28 November, 2007
ICAC’s PS Warning Is Clear and Clean
The Independent Commission Against Corruption has warned public sector employees that they need to be wary of embarking on a course of behaviour that could lead to full-scale corruption.
   Addressing a meeting of community leaders in the Hunter region, Deputy Commissioner Theresa Hamilton said that PS employees needed to be aware of how easy it could be to “slide down the road of corrupt conduct,” which was why corruption prevention awareness and education were so important.
    She told the community leaders that they were important to the ICAC, because they were in positions to report corrupt conduct in the public sector to the Commission.
   “The corruption prevention education work that the ICAC does is one way of trying to help public officers to think about where the receipt of a seemingly innocuous gift can lead before it happens,” Deputy Commissioner Hamilton said.
   She said what might start out with something like a free dinner or other gifts could then progress to cash incentives.  
   “That’s why it is important for people to be aware of the risks of corruption, not only to themselves but to others that may report to them.
   “Corruption prevention education is instrumental in helping officers to see beyond the gift or free dinner to what might happen down the track before it is too late.”  
   Deputy Commissioner Hamilton said ICAC’s visit to the Hunter was to help raise awareness about the work of the Commission, and give local Agencies the chance to learn more about corruption prevention.
   The Hunter meeting was also addressed by the NSW Police Integrity Commission’s   Commissioner John Pritchard.
   Deputy Commissioner Hamilton said The ICAC outreach program had proven highly successful since its introduction in 2001 and had included visits to the Illawarra, New England, the Hunter, Mudgee, the Far West, the South East, the Riverina, the Central Coast, the Central West and the North Coast.  

28 November, 2007
Premier Opens Shop On Customer Service
Premier, Morris Iemma, has called on all Ministers and Chief Executives of Government Agencies to drive improvements in customer service.
   Issuing a Ministerial Memorandum on the topic, Mr Iemma said delivering 'Customer Friendly Services' was a goal of the State plan and as Lead Minister for the initiative, he wanted to see better customer satisfaction outcomes achieved.
   “I want the active engagement of all Ministers and CEOs in driving service delivery improvement,” Mr Iemma said.
   “The target is to measure, report and improve customer satisfaction with Government services.”
   He said the way to do this was by better understanding customer expectations and experience.
   “Customer experience and insights will drive service design, including responsiveness to individual user needs.”
   He said a set of Customer Service Principles and supporting strategies for NSW Government service delivery agencies and businesses had been developed to assist in  improving customer satisfaction with Government services.
   “In summary, applying these principles will see Agencies develop customer insight (ie research customer expectations and experience); design services around customers (ie incorporate customers’ voices in how services operate); respond to individual user needs within available resources; and support employees to provide excellent customer service.”
   Mr Iemma said the Priority Delivery Plan for the initiative involved three initial elements:
   *All major service delivery agencies and Government Business Enterprises would be required to measure and report on customer satisfaction with the first report due on 15 January;
   * The same Agencies and GBEs will have to introduce customer feedback systems, including complaints and compliments, with the first reports also due on 15 January; and
   * Agencies will be required to adopt Customer Service Principles which will be reported on annually through CEO Performance Agreements.
   “It is expected that lead agencies will work with partner agencies to ensure consistency of approach to customer service improvement,” Mr Iemma said.
    “Sharing of innovative approaches to increase levels of customer satisfaction will be encouraged within and between Agencies. A critical feature will involve support for employees to provide excellent customer service.”
   Mr Iemma said he had asked the Director General of his Department, Robyn Kruk, to work actively the Chief Executives Committee and CEO Clusters to drive the implementation of this initiative.
   He asked Ministers to draw the Memorandum to the attention of all public sector agencies in their portfolios.

28 November, 2007
AG’s Wash-up Finds Water Funds Missing
An Auditor General’s report into the Department of Primary Industries has found that an effective program for increasing the efficient use of water on irrigated farms had been discontinued due to lack of Government funding.
Among four recommendations to come out of his audit, Auditor-General, Peter Achterstraat suggested DPI work more closely with Treasury to negotiate adequate resources it will need to play a role in water management in the future.
   In his report Improving Efficiency of Irrigation Water Use on Farms, the Auditor General found the State Government had contributed $7 million to DPI’s WaterWise program between 1996 and 2005 and a further $25 million from 1998 to encourage irrigators to adopt the lessons the program taught.
   It found as well that in 2005, funding to the WaterWise program ceased.
   “WaterWise delivered benefits of around $88 million on an investment of $20 million,” the Auditor General said.
   “It also delivered direct public benefits in the order of $160 to $240 million through water savings to the environment.
   “Other benefits were reduced stream and ground water salinity and increased community capacity to respond to future challenges.”
   The Auditor-General found that the WaterWise program was effective in increasing awareness of water use efficiency practices and technologies and in educating irrigators in farm water resources planning and management. It found the program also encouraged them to change practices.
   It said DPI was expected, under the State Plan to improve the efficiency of water use and to strengthen its training programs, including those for water efficiency improvement in rural and regional areas.
    “DPI needs to improve inter-agency planning with NSW Treasury to enable the efficient implementation of such programs in future,” the Auditor-General said.
   He expected the Department would have major roles to play in countering the impacts on water of climate change, in meeting its commitments under the State Plan and in the demands to be placed on it by the Commonwealth’s National Water Initiative.
   DPI Director-General, Barry Buffier welcomed the key findings of the audit.

28 November, 2007
Cuts Slated For Harbour Carbon
A plan to slash 80 per cent from the ‘carbon footprint’ of the Sydney Harbour foreshore has been released by the Government.
   Targeted at communities in the Rocks, Darling Harbour and Barangaroo, the new plan would see the goal reached by 2020 with the precinct becoming the first in NSW to have eco-targets set for it.
   It follows a pledge from the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority to become carbon neutral.
   The Authority’s pledge, which would see it become carbon neutral across its operations by 2010, follows Sydney Water’s commitment in July to become carbon neutral by 2020.
   The plan builds on innovative work at other precincts including Sydney Olympic Park which set new standards in environmental sustainability during the 2000 Olympics.
    Minister for Planning, Frank Sartor said the new plans were ambitious and that the Authority would continue its close work with local businesses.
    “The birthplace of Sydney is rich in history, but it’s also leading the way in securing a
healthy environment for the future,” Mr Sartor said.
    “Local restaurants, galleries, museums and shops are behind the initiative, and will
participate in workshops on making their businesses more environmentally sustainable.”
    The Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority also undertook an independent audit of the
environmental impact of 11 local businesses which looked at transport, waste and water and energy use.
   Those businesses included Amo Roma restaurant, the Museum of Contemporary Art, Done Art and Design, Subway, Sydney Harbour Bed and Breakfast, the Australian Hotel, the Mercantile Hotel and Aurora Exhibitions.
    Owner of the Amo Roma restaurant, Charif Kazal welcomed the new environmental initiative.
    “People are now very conscious of the environment and this is a positive way to help
businesses save money and help the environment,” Mr Kazal said.
    “This is also an excellent example of how even heritage precincts such as The Rocks can make changes to improve their sustainability.”

