September 25, 2007
Leaders Carpeted Over PS Offices
Government leaders around the country have been challenged to improve the sustainability of Government buildings as a way of providing leadership to the construction and commercial industry.
   Ministers for Finance from all State and Territories are being encouraged to lift their game and adopt a national agreement on sustainability of Government accommodation.
    According to the Victorian Minister for Finance, Tim Holding, who is leading the move to sustainability, the State and Federal Governments manage four million square metres of office space between them and there is an increased urgency to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve water and energy and provide healthier buildings that impact less on the environment.
   “By working towards a National Framework for Sustainable Government Office Buildings, we can ensure time and cost savings, as well as increased benefits for the environment,” Mr Holding said.
 He said the Victorian Government had already set a benchmark for sustainability.
 “Victoria’s large portfolio of office buildings has the potential to consume significant quantities of energy and water, however, we are leading the way in a number of green initiatives to reduce our environmental footprint.
    “Victoria has already made a significant contribution to making its office space cleaner and greener and we welcome moves to work together with other States and Territories to build on this success.”
 Mr Holding said Victoria had consolidated several Departments into two buildings and was working on 5-Star rating for the tenancy fit-out for each building.
   He said the State had also reviewed and updated a set of guidelines for all Government accommodation which required an increase in the Green Star rating from 4 to 5 stars through sustainable design and had committed to reducing energy consumption in all Government office accommodation by 20 per cent by 2010.
   He said 15 per cent reductions had already been achieved between 19 and 2006.

September 25, 2007
No Cost Access Is Free Advice
The Privacy Commissioner has notified Departments and Agencies that they should not be charging people for access to their own personal information.
   Commissioner John Dickie has passed on an opinion from the Crown Solicitor that the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 18 does not provide for the charging of fees for access to personal information.
   Section 14 of the Act states that a public sector agency that holds personal information must, at the request of the individual to whom the information relates and “without excessive delay or expense”, provide the individual with access to the information.
   The Commissioner said that his advice from the NSW Crown Solicitor was that Section 14 should be read as “without excessive delay and without expense” and it was a settled principle of common law that a public body or authority may not levy or otherwise impose a charge or fee on members of the public unless there is statutory authority or power for it to do so. He said in the light of this principle, no costs incurred by a public sector Agency in complying with section 14 were capable of being passed onto or “charged to” the individual seeking the provision of access to information.
   Mr Dickie said that unless legally advised to the contrary, Agencies should check their procedures and documentation to ensure that applicants were not incurred any expense for access to personal information.
   However, the Commissioner also said that a request for access or amendment to health information under the Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 (HRIP Act) does permit private and public sector agencies to charge a fee to cover the administrative costs of providing access (e.g. for copying or printing records).
   He said that for health service providers in the public sector, the access fees and charges set out in DOH Circular 2002/22 applied. Privacy NSW did however encourage organisations to provide access and amendment without charge.
   Further information and clarification could be found at the Privacy NSW website.

September 25, 2007
Ambulance Service To Get Health Check
The NSW Ambulance Service is to be reviewed.
   Minister for Health Reba Meagher announced the review saying demands on the Service were increasing and there was a need to properly plan the allocation of resources for the future.
   The Review, to be conducted by the director of the newly established Performance Review Unit in the Department of Premier and Cabinet, Graeme Head, comes at a time of increasing challenges facing the Ambulance Service.
   “There is a call made to the Ambulance Service every 31 seconds in NSW. In the past 12
   months alone, demand for ambulance services has increased by 5.5 per cent. The service
   provided more than 1.05 million responses in 2006-7,” Ms Meagher said.
   She said the Auditor General had recently confirmed that the Ambulance Service was performing commendably given the pressures it was under.
   “The Iemma Government has long recognised the pressures facing the Service, which is why we have allocated a record $316 million budget to the Ambulance Service and funded an
   additional 688 operational positions since 2001, Ms Meagher said.
   “However, as our population ages and people live longer, the demand for ambulance services is only going to increase.”
   The Minister said one of the main aims of the review was to increase the efficiency of the Service.
    “The review will examine the operational and management systems of the Ambulance Service, including its clinical focus, the effectiveness of current work and management practices, and the career path options for ambulance officers,” she said.
   “The review will then provide recommendations to Cabinet on how to improve the Ambulance Service’s capacity and ensure equitable and timely access by all members of the community to ambulance services.”
   She said the Review would report back to Cabinet early next year.

September 25, 2007
Unplanned Honour For Planning Department
The Department of Planning has won a prestigious award from the property industry for its long-term planning policies in six regional areas.
   The Department’s visions for Wollongong, Penrith, Parramatta, Liverpool, Gosford and Newcastle have taken out the NSW branch of the Urban Development Institute of Australia ‘s 2007 Awards for Excellence prize for Public Sector Leadership for Urban Development, at a gala dinner held in Sydney.
   Director-General of Planning, Sam Haddad said the Cities Taskforce plans beat four nominees in the category to scoop the award.
   “This award is recognition of an excellent program that involves setting out city centre plans for the six regional cities, with a particular emphasis on job creation, in partnership with the relevant local council,” Mr Haddad said.
   “The project moves to drive investment and vitality into these cities, where an estimated extra 80,000 new jobs and 80,000 more people are proposed to be located over the next 25 years.
   “A key part of each of the city centre plans is improving the quality of open space and public plaza areas along with funding community infrastructure improvements.
   “This award also acknowledges the hard work being done by the Cities Taskforce unit within the Department of Planning, which has driven this particular program, along with each of our local council partners.”
   Mr Haddad said the Cities Taskforce project would help implement two key State Plan priorities – jobs closer to home and housing affordability.
   The award judging panel stated that the project is a “very significant example of public sector leadership”.
   “The plans present real opportunities for each centre and have generated keen local interest with broad debate,” the judges declared.
   According to Mr Haddad the UDIA’s award for Public Sector Leadership for Urban Development sought nominations from public sector organisations that had demonstrated leadership and innovation in customer service, communications, resolving planning and development problems and advancing industry consultation.

