October 22, 2007
FOI Rights Foiled By Non-Information Laws
Freedom of Information laws in Australia have been criticised as a “joke” by the NSW Council of Civil Liberties president, Cameron Murphy.
   Adding his weight to a report by former NSW Ombudsman and Commissioner of the Independent Commission Against Corruption, Irene Moss that found a lack of transparency in Government activities across the nation, Mr Murphy said that in practice, access to public documents under FOI was only marginally better than it was when the laws were introduced in the first place.
   "Freedom of information is almost as bad as it was before we started to talk about the importance of open Government and introduced FOI laws a couple of decades ago," Mr Murphy said.
   "Anything that's embarrassing to the Government is just hidden from public view".
   The Moss report followed an audit of media freedom  and accuses Government in Australia of adopting a culture of secrecy that thwarted public access to information, rather than satisfied it.
   "Governments — particularly the Federal Government — govern in secrecy," the report said.
   "The lure of political advantage increasingly trumps principles of democratic transparency when Governments decide to withhold or bias the release of information.
   "The often-stated commitment to a transparent democracy is a sham."
   The report warned that the ability of citizens to learn about the workings of Government and the Courts was under "serious threat".
   Ms Moss’s audit was commissioned by a group of media organisations including the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, SBS, Fairfax and News Ltd and examined attempts by Government to control the media, including by the use of FOI restrictions.
   It based its findings on interviews with journalists, submissions from law firms and academics and other published material.
   It said since 11 September 2001, a  raft of anti-terrorism laws had been introduced which "significantly reduces the judicial watch" on law enforcement agencies and restricts the ability of people to communicate with journalists and others.
   Mr Murphy said the Federal Government was using its fight against terrorism to stifle free speech.
   "If the Government wants us to trust it with extra powers, they need to be more open and transparent so we know they are not abusing those powers," he said.
   The report also criticised aspects of privacy legislation, Court suppression orders, the prosecution of whistleblowers and defamation laws.

October 22, 2007
Foreshore Authority Harbours Green Goals
The Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority has joined with nine of Australia’s leading landowners, investors and developers to sign up to the Green Star Business Partnership.
   The Green Star Business Partnership pledges all signatories to adopt a minimum Green Star rating for all new buildings they own or occupy.
   It has been developed by the Green Building Council of Australia and commits signatories to raising the environmental performance of their buildings and properties.
   The other Green Star Business Partnership signatories include Colonial First State, DB RREEF, IAG, Investa, ISPT, Mirvac, Multiplex, Stockland and Sydney Olympic Park Authority.
   Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority Chief Executive Dr Robert Lang applauded the initiative.
   ``The Foreshore Authority is working to create environmentally, socially and economically viable precincts,’’ Dr Lang said.
  ``We are thrilled to be a signatory to the Business Partnership which acknowledges and endorses the organisation’s on-going sustainability commitment.’’
   He said the Authority would aim for high standards in all new developments and refurbishments.
   ``In fact, Darling Island, which is already underway, will be Sydney’s first six star Green Star commercial building.’’
   The Green Star system is a national rating system based on the environmental management of a building including energy and water consumption and emissions from building services.
   The Green Star Business Partnership will bring together organisations who want to commit to achieving a minimum Green Star certified rating for all new office accommodation they own or occupy.
   The initiative was launched by international green building expert David Gottfried, who worked with the Green Building Council of Australia to create the concept at the Sustainable Building Pathways workshop in 2006.
   For existing buildings, signatories will commit to a timeframe for raising their environmental performance to a Green Star rating.
  ``The Green Star Business Partnership was created as a vision that moves beyond the environmental influences for embracing Green Star towards the social and economic factors involved in building green,’’ he said.
"The challenge has now been set for other industry CEOs to follow this new direction and continue to drive the momentum of the property market, and position Australia as a world leader in sustainable design and construction.’’
  "The challenge has now been set for other industry CEOs to follow this new direction and continue to drive the momentum of the property market, and position Australia as a world leader in sustainable design and construction.’’

October 22, 2007
Port Auction Plan To Uncork Delays
Transport bottlenecks at Port Botany are set to be eased with a new market-based auction system for road transporters to buy guaranteed slots from stevedores during which time they can load and unload containers.
   The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal has released a draft report into the $1.5 billion stevedoring and land transport operations at Port Botany.IPART Chief Executive, Jim Cox said Port Botany was a vital part of the State’s economy, handling over 95 percent of its container trade.
    ``A more efficient Port Botany will relieve congestion and boost economic activity," Mr Cox said.
   He said the Tribunal had recommended an overhaul of the current system to streamline operations and introduce more market-based incentives to relieve the current congestion at Port Botany.
   Report findings included that stevedores came under greater pressure when a large number of ships arrived at one time, creating further bottlenecks at the port and that road transporters queuing for containers increased their costs by around $80 to $85 an hour because of the delays.
   Key draft report recommendations included a new two-tier booking system for vehicle slots – one ‘firm’ and one ‘interruptible’;
   And firm slots that guaranteed a time of entry and exit from the terminal.
   It said the ‘interruptible’ ones were allocated as they are now – on an online first-come-first-served basis.
   The report also recommended improved operational co-ordination and investment in rail.
   Mr Cox said IPART was looking to provide a fair process that was economically efficient and promoted competition.
   ``The new system will provide greater certainty for road transporters than ever before,’’ he said.
   "We understand there may be some additional costs and teething problems introducing a new system but all parties – road transporters, stevedores, the importers and exporters and the general public - will benefit from the introduction of an economically efficient auction system.’’
   Mr Cox said the new system was expected to assist the NSW Government in meeting its commitment to double the proportion of containers moving by rail to 40 per cent by 2016.
   IPART is inviting submissions by November 26 to its draft report with the final recommendations going to the Minister for Ports and Waterways by February.

October 22, 2007
Finance Diet For Healthy Hospitals
Health Minister, Reba Meagher has outlined her commitment to looking for savings in the NSW Hospital system to encourage more frontline services.
   Ms Meagher clarified her position while rejecting claims there had been Budget cuts at Royal North Shore Hospital.
   She said there was nothing wrong with looking for savings if it meant more frontline services as a result.
   "I'm all for better procurement and less bureaucracy - what I won't allow is any cuts to frontline services," Ms Meagher said.
   "I won't rule out a reduction in the numbers of administrative staff and management but let's be clear - there will be no cuts to the number of frontline doctors, no cuts to the number of frontline nurses and no cuts to the number of hospital beds."
   Ms Meagher said  the Royal North Shore Hospital budget has been increased to $357.5 million in 2007/08, an  increase of $9.5 million on 2006/07 and $34.2 million over the past two years.
   "Since 2004/05, the NSW Government has funded more than 41additional beds at Royal North Shore including 4 intensive care beds and cots - to bring the total number of beds to 5,” she said.
   "The Area Health Service has canvassed some ideas but one thing the Government won't allow is cuts to frontline nurses, doctors or beds."
   Ms Meagher said it was apparent that management practices at Royal North Shore Hospital could be improved in a range of areas including financial management.
   "I've given new Area Health Service chief executive Matthew Daly one month to start to turn around the performance of Royal North Shore Hospital," she said.
   "That's why we've put a broom through the senior management of this hospital and the Area Health Service.”
   She  said where a hospital was operating over budget, the Government would work with the management to establish opportunities for improvement.
   "I am working closely with the Department of Health and the new management team at the Northern Sydney Central Coast Area Health Service to identify areas at Royal North Shore Hospital where other hospitals are doing things better and to find ways to implement those processes over time," Ms Meagher said.

October 22, 2007
Planners Draw Line Under Metro Body
The Department of Planning has revealed there are no plans for a new Government body to drive urban renewal across Sydney.
   The Department’s Metropolitan Planning Executive Director, Gail Connolly said the concept of a new urban renewal body for Sydney did not form part of the Metropolitan Strategy.
   Ms Connolly said the Government’s Metropolitan Strategy would continue to see Councils deciding the location and design of most new homes to ensure growth was fairly distributed, however, specific major urban renewal projects would continue to come to the Department of Planning, such as Sydney Olympic Park, which had attracted more than $1 billion worth of development since the Olympics.
   In other cases, she said, the Department was giving planning controls back to Councils such as the Rhodes residential development near Homebush and some coastal developments.
   Ms Connolly said that under a specific action in the Metropolitan Strategy’s ‘City of Cities’ 25-year blueprint, released in late 2005, some Government sites would be assessed and evaluated for redevelopment.
   She said the blueprint City of Cities: A Plan for Sydney's Future was a detailed planning framework aimed to deliver strong and sustainable growth over the next quarter-century to secure Sydney's status as Australia's gateway to the world.
   She said the blueprint for Sydney's future expansion mapped out a network of five cities including The Sydney CBD, North Sydney, Parramatta, Penrith and Liverpool.
   Ms Connolly said by 2031, Sydney was expected to have an additional 1.1 million residents, 500,000 new jobs and 640,000 extra dwellings and Western Sydney would account for almost half the new jobs needed  over the next 25 years, allowing people to work closer to home.
   She said Sydney's `global economic corridor’ from Macquarie Park to the CBD and through to the airport is forecast to host an extra 150,000 jobs.
   She said the ‘City of Cities’ blueprint included an action that Landcom would play a role in helping to achieve high-quality, sustainable urban renewal.

October 22, 2007
Queenslanders Hop To NSW Toad Kit
A primary education kit developed by the Department of Environment and Climate Change on how to trap toads has been snapped up by schools in South East Queensland.
   Pest Management Officer with DECC, Lisa Wellman said that `Trap that Toad’ had been so well received in New South Wales that South East Queensland was keen adopt it  and  500 kits had been specially adapted for Queensland.
   “Trap that Toad  is a teacher resource for students from years three to six to help them distinguish a native frog from a pest and appreciate the need for protecting our smaller native animals," Ms Wellman said.
   "It takes one to two hours to deliver and was funded by the Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority."
   She said most people were eager to help stop the spread of the cane toad, but wanted to know what to do when they found one and how to distinguish cane toads from native frogs.
   "The kit focuses on a range of native frogs that are commonly mistaken for the cane toad," she said.
   In the kit, Ms Wellman said students meet Garry, the giant barred frog, Norm the northern pobblebonk, Wally the wrinkled toadlet and other native frogs.
   "Fun activities such as origami, poetry and drama teach students how to distinguish between frogs and toads – an origami native frog can jump high, but a cane toad won't," she said.
   Ms Wellman said in order to expand its coverage, DECC has been conducting training for northern New South Wales councils who wanted to deliver the kit themselves and additional DECC staff had also been trained.
   "We are also continuing to deliver the kit to schools.”
   She said delivery to schools in Tweed and Kyogle shires was a priority  however other schools were welcome to participate.

October 22, 2007
Disabled Parkers Get Working Hotline
A new hotline has been set up to allow public reporting of abuse of the NSW disabled parking scheme.
   Roads Minister, Eric Roozendaal announced the hotline saying concerned members of the public would be able to report potential misuse of the scheme and that  the Roads and Transport Authority would investigate their complaints if appropriate.
   He said the hotline number 1300 884 8 would combine with new rules designed to improve the integrity of the NSW Mobility Parking Scheme.
   Mr Roozendaal said before being asked to provide full details of their complaint, callers would be reminded that some disabilities certified by medical practitioners as meeting the MPS eligibility criteria may not be visually apparent.
   He said a report by Transport and Traffic Planning Associates earlier this year had found that more than 1200 cars were using the permits each day in Sydney's central business district alone.
   In some city streets, every single car carried a disabled permit, the report said.
   Mr Roozendaal said the hotline would cut down abuse. "This hotline will make it quicker and easier for the public to raise their concerns with the authorities," he said.
   Under a new offence, permit holders who loaned their cards to other people could also be fined a maximum of $2200.
   The hotline was suggested by the Disability Council of NSW and  Council  Executive Officer, Dougie Herd said people with a disability who need the parking spots were incensed by parking cheats who knew they were abusing a system that was there to help disabled people park near their destination.
   ``This will give those of us who genuinely need to park an opportunity to complain to the RTA that it's pretty clear someone is abusing the system,’’ Mr Herd said.

October 22, 2007
Website Opens Gates To Popular Parks
A new website has been set up to promote NSW State Parks as popular community destinations.
   The website covers 11 State Parks, managed by reserve trusts under the guidance of the Department of Lands. They have become premier tourist attractions in NSW.
   According to the Department, the website will provide information on family-friendly accommodation, activities and facilities to help people plan their visits and find out what is going on, from the best camping and walking trails to the latest in festivals and events.
   The website is located at www.stateparks.nsw.gov.au
   NSW State Parks are managed by community trust boards on behalf of the Department of Lands which provides funding, support and guidance to ensure residents and visitors enjoy access to what is promoted as `some of the most beautiful and pristine locations in Australia for recreation’.
   The Department said State parks offered fun and affordable activities such as picnics, BBQs, camping, water sports and bush walks in serene and tranquil locations, which the Department maintained and cared for in cooperation with the  local community.
   Situated less than six hours from Sydney, seven parks are located on inland water sources, with the remaining four on the coast, including two newly created state parks.
   Belmont Wetlands, currently being developed near Lake Macquarie is set to be to be opened to the public in 2008 as is Goolawah situated near Crescent Head on the NSW north coast.
   The Department said State Parks provided a range of recreation facilities and visitor accommodation such as camp and caravan sites, bungalows and cabins, perfect for day trips or longer holidays.