28 November, 2007
Board Guidelines Are Plank in Governance
Treasury has issued a Circular to Government business agencies informing them of the requirement that they comply with the Guidelines for Boards of Government Businesses, published this month.   It says the purpose of the Guidelines is to outline those private sector good practice standards of corporate governance which are most appropriate to be adopted as practices and procedures for Boards of Government businesses.
   It said the Guidelines were aimed at Government businesses and their subsidiaries which had governing Boards, although some of the principles might be relevant for advisory boards.
   “The Guidelines provide advice on the development of charters and codes of conduct, the establishment of board committees, board membership requirements, induction and training, performance evaluation and annual report disclosure,” the Circular says.
   It says that although the recommendations in the Guidelines were not mandatory, if a Board considered it inappropriate to its particular circumstances it could choose not to but had to explain why in its Annual Report.
   “This is consistent with the requirement imposed on Australian listed companies to disclose the extent to which they have followed the recommendations set by the Australian Stock Exchange,” the Circular says.
   Secretary of Treasury, John Pierce advised Agencies to familiarise themselves with the Guidelines which come into force on 1 January 2008.
   Mr Pierce said  Government businesses must also be guided by the policies and guidelines of the Commercial Policy Framework.
   The Guidelines were developed in consultation with relevant Agencies.

28 November, 2007
Forces Join Forces For Road Raid
The Police Forces of NSW, South Australia, Victoria and the ACT have teamed up to launch the nation’s largest multi-jurisdictional Police traffic campaign: Operation RAID (Remove All Impaired Drivers).
   Operation RAID is aimed at detecting and/or removing all alcohol and/or drug-impaired drivers from the roads of the four police jurisdictions in the crucial period leading up to the busy Christmas-New Year holiday driving season.
   At specific times during the three-week Operation RAID program, Police are planning to combine their efforts for border “lockdowns”, in which all drivers and motorcycle riders travelling across State and Territory borders will be subject to random breath tests.
   Police see Operation RAID as a valuable tool for focusing the motoring public on safer driving practices and specifically to curb dangerous drink-driving in the lead-up to the festive season.
   A 30-second television commercial has been produced featuring Police from all four jurisdictions and will be aired on networks across all the States and Territories involved over the next four weeks.
   Southern Region Traffic Sponsor, Superintendent Mark Cooper said Operation RAID’s slogan was “Nowhere to Hide” and 37 people in the State’s south found out how true that was after being charged with drink driving in the opening days of the operation.
   He said Police in the in the Southern Region conducted 7437 breath tests and of the 37  charged, 23 can expect to have their licences suspended for returning blood alcohol readings of 0.08 or above and/or exceeding the speed limit by more than 45kmh.
   Superintendent Cooper said a disturbing trend was people being detected well above the limit the next morning.
   “Alcohol leaves the body slowly over time and while you might have had a big night the previous day and think you might be right to drive, chances are you won’t be,” Superintendent Cooper said.
   “This is why we conduct random breath testing at any time of the day. We often get motorists saying “what are you doing out at this time of the morning?”
   ACT police’s Superintendent Michael Chew, said the operation combined the efforts of hundreds of traffic police across four States and Territories.
   “We are putting the motoring public on notice that if they choose to break the law, they will be caught,” Superintendent Chew said.
.    “We won’t say when and where, but we will be there, on those lonely country roads, at the borders, and in the cities and towns, to detect and apprehend those offenders.”
Operation RAID would wind up at midnight on 15 December. 

28 November, 2007
Phone Survey Shows Users Have Hang-Ups
A new survey by the Fair Trading Office has found that NSW mobile phone users don’t understand their phone service and don’t trust the Federal Government’s industry-led complaints handling systems.
   Fair Trading Minister, Linda Burney said results of the survey highlighted the lack of knowledge and trust consumers had in their phone service.
   “Last financial year, Fair Trading received more than 1,000 complaints from consumers regarding mobile phone and mobile service providers – the system clearly doesn’t work,” Ms Burney said.
   “In most cases, mobile premium services are billed at higher rates than regular mobile phone calls and SMSs which can result in some consumers, particularly young people, running up unexpectedly high bills.’’
   She said the Office of Fair Trading commissioned independent research to understand community expectations about the complaint handling role of the service providers and to gauge community knowledge of the agency responsible.
    “Of those that identified such a body, only 25 per cent correctly chose the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman as the service to which complaints could be escalated,” Ms Burney said. 
   “This lack of confidence and awareness isn’t surprising given the complex, disjointed and industry-led systems put in place by the Commonwealth Government.
   Ms Burney said it was evident that the Commonwealth Government refused to accept that consumers had a right to be protected by effective, well-designed and targeted regulation that is enforceable, transparent and provides ready access to dispute resolution and redress mechanisms.
   “Consumers today have access to a wide range of information through mobile premium services, including sports scores, music clips, financial data and news with phone users of all ages downloading ringtones, playing games and using chat services,” she said.
   “(But) currently, consumers with complaints relating to their mobile phone have to navigate their way through a minefield of self-regulated voluntary industry codes of practice – codes that rogue traders seem free to ignore.”  

28 November, 2007
Canine Attackers Dogged By DNA
The Department of Local Government has announced that new DNA technology being issued to local Councils would make the tracing of dogs that attack people and animals more likely.
   Local Government Minister, Paul Lynch said Councils throughout New South Wales would be issued with test kits containing DNA collection swabs, gloves and tamper-proof evidence bags will enable council rangers to collect DNA from a dog's saliva, blood, hair or faeces and send it away for testing.
   "The community expects to be protected against dangerous dogs," Mr Lynch said.
   "NSW has the toughest dog laws in Australia, giving councils greater powers to keep dangerous dogs off the streets."
   At the launch of the scheme on Sunday, Botany Bay mayor Ron Hoenig welcomed the technology.
   "This kit may be useful in identifying exactly what dog was responsible for a particular attack," Councillor Hoenig said.
   "This type of technology may also exonerate owners where a dog has been falsely accused in involvement in an attack."
   Councils have welcomed the move, saying the kits could be used to identifying exactly what dog was responsible for a particular attack or to exonerate owners where a dog has been falsely accused.
   Owners of dogs that attack face maximum penalties of $55,000 or two years prison.

