS workers to cut jobs and/or services before receiving any payrise over 2.5 per cent to catch up with the cost of living.
   Mr Cahill said the PSA had organised a petition calling for pay rises above 2.5 per cent and at least equal to the cost of living without needing to cut services and/or staff numbers.
   The petition also called for the IRC to remain the independent umpire for workplace disputes involving the PS and for there to be a requirement for good faith bargaining.
   Both the NSW Police Association and the NSW Nurses Association said they would feel the effect of any job losses within the PS but had ruled out overtime work bans for the time being, as vital services would suffer.
   Premier, Barry O’Farrell said the Government was taking steps to ensure key parameters of wages policy were being achieved.
   “Our legislation guarantees fair pay increases to Public Servants, guarantees taxpayers that promised productivity savings are delivered and guarantees that Parliament has a right of veto,” Mr O’Farrell said.
   “Since 2007, annual wage increases across the public sector have averaged 4%, but only 54% of the promised savings offsets have been achieved.”
   He said the system would work on the principle that the Parliament set the rules, while the IRC enforced them.
   He said the wages policy sought to strike a balance between maintaining real value of wages for Public Servants and the ability of the State budget to fund any increases.
   “We want to ensure we are able to afford future wage increases,” Mr O’Farrell said.
   “These initiatives will ensure the funds will be available to pay for awards determined by the Commission.”
   The PSA petition can be accessed at this PS News link.

1 June, 2011

Tasmanian PS to sack
underperformers

New laws have been introduced in Tasmania to allow the State Government to sack underperforming Public Servants.
   The new powers were announced by Premier Lara Giddings, who said they were needed because the Tasmanian PS was “too big” and “changes were needed” to improve its efficiency.
   Ms Giddings said mass redundancies would not be offered but employees in programs identified by Departmental heads as no longer required would be laid off.
   She said she would introduce changes to ensure workers deemed “surplus to requirement” would be given six months and help to find a new job before they were made redundant.
   Details of who would be affected and the size of redundancy packages offered were yet to be revealed, however the plan is to cut the equivalent of more than 2,000 public sector jobs over three years.
   Minister for Police, David O’Byrne said under the plan, police officers were being offered $20,000 to retire early, and the same offer was being made across several Government Departments as part of Budget savings measures.
   Minister for Education, Nick McKim, also said up to 150 teachers and other education staff may choose to retire under the latest round of the retirement incentive scheme.
   Public sector unions in Tasmania have criticised the plan to trim the Public Service, saying it was creating more uncertainty within the sector.
   Ms Gidding said Public Servants would have a wait of at least three weeks before they found out if their managers had deemed their jobs no longer necessary.
   The Premier said a wide-ranging investigation into the productivity of the public Service had also been commissioned.
   The Premier’s plan comes three weeks before the state Budget is due to be handed down.

1 June, 2011

Top job back on rack
at Fair Trading

The former position of Fair Trading Commissioner has been resurrected with the State Government launching a recruitment campaign to attract suitable applicants.
   Minister for Fair Trading, Anthony Roberts said the position of Fair Trade Commissioner would be restored and made fully responsible for all Fair Trading functions.
   “This will provide a clear public focus for consumer protection in NSW and strong leadership to a reunified agency capable of addressing the contemporary needs of the NSW marketplace,” Mr Roberts said.
   He said abolishing the position was a mistake which had caused fractures in the Agency.
   “It hasn’t worked; it has created silos and impeded effective coordination of the consumer protection effort,” he said.
   “I have already set about sorting out the situation and will continue to move quickly in reuniting what is a critical agency for consumers, business, industry and this government.”
   Mr Roberts said he would revitalise consumer protection in NSW, as consumer confidence and ethical business practices were integral to achieving a “vibrant and expanding” State economy.
   “On my watch, the people of NSW can expect a return to vigilance and vision,” he said.
   “I have already told Fair Trading staff I want them re-energised and out doing fast, effective consumer warnings, meaningful education and awareness programs and prosecuting with vigour and in the knowledge that they have my full support.”