September 25, 2007
Life Begins as NPWS Celebrates 40th
The National Parks and Wildlife Service turns 40 on1 October and is planning a range of celebrations and events to mark the occasion.
   The celebrations coincide with school holidays, providing inspiration for parents looking to kick off the break in style.
   Head of NPWS, Tony Fleming said there was much to be gained from visiting national parks.    
   “National parks provide a haven for many of our precious native plants and animals,”  Mr Fleming said.
   “They also offer a huge range of activities for the whole community, from bushwalking, abseiling and camping, to canoeing, swimming or skiing.”
   He said visiting parks was a great way to get out and experience the incredible natural environment of NSW and entry to all NSW national parks would be free on Sunday 7 October.
   The 40th anniversary of NPWS would be marked in the South West Slopes region with the official reopening of the historic Caves House at Yarrangobilly as well as cave tours and displays highlighting the diverse nature of the work undertaken by the Service.
   Mr Fleming said the festivities would start at 10:30am on Sunday 7 October and continue until 3:00pm.
   NPWS South West Slopes Regional Manager Steve Horsley said the historic Yarrangobilly Caves House would be officially reopened at 12:30pm.
   “Caves House has been restored as a heritage accommodation venue and now is available to the public as accommodation in one of the restored wings – an opportunity that has not been available since the 1960s,” Mr Horsley said.
   “Yarrangobilly boasts many caves and free guided tours will be available on the day to selected caves where crystal formations and caverns will be sure to impress visitors.”
   For more information and a full listing of events visit www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au or call 1300 361 967.

September 25, 2007
Survey Green Light For Nuclear Future
Research conducted for the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation has revealed strong community support for Sydney’s nuclear facility.
   According to ANSTO, there is also increased awareness of nuclear science in the Australian community.
   The survey showed that people were now more comfortable with the new nuclear reactor at Lucas Heights in Sydney than they were in 2004 when the last survey was undertaken, more than 75 per cent of southern Sydney residents now regarding the facility as safe.
   “Significantly 90 per cent see the presence of an Australian nuclear science and technology facility as important,” ANSTO said in a statement.
   “More people are aware of what ANSTO does in applying nuclear science to improving the health of Australians, particularly in cancer treatment, and understanding and resolving our
   environmental problems,” it said.
   “Southern Sydney residents feel the new OPAL nuclear reactor, which commenced operation almost a year ago, is safer than the old reactor. Perceptions that it is safe have risen 12 per cent to 77 per cent over the past three years and public feeling that is unsafe is down 13 per cent to 19 per cent.”
   The Organisation said community interest in nuclear issues was ‘very strong’ with 62 per cent wanting to know more about the products from the nuclear reactor and how nuclear waste was managed.
   General Manager of Public Affairs at ANSTO, Andrew Humpherson said the latest study was almost identical to that conducted in 2004.
    “Overall ANSTO’s performance in the eyes of the community has improved with notable increases in perceptions of safety, innovation, nuclear research and technology,” Mr
   Humpherson said.
   “We also found that the community wanted to know more about ANSTO and its work,
   particularly in relation to radioactive waste, safety and security.”
   He said ANSTOS’s international role in nuclear safety was not well known but was another area where expertise was providing benefits globally.
   “These are all areas we will focus on over the next couple of years to ensure more people
   have more information,” Mr Humpherson said.
    “The community also sees that whilst ANSTO may be a terror target it is lesser target than the airport, an oil refinery or the harbour bridge.”
   The research study was conducted for ANSTO by  Quantum Market Research who contacted 550 residents of the Sydney suburbs of Sutherland and Bankstown as well as the Illawarra and an additional 150 respondents from Adelaide.
   The full marketing research report is available at www.ansto.gov.au

September 25, 2007
Anglers Caught in Fisheries’ Net
A four month operation by the Department of Primary Industries policing a ban on night fishing around power stations on Lake Macquarie and Tuggerah Lake netted 39 people fishing illegally.
   DPI introduced the ban to protect juvenile fish congregating at night around the Munmorah, Vales Point and Eraring Power Stations.
   DPI’s Supervising Fisheries Officer, Tony Chen said large numbers of juvenile fish were drawn to the warm water discharged by the power stations at night, creating an unsustainable recreational fishing environment.
   “DPI officers found 39 people allegedly committing a total of 74 offences during the operation, which ran from 1 May to 31 August,” Mr Chen said.
   “Most offences were committed at night.”
   He said officers issued 10 written cautions, 60 fines and four people would be summonsed to court.
   "The offences included not have a fishing fee receipt, fishing in closed waters and taking prohibited size fish.
   "Other prosecutions were for offences relating to providing Fisheries Officers with false names and addresses while another was for threatening and abusing a Fisheries Officer.”
   Mr Chen said that while 95 per cent of offenders were detected during night time ‘closures’, some patrols conducted during the day caught people with prohibited size fish or failing to comply with other fishing licence laws.
   “The success of this operation highlights the fact that DPI is working hard to ensure healthy fish stocks in the area and that recreational fishing remains a sustainable sport for both today’s fishers and those of the future," he said
   Fishing from boats or from the shore around the power stations on Lake Macquarie and Tuggerah Lakes is prohibited from 1 May to 31 August from 6pm to 6am.
   The night time fishing closure has been in place since June 2004.
   Mr Chen said Fisheries Officers would continue to conduct regular daytime and night patrols of the area with those caught fishing illegally facing a $500 on-the-spot fine.
   The DPI encourages anyone who witnesses illegal fishing to contact their local fisheries office.