28 November, 2007
Fair Effort For Fair Trading
Consumer Affairs in NSW has reached two important milestones, each of which has been celebrated in recent days.
   Minister for Fair Trading, Linda Burney marked the 20th anniversary of the NSW Fair Trading Act with an evening lecture and the 30th of Fair Trading in regional areas with a morning cup of tea in Wollongong.
   The lecture at the Museum of Sydney was a key feature of Fair Trading Week activities which took place across the State in the past week.
   Former Premier, Bob Carr and Australian Competition and Consumer Commission Deputy Chair, Louise Sylvan addressed an audience which included former Fair Trading Ministers and Commissioners, industry stakeholders, and consumer advocates. 
    “When introduced in 1987, the Fair Trading Act was a groundbreaking piece of legislation, the most comprehensive overhaul of consumer law in New South Wales since the Consumer Protection Act was enacted in 1969,” Ms Burney said.
    “The Fair Trading Act mirrored the consumer protection provisions of the Trade Practices Act as the Commonwealth and States had agreed to introduce uniform legislation.
   “The Fair Trading Act safeguards the interests of the economically vulnerable, both consumer and small business, by providing opportunities for redress and ensuring they receive the accurate information they need to make informed choices in marketplace transactions.”    She said to ensure the continued protection of consumer and business rights, the Act had been reviewed and strengthened over the last 20 years including in 2006 when further amendments allowed the Office of Fair Trading to take action against unlawful conduct in or outside the State.
   Ms Burney said she spent a morning in Wollongong where 30 years ago Fair Trading opened one of its first regional offices.
    “The other offices were located in Newcastle and Parramatta and since then the Department has grown enormously and its services have expanded in both scope and volume,” she said.  
    “During the first year of operation, Fair Trading received approximately 60,000 telephone enquiries.” 
   She said there were 24 Fair Trading Centres across the State today and around 1.25 million telephone enquiries were received each year.
   “The expansion of Fair Trading’s services and the astounding increase in enquiries over the last 30 years is reflective of the important role Fair Trading plays in the lives of NSW residents,” Ms Burney said. 
   “Our legislation is respected around the world.”   

28 November, 2007
Recreation Plans Come Into Play
A draft plan of management for the Jervis Bay National Park and Woollamia Nature Reserve has gone on public exhibition.
   The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has developed the plan to protect the areas’ recreation, conservation and cultural values.
   The public exhibition is to be extended until March 2008 to allow holidaymakers and regular visitors to the area a chance to examine the plan and to lodge comments.
   NPWS’s  South Coast Regional Manager, Diane Garrood said the draft plan recognised the high cultural significance of Jervis Bay National Park to Aboriginal people.
    “The Jervis Bay area has high Aboriginal significance, with continuous occupation for at least 7000 years,” Ms Garrood said.
   “Jervis Bay National Park has been identified for potential hand back to the Aboriginal owners should they wish to proceed down this path.”
    She said the high recreational appeal of the park was also recognised in the draft plan, with Greenfields Beach at Vincentia to be managed as the prime visitor focus.
   “Basic picnic facilities will be maintained at Red Point and Hammerhead Point,” Ms Garrood said.
   “Existing walking tracks and opportunities for walk-in camping at Hare Point will be maintained and provision of an extended network of walking tracks adjacent to the urban areas at Vincentia and Hyams Beach will be investigated.”
   She said fire management was extremely important in reserves which bordered developed areas.
   “Works including slashed breaks will be undertaken to protect life and property. Degraded areas will be rehabilitated and only unnecessary tracks closed,” Ms Garrood said.
   “Recreational activities will continue to be allowed at Lake Wollumboola.
   “Zoning is proposed to provide for fishing, safe swimming and boating, while reducing the impacts of recreational activities on waterbird populations.”
    Copies of the draft plan are available at http://www3.environment.nsw.gov.au

28 November, 2007
Tourism Has Tickets On New Research
Tourism NSW has welcomed new research that forecasts record levels of tourism by the end of 2007.
   Tourism Research Australia’s latest figures predict inbound arrivals will grow to a record 5.7 million for 2007 with average annual to 2016 at 4.8 per cent.
    Out of Australia’s fastest growing markets, NSW also has the largest share of India at 59 per cent, the US at 67 per cent, China at 78 per cent and Korea at 85 per cent.
    According to TRA forecast predictions, NSW would perform better in domestic visitor nights than other States with 87.2 million for 2007, compared with 76 million for Queensland and 54 million for Victoria.
    Tourism NSW’s analysis of the forecast showed that total average weekly international arrivals into Sydney for the summer was projected to be up 7.5 per cent on the previous summer and 8.2 per cent higher than the winter just gone.
    According to the Government, the report showed that State Plan goals for tourism were well on track and attributed the more positive outlook to an expansion of aviation capacity into and out of Australia which would increase the number of seats available during peak periods.
    A feature of this was the recently unveiled Singapore Airlines Airbus 380 which began operations from Sydney to Singapore this year and Sydney to London in 2008.
    New low cost carriers including Jetstar International and Air Asia X would also add to airline capacity.
    The Government says the growth in visitors from China was because of increased ties with the country.  This included a Memorandum of Understanding between Tourism NSW and China Unionpay to encourage more Chinese to visit the State by making it easier for them to access their funds.
    Tourism NSW recently joined forces with Qantas to promote Sydney to the fast-growing tourist markets of Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.

28 November, 2007
Seniors Discounts On the Card
The 2008 NSW Seniors Card Discount Directory has been launched, containing  more than 7,200 special deals and discounts for members.
   Minister for Ageing, Kristina Keneally said the NSW Seniors Card program provided an opportunity for the NSW Government to thank seniors for the contribution they have made through working, raising families, and serving their communities.
   “With nearly 20 per cent of the State’s population aged over 60, it is a very practical way of helping all 1.1 million Seniors Card members get the most out of their retirement,’’ Ms Keneally said.
   She said the directory contained NSW Government concessions on transport, entry to national parks museums and zoos. It also contained special offers on food and beverages, holidays and travel, entertainment, insurance, and other services.
   Now in its 15th year, Ms Keneally said the 7,200 offers from businesses represented an increase of 15 per cent on last year.
   She said the NSW Seniors Card program provided a win-win situation for both members and businesses.
   “As well as rewarding seniors in the community with discounts, it also puts businesses in contact with the fastest growing consumer market in Australia,” Ms Keneally said.
   According to Government research, Ms Keneally said 75 percent of members used their Seniors Card each week to access discounts and special offers.
   “On behalf of the NSW Government, I would like to thank ANZ Bank, Evergreen Tours and Hearing Life for supporting the 2008 Discount Directory,’’ Ms Keneally said.
   Seniors Card members can expect to receive their free copy of the Discount Directory for their region in the mail throughout November.
   A complete list of the discounts available to NSW Seniors Card members can also be found at www.seniorscard.nsw.gov.au.

28 November, 2007
Able Response to Disabled Need   
A new range of services for young people with disabilities living in an aged care facility has been announced by the Minister for Disability Services, Kristina Keneally.
    Ms Keneally said an open tender process would be conducted to identify community organisations capable of providing the service.
“These new In-Reach Packages are part of the Younger People in Residential Aged Care Program and will provide increased access to services such as day programs, activities and therapy services,” Ms Keneally said.
   “These packages will assist those with very high support needs who remain in residential aged care either long-term, or where they are waiting for suitable alternative accommodation to become available.”
   She said many young people with a disability had indicated that they wanted to stay in their current accommodation with better access to services and supports.
   “It is anticipated that up to 52 YPIRAC In-Reach Packages will be made available to prioritised individuals applying for assistance through the program from April 2008,” Ms Keneally said.
   She said the Young People in Residential Aged Care Program would work with young people with a disability, their families and carers over the next five years to provide support to prevent more young people entering residential aged care.
   Other supports would be provided to improve the lives of those remaining in residential aged care and to develop new services which would allow young people to move to more appropriate accommodation and care options.
   “We have committed to the Younger People in Residential Aged Care Program Bilateral Agreement with the Australian Government,” she said.
    “This agreement includes an investment of $81.2 million over five years to assist young people with a disability living in, or at risk of entering residential aged care.
    “The NSW Government is contributing 50 per cent of the funding for the program, with the Australian Government providing the remainder.”
    Submissions for tenders close 18 January next year. For more information on the program, go to www.dadhc.nsw.gov.au.