October 22, 2007
Police Line Up For Bravery Awards
A number of NSW Police Officers have received bravery awards from Governor Marie Bashir.
   Sixty–three people – including 28 serving and former New South Wales Police Force personnel – were recognised for their courage in the annual Royal Humane Society Bravery Awards presented at a ceremony at Government House in Sydney recently.
   The officers received medals and certificates in recognition of their brave deeds while responding to incidents, including house fires, serious motor vehicle crashes, a river drowning and dangerous surf rescue.
   Police Commissioner, Andrew Scipione praised his  officers on their achievements saying they  displayed great courage and selflessness, putting their own lives on the line to save others.
   ``I commend them on their brave deeds and congratulate them on the receipt of these well-earned awards,’’ Commissioner Scipione said.
   He  said NSW policemen and women went to work every day not knowing what they might be confronted with in the course of their duties, serving the people of New South Wales.
   ``These officers have demonstrated true courage in dangerous situations and they are a credit to NSW Police Force and themselves.”
   Four western Sydney police officers received  bravery medals for their actions at the scene of a house fire last year.
   Constable Matthew McDougall received  a Silver Medal in recognition of his brave deeds, while Bronze Medals were awarded to Constables Daniel Morgan and Kyle Rodger, and Senior Constable Rodney Lloyd.
   The bravery of former Constables Barry Heal and Carly Fitton, who rescued an elderly woman from her burning home at Kingsford in Sydney’s south-east, was also  recognised with Certificates of Merit.
   Three South Coast police officers received Bronze Medals for rescuing a man and his autistic son from dangerous surf at Shoalhaven Heads near Nowra in  July.
   Leading Senior Constable Paul Nancekivell and Senior Constable Kelly Thomas entered the water at Shoalhaven Heads Beach and after commandeering a surfboard and boogie board managed to reach the teenage boy.

October 22, 2007
Maritime Safety Book Launched for Schools
A new educational resource to bring maritime safety awareness into the classroom has been launched by the NSW Maritime Authority.
   Aimed at encouraging water Safety, the Marine Safety Activity Book is being made available to children in more than 300 schools around NSW.
   The new education package also offers schools a visit from  front-line Boating Officers who patrol the State’s waterways.
   The Water Safety Marine Safety Activity Book features mascots Danny the Dolphin, Penny the Pelican and Sam the Shark and has earned the tick of approval from the Marine Teachers Association of NSW and the Boating Industry Association of NSW.
    The 32-page activity book is aimed at primary school-aged children and covers marine-related environment and safety issues.
    It will be available to order and be sent free to primary schools in NSW where
   Children will work through activities to learn more about water safety. The book also includes a variety of water safety tips, including recognition of important safety, fishing and water-related signs, the importance of swimming between the flags at the beach,  being sun smart and  keeping the environment free from rubbish and  what to recycle.
   Also included are pictures, descriptions, potential dangers and treatments for sea creatures that sting and bite.
    NSW Maritime is also exploring opportunities to create a pathway for students to graduate with commercial crew qualifications in the form of General Purpose Hand certificates and to recognise the eligibility of existing secondary school’s boating safety courses as sufficient for recreational boating licences.
    The booklet was launched at Toukley Primary School on the Central Coast in conjunction with a school water safety visit by NSW Maritime Boating Officer, Glen Haywood.

October 22, 2007
Lawyers Book Break At IR Commission
The 2007 law vacation commences from close of business on Friday 14 December 2007, the Industrial Registrar at the Industrial Relations Commission has announced.
The Registrar said the following arrangements would apply:
* A duty judge would be on duty and in attendance at the Commission during the the law vacation from 17 December 2007 to 25 January 2008.
* A duty commissioner would be on duty for the period 24 December 2007 to 9 January 2008, with all Commissioners on duty from 10 January 2008.
The Registrar said one or more of the judicial Members of the Commission would sit on urgent matters.
During the course of the law vacation arrangements would be in place to ensure that:
+ unfair dismissal matters continued to be listed to meet the standard time to first listing/conciliation of 21 days
+ industrial disputes could be listed before a member of the Commission immediately, and
+ any urgent notices of motion or similar matters could be listed where appropriate before a judicial member immediately.
The Industrial Registrar said the Commission was prepared to hold hearings before Presidential Members during January 2008 subject to the availability of litigants and their representatives.
 The 2008 law term commences on Tuesday 29 January 2008.

October 22, 2007
Food Control Brings Councils to Table
The role of Local Government in food regulation is about to change to enable quicker responses to food emergencies and recalls.
   Minister for Primary Industries, Ian Macdonald said changes to the Food Act 2003 will spell out  the role of Local Councils in several areas, including food inspections.
   “The role of Local Councils will be better defined so we can stamp out duplication and better continue the campaign against unsafe and incorrectly labelled food in NSW,” Mr Macdonald  said.
   He  said the Government had already committed $6.5 million in funding over five years to support this new initiative.
   “There is no doubt it will improve food safety co-ordination between Councils and the Food Authority.”
   The NSW Food Authority and the Local Government Association of NSW  co-hosted a forum in August on public information on food law breaches which was  attended by about  55 representatives of Local Government, the food industry and consumer advocacy groups.
   Forum attendees advocated the new food regulation system to provide more information to aid consumer choice and with the longer-term aim of helping raise standards across the food industry.
   Mr Macdonald said it was argued there was a need to strike a balance between the public’s right to timely and useful information and fair treatment of food businesses.
   He  said the new food regulatory legislation would cover all 152 local councils in NSW.
   “This partnership will give councils training and support to help them regulate retail and food service businesses in their local area,” Mr Macdonald  said.
   He  said the new legislation would also see the establishment of the Food Regulation Forum,  consisting of representatives from the State and Local Government sectors.
   “Wwe want to deliver even better outcomes for NSW so we can respond even faster to food emergencies and recalls,” he said.
   “We are confident this new initiative will deliver just that.”
   He said the  initiative was the result of a  three-year development process and was supported by key stakeholders including the Local Government and Shires Associations, the Australian Institute of Environmental Health NSW, Development and Environmental Professionals Association and the Local Government Managers Australia, NSW Division.

October 22, 2007
Food Authority Laps Up Milk Warning
Consumers have been warned not to drink raw or unpasteurised milk marketed as pet food or for `cosmetic’ use, as it is a potential health hazard.
   Primary Industries Minister, Ian Macdonald said the NSW Food Authority had received complaints that rogue retailers were selling deceptively labelled unpasteurised milk as a product fit for human consumption.
   “To put it simply, any dairy products labelled as ‘pet food’ or ‘for cosmetic use’ have not been through the Food Authority’s stringent food safety management programs and I would urge consumers not to buy them,” Mr Macdonald  said.
   He said the sale of these types of raw dairy products for human consumption was illegal in Australia as they could contain harmful bacteria such as E.coli, Salmonella and Listeria.
   “The consumption of these unpasteurised dairy products could cause severe illness particularly in pregnant women, young children, the elderly and infirm people,’ he said.
   “Pasteurisation is important as it involves heating the milk to kill dangerous pathogens but has minimal effect on its nutritional value or flavour.’’
   Mr Macdonald urged consumers not to buy milk or milk products for human consumption from shops, farm stands or farmers' markets unless they could confirm  it had been pasteurised.
   “Any consumers who become ill after consuming raw milk should seek medical attention immediately.”
   Mr Macdonald said symptoms of illness caused by raw milk varied depending on which harmful bacteria was present but could  include vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fever and headache.
   He said some individuals could develop symptoms that were chronic, severe, or even life-threatening.
   The Food Act provides penalties of up to $275,000 for the sale of unpasteurised milk.
   A similar warning was issued in September by Dairy Food Safety Victoria when it found some retailers in that State were engaging in the same practice.

October 22, 2007
Cancer Council Has Policy Prescription
The Cancer Council NSW is urging all levels of Government to use findings from the a recent report to take stronger and more decisive action to address childhood obesity.
   The Council argues that the Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity and the Prevention of Cancer global report's findings should also compel the food industry to address growing rates of obesity in Australia by offering healthier choice options.
   Cancer Council of NSW Nutritionist, Kathy Chapman said the findings reinforced the importance of maintaining a healthy body weight and being physically active to lower the risk of cancer.
   “It is imperative that we do more to address obesity and make healthy choices the easy choices for Australians, through government and industry action,’’ Ms Chapman said.
   ``Without curbs to the way unhealthy food is marketed to children and support for childhood obesity prevention programs, we will be looking at an increase in the number of preventable cancers.’’
   She said a key finding from the report was that excess body fat was an important cause of cancer.
   Released by the World Cancer Research Fund, the global report is considered the largest study of its kind ever published and  assessed 7,000 research studies globally by a panel of scientists around the world.
   It found that the list of cancers associated with obesity had grown in the past 10 years with obesity now considered a risk factor for six different cancers - colon, kidney, pancreas, oesophagus, endometrium, and post-menopausal breast cancer.
   Alcohol consumption has also been convincingly linked to cancer. With excessive alcoholic
   now considered a risk factor for cancers of the mouth and throat, oesophagus, bowel, and post-menopausal breast cancer.

October 22, 2007
Burney Buys Message From Consumer Meet
Fair Trading Minister, Linda Burney has acknowledged the importance of the 18th Consumers International World Congress held at the Crystal Palace at Luna Park recently.
   On the eve of the Conference opening, Ms Burney said she was looking forward to welcoming some of the 200 consumer affairs advocates and experts from over 80 countries who were in Sydney to debate, celebrate and campaign for the shared concerns of consumers worldwide. 
   “This is an opportunity for kindred spirits to share ideas and develop the projects and plans that will lead to new stages of consumer reform,” Ms Burney said. 
   “It is my firm belief that a strong global network of active consumer organisations is essential to give a powerful voice to consumer concerns.” 
   In addition to her portfolio as Minister for Fair Trading, Ms Burney is also Minister for Youth and Minister for Volunteering and she said there were  many areas of common interest between the three areas.
   ``I am passionate about getting young people to understand their rights and responsibilities as consumers – and to develop financial literacy skills from an early age,’’ Ms Burney said.
   She  said she was equally determined to see an improvement in knowledge and skills among the lower-socio economic populations in NSW – the groups that were in some way vulnerable or disadvantaged.
   “I firmly believe that our success as regulators is dependent on creating sensible regulations that do not intrude unnecessarily into the market and do not create excessive red tape for business.
   “Yet, despite the many laws and regulations that are in place as a result of the combined efforts of Governments and the consumer movement over the past 30 to 50 years, we still see practices that are either illegal or unethical.”
   Ms Burney said the role of Government was to ensure there was effective enforcement, constant vigilance and a commitment to regular legislative reform.
   “I am pleased that the Congress theme is ‘Holding Corporations to Account’ and encompasses the notion of corporate social responsibility and working alongside Governments. 
   “Over the last 10 years corporations have begun to realise that they cannot carry on their business disregarding their impact on the environment and the society in which they operate,” she said.
   “They are responding to the growing customer base that is increasingly educated, informed and demanding but there is still much more to do – and we need to examine just how serious business is about corporate social responsibility.”
   Ms Burney said she was encouraged by comments made by the  Director General of  Consumers International, Richard Lloyd, about the remarkable international consensus on what the consumer movement stood for.
   “We shouldn’t forget that despite different languages, systems of government, cultures and economic situations, we have so much in common,” She said.

October 22, 2007
Money Back Offer is Course Guarantee
The Minister for Education and Training has announced course fee refunds worth hundreds of dollars to each student studying for the Higher School Certificate at TAFE.
   John Della Bosca said a  $2 million a year State Government initiative had been introduced as an incentive for students to complete the NSW HSC.
   Mr Della Bosca said the rebate would also apply to the Tertiary Preparation Certificate, which qualified TAFE students for university admission and also to preparatory courses that allowed students to enrol in the HSC or the TPC.
   "The rebates will commence next year, saving TAFE students who complete their HSC $654 and Tertiary Preparation Certificate graduates $890, payable on completion.,’’ Mr Della Bosca  said.
   He  said about 7,000 students enrolled to complete the two  courses through TAFE each year.
   "The NSW HSC is a rigorous course and many students find it difficult to complete - this will be a further incentive for students to finish their studies to gain the rebate.
   "The more education an individual completes the greater their job prospects, both in the range of work available and the remuneration they'll receive.’’
   Mr Della-Bosca said the refunds would  help each student and contribute to the community's prosperity by raising education standards.
   "These courses have been targeted because they are often done by students seeking a 'second chance' at education through NSW's great TAFE system.’’
    He said TAFE NSW was the country's largest training provider with apprenticeships and traineeships in NSW increasing at nearly six times the national average and course completions last year rising  by 14 per cent.
   Mr Della Bosca said Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders continued to be exempt from paying fees while students with disabilities continued to be exempt from the fee for the first course they enrolled in each year and would pay the $50 concession fee for any other course in the same year.
   He said students who paid the concession fee of $50 would have this refunded if they completed the HSC or Tertiary Preparation Certificate in TAFE.

