March 28, 2007
PS is Postscript
In Election Win
Major changes are on the cards for the Public Service and the State Government in the wake of the Australian Labor Party’s win in the State election.
Premier Morris Iemma has revealed up to five Ministers may be replaced with younger members of the Government and other changes could lead to eight new Ministers in the Government line-up.
Education Minister Carmel Tebbutt has already signaled a wish to give up her position for family reasons.
Among the Ministers rumoured to be going are the Ministers for Local Government, Fair trading, Primary Industries, and Gaming and Racing.
The Government won the election with expected vacancies in the Police, Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General and Environment portfolios due to resignations and a retirement.
It is expected the Premier will follow the lead of other States by creating a Ministry for Climate Change and relieve Deputy Premier, John Watkins of his current heavy load by reassigning Transport and Police.
Mr Iemma promised a new look team almost immediately after winning the election, announcing he would inject a great deal of new energy into the Ministry.
Liberal Prime Minister, John Howard congratulated Mr Iemma on his election win saying the victory left him once again with no political allies among the State or Territory leaders.
“It is important political differences do not get in the way of agreeing on outcomes that are good for the public,” Mr Howard said.
“I congratulate Mr Iemma on his re-election.”
March 28, 2007
State Compo Caught in
Compo Court case
The High Court has given a green light for some private sector organisations in the States and Territories to sign up with the Commonwealth’s workers compensation provider, Comcare.
Settling the case Victoria v Andrews and Ors, the High Court has opened the door to some large State-based companies to cover their workers in the national scheme.
Federal Workplace Relations Minister, Joe Hockey called on the States to work together to simplify workers compensation arrangements across the nation. He said Comcare was the only scheme that provided national coverage.
“By no longer having to comply with up to eight State and Territory schemes, national employers can enjoy administrative savings of up to $2 million per annum per company," Mr Hockey said.
“Their employees will receive consistent, generous benefits under the Comcare scheme.”
He said the decision was significant in that it upheld the right of eligible employers to cover their employees under the national Comcare scheme.
He said joining Comcare was now a matter of choice for eligible private sector corporations.
He called on those States that challenged the right of companies to leave their schemes to “do the right thing” and stop playing politics.
“I call on the State Governments to further harmonise workers compensation and occupational health and safety laws for the benefit of employees and employers across Australia," Mr Hockey said.
“It is time for them to work together and put in place consistent and uniform self-insurance arrangements for multi-state employers.
Mr Hockey said allowing choice, particularly for multi-state businesses, reduced costs to industry and the economy.
“Recent amendments to the Commonwealth Occupational Health and Safety Act mean that the licensed employers and their employees will also enjoy the benefits of a single, national OHS scheme," he said.
In the meantime, the Human Rights Commissioner, Graeme Innes has criticised the national scheme for its attitude to same sex couples saying the High Court decision could have unintended consequences.
He said while State and Territory compensation schemes protected same sex couples, the national scheme did not.
He called for Comcare to include this protection.
March 28, 2007
Medical Rego Scheme
Good For the Country
Prime Minister, John Howard has written to the Premiers and Chief Ministers urging support for a national registration and accreditation scheme for health professionals at the Council of Australian Governments meeting in April.
COAG will examine the details of a national registration scheme for nine health professions - medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, optometry, physiotherapy, psychology, osteopathy and chiropractors - to start on 1 July 2008.
Mr Howard said a national scheme would deliver many benefits to the Australian community.
"Health professionals will be able to move easily between States and Territories, ensuring that services are delivered where and when they are needed without being held up by red tape," he said.
"If a pharmacist or doctor needs a locum, they will be able to draw on a professional from any part of Australia as long as they are registered nationally.
He said the community would know for the first time that if they were dealing with a nationally registered health professional, the same standards would apply whether the service was being delivered in “Broome or Bondi."
The Prime Minister, Premiers and Chief Ministers agreed to a national scheme at COAG in July 2006.
Since then, consultations have been conducted with relevant professional groups and many submissions received.
Mr Howard said the nine health professions supported national registration, but wanted to ensure service quality was not compromised.
"I do not consider that COAG will sign up to anything that diminishes the high standards of professional health services in Australia," Mr Howard said.
"COAG will be interested, I am sure, in guaranteeing public safety, enabling portability of practice and reducing red tape," he said.
March 28, 2007
Botanist Planted
at
Botanic Gardens
A lost tradition has been rekindled with the reinstatement of the position of the NSW Government Botanist.
Former Environment Minister, Bob Debus announced before the election that Dr Tim Entwisle, Executive Director of the Botanic Gardens Trust, had been appointed to the position.
The title dates back to 1816 when Allan Cunningham was appointed “King’s Botanist” but had evolved through the years to “Colonial Botanist” and “Chief Botanist” before being discontinued in 1985.
“The Botanic Gardens Trust is the oldest scientific institution in Australia,” Mr Debus said.
“For more than 190 years the Royal Botanic Gardens has researched, catalogued and collected more than one million preserved plants for scientific reference in the National Herbarium of NSW.”
He said the role of Government Botanist paid homage to this continuous record of botanical research in NSW since the works of Banks and Solander in 1770.
“Many great botanists have held this title including brothers Alan and Richard Cunningham, Charles Moore and Joseph Maiden who created the Herbarium during his 28 years as Government Botanist.”
Dr Entwisle is the 12th Government Botanist in NSW.
As well as being Executive Director of the Botanic Gardens Trust, he is an internationally recognised botanist with specialist expertise in freshwater algae and a broad interest in horticulture and biodiversity.
“He will use his expertise to continue this legacy as guardian of Sydney’s three botanic gardens and Domain, to promote plants and their importance to sustaining life, and to encourage the scientific study of our amazing flora,” Mr Debus said.
The Government Botanist appointment would continue as a tradition, awarded to the most senior botanist at the Botanic Gardens Trust.
March 28, 2007
Public Needled In
Diabetes Call
The Ambulance Service of NSW has urged the public to become familiar with the indicators of a diabetic attack.
It says diabetes now affects about eight in every 1000 Australians.
According to the Ambulance Service, diabetes is Australia’s fastest growing chronic disease, Diabetes Australia saying approximately 275 adults are diagnosed with diabetes across the country every day, which adds up to more than 100,000 per year.
With figures like that, the Ambulance Service says the chance of witnessing someone having a diabetic attack is very real.
Diabetes can involve either a drop in blood sugar level or heightened blood sugar level, and both cases can be very serious. These attacks are usually as the result of hormone levels fluctuating up and down.
Some signs of a diabetic attack include:
Low blood sugar level (symptoms occur within several minutes)
trouble talking and irrational behaviour
appears intoxicated
sweating
confused or disorientated
aggressive
feeling sleepy and/or weak
unconsciousness
High blood sugar level (symptoms occur over days)
flushed hot skin
extreme thirst
constant need to urinate
restlessness
unconsciousness
March 28, 2007
Parks Body Springs
To NPWS Defence
The South Coast’s community-based National Parks Advisory Committee has given its full endorsement to the fire management policies of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service in the region and praised its team of specially trained remote-area fire fighters for their efforts during the most recent bushfire season.
The National Parks South Coast Regional Advisory Committee comprises 15 community representatives providing guidance and advice on how the community wants national parks across the region to be managed.
Advisory Committee Chair, Dr Kevin Mills said the committee was fully supportive of the NPWS approach to fire management on the South Coast.
“The NPWS does a very good job in managing fire in our parks,” Dr Mills said.
“Protection of life and property is the number one priority and decisions are based on sound scientific knowledge of the impacts of fire on the natural environment, not on best guesses and folklore.
He said many of the staff had been working in the same parks for many years and were extremely knowledgeable on the various areas they managed and had a great depth of local knowledge about fires.
“They also make an effort to remain in touch with rural neighbours, adjacent communities and Rural Fire Service brigades, which extends this knowledge and support,” he said.
Dr Mills said the south coast area had been very fortunate to have avoided a bad bushfire season this year.
“Their depth of skill has been proven yet again in the latest season with 90 per cent of fires in national parks being kept to less than 100 hectares in size and only 3 per cent exceeding 1000 hectares,” he said.
“This is a great result and one that highlights the significance of the NPWS long standing policy of attacking fires as quickly as possible so that they can be extinguished before they become large and difficult to manage.”
He said many of the local NPWS staff had been called to undertake remote area fire fighting in other parts of the State such as Kosciuszko and Wadbilliga National Parks where there were large numbers of remote fires which had to be contained under exceptionally difficult conditions.
“Locally, they did a magnificent job in containing a remote fire in the Shoalhaven Gorge near Bungonia to 65 hectares,” Dr Mills said.
March 28, 2007
Sharing For Carers
In Respite Centre
The Minister for Disability Services, John Della Bosca, announced funding for a new respite service in Wagga Wagga and plans to establish a group home for people with a disability needing full-time care.
The Minister said the Government would provide more than $600,000 a year to The Northcott Society to deliver the respite service, which would amount to an extra 68 places a year, plus a one-off $138,000 to cover set-up costs.
“The new service, which will add a further 1680 days of respite each year in the region,” Mr Della Bosca said.
“(It) will cater for adults and will be in addition to the children’s respite service currently provided by Northcott in Wagga Wagga.”
He said additional funding would be allocated to a community-based service provider to run a five-bedroom group home, expected to open in July 2007.
“These are two vitally needed services for the region and are being funded from the additional $1.3 billion that the NSW Government is making available over the first five years of its long-term disability strategy Stronger Together.”
Chief Executive Officer of Northcott Disability Services, Glenn Gardner welcomed the Government’s initiative.
“I applaud the Minister’s decision to allocate this funding. This will allow us to continue our existing respite service in the Riverina for people with disabilities and their families,” Mr Gardner said.
“Respite is so important to someone with a disability. Our staff are able to provide adequate care so families, including parent carers, receive much needed support and time out.”
Mr Della Bosca said the group home accommodation service would be put out to open tender to ensure a quality and cost-effective service was put in place.
“The five places will be allocated to those most in need, which will be decided by a Vacancy Management Panel made up of both community and department representatives,” he said.
He said a total of $8 million in extra funding was being spent in Riverina-Murray region this financial year and next on expanding disability services. Increases to disability services in the region being funded by this extra money over the two years include:
40 extra therapy places
131 new flexible and centre-based respite places
68 families helped by Family Support Fund
3 Attendant Care Program places approved in first six months
4 innovative specialist accommodation places
3 extra Day Program places
March 28, 2007
Shoalhaven Wins
in
Water Wash-Up
New environmental flows are to be introduced for the lower Shoalhaven River following consideration of comments from the community.
Former Ministers for Natural Resources and the Environment , Ian Macdonald and Bob Debus, announced the improvements for the health of the Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands rivers saying they were “important”
.“The new environmental flows will ensure more water is protected for the health of the Shoalhaven River and will also allow us to better mimic the natural river flow,” Mr Debus said.
The new flows would replace the interim measures which had been in place since 19.
Currently up to 90 million litres of water is released daily from Tallowa Dam for the health of the Shoalhaven River, but the new rules would see a far greater range of flows, with some up to 371 million litres per day, depending on the season.
This water protects critical low river flows and medium flows would be partially protected, while a large proportion of high flows, which flush the river, would continue to flow over the dam wall.
Mr Debus said the new environmental flows would be implemented when the current drought was over.
To support the environmental flows, new infrastructure would be built at Tallowa Dam to allow native fish passage and to improve the temperature of water released from the dam.
Mr Macdonald said the fish passage project had been strongly supported by environmental groups, the local fishing industry and recreational fishers.
“Construction will start this year with completion in 2008,” Mr Macdonald said.
“The fish passage will allow 10 native fish species to migrate up and downstream of the dam and may even see the reestablishment of the endangered Grayling into the Shoalhaven River.”
Mr Macdonald said the recent consultation with the community also discussed six options that could allow for the transfer of more water from Tallowa Dam to Sydney and the Illawarra, should the Government decide to proceed with increased water transfers.
The Sydney Catchment Authority would conduct further technical investigations on the three options and report back to the Government in late 2007.