28 November, 2007
Museum Sinks Teeth Into Dinosaur Show
A new and permanent exhibition on the prehistoric world of the dinosaurs is set to open at the Australian Museum in March 2008.
   According to the Museum, the 650 square metre exhibition will explore how dinosaurs lived and died and how we know about them.
The new display would use modern science and cutting-edge technology to tell the 230 million year old story for new generations of dinosaur enthusiasts.
   Four main thematic areas would be held in the exhibition including Dinosaur World; Dinosaur Life; Discovering Dinosaurs; and Surviving Dinosaurs.
   One of the key features would be the never-before displayed in Australia, 228 million year-old Eoraptor which was a bird-like creature.
   Also on display would be the Jobaria which was a 22 metre long-necked plant eater which when reared up on its hind legs reached 10 metres.
   The Australian highlights would include a skeleton of the nine metre long plant-eating Muttaburrasaurus and a life-size model of Minmi which was an armoured dinosaur found in Queensland.  
    A range of techniques are to be used to bring the dinasours alive including dramatic lighting effects, hands-on fossil specimens, touch screen computers, interactives and huge projected scenes.
   The exhibition would also feature hands on activities including breathe in smells of the dinosaur world, dig up and identify dinosaur bones in the hands-on laboratory and design a dinosaur that matches your personality.
   The Dinosaurs exhibition formed part of Stage 1 of the Government's $41 million Australian Museum Revitalisation Project.

28 November, 2007
Heavyweight Report Says Elephants OK
A 40-page report prepared for the Department of Environment and Water Resources by Taronga Zoo has confirmed the health and wellbeing of a family of five Asian Elephants.
   The report found that the Asian Elephants were happy, healthy and very active.
Each of the elephants came from separate backgrounds in Thailand and according to the Zoo’s report, have formed a well-balanced family.
    The report, which details life in Taronga's breeding herd, was developed following a year of intensive study and monitoring of the elephants by the Zoo's Animal Watch Unit.
    Thirty-year veteran Elephant Manager, Gary Miller said the study found the elephants' activity profile was virtually the same as that of wild elephants.
   “In our care they've gained weight, improved muscle tone, become fitter and, importantly, socially cohesive,” Mr Miller said.
   “The elephants greet every day with enthusiasm and share their sense of enjoyment with us.”
   He said they have a great time swimming and diving in the deep pool and rolling around in the mud wallows.
   “We aim to make every day a great day for them,” Mr Miller said.
    “When we got the elephants, two of them swayed sometimes because they had been tethered or bored for long periods before they left their previous owners.
   “By the time we brought them to Taronga, our Animal Watch staff showed this was only happening 4 per cent of the time and in the last year, we've cut that further to just 1.8 per cent. We're over the moon.”
    Taronga, Melbourne and other Australasian Zoos are part of a regional effort to help ensure a future for the remaining Asian Elephants, with as few as 34,000 alive today.

28 November, 2007
Wage case launched
The Public Service Association has announced that the latest public sector salaries claim was underway.
   The PSA Central Council decided earlier this month to lodge an application in the Industrial Relations Council for an increase in the PS Salaries Award and other associated awards.

RTA wins Grand Prix
The Roads and Transport Authority’s “Pimp our Ads” campaign received the Grand Prix award from the Australian Direct Marketing Associtaion.
   The RTA won the award for innovation in tackling the challenge of communicating with young drivers by asking them to develop their own road safety messages.

Long servers honoured
The Department of Lands has congratulated long serving volunteers on the Illabo Showground Trust Board for years of service.
    Hugh Matthew Hamilton (31 years), Malcolm John Hillam (31 years), John Scott Hamilton (29 years) and John Milton Pratt (23 years) were awarded long service certificates .
 
Bird volunteers thanked
The National Parks and Wildlife Service has thanked all volunteers assisting in the shorebird recovery program along the south coast and far south coast.
    NPWS Far South Coast Shorebird Coordinator, Amy Jorgensen said volunteers played crucial roles in protecting birds and ensuring the best possible outcome for them.
   According to Ms Jorgensen, pied oystercatcher hatchlings born in early October at South Durras and Batemans Bay had grown significantly and started flying.

New consumer kit
A new information kit to help consumers from diverse backgrounds has been launched by the Minister for Consumer Affairs, Linda Burney.
   The kit was designed particularly for newly-arrived refugees to understand their rights and obligations as consumers and  includes a DVD, CD and brochure and has been produced in Arabic, Cantonese, Mandarin, Vietnamese and English.
   More information is available from www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au

The gift of opera
Sydney Opera House has entered the Christmas spirit with a Giving Tree on the ground floor of Customs House at Circular Quay.
   Staff and the general public can donate gifts to the Opera House’s charity partners which would then be distributed to families and animals in need this holiday season.
   Unwrapped gifts can to be taken to Level 3 of Customs House between 8.30am and 5pm Monday to Friday.

Navy back rowers
The Australian Navy is to sponsor this year’s George Bass Surfboat Marathon.
   The marathon is a biannual event where male and female surfboat crews compete over a along 180km course on the south coast from Bateman’s Bay to Eden over seven days.
consecutive period of seven days.
   The marathon will run from 30 December 2007 to 5 January 2008.
    
Police station open
The new St Marys Police Station has opened for business with all staff now relocated.
   The new telephone number for Station is (02) 9677 7499, and calls to the Queen St police shopfront number will receive a voice message announcing the new number.
    A date has not been set for the official opening of the new station.

Art for Christmas
The Powerhouse Museum is holding the Young Blood: designers market from 7 to 8 December as a one-stop-shop for Christmas shopping.
   Young Blood is to showcase rising stars of Australian design and features 35 emerging designers and makers which were especially selected by the Museum to exhibit and sell a wide
range of products.
   For more information about the market and products available, go to www.powerhousemuseum.com/youngblood

21 November, 2007
Lee in Chair at PA Institute
The Director General of the NSW Department of Commerce, John Lee has been appointed as the new President of the Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA) at the NSW Division’s Annual General meeting.   Speaking after his election, Mr Lee said he was committed to delivering services to the public and to energising organisations to ensure this goal is achieved.
   ``I look forward to working with IPAA NSW to provide the public sector in NSW with thought leadership on the critical issues facing it,” he said.
    As a senior NSW public servant, John has been responsible for a number of whole of Government functions including Procurement, IT and communications, and public works and services.
   He has also overseen the Offices of Fair Trading, Industrial Relations and the Government Architect. 
   Prior to joining the Department of Commerce, Mr Lee spent a number of years managing public  and private transport businesses. 
    He was Chief Executive of the State Transit Authority during a time when major changes and contestable contracts were introduced and was the Director General of the Ministry of Transport when  major policy reforms were introduced.
   Mr Lee also worked for State Rail and helped to plan rail services for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.