September 25, 2007
Submarine Policy Is Deep and Meaningful
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has declared areas off the beaches at Narrabeen and Tamarama/Clovelly as protected zones, banning some forms of boating due to the presence of submarine communications cables.
   Effective from the beginning of October, the Authority said that prohibited activities included trawling and dredging.
   It said that other activities, such as anchoring, were to be restricted according to their potential risk of damaging a cable, depending on their distance from the shore, the water depth, anchor weight and anchor line breaking strain.
   ACMA said that marine users needed to be aware that significant criminal penalties applied to those engaging in prohibited or restricted activities.
   “Submarine cables are of enormous value to the Australian economy as they carry more than per cent of Australia’s international voice and data traffic,” Acting ACMA Chair, Lyn Maddock said.
   “These zones will protect these cables and limit the risk of serious consequences for our overseas communications, especially internet use.”
   Ms Maddock said ACMA had prepared information about the zones for marine users including:
   * the coordinates for the zones which were on the ACMA website for uploading to GPS systems
   * a Notice to Mariners which enabled marine users to update their charts. The notice was issued on 14 September by the Australian Hydrographic Service in consultation with ACMA, and
   * an information brochure, Sydney Submarine Cable Protection Zones, which explained the zones and new prohibitions and restrictions.
   Copies of the brochure, and full details of the zones and their locations, are available on the ACMA website or by calling 1300 856 337.
   ACMA said it had recently granted a permit for a new submarine cable to be installed in the Northern Sydney Protection Zone, thus fulfilling one of the objectives of the new regime, which was to encourage the installation of any new cables within the protection zones so that the impact on others users of the sea was minimised.

September 25, 2007
Smooth Sailing For Storm Campaign
StormSafe Week has been launched by the Minister for Emergency Services, Nathan Rees with a new Storm Education trailer commissioned for the occasion.
   The Minister said that storms were the most costly natural disasters to affect NSW costing about $196 million annually compared to floods, $128 million, and bushfires, just $17 million.
   Mr Rees said the June storms and floods on the Central Coast and Hunter alone had cost an estimated half a billion dollars in damage, a figure that could have been reduced by the undertaking of several simple precautions.
   According to Mr Rees, unlike floods and bushfires, all businesses and households were potentially at risk from storms.
   Households and businesses are being urged by the SES and Bureau of Meteorology to prepare now for the coming severe thunderstorm season that commences 1 October. 
   At the launch, simple strategies to reduce potential damage and improve safety were outlined.
   Mr Rees was joined at the launch by SES Director General, Brigadier Philip McNamara and the Regional Director of the Bureau of Meteorology, Barry Hanstrum.
   Further information on preparing for storms can be obtained by calling the SES on 1800 201 000 or visiting the SES website at www.ses.nsw.gov.au
   Information about severe thunderstorms and the Weather Bureau’s warning service can be found on the Bureau’s website at:  www.bom.gov.au/weather/sevwx/

September 25, 2007
ICAC Pulls Licence On RTA Manager
The Independent Commission Against Corruption has found that a Registry Manager with the Roads and Transport Authority had engaged in corrupt conduct with a driving instructor and another man to unlawfully help driving school students obtain their licences.  
   The ICAC has also made corruption findings against 18 applicants who obtained a car, motorcycle or truck licence through unlawful means, and against four others for attempting to procure the services of an RTA officer to dishonestly remove demerit points.
   In a report tabled recently in Parliament, the ICAC Commissioner the Jerrold Cripps QC, noted that the Registry Manager’s corrupt actions resulted in a significant number of people who may not have understood NSW road rules or even, in some cases, known how to drive properly, being granted licences to drive on public roads, and that licences had also been provided in false names, allowing people to create fictitious identities.
   The ICAC found that from late 2002 to August 2006, the manager improperly provided correct answers to between 50 and 100 applicants undertaking the driver knowledge test for a learner’s permit, as part of a scheme he participated in with the other two men, who would bring applicants to the Botany motor registry.
   The report said that the manager sought and received cash payments from around $1300 and up to $2400 from each applicant unlawfully issued with a learner licence. Some of this money was then distributed to the other men.
   The three men were also involved in accepting payments of up to $1500 for illegally providing applicants with assistance in passing practical driving tests, and the manager was found to have falsified email correspondence from Land Transport New Zealand in order to gain NSW licences for individuals who would otherwise have to have taken a driving test.
   Commissioner Cripps said that not only was the manager’s conduct corrupt, but it could also have contributed to endangering lives through people not properly qualified to drive being able to obtain a driver licence.
   The ICAC investigation discovered system weaknesses at the RTA and made 22 corruption prevention recommendations to the Authority to improve its systems and procedures.
   The Commission also recommended that the RTA consider taking disciplinary action against their employee with a view to his dismissal.