March 28, 2007
Weather Expert
Blows
in to Talk
Climate change isn’t all gloom and doom according to historical ecologist at the University of Adelaide, Dr Peter Gell, who says there are lessons to be learned from the past.
Dr Gell is one of a line-up of experts speaking at a regional climate change forum to be held at Buronga on Friday 30 March.
“Climate change and agriculture - impacts and adaptation in the Lower Murray Darling catchment” is a joint initiative of the Department of Primary Industries and the Lower Murray-Darling Catchment Management Authority.
Dr Gell is a speaker of international acclaim and has recently returned from an Earth Systems Science Partnership meeting in Beijing where he spoke on the lessons we can learn from history.
“In the past there has been climate change in the river wetlands of the lower Murray Darling and they have been able to recover,” Dr Gell said.
“They are under particular pressure today as they are under severe drought stress in an era of heavy land and water use.
“We need to examine the long record of the past to address the changes that we see today, which may be due to natural variability or to our own hand.”
Dr Gell has examined extended records of the past contained in the sediments of more than 40 Murray Darling Basin wetlands and has been monitoring the north-west wetlands since 15, so his input into discussions on local climate change will be invaluable.
Chairman of the Lower Murray Darling CMA, Mark King, was urging primary producers, rural service providers, and the local community to take advantage of this unique opportunity to work with a panel of experts to address climate change.
“Climate change is a huge challenge for the Sunraysia district with its changing weather patterns affecting horticultural and other farming practices,” Mr King said.
“The potential impacts of climate change are such that anyone involved in agriculture must start to plan their adaptation strategies now.
He said this was a chance to have a panel of experts answer questions and help shape the future of the region.
The forum, to be held at the Edge Hotel, Sturt Highway Buronga, at 9am (8.30 am registration) until 4.30 pm. Cost is $20 per person, or $30 per couple, which covers lunch and morning tea.
PS News readers wishing to attend should register by contacting Leanne Hegedus at DPI’s Dareton Office on (03) 5019 8400.
March 28, 2007
Men in Blue in Depression
Display
Policing, crime and the Great Depression are explored in detail in a new exhibition at the Justice and Police Museum that looks at everyday life in Sydney during the years from 1929–1933.
Tough men, hard times explores the conflicts and tensions of Sydney in the 1930s through artefacts, documents, photographs, political cartoons, and Depression era “survivors tales” on film.
Exhibition curator, Caleb Williams says Tough men, hard times continues the Justice and Police Museum’s focus on buried, repressed and hidden histories of Sydney.
“Tough men, hard times is about the extremes that people go to when they are pushed to the wall,” Mr Williams said.
“It examines the role of policing in the early 1930s against a background of soup kitchens and dole queues, anti-eviction riots, and street violence.
“In particular it deals with the New Guard, once a hugely popular right-wing paramilitary movement of the 1930s with a plan to stage a coup against the Government of the day, but today a largely forgotten embarrassment, a mouldering fascist skeleton, in the dark closet of Sydney’s past.”
Mr Williams said the exhibition captures the sense that revolution was in the air and civil war, or at least a major eruption of class conflict, was just around the corner.
“The example of the Russian Revolution was in everybody’s mind.
“Provocations and resistance to established authority were not tolerated. The police were under a very pragmatic, Glasgow-born leader, in Sydney, W.J. MacKay, and definitely wanted to seem ‘in charge’ of a situation that could veer out of control at any second.
“Extreme methods were adopted that sometimes led to tragic outcomes, as at Rothbury where miners were shot.”
Mr Williams said the policing of the Great Depression and the astonishing politics of the era were explored through posters, photography, objects and cartoons as well as through poignant filmed interviews with Depression era survivors.
“The exhibition allows us a close encounter with the terrible suffering, outlandish hopes and extraordinary passions that marked the lives of ordinary people during the early 1930s in Sydney.”
The exhibition runs until 10 February 2008 at the Justice and Police Museum at Circular Quay in Sydney. Enquiries can be directed to (02) 9252 1144.
March 28, 2007
IPAA On Course for
2007 Conference
The Institute of Public Administration Australia has issued a call for papers for its 2007 conference to be held in Perth in September.
Called Western Reflections: Conversations on the Place of Australian Public Services in a Changing World, the conference has been designed to provide different views on Australian identity and the Australian Public Sector.
It will do this by exploring four themes:
The State of the Nation: Where is our Federation Going?
Customers or Citizens?
Investing in our people; and
Shaping the Agenda.
The first theme will focus on Governance and issues of political decision-making and the role of public servants while the second will look at service delivery and cross-agency co-operation; machinery of government changes; best practice examples of community involvement; e-government and breaking down barriers.
The third theme will examine the role Public Servants play in developing and assisting the country and the final theme was introduced to explore different approaches to thinking about the future and where the Public Sector will fit.
The IPAA Conference provides an opportunity to address key issues in public management; facilitate networking opportunities between practitioners, academics and others and demonstrate key factors surrounding the Public Sector.
This year’s event will be held at the Burswood Entertainment Complex in Perth from 18 to 20 September and for more information, contact IPAA on 07 3228 2800, or visit its website at www.ipaa.org.au.
March 28, 2007
Premier’s PS Pledge
Welcomed by PSA
The Public Service Association has welcomed Premier Morris Iemma’s commitment to maintain the size of the Public Service in real terms over the life of the next Labor Government.
Mr Iemma signed the PSA pledge before appearing on stage to address more than 1000 public sector workers at a rally in the Sydney Town Hall.
“Our campaign has made job cuts the key political issue of this State election,” said the General Secretary of the PSA, John Cahill.
He said the commitment from Mr Iemma meant there was now a clear choice for voters on March 24.
“On the one hand we have a Government committing themselves to maintaining the public sector. On the other we have an opposition vowing to cut 20,000 jobs - a move that would devastate the delivery of public services in NSW,” Mr Cahill said.
In signing the pledge Mr Iemma made a commitment to the following principles:
To protect the NSW industrial relations system from the Federal Government’s Work Choices laws, and vow not to hand over industrial relations powers to Canberra.
To commit to essential public services and those workers who provide them, including the retention of frontline support workers and to commit to maintain public sector job levels in real terms as at 2006 State Budget levels, including the retention of frontline support workers.
To guarantee to protect public sector delivery of services for NSW and the workers providing those services, including a commitment to career development opportunities and ensuring public sector jobs provide meaningful careers.
To maximise departmental stability and ensure a focus on delivery of services to benefit communities in metropolitan and country NSW.
To protect workers affected by workplace change so that all workers maintain meaningful jobs, and through redeployment and reskilling avoid the use of forced redundancy.
March 28, 2007
Fire Claims Spark
Angry Response
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has described claims by NSW Farmers that it does not fight fires vigorously enough as “offensive” and said they fail to recognise the dedication of NPWS staff who work extremely hard on the firefighting front line to protect the community.
NPWS Chief, Dr Tony Fleming said that the farmers’ claim was ill-informed and not supported by the facts.
“I am very disappointed by the claim,” Dr Fleming said.
“I am frankly getting tired of the continual sniping from the sidelines by people who are not held to account for their claims which are generally made without a shred of evidence.”
He said the facts told a different story.
“In this past bushfire season 70 per cent of national park fires were kept to below 10 hectares. Another 20 per cent were between 10 and 100 hectares.
“During this time only 3 per cent of fires grew larger than 1000 hectares and these were managed by the NPWS in close cooperation with the NSW Rural Fire Service and other agencies.”
Dr Fleming said success in quickly containing the vast majority of fires was largely due to the skills of the 550-strong remote area firefighting team.
He said the NPWS pioneered the approach of using helicopters to get specially trained crews into remote areas so they can avert disasters by putting the fires out before they have a chance to make a run.
“If anyone has any doubts about the hard work of national parks firefighters I’d challenge them to put on a 10kg pack, get helicoptered into a rugged and inhospitable landscape in 40 degree heat for 12 hours, three days straight, using chainsaws, picks and sheer grunt to clear firebreaks and fight fires.”
He said NSW Farmers’ obsession with NPWS fire management was surprising given the fact that national park fires generally constitute a small fraction of the total number in NSW each year.
“In 2005-06 five per cent of the State’s fires were in national parks. “Statistically twice as many bushfires enter national parks than those that leave national parks and this has been the case for at least the last 20 years.”
He also rejected claims by the NSW Farmers that NPWS did not maintain fire trails.
“This is simply not true and we are tired of this myth being allowed to perpetuate,” Dr Fleming said.
“The NPWS maintains a 10,000 kilometre fire trail network, conducts regular hazard reduction burning, works closely with local fire authorities and has an active and dedicated fire management team.
“The NPWS has grown heartily tired of the constant harassment by NSW Farmers and demand that they put up or shut up.
March 21, 2007
Premier’s PS Pledge
Welcomed by PSA
The Public Service Association has welcomed Premier Morris Iemma’s commitment to maintain the size of the Public Service in real terms over the life of the next Labor Government.
Mr Iemma signed the PSA pledge before appearing on stage to address more than 1000 public sector workers at a rally in the Sydney Town Hall.
“Our campaign has made job cuts the key political issue of this State election,” said the General Secretary of the PSA, John Cahill.
He said the commitment from Mr Iemma meant there was now a clear choice for voters on March 24.
“On the one hand we have a Government committing themselves to maintaining the public sector. On the other we have an opposition vowing to cut 20,000 jobs - a move that would devastate the delivery of public services in NSW,” Mr Cahill said.
In signing the pledge Mr Iemma made a commitment to the following principles:
To protect the NSW industrial relations system from the Federal Government’s Work Choices laws, and vow not to hand over industrial relations powers to Canberra.
To commit to essential public services and those workers who provide them, including the retention of frontline support workers and to commit to maintain public sector job levels in real terms as at 2006 State Budget levels, including the retention of frontline support workers.
To guarantee to protect public sector delivery of services for NSW and the workers providing those services, including a commitment to career development opportunities and ensuring public sector jobs provide meaningful careers.
To maximise departmental stability and ensure a focus on delivery of services to benefit communities in metropolitan and country NSW.
To protect workers affected by workplace change so that all workers maintain meaningful jobs, and through redeployment and reskilling avoid the use of forced redundancy.
March 21, 2007
Fire Claims Spark
Angry Response
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has described claims by NSW Farmers that it does not fight fires vigorously enough as “offensive” and said they fail to recognise the dedication of NPWS staff who work extremely hard on the firefighting front line to protect the community.
NPWS Chief, Dr Tony Fleming said that the farmers’ claim was ill-informed and not supported by the facts.
“I am very disappointed by the claim,” Dr Fleming said.
“I am frankly getting tired of the continual sniping from the sidelines by people who are not held to account for their claims which are generally made without a shred of evidence.”
He said the facts told a different story.
“In this past bushfire season 70 per cent of national park fires were kept to below 10 hectares. Another 20 per cent were between 10 and 100 hectares.
“During this time only 3 per cent of fires grew larger than 1000 hectares and these were managed by the NPWS in close cooperation with the NSW Rural Fire Service and other agencies.”
Dr Fleming said success in quickly containing the vast majority of fires was largely due to the skills of the 550-strong remote area firefighting team.
He said the NPWS pioneered the approach of using helicopters to get specially trained crews into remote areas so they can avert disasters by putting the fires out before they have a chance to make a run.
“If anyone has any doubts about the hard work of national parks firefighters I’d challenge them to put on a 10kg pack, get helicoptered into a rugged and inhospitable landscape in 40 degree heat for 12 hours, three days straight, using chainsaws, picks and sheer grunt to clear firebreaks and fight fires.”
He said NSW Farmers’ obsession with NPWS fire management was surprising given the fact that national park fires generally constitute a small fraction of the total number in NSW each year.
“In 2005-06 five per cent of the State’s fires were in national parks. “Statistically twice as many bushfires enter national parks than those that leave national parks and this has been the case for at least the last 20 years.”
He also rejected claims by the NSW Farmers that NPWS did not maintain fire trails.
“This is simply not true and we are tired of this myth being allowed to perpetuate,” Dr Fleming said.
“The NPWS maintains a 10,000 kilometre fire trail network, conducts regular hazard reduction burning, works closely with local fire authorities and has an active and dedicated fire management team.