21 November, 2007
WorkCover Deal For More Protection
WorkCover NSW has strengthened its role in managing the NSW Workers Compensation Scheme by contracting with agents to provide claim and policy services.
   Workcover Chief Executive Jon Blackwell said the new arrangements were in line a commitment by the Government's.
   Mr Blackwell said the Scheme's management structure was delivering low and  stable premiums, protecting vulnerable employers and industries, as well as regulating  issues relating to the health and social wellbeing of workers He said the contract term of five years would provide greater certainty for Agents and other providers considering investing in the NSW Workers Compensation Scheme.
   "This will in turn help ensure the stability of services provided to the State's employers and injured workers," Mr Blackwell said.
   He said performance based contracts between WorkCover and Scheme Agents have been in place since January 2006.
   "In the short period since the implementation of these arrangements, workers and employers have experience an improved level of service in the management of their claims and policies.”
   "Increased competition and improved service standards have been integral to the Scheme's continuing strong performance, which has allowed for average premium reductions of 30 per cent in the target collection rate and three consecutive benefit increases since December 2005.’’
   Mr Blackwell said that through the current workers compensation system, injured workers received weekly payments to cover loss of earnings, medical expenses, rehabilitation costs and where necessary, to assist them return to work.
   He said all NSW employers must have a workers compensation policy to insure themselves against compensation claims for workplace injuries.
   While WorkCover NSW has been charged with the regulatation of the New South Wales workers compensation system, a total of  seven organisations operate as Agents in the Scheme and deliver claims and policy services under commercial contracts.

21 November, 2007
Publication Brings Parliament to Book
By Stephanie Hesford*

* Stephanie Hesford is a Parliamentary Officer - Research and Projects at the NSW Parliament.

21 November, 2007
She’ll Be Rights At Awards Ceremony
The nominations for the 2007 Human Rights Awards have been released by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission.
   To be presented on Human Rights Day, 10 December, the Awards honour those women, men and organisations in Australian society who have shown an extraordinary commitment to human rights, social justice and equality over the past year.
   The 2007 ceremony will be the 20th anniversary of the Awards which are conducted by HREOC every year.
   The nominations have been made across seven categories, including Law, Arts, Print Media, Radio and Television, and Community Awards for an individual and an organisation.
    HREOC President, John von Doussa said the people on the shortlists identified those who worked tirelessly and without fanfare to protect and promote human rights every day.
   “The Human Rights Medal and Awards are an extremely important and prestigious forum through which we can acknowledge these people and organisations for their contribution and commitment to the betterment of our society,” Mr von Doussa said.
   He said the Awards would be presented at a gala lunch in Sydney on Human Rights Day which would be compered by radio and television personality Julie McCrossin.
   The winner of the Human Rights Medal would also be announced at the ceremony and Mr von Doussa would deliver the annual Human Rights Day oration..
Radio and television personality Julie McCrossin will MC the awards, and HREOC President,
   Human Rights Day has been celebrated around the world on 10 December since 1950 and marks the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption and proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which took place on 10 December 1948.
   A list of nominations for the awards are on the HREOC website at www.humanrights.gov.au

21 November, 2007
Ombudsman’s Report Is Policeman’s Lot
The Ombudsman’s review of extraordinary police powers to prevent or control public disorder following the Cronulla riots has found that police have acted responsibly and appropriately since.
The 18-month review examined the Police’s use of their extraordinary powers introduced in direct response to the Cronulla riots in December 2005.
   Parliament granted Police the wider powers to deal with and prevent riots and other large-scale public disorder. The powers included the ability to ‘lock down’ broad areas and expanded search and seizure powers.
   Ombudsman, Bruce Barbour said large-scale public disorder was rare in NSW and  the emergency powers were seldom used by police.
   He found that on the occasions they have used the extra powers since 2005, they have done so “responsibly and appropriately.”
   The Ombudsman does, however, make a number of recommendations to improve fairness to the community and effectiveness for Police.
   Among his concerns, the Ombudsman said the laws should specifically allow police to seize the tools of rioters.
   “They should also require officers to have a proper basis for searches of persons,’’ he said.
   ``These and other recommendations will provide a fairer balance when the powers are used.”
   The Ombudsman noted that a sunset provision in the legislation would automatically repeal the emergency powers and recommended caution in determining whether the powers should be extended and what safeguards should be included.
   “Most of the powers provided in the public disorder laws have been used on just a few occasions, and some are yet to be used at all,” he said.
   “Until the powers are used in a range of circumstances, we cannot be confident about their likely effectiveness or shortcomings.’’
    Mr Barbour said for that reason he recommended that if Parliament left the powers in place, there should be detailed annual reporting and some form of ongoing independent scrutiny.

21 November, 2007
Planners Home In On New Suburb
The first new suburb in the new North West and South West Growth Centres has begun building and will eventually become a community of 181,000 new homes.
   Planning Minister Frank Sartor has turned the first sod at the Stonecutters Ridge development in the Colebee precinct of the North West Growth Centre.
   Located north-west of Blacktown, more than 800 lots were expected to be released at the site over seven years with the first expected to be on the market within six months.
   “The Government is meeting its commitment to provide a sustainable supply of new homes and jobs for NSW families,” Mr Sartor said.
   He said the North West and South West Growth Centres are the cornerstones of our plans for land release in Western Sydney in partnership with Councils and the private sector.
   “The Government alone is investing more than $500 million upfront over the next four years, as part of a $546 million infrastructure spending program in the Growth Centres,’’ he said.
   “Despite climbing interest rates, we will maintain a supply of land to be ready when the market eventually picks up.”
   Mr Sartor said 60 per cent of the 150-hectare Stonecutters Ridge development would be open space and the project would also include the first Greg Norman-designed golf course in Sydney.
   He said the project would also feature environmentally sustainable design features such as the use of recycled water.
   “Houses in the Colebee precinct will use recycled water for gardens and toilets and possibly laundry.
   “Together with other measures, it is anticipated that these homes will exceed the 40 per cent minimum water savings target set under the Government’s building sustainability index (BASIX).
   He said recycled water would also be used to irrigate the golf course.
   The Colebee precinct was rezoned in May 2005 and identified last year as one of the first precincts to be released to the market.
   Through the Growth Centres Commission, Mr Sartor said the Government was aiming to cut the time taken to prepare land for release to the market from seven years to as little as two or three years.