October 15, 2007
Petrol Directive To Fuel Energy Savings
Premier, Morris Iemma has instructed all State Government employees to use ethanol-blended biofuels in Government vehicles.
   On October 1, the Premier mandated that two per cent of wholesale NSW fuel supplies should be ethanol-based to encourage the development of alternative fuels.
   "I have instructed all public service workers with fleet vehicles to use ethanol blend at all times, wherever possible," Mr Iemma said.
   "I use ethanol fuel in my car and ED, E5 and E10 pumps are right across the State. The public sector will lead by example."
   Mr Iemma said use of ethanol was good for the environment and good for jobs in regional NSW.
   "With major fleet owners ... embracing alternative fuels, it will become more cost effective to provide and keep prices low," he said.
   "It should also ensure major petrol companies do even more to meet the mandate."
   The NSW Premier’s mandate is seen as an important step by the NSW Government toward encouraging a broader use of ethanol and other biofuels in NSW.
   To coincide with the mandate, The Government launched the New South Wales Government biofuel website at www.biofuels.nsw.gov.au.
   Backed a media campaign, this site is intended to be a gateway to an array of information on ethanol and biofuels which will educate motorists about biofuels generally and encourage them to make the switch.
   By the end of this year, it is expected that there will be at least 500 service stations offering ethanol blended fuel to New South Wales motorists.
   In stating this month that at least 2 per cent of all petrol sold in NSW would now contain ethanol, Mr Iemma said this would mean petroleum wholesalers will need to ensure that ethanol made up a minimum 2 per cent of total NSW fuel sales.
   ``Ethanol will also reduce our reliance on expensive foreign fuel imports - a boost to the hip-pockets of families,’’ Mr Iemma said added.

October 15, 2007
Christmas Leave Is Out of the Box
Non-front line employees in the public sector are expected to take maximum leave over the Christmas and New Year period according to a Circular issued by the Department of Premier and Cabinet.
   According to the Circular, a Ministerial Memorandum issued by the Premier in June requested that Ministers and Chief Executives seek to maximise leave taken during the traditional summer holiday period by their non-front line public sector employees, with the period commencing on Christmas Day and including the first week of January 2008.
   The Circular says that the Christmas and New Year public holidays for the State this year will be Tuesday 25 December (Christmas Day); Wednesday 26 December  (Boxing Day) and Tuesday 1 January 2008 (New Year’s Day).
   Public Service employees, subject to provisions in enterprise arrangements, who are not entitled to a union picnic day or some other special day, such as the Tuesday after Easter or local holidays, are entitled to a Public Service holiday during the period between Boxing Day and New Year's Day.
   Employees directed to work on that day will be entitled to be absent from duty on one of the other working day between Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
   The Circular says that unless otherwise provided for in enterprise arrangements, employees directed to work on all of the working days between Boxing Day and New Year’s Day are entitled to be paid overtime at the `public holiday’ rate for work performed on the day determined as the Public Service holiday for the Agency in accordance with their Award.
   Shift workers (as defined in the Award) are to receive public holiday provisions for the day observed as the Public Service holiday in their Agency and part-time employees are entitled to be absent on the Public Service holiday and receive ordinary pay if they would normally have worked on that day. 
   Those who do not normally work on that day are not entitled to compensation.
   The Circular says that employees may also be granted a half day concessional leave on the afternoon of Monday 24 December 2007 or Monday 31 December 2007.

October 15, 2007
Study Tunes In To PS Whistleblowers
A number of myths regarding mistreatment of public sector whistleblowers have been dispelled by a major research project released at the first Australian Public Sector Anti-Corruption (APSAC) Conference in Sydney.
   Delivering findings from the Australian Research Council-funded Whistling While They Work project, Griffith Law School Senior Research Fellow and project leader Dr AJ Brown said only 22 per cent of the whistleblowers surveyed said they were treated badly by management or co-workers with 78 per cent reporting they were treated either well or the same by management and co-workers.  
   “The figure is still too high but fortunately is much lower than expected,” Dr Brown said.
   Dr Brown said bad treatment or harm suffered by whistleblowers was most likely intimidation, harassment, heavy scrutiny of work, ostracism, unsafe or humiliating work, and other workplace-based negative behaviour.
   “Those that reported bad treatment felt most of it came from management, rather than colleagues or co-workers, and even successful whistleblowers report adverse psychological experiences from their whistleblowing, although not as adverse as those treated badly,’’ he said.
   “The research shows that whistleblowers can blow the whistle on serious wrongdoing without necessarily suffering but only if they do it internally and carefully, have realistic expectations, and organise their own support.’’
   The first report from the project also concludes that agencies need to better ensure their managers are equipped to take responsibility for their role in receiving disclosures and managing whistleblowing.
   Dr Brown said all Governments need to reform legislation to ensure best practice whistleblowing systems in agencies including more central coordination, provisions to recognise public whistleblowing, and provision for effective whistleblower compensation.
   “The fact that whistleblowing is clearly not confined to rare acts of ‘troublemaking’ creates a new obligation on agencies and governments to ensure they have effective systems for managing and protecting whistleblowers.” he said.  
   “Far from showing that wrongdoing is necessarily rife in the public sector, the results suggest that whistleblowing should be accepted as a healthy and positive element of organisational life, helping ensure that government operates with integrity.”

October 15, 2007
Leading Edge Guide For Fringe Benefits
The Australian Taxation Office has issued an advisory on fringe benefits tax for Public Sector staff.
   Designed to assist them understand how Fringe Benefits Tax and entertainment works, and to decide whether or not they have to pay FBT, the advisory refers staff to the Guide on the ATO website.
   It says that the tables and examples it includes would also provide assistance to Government sector staff who provided employees with food and drink, or leisure activities.
   ”They will need to know if these activities may be classified as entertainment and possibly incur an FBT liability,” the ATO said.
   The Guide helps staff identify when an event is likely to be classified as entertainment; decide whether their organisation has an FBT liability; calculate the taxable value of entertainment benefits using the actual method; and keep records needed to calculate FBT payable.
   “We also explain how you can reduce your organisation’s FBT liability, possibly to nil, and provide examples of common situations in which entertainment is provided by Government Departments.”
   According to the ATO, the FBT treatment of entertainment provided by Government entities depends on their income tax status.
   “Your organisation will be either income tax-exempt, income tax-exempt but paying income tax equivalents, or income tax paying in accordance with the taxation laws.
   As most Government organisations are income tax-exempt, the Guide has been written with them in mind as well as for those paying income tax equivalents.
   Organisations paying income tax are referred to the ATO’s web guide Fringe Benefits Tax and Entertainment for Small Business.
   The Guide can be accessed by visiting the ATO website at www.ato.gov.au

October 15, 2007
Complaints a Feature Of Ombudsman Report
The New South Wales Ombudsman, Bruce Barbour has tabled his annual report in State Parliament providing detail about more than 30,000 matters his office has dealt with.
   In tabling the report, Mr Barbour said he was concerned at risk assessment processes in the Department of Community Services for children in potentially harmful situations.
   He said while formal complaints about DOCS were down, there had been an increase in investigations about how effectively health services had been identifying and responding to children at risk of harm.
   The Ombudsman's report details two case studies in which risk assessments were not carried out for children involved in difficult domestic circumstances.
   Other report findings highlighted a spike of notifications in the past five years, prompting the Ombudsman to point out that the capacity of DOCS to respond will be an ongoing issue.
   Mr Barbour also said that 60 police officers had been charged as a result of complaints investigated in the past financial year.
   His Office received nearly 3,500 written complaints and of the 60 officers charged, 40 were as a result of complaints by other officers. One officer was charged with 37 offences and another with 14.
   The charges included domestic violence-related offences, assault and driving offences.
   Mr Barbour was also critical of police management of high-speed pursuits.
   He reviewed 184 pursuits in the past year and found problems with 32 of them.
   The Ombudsman said the police had a good policy in place but it was not being followed in all cases.
   "The sorts of breaches that we identified were police not putting through accurate information to police radios so that they could not control the pursuit appropriately," he said.
   "There are rules in relation to no more than two police cars. Sometimes we saw six vehicles involved in a pursuit [and] we saw caged paddy wagons involved in pursuits even though there are not authorised."

October 15, 2007
Safety Conference Nets Good Advice
Practical information about work safety on offer to all NSW businesses and other organisations was the focus of the 2007 Safety Show and Conference held at Sydney Olympic Park as part of National Safe Work Australia Week.
   With the Safety Show held over three days from October 31, key sponsor WorkCover NSW was set to provide free information and advice to help businesses meet their workplace safety and workers compensation obligations.
   WorkCover NSW chief executive Jon Blackwell said Business Advisory Officers would provide practical information on issues such as general workplace safety obligations, licensing and dangerous goods as well as how to manage a workplace injury.
   “WorkCover’s stand will feature an extensive range of guidance material and interactive displays and visitors can sit down with a technical expert to receive tailored advice for their business,” he said.
   “With more than 350 exhibitors over three days, the show will feature major innovations in workplace safety solutions, including the latest in materials handling, working at heights, machine guarding and OHS training.’’
   This year’s show has a record number of registrations and exhibitors and more than 11,000 people are expected to attend over the three days.
   The Safety Conference, organised by the Safety Institute of Australia, will run simultaneously with the Safety Show and will feature more than 50 Australian and international speakers.
   The conference will host an opening breakfast, and also includes special events such as the WorkCover NSW Hypothetical hosted by ABC Radio presenter Adam Spencer.
   Mr Blackwell said a highlight of the show will be the 2007 Safe Work Awards to be held on Thursday 25 October, at 7pm in the Waterview Convention Centre at Sydney Olympic Park.
   “The awards recognise innovation and excellence in workplace safety in organisations across New South Wales and the winners will be announced at the awards event,” he said.
   “I encourage all workplaces across the State to organise activities as part of National Safe Work Australia Week."

October 15, 2007
Parly Party Marks Act’s Anniversary 
The 30th Anniversary of the NSW Anti- Discrimination Act of 1977 has been greeted by special celebrations at State Parliament to celebrate the historic achievement.
   A major evening ceremony held at Parliament House and attended by State Ministers and the human rights community to hail the anniversary was addressed by Attorney-General, John Hatzistergos and Magistrate, Nancy Hennessy of the Administrative Decisions Tribunal.
   There was also a performance by young singers from Bankstown Council’s Talent Program and an exhibition featuring case studies, excerpts from the Act and entries in the Anti-Discrimination Board of NSW’s photo competition on offer for the celebrations.
   President of the Anti-Discrimination Board, Stepan Kerkyasharian said the Anti-Discrimination Act was a groundbreaking piece of legislation when it was introduced in 1977.
   He said it had undergone major changes to enhance it since its enactment.
   “The Act today makes it illegal to discriminate against someone on the basis of their sex, disability, race, pregnancy, age, homosexuality, transgender status, marital status or carer's responsibilities,’’ he said.
``It remains crucial to addressing inequalities in society.’’
   The Anti-Discrimination Board of NSW seeks to promote Anti-Discrimination through education, consultation and resolution of complaints.
   Each year, the Board fields 10,000 enquiries, resolves 1000 complaints and delivers educational seminars to 7500 people in NSW workplaces and the community.
   The most common complaint in 2006 was about gender (including sexual harassment and pregnancy) in the workplace.
   The Board also offers free community education seminars to community groups and organisations.
   With offices in Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong, the Board delivers training programs to workplaces on-site via in-house training, and an off-site corporate seminar series across NSW.
   The Freedom Rides bus tour of northern NSW towns in 1965 helped raise awareness of discrimination against Aboriginal people in NSW.