1 June, 2011

Agencies urged to
back NAIDOC week

Departments and Agencies are being urged to support their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff planning to take part in the upcoming NAIDOC Week events.
   NAIDOC Week, which will run from 3 to 10 July, provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with the opportunity to celebrate and share their culture and heritage with the broader Australian community.
   A Circular from the Department of Premier and Cabinet calls on Agencies to release employees taking part in the Week and to fly the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander flags alongside the NSW flag.
   Director General of DPC, Chris Eccles said the theme for this year’s NAIDOC Week was “Change: The next step is ours.”
   Mr Eccles said Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff could access Special Leave to participate in NAIDOC Week events and non-Aboriginal and non-Torres Strait Islander staff who were also members of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families could access other forms of leave or flexible work hours.
   He said all employees must seek the agreement of their Manager to take leave or flexible work hours for NAIDOC Week events.
   Mr Eccles said the Circular applied to all PS Departments and Agencies and other State Owned Corporations were encouraged to put procedures in place to support NAIDOC Week celebrations, wherever practicable.
   More information on NAIDOC Week events can be found at this PS News link and the DPC Circular could be accessed at this PS News link.

1 June, 2011

International award
for NSW Maritime

NSW Maritime has been recognised internationally for its efforts in encouraging safety in the commercial shipping industry.
   Chief Executive of NSW Maritime, Steve Dunn said the International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS) had awarded the NSW Agency its highest honour.
   “So far this year, NSW has registered a record low in vessel incidents and fatalities, and that is across both the recreational and commercial sectors,” Mr Dunn said.
   “This is recognition of the high standards of safety being set in NSW.”
   He said it was good news and acknowledged the efforts of the boating community, the marine industry and commercial sectors.
   NSW Maritime received Institute’s highest award, the Crystal Award, for achievements in improving vessel safety; advancements in design and structures; improvements to legislation in commercial surveying; and environmental improvements within the marine industry.
   Mr Dunn said there were over 9,000 commercial vessels in NSW, which must all meet appropriate safety standards.
   He said the vessels ranged from simple hire and drive operations through to large passenger carrying charter vessels which must meet standards to protect the public.
   The standards cover vessel design, construction and seaworthiness.
   He said particular attention was paid to safety equipment, maintenance and crew qualifications.
   Mr Dunn said the international recognition was evidence of the good work being done in the State.
   “With increasing numbers of people boating, ever increasing demand for boating experiences, and some of the finest waterways in the world, NSW Maritime is committed to delivering the best possible balance between public amenity and enjoyment of our waterways, and regulation,” he said.

1 June, 2011

Food authority shells
out egg-splanation

The NSW Food Authority has moved to clarify a recent media report on egg-related Salmonella outbreaks by outlining the comprehensive safety measures taken by the Authority in NSW which were not included in the story.
   Chief executive of the Authority, Alan Coutts said an article in the Sydney Morning Herald last week referred to rising numbers of egg related outbreaks in Australia between 2001 and 2008 and raised some important points regarding food safety.
   “Such information is welcomed and supported,” Mr Coutts said.
   “However it has failed to make mention of the comprehensive through-chain approach to egg food safety employed by the NSW Food Authority”
   He said eggs were a popular and nutritious food that needed to be handled carefully, just like any other fresh, perishable food.
   “In recognition of the risks associated with certain foods the NSW Food Authority has developed a number of industry sector requirements including one specific to the egg industry,” he said.
   “The Authority operates with an integrated approach to improving understanding and safety of raw eggs and raw egg products right across the food chain, from farm to retail.”
   Mr Coutts said while bacteria could be present at a farm as a result of normally occurring contaminants, most eggs in NSW were clean and free from harmful bacteria.
   “However sometimes there can still be traces of harmful bacteria including Salmonella,” he said.
   “This is why careful food handling, storage and preparation are important.”
   He said the Food Authority had three initiatives in the area of egg safety which included the introduction of the Food Safety Supervisor, the NSW Egg Safety Scheme which focused on the production end of the industry to complement the work done at the retail level, and the NSW Food Regulation Partnership which helped the Authority work with Local Government partners.
   “The survey shows the efforts of the Food Regulation Partnership are working,” Mr Coutts said.
   “Eighty-seven per cent of samples gathered during the survey were classified as good or acceptable and the Council continues to educate businesses on improved food handling practices.”
   Mr Coutts said more information on egg safety could be found at this PS News link.