September 25, 2007
Postal Union Stamps On Postie Plan
A postal services union has accused Australia Post of planning to outsource the mail delivery function of traditional Australian posties.
   Communications Union, the CEPU, warned that the secret plan would see older posties phased out and replaced by contractors bidding against one another to take over particular routes.
   The union said the plans were contained in a strategy paper approved by Australia Post in 2006 but not yet released publicly.
   It said the paper Future Delivery Design Strategy allowed contractors to take over routes on Performance Based Contracts that linked payment to the number of articles delivered. 
   According to CEPU National President, Ed Husic the move would not only get rid of posties, it would also lead to reductions in service standards.
    “Across the economy we have seen that when public services are contracted out, accountability goes out the window and service levels plummet,” Mr Husic said.
   “Those who rely on regular mail services, such as small businesses and older Australians, should be very worried by this proposal.”
   He said the plan coincided with negotiations for a wage increase for postal delivery staff who were being left with little option than to take industrial action.
   “They feel that this is their only way to be heard,” Mr Husic said.

September 25, 2007
Baby No Match For Firefighters
Firefighters from the Uralla Fire Station recently took a break from saving lives to help usher in a new one.
   The team of four firefighters responded to a call to assist a woman in labour at a house in Uralla as part of their Medical First Responder role.
  On arrival, the team found the woman in the advanced stages of labour, with the baby’s head already crowning.
  Firefighter Nicole Connolly stepped up to the task while her male colleagues happily took up supportive roles and busied themselves with the oxygen equipment.
   Although Ms Connolly’s training in basic life support covered emergency childbirth, it’s not something firefighters expected to do very often.
   However, by all reports she managed admirably until Ambulance Officers Neal Waters and Ian Pickup arrived from Armidale just in time to facilitate the delivery of a baby girl.
   While firefighters are often called upon to help people in trouble – usually by rescuing them from distressing situations such as fires, car accidents and industrial accidents –  in the case of firefighters Hooper, Morrissey, Fox, Paton, and Connolly, they can feel confident that their actions have helped to make a positive addition to community of Uralla.

September 25, 2007
Statistician Does Number on NSW
 The Australian Bureau of Statistics has released a ‘snapshot’ of New South Wales revealing that more people were gaining tertiary degrees and highly skilled jobs than in any other State, but that those under 34 were moving out.
   According to the report, outcomes from student literacy and numeracy tests in Year 5 had remained steady since 2000, however, Indigenous students had poorer outcomes with results some 13 to 15 per cent below that of all students in 2005. The proportion of people aged 25 to 64 years with a bachelor degree qualification or above increased from 19.8 per cent in 2000 to 25 per cent in 2006.
   The report also revealed that New South Wales’s population growth rate fell between 2002 and 2004. The rate rose again in 2005 and 2006, although to a lower level than previously, mainly from a lower net overseas migration, and higher net interstate migration out of NSW, largely by younger people up to 34 years of age.
   The finance, insurance, property and business services industries contributed had the most to NSW economic growth since 2000 – 31 per cent of income growth.
   The manufacturing industry, while of a significant size, underperformed in average income growth and had seen a decline of 29,200 jobs since 2000.
   The ABS said that between 2000 and 2006 the number of jobs in NSW grew by 262,000 reaching 3.29 million, and more than 92 per cent of the job growth was for more highly skilled occupations.
   The report also said that life expectancy and death rates showed NSW health continued to improve between 2000 and 2005.
   The life expectancy at birth of men improved by 2.1 years to reach 78.5 years, and the death rate for all people fell from 6.9 to 5.9 per 1000 people.
   In 2005, nearly half of all deaths of young men and a third of young women aged 15 to 34 years in NSW were due to suicide, transport accidents or accidental drug overdoses (418 people).
   According to the ABS more young people died from suicide (173 persons) than from transport accidents (167 people), and four times as many young men (330) died from these causes as young women (88).
   The rate of road transport related deaths, injuries and accidents per 100,000 people in NSW has been declining since the 1970s, though speed as a contributing cause to an accident increased from 13.4 per cent to 17.3 per cent between 10 and 2005, the report said.

September 25, 2007
Peripatetic Poet Re-Verses Home
Henry Lawson has returned from Canberra.
   The iconic bronze statue which has been a feature of the Botanic Gardens since 1931 has been on loan to the National Gallery for the past four months as part of an exhibition honouring the works of sculptor George Lambert.
   A fibreglass statue modelled on a security guard from New Zealand by artist Michael Parekowhai has protected the plinth in Lawson’s absence. Kapa Haka Pango will now return to storage at Sydney’s Roslyn Oxley Gallery.
   The Lawson statue had not been moved from its home beneath a Cabbage Gum since it was installed in 1931, a year after George Lambert died.
   Executive Director of the Botanic Gardens Trust, Dr Tim Entwisle said a small inscription, barely legible on the back of its base, sadly notes it is Lambert’s last work.
   “George Lambert was a good friend of Lawson’s and knew that Henry had enjoyed walking through the Domain in the good years, and perhaps slept rough in the same area during the bad.”
   As Lawson himself put it, in his poem Sez You, “Crouching, cramped, and cold and hungry ‘neath a seat in The Domain.”
   To mark the occasion of the statue’s return, prominent Australian feminist author, social historian and past President of NSW Parliament, Dr Meredith Burgmann read a selection of Lawson poems dedicated to the men – and women – of Sydney he observed in the early years of last century.
   According to Dr Entwisle another literary hero would also arriving at the Royal Botanic Gardens shortly. In a much anticipated homecoming, one of only two statues ever made of the author Charles Dickens will return after a 35 year absence, albeit without its head.