21 November, 2007
Warm Weather Hots Up Food Health Warnings
Warmer weather and a spike in reports of foodborne illnesses have prompted the Department of Primary Industries to warn people to take extra care when preparing and handling food.
   Primary Industries Minister, Ian Macdonald said the warning coincided with Food Safety Week during which the Food Safety Information Council would be  focusing on the best ways to avoid food poisoning.
   Mr Macdonald said the Food Authority had recorded 237 reports of possible food poisoning in the three months to September – an increase of seven on the same period last year.
   “Warmer weather traditionally marks the time of year when food poisoning increases, in particular Salmonella - so people should take extra care,” Mr Macdonald said.
   “Bacteria love warm weather as it provides the perfect temperature for them to grow, so food that is left out in the sun becomes dangerous as the bacteria starts to grow.’’
   He said the Information Council’s report card showed that 97 per cent of Australians know that washing their hands before handling food is essential.
   ``This compares with 54 per cent who didn’t wash their hands in 17 – a 43 per cent improvement,’’ Mr Macdonald said.
   He said this was encouraging news .. “but we can all still help cut the estimated 5.4 million cases of food poisoning in Australia each year, which results in about 1.2 million people visiting the doctor, 300,000 prescriptions for antibiotics and 2.1 million days of work lost each year.’’
   Mr Macdonald said simple food storage and preparation rules would prevent against a possible unpleasant bout of gastroenteritis.
   “I would encourage all consumers to report food poisoning cases to the NSW Food Authority,’’ Mr Macdonald said.
   “Reporting suspected foodborne illness allows the NSW Food Authority and NSW Health to identify and control outbreaks and assists in understanding the cause and preventing future outbreaks.”
   The Food Safety Information Council has prepared a ‘back to basics’ information package to help consumers understand vital food safety messages – available on its website at www.foodsafety.asn.au

21 November, 2007
Leading MBA School Graduates to Sydney
A leading on-line Graduate School, U21 Global has set up an office in Sydney.
   The Singapore-based organisation plans to expand the availability of its post graduate products, responding to the fact that already many Australians were among the 4000 students enrolled in its MBA programs.
  The Australian arm of U21 Global will be operated by a company associated with travel industry leader John Verhelst.
   Mr Verhelst has 30 years experience travel, airline and hospitality groups in Australia, the United Kingdom, the Middle East and Asia.
   He has most recently been working out of Singapore.
   U21Global was established in 2001 and has grown to become the world's premier online Graduate School and is backed by an international network of 20 Universities in 12 countries.    The school combines the quality of its network partners with innovative delivery modes on the Internet, allowing students to take prestigious courses while balancing work, travel and family life.
   U21Global has already enrolled students from over 60 countries in Asia, Australasia, Africa, Europe and the Americas. Its graduate programs draw upon the best practices in online learning and are independently approved for quality assurance. The school’s curriculum is required to meet the academic standards of all 20 affiliated universities. It is accredited with the European Foundation for Management Development.
   Among the Universities that have affiliated with U21Global are McGill University, Tecnológico de Monterrey, University of British Columbia and the University of Virginia in North America, Lund University ; University College Dublin, University of Birmingham,  University of Edinburgh, University of Glasgow and the University of Nottingham in Europe;  Fudan University, Korea University, National University of Singapore, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, University of Hong Kong and Waseda University in East Asia and in Australasia the  Universities of  Auckland, Melbourne,  New South Wales and Queensland.
   More information about U21Global is available from  www.u21global.edu.sg or its new Australian office on 0437 212121

21 November, 2007
New AIRC Website is Industrial Strength
The Australian Industrial Relations Commission has launched its revised website with a new look and greater usability.
   A major redesign of the site has seen the design overhauled with a concentration on improved navigation and the reorganisation of information based on users’ needs.
  President of the Commission, Justice Geoffrey Giudice, said the AIRC was constantly reviewing its website to ensure it was at the forefront of available technology and meeting the needs of users.
   “When we first established the AIRC website almost 10 years ago we could not have imagined how important the site would become in our general communications with AIRC users and the public,” Jiustice Giudice said.
   “It is now the main information gateway to both those who use AIRC services and those who want to learn more about the tribunal and its work.”
   He said just as technology was constantly evolving, so too must this site.
   Justice Guidice said the redesign involved a thorough review of the existing site and consultation with both regular and infrequent users.
   He said among the new features were:
   * an improved navigation system with information accessible through a single, left-hand menu;
   * the reorganisation of information into subject areas, with greater prominence given to key facts and tasks; and
   * dedicated pages dealing with the areas of unfair and unlawful dismissal, and dispute resolution and industrial action.
   He said the website address remained unchanged at www.airc.gov.au but advised users to update their ‘bookmarks’ and ‘favorites’ to particular pages such as the daily hearings list.
   “Feedback on the new site is welcome,” Justice Guidice said.
   He said comments and suggestions could be sent to aircinfo@airc.gov.au.

21 November, 2007
Courts Have Video Conferencing Taped
NSW Courts are expected to make more and better use of video conferencing following new laws introduced into Parliament.
   Attorney General, John Hatzitergos said there would now be a presumption in favour of using Audio Visual Link for procedural matters, bail hearings, sentencing hearings and committals and it would apply to adults and juveniles.
   “Transporting inmates and child detainees lengthy distances for brief court proceedings causes unnecessary disruptions to their work rehabilitation and education programs,’’ Mr Hatzistergos said. 
   ``Video conferencing enables them to participate in court proceedings just as effectively from a correctional facility.’’
   He said the amendments would also make it possible for more medical experts and non contentious Gvernment sector witnesses such as police and forensic experts to testify via Audio Visual Link.
   “Doctors and other health professionals are responsible for saving people’s lives and we don’t want them dragged away unnecessarily from their valuable work.”
   “If a professional from the public health system is giving evidence, there should be a presumption in favour of it being delivered via Audio Visual Link.’’
   Mr Hatzistergos said court appearances by inmates alone via AVL would save taxpayers around $3 million a year and these changes will further reduce transport and security costs.
   "AVL also reduces the risk of prisoner escapes because fewer inmates need to be transported to court," he said.
   "It also enables witnesses to give evidence from all over Australia."

21 November, 2007
New Lands Manual Is Good Weed
A joint effort between the NSW and Queensland Departments of Primary Industries has produced a new manual explaining how to control weeds.
   NSW DPI Pastures Research Officer, David Officer from Grafton and Qld DPI&F Grazing Systems Senior Scientist Dr Steven Bray of Rockhampton co-authored the manual which explains how to control weeds that cost the pastoral industry an estimated $60 million a year.
It will be made available free of charge to all land managers.
Queensland Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries, Tim Mulherin launched the 38-page full colour manual saying that improved land management practices were needed to control current infestations and prevent the spread of the weed into clean areas.                                  
   “These extremely aggressive, invasive and unpalatable weedy grasses that now infest an estimated 450,000 hectares of grazing land in eastern Queensland and New South Wales thrive in the more than 700mm annual rainfall belt,’’ Mr Mulherin said.
   This manual takes a strategic approach to weed management by weighing up the situation and taking a best bet strategy based on the latest research and a focus on achieving cost-efficient, effective weed control.”
   He said infestations of GRT and the related American rat’s tail, Parramatta grass and giant Parramatta grass were collectively costing the pastoral industry some $60 million annually in lost production and in control and containment costs.
   “This manual takes a strategic approach to weed management by weighing up the situation and taking a best bet strategy based on the latest research and a focus on achieving cost-efficient, effective weed control,’’ Mr Mulherin said.
   The Best Practice Manual for the management of weedy Sporobolus grasses with emphasis on giant rat’s tail and giant Parramatta grass has been developed to provide extensive grazing land managers with up to date, well planned control guidelines.
   Commonly found in NSW and Queensland, giant rat’s tail and giant Parramatta grass has been long known as a particularly difficult pest to control as it cannot be killed by fire, slashing or grazing.
   Meat and Li Livestock Australia funded the four-year project supported by the NSW DPI and QLD DPI&F.    Mr Officer and Dr Bray said dense infestations could halve both stocking rates and annual beef production per hectare.                                                                              
“These grasses can adapt to a wide range of soil types and climatic conditions and can establish in areas where the rainfall is as low as 500mm a year,” Dr Bray said.      
   “That puts 60 per cent or more than 108M ha of Queensland’s grazing country at risk and some 30 per cent or 223M ha nationally.”