1 June, 2011

Ombudsman probe
favours police

An Ombudsman’s investigation into the handling of complaints about domestic and family violence issues by NSW Police has found the police to be “generally responsive’ and to “act promptly to identify and address serious issues.”
   Releasing his report Audit of the NSW Police Force handling of domestic and family violence complaints, the Ombudsman, Bruce Barbour said it summarised the findings from a detailed audit of all 289 police complaints received in 2008 that raised domestic violence issues.
   Mr Barbour said the number of complaints was relatively low as NSW Police had recorded 25,528 domestic violence related assault incidents during the year.
   He said given the prevalence of domestic violence and its impact on families and communities, it was essential that the police response was efficient and effective
   “That includes providing an effective response to complaints about the policing of domestic violence,” Mr Barbour said.
   “Complaints are an important source of information about key issues of concern and provide insights into areas that might need improvement.”
   He said in most cases, it was found that police correctly assessed the issues raised by complaints, notified the Ombudsman where required and, where appropriate, addressed the issues raised.
   He said NSW Police generally took protective action on behalf of the victims in response to complaints and exercised satisfactory management of officers’ performance where it was required.
   “However, we did identify some instances where complaints were not well-handled by police,” he said.
   “The audit also again highlighted the serious consequences that can occur when police respond poorly to incidents of domestic violence.”
   Mr Barbour said in these instances, the police were willing to rectify any mistakes and address poor performance, which was important.
   “This finding should send a positive message to victims of domestic violence, their advocates and the broader community,” he said.
   Mr Barbour said police had responded positively and constructively to the audit results, endorsing the 19 recommendations made to improve how domestic violence complaints were handled and the way information from complaints could be used to enhance operational policing.
   He said his office would continue to work closely with NSW Police to identify and address any issues of concern.
   The Ombudsman’s full report can be downloaded from this PS News link.

1 June, 2011

Info Commissioner
explains access rules

The Office of the Information Commissioner has published a series of “Frequently Asked Questions” for Local Councils to help explain its “Knowledge Update” released in April.
   The Office published the update following requests for advice from the Councils on how to fulfill their obligations under the Government Information (Public Access) Regulation 2009 (GIPA).
   The Regulation requires Councils to publish a wide range of information on their websites, and provide copies to the public, despite some of that information being copyright.
   The Knowledge Update says that any information that requires publication online, which is also protected under copyright, can only be published with consent from the copyright owner.
   It says copyrighted information should also be published to allow “view only” access in order to avoid infringing copyright.
   The Update also recommends that Councils ask that any development applications be submitted with copies of plans, so that Councils can supply copies on request, without breaking copyright law.
   The ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ explains the sort of information protected under copyright; the information that is not protected by copyright; basic information on the application and expiration of copyright; permissions for using copyrighted material; and tips for Councils dealing with requests for copyrighted information.
   The Knowledge Update can be accessed at this PS News link and the Frequently Asked Questions can be found at this PS News link.