September 25, 2007
Tourism Targets The Old Dart
Tourism NSW has launched a marketing campaign to attract visitors from the United Kingdom and Ireland to next year’s Sydney Festival.
   Minister for Tourism, Matt Brown, announced the $570,000 project saying it was based on positive results from an inaugural campaign last year.
   Mr Brown said the ‘Summer in Sydney’ campaign targeted the State’s largest international source market in their winter period and this targeting had led to more visitors each year and more money injected into the local economy.
   He said the radio, online and print campaign included a 44-page Sydney Festival Guide in The Times that went to about 330,000 households – and a giveaway of 10 trips to the festival.
   According to Tourism NSW, results from last year’s UK campaign included:
   * Bookings from Ireland and the UK increased 46 per cent for December and January compared to the same period in 2005/06 - totalling 1074;
   *About 30 per cent of the 3728 international ticket sales for Sydney Festival 2007 were from the UK and Ireland;
   * UK referrals on the Sydney Festival website increased 300 per cent from 923 to 2786 in 2007;
   * January 2007 recorded a 27 per cent increase in UK visitors reporting NSW was their prime destination, compared to January 2006; and  
    * Visa International reported an 18 per cent increase in spending by UK cardholders between November 2006 and January 2007 on the same period the previous year.
   Tourism NSW said the new Irish-born Festival Director, Fergus Linehan, played an important role in the Government’s decision to extend the campaign into the Republic of Ireland.
   It said that Linehan’s passion for Sydney and the range of events on in Sydney during that time, including New Year’s Eve on the harbour, was sure to entice many visitors to the city.
   The ‘Summer in Sydney’ campaign was launched on 15 September and will run through to the end of the Festival in January 2008.

September 25, 2007
Embroidery Show Is Straight to Point
The Powerhouse Museum is to host an exhibition of high quality embroidery including items produced for Princess Diana, the Queen and other members of the British Royal Family.
   According to the Museum, London-based embroiderers Hand and Lock have been providing the finest quality hand embroidery since 1767.
   The exhibition will open on 5 November and is timed to coincide with Diana: a celebration, alsoat the Powerhouse
   The Museum said that Hand and Lock would present their prestigious international embroidery prize for 2007 and host a major conference, Embroidering … the future.
   “This is a unique opportunity to hear some of the most knowledgeable embroidery experts
   from the Victoria and Albert Museum, Royal School of Needlework, London College of
   Fashion, as well as other renowned UK and Australian artists and scholars,” the Museum’s Principal Curator Design and Society, Christina Sumner said.
   Ms Sumner said that Embroidering … the future would consist of couture beadwork featuring vintage and contemporary embroidery samples including designs by Catherine Walker for Princess Diana, Lady Helen Windsor and other members of the Royal Family.
   She said together with drawings and photographs, the pieces would illustrate how designers worked with embroiderers to create exquisite bespoke embroidery.
   There would also be a display of the three prize winners’ work from Hand and Lock’s major international embroidery prize for 2007 - the top $10,000 prize to be presented at a
   champagne reception on the evening of the conference.

September 18, 2007
Wellbeing Policy Is Healthy Move
The Public Sector Workplace Office has published its policy on improving the health and wellbeing of the State’s public sector employees.
   The policy was developed to help improve the health of PS employees and is aimed at assisting individual Agencies in planning and implementing their own comprehensive healthy workplace programs.
   The new policy details seven steps Agencies can use to implement an effective program, which include establishing the commitment of management, surveying staff, adopting key themes, developing programs and confirming employee participation.
   The policy also offers advice on publicising programs and their continual monitoring and redevelopment.
   According to the Director General of the Department of Premier and Cabinet, Robyn Kruk, a number of Agencies have already introduced programs designed to improve staff health and wellbeing, including such activities as weight reduction and quit smoking programs.
   Ms Kruk said some Agencies had negotiated corporate rates for staff membership of sporting clubs and gyms, had coordinated fitness activities and had run and encouraged health information sessions on-site.
    “These are only some of the possible strategies,” Ms Kruk said, “and Agencies will need to ensure programs are targeted to respond to their employees' needs, work with the Agency's structure and culture and relate to occupational health and safety policies and other factors that may contribute to sick leave and workplace illness or injury.”
   According to the policy, encouraging healthy lifestyles among PS staff could be expected to lead to reduced absenteeism, prevent chronic disease and obesity, reduce workplace accidents and injuries, reduce insurance and workers compensation claims, improve recruitment and retention of staff, improve productivity, lift morale and enhance Agencies’ profiles as “Employers of Choice.”
   Ms Kruk said the Department of Premier and Cabinet was also working with the Department of Commerce to develop a suite of whole-of-Government contracts to assist Agencies in developing their programs.
   The policy A Healthy Workforce can be downloaded from a link on Circular 2007-39 on the DPC website at www.premiers.nsw.gov.au