October 15, 2007
Council Move Finds Bill Posters Guilty
City of Sydney Council is set to launch a crackdown on street advertising backed by a scheme to provide a series of sites where bill posters can be legitimately placed.
   But according to a report published in B & T magazine, advertising agencies and media owners have warned that the move will do little to deter billposting and other illegal ambient marketing activity.
   During the past three years, City of Sydney Council claims it has removed more than 570,000 illegal bill posters at a cost of $5.6 million to ratepayers.
   Those using posting tactics range from club and music promoters to mainstream brands.
   During the Sydney motor show earlier this month, BMW’s `Mini Strike’ was heavily promoted through bill posters and curb markings.
   City of Sydney Council chief executive Monica Barone claimed the posters create a `significant urban vandalism problem’ in the city.
   “They look ugly and can deteriorate quickly, washing into the storm water system and polluting our Harbour,” she said.
   The Council’s plan to install 2.5 metre poles accomodating bill posters on some city streets is currently out for consultation.
   The move comes in the wake of the formal warning General Pants received last week when it used stencil markings on Sydney streets to promote a new retail store.
   But Mat Baxter, partner at strategy agency Naked Communications, told B&T that the Council’s opposition comes because it wasn’t able to make money from bill posting, while it takes a slice of revenue from authorised outdoor media.
   “It is one part of advertising within Sydney that they don’t get any revenue or fee commission on,” he said.
   “If you look around the world, bill posters are a healthy sign of a vibrant, city culture. If you start over regulating those types of things, what you end up having is this sterile, slightly sanitised city.”
   Todd Marks, director of experiential agency Maverick, said the move would not change anything. “The moment it starts getting regimented and broadcasted as illegal is the time when that medium gains credibility again.”
   Ed Harrison, general manager of outdoor firm JC Decaux, warned the poster pillars would be `unlikely to solve the problem’ because bill posters `are incredibly difficult things to manage and maintain’.
   However, Helen Willoughby, chief executive of the Outdoor Media Association, has backed a crackdown.
   “The problem is that once they are put up they are never taken down and that can lead to an appearance of grubbiness on the streetscape and we would certainly support any measures to make companies more responsible,” she said.

October 15, 2007
Pricing Tribunal in Taxing Proposal
The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal has recommended that a review of State Government taxes take place over coming months.
   A position paper presented by the prices regulator could lead to an overhaul of the present tax regime including new environment and traffic congestion charges.
   The paper suggested taxes on the environment and traffic congestion should be brought in while more narrowly based, less efficient taxes should be abolished.
   The position paper argues that revenue provided by the NSW tax system is clearly inadequate to fund all public expenses and that one area of potential reform is to the allocation of taxing and spending powers and responsibilities between the Commonwealth and the States. 
   ``The current imbalance in the expenditure responsibilities and taxing powers of the States is restricting the scope for State tax reform,’’ the paper says. 
   ``However, the introduction of the GST provides a relatively recent example of a shift away from various inefficient State taxes in favour of a broader national tax.’’
   The NSW Government has consistently resisted Federal Government pressure to abolish more taxes, saying it would do so only if it received a fairer share of the existing GST tax carve-up with other states.
   In a separate paper on City Rail, the Prices Regulator highlighted the need for congestion taxes to curb car use. At present, NSW raises $18 billion a year through taxes such as the payroll tax and property taxes. This figure equates to nearly a third of State Government annual revenue.
   The NSW tax system provides one of three key sources of revenue that fund essential public services such as health, education, policing, transport, welfare and
   environmental protection in New South Wales. 
   The second major revenue source consists of grants from the Commonwealth while the third category includes income from public trading enterprises and a range of other revenues.
   Total NSW general Government expenses are estimated to be $44.6 billion in
   2007-08. 
   Of this, the State’s tax system is expected to raise only 39 per cent of total expenses with a projected figure of $17.6 billion set to be accrued in 2007-08

October 15, 2007
ICAC Report Out For Investigation
The release of the Independent Commission Against Corruption’s 2006-07 annual report details a total of 2,149 matters dealt with by the Commission including 522 reports from public sector agencies and 680 allegations from members of the public.  
   The report detailed that the Commission commenced 73 investigations, referred 16 people to the Director of Public Prosecutions for consideration of prosecution proceedings and responded to 276 corruption prevention advice requests during the reporting period.  
   The Commission also held four public inquiries and published six investigation reports containing findings of corrupt conduct against 17 people and 113 corruption prevention recommendations.  
   ICAC Commissioner, Jerrold Cripps QC said that research during the 2006-07 year showed that the community has a high level of awareness about the Commission and its work.  
   “The ICAC’s community attitudes survey conducted in December 2006 showed that 82 per cent of the 500 NSW residents interviewed were aware of the work undertaken by the Commission and 93 per cent of those thought it was a ‘good thing’”, he said.  
   “Local government was the most frequently represented government sector for allegations from the public with 38 per cent of complaints relating to this area,”
   Commissioner Cripps added however that experience suggests that this high result in comparison to other sectors is due to the high level of people’s interaction with local government and the personal interest many take in its decisions.  
   ``Development applications are among the most frequently-complained about public sector activities, which is one of the reasons the ICAC has been working together with the planning sector, including State and Local Government, on the Corruption Risks in NSW Development Approval Processes project, about which the Commission recently released a position paper,” he said.  
   Reports from public sector principals, which must occur under section 11 of the ICAC Act when agencies suspect corrupt conduct, also related mainly to the Local Government sector (24 per cent) followed by custodial services (19 per cent) and health (13 per cent).
   The most frequent types of conduct alleged in section 11 referrals were breaches of policy or procedure, followed by misuse/theft of resources by public officials and allegations relating to fabrication or falsification of information, forgery, fraud or tampering with information.  
   The Commission also received 194 protected disclosures from public sector employees containing 239 allegations.
   The largest number of allegations again concerned local government (28 per cent), with other sectors strongly represented including health (19 per cent) and custodial services (10 per cent).

October 15, 2007
Violence Measures A Hit at Awards
A program to reduce domestic violence, which has been trialled in NSW, has won a national award at the Australian Crime and Prevention Awards.
   The NSW Government began a two year trial of the Domestic Violence Intervention Court Model (DVICM) two years ago in Campbelltown, Macquarie Fields and Wagga Wagga targeted to improve safety for victims of domestic violence and increase offender accountability.
   The trials of the Model have seen drops of between 10 and 20 per cent in domestic violence assaults over the past 18 months.
   Preliminary results showed a rise in early domestic violence guilty pleas from 17 per cent to 40 per cent and a large reduction in the time taken for cases proceeding through the courts.
   The award-winning program was based on a Canadian model and brought together the NSW Police Force, Government Agencies and community organisations to support victims, their children and offenders to break the cycle of violence and reduce the risk of re-offending.
   Attorney General, John Hatzistergos said the award recognised the hard work of Government Agencies and community groups involved in the program.
   “The DVICM is an innovative program which brings together Police and other Government Departments to help break the cycle of violence,’’ he said.
   “As soon as a domestic violence matter is reported there is an immediate application for an AVO, a proactive arrest with strict bail conditions and intensive case management to look after victims and children.’’
   Mr Hatzistergos said that when the matter goes to court it is dealt with by a specially trained police prosecutor.
   ``There is also a benchmark for resolution of cases from the initial hearing to sentencing set at 12 weeks,’’ he said.
   “I am very pleased the results being delivered by this court model have been recognised at a national level.”
   Mr Hatzistergos said that another innovation of the program is to equip police cars in the areas involved in the trial with specialist evidence kits containing digital cameras.
   ``With the permission of victims, police video the scene and record witness statements,’’ he said.
   ``The visual evidence is seen as a powerful way to display the effects of domestic violence to offenders, defence lawyers and courts.’’
   The Award was presented at special ceremony at Parliament House in Canberra.

October 15, 2007
Opera House Tour Hits Right Note
A new guided tour of the Sydney Opera House will take advantage of state-of-the-art audio visual technology to tell the tale of the famous building.
   Minister for Tourism, Matt Brown launched the new guided tour to be known as `The Essential Tour’.
    Mr Brown said the Essential Tour is highly innovative and celebrates the renewed interest in the building following its World Heritage listing in June
   “It is the culmination of 12 months work to develop a new tour experience at the Opera House and is the first revision of the main tour in over 20 years," he said.
   “The tour’s state-of-the-art audio visual technology has helped to create a compelling `must do’ experience.”
   Mr Brown said the new guided tour of the Jørn Utzon designed building allows visitors to better understand its conception and construction while educating the audience on its history and life as a performing arts centre.
   “The tour includes archival footage of the original design competition, the mammoth construction task and interviews with Utzon that tell the story of how the Opera House became the premier performing arts centre in the country.” he said.
   Mr Brown said the Sydney Opera House has been an iconic tourism attraction since its opening in 1973 and has since hosted millions of domestic and international visitors.
   “I congratulate the Sydney Opera House on achieving its UNESCO world heritage status,’’ he said.
   ``It is a prestigious recognition that makes this building one of the world’s official landmarks.”
   In the past 12 months over 328,000 visitors have toured the Opera House.
   The number of visitors has increased by 21 per cent during this period.
   Tourism NSW works in partnership with the Sydney Opera House to promote the city’s most recognised tourist attraction nationally and internationally.
   Visitor numbers to Sydney are continuing to increase.
   In the year to June 2007, Sydney received an estimated 26.3 million international and domestic visitors up from 25 million international and domestic visitors in the year to June 2006.

October 15, 2007
DECC Campaign Aims At Pesticide Pests
The Department of Environment and Climate Change is putting pesticide users on notice that its regional officers across the state are targeting people, organisations and companies who misuse pesticides, risking harm to the rest of the community and the environment.
   DECC Executive Director of Operations, Joe Woodward said pesticide offences are a major target for the rest of the year with the Department looking to check compliance with various sections of the pesticides legislation including record keeping and training requirements.
   "We keep detailed information on incidents where pesticides are causing problems for other members of the public and will be concentrating our efforts on the biggest problem areas," he said.
   "Pesticides undergo a rigorous assessment process before they are released for use in Australia."
   A pesticide is any substance or mixture of substances used to destroy, suppress or alter the life cycle of any pest. A pesticide can be a naturally derived or synthetically produced substance. A pesticide can also be an organism.
   Mr Woodward said pesticides include herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, fumigants, bactericides, rodenticides, baits, lures, repellents and pesticides used on animals to control external parasites.
   The Pesticides Act 19 was passed to protect health, the environment, property and trade while safeguarding responsible pesticide use.
    Mr Woodward said it is against the law to use any pesticide other than in accordance with the instructions on the label.
   ``Regulations also require record keeping and notification in some situations as well as appropriate training for pesticide users."
   Mr Woodward said pesticides are an important part of agriculture and hundreds of people across the state use pesticides in their daily work.
   ``Fortunately most do the right thing," he said. "It's the small minority who misuse or mishandle pesticides that can pose a danger to themselves and others."
   One example of such a danger cited by Mr Woodward was the use of 1080 baiting - a common poison used to kill foxes and rabbits.
   "Unfortunately regular use can cause complacency so we want people to remember they are using a potentially dangerous substance," he said.
   "1080 use will be one of the targets of the campaign, as will spray drift, which is a real issue for agricultural areas.”

October 15, 2007
Library Collection For DADHC Training
A series of Regional Communication Resource Libraries to support the training of Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care staff has been established at 20 venues across the State.
   Minister for Disability Services, Kristina Keneally said the Government has provided $500,000 to establish the 20 Regional Communication Resource Libraries.
    “We established these libraries to support the Inclusive Communication and Behaviour Support (ICABS) training of Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care staff from supported accommodation and respite facilities,” Ms Keneally said.
    “Each library provides regional staff with easy access to materials and resources, allowing them to design and make aids that will improve communication with their clients.
    Ms Keneally highlighted that the initiative recognised that communication was more than just about words.
   “In the general community, two-thirds of any message is achieved through gestures, pointing, facial expressions and body movements.
    “Communication is a basic human right and every person communicates with or without speech.”
   Ms Keneally said that understanding what Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care clients want and being able to communicate in return not only helps staff but reduces the frustration of clients and therefore can lead to improvements in their behaviour.
   The 20 Regional Communication Resource Libraries have been established in Parramatta; Penrith; Westmead; Epping; Hurstville; Fairfield; Rosebery; Summer Hill;  Newcastle; Gosford; Stockton; Wollongong; Nowra; Goulburn; Lismore; Port Macquarie; Armidale; Dubbo; Albury and Orange.

October 15, 2007
Australian Writers Brought to Book
Education Minister, John Della Bosca has formally requested the NSW Board of Studies to examine ways to ensure that all students read works by Australian authors.
   The Australia Council’s literature board chair, Dr Imre Salusinszky welcomed the NSW Education Minister’s decision.
   ``Taking steps to ensure that more NSW schoolkids learn more of their cultural inheritance of the great Australian writers, from May Gibbs to Kate Grenville, is a great development,’’ he said.
   The decision by NSW Education Minister follows calls from the Australian literature in education roundtable, convened by the Australia Council in Canberra in August, for an increased study of Australian literature in schools.
   Dr Salusinszky confirmed the Australian literature in education roundtable recommended three months ago that Australian literature should form a core element in English courses.
   ``We are thrilled to see this happening so soon,’ he said.
   ``We hope to see other state and territory education ministers support similar initiatives and that any nationally consistent curricula or core standards include Australian literature.’’
   Recommendations from the roundtable meeting included that the Australian Government should initiate a program of support to provide  class sets of Australian books in schools as well as critical resources for teachers.
   It also recommended that State Education Ministers should consider establishing a scheme to assist publishers in keeping Australian classics in print; that a group of distinguished writers, teachers and scholars should be convened to establish a list of Australian literary works that form part of the intellectual inheritance of all Australians and that an inquiry should be set up to discover the most effective way to prepare teachers of literature in the primary and secondary school systems.