1 June, 2011

Uni audit finds old
issues unresolved

An audit report on the State’s university sector has declared that despite healthy operating surpluses “financial and reputational issues” continued to be of concern.
   Auditor-General, Peter Achterstraat’s Report to Parliament - Volume two 2011 found the State’s 10 universities recorded a combined operational surplus of $582 million in 2010, up from $494 million in 2009.
   Mr Achterstraat said in spite of these results, financial and reputational issues continued for universities.
   “Although the maintenance back log has fallen from $832 million to $782 million at the end of 2010, the backlog remains significant,” Mr Achterstraat said.
   “Substantial funds are required for $1.3 billion of planned capital works in 2011, followed by a further $1.3 billion in 2012.”
   He said another concern for universities was their ageing workforces, along with funding large employee entitlements.
   He found major employee entitlement costs included superannuation ($3.2 billion), long service leave ($464 million) and annual leave ($233 million).
   “Revenue from overseas students has increased 75 per cent in the last five years”, the Auditor-generals said.
   “Overseas students now contribute nearly 20 per cent or $1.25 billion of total revenue.”
   In addition to the financial state of the universities, the report also included the Auditor-General’s revised version of his 17 key ‘governance components’.
   “Good corporate governance of Government Agencies promotes public confidence in Government,” Mr Achterstraat said.
   “Governance is there to shine a light, sometimes it’s a warning, sometimes it’s there to attract attention, and sometimes it’s there to guide.”
   He said sound corporate governance was paramount to service delivery and the efficient use of taxpayers’ money.
   The full report can be downloaded from this PS News link.

1 June, 2011

WorkCover uncovers
18 new inspectors

WorkCover NSW has added 18 newly-graduated work health and safety inspectors to its team, following their completion of the nationally accredited New Inspector Training Program.
   Chief Executive of WorkCover NSW, Lisa Hunt said the new graduates would work with the State’s employers and workers to improve safety and reduce workplace injuries.
   “WorkCover is committed to the provision of safe and secure workplaces in NSW and to building the capacity of employers and workers to understand and comply with their workplace safety and injury management obligations,” Ms Hunt said.
   “These inspectors have completed an intensive two year on-the-job-training program which involved formal face-to-face training, field based experience and placement in WorkCover’s Strategic Investigation Unit.”
   She said the graduates possessed the knowledge and skills to help NSW businesses manage and improve their workplace safety, injury management and workers compensation responsibilities.
   “Over the last five years 80 inspectors have completed the Diploma of Government (Workplace Inspection) bringing the total number of inspectors to 315,” she said.
   “Our goal, as the largest work health and safety regulator in Australia, is to work with employers and workers to ensure every worker returns home safely to their families at the end of the working day.”
   She said the graduates would be based throughout metropolitan and regional NSW.

1 June, 2011

Regulation review
for Islamic lenders

The Better Regulation Office (BRO) is conducting a review of Government regulations that might make it difficult to provide finance according to Islamic law.
   The Office is seeking comments from stakeholders.
   The BRO review follows consideration of taxation issues by the Commonwealth Board of Taxation and a 2010 review which considered Australia’s tax laws to ensure that, wherever possible, they did not inhibit the expansion of Islamic finance.
   The BRO said the review would complement the tax reviews with the view to promoting a level playing field in NSW.
   It said Islamic finance was one of the fastest growing segments in the global financial services industry, valued at an estimated US$1 trillion.
   The NSW Government had identified Islamic finance as a potential growth sector in its NSW Business Sector Growth Plan.
   According to the BRO, the key principles underlying the provision of Islamic finance included the prohibition of riba (interest); the prohibition of uncertainty; the prohibition of forbidden assets (e.g. gambling, alcohol, prostitution, etc.); the sharing of profit and risk; and the existence of an underlying asset or the prohibition of selling something which one does not own (e.g. short-selling).
   For more information on the review, the BRO can be contacted on (02) 9228 4078 or by an email sent to thea....@dpc.nsw.gov.au