September 18, 2007
Salary Policy To Defuse Wage Rage
Premier, Morris Iemma, has issued a Ministerial Memorandum urging Ministers to circulate the Government’s new Public Service Wages Policy throughout their portfolio responsibilities.
      The new policy explains the 2.5 per cent cap on Public Sector wage movements and sets out processes for negotiation, approval and cost savings. 
   According to Mr Iemma the policy provides a process to ensure that all NSW public sector organisations meet the objectives of  the Fiscal Responsibility Act (NSW) 2005.
   He said the policy was intended to “maintain wages in real terms and encourage workplace reform in return for additional increases”.
   A primary aim of the policy was to control Government expenditure on wages by indexing pay increases to inflation.
   “Since wage agreements are set in a forward looking manner, forecasts for inflation need to be utilised to maintain the real value of wages,” the Memorandum said. 
   “The Reserve Bank of Australia has an agreement with the Federal Government to maintain CPI increases within a range of 2-3 per cent.  That is, on average, the CPI will increase by 2.5 per cent.” 
   It said while increases in the CPI may exceed, or be less than 2.5 per cent in the short-term, the RBA actively pursued monetary policy to achieve the target range. 
   “Therefore, in multi-year wage agreements, a 2.5 per cent Sydney CPI inflation rate is the best available forecast. 
   “This is also NSW Treasury's medium-term inflation parameter as published in the Budget papers.”
   The policy makes clear that the Government will not fund any annual increases in employee related expenses beyond the 23.5 per cent limit.
   “ Agencies must fund any increases above 2.5 per cent per annum to wages, or other employee related expenses such as allowances, superannuation etc, through employee related cost saving measures,” it says.
   It makes clear that the 2.5 per cent limit would cover all employee related expenses – “including wages, allowances, superannuation and other conditions”.
   The Policy states that it was a platform for broader improvements in the public sector.
     “The wages policy is predominantly about driving cultural change to improve service delivery and decision-making …  It is about creating the public sector of the future – more flexible, highly skilled, mobile, high performing and outcome driven,” it says.
   “Agencies should look for reforms that promote greater employee mobility, better attraction and retention and allow for smarter job design and re-design.  
   The policy says that employee-related costs were the largest component of Government expenditure and accounted for almost half of Government expenses.
   “Each 1 per cent increase in employee related costs permanently increases Government expenses by around $224 million per annum.” 
      The policy applies to Public Service Departments, the Government Service, independent statutory bodies, any other public sector service within the meaning of the Public Sector Employment and Management Act 2002 and State Owned Corporations.

September 18, 2007
Law Reformers Open Doors on Privacy
The Australian Law Reform Commission has proposed a comprehensive overhaul of Australia’s privacy laws, recommending that each State and Territory adopt the same laws as the Commonwealth.
   Releasing Discussion Paper 72, Review of Australian Privacy Law, ALRC President Professor David Weisbrot said it was the product of the largest public consultation process in ALRC history.
   “We have received over 300 submissions and held over 170 meetings to date, including with business, consumers, young people, health officials, technology experts and privacy advocates and regulators,” Professor Weisbrot said.
   “The clearest message from the community is that we must streamline our unnecessarily complex system. The Federal Privacy Act sets out different principles for private organisations and for government agencies. On top of that, each state and territory has its own privacy laws or guidelines and some also have separate laws on health privacy.”
   Professor Weisbrot said the ALRC was proposing a single set of privacy principles for information-handling across all sectors, and all levels of Government. He said it would make it easier and less expensive for organisations to comply, and much more simple for people to understand their rights.
   Privacy Commissioner Karen Curtis has welcomed the ALRC’s proposal, saying her office would be assessing the Discussion Paper to see the extent to which it addressed the issues the Office raised in its submissions to the ALRC (See PS news of 4 September 2007).
   Attorney-General Philip Ruddock  also welcomed the release saying that rationalising Australia’s privacy laws seemed like a sensible step.
   “Privacy laws have an impact on everyone in our community,” Mr Ruddock said.  “It is important that everyone has a chance to comment on the proposals so I would encourage the public and stakeholders to contact the ALRC.”
   The ALRC is due to provide its final report in March 2008.  Further information on the inquiry can be found at www.alrc.gov.au.

September 18, 2007
Police Unplug APEC Power
The special powers given to NSW Police during APEC have officially been withdrawn.
    The power to lock up shops in Sydney's Central Business District and seal off surrounding suburbs if security issues arose only applied between 30 August and 12 September and have now lapsed.
   According to Police Minister, David Campbell, the powers were effective while APEC was held, ensuring the safety of the 21 world leaders who met in Sydney and posed the nation's greatest security challenge.
   “Prime Minister John Howard’s guests, US President George W Bush and other world leaders, have now left and Sydneysiders can get back to their normal lives,” Mr Campbell said.
   He said the temporary powers given to police included special provisions relating to police dogs and the capacity to predetermine that certain individuals could be a serious threat to security and to prevent them from entering declared security zones.
   The powers also meant anyone alleged to have assaulted police or caused damage could be refused bail for the duration of the APEC summit.
   “Sydney has shown the world that it can play host to the most powerful people in the world and do so while ensuring the highest standard of security,” Mr Campbell said.
   “But I'm sure despite all the goodwill, I'm not the only one who is glad APEC is over and life is returning to normal.”

September 18, 2007
Justice Prevails As Landscape Hits Wall
A landscape artwork measuring 22.4m by 6.3m has been installed at the $330 million Parramatta Justice Precinct.
   The giant artwork entitled Pharmacopeia of the Burramatta occupies an entire wall of the lobby at the new Justice Precinct Offices.
   The piece was created by Gary Carsley, an artist who has exhibited widely in Australia and Europe for 20 years and has work held at the National Gallery of Australia, the Queensland Art Gallery, the National Gallery of Victoria and the Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art in Amsterdam. 
   Mr Carsley said the landscape of Parramatta Park was the largest assignment he had undertaken.
   “It took six months to construct the landscape, which consists of 95 intricately detailed panels,” he said.
   Describing his artwork, Mr Carsley said Pharmacopeia of the Burramatta was made solely from high quality computer scans of wood vinyl.
   “Up close, the artwork doesn’t make sense – it is just a mix of different styles of faux wood vinyl prints, the types of which you might see on office furniture.
   “But if you take a step back, you will see the prints all come together to depict scenery in the historic Parramatta Park.”
   The director of the Parramatta Justice Precinct project, Malcolm Levy said the artwork would be viewed by thousands of people each year.
   “The NSW Attorney General’s Department will move into the nine-storey Justice Precinct Offices later in the year and this remarkable landscape will be a focal point as staff and clients enter the building,” Mr Levy said.
   He said a diverse range of shopfront services would operate from the lower floors of the Justice Precinct Offices.
   “Couples will be able to tie the knot at the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriage, before having their photos taken in a picturesque garden by the Parramatta River,” he said.
   “There will also be support services for victims of crime and people who are unable to manage their own affairs due to a disability.”
   Mr Levy said the Justice Precinct Offices were modern, welcoming and built to a five-star greenhouse rating.
   “The earthy character of Pharmacopeia of the Burramatta is symbolic of the building’s focus on environmental sustainability.”