“The NPWS has grown heartily tired of the constant harassment by NSW Farmers and demand that they put up or shut up.
March 21, 2007
IPAA On Course for
2007 Conference
The Institute of Public Administration Australia has issued a call for papers for its 2007 conference to be held in Perth in September.
Called Western Reflections: Conversations on the Place of Australian Public Services in a Changing World, the conference has been designed to provide different views on Australian identity and the Australian Public Sector.
It will do this by exploring four themes:
The State of the Nation: Where is our Federation Going?
Customers or Citizens?
Investing in our people; and
Shaping the Agenda.
The first theme will focus on Governance and issues of political decision-making and the role of public servants while the second will look at service delivery and cross-agency co-operation; machinery of government changes; best practice examples of community involvement; e-government and breaking down barriers.
The third theme will examine the role Public Servants play in developing and assisting the country and the final theme was introduced to explore different approaches to thinking about the future and where the Public Sector will fit.
The IPAA Conference provides an opportunity to address key issues in public management; facilitate networking opportunities between practitioners, academics and others and demonstrate key factors surrounding the Public Sector.
This year’s event will be held at the Burswood Entertainment Complex in Perth from 18 to 20 September and for more information, contact IPAA on 07 3228 2800, or visit its website at www.ipaa.org.au.
March 21, 2007
Attorney Throws
Book
at DPP
Attorney-General, Bob Debus has accused the Director of Public Prosecutions of making “unwarranted and insulting” remarks about the State’s Public Servants by suggesting they had been bullied out of providing frank and fearless advice to their political masters.
Writing in The Australian, Mr Debus said the DPP, Nicholas Cowdery QC had engaged in “the kind of politicking he might otherwise decry.”
Mr Debus said he could not remain silent when Mr Cowdery called into question the integrity of senior Public Servants who were unable to defend themselves.
Mr Debus said several Public Servants told him they were “quite peeved” by Mr Cowdery’s assertions, and regarded them as “disloyalty”.
“I reckon I’ve defended Nick’s independence a dozen times over the past six years, in the Parliament and in the media, and I’ve felt it my proper responsibility to do so,” Mr Debus said.
“But suddenly I find he’s using the independence that has been given to him to prosecute criminals, instead to cast completely gratuitous aspersions on the role and integrity of other Department heads.”
Mr Debus also criticised Mr Cowdery for comments he made on the NSW State Plan after declining an offer to provide input to it.
.Mr Debus’s attack on Mr Cowdery came during his final week of a 16-year State Parliamentary career.
The current Government’s longest-serving Minister, Mr Debus retires from his Blue Mountains electorate at this week’s election but is believed to be considering a career in Federal politics.
March 21, 2007
Cutting Edge Coverage
on NSW Border
Voters on the State borders are receiving up-to-the-minute coverage of the NSW State election following a decision of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation to switch to NSW content.
Head of Network and State Coverage at the ABC, Alan Sunderland said the ABC had responded to the needs of local communities by switching the Upper Murray ABC TV service from Victorian to NSW programming for the last 10 days of the election campaign.
“This will mean residents in Albury NSW will be able to receive all NSW news and election coverage in the lead up to the NSW election,” Mr Sunderland said.
Albury residents would have NSW coverage from Friday 16 March with normal Victorian programming returning on Monday 26 March.
“The ABC will provide comprehensive election coverage on all platforms that will now be available to all Albury residents, including election night coverage broadcast nationally on ABC2, on ABC Riverina Local Radio, available to Albury residents on 675AM, and full coverage and analysis on ABC Online at abc.net.au/elections/2007.”
March 21, 2007
Bold is Beautiful at
Police Awards
Police Commissioner, Ken Moroney has presented a local detective with two commendations at a ceremony in Port Macquarie.
The awards relate to two incidents which occurred while Detective Senior Constable David Stuart was working at Hawkesbury Local Area Command in north-western Sydney.
Commissioner Moroney praised the detective’s courage and devotion to duty when responding without concern for his own safety.
“Detective Senior Constable Stuart has twice shown exceptional bravery under what can only be described as arduous circumstances,” Commissioner Moroney said.
“His commitment to his job, in particular to protecting the community and seeing justice done, is an example to all NSW Police Force officers.”
During the ceremony former leading radio presenter Gary O’Callaghan and retired State Coroner, Derek Hand were each presented with a Commissioner’s Certificate of Appreciation.
“Gary O’Callaghan has been a friend of the NSW Police Force over a distinguished broadcasting career,” Commissioner Moroney said. “But it has been his wonderful support for Police Legacy for which we are most grateful.
Commissioner Moroney said Derek Hand, as both a magistrate and as the State’s Coroner, always went well beyond establishing the truth of matters before him.
“He took the extra step of making recommendations to assist in police education and training. He offered sound advice to improve police policy, practice and procedures. He always asked the question ‘How can I make this system better?’ and, in doing so, he has helped police provide a better service.”
Meanwhile, six NSW police officers have received honours for acts of bravery from the Governor-General of Australia, Major General Michael Jeffery.
Major General Jeffery said the four current and two former officers selflessly put themselves in jeopardy to protect the lives or property of others.
Senior Constable Leah Rudder was awarded the second-highest honour, the Star of Courage, after rescuing an unconscious man from a burning house at Tarro, in the Hunter region, in April 2003.
Senior Constable Jules Moylan was awarded a Bravery Medal, while former Senior Constable Gregory Payne has received a Commendation for Brave Conduct for their part in the daring rescue.
Former Senior Constable Darren Kolosque and Senior Constable Kevin Day were named as recipients of the Bravery Medal after capturing two men allegedly involved in the shooting death of a police officer in Sydney’s east and Sergeant Sean Phillips also received a Commendation for Brave Conduct after using his own body to shield a shooting victim from further gunshots.
Commissioner Moroney said the officers had demonstrated great courage and dedication to their duties.
March 21, 2007
Public Seminar on Privacy
The NSW Law Reform Commission is to hold a public lunchtime seminar on a person’s right to privacy as part of Law Week 2007 celebrations.
Professor Michael Tilbury, Commissioner in charge of the NSW Law Reform Commission’s review of privacy laws, will outline the scope of the privacy review before attendees are invited to ask questions and raise issues about this law reform topic.
The privacy review resulted from a request by the Attorney General for the Commission to inquire into and report on whether existing legislation in NSW provided an effective framework for the protection of the privacy of an individual.
In particular, the Commission is to consider the desirability of:
privacy protection principles being uniform across Australia;
a consistent legislative approach to privacy under various NSW statutes; and
introducing a statutory tort of privacy in NSW.
All interested members of the public and the legal profession are invited to attend but bookings are required.
The seminar will be held on Monday 26 March at 12.30m at the Jubilee Room, Parliament House, Macquarie Street, Sydney.
For information contact Robyn Johansson on Robyn_Johansson@agd.nsw.gov.au or (02) 9228 8230 and for bookings, Wendy Stokoe at Wendy_Stokoe@agd.nsw.gov.au
March 21, 2007
Agencies Join Push
To Help Disabled
A new framework has been launched to ensure that vital public services such as transport, health, education and housing, which are available to everyone, are also readily available to people with disabilities and their families.
The Better Together: A new direction to make NSW Government services better for people with a disability and their families outlines practical strategies for achieving an increase in both the employment of people with disabilities and their community participation.
One in five people in NSW has a disability.
The Framework was the result of service reviews and commitments made by the Directors-General of 12 NSW Government departments, at the request of Premier, Morris Iemma.
“I wanted the agencies to work in a coordinated fashion to complement the injection of over a billion dollars for disability services,” Mr Iemma said.
“I asked for a review of what we do; what works; where we need to improve; what are the important issues we face; and what stops people with a disability and their carers from participating or succeeding.
“And I wanted to know what their priorities were for improvements.”
Mr Iemma said the result was the Better Together initiative, a series of priorities that could be implemented immediately.
“One of the most important initiatives is a new way of looking at the key services we provide,” Mr Iemma said.
“Whether it is transport, education, health or any of our services which require large capital investment, appropriate access for people with a disability must be part of the regular way we do business.
“This will mean in NSW that only those with the greatest need will have to use special facilities or programs.”
He said Better Together built on the NSW State Plan’s commitment to deliver better services and promote fairness and opportunity for all citizens, by providing better services for families.
“I want to make our State a better place by finding new and more effective ways to provide services where and when families need them.”
The review of services across the 12 departments identified a number of areas in which improvements could be made and eight priorities were identified.
These were:
Improving coordination of investment in accessible infrastructure.
Early intervention — providing help at the earliest possible time to get the best results.
Making it easier for people to get the therapy services they need.
Strengthening services and support for people with autism and their families.
Improving access to community support and specialist accommodation.
Supporting and recognising carers.
Working with Aboriginal families and communities to strengthen the services we provide.
Collaborating on research to improve our understanding of what works best.
Departments which are contributing to the Better Together initiative include Transport, Disability Services, Attorney General’s, Education and Training, Health, Planning, Community Services, Justice and Housing.
Mr Iemma said Better Together came out of the 10-year plan Stronger Together which already provided an additional $1.3 billion over its first five years in extra respite, supported accommodation, in-home support, therapy, post school programs and practical help that families needed.
“This is on top of over $2.5 billion we already spend each year on services to assist people with a disability,” Mr Iemma said.
March 21, 2007
ABC Has Election Covered
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation has unveiled plans to provide a comprehensive coverage and analysis of the State elections on TV, Radio and Online.
ABC TV’s full NSW election coverage begins at 6pm live from the NSW tally room with host Kerry O’Brien, ABC election analyst Antony Green and Stateline NSW presenter Quentin Dempster. The panel will provide continuous coverage of the count and the most accurate and expert analysis, with the ABC’s election computer system ready to call the results as early as possible.
ABC TV’s election panel will be joined by Deputy Premier, John Watkins, and Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Barry O’Farrell to provide their analysis of the numbers as they come in. ABC TV will report results of seats from around the state throughout the night, from Albury to Tweed Heads.
TV coverage is expected to end at 10.30pm.
The following morning after Insiders with Barrie Cassidy, a further summary of election results will be shown.
For viewers outside NSW, ABC2 will be broadcasting the election coverage from the tally room from 6.30pm (local time all states).
Radio coverage will include all the latest results, expert analysis and interviews with party political figures, party leaders and candidates with Tony Delroy hosting a special panel of guests including the retiring president of the NSW Legislative Council, Meredith Burgman, and former Liberal MP Stephen O’Doherty. There will be regular crosses to reporters on the tally room floor and to journalists in electorates around the state.
News Radio’s coverage begins at 6.10pm with Russell Powell and Steve Chase conducting key interviews and regular updates on the state count. Coverage is scheduled to 11pm.
For more information on the broadcast plans, visit the ABC’s election website abc.net.au/elections.
March 21, 2007
Rocky a knock-out in
Fair Trading Awards
By Karen Hardy
NSW Fair Trading Commissioner, Lyn Baker, has congratulated Rocky Mileto of Orange on receiving a Fair Trading staff service award for his role in pioneering a telephone mediation service aimed at resolving motor vehicle repair disputes.
The award was recently presented to Mr Mileto by Fair Trading’s Assistant Commissioner, Operations, Brian Given.
Ms Baker said that Mr Mileto was an outstanding example of how someone managed to maximise their abilities to provide outstanding service to consumers and traders.
“Rocky, a battery-operated wheelchair user, works as a teleconferencing mediator from his home office in Orange to resolve disputes between consumers and motor vehicle repairers,” Ms Baker said.
“He has piloted teleconferencing of motor vehicle disputes since June 2004 and has exhibited professionalism and enterprise in all his endeavours.”
Mr Mileto was left a quadriplegic after a severe spinal cord injury from a rugby accident 11 years ago. He has since undertaken a Bachelor of Law degree and was admitted to the Supreme Court as a legal practitioner in 2005, attaining qualifications as an accredited mediator and gaining high-level computer skills.
“Numerous consumers have had their disputes resolved by Rocky’s persuasive ability, empathy and technical knowledge of the motor vehicle repair industry,” Ms Baker said.