1 June, 2011

ICAC message
goes south

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has taken its anti-corruption initiatives and training to regional NSW this week, hosting workshops and briefing sessions in the Southern Tablelands township of Queanbeyan.
   Commissioner for ICAC, David Ipp QC, said the visit would include State and Local Government Agencies and increase their awareness about corruption risks and the need to examine ways to prevent corrupt conduct from occurring.
   Mr Ipp said the Commission’s outreach program provided local agencies across the state with the opportunity to experience hands-on corruption prevention workshops with highly-skilled staff.
   “The ICAC workshops will include training on better managing protected disclosures, corruption prevention for managers, and a fact-finder workshop which will help Agencies to conduct their own internal investigations,” Mr Ipp said.
   “For the first time at a rural and regional outreach visit, the Commission will also conduct a workshop on corruption prevention in procurement.”
   He said Deputy ICAC Commissioner, Theresa Hamilton, was hosting a community leaders’ breakfast attended by representatives from Local Councils, State Government Agencies, local business people and interest groups.
   Mr Ipp said the State Government Agencies attending the outreach activities included Housing NSW, Essential Energy, NSW Health, NSW Aboriginal Land Council, Corrective Services NSW, Fire & Rescue NSW, Office of Environment and Heritage, TAFE NSW, Department of Trade and Investment, Ageing, Disability & Home Care, WorkCover NSW and NSW Fair Trading.
   He said participating Councils included Queanbeyan City, Yass Valley, Upper Lachlan Shire, Goulburn Mulwaree, Tumut Shire, Young Shire and Bega Valley Shire.

1 June, 2011

Interim plan to get
land policy started

The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, Brad Hazzard has announced transitional arrangements to allow for the staged implementation of the Strategic Regional Land Use Policy.
   Mr Hazzard said the Policy had a particular focus on industries such as mining and petroleum, agriculture and tourism, while considering the protection of high value conservation lands.
   He said it would include a number of immediate longer term measures designed to address issues occurring now, as well as providing better certainty for communities and industry about how regions will change in the future.
   Mr Hazzard said the Policy would include an immediate 60 day moratorium on the granting of new coal, coal seam gas, and petroleum exploration licences in the State.
   He said transparency would be encouraged by exhibiting applications for coal, coal seam gas and petroleum exploration licences for public comment.
   He said the Policy would also include the public notification of Guidelines which would inform the assessment of impacts on strategic agricultural land from proposed developments and a requirement that all new applications for coal, coal seam gas and petroleum exploration licences be accompanied by an Agricultural Impact Statement.
   He said a stakeholder reference group of key agricultural, industrial and conservation representatives would be established to advise on the Policy’s development and implementation.
   He said the transitional measures were the first step in providing a comprehensive framework for the management of competing land uses across regional areas of NSW.
   “Regional Strategic Plans will ensure a balanced and sustainable management of competing land uses in each region rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all approach to land use planning,” Mr Hazzard said.
   “These plans will provide local communities with far greater certainty about how their areas will change over time.”

1 June, 2011

Anzac grants to build
commemorations

A new grants program has been announced to help young people and members of multicultural communities participate more in Anzac Day activities and other commemorative events.
   Premier, Barry O’Farrell said the program was established to facilitate commemorative and educational initiatives at a local level by young people and to engage culturally diverse communities in Anzac remembrance.
   “In 2015, we will be commemorating the 100th anniversary of the formative Campaign at Gallipoli,” Mr O’Farrell said.
   “It will be our generation which will have the special responsibility to honour the legacy of Australia’s military history, a legacy drawing on the heritage of the Anzac valour and mateship which was the making of our young nation.”
   He said the program would have two components, a youth component and multicultural component, with $50,000 allocated to each.
   “Our generation is the crucial link between the heroic past and the hopeful future,” the Premier said.
   “As the son of a soldier, I understand how important it is we capture and pass on the stories and the spirit that make our nation proud and strong.”
   Minister for Citizenship and Communities, Victor Dominello said the grants would ensure the NSW community could share in honouring the sacrifices made by the Anzac diggers.
   “Projects that could be considered under the youth component include providing support to RSLs to visit and present to local schools, or supporting local schools undertake studies about the Anzac experience of former students” Mr Dominello said.
   “Possible projects under the multicultural component could include assisting ex-service organisations facilitate story telling with new community members, or community organisations partnering with host ex-service organisations on commemorative days, such as laying wreaths at the ANZAC Memorial at Hyde Park on Italian National Day.”