October 15, 2007
No Old News At Ageing Summit
Concern to improve planning for an ageing population prompted the NSW Government to convene a major summit on the critical public policy topic.
   `Ageing 2030’, held at State Parliament on October 30 and 31, was set up a roundtable think tank to discuss the opportunities and challenges of population ageing.
   On the eve of the event, Minister for Ageing, Kristina Keneally said New South Wales was set to experience a major demographic shift with the number of people aged over 65 to double by 2030.
   She said the Government recognised that the ageing of the population would have wide ranging social and economic impacts.
   “That is why we are planning now for a long-term response to these issues,” she said.
   Ms Keneally said the ageing of the population would have future implications across a number of areas including Transport, Health, Community Care and Housing.
   “We need to be responsive in all of these areas and adapt to the varying and changing needs of a large and growing group of older people,” she said.
   “This significant increase in the number of older people will require a response from all levels of government, the private sector and the wider community.”
   Ageing 2030 was set up to bring together up to 120 key decision makers and experts from government, community, business and academia to help set priorities to meet the needs of people over 65 into the future.
   Prior to the Ageing 2030 summit, public consultations have been held throughout the State to ensure that all members of the community could put forward their ideas on how existing policies and programs may be adapted to meet these future challenges and opportunities.
   The consultations were hosted by the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Ageing in Parramatta, Queanbeyan, Coffs Harbour and the Central Coast.
   Ms Keneally said a key issue arising from the ageing of the population is how to ensure that people are supported to participate and contribute in all areas of society as they grow older.
   “We need to ensure that older people are given every opportunity to continue to participate in the community including through paid and unpaid work, and care giving,” she said.

October 8, 2007
ER Managers Go for Doctor
A Ministerial taskforce has been appointed to investigate the complexities of running Emergency Departments of NSW public hospitals.
   Health Minister, Reba Meagher announced the move saying the establishment of the Emergency Care Taskforce represented a positive step and that it would report to both herself and the Director-General of NSW Health.
   The announcement came after Ms Meagher met with heads of Emergency Departments from public hospitals across metropolitan Sydney.
   Ms Meagher said that during a meeting lasting close to two hours, the group agreed to set up the Taskforce to look into a number key issues, including increased patient numbers in Emergency Departments, workforce pressures and in particular the number of senior Emergency Department clinicians.
   She said the meeting also agreed that improvements between Emergency Physicians and The Department of Health were needed.
   Ms Meagher said all of those present agreed to be part of the taskforce, to be co-chaired by Professor Rod Bishop of Nepean Hospital and Sue Strachan, Nurse Unit Manager at Mona Vale Hospital ED, who was not present at the meeting due to illness.
   The Minister described the meeting as constructive, with a high degree of goodwill.
   "There was a strong commitment by all in the room to work constructively and together towards improving the issues currently faced in Emergency Departments," Ms Meagher said.
   "I look forward to working with the Taskforce members and their Emergency Department colleagues to find ways to move forward on the key issues of demand, workforce and better relationships with the Department."
   Those present at the meeting were: Rod Bishop – Nepean; Tim Green – RPA; Gordian Fulde - St Vincents; Sally McCarthy - Prince of Wales; Tony Joseph - Royal North Shore; Barbara Daly - Nurse Unit Manager, Prince of Wales; Adam Chan - St George; Richard Cracknell – Liverpool; Antoinette Borg - St George; Matthew Bukosevic – Westmead.

October 8, 2007
Courts Home In On Homeless
Staff from Sydney’s local courts are to help homeless people with legal issues under a pilot outreach program announced by the Attorney General, John Hatzistergos.
   Court staff in Western NSW will soon begin a similar program for people in remote communities.
   “Homeless people are among the most disadvantaged members of our community, but this outreach program will help ensure they are aware of court processes and their legal rights,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
   The Attorney General said staff from Parramatta, Newtown, Burwood and inner city courts would conduct seven face-to-face clinics each week at shelters and drop-in centres across Sydney.
   “While the staff are not in a position to give legal advice, they will provide practical information on a range of issues including questions of bail, sentencing and appeals,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
   “They will also assist homeless people with Apprehended Violence Orders, explain how they can resolve disputes through mediation and the options available to them if they have outstanding debts or fines.”
   The program would complement the Homeless Persons’ Legal Service, which had been operating with support from the NSW Attorney General’s Department since 2004.
   “The Homeless Persons’ Legal Service provides free legal advice and representation to people who have fallen on hard times,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
   “An increasing number of lawyers are volunteering for this important service, which is hosting clinics at nine locations in Sydney.”
   Mr Hatzistergos said the NSW Government would continue to look at ways of improving access to the justice system.
   “Court staff in Western NSW will soon begin a similar outreach program for people in remote communities, who may find it difficult to attend a courthouse.”
   Mr Hatzistergos said the NSW Court system was the largest in Australia and handled more cases than any other jurisdiction. He said The Productivity Commission’s Report on Government Services 2007 highlighted that the Local, District and Children’s Courts were national leaders in terms of timeliness in dealing with criminal matters.

October 8, 2007
DPI Flu Advice Not To Sneeze At
The Department of Primary Industries has reminded horse owners, trainers, jockeys, and members of the public to pay particular attention to hygiene and cleanliness when attending community information meetings about equine influenza in coming weeks.
   “Equine influenza is a highly contagious viral disease which can be easily spread between premises by contaminated horse transport vehicles, equipment and people,” Chief
   Veterinary Officer Bruce Christie said.
   “People who come in contact with infected horses can rapidly spread the disease if decontamination standards slip.
   “Therefore, it’s vital that cleaning and disinfection procedures be followed before leaving the property to attend these important meetings.”
   Dr Christie said personal decontamination involved showering, washing hair, changing clothes and cleaning footwear, while attention should also be paid to the tyres on vehicles from infected properties.
   Community meetings are being held at a range of locations throughout the north west, central coast, lower Hunter, north east, central west, upper Hunter, Sydney, Southern Highlands and South Coast regions.
   For dates and venues see www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/equine-influenza or contact the EI hotline - 1800 675 888.

October 8, 2007
Media in News at CRC Seminar
Public Servants with responsibility for communicating with ethnic communities have been brought up to date on new media technology at a seminar hosted by the Community Relations Commission.
   Each year, as part of its annual Multicultural Marketing Awards program, the Commission presents a seminar for Government marketing and communications officials on the latest trends in non-English media.
   In his opening address to the seminar, the Chair of the Commission, Stepan Kerkyasharian, said: “In this field every year there is something new to learn about and discuss.
   “We want to ensure that New South Wales Public Servants are as well equipped as possible to meet their responsibilities in communicating with our culturally diverse community.
   “Some participants in earlier seminars have become experts and later turned up entering projects in the Multicultural Marketing Awards”, he said.
   The seminar heard a detailed presentation from Regina Boulos, the Chief Executive Officer of Australia's largest multicultural subscription TV broadcaster, UBI World TV.
   Ms Boulos gave an account of digital media already operating in Australia and the new waves about to break. She urged Government officials to use locally-produced UBI programs to communicate their important messages to the community.
   Participants also heard from three radio stations which broadcast in Spanish, Chinese and Arabic. The editor of Holahispanos Internet Radio, Oscar Aguilar, emphasised the importance of programs being produced locally.
   “It doesn’t matter how many Spanish radio stations you can listen to ‘live’ or ‘on-demand’ on the internet. What’s important is that the program is Australian,” he said.
   “We are Australian Spanish radio. We tell you what’s happening here, in Spanish. Only with us can you know what’s going on with John Howard and Kevin Rudd.”
   The Executive Director of Chinese Radio 2AC, Janey Tham  and the General Manager of Arabic radio, 2ME, David Pendergast echoed that sentiment, emphasising how important it was for Government Agencies to speak to ethnic communities through their radio stations – because they were local media.
   Summing up the seminar, veteran multicultural marketing executive, Pino Migliorini, urged attendees not to lose sight of the power and significance of the ethnic print media.
   “Whilst the changes in technology are stunning, the print media also continues to grow and develop and remains a very powerful means of communicating with Australia’s ethnic markets,” Mr Migliorini said.
   The 2007 Multicultural Marketing Awards will be announced at a gala dinner hosted by the Premier, Morris Iemma, at the Westin Hotel on Friday, 16 November.

October 8, 2007
New Legal Offices Beating the Gun
The Attorney General’s Department is preparing for its move to new corporate headquarters in Parramatta, six months ahead of deadline.
   The department, which is currently located in Sydney’s CBD, will begin moving into the nine-storey Justice Precinct Offices on 2 November.
   According to the Director General the Department. Laurie Glanfield,  relocating to the state-of-the-art building at Parramatta would enable the Department to improve its services and make them more accessible to the Western Sydney community, which was booming.
   Mr Glanfield said the Justice Precinct Offices were attracting international attention for their environmentally sustainable design.
   “This is the first Government building in NSW designed to achieve a five-star green energy rating,” Mr Glanfield said.
   “Many of the materials used in construction have a recycled content and the building’s lighting system will conserve energy by automatically adapting to changes in outdoor daylight levels.”
   He said the Justice Precinct Offices would use less than half the water of a conventional office building.
   “A 500,000-litre tank has been installed beneath the building to capture rainwater which will be used for toilet flushing and to irrigate the justice precinct’s gardens,” he said.
   Shop-front services at the Justice Precinct Offices will include:
   * Victims Services – providing counselling and compensation to victims of crime
   * The Offices of the Protective Commissioner and the Protective Guardian – promoting the rights of people with disabilities and managing the finances of people who do not have the capacity to look after their own affairs
   * The Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages – holding marriage ceremonies, providing birth and death certificates, recording name changes and assisting with family history research.
   * Community Justice Centres – providing free mediation to people involved in civil disputes.

October 8, 2007
Audit Circular is One for the Books
NSW Treasury has issued a Circular to Departments and Agencies reminding them that documentation relating to internal auditing remains the property of the audited Agency, even when prepared by an external provider.
   Treasury says that external providers have asked that internal audit contracts allow them right of access to documentation for a specified time, or the right to take copies of the documentation. Agencies may include such a clause in contracts.
    Circular TC07/14 of 2 October instructs Agencies to ensure that contracts with external providers of internal audit services specify that the documentation remains the property of the Agency.  It supersedes an earlier Circular issued in 2002.
   “This documentation must be provided to the agency at the end of the engagement unless otherwise required by the agency,” the Circular says.
   The Circular explains that according to Auditing Standard ASA 610, internal auditing activities include:
   * monitoring of internal control,
   * examination of financial and operating information,
   * review of the economy, efficiency and effectiveness of operations, and
   * review of compliance with laws, regulations, and other external requirements and with management policies and directives and other internal requirements.
   “Public accountability should not diminish because the internal audit function is performed by an external provider,” the Circular says.
   “The internal audit contract should state that internal audit documentation remains the property of the agency. The Auditor-General may use the work of internal audit while conducting external audits on NSW public sector agencies.”
   Information on a standard contract can be obtained from the Department of Commerce website www.contractservices.nswp.commerce.nsw.gov.au or by contacting Kim Chamberlain at the Department on 9372 7679.

October 8, 2007
Green Light For Ambulance Staff
The Minister for Health has recognised the hard work of frontline Ambulance officers saying demand for their services was increasing and that funding was at a record level.
   The recognition comes after Minister, Reba Meagher announced a review of the NSW Ambulance Service to plan the allocation of resources for the future.
   Ms Meagher said calls were being made to the Ambulance Service across the State at a rate of one every 31 seconds and that in the past 12 months alone, demand for ambulance services has increased by 5.5 per cent. She said the service provided more than a million responses in 2006-7.
   She said the Government had recognised the pressures facing the Ambulance Service and had allocated a record $316 million to it and had funded an additional 688 operational positions since 2001.
   “The turnover rate of 4.6 per cent for Ambulance Officers is amongst the lowest in the public sector but as our population ages and people live longer, the demand for ambulance services is only going to increase,” Ms Meagher said.
   She also referred to a recent agreement to pay frontline Ambulance officers an extra four per cent work value wage increase ahead of the beginning of formal hearings at the Industrial Relations Commission, saying the Government had reached agreement with the Ambulance Officers' union to pay an interim wage increase.
   “This increase has been ratified by delegates and will be paid - subject to the IRC's formal consent in hearings in early October,” Ms Meagher said.
   “This follows the Government's recent decision to give Ambulance Officers a similar death and disability benefit enjoyed by other emergency service staff in the Fire Brigade and Police Force.”
   Ms Meagher said that while workforce was an ongoing issue, it would be covered in the review of the Ambulance Service being conducted by the Director of the newly-established Performance Review Unit in the Department of Premier and Cabinet, Graeme Head.
   “We need a comprehensive review, so we can properly plan the allocation of resources to meet demand for Ambulance Services into the future,” Ms Meagher said.