“As a result of his work in setting this system up, Rocky is now able to assist people across the state, not just in the Central West.”
He has also made an outstanding contribution at the Orange Rotary Driver Awareness Program (Ryda) recently when he addressed more than 300 year 11 students.
“Rocky spoke to the students about the realities of living with a disability and how they should exercise caution when driving to ensure they avoid motor accidents,” Ms Baker said.
“He also stressed the importance of careful motor vehicle maintenance, and how it can become financially difficult to keep a vehicle roadworthy and in good repair.”
March 21, 2007
Holiday Hoopla at
Harbour
This Easter
Darling Harbour plans to come alive over the Easter long weekend with jaw-dropping aerials, madcap acrobatics, side-splitting wizardry and gut-wrenching knife juggling - all part of HOOPLA 2007.
A free family event, HOOPLA, is an outdoor circus and street theatre festival that organisers promise will have participants inspired, laughing and even gasping with trepidation.
One of the highlights will be the Chipolatas, a dynamite trio from Britain whose program combines theatre with acrobatics and other circus skills – including a segment of clog dancing.
In addition, Dislocate return to HOOPLA to perform 3 Speed Crunch Box, a fast-paced and humorous theatre act about a dysfunctional family of stunt people. Amidst acrobatics and daringly stupid feats they try to get their draw card trick (or any trick for that matter) right.
Also returning by popular demand is the multi talented juggler, Joel Salome with a new show, Gadgets, featuring hi-tech wizardry and his two-piece show band.
Also appearing will be the Flying Fruit Fly Circus premiering their new acrobatic show, Beach Party featuring classic Australian humour and Aussie beach culture.
And for those inspired by HOOPLA to run away to join the circus, there’s even a Circus Workshop Tent to present a taste of life under the big top.
HOOPLA will be presented by Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority from Friday 6 April to Monday 9 April.
March 21, 2007
Funding Leg-Up
For Disabilities
Young people with disabilities and their families are to benefit from extra $3 million in extra funding for equipment such as baby crying alert systems for severely and profoundly deaf mothers.
Visiting the disability services provider, Windgap Foundations at East Lakes, the Minister for Disability Services, John Della Bosca said the extra funding would also provide motor vehicle transfer equipment, hoists, special seats and wheelchairs.
“The NSW Government understands how vitally important specialist equipment is in giving people with a disability the gift of independence,” Mr Della Bosca said.
He said the Government would commit $23.5 towards disability equipment this financial year.
Mr Della Bosca said the Windgap Foundation was just one of the non-Government organisations benefiting from the Government’s increased support for people with a disability through its Stronger Together strategy.
“Stronger Together provides the resources and expanded flexible services people with a disability and their families need to improve their quality of life,” Mr Della Bosca said.
“It is backed up by $1.3 billion in funding over its first five years – the largest single increase in disability funding in the State’s history.”
He said the first $154 million for Stronger Together had already delivered extra therapy, respite, supported accommodation, attendant care and a comprehensive range of assistance.
He said in 2006-07, the NSW Government provided $3.5 million to the Windgap organisation for post-school programs and supported accommodation services.
March 21, 2007
Farmers Invited to
Make Land Mark
Public comment is being sought on rural land use in the Central West ahead of a series of independent expert panel hearings which are to commence in April.
Director General of Planning, Sam Haddad, said farmers and the community were encouraged to comment on subjects outlined in the inquiry’s terms of reference including the value of agriculture in the region and rural planning issues, such as minimum lot sizes.
“The way we manage land is critical to the Central West’s prosperity and this is one of the most important issues which will affect future generations of farmers,” Mr Haddad said.
“These independent hearings will bring together expertise and local knowledge, including from local councils, to provide some solutions.
He said the Government had never endorsed a one-size-fits-all approach to rural land use and it was critical that farmers and the rural community take this opportunity to have their say.
The independent panel was announced in February by Planning Minister, Frank Sartor and Primary Industries Minister Ian Macdonald.
Submissions will be examined by the panel and its recommendations will be considered by the Government.
Submissions must be received in writing by the 19 April 2007 and can be sent to the Central West Independent Review Panel, c/- GPO Box 3415, Sydney NSW 2001 or by emai to secretariat@coi.nsw.gov.au
Mr Haddad said residents needed to indicate in their submission if they wished to appear before the panel at one of the hearings.
The independent expert panel would be chaired by former National Party Minister and local member Garry West and would include the President of the NSW Farmers’ Association, Jock Laurie; Secretary General of the Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW, Bill Gillooly; and Gabrielle Kibble, former Director-General of the Department of Planning.
March 21, 2007
Albury Banks on
Murray
River Plan
Albury Mayor, Cr Amanda Duncan-Strelec, has unveiled a 25-year vision for the future of the Murray River and Lake Hume.
The Draft Murray River Experience Master Plan covers more than 1200 hectares of open space areas linking Wonga Wetlands to Lake Hume along 82 kilometres of water frontage.
The plan addresses improvements at eight significant open space areas including the Wonga Wetlands, West Albury Parks, Central Riverside Parks, Doctors Point Reserve, Mungabareena Reserve and Eastern Hill, Lake Hume Reserves, Bowna Reserve and Table Top Reserve.
Cr Duncan-Strelec said the draft plan represented one of the most exciting projects ever undertaken by the Council.
“I believe the proposed plan strikes a balance between retaining the natural features and beauty of the river and lake, but at the same time introduces a range of features to help us better interact with our waterfront,” Cr Duncan-Strelec said.
She said the Council consulted widely with the community and the message received was that residents wanted improved access to the river and lake and better facilities.
She said the draft plan addressed those issues and recommended a range of initiatives to strengthen the relationship between the community and the Murray as well as protecting the river’s health and wellbeing.
The draft plan would be on public exhibition for the next four to six weeks. A CD-Rom of the master plan was available from AlburyCity on request.
Cr Duncan-Strelec encouraged the community to view the draft plan and have their say on the initiative.
March 21, 2007
Freedom Too Expensive
for ACT FOI
The ACT Government has amended its Freedom of Information Act to allow Government Agencies to deny FOI requests if they are considered too costly or a security risk.
ACT Attorney-General, Simon Corbell said the amendment would stop tax payers’ money from being “unreasonably diverted” towards unnecessary high costs incurred by FOI requests.
He said a recent FOI request for very document relating to Aboriginal land rights in the Australian Capital Territory would have involved over 30,000 documents and diverted the work of an Indigenous policy unit for “months.”
Mr Corbell was reported in the Canberra Times as saying a single FOI request could cost up to $30,000.
He said requests under the Act would only be denied if their criteria were not refined or if they diverted unreasonable amounts of public resources.
Opposition Leader, Bill Stefaniak said the tight new laws could give the Government more power to deny FOI requests.
“The Government can allege that a request for information would cost too much or be too difficult to produce,” Mr Stefaniak said.
“To deprive the public of its right to know about the workings of its own Government is an act of total hypocrisy.”
Mr Corbell defended the new rules saying the ACT also risked being denied intelligence from the Commonwealth if it did not protect documents which could affect national security.
Leader of the Greens in the ACT, Dr Deb Foskey said healthy democracies required information to base judgments about Government policies and behaviour.
“These amendments lower the bar and militate against good governance,” Dr Foskey said.
“I was disappointed that no-one else voted against this anti-democratic legislation in the Assembly.”
March 21, 2007
Feds Pressure States
Over Road Blow-Outs
The Federal Government is considering imposing new controls on the way the States and Territories manage road and rail projects under AusLink 2, the second phase of the national land transport plan.
Speaking at the 2007 ABARE Outlook conference in Canberra, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Transport and Regional Services, Mark Vaile said the new controls could be necessary to stop the cost of road and rail projects from “blowing out” and to make sure Australian taxpayers got the best value for money from the Commonwealth’s investment in land transport infrastructure.
“The States and Territories are responsible for managing most of the projects under the Government’s national land transport plan, AusLink,” Mr Vaile said. “The Australian Government is providing the money; the States and Territories are doing the detailed planning, tendering and contract management.
“But,” he said, “One in five of the AusLink projects completed so far have gone over budget by more than a million dollars.”
Mr Vaile said the Commonwealth was developing the second phase of the national land transport plan, AusLink 2, which would run from 2009-10 to 2013-14.
“My department will need to become more involved in generating the initial costing for projects rather than leaving it up to the States and Territories.”
He said State and Territory governments would need to contribute to the cost of all new projects, including projects on the former National Highway.
“The best way to make sure that the States and Territories manage construction projects properly is to make sure that some of their own money is at stake,” he said.
According to Mr Vaile, the Commonwealth’s funding could be capped at a defined dollar figure for each project, which would be set just before the project went to tender and the cost estimate had been calculated to the 90 per cent probability level.
“The State and Territory Governments will have to need to bear any residual financial risk,” he said. “They will know the rules from the start. They will not be able to claim that we have an obligation to bail them out for poor management.
He said the Commonwealth would be making more announcements about AusLink 2 in the months to come.
“Our objective is to plan properly and then invest wisely. We won't be able to fix every road and railway in Australia, but our strong economic management has put us in a position where we should be able to make a second massive investment in the transport system.”
March 14, 2007
Defence Sets Sights
on APEC Talk-Fest
The Australian Defence Force has begun its preparations to support State Agencies hosting the 2007 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit throughout Australia.
The APEC summit will see 21 countries take part in 100 days of meetings, culminating in the APEC Leaders’ Forum in Sydney on September 8 and 9.
According to Army News, the Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston said the Australian Government considered APEC to be the largest and most important series of meetings held in Australia.
“Defence is working closely with Federal, State and Territory Departments and Agencies, building on well-tested national security and counter-terrorism arrangements to ensure APEC is conducted safely,” he is reported to have said.
He said Defence support to civil authorities would be similar to that during the Rugby World Cup, Olympics and Commonwealth Games.
In December, 150 delegates attended a security conference at Holsworthy Barracks where NSW Police, Australian Federal Police and the Incident Response Regiment demonstrated their capabilities.
The display, which included the Tactical Assault Group, demonstrated how the ADF could support the civil authorities in the event of a terrorist incident.
Federal Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock said APEC would be the largest and most complex dignitary protection event in Australia's history.
He said the Commonwealth had provided $167.5 million over four years to ensure for security measures.
March 14, 2007
Feds Pressure States
Over Road Blow-Outs
The Federal Government is considering imposing new controls on the way the States and Territories manage road and rail projects under AusLink 2, the second phase of the national land transport plan.
Speaking at the 2007 ABARE Outlook conference in Canberra, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Transport and Regional Services, Mark Vaile said the new controls could be necessary to stop the cost of road and rail projects from “blowing out” and to make sure Australian taxpayers got the best value for money from the Commonwealth’s investment in land transport infrastructure.
“The States and Territories are responsible for managing most of the projects under the Government’s national land transport plan, AusLink,” Mr Vaile said. “The Australian Government is providing the money; the States and Territories are doing the detailed planning, tendering and contract management.
“But,” he said, “One in five of the AusLink projects completed so far have gone over budget by more than a million dollars.”
Mr Vaile said the Commonwealth was developing the second phase of the national land transport plan, AusLink 2, which would run from 2009-10 to 2013-14.
“My department will need to become more involved in generating the initial costing for projects rather than leaving it up to the States and Territories.”
He said State and Territory governments would need to contribute to the cost of all new projects, including projects on the former National Highway.
“The best way to make sure that the States and Territories manage construction projects properly is to make sure that some of their own money is at stake,” he said.
According to Mr Vaile, the Commonwealth’s funding could be capped at a defined dollar figure for each project, which would be set just before the project went to tender and the cost estimate had been calculated to the 90 per cent probability level.
“The State and Territory Governments will have to need to bear any residual financial risk,” he said. “They will know the rules from the start. They will not be able to claim that we have an obligation to bail them out for poor management.
He said the Commonwealth would be making more announcements about AusLink 2 in the months to come.
“Our objective is to plan properly and then invest wisely. We won't be able to fix every road and railway in Australia, but our strong economic management has put us in a position where we should be able to make a second massive investment in the transport system.”