1 June, 2011
Vivid lights up
The third annual Vivid Sydney festival has been launched.
   The festival, which runs from 27 until 13 June, features over 40 light installations throughout the city.
   Thousands crowded the edge of Sydney Harbour to watch the first showing of “Lighting the Sails” which included works by artists from around the world.
   The full festival program is available at this PS News link.

Water charges in pipeline
The NSW Office of Water will be implementing new water charges from 1 July 2011.
   Charges will apply to irrigators, mines and other industry as well as bulk water suppliers, local councils, environmental water holders and water utility suppliers for the next three years.
   Minister for Primary Industries, Katrina Hodgkinson said the new charges would mean NSW would continue to move towards full cost recovery commitments.

100th Tangara rolls out
The 100th new-look Tangara carriage is now in service.
   CityRail said the trains were more comfortable and allowed customers to get on and off the train more easily.
   Improvements include new glass, new handrails and hanging handles, new seats, new floor coverings, new lighting and new paint.

Ambulance rewards courage
The NSW Ambulance Service has recognised four members of the public with medals and certificates.
   The Commendation of Courage Medal, awarded to a paramedic who displays courage of a high order, was given to Phillip McCarren who administered first aid after his ambulance was involved in a traffic incident.
   The Certificate of Recognition was awarded to paramedic, Gary Scott in acknowledgment of his work off duty.
   After a serious car accident outside his house, Mr Scott, his wife and son administered first aid to those involved.
   Mr Scott’s wife and son also received Certificates of Appreciation.

Solar study
NSW Fair Trading will be conducting checks of solar panel installations after a compliance campaign revealed potentially fatal flaws in some homes.
   Minister for Fair Trading, Anthony Roberts said consumers should seek help from Fair Trading if they are worried about their solar panels.
   A statewide review has been ordered after 55 checks in Port Macquarie showed potentially fatal flaws.
   More information can be found at this PS News link.

Dam reopened
Woronora Dam has reopened three months after being closed due to safety concerns.
   The dam had been closed as a precautionary measure when remnants of asbestos were discovered in the grounds.
   The clean up of the Woronora Dam precinct has now been completed.
   More information can be accessed at this PS News link.

Link road gets go-ahead
A contract has been awarded to build the $55 million Erskine Park Link Road to NACE Engineering.
   The project will include a 3.1 km four lane divided road between Lenore Lane in Penrith and Old Wallgrove Road in Blacktown.
   Premier, Barry O’Farrell said the new road would unlock hundreds of hectares of new employment lands within the Western Sydney Employment Area.

Reprieve for flying foxes
The Botanic Gardens in Sydney will postpone their flying-fox relocation project until next year.
   The Botanic Gardens will be conducting further monitoring to gain real time data for the actual months the colony will be relocated.
   Acting Executive Director, Brett Summerell said the Gardens were working for a balanced approach to address the welfare of the flying fox population and the preservation of valuable trees.

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‘No redundancies’ rule made redundant

Wages policy sets limits for PS

Treasury pays up for payouts

Budget Office to be reviewed

Experts to advise on ‘recall’ elections

Infrastructure fund is big ticket item

Carbon trading pencilled in

IPART buys into consumer contracts

Holiday options just the ticket

Dumping campaign comes up dumps

Road safety forum gets green light

Students look to PS for study mentors

Railway partnership steaming ahead

Phil fills bill after killer tornado

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