October 8, 2007
Police in NT to Stake out Territory
The first contingent of NSW Police to join the national response to child abuse in the Northern Territory has left for Darwin.
   The team of 11, including an Aboriginal policeman, was drawn from a range of commands around the State, with each officer selected for his extensive experience working in outback communities.
   The deployment follows the “Little Children are Sacred” report and a request from the Federal Government to assist in “national emergency” measures to protect Aboriginal children in the Northern Territory from abuse and provide them with a better, safer future.
   Chief Inspector Kim Sorensen from Lake Macquarie Local Area Command will lead the contingent and they will spend almost four months working in several different communities in the Territory.
   “These are all experienced officers. They know they are dealing with a very sensitive situation and each has volunteered to take part,” Mr Sorensen said.
   Seventy-two officers applied to join the deployment.
   “I want to praise the team. With the wet season approaching they’ll be working in a challenging environment for a cause that requires a national response. They have left behind wives and families and will give up their Christmas to spend time in the Top End”, Chief Inspector Sorensen said.
   Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione thanked the officers.
   “They’ve answered a call for help and we all support their work in helping provide a safer life for the victims, and potential victims, of child abuse in the Northern Territory,” Commissioner Scipione said.

October 8, 2007
Tall Poppy Wins Weed Award
The Senior Weeds Officer from the Bourke Shire Council has won the inaugural Department of Primary Industries Buerckner and Stephenson Weeds Officers’ Award for outstanding contribution to weed management in NSW.
   Don MacKenzie was recognised with the award which was presented during the 2007 NSW Weeds Conference held in Sydney recently.
   The award is named after Parkes Shire Council Weed Officers, Mal Buerckner and Ian Stephenson, who were tragically killed on the job in a helicopter accident in 2006, along with pilot Shane Thrupp.
   The Department said that Mr MacKenzie would receive a $500 travel prize donated by NSW Noxious Weeds Officers Association to attend the 16th Australian Weeds Conference in Cairns next year.
   Other finalists for the Weed Award were Rosanna Lucca from Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority, Terry Schmitzer from Greater Taree City Council, Graham Harding from Eurobodalla Shire Council, David Pomery from the Illawarra Weeds Authority and Terry Inkson from Great Lakes Council.
   Mr MacKenzie has worked in weed management for more than 10 years, and in his time at Burke, noxious weed management in the western division of NSW had a taken a monumental turn for the better.
   He has been a very active member of numerous committees, holding positions including senior vice president the Macquarie Valley Weeds Advisory Committee; member of the NSW Parthenium Weed Taskforce; member of the NSW Prickle Bush Working Group where he was instrumental in the formation of this group; NSW delegate for the National Athel Pine Management Committee; and a member of the Shire Rural Land Pest Officers Group of Western Queensland.
   Mr MacKenzie has also been credited with discovered the largest infestations of Parkinsonia and Mesquite ever found in NSW and has been highly successful in sourcing funding for noxious weed management from numerous agencies this financial year.

October 8, 2007
30th Birthday Party To Take the Cake
The 30th anniversary of the NSW Anti-Discrimination Board is to be marked at a special ceremony this month.
   President of the Board, Stepan Kerkyasharian said the Anti-Discrimination Act has helped shape Australian society for the better.
   “The Anti-Discrimination Act was a groundbreaking piece of legislation when it was introduced in 1977 and it remains crucial to addressing inequalities in society,” Mr Kerkyasharian said.
   The 30th anniversary celebration is to be held at Parliament House on Thursday 25 October at 5.30 pm and would be attended by Ministers and prominent members of the human rights community of NSW, Mr Kerkyasharian said.
   He said the 30th Anniversary Commemoration would be addressed by the Minister for Justice and Attorney General,  John Hatzistergos.
   According to Mr Kerkyasharian, the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act had undergone major changes since its enactment in 1977.
   “The Act today makes it illegal to discriminate against someone on the basis of their sex, disability, race, pregnancy, age, sexual preference, transgender status, marital status or carer's responsibilities,” Mr Kerkyasharian said.
   Each year, the Anti-Discrimination Board of NSW fields 10,000 enquiries, resolves 1000 complaints and delivers educational seminars to 7500 people in workplaces and the community.
   He said the Anniversary would also be marked by a community event in Martin Place Sydney with a social justice theatre performance on Tuesday 23 October at 12 noon; and a University Forum on the Act co-hosted by the NSW Anti-Discrimination Board and the Koori Centre of Sydney University. The Forum would be open to all and would run from 1pm to 5pm at Sydney University’s Koori Centre in the old teacher’s college.
   Mr Kerkyasharian also encouraged the public to enter the Anniversary photo competition which offered prizes of $1000. More information is available through www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au

October 8, 2007
Violence Awards Hard to Beat
Nominations are being called for the 2007 NSW Violence Against Women Prevention Awards.
   The awards will be announced and presented on 30 November.
   Designed to raise awareness about issues of violence against women the awards also recognise the projects, organisations, businesses, media, and individuals who were working to prevent and reduce violence against women in New South Wales. 
   The VAW Prevention Awards form part of NSW’s 16 Days of Activism to Stop Violence Against Women, which commences on 25 November on the International Day to Eliminate Violence Against Women, and concludes on World Human Rights Day, 10 December. 
   Awards will be given in four categories.
   Service Provision: To recognise the provision of improved or outstanding services or support to women who have experienced violence (projects, organisations or individuals.
   Prevention Project:  To recognise outstanding, creative and effective approaches to the prevention of violence against women (projects, organisations or individuals).
   The Tanya King Award (individual): To recognise the outstanding efforts and contributions of individuals on the lives of victims and survivors and/or to the field of prevention of violence against women. This category is in honour of the late Tanya King, who was the Regional Violence Prevention Specialist for Broken Hill but died in an accident at work in 2005.
    Media Excellence Award: To recognise excellence in the reporting of violence against women and prevention programs and activities within NSW.  This award also recognises journalists whose work has had an exceptional impact on public awareness of issues related to violence against women at the national and regional/local levels.
   A maximum of 12 Awards can be presented with a potential for four Awards for Service Provision; four Awards for Prevention; up to two Awards for individuals; and two Awards for Media Excellence.
   Nominations for the Awards can be sent to:
   2007 NSW VAW Prevention Awards Selection Panel, c/- Violence Against Women Specialist Unit, Communities Division, DoCS,  Locked Bag 4028, Ashfield NSW 2131 or by email to vaw-unit@community.nsw.gov.au.
   Nominations will be received until 5pm on Friday, 19 Octo ber 2007.

October 8, 2007
Wrinkles Ironed Out Of Ageing Conference
Further arrangements for the Ageing 2030 Conference to be held at the end of this month have been announced by the Minister for Ageing, Kristina Keneally.
   Ms Keneally has named former Premier, Barrie Unsworth and the Executive Director of the Sydney Chamber of Commerce, Patricia Forsythe as co-chairs of the event which will be held at Parliament House on 30 and 31 October.
   “Both Barrie Unsworth and Patricia Forsythe have a long and distinguished history of representing NSW and I look forward to working with them both,” Ms Keneally said.
   “The role of the Ageing 2030 Co-Convenors will be to oversee the running of the proceedings, and to ensure that a high standard of debate is maintained over the two days.
   “In an important role such as this it is integral to have good communicators at the helm and a bipartisan approach - that is why Patricia Forsythe and Barrie Unsworth are perfect choices.”
   Mr Unsworth was a member of the Legislative Council from 1978 to 1986 and a member of the Legislative Assembly from 1986 until his retirement in 11. He served as Premier from 1986 to 1988.
    Patricia Forsythe was appointed Executive Director of the Sydney Chamber of Commerce in September 2006. Prior to joining the Chamber she served as Member of the NSW Legislative Council from 11 to 2006, during which time held a variety of shadow portfolios, including the Ageing portfolio from 16-19.
   Ms Keneally said Ageing 2030 would bring together key decision makers and experts from Government, community, business and academia to help set priorities for Government, non-Government organisations and the private sector to meet the needs of people over 65 into the future.
   The Minister said a number of public consultations had been held across the State including in Parramatta, Central Coast, Queanbeyan and Coffs Harbour.
   “We need to start planning now for the opportunities and challenges we face with an ageing population locally and across regional NSW.”
   She said the Government recognised that the ageing of the population will have wide ranging social and economic impacts.
   “That is why it is so important that planning begins now for a long-term response to these issues,” Ms Keneally said.

October 8, 2007
Victims of Crime Caught in Net
An official website for victims of crime has been launched by the Attorney General’s Department.
   Known as ‘Courtwise’ the site has been designed to help victims involved in court proceedings by guiding them through the different stages of the criminal justice process, from the police investigation until after the court case. 
   At the launch of the site, Attorney General, John Hatzistergos  said the resource would help crime victims feel more comfortable in Court.
   “Attending Court can be daunting and confusing for victims, but this valuable online tool will allow them to prepare for the experience from the comfort and safety of their home,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
   “Courtwise demystifies the legal system through the use of straight-forward language, pictures and games. Victims can take a virtual tour of a courtroom and learn about the roles of key participants in a trial,” he said.
   Other features of the website include:
   * Details about victims’ rights
   * A dictionary of terms commonly used in court
   *- Information for families of victims and support workers
   - Contact details for counseling services
   - Relaxation tips and advice on getting ready for a day in court
   Courtwise was developed over 18 months in consultation with a range of justice agencies and support groups. Mr Hatzistergos said the Sexual Offences Taskforce had endorsed the project.
   “The Government has acted on the taskforce’s recommendations, by introducing a raft of reforms to reduce the trauma felt by victims of sexual assault.”
   The website was originally intended for sexual assault victims, but Mr Hatzistergos said its scope had been expanded to include all victims of crime.
   “Crime affects all sections of society and the website was carefully designed to be relevant to people of all ages and backgrounds. It includes information for people with disabilities and specific needs.”
   The address of the new website is www.courtwise.nsw.gov.au

October 8, 2007
Aboriginal Memorial On the Right Track
A memorial to the Stolen Generations has been officially opened by the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Paul Lynch in the Mount Annan Botanic Garden near Campbelltown.
   Mr Lynch said visitors to the garden could now experience the memorial as a journey of healing and reflection.
   He said people could walk through a hectare of forest via a series of boardwalks which led to a meeting place and a sculpture by internationally renowned Aboriginal artist, Badger Bates.
   The sculpture highlighted the tragic consequences of the separation of Aboriginal children from their parents.
   Mr Lynch said construction of the memorial involved the on-site training of Aboriginal workers who studied the Certificate III Land Conservation and Management course offered by the Nameroo Training Corporation.
   He said the memorial had become the focal point of engagement with the local Aboriginal community, and had the support of both the Tharawal and Gandangarra land councils.
   He said the people of Campbelltown, and tens of thousands of local and international visitors who visit Mt Annan each year, could use the memorial to reflect on the trauma endured by Aboriginal people taken from their families.
   Mr Lynch said the Stolen Generations Memorial was the result of the hard work of many individuals and organisations, each of whom deserved recognition for nurturing the special place of reflection.
   By building the Stolen Generation Memorial and maintaining it and keeping it intact for future generations, Mr Lynch said those involved in the project had demonstrated values which went beyond the simple process of creating a public amenity.
   “It is a living, breathing exercise in trust and understanding across communities, and a reminder of the strength and perseverance of Aboriginal men and women,” Mr Lynch said.