March 14, 2007
Commander Catherine
is Woman of the Year
Assistant Police Commissioner, Catherine Burn has been named the NSW Woman of the Year.
Assistant Commissioner Burn, who leads the Professional Standards Command, was recognised for her work with the Aboriginal community when she was the commander at Redfern Police Station.
“I was in there for approximately 15 to 16 months which is quite enough time to get out into the community and to engage the community, and to start to achieve some results,” Ms Burn said.
“I think that also what we did was sustainable so I’m encouraged by that.”
Aboriginal Housing Company manager, Mick Mundine, nominated Ms Burn for the award.
“Even all the Aboriginal people in the Redfern, Waterloo area, they really respect her because she came in at the grassroot level and really mingled with the people,” Mr Mundine said.
“She’s got a lot of respect and I think a big congratulations go to her.”
March 14, 2007
Ambulance Service
Medals Revived
More than 1700 Long Service and Good Conduct medals have been awarded to Ambulance Officers and support staff at the Ambulance Service’s Rozelle Headquarters.
Minister for Health, John Hatzistergos said the Ambulance Long Service and Good Conduct medal was reintroduced in November 2005 following representations from Ambulance staff and their union.
“This medal recognises 10 years of service with the Ambulance Service of NSW,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
“Every day Ambulance officers are called on to save lives and treat patients before arrival at Hospital. This medal pays tribute to their work and also the support staff that back up these everyday heroes.”
Mr Hatzistergos said the Ambulance Long Service and Good Conduct Medal was available to all eligible employees both operational and corporate as at 17 May 2005.
“The staff present today are representing the 1730 staff who are eligible to receive this award, many of whom are working right across NSW,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
“Recipients of the award will receive a full-size medal, a miniature medal and ribbon bar. Clasps will also be issued for every additional 10 years service, as well as a lapel pin for corporate recipients.”
Mr Hatzistergos said the staff who received the award had not only demonstrated a long-term commitment to the NSW Ambulance Service but also performed their roles with good conduct.
“The Ambulance Service of NSW has an outstanding record of retaining staff, with many working a long period of time – sometimes up to 40-plus years.
“It is this sort of dedication to duty and service that this new medal recognises.”
March 14, 2007
Violence Program holds
10-Year Bun Fight
A unique program that assists women seeking protection through the courts against their violent partners, celebrated its 10th birthday on International Women’s Day, 8 March 2007.
Administered by Legal Aid NSW, the Women’s Domestic Violence Court Assistance Program funds 33 Schemes servicing 55 Local Courts across NSW.
Skilled community-based professionals work in partnership with police, legal professionals, local courts staff and social welfare agencies to assist women and children in need of legal protection from domestic violence through an integrated system of legal representation, practical social welfare assistance and referrals.
The Program was first established in 15 to help women seeking Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders, as a protection against domestic violence. The initiative was in response to increasing concern by the community sector about the need to improve access to justice for victims of domestic violence through the establishment of innovative legal and social welfare partnerships, aimed at providing women with holistic assistance for their often complex needs, and in helping them to be meaningfully involved in the justice process.
Chief Executive of Legal Aid, Bill Grant said the program had gone from strength to strength in a decade and had helped thousands of Australian women to effectively pursue their right to live safely.
“Ten years on, it remains the largest formalised network of domestic violence court assistance operation in Australia,” Mr Grant said.
“During this time the Program has pioneered effective service delivery strategies for women seeking to end the violence they are experiencing, through justice system interventions.”
He said they were the ‘glue’ that ensured police, local courts and social welfare agencies worked together to assist women to eliminate violence from their lives.
Since its beginnings, the number of schemes had increased from 26 to 33 and the number of services provided to women ad grown from 19,000 in 17 to 33,915 last year. Specialist scheme workers also assisted women from particularly disadvantaged backgrounds.
Mr Grant said that last year 2352 services were delivered to Aboriginal women and 4490 services to women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
The Program has also provided information about help with going to court in 15 community languages and distributes an Aboriginal-specific brochure.
This financial year the Program will receive $4.3 million in State Government funding, an increase on $3.829 million over last year.
The 10-year celebration took place at Parliament House and speakers included Dr Michael Flood from La Trobe University, who has conducted extensive research into men’s violence against women, and Bev Lazarou, Coordinator of Southern Sydney Women’s Domestic Violence Court Assistance Scheme since its inception.
Mr Grants aid the birthday celebration was an opportunity to reflect on the program’s achievements and look ahead to future challenges.
March 14, 2007
Copyright Use Not
Easy At ABC
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation has begun action against the New South Wales branch of the Australian Labor Party regarding its use of ABC copyright material in a party political website.
ABC Director of Corporate Strategy and Governance, Murray Green, said the NSW ALP was featuring recordings of ABC broadcasts on a website about the NSW Opposition Leader.
“Those recordings have been used by the NSW ALP without permission and in a way which gives the misleading impression that the ABC approves of their use for party political purposes," Mr Green said.
He said that was not the case, that the ABC did not align itself with any political views and had a statutory duty to maintain its independence and integrity, particularly during election campaigns.
Mr Green said the ABC had in place longstanding policies on the use of ABC material for political purposes.
"The policies clearly do not permit use of ABC recordings in the way they are currently being used by the NSW Branch of the Labor Party."
He said the ABC asked the NSW ALP to cease using ABC recordings in connection with its party political website but the party refused.
“Accordingly the ABC had no choice but to commence proceedings in the Federal Court to restrain the NSW ALP from infringing ABC copyright," Mr Green said.
March 14, 2007
Trail Program on
Path
to Success
A 2000km network of recreational trails across Sydney is a step closer with the Government committing another $1.9 million to the concept.
Planning Minister Frank Sartor has approved funding to allow 24 local Councils to support 26 projects under the Metropolitan Greenspace Program.
“We want to put a regional recreational trail no more than 1.5km from every residential area in Sydney – or a 15 minute walk,” Mr Sartor said. “To improve links between bushland, parks and waterways in Sydney.”
He said the Strategy include regional trails and walkways along the foreshores of the Hawkesbury, Nepean and Parramatta rivers and Pittwater and would help achieve the key State Plan priority of more people using parks, sporting and recreational facilities and enjoying a more healthy lifestyle.
Mr Sartor said the Government had so far committed more than $20 million to the Program with local Councils matching the funds dollar-for-dollar.
He said trails funded under the Metropolitan Greenspace Program included:
The Great River which would eventually follow the Hawkesbury Nepean river system from south of Goulburn to Broken Bay, north of Sydney;
The Western Sydney Parklands between Blacktown and Liverpool with more than 27km of pedestrian and bike paths.
The Greater Blue Mountains Trail Project linking walking and cycle trails with accommodation and transport;
The Bicentennial Coastal Walkway running from Manly to Palm Beach; and
The Cooks River Foreshore trail, forming a vital link from Sydney Olympic Park to Botany Bay.
Mr Sartor said other projects supported under the latest round of Metropolitan Greenspace funding included:
Hawkesbury, Penrith and Blacktown Councils – $252,000 for three projects including reinvigorating the 110-hectare Whalan Reserve at Tregear and new Rickaby’s Creek Footbridge to link Howe and Deerubbin Parks at Windsor.
Auburn Council – $193,765 for a 1.1km extension to the Duck River Trail project between Parramatta Road and Sheffield St, Auburn.
Blue Mountains Council – $142,030 to support the Greater Blue Mountains Trail project including a new footbridge at Katoomba Cascades and reconstructing part of Darwin’s Walk Wentworth Falls.
City of Sydney Council – $125,000 to create a secure park for children and carers at Sydney Park, St Peters.
March 14, 2007
Seniors Wild and Free
in National Parks
The National Parks and Wildlife Service celebrated Seniors Week this year by allowing seniors free vehicle entry to NSW national parks.
NPWS chief, Dr Tony Fleming said the free entry was available to all holders of the NSW Seniors Card, and applied to all 44 national parks and reserves where vehicle entry fees are normally charged.
“Seniors Week is about encouraging older people to be active and healthy – and there’s no better place to do this than a national park,” Dr Fleming said.
Dr Fleming said the NPWS also wanted to acknowledge the great contribution seniors make to the national park network and the environment in general.
“Many older people are passionate about parks and wildlife, and have been instrumental in the establishment of national parks. They continue to be involved through membership of advisory committees, bushcare groups, wildlife rescue organisations and in other ways,” he said.
“This is NPWS’s opportunity to give a bit back to them. It’s also a chance for them to see some of the most popular parks and reserves for free.”
The NPWS was organising more activities across NSW during Seniors Week which runs to 18 March.
The mostly free activities range from bushwalks and ranger talks to bird-watching expeditions and “rockpool rambles”. For more information readers should contact their local NPWS offices or phone the Environment Line on 1300 361 967.
March 14, 2007
Gardeners’ Fruit Talks
Have A’Peel
Home gardeners will have the opportunity to learn how to look after backyard fruit trees when local commercial growers reveal their trade secrets at this month’s Central West Garden & Outdoor Expo.
Department of Primary Industries horticulturist, Jeremy Bright, will take to the floor with the growers to talk about the importance of controlling pests and diseases.
“Growing good fruit can be hard work but you don’t need to use a barrage of chemicals to produce healthy fruit while protecting the environment and the local economy,” Mr Bright said.
“Local growers spend a lot of effort producing quality fruit that is highly sought-after here and overseas but the industry is potentially under threat if pest and disease aren’t managed in home gardens.”
Mr Bright will outline which pests and diseases are important to control and how best to manage them in a backyard situation.
“Fruit fly is a high priority pest which along with codling moth should be managed by gardeners,” he said.
“Not only does fruit fly ruin backyard fruit crops, including tomatoes and capsicums, if not controlled their presence puts at risk our multi-million dollar fruit industry.
“Some pests such as dimple bug cause only cosmetic damage and can be tolerated in backyard fruit.”
Gardeners can hear Mr Bright’s fruit growing tips at 4pm on Saturday and 3pm on Sunday at the Australian National Field Days’ Borenore site on 17 and 18 March.
Contact the ANFD office (02) 6362 1588 or info@anfd.com.au for a full program of the inaugural Central West Garden and Outdoor Expo.
March 14, 2007
Employment Land
Sought
in Job Lots
Identifying enough industrial land to cater for 125,000 new jobs over the next 25 years in Sydney is the aim of new measures announced by Planning Minister Frank Sartor
Mr Sartor said the employment lands strategy aimed for significant growth within the Western Sydney Employment Hub at the M4/M7 intersection, where three major projects expected to generate 610 new jobs had just been approved.
“The Employment Lands for Sydney Action Plan is part of the Government’s long-term strategy to provide more jobs closer to where people live,” Mr Sartor said.
“We want to strengthen our regions, cut down on commuting, reduce pollution and create more family time, while ensuring NSW remains open for business.”
He said one in four Sydney workers currently had jobs on employment lands such as industrial areas and business and technology parks.
“This Action Plan sets out the Government’s strategy for securing up to 7500 hectares of additional employment lands in Greater Sydney by 2031, including the Central Coast,” Mr Sartor said.
“Ensuring Sydney has sufficient land for new jobs is just as important as providing a stock of land for housing,” he said.
“That’s why the Government will invest $1 million to establish a comprehensive Employment Lands Development Program to monitor supply and speed up rezonings.”
Mr Sartor said the Action Plan was the result of top-level advice from the Employment Lands Task Force which included business and industry representatives.
Other key initiatives included:
A new State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) to provide the development framework for employment lands across NSW;
Work to stimulate investment and jobs growth in existing employment lands including St Marys-Dunheved, Milperra and areas east of the Liverpool town centre;
A new Employment Lands Ministerial Advisory Committee to provide ongoing advice on the provision of employment lands across NSW.
As part of the Action Plan, the Government would also investigate a major extension to the Western Sydney Employment Hub, including parts of Badgery’s Creek and Kemps Creek.
Mr Sartor said projects approved for the Hub include:
Woolworths Liquor Distribution Centre – a $41.2 million project expected to create 190 operational jobs;
Kimberly-Clark Distribution Centre – a $42.3 million project generating 140 permanent jobs;
CSR Warehouse and Distribution Centre – a $200 million concept plan, and approval for Stage One of the project, creating 280 operational jobs, 100 construction jobs and capital investment of $43 million.