21 November, 2007
Health’s Hard Line On Soft Drink
NSW Health is to phase out soft drinks and unhealthy foods from all food outlets and vending machines in NSW public hospitals as part of increased efforts to tackle obesity.
      Health Minister Reba Meagher said the new policy would apply to all food and drinks supplied to staff and the public at vending machines, shops and cafeterias in the State's public hospitals and health facilities.
     As well as soft drinks it would target foods high in in sugar, fat and salt.
      "The first stage of the policy's implementation will focus on commercial, ready-to-eat and pre-packaged food and drink products," Ms Meagher said.
      She said the policy would  limit the amount of so-called 'Red' food and drinks to no more than 20 per cent by June 2009.
      "Food and drinks prepared on-site for staff and visitors will be addressed in the second phase of the policy's implementation," Ms Meagher said.
      She said NSW public health facilities were well-placed to model healthy eating for the broader community.
      "If we are serious about tackling obesity then we have to practice what we preach.
      "We need to make it easier for people to eat healthy food by removing drinks and foods low in nutritional value from NSW public health facilities and replacing them with healthier choices.’’
      Ms Meagher said a similar approach has been adopted in NSW schools canteens and was highly successful.
      ``We hope to see similar results in our public health facilities.”
      Ms Meagher said the new policy followed a selective review of food and drinks being sold in public hospitals and was developed in consultation with Area Health Service representatives and the relevant union bodies.

21 November, 2007
Memorials Remembered In Tougher Penalties
War memorials around the State are to be better protected with new laws introduced to increase the penalties for people defacing them.
Attorney General, John Hatzistergos said the new penalties were harsher than originally planned, combining financial penalties with community services
       “Offenders can also already be jailed for a maximum of five years if they’re charged with malicious damage,’’ Mr Hatzistergos said.
      “However there will be situations where a court may consider a fine too lenient but a jail term too harsh, so a middle rung in the sentencing ladder has been developed to give courts a range of options.’’
      He said the changes would allow Courts to order an offender to do community service work, which could be carried out at a local Returned Services Club or involve repairing or restoring a war memorial.
      The President of the NSW RSL, Don Rowe said confronting their crime was often the best way for vandals to understand the effect of their actions.
      “The desecration of war memorials s a terrible crime,” Mr Rowe said.
      “Memorials represent the sacrifices that Australians have made during times of war.”
“That’s why the RSL believes that offenders who commit this crime should make appropriate reparation to the community.’’
      Mr Rowe said offenders shouldn’t just be able to pay for the problem to go away through the payment of a fine - they should be forced to face up to the damage that they have caused.
      “We believe that forcing vandals to do community service work will be a much more appropriate punishment than a mere fine,’’ Mr Rowe said.
      He said he saw that first hand when a young man who burnt a flag at an RSL during the Cronulla riots was made to meet with members.
      “The Diggers got to express their anger and make the young man face up to the damage and hurt he had caused - it was a positive experience for everyone.
      “The RSL and its members are totally behind the Government on this issue.”

21 November, 2007
Funds Injection For Better Health
NSW Health has announced a multi-million dollar package of improvements to relieve pressure in all Public Hospitals.
    A $30 million injection of funds for the rest of the financial year will be used on an extra 150 acute care beds for hospitals experiencing high levels of growth in demand. Funding will also be provided for the training networks to expand the number of Emergency Department professionals in rural and regional NSW.
    Health Minister Reba Meagher said the package included funding to up-skill non specialist doctors through a program co-ordinated by the Institute of Medical Education and Training.        
   “This package will fund an additional 150 acute care beds – over and above the 456 beds and bed equivalents announced at the time of the budget,” Ms Meagher said.                                          
   “Some of the Community bed equivalents announced in the budget will be converted into extra acute care beds – resulting in an extra 250 acute care beds in NSW public hospitals."   
She said the beds would be targeted at relieving the pressure in hospitals which have experienced double digit growth in their Emergency Departments.                                      
    “Funding for the new package follows discussions with the Emergency Care Taskforce,’’ Ms Meagher said.
   She said the Taskforce would continue to develop strategies addressing three main areas of concern - Staffing and Workforce, Increased Demand at Emergency Departments and Communication with Hospital Management.                                                                                 
   “The package demonstrates the Government’s commitment to relieve the pressure from our public hospital doctors and nurses.  
   “In 2006/07, 1.9 million people presented at our major emergency departments for treatment - that’s approximately 5,000 people each and every day. In July this year, there was an increase in presentations of 10.9 percent compared to July last year.’’
     Ms Meagher said the rollout of new beds would initially focus on hospitals with a high volume of patients, and double digit growth in Emergency Department presentations and admissions.
     “Hospitals in this category include John Hunter, Liverpool, RPA, Bankstown, Campbelltown, St George, Wollongong, St Vincent’s, Nepean, Westmead, Royal North Shore and Gosford,’’ Ms Meagher said.
     “I look forward to working with the Emergency Care Taskforce to help determine the best way to integrate these beds into the hospital system.”

21 November, 2007
Shipwreck Display Floated at Museum
The drama and tragedy of Australia's most devastating shipwrecks is the focus of a new exhibition at the National Maritime Museum in Sydney.
   Wrecked! Tragedy and the Southern Seas features more than 100 artefacts, some never before seen, salvaged from 19th and early 20th century wrecks around the Australian coast.
   According to the Museum, theyshow the devastating impacts had at a time when shipping was central to daily life.
   The Museum said the exhibition offered "a rare insight into why fear of shipwreck loomed so large and the devastation these wrecks caused".
   Objects from Dutch shipwrecks on the west coast showed a different, much older and mysterious side to European beginnings in Australia. These included an elephant tusk from Vergulde Draeck, wrecked in 1656, and bottles, a buckle and key belonging to passengers on the Zeewijk wreck of 1727.
   “Wrecked! examines how shipwrecks could lose an entire community's supplies or destroy valuable export goods," the Museum said.
   "Interestingly, the exhibition also notes that 19th century migrants to Australia had a less than 0.5 per cent chance of being killed in a shipwreck."
   The exhibition also features reminders of the death toll from some of Australia’s worst shipwreck disasters such as Dunbar which sank off Sydney Heads in 1857 with the loss of 120 lives and the Admella catastrophe in 1859, when 89 of 113 onboard died after the steamship struck a reef on its way from Adelaide to Melbourne.
   Personal items, such as a tureen and carved stones thought to be destined to a Freemason's Hall from the wreck of the Nashwauk (1855), will give visitors a glimpse into life in the early colonies and the kind of treasured objects migrants would bring with them.
   The exhibition was curated by Bill Seager of the South Australian Maritime Museum.
   "We felt it was important to present the drama, tragedy, people and extraordinary events surrounding some of these shipwrecks and at the same time illustrate their impact on the colonies and the country itself," Mr Seagar said.
   Wrecked! Tragedy and the Southern Seas will remain on view until 28 January. Entry to the Museum is free.