October 8, 2007
South Coast Growth According to Plan
A planning blueprint for development along the corridor between Sydney and Canberra has been released for public comment.
   Planning Minister Frank Sartor said the draft Sydney-Canberra Corridor Strategy aimed to secure the region’s continuing growth and prosperity while protecting its valuable water resources and rural setting.
   “The region is expected to attract an additional 44,200 people by the year 2031 – meaning an additional 27,800 jobs and 25,200 homes will be needed,” Mr Sartor said.
   “The draft strategy sets the planning framework for the region to accommodate and manage that growth.
   “One of the main drivers of population growth in the region, however, is people’s desire to live in a rural setting.
   “The strategy encourages urban growth in existing centres, which will help reinvigorate these towns as well as protecting the character of rural areas from inappropriate development.
   “It will also help to preserve important agricultural lands which contribute nearly $200 million per year to the region’s economy.”
   Mr Sartor said protecting water resources was a key environmental goal.
   “The strategy aims to protect water quality and supply through appropriate environmental controls and by strengthening constraints on development activities that could affect the catchment,” he said.
   Member for Monaro and Parliamentary Secretary for Planning, Steve Whan welcomed the draft strategy.
   “Currently, up to a quarter of residents travel outside the region for work,” Mr Whan said.
   “Reducing the need to commute to work by planning for more jobs closer to home is a key goal under the State Plan.
   “While there is enough vacant employment land to cater for immediate needs, the strategy plans for an additional 270 hectares over the next 25 years.”
   Key initiatives in the draft strategy include:
   *  Reinforcing the existing centres of Queanbeyan, Goulburn and Bowral as the main focus for future urban growth;
   * All new residential release areas must demonstrate the availability of a secure water supply and future development is to apply water-sensitive urban design principles; and
   * Council plans will need to include appropriate provisions to protect the important conservation values of significant towns and villages such as Braidwood and Berrima.
   Mr Whan said the draft strategy also included details of regional infrastructure projects outlined in the State Infrastructure Strategy.
   He said the Government would welcome public comment on the draft strategy which would be on exhibition until 7 December.
   Details of the draft strategy are on the Department of Planning website at www.planning.nsw.gov.au

October 8, 2007
Resources Centre Goes Family Way
The Federal Government has opened a Family Resource Centre for the community of North Ryde in Sydney.
   Officially opened by Prime Minister, John Howard, the Centre will provide information, advice and dispute resolution to families in the area as well as link them to other services and agencies which offer the help they need.
   Federal Attorney-General Philip Ruddock announced the initiative saying Family Relationship Centres were a source of information and referral for families at all stages including people starting relationships, those wanting to make their relationships stronger and those having relationship difficulties. 
   “Centres also help separated families to reach agreement about children without going to court," Mr Ruddock said.
   "In the first week of operation the North Ryde Family Relationship Centre took over 400 phone calls and saw 70 clients, with another 80 clients being referred to other services. The Centre is continuing to support the community in innovative ways through extended opening hours and the provision of outreach services to Hornsby and West Ryde."
   Mr Ruddock said the opening of the Centre was part of a three-year program to establish a national network of 65 Family Relationship Centres. He said this was part of the most significant reform to the family law system in 30 years, which included a requirement that separating parents make genuine efforts to resolve issues in dispute before taking a parenting matter to Court.
   The North Ryde centre is one of 25 centres which began operating in July.  A further 25 Centres will open from July 2008.
   Interested people and families can also seek assistance from the Family Relationship Advice Line on 1800 050 321 or access Family Relationships Online at www.familyrelationships.gov.au.
   The North Ryde Family Relationship Centre is at Unit 1, North RydeLink Business Park, 277 Lane Cove Road, North Ryde.

October 1, 2007
Law Reformers Get The Info on FOI
Freedom of Information laws in every State and Territory, including the Commonwealth are to be scrutinised with a view to putting forward standard FOI laws across the country.
   The Australian Law Reform Commission has been asked to examine the nation’s Freedom of Information laws and to come up with rules that would apply in all jurisdictions.
   Federal Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock said the ALRC was asked to take on the challenge partly in response to the Right to Know campaign, launched by the country’s major newspapers, television and radio networks in May.
   “Since the media organisations started their campaign we have carefully considered existing laws and are concerned by the inconsistencies between jurisdictions,” Mr Ruddock said.
   “The Australian Law Reform Commission’s report will provide us with the advice we need to fix this problem.”
   He said greater consistency between access laws in the Commonwealth, States and Territories would help promote best practice in all jurisdictions.
   The ALRC would also examine the impact of technology on existing access laws.
   “The existing legislation was developed in an era of paper documents, and its implicit assumptions and processes are still locked in that era,” Mr Ruddock said.
   “Once, information was contained in relatively few paper documents.  Today information takes myriad forms and can be overwhelming in its volume.”
   The ALRC is to undertake widespread consultation with the public and key stakeholders in conducting its review and has been asked to complete its work by 31 December 2008.

October 1, 2007
Blue Day for Police Recalling Comrades
Police officers across the nation have remembered their fallen colleagues on National Police Remembrance Day.
   A wreath-laying ceremony was held at Wall of Remembrance in Sydney's Domain, followed by a precession to St Mary's Cathedral, for a remembrance service.
   In a special commemoration, the names of Sergeant Colin Geoffrey McKenzie, Senior Constable Peter Gordon Wilson and Senior Sergeant Loreto Finucci were added to the other 246 names on the Wall commemorating police officers killed in the course of duty.
   Police Commissioner, Andrew Scipione, said National Police Remembrance Day was the one occasion each year that the community could come together to pay respect to the numerous police officers who had given their lives in the line of duty.
   “Our people are our most important asset and through their Oath of Office they become part of a special family who will never forget those who have fallen in the line of duty,” Commissioner Scipione said.
   A national commemoration was held in Canberra where the Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police, Mick Keelty said it was a time to recognise the tremendous sadness felt by policemen and women’s friends and colleagues at their loss.
   “It was in tragic circumstances earlier this year that the AFP lost Commander Brice Steele and Federal Agent Mark Scott but it is a fitting tribute to have their names inscribed forever on the National Police Memorial,” Commissioner Keelty said.
   “Their contribution to the AFP was significant and their memories will live long in the hearts of their friends and colleagues.”
   Special tributes were also paid in Sydney to another twelve officers of the NSW Police Force who passed away during the year.
   AFP Commissioner Keelty said the day was also an opportunity to recognise that all police officers – including officers deployed overseas in dangerous environments – were putting their lives on the line every day to protect not only Australian, but international communities.

October 1, 2007
IPAA Qualifies with New PS Diploma
The Institute of Public Administration Australia, NSW is to offer a Diploma of Government (Policy Development) in 2008.
   According to the Institute the Diploma will consist of five face-to-face days broken into two and three-day blocks and will build competency in the emerging professional and practical skills required to deliver policy formulation and advice in today’s Public Sector.
   Dr Randal G. Stewart, who has written, researched, practised and trained in public policy for over 20 years, designed, developed and will deliver the course.
   “An interactive, intensive training experience, the Diploma will provide multi-media presentations exploring State, local and Commonwealth policies cases to equip participants to deliver outcomes to communities,’’ a statement from IPAA said.
   “The Diploma will enhance skills in all aspects of policy analysis formulation, problem solving, agenda setting, stakeholder management, briefing decision makers and policy performance, evaluation and implementation.”
   The Institute said a special feature of the Diploma would be the analysis of contemporary case material, film and current writings form Public Services around the world.
   The course will be conducted for the first time on 12-14 February and 11-12 March 2008.

October 1, 2007
Experts In Tune On Broken Records
The challenge of preserving Government records and other information into the future would depend on greater levels of cooperation across international borders, according to global experts who met in Canberra last week.
   Hosted by the National Archives of Australia, the Digital Futures Forum at Parliament House attracted archival experts from nine countries who shared their expertise in the hopes of finding joint solutions to global problems.
   Speakers from Great Britain, the United States, Malaysia, Germany, Sweden, New Zealand and Australia emphasised a common theme: that world-wide challenges would be overcome only if organisations cooperated across borders and across sectors.
   “It is vital for archives and libraries across the world to collaborate with each other to get the most from emerging technology,” said Ross Gibbs, Director-General of the National Archives of Australia.
   “Archival organisations need to forge closer working partnerships with digital content creators such as e-researchers, e-Government, e-publishing and e-business – both at the big end of town and at the grassroots community and regional levels.”
   The Forum also recognised that more work needed to be done to bridge the gap between the public and private sectors in the field of digital information management.
   “Both sectors stand to reap huge benefits by learning from and working with each other,” Mr Gibbs said.
    He said it was heartening to know that many ‘top minds’ were working on the shared  challenges across the world.
   “By collaborating across sectors and across nations, and by sharing our findings we can ensure the citizens of the future are not left with a black hole in their history books” he said.
   The Forum noted that substantial investment in the creation of digital content was not matched by proportional investments in preserving and providing appropriate access to it.

October 1, 2007
Have APEC, Will Travel
The Minister for Tourism has revealed that a third of Sydney’s population left the city for the regions during the recent APEC long weekend, injecting more than $15 million into surrounding communities.
     According to the Minister, Matt Brown, the result of the exodus  was almost five times that forecast for Tourism NSW’s Bonus Long Weekend Getaway Campaign.
   The Premier, Morris Iemma, told Parliament that injection of extra funds into these economies was just what the State needed after a slow season due to drought and flooding in areas such as the Hunter.
   The Minister said the NSW Government had spent $250,000 on the campaign to encourage Sydneysiders to get out of the city during APEC.
   Mr Brown said analysis of the campaign also showed:
   * Tourism NSW’s website visitnsw.com received 232,441 visits during August – the most hits in any one month.
   * Out of the 314 offers on the site, about 50 were sold out.
   * The most popular destinations were Port Stephens, the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, the Illawarra and the Hunter.
   According to Mr Brown, visitors to the Central Coast spent more than $1 million in accommodation over the long weekend.
   He said in the Central West, Orange received 1150 visitors over the weekend, 70 per cent more than in the same period last year and at Parkes, the Radio Telescope Discovery Centre and the Station Hotel reported more than double the usual number of visitors.
   Of the 70 places to stay in Dubbo, Mr Brown said, there was not a bed to spare, accommodation in Kiama and Gerringong, was also heavily booked.
   Visitor Information Centres on the Mid North Coast engaged extra staff over the weekend, and many in the industry said the weekend was as busy as the traditional October long weekend holiday.
   Mr Brown said in the Blue Mountains, the Echo Point Visitors Centre reported a 260 per cent increase in visitor numbers, compared with the same Friday in 2006, while Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens reported about 500 additional visitors on Friday 7 September, more than any other Friday, and the Jenolan Caves reported an increase of 200 per cent in visits the same day.

October 1, 2007
Winning Brigade Sets Awards on Fire
The NSW Fire Brigade has won a Safer Community Award for its I-Zone project, which reduces the effects of bushfires on people living in bushfire prone areas.
   The award was announced in State Parliament.
    NSWFB's Culturally and Linguistically Diverse program, (CALD) which provides fire safety information to community groups who are at greater risk of injury and death from fires, was highly commended.
   Acting Commissioner of the NSWFB, John Benson said the I-Zone project was being piloted by fire stations in Campbelltown, Katoomba and Ryde.
   “Bushfires are a constant danger as the summer months approach so we are continually refining our methods and looking for ways to improve our response and protect the community,” Acting Commissioner Benson said.
   “We have taken a new approach to managing bushfires that impact on the urban environment.  The I-Zone project draws on the latest technology and world's best emergency practice.”
   He said the use of technology allowed the Brigade to better coordinate its firefighting efforts.
   “I-Zone uses aerial photography, electronic data management and response planning, that is integrated with the NSWFB Computer Aided Dispatch system, to provide a holistic response to bushfire emergencies.”
   Acting Commissioner Benson said Superintendent Gerry Byrne, NSWFB Manager of  Bushfire/Natural Hazards, had been the driving force behind I-Zone. 
   “Over the past three years we have been drawing on research from around the world, in particular the US, to develop a risk assessment process to better identify risks before and during bushfires,” he said.
   “This approach enables us to make better-informed decisions and deploy resources to where they are most needed, which means we can better protect the communities which are most at risk.”
   Acting Commissioner Benson said the CALD program had made important inroads into fire safety awareness among NSW residents from different ethnic backgrounds as well as new migrants and refugees.
   “Firefighters play an important role in educating the community about fire safety and nowhere is this more important than among members of CALD communities who are more likely to experience a fire in the home or be injured by fire,” he said.
   “Through a partnership with the Australian New Muslims Association in Lakemba, local firefighters are able to deliver these important fire safety messages and raise awareness about the work of the NSWFB.”
   The CALD program is also being delivered to Sudanese refugee groups by firefighters in Coffs Harbour, Orange, Lismore and Blacktown.
   Acting Commissioner Benson said the CALD program in Parramatta was being delivered to the Vietnamese and Chinese communities and in Leichhardt to the Italian community.