The developments would be located within the Erskine Park Employment Area, where 57 hectares would be set aside for environmental offsets as part of a broader Biodiversity Strategy.
Minister for Western Sydney,Diane Beamer said the projects would also deliver funds for the Erskine Park Link Road.
“This investment in Western Sydney is major step forward for the Employment Hub,” Ms Beamer said.
“Not only will it create hundreds of new jobs for our region but these approvals will also help deliver the Link Road, which is expected to unlock the Hub for development and attract even more investment and local jobs.”
March 14, 2007
Smooth Sailing for Climate
Change Forums
Regional climate change forums are to be held in Tamworth and Narrabri this month offering primary producers, rural service providers, and the local communities the chance to take climate change by the horns.
The forums are part of a series being conducted by the Department of Primary Industries across the State under funding provided by the NSW Greenhouse Office.
“Climate change and agriculture – impacts and adaptation in the Namoi catchment” is a joint initiative of DPI and the Namoi Catchment Management Authority to help rural communities in that area prepare for what could be the world’s greatest long-term environmental challenge.
Early registrations are recommended for the one-day forums at Narrabri (March 21) and Tamworth (March 22) featuring one of Australia’s most respected authorities on climate change, Dr Graeme Pearman, former chief of CSIRO Atmospheric Research.
Dr Pearman joins a line-up of speakers which includes Dr John Williams, former chief of CSIRO Land & Water, Perry Wiles from the Bureau of Meteorology, Anna Gero from Insurance Australia Group, Dr. Steve Crimp from CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems, Professor Paul Martin from the University of New England, and a number of industry representatives.
The experts have been engaged to tell the “home truths” about climate change, current outlooks, local climate trends, impacts for agriculture and future water resource availability, managing the risk, challenges and opportunities, and emerging markets.
Current climate change predictions indicate that NSW will face greater extremes and variations in rainfall and temperature, which are likely to affect the operation of many agricultural enterprises.
Head of DPI’s climate risk project, Gary Allan, said the speakers would set the scene for lively discussion of how agriculture can adapt to climate change by being part of the solution.
“Local communities will have a part to play, and because agriculture is a significant part of regional communities and the economy, they need a better understanding of the issues that farmers are facing,” Mr Allan said.
The forums will be held at The Crossing Theatre in Narrabri and the Powerhouse Hotel in Tamworth, starting at 8.30am and winding up at 4.30pm. Cost is $20 per person, or $30 per couple, which covers lunch and morning tea.
People wishing to attend must register by 16 March by contacting DPI’s Tamworth office on 6763 1100.
Further information on the forums can be obtained from Gary Allan at DPI in Orange on 6391 3902 or 0427062839.
March 14, 2007
Coal Industry Burning
Brightly
The latest NSW Coal Industry Profile shows that more than 18,000 people were employed in the coal industry in 2005/06, the highest employment level since 16/97.
This was an increase of 12 per cent over the previous financial year.
The NSW Coal Industry Profile 2006 is regarded as the most comprehensive guide to production information, industry trends and new projects within the State’s coal sector.
“The NSW coal industry is one of the pillars of the State’s economy,” said the Director General of the Department of Primary Industries, Barry Buffier.
“(It promotes) regional development, job creation and generates export revenue.”
He said the Profile provided a snapshot of the State’s coal industry which accounted for more than two-thirds of its mining jobs, directly employing people who live in rural and regional NSW.
“Coal mining has played a long and important role in communities all across NSW providing more than 12,600 direct jobs and nearly twice as many flow-on jobs through related industries and services,” Mr Buffier said.
He said the NSW minerals industry was valued at $11.7 billion dollars in 2005/06 and coal mining was worth around $8.5 billion dollars – or 73 per cent of the State’s total mineral production revenue.
“This NSW Coal Industry Profile 2006 can also serve as an important tool to help draw new investment into the industry and the regional communities which rely on a dynamic coal sector,” Mr Buffier said.
“The Mine Dossier section gives extensive details about all existing and proposed coal mines in NSW, including resources/reserves, product specifications, and mining and processing details.”
The publication also included a range of statistical information covering production, consumption, output, exports, employment and productivity along with reference information on government and industry organisations.
The NSW Coal Industry Profile 2006 can be purchased from the Department of Primary Industries’ website www.dpi.nsw.gov.au or by contacting the Department’s Maitland office on (02) 4931 6666 or by email
March 14, 2007
Big BRO to KO Regulation
Details of the new Better Regulation Office have been unveiled by the Government as it gears up for a head-on assault on bureaucratic red tape and inefficient, unnecessary regulations.
Announced in November last year as a driver of best practice regulation across the Public Service and Government, the BRO has now been established within the Cabinet Office and will work to support the Assistant Minister for Business and Economic Regulatory Reform, Joe Tripodi.
Mr Tripodi has been charged with slashing bureaucratic red tape and introducing the best practice regulatory regime to ease the burden on business.
Among the tasks the fledgling Office is gearing up for are:
* to provide ongoing advice and practical tools to Agencies to encourage good regulatory processes, including guidance on alternative regulatory forms, risk analysis and cost-benefit analysis;
* to provide a central source of information on best practice regulation;
* to conduct targeted reviews into areas where reduction of the regulatory burden could have benefits;
* to produce an annual report on compliance with the Government’s regulatory process requirements; and
* to review regulatory processes across Government and advise the Minister on its findings;
A priority for the new Office will be to develop reforms to the broader processes around regulation making and the practice of assessing their impacts as well as new requirements for post-implementation review.
The Office will replace the current guide From Red Tape to Results - Government Regulation: A Guide to Best Practice with a new guide including Whole-of-Governmnet consultation and will introduce mandatory Regulator Impact Statements for significant proposals.
It will also introduce an enhanced program of reviewing regulations across the State with improved and better-cordinated processes.
Principles to be adopted by the Office in its assessment of regulations include whether there is a clear need for Government to be involved and if so for what purpose, the costs involved, other options available and the circumstances surrounding periodical review.
The simplification, repeal, reform, or consolidation of existing regulations will also considered and business and community consultation will be undertaken to inform decisions.
The Better Regulation Office is expected to be fully operational by June 2007
March 14, 2007
Harbour Foreshore
Goes Green
A number of Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority buildings and facilities have been switched to 100 per cent green energy – well beyond the Government’s 6 per cent requirement for Government sites.
The newly green buildings include:
Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority’s head office in The Rocks
The Rocks and Darling Harbour Sydney Visitor Centres
The Darling Harbour security control room
The Darling Harbour carousel and children’s playground
The buildings were now using GreenPower accredited renewable energy sourced from biomass, wind, hydropower and solar.
The Foreshore Authority said this simple switch would make a big difference, slashing carbon dioxide emissions by around 2200 tonnes every year which was equivalent to taking almost 510 cars off Sydney’s roads.
The 100 per cent GreenPower initiative was just one of a number of projects adopted by the Authority to save energy and water and cut greenhouse gas emissions.
In Darling Harbour, a 7 kilowatt solar power system had been installed at the Sydney Entertainment Centre car park, the only system of its type in Sydney’s CBD. This power system feeds renewable energy directly back into the NSW electricity grid for other green energy users to enjoy.
The car park system combines with an existing solar system on the roof of the Sydney Entertainment Centre to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 21 tonnes a year.
A water harvesting system has also been installed at Darling Harbour, collecting and storing 4.5 million litres of water a year from the car park roof of the Sydney Entertainment Centre. This water is used to irrigate Darling Harbour’s parks and gardens.
GreenPower was a national accreditation program that set stringent environmental and reporting standards for renewable energy products offered by electricity suppliers to households and businesses across Australia. By choosing a government-accredited GreenPower product, the energy supplier agrees that the equivalent amount of energy nominated will be produced from renewable sources, avoiding the use of coal-derived power.
March 14, 2007
ICAC Puts Exam Rules
To The Test
The Independent Commission Against Corruption has investigated the corruption risks in Higher School Certificate take-home assessment tasks and has recommended greater clarity and detail in Board of Studies policies and advice to students, and more assistance for schools to prevent cheating.
The ICAC Report also recommended that the Minister for Education and Training consider regulating the tutoring industry to manage the risks around the delivery of Government education better.
The report followed allegations referred to the ICAC in 2005 by the Board of Studies that some students attending a private tutoring business had received improper assistance for work ultimately submitted as part of their HSC assessment.
The students were enrolled in English Extension 2, a subject assessed on a Major Work that was largely completed away from the direct supervision of the teacher. Although no findings of corrupt conduct were made, ICAC concluded that there were significant corruption risks that needed to be addressed by the Board of Studies and by the Department of Education and Training.
It found that staff at the company concerned had provided assistance to students working on their Major Work for English Extension 2. It said the assistance ranged from changing words and rewriting paragraphs to providing drafts for consideration and adjusting storylines.
In one example cited in the report, the company manager undertook a detailed edit of a student’s Major Work and the student went on to receive a mark of 48 out of 50 for her HSC English Extension 2 major work.
ICAC found however that there were difficulties in determining whether the assistance provided was in breach of Board policies and guidelines, because there were inconsistencies in the Board’s definitions of malpractice and what constituted a student’s “own work”.
The report said that this in turn made it difficult to establish whether any conduct came within the definition of corrupt conduct in the ICAC Act.
The evidence gathered by the investigation showed areas of practice and procedure affecting the HSC that were potentially conducive to corrupt conduct.
ICAC acknowledged that the Board had subsequently put measures in place to address some of the issues, but said more needed to be done and made 20 corruption prevention recommendations.
March 14, 2007
Aboriginal Languages
Brought to Book
The Aboriginal community in New England is keeping their tribal languages Gamilaraay and Nganyawana alive through a book about child development.
“Bubaa Ngambaa Gaayili” or “Father, Mother, Child” was a book for Aboriginal parents and family workers in the New England area. It gives simple advice about raising children aged 0-five years to help get them off to a good start and a healthy life.
The Government’s Aboriginal Child, Youth and Family Strategy, which focuses on improving the health and well being of Aboriginal children, young people, their families and communities, has funded the publication.
The Department of Community Services is working with key Government agencies and local Aboriginal communities to implement the strategy.
DoCS Manager of Regional Strategy for Northern NSW, Jude Alcorn, said the book was first launched on the Far North Coast and had been so successful it was being rolled out to many other areas in NSW.
“The book offers basic child development information in a simple format and using the Gamilaraay and Nganyawana languages, as well as culturally-appropriate games,” Ms Alcorn said.
“Aboriginal parents and family workers asked for information about what Gaayili (children) did at different ages and the book provides a break-down of how children develop from new-born to three months, then to nine months, 18 months, two-and-a-half years, three-and-a-half years and five years.”
She said the book also provided a vocabulary list of body parts in Gamilaraay, Nganyawana and English, as well as a series of songs including the Hokey Pokey, which incorporated tribal language terms. She said this helped the children maintain an identity with their Aboriginal language and culture.
DoCS Principal Project Officer of Indigenous Programs, Edwina Crawford said Aboriginal communities had responded well to the book and many elders and local community families had participated in developing it as a resource.
“Everyone expects parenting to be natural, but it can be tough and sometimes you need extra support, Ms Crawford said.
“This book gives parents, carers and grandparents simple advice and contacts for helpful services.”
“It’s really helping to keep our language and culture alive.”
March 7, 2007
Big BRO to KO Regulation
Details of the new Better Regulation Office have been unveiled by the Government as it gears up for a head-on assault on bureaucratic red tape and inefficient, unnecessary regulations.
Announced in November last year as a driver of best practice regulation across the Public Service and Government, the BRO has now been established within the Cabinet Office and will work to support the Assistant Minister for Business and Economic Regulatory Reform, Joe Tripodi.
Mr Tripodi has been charged with slashing bureaucratic red tape and introducing the best practice regulatory regime to ease the burden on business.