21 November, 2007
Betting Review is Odds-on Favourite
The Office of Gaming and Racing has commissioned an independent review of wagering in NSW to provide a framework for future growth and sustainability of the racing industry.
Gaming and Racing Minister, Graham West said the Terms of Reference for the review had been agreed to by the Government and the Chairs of the three codes of racing in NSW.
   ``The industry is traditionally funded through wagering revenue (but) this source of funding has been impacted by advances in technology, structural changes and an increasingly competitive environment,” Mr West said.  
   “This has meant that industry funding has slowed in recent years in and the review will examine how this decline can be reversed.’’
   He said the review would include consideration of Racing’s significant role as an industry and as an employer; bookmaker structures and operating conditions; publication of betting odds; TAB fixed odds betting; pooling; new technology and wagering; sports betting; betting exchanges; advertising laws; responsible wagering; impacts from National Competition Policy [NCP] legislation as well as any other wagering issues considered relevant.
   Mr West said the final report would be provided to the Minister for Gaming and Racing and the Chairs of Racing NSW, Harness NSW and Greyhounds NSW.
   Mr West said the Review would take submissions from the three codes of racing, wagering operators, punters as well as other interested parties.
   “The Government is finalising the appointment of an independent person to conduct the review,” he said.
   There will be a four week submission period and further consultation as required.
   A final report is expected to be provided to the Minister and Chairs by the end of February 2008 and industry response by the end of March next year.
   The Review report and all written submissions will be made public.

21 November, 2007
Senior Appointments
Allen to Wagga Wagga
Former NSW Environment Minister Pam Allen has been appointed to chair an administrative planning panel at Wagga Wagga City Council to consider developments which are bigger than the C ouncil's controls allow.
   Ms Allan will also oversee the writing of a new local environment plan.

Bruce Brown has been appointed Chair of the State Water upgrade project following the resignation of Phil Betts.
   The Chaffey Dam Upgrade Community Reference Panel has already met for the first time with Mr Brown as chair.

Four for Safety
Fair Trading Minister, Linda Burney has announced four new appointments to the NSW Products Safety Committee: Associate Professor Lynne Bilston from the Prince of Wales Medical Research Institute; Elizabeth Hanley from Standards Australia; Bryce McNair from Child Accident Prevention Foundation of Australia – Kidsafe and Dr Wendy Watson from NSW Injury Risk Prevention Research Centre.
  
Oliver moves at Health
Duncan Oliver has been appointed to South Eastern Sydney/Illawarra Area Health Service after his previous appointment to the Sydney South West Area Health Service.

New Magistrates
Michael Connell, Geoffrey Hiatt and Brian Van Zuylen have been appointed to the bench of the Local Court of NSW.
Mr Connell has been deputy director of the Local Court of NSW and a registrar of the Land and Environment Court of NSW and Mr Hiatt was Assistant Director of Court Services for the NSW Attorney General’s Department. Mr Van Zuylen has been Solicitor in Charge of Campbelltown Legal Office.
   The three will be sworn in on 5 November 2007.
  
Oliver to Illawarra Health
Duncan Oliver has been employed by the South Eastern Sydney/Illawarra Area Health Service as an accredited person for the purposes of the Mental Health Act.
   Mr Oliver was previously employed by the Sydney South West Area Health Service.

Ransome to Tribunal
Kay Ransome has been appointed the new full-time Chairperson of the Consumer, Trader
   and Tenancy Tribunal. Her term of appointment expires on 17 September 2010.
  
Jenning fills in at Wagga Wagga
The Department of Primary Industries has appointed Wendy Jennings to take over Wagga Wagga drought support worker Lloyd Kingham's role for three months while he is on leave.
   Ms Jennings is from Coolamon and will work three days a week from the Wagga Wagga Agriculture Institute.

Bushfire Committee
Dr Ross Dickson has been appointed to the Bush Fire Coordinating Committee until 1 March 2008.

Kirkby-Jones lands
William Kirkby-Jones has been appointed to the Chair of the Board of Landcom for a term of three years.
   His appointment will end on 31 December 2010.

21 November, 2007
And in Other News ….
ICAC on the rails
The Independent Commission Against Corruption has begun investigating allegations that RailCorp employees and contractors acted fraudulently in relation to the procurement of goods and services.  
   Members of the public with information relevant to the investigation have also been encouraged to provide it in writing where ICAC has undertaken to treat all information confidentially.
   ICAC also has legislative powers to protect people who provide it with information.

Rugby ticket giveaway
The Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care has decided to provide 800 tickets to people with a disability and has urged the wider community to attend the Oceania Wheelchair Rugby Championship at Sydney Olympic Park on 20-24 November.
   Department Director-General, Brendan O’Reilly said the ticket offer was part of the Don’t DISmyABILITY campaign which will celebrate International Day of People with a Disability on 3 December. 

Drivers urged to test
The Roads and Traffic Authority has stepped up a campaign to encourage new drivers to apply themselves online to its practice Driver Knowledge Test.
   The online learning tool has been designed by the RTA to help people prepare for the Driver Knowledge Test before attempting it at a motor registry or other testing location.
   It lets participants become familiar with the test and helps participants to decide if they are ready to attempt the test and also allows experienced drivers test their knowledge of the road rules.

PS News for Queensland
PS News has extended its coverage of Australia’s Public Services by launching a new edition for Queensland.
   The new edition takes to four the number of Public Services served by PS News and is expected to follow the same pattern of growth and acceptance its sister-sites have achieved all levels of the Public Service.
   PS News now has more than 27,500 weekly subscribers across the nation who recorded 700,000 hits last month alone.
   The new Queensland Public Service site can be accessed by the navigation button on the main index of PS news or direct at www.psnews.com.au/NSW.html

Coo-ee for Indigenous artists
The Australia Council for the Arts is looking for Indigenous dancers, musicians, actors, writers and visual artists to take part in the 2008 Festival of Pacific Arts.
   The tenth annual festival, in American Samoa from 20 July 2008, will showcase the diversity and strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, joining participants from 27 Pacific Island nations in a 10-day program of events.
   Applications to join close on 19 December 2007 and more information is at www.ozco.gov.au/fopa or phone (02) 9215 9065.