October 1, 2007
Carers Cared for In Foster Week
The Department of Community Services has recognised the work of foster carers in the Macarthur area during Foster Care Week, which ran from 16 to 22 September.
   As part of the week of celebrations, Dumaresq Street Cinema in Campbelltown held a special movie night, including the new movie Ratatouille, for more than 150 foster carers and children in the area.
   DoCS’ Metro South West Regional Director, Janet Vickers said Foster Care Week gave the public a chance to acknowledge the great work foster carers did - not only for the children they care for but also for the entire community.
   “Often the efforts of carers go unnoticed – they provide love and support to children who need someone to care for them and this event is DoCS’s way of acknowledging our carers’ dedication and devotion to the children they look after,” Ms Vickers said.
   “Day after day, carers look after children who may have behavioural problems, a disability, or who have experienced sexual, physical or emotional abuse.”
   She said foster carers helped make sure children were kept in a safe, loving environments, near their own school and people who were close to them.
   She said DoCS was committed to supporting foster carers and was investing heavily in out-of-home care services to benefit foster carers and the children they care for.
    “This year alone, DoCS is investing more money than ever - $453.1 million - in out-of-home-care, including 75 new caseworker positions across the State,” Ms Vickers said.
    “The NSW Government will roll out a $617 million funding program to increase support to children and young people in out-of-home care and those who care for them.”
   People considering becoming a carer can call DoCS Foster Care Recruitment Line on 1800 011 110, between 7am and 10pm, seven days a week.
   Further information about foster care is available on the DoCS’s foster care pages via www.community.nsw.gov.au

October 1, 2007
Compo Scholarship Is WorkCover Insurance
A new scholarship program to improve the skills of professionals in the workers compensation insurance industry has been launched by WorkCover NSW.
     WorkCover Chief Executive, Jon Blackwell said the program, funded by WorkCover, would initially offer five scholarships each year for a range of postgraduate courses in personal injury management.
    “WorkCover is working closely with industry to develop a resourcing program to increase the industry’s capacity to attract, develop and retain skilled and experienced case management and injury management professionals,” Mr Blackwell said.
   “The scholarship program is one outcome of WorkCover’s industry resourcing program that aims to develop case management capability in NSW.”
   Mr Blackwell said the courses available under the scholarship program had been developed by the Personal Injury Education Foundation and would be offered through Deakin University. They included:
   - Graduate Certificate of Management (Personal Injury)
   - Graduate Diploma of Management (Personal Injury)
   - Master of Management (Personal Injury)
   - Master of Business (Personal Injury)
     Mr Blackwell said the scholarships were open to personnel working in the NSW workers compensation insurance industry, including those who worked for the seven agents operating in the WorkCover Scheme, as well as specialised insurers and self-insurers.
    “Each scholarship is worth up to $15,000 each year, with scholarships commencing from the 2008 academic year.”
   He said scholarship applications would be reviewed by a committee of industry stakeholders, including representatives from unions, employers and WorkCover. 
   “Contributing to the development of the industry’s skill base will ultimately improve services and outcomes for injured workers and enhance the operation and financial viability of the WorkCover Scheme,” Mr Blackwell said.
   Details of the scholarship program, including the application process and eligibility criteria will be available from the WorkCover website at www.workcover.nsw.gov.au from November.

October 1, 2007
MPs Smooth Wrinkles Out of Age Policies
More than 40 Members of the NSW Parliament met recently to discuss the challenges and opportunities confronting the State as its population ages.
   Minister for Ageing and Disability Services, Kristina Keneally said the meeting allowed MPs the chance to put forward their personal ideas on how existing policies and programs could be adapted to meet the challenges of the future.
   “Many Members have also held local consultations in their electorates in preparation,” Ms Keneally said.
   She said the  meeting was integral to addressing the issues raised by an ageing population and ensured the public’s insights, views and concerns were aired.
   “The ageing of our population is an issue for the whole community including all levels of Government and the private sector.
    “We have also hosted public consultations around the State in Coffs Harbour, Queanbeyan, Parramatta and the Central Coast.”
   Ms Keneally said that in the longer term there would be implications for infrastructure and services, including areas such as transport, health, community care and housing.
   She said all of those services would need to be responsive and adapt to the varying and changing needs of a large and growing group of older people.
   “A key issue arising from the ageing of the population is how to ensure that people are supported to participate and contribute in all areas of society as they grow older.
   “This includes through paid and unpaid work, and care giving.”
   Ms Keneally said planning needed to start right away for the opportunities and challenges the State was facing with an ageing population, both locally and across regional NSW.
   She said that the ageing of the workforce also raised the significant issue of creating strategies to ensure that the skills and knowledge of older workers were not lost to the community.
   She said the Government recognised that an ageing population would have wide-ranging social and economic impacts.
   “Therefore, it is vital that planning begins now for a long-term response to these issues,” Ms Keneally said.

October 1, 2007
Costing Manual Is On the Money
The Department of Community Services has produced a costing manual for non-Government organisations to help them in calculating the costs for a range of child and family services.
   The  new, second version of the manual, will allow organisations that deal with the Department to improve their understanding of cost structures and drivers and to develop costing principles for funding new and existing programs.
   A statement from the Department said the indicative costings provided in the manual were based on data obtained from a range of organisations and a number of assumptions.
   The Department said it was important for individual services to develop their own cost estimates using the tools and job aids the costing manual provided.
   It said this would give them a better understanding of their costs and cost drivers.
   To help organisations develop their own unit costs the manual is supplemented by costing tools and job aids, along with detailed instructions on how to use them. There are separate tools for each service type.
   The manual provides updated indicative unit costs for Out-of-Home Care services and new costs for Supported Accommodation Assistance Program services and Children’s Services
   The original indicative costs for the early intervention program – Brighter Futures, adjusted for inflation, are also included.
   According to the Department, in the past, the application of standardised costing principles, including unit costing, had been limited in child and family services.
   To this end, in 2004, DoCS commenced a project to develop a costing manual for child and family services based on unit costing.
   A working group, chaired by the Deputy Director-General, Service System Development
   was established, comprising members from DoCS and the NGO sector.
   The Department said the project was ongoing and would be continuously updated with new unit costs for a range of child and family services.
   DoCS said it would  take time, effort and commitment to establish good quality cost information that could be used to improve service delivery.
   The Costing Manual, costing tools and job aids are available on the DoCS website.

October 1, 2007
Lands Lands Land In Land Hand-out
The Albury-Wodonga Corporation is to give away 1191 hectares of significant environmental land to local and State Government authorities.
   The gifts of land around Albury and Wodonga will be accompanied by more than $11 million in maintenance funding, plus another $1 million in one-off capital funding.
   According to the Corporation the offers are for the transfer of parcels of environmental land totalling:
   * 651ha, in Albury, to the Department of Lands.
   * 440ha, in Wodonga, to Wodonga City Council,
   * 100ha, in Wodonga, to the Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment, and
   According to the Corporation, when added to earlier transfers of 1720ha of parkland valued at $4.4 million, the latest offerings take to more than 2 900ha of environmental land it has passed into permanent public ownership.
   The current offers, made as the Corporation winds down and disposes of its land bank, will protect the habitat of threatened and endangered species of flora and fauna on the outskirts of both cities.
   Strict conditions of transfer are being drafted by the Australian Government Solicitor to ensure the transferred land remains environmental land in public hands in perpetuity.
   Chair of the Corporation, Bill Hanrahan, said the offers of land in Wodonga followed completion of a Wodonga Retained Environmental Network Strategy. Offers of land in Albury follow the earlier Thurgoona Threatened Species Conservation Strategy and Albury Ranges Threatened Species Conservation Strategy.
   Mr Hanrahan said opportunities  to add to the community stock of important environmental land with public access came along very rarely.
   “We are sure the community will appreciate and value these additional regional environmental and open space assets,” Mr Hanrahan said, “which will provide ongoing protection for the habitat of our threatened native species.”
   “These have been protracted and technically difficult processes involving a lot of other players. We thank them all for their assistance and co-operation.
   “We are pleased and proud to finally announce our offers.”
   The NSW Department of  Lands has been delegated to  negotiate the transfer of the Corporation’s environmental land north of the Murray.

October 1, 2007
Reserve Reserved For Volunteers
The National Parks and Wildlife Service is calling for volunteers to help transform the Wolli Valley bushland into one Sydney's best new reserves.
   NPWS ranger Ben Khan said with parcels of land being gradually added to Wolli Creek Regional Park, local staff were keen to get more ‘hands on deck’ to help with weeding, planting and tidying up.
   Mr Khan said of the latest additions, Wolli Bluff had already been transformed since it was one of the 19 parcels (10.5ha) transferred to the reserve by the Department of Planning in March.
   “Wolli Bluff is one of the better pieces of bushland in the valley,” Mr Khan said.
    “Being one of the highest points in the area, it has a great view of Sydney, particularly to the north. It has also been protected from a lot of the disturbances the lower sections of the valley have suffered, so many of its native plants have survived.
   He said with a grant from the Catchment Management Authority, NPWS had removed truckloads of rubbish and weeds that were dumped on the site in the 1950s. He said most of the rubbish was bricks and bottles, but there were also pockets of asbestos and even a cast iron bath.
   “The park neighbours have also been really supportive by opening up their properties to let us cart away the bulk of the rubbish, which we really appreciate.”
   President of the Wolli Creek Preservation Society, Peter Stevens said with the bulk of material gone from Wolli Bluff, volunteers were needed to continue the bush regeneration work.“The Wolli Bluff group is our fourth regular bush regeneration group,” Mr Stevens said.
   “New recruits are always welcome and we provide both tools and training. It's a rare chance to get out in the bush in the heart of the city, meet neighbours, and do something really valuable for the local environment.”
   Wolli Creek Regional Park was gazetted in 2001 after 15 years of campaigning by local residents and action groups such as the WCPS.
   Mr Khan said more land within the valley was due to be transferred to the Wolli Creek Regional Park later this year. Once complete the reserve would be a 50ha bush and wildlife corridor.
    “With land coming on board all the time, we are always keen for more community involvement,” he said.
   More information about volunteering at NPWS contact WCPS on 9554 3176 or email  info@wollicreek.org.au

October 1, 2007
.New Protection For Park Dwellers
A policy to help the residents of caravan and other parks faced with closure or redevelopment has been released by the Ministers for Fair Trading and Housing.
   Housing Minister Matt Brown said the Assistance Protocol for Residential Park Closures was developed by the Department of Housing in conjunction with other agencies, particularly the Office of Fair Trading. 
   Fair Trading Minister Linda Burney said the Protocol provided a framework for co-operation between Government agencies to ensure residents displaced by a park closure had access to the services and support they needed.
   “The key focus of the Protocol is to co-ordinate targeted assistance to individuals and families who are most vulnerable and at risk of homelessness,” Mr Brown said. 
   “The Protocol partner agencies will also provide information, support and advice to any residents faced with termination notices.”
   He said under the law, park owners were required to advise the Department of Housing of a proposed closure and the Protocol would be activated at that time. 
   “Park residents and community workers can also contact the Department if they have information about a possible park closure.
   “A Park Closure Liaison Officer from the Department will be appointed and become the central point for co-ordinating the whole of government response, which is designed to move residents into new accommodation quickly and with as little disruption to their lives as possible.”
   Ms Burney said the positive lifestyle that residential parks could provide was really a partnership between the people who lived there and park owners, supported by laws that set out their rights and responsibilities.
   “Reforms were made by the NSW Government last year that significantly strengthen residents’ rights, particularly when an operator wants to close a park to use the land for another purpose,” Ms Burney said. 
   “The Protocol will ensure residents’ rights are respected and that they receive the information and support they need.”
   Copies of the protocol are available on the Department of Housing website at www.housing.nsw.gov.au

October 1, 2007
Planning Approvals Reach for the Sky
Major building projects worth more than $21 billion have been approved by the NSW Government in the past two years.
   Planning Minister, Frank Sartor said many were important infrastructure projects, delivering on the Government’s commitment to provide for the State’s growth.
   “It shows that we’ve made significant progress streamlining the planning system already – and the upcoming reforms will continue that good work,” Mr Sartor said.
   “Since the election alone, we have given the green light to major projects which will deliver more than 25,800 jobs including nearly 2500 jobs in regional NSW.
    He said the projects had created employment in both urban and rural areas.
    “The system ensures these projects undergo rigorous assessment and public consultation.”
   As examples of major infrastructure projects approved recently, Mr sartor cited:  
   * a new $32 million water treatment plant at Coffs Harbour to help to secure the city’s drinking water supply;
   * Concept Plan approval for a new 13km south-west rail link;
   * Project approval for the duplication of 45km of the Hume Highway;
   * Two coal loaders in Newcastle worth $1 billion combined – the expansion of the Kooragang Coal Terminal and a new coal loader in Newcastle Port;
   * Enfield Intermodal Logistics Centre which will take up to 300 trucks a day off the road; and
   * A $50 million wind farm approved near Yass which will provide enough energy for up to 12,500 homes.

October 1, 2007
Broad Brush View Of Broadband Use
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has issued a report into the nation’s use of telecommunications services, revealing high levels of reliance across the board.
   Nearly 90 per cent of Australians have both a fixed landline and mobile phone and 80 per cent of households have access to the Internet, mostly through broadband.
   The findings are part of ACMA’s Telecommunications Today report into consumer attitudes towards the take up and use of telecommunications services in Australia.
   Telecommunications Today draws on results from consumer focus groups and a national survey targeting adult Australians in April, 2007.
   It found that while Australians depended highly on telecommunications services, reliance was significantly influenced by socio-economic factors, with age and having children particularly shaping attitudes towards uptake of mobile phones and broadband Internet.
   In line with Australia wholeheartedly embracing telecommunications services, the research also showed that Australians were becoming increasingly aware of new and emerging telecommunication services. Thirty per cent of mobile phone users reported having a 3G mobile phone, while 81 per cent of Internet users were aware of a Voice over Internet Protocol service, with 21 per cent of them having used one.
   Over coming months ACMA planned to publish additional research reports with further analysis on other issues covered in Telecommunications Today.
   These issues include take up and use of communication services by small business and farms, the level of substitution and complementary usage between mobile and landline services, and more detailed consumer attitudes to the potential take-up of new emerging services and technologies.
   The full Telecommunications Today report can be found at www.acma.gov.au