Among the tasks the fledgling Office is gearing up for are:
* to provide ongoing advice and practical tools to Agencies to encourage good regulatory processes, including guidance on alternative regulatory forms, risk analysis and cost-benefit analysis;
* to provide a central source of information on best practice regulation;
* to conduct targeted reviews into areas where reduction of the regulatory burden could have benefits;
* to produce an annual report on compliance with the Government’s regulatory process requirements; and
* to review regulatory processes across Government and advise the Minister on its findings;
A priority for the new Office will be to develop reforms to the broader processes around regulation making and the practice of assessing their impacts as well as new requirements for post-implementation review.
The Office will replace the current guide From Red Tape to Results - Government Regulation: A Guide to Best Practice with a new guide including Whole-of-Governmnet consultation and will introduce mandatory Regulator Impact Statements for significant proposals.
It will also introduce an enhanced program of reviewing regulations across the State with improved and better-cordinated processes.
Principles to be adopted by the Office in its assessment of regulations include whether there is a clear need for Government to be involved and if so for what purpose, the costs involved, other options available and the circumstances surrounding periodical review.
The simplification, repeal, reform, or consolidation of existing regulations will also considered and business and community consultation will be undertaken to inform decisions.
The Better Regulation Office is expected to be fully operational by June 2007
March 7, 2007
Sydney’s Thin Blue
Line Thickens
Twenty new Federal Agents have been sworn in by Australian Federal Police Commissioner, Mick Keelty and will be deployed in the AFP’s Sydney office.
Commissioner Keelty said the 16 men and four women sworn into the Force bring a wide range of qualifications and life experiences to their new careers, including degrees in science, psychology, law, economics and justice.
He said 11 were from NSW, five from Queensland, three from the ACT and one from South Australia.
Commissioner Keelty awarded the “Commissioner’s Award for Excellence in Recruit Training” to Federal Agents Luke O’Shea and Luke Wilson, who had demonstrated excellence in all elements of the program, including; teamwork, leadership, communication, academic achievement, health and safety and commitment to the values of the AFP.
The AFP’s Sydney Office Manager, Federal Agent Warren Gray, said the new agents faced a number of challenges in their new careers.
“Policing today requires managing a rapidly changing environment and multiple and complex demands,” Agent Gray said
“These new federal agents exhibit a variety of skills and cultural mixes, but they are all committed to our vision, values, and our business of making society safer.”
The new federal agents would undertake 12 months of on-the-job training in a variety of operational areas including economic and special operations, as well as border and international network.
March 7, 2007
Harbour Foreshore
Goes Green
A number of Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority buildings and facilities have been switched to 100 per cent green energy – well beyond the Government’s 6 per cent requirement for Government sites.
The newly green buildings include:
Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority’s head office in The Rocks
The Rocks and Darling Harbour Sydney Visitor Centres
The Darling Harbour security control room
The Darling Harbour carousel and children’s playground
The buildings were now using GreenPower accredited renewable energy sourced from biomass, wind, hydropower and solar.
The Foreshore Authority said this simple switch would make a big difference, slashing carbon dioxide emissions by around 2200 tonnes every year which was equivalent to taking almost 510 cars off Sydney’s roads.
The 100 per cent GreenPower initiative was just one of a number of projects adopted by the Authority to save energy and water and cut greenhouse gas emissions.
In Darling Harbour, a 7 kilowatt solar power system had been installed at the Sydney Entertainment Centre car park, the only system of its type in Sydney’s CBD. This power system feeds renewable energy directly back into the NSW electricity grid for other green energy users to enjoy.
The car park system combines with an existing solar system on the roof of the Sydney Entertainment Centre to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 21 tonnes a year.
A water harvesting system has also been installed at Darling Harbour, collecting and storing 4.5 million litres of water a year from the car park roof of the Sydney Entertainment Centre. This water is used to irrigate Darling Harbour’s parks and gardens.
GreenPower was a national accreditation program that set stringent environmental and reporting standards for renewable energy products offered by electricity suppliers to households and businesses across Australia. By choosing a government-accredited GreenPower product, the energy supplier agrees that the equivalent amount of energy nominated will be produced from renewable sources, avoiding the use of coal-derived power.
March 7, 2007
States in Tangle
to
Cut Red Tape
A cross-border payroll tax reform is set to cut red tape for thousands of businesses in NSW and Victoria according to the Treasurers of both States.
Treasurer, Michael Costa and Victorian Treasurer, John Brumby a said the reforms would cut payroll tax paperwork in half for around 8,000 businesses who operated on both sides of the State border.
Mr Costa said red tape was the number one concern for businesses in both States, and the changes would be great news for businesses and employees.
“Our Governments got together to reduce costs for businesses operating in both States by harmonising laws and regulations,” Mr Costa said.
“This will make it cheaper for employers to provide leave for new parents, a move that is sure to be welcomed both by employers and young families.”
Mr Brumby said Victoria would adopt the NSW approach to payroll tax in an effort to assist emergency services volunteers.
“This means employers no longer pay payroll tax on employees who are away working as volunteer firefighters or responding to other emergencies,” Mr Brumby said.
Mr Costa said his Government would adopt a number of provisions in Victoria’s laws, including an exemption from payroll tax for maternity and adoption leave payments.
Managing Director of MYOB Australia, Tim Reed said the use of common provisions in Victoria and NSW should help provide business relief and lead to reduced compliance costs.
Under the new laws, Victoria and NSW would look to establishing a “one-stop shop” for businesses liable under both States’ payroll taxes.
The new laws are planned to be introouced from 1 July but despite each State passing the same standardised laws with common eligibility and definitions, they would continue to set their own rates and eligibility thresholds.
The agreement was criticised by the Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory, Jon Stanhope who said it short-circuited plans for all States and Territories to adopt common payroll tax laws.
“It was disappointing that NSW and Victoria had effectively chosen to gazump well-advanced national proposals for harmonising payroll tax rules,” Mr Stanhope said.
“It hardly seems in the spirit of cooperation for two jurisdictions to jump the gun with a bilateral agreement ahead of national consideration of the issue.”
March 7, 2007
Harbour Bridge Party
Easy as ABC
Two of Australia’s national icons, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation plan to share their 75th birthday with Sydneysiders this month.
As thousands cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge to commemorate its birthday on 18 March , the ABC plans to hold a series of celebrations to mark the occasion, including outside broadcasts with ABC presenters and a full day of entertainment on the ABC Stage at Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour.
“The ABC is proud to be sharing its 75th birthday this year with another Australian icon - the Sydney Harbour Bridge,” ABC Head Corporate Marketing, John Woodward said.
He said the ABC would be working in partnership with the Premier’s Department to provide a full range of activities and entertainment to celebrate the historic occasion.
To kick off the celebrations, Breakfast with Adam Spencer would broadcast live on Friday 16 March on 702 ABC Sydney, from atop the Bridge.
On the Sunday itself, Ian “Macca” McNamara will broadcast Australia All Over from the courtyard at the Sydney Observatory on Observatory Hill and Weekends with Simon Marnie will broadcast live from the midst of the Harbour Bridge Walk, as thousands of people make their way across the bridge.
“As people walk over the bridge, they will be treated to sound pods delivering audio soundscapes sourced from the ABC sound archive that will highlight Sydney’s history since the opening of the Harbour Bridge in 1932,” Mr Woodward said.
“The ABC Stage at Tumbalong Park will be abuzz with activity starting at 10am with entertainment for all ages. Jay Laga’aia and Georgie Parker from Playschool will appear on stage, along with appearances from Dorothy the Dinosaur, Bananas in Pyjamas and later in the afternoon a special performance from Beccy Cole.
To walk across the Bridge on 18 March, walkers need to register at www.ourbridge.com.au and indicate the time they wish to begin. Already 135,000 people have registered and time slots were filling fast.
March 7, 2007
Gear Change for New
Rescue Vehicles
The first of six new Ambulance rescue vehicles, designed for all manner of emergency from car accidents to natural disasters, has been delivered to the Ambulance Service.
Health Minister John Hatzistergos, welcomed the first vehicle saying they would improve the capability and effectiveness of the service.
“The new rescue trucks and equipment will bolster the Ambulance Service’s ability to provide essential public health services and better assist the community during rescue emergencies,”Mr Hatzistergos said.
He unveiled the first vehicle at Camden Ambulance Station in the company of the Member for Camden, Geoff Corrigan; Member for Campbelltown, Graham West; and Labor candidate for Wollondilly, Phil Costa.
Features of the new vehicles, worth $1.5 million, include:
hydraulic support struts to stabilise cars that have rolled onto their roof or side and to stabilise collapsed buildings
confined space rescue equipment
concrete cutting tools
swift water rescue equipment
a remote controlled roof mounted lighting mast for extra safety, and
four external cameras to alleviate driver blind spots
Mr Corrigan said having the latest equipment meant that the Ambulance Service would be better prepared for any disaster on a small or large scale.
Mr West said the new truck and equipment would help make a difficult job easier and Mr Costa said the area around Camden and Campbelltown had urban areas as well as large areas of farm and bushland and the Ambulance service could be called out to a rescue situation at any time.
Mr Hatzistergos said the Ambulance Service had more than 200 fully trained rescue officers who had been involved in major incidents including Thredbo, the Newcastle earthquake, Waterfall train crash and the Beaconsfield mine disaster.
He said the full complement of new vehicles would be off the assembly line by June.
March 7, 2007
ICAC Puts Exam Rules
To The Test
The Independent Commission Against Corruption has investigated the corruption risks in Higher School Certificate take-home assessment tasks and has recommended greater clarity and detail in Board of Studies policies and advice to students, and more assistance for schools to prevent cheating.
The ICAC Report also recommended that the Minister for Education and Training consider regulating the tutoring industry to manage the risks around the delivery of Government education better.
The report followed allegations referred to the ICAC in 2005 by the Board of Studies that some students attending a private tutoring business had received improper assistance for work ultimately submitted as part of their HSC assessment.
The students were enrolled in English Extension 2, a subject assessed on a Major Work that was largely completed away from the direct supervision of the teacher. Although no findings of corrupt conduct were made, ICAC concluded that there were significant corruption risks that needed to be addressed by the Board of Studies and by the Department of Education and Training.
It found that staff at the company concerned had provided assistance to students working on their Major Work for English Extension 2. It said the assistance ranged from changing words and rewriting paragraphs to providing drafts for consideration and adjusting storylines.
In one example cited in the report, the company manager undertook a detailed edit of a student’s Major Work and the student went on to receive a mark of 48 out of 50 for her HSC English Extension 2 major work.
ICAC found however that there were difficulties in determining whether the assistance provided was in breach of Board policies and guidelines, because there were inconsistencies in the Board’s definitions of malpractice and what constituted a student’s “own work”.
The report said that this in turn made it difficult to establish whether any conduct came within the definition of corrupt conduct in the ICAC Act.
The evidence gathered by the investigation showed areas of practice and procedure affecting the HSC that were potentially conducive to corrupt conduct.
ICAC acknowledged that the Board had subsequently put measures in place to address some of the issues, but said more needed to be done and made 20 corruption prevention recommendations.
March 7, 2007
Bra Campaign to Swell
Charity Chest
Centrelink staff from across the Central West were unhooking clasps to donate their unwanted bras to support the McGrath Foundation's Bra Challenge.
Centrelink’s organiser Lana Grey said the Bra Challenge was a fun way to raise awareness of breast cancer, which affected about one in 11 Australian women in their lifetime.
“It’s not just people in their mid 50s that are being diagnosed but also younger people in their mid 20s,” Ms Grey said.
“Cancer doesn’t discriminate, and it will have an effect on everyone in every community at some stage.”
Ms Grey said she was looking forward to receiving thousands of bra donations, in hope of boosting the national goal of 120,000 bras.
The collected bras would be used to form a bra chain, in hope of overtaking the current Guinness World Record that measures 111km.
“In addition to the bras, we’re happy to accept any gold coin donations for the McGrath Foundation to raise funds towards their breast care nurses,” Ms Grey said.
“Centrelink staff are always enjoy getting behind such a worthy cause, and I think the community here in the Central West will contribute in a big way too.”
PS News readers willing to donate bras can simply drop by Centrelink offices in Bathurst, Orange or Cowra or contact Centrelink national media on (02) 6284 6538 or (02) 6284 6442.