September 18, 2007
Rugby Club Scores For Unemployed
The South Sydney Rabbitohs rugby league team has been signed up by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations to take part in an Indigenous employment program.
   The Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Joe Hockey announced the $2 million program saying it would provide more than 200 jobs across NSW.
   “The initial phase of the program is a six-month scoping project to identify employment and training opportunities, as well as opportunities with the South Sydney Leagues Club and the club’s corporate sponsors,” Mr Hockey said.
   “This project is also part of a larger, whole-of-government education and employment program being established with the Rabbitohs. It’s obvious the Rabbitohs have a serious commitment to working with disadvantaged young people and their families by directly engaging current players in the delivery of programs across communities. This is admirable.”
   Mr Hockey said that despite the 33-year-low unemployment rate, indigenous unemployment was still too high.
   “Having a job is one of the most important ways for people to participate in our society and giving someone a job is just as meaningful,” Mr Hockey said.
   “Through partnerships, like the one we are establishing with the Rabbitohs and Souths Cares, the Australian Government hopes to provide every opportunity for Indigenous Australians to get a job, start a career, and build a sustainable future.”

September 18, 2007
Busmen’s Holiday Raises Fare Amount
More than 30 Sydney Transit staff gave up their bus seats for bike seats this month to go on a 12-day fundraising cycle ride to raise money for the children’s charity, CanTeen.
   For the third year in a row, 24 riders and 11 volunteers travelled 1100kms from San Remo in Victoria to Port Botany Bus Depot.
   Funds raised will aid CanTeen in its efforts to help young people with cancer and their families. The two previous year’s rides  provided CanTeen with over $100,000.
   State Transit staff, their families and friends and CanTeen supporters had already raised more than $20,000 through group and individual activities and corporate sponsorships before the ride began.
   State Transit was a sponsor of the trip joining Devondale, VidVest Wholseale Food Distributors, Kellogg’s, Coca Cola Amatil, the Bus Institutes, the Rail, Tram and Bus Union.
     Kennards Hire donated the use of two vans and Encompass Credit Union sponsored a big barbecue on the finishing day celebrations at Port Botany Depot.
   Along the way riders helped be raise money for CanTeen in various towns.
   A number of cyclists from Sale in Victoria also joined in, with some travelling right through to Port Botany.
   On the final day of the ride, a flotilla left with the riders on the last leg from North Wollongong. At Waterfall, many family members and other State Transit staff rode along with the cyclists.

September 18, 2007
APEC Medicos Get Healthy Reward
NSW health system personnel who provided dedicated medical services during APEC have been congratulated by the Minister for Health, Reba Meagher.
   Ms Meagher commended the teams, following feedback from overseas delegations who expressed confidence in the NSW services.
   “Foreign governments paid the ultimate compliment to the capabilities of the NSW health
   system to respond to a Chemical, Biological or Radiological incident in their decisions
   not to bring their own CBR management teams to Sydney,” Ms Meagher said.
   “The delegations told our officials this was due to their confidence in the abilities of our
   specialist, counter-terrorism trained paramedics.”
   Ms Meagher said 223 health staff played an integral role in the smooth running of APEC through on-site medical clinics at secure APEC venues and inclusion in motorcades that crossed the city.
   “The efforts of these personnel highlighted the professionalism and commitment of the NSW health system in delivering a world-class service to the APEC Economy leaders, visiting media and support staff over the past week,” she said.
   According to Ms Meagher the extensive planning and training undertaken by the NSW health system prior to APEC paid off with NSW Health and the Ambulance Service providing a range of patient services.
   She said the health system staff dedicated to APEC comprised of:
   - 158 SCAT/Rescue Paramedics and ambulance officers (including shift commanders)
   - 14 patient transport officers
   - 10 nurses
   - 8 doctors
   - 4 clinic coordinators
   - 29 support staff providing a range of functions including coordinating logistics.
   She  said that while the APEC public holiday saw many Sydney residents take advantage of a long weekend, the workload of the Ambulance Service remained consistent.
   Across Sydney, responses dropped slightly to 10,137 between 3 and 9 September compared with 10,535 for the same period in 2006. However, transports to emergency departments increased from 6755 in 2006 to 6836 in 2007.
   “The rostering of a dedicated workforce for APEC ensured this significant event had no impact on the normal operations of the health system,” Ms Meagher said.

September 18, 2007
Youth Sentence Trial Not Locked Down
The Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research has reported that a trial program of diversionary conferencing for young adults convicted of non-violent offences has produced mixed results.
   The Bureau said a pilot program launched in September 2005 in Liverpool, Tweed Heads, Murwillumbah, Byron Bay and Mullumbimby was designed to enable magistrates to refer young offenders to a conference rather than imprisoning them.
   The Bureau said the aim was to give the offender an opportunity to apologise to the victim, explain the reasons for his/her offence(s) and make some form of restitution to the victim and/or the community.
   It found that victims who participated in conferences were overwhelmingly satisfied with the way their case was dealt with and with the intervention plans agreed to at the conference.
   Contrary to expectations however, the program had no effect on the number of offenders sent to prison. A large percentage of offences dealt with at conferences did not involve a direct victim — they were either traffic/driving offences (46.4 per cent) or drug-related offences (4.3 per cent).
   Re-offending rates among those who attended the program were very low with, only 4.4 per cent of the offenders who attended a conference in Liverpool or Tweed Heads being charged with another offence after the date of their conference. This small figure, however, was thought to be due to the very short follow-up period (an average of 4.8 months) rather than to the conference program itself.
   Police involved in the program were divided in their views about its merits.
   The Bureau found that the majority of police officers from Liverpool did not support the conferencing program, however most of the remaining stakeholders (e.g. magistrates, conference facilitators, other police) were of the opinion that the conferencing program was effective and operating well.