March 7, 2007
OLGR Gives Tip Tips
for Top Tipping
With the football seasons about to start the Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing has issued a set of guidelines for tipping competitions. While a tipping competition may seem harmless enough, there are certain conditions that must be met for it to be lawful.
According to OLGR, organisers cannot profit, receive any salary, wage, fee, commission, percentage or similar payment for conducting a tipping competition. They must also formulate and release the rules for their tipping competition to prospective participants before the competition commences and apply them consistently.
It said rules must be displayed at the place where the tipping competition is to be conducted and should clearly explain:
the cost of entering the competition
the closing date/time for payment to enter
the amount of the prize pool
the prize structure
the deadline for lodging weekly selections
how late-selections and non-selections will be treated
the method for awarding points and bonus points
how participants are informed of progress scores
the organiser’s name and contact point, and
a method for resolving disputes
At the end of a tipping competition, organisers are encouraged to give participants a short financial statement and that statement and bank records should be kept in case a complaint or dispute arises.
OLGR said anything can be a prize other than tobacco, firearms and cosmetic surgery and total money prizes cannot exceed $5000. Up to 20 litres of liquor can be a prize.
OLGR said it had received complaints in the past when organisers ceased publishing weekly progress ladders five or six weeks before the end of the competition season. While this can raise the suspense of the competition it also meant participants could not track progress until a winner was announced.
Unfortunately, OLGR said, some leaders of the competition at a particular point in time who then don’t win could believe they’d been duped. The Office suggests that organisers should have processes in place that ensure the integrity and transparency of the competition and it was good practice to publish a weekly leader board.
According to OLGR, another problem that occurred was where organisers did not collect all the entry money within a short period of time from the competition start, especially if fixed money prizes were offered. This could give participants the opportunity to quit the competition if they were not doing well.
If this was allowed, less prize money would be available to the participants who stayed in the competition.
It said a good practice would be to award prizes on a percentage basis, rather than fixed dollar amounts.
March 7, 2007
Scam Campaign to Stamp
Out Scammers
A consumer campaign to crackdown on scams has been launched by the Australasian Consumer Fraud Taskforce.
Established in March 2005, the ACFT is composed of 18 Government regulatory Agencies and Departments from Australia and New Zealand with responsibility for consumer protection in relation to frauds and scams
.
The four-week campaign has been launched to help people protect themselves from scams with the overall theme “Scams Target You!- Protect Yourself'” and has been timed to coincide with Global Consumer Fraud Prevention Month.
This month, the ACTF, has launched Scamwatch, a campaign to raise awareness of the ways in which people can protect themselves.
The campaign suggests ways to:
Protect your money
Never respond to an email asking you for your PINs or passwords
Never send money to someone you don’t know or trust
Only invest with licensed financial services providers.
Protect your phone
Be suspicious of unexpected calls and text messages
Hang up. Or text “STOP” to unwanted messages
Don’t give out your number to just anyone.
Protect your computer
Keep your protection software up to date
Don’t respond in any way to unsolicited emails
If in doubt, delete.
Protect your identity
Never give out your personal information to someone you don’t know or trust
Don’t just bin it – destroy it (old bills, records or expired cards)
Check your credit report at least once a year.
The Taskforce is chaired by Louise Sylvan, the Deputy Chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and operates in three focussed subgroups:
The Outreach Subgroup, which creates the overall message and program of co-ordinated outreach by the members each year. All members participate in this task and in the liaison with private sector partners in the lead up to the campaign.
The purpose is to have all Government Departments and Agencies and all private partners giving the same message at the same time.
“Stop It” Subgroup: under the deputy chairmanship of Malcolm Finger of the Office of Fair Trading, is tasked with developing innovative and co-ordinated approaches to preventing fraud and scam messages from reaching consumers whether these originate by mail, phone or email. Where scams and frauds do get through it also aims at preventing the money paid by consumers from leaving Australia.
The Research Subgroup is chaired by Dr Russell Smith, of the Australian Institute of Criminology and has the task of raising the profile of consumer fraud in terms of developing, commissioning and conducting research into the problem.
March 7, 2007
Planning Reform is
Blueprint for
Change
The Government has committed another $4.2 million to continue its planning reforms, benefiting 62 local Councils and two regional organisations of Councils.
Planning Minister, Frank Sartor, approved funding under the Planning Reform Fund, a program that provides Government support to help Councils deliver important new local plans to guide sustainable growth. More than 60 per cent of the funds are allocated to regional areas.
“The NSW Government has made good progress reforming the planning system – but we have more work to do,” Mr Sartor said.
“Councils use this funding to implement our reforms, which protect community consultation and make the system more transparent.”
The 2006/07 round of Planning Reform Fund grants would help Councils prepare new Local Environmental Plans and implement Metropolitan and Regional Strategy goals.
These included:
Sub-regional and local planning strategies which could identify potential for housing and employment growth, or protect biodiversity; and
Working through issues with implications for other areas, such as rural land-use, regional town centres natural resource planning and salinity management.
“The NSW Government has invested more than $15 million to help Councils through this Planning Reform Fund,” Mr Sartor said.
He said the Government was working with Councils to continue planning for more jobs close to home and a sustainable supply of new housing.
Mr Sartor said the Government worked in partnership with Councils to deliver a range of important initiatives including:
The Building Sustainability Index (BASIX) initiative, which was reducing water and energy use in new homes by 40 per cent;
The Six Cities initiative to build a network of strong regional cities, with fresh jobs, housing and recreation opportunities; and
The LEP template that was simplifying planning language and zones.
March 7, 2007
Move to Canberra Looks
Like Capital idea
The city of Canberra is poised to welcome its first group of ex-Illawarra residents who have responded to a campaign to get them to move to the national capital.
Chief Minister of the Australian Capital territory, Jon Stanhope said a three-week “Live in Canberra” campaign on the NSW South Coast had been a great success.
“The Live in Canberra team has been swamped by hundreds of enquiries from the Illawarra and this week they met face-to-face with more than 250 residents during sessions in Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Nowra,” Mr Stanhope said.
“In fact, from the strong level of interest, this venture has been even more successful than our campaign in Sydney’s south and south-west in April-May last year.”
He said that in the few weeks since the Illawarra campaign was launched, some people had already found jobs in Canberra.
“The Live in Canberra team has met with a broad range of skilled people including chefs, electricians, teachers, journalists, health care professionals, IT workers and a number of young people eager to take up an apprenticeship in the trades,” Mr Stanhope said.
“Most people who attended the seminars said they were keen to explore the vast range of job opportunities in Canberra. In addition, many found Canberra’s clean, safe lifestyle and quality education system appealing.”
Mr Stanhope said that while the Live in Canberra campaign was not yet a year old it was already starting to deliver some significant results.
“We will continue to raise awareness interstate and internationally about the benefits of living and working in Canberra to ensure we can continue to grow our economy sustainably,” Mr Stanhope said.
March 7, 2007
Aboriginal Languages
Brought to Book
The Aboriginal community in New England is keeping their tribal languages Gamilaraay and Nganyawana alive through a book about child development.
“Bubaa Ngambaa Gaayili” or “Father, Mother, Child” was a book for Aboriginal parents and family workers in the New England area. It gives simple advice about raising children aged 0-five years to help get them off to a good start and a healthy life.
The Government’s Aboriginal Child, Youth and Family Strategy, which focuses on improving the health and well being of Aboriginal children, young people, their families and communities, has funded the publication.
The Department of Community Services is working with key Government agencies and local Aboriginal communities to implement the strategy.
DoCS Manager of Regional Strategy for Northern NSW, Jude Alcorn, said the book was first launched on the Far North Coast and had been so successful it was being rolled out to many other areas in NSW.
“The book offers basic child development information in a simple format and using the Gamilaraay and Nganyawana languages, as well as culturally-appropriate games,” Ms Alcorn said.
“Aboriginal parents and family workers asked for information about what Gaayili (children) did at different ages and the book provides a break-down of how children develop from new-born to three months, then to nine months, 18 months, two-and-a-half years, three-and-a-half years and five years.”
She said the book also provided a vocabulary list of body parts in Gamilaraay, Nganyawana and English, as well as a series of songs including the Hokey Pokey, which incorporated tribal language terms. She said this helped the children maintain an identity with their Aboriginal language and culture.
DoCS Principal Project Officer of Indigenous Programs, Edwina Crawford said Aboriginal communities had responded well to the book and many elders and local community families had participated in developing it as a resource.
“Everyone expects parenting to be natural, but it can be tough and sometimes you need extra support, Ms Crawford said.
“This book gives parents, carers and grandparents simple advice and contacts for helpful services.”
“It’s really helping to keep our language and culture alive.”
March 7, 2007
Ambulance’s Quick
Response to
Lightning
Strike
The Ambulance Service was forced to help itself after its Operations Centre in Charlestown, near Newcastle, was directly struck by lightning.
Business continuity plans were put into place following a direct strike on the building housing the Ambulance triple 0 call centre. The Charlestown Centre controls operations for the northern part of NSW.
Chief Executive of the Ambulance Service, Greg Rochford, praised staff for their quick action following the strike.
“I understand following the initial impact a few callers may have experienced minor delays but within minutes all calls were diverted to three other Ambulance triple 0 call centres across NSW,” Mr Rochford said
With most phones and computers affected by the lightning strike, communication with ambulance officers was through two-way radio and work in the local area was restricted to triple 0 emergency calls. Routine work such as the transport of non-urgent cases from hospital was postponed.
“I thank all Ambulance and hospital staff as well as the external suppliers and contractors who worked tirelessly to ensure patient care for the community was not compromised,” Mr Rochford said.
Phones and computers were replaced and testing undertaken and the triple 0 call centre at Charlestown was back to normal operations within 7 hours.
The Operations Centre had previously been struck by lightning last December.
March 7, 2007
Bullying Heave-Ho In
New Memorandum
Bullying in the PS workplace is to betackled head on with a new Minsterial Memorandum urging all Departments and Agencies to enforce the Government’s Policy and Guidelines in the hope of stamping out the practice.
The Memorandum entitled Dignity and Respect: Policy and Guidelines on Preventing and Managing Workplace Bullying provides an overarching framework for Agencies to review and develop their own policies to eliminate workplace bullying.
The Memorandum says the Government was committed to achieving and maintaining workplaces which were free from workplace bullying.
“All employees should expect that any grievance or complaint lodged in relation to bullying will be dealt with fairly, confidentially and managed in a timely and effective manner,” the Memorandum says.
The Policy and Guidelines require Agencies to consider bullying in the context of managing and assessing occupational health and safety risks and to adapt existing grievance handling systems to address any complaints. The Policy and Guidelines have been developed in consultation with Public Sector agencies and unions.
The Memorandum says anti-bullying training was an important element of the risk management approach and Agencies should take active steps to ensure appropriate training of staff was undertaken.
The Memorandum acknowledges that Unions NSW had received funding through the WorkCover Assist Funding Scheme to develop training resources in this area which would be offered to Agencies.
The Dignity and Respect in the Workplace Charter, originally developed by Unions NSW, had been revised to include the key principles of the Policy and Guidelines.
It was recommended that the Charter be endorsed by agency Occupational Health and Safety Committees and/or Joint Consultative Committees as part of implementing the Policy and Guidelines.
All NSW Public Sector organisations within the meaning of the Public Sector Employment and Management Act 2002 are required to apply the Policy and Guidelines.
State Owned Corporations are strongly encouraged to.
March 7, 2007
Job Cuts Opponents Put
On Rally Big Show
The Public Service Association of NSW is to hold a rally at Sydney Town Hall on 15 March as part of its Job Cuts=Service Cuts campaign.
The campaign opposes proposed Public Service job cuts by both Labor and Liberal/National Governments.
The rally starts at 9am and is expected to last no more than an hour to allow PSA members in the city to be at their work by 10.30am.
The Association plans to write to the Premier’s Department to ask them to approve flexible starting times and leave arrangements to allow staff to attend.
While PSA members are expected to make up the bulk of the meeting, other unions were encouraging their members and friends to attend.