September 18, 2007
Election Guide Is Vote Winner
A guide to voting which will help people with a disability has been launched by the Acting Minister for Disability Services, Kevin Greene.
     Mr Greene said voting was one of the most important ways for people to have their say and participate in community life.
   “One of our State Plan objectives is to increase community participation for people with a disability. Exercising the right to vote is a key part of this,” he said.
   “We want to make it as easy as possible for people with a disability to exercise their democratic right. That’s why we’ve put together this guide.
   “It provides people with a disability, their families and carers with information about voting in all elections, including the upcoming Federal elections.”
   According to Mr Greene people with a disability could access information about:
   - Polling places with access for people in wheelchairs;
   - Elections in both audio and video formats;
   - Technology available to help people vote; and
   - An electronic voting trial for people with vision impairment at the federal election.
   “People with a disability can also take advantage of postal or pre-poll voting,” Mr Greene said.
   Disability Services said the guide to voting would be sent to all Government and non-Government disability service providers to ensure that people with a disability knew their rights and responsibilities.
   Mr Greene said that earlier this year the Federal Government had passed legislation that would mean:
   - The electoral roll would close on the day the writs are issued - which is almost always on the day the election is called; and
   - Those already on the roll would now get only three days to update their details.
   Prior to these changes, the Minister said, first-time voters had seven days to enroll, and those on the roll had seven days to update their details after the writs were issued.
   “These changes will only make it harder for people who may already experience difficulty voting,” Mr Greene said.
   “People most affected include people with a disability, young people and those in rural and regional areas.”

September 18, 2007
Water Supply Plan Comes to the Boil
The Department of Premier and Cabinet has launched a public consultation process on new Regulations to encourage competition in the water industry and to promote the development of infrastructure for the production and delivery of recycled water.
   The Department said the Regulatory Impact Statement assessed the costs and benefits of the proposed Regulation compared with possible alternative options.
   It said meeting the challenge of securing Sydney's water supply in the long term and in drought required the innovation, resources and cooperation of both the Government and the private sector.
   According to the DPC, New South Wales is leading Australia in introducing competition to the metropolitan water industry by harnessing the resources of the private sector and directing the forces of competition to help secure Sydney's water future.
   In 2006, the Water Industry Competition Act 2006 was passed by the NSW Parliament. 
   The Act was developed to encourage competition in the water industry and to promote the development of infrastructure for the production and reticulation of recycled water.
   The Government said the implementation of the new rules would inject greater competition and innovation into the metropolitan water and wastewater industries, starting with the greater Sydney and Hunter regions, and maximise the opportunities for water recycling projects.
   The reforms proposed by the Act were subject to extensive community consultation, including the release of a discussion paper, stakeholder briefings and a public investigation into water and waste water service provision in the greater Sydney region conducted by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal.
   The DPC is now seeking submissions on the draft Regulation and Regulatory Impact Statement, in particular on aspects of the Regulation that may have an impact on service providers, access seekers and the community. 
   The documents are available from the Department’s website at www.cabinet.gov.au and submissions close on 15 October 2007.
   According to the Department, all submissions received would be provided to the Legislation Review Committee of the NSW Parliament.  It is also proposed that all submissions received will be published once the Regulation has been finalised. 
   If respondents believed that any part of their submission should not be made public, confidentiality options were available.

September 18, 2007
Air Noise All-Clear Brought to Ground
The Federal Court has been asked to stop the Commonwealth Minister for Transport from approving aircraft noise plans prepared by Canberra Airport for the next 20 years which would affect a $2.5 billion land development in nearby NSW.
   Approving the plan has implications for Tralee development near Queanbeyan, part of which falls under the airport’s noise exposure contour.
   The case revolves around the aviation watchdog, Airservices Australia’s endorsing an airport’s traffic projections without testing that those projections are realistic. According to The Australian newspaper, the Canberra Airport case has national implications.
   Legal action attempting to force Airservices to test the assumptions on which the projections were made has already been lost in the Federal Court but an appeal has been lodged.
   The Australian said that Canberra Airport predicted its annual traffic levels at 283,000 aircraft movements, just below the 285,000 currently serviced by Sydney Airport, the nation’s busiest. The Canberra figures reduce to an average of 780 aircraft movements a day, or one every two minutes.
   The newspaper said that while Sydney used multiple runways to handle its traffic, the single-runway system at Canberra made it comparable to England’s Gatwick airport which was “the busiest and most productive single runway system in the world today.”
   The Canberra-based threat to the NSW housing development has angered NSW Planning Minister, Frank Sartor, who has written to the Commonwealth Minister claiming the law was flawed.
   Mr Sartor is said to have promised action if Airservices adopted “meaningless” projections that impacted on supplying affordable housing to the citizens of NSW.
   Developer of Tralee, Bob Winnel said the upshot of the law was that airports could influence land-use decisions outside their borders without any checks or balances.

September 18, 2007
Warm Praise For Fire supporters
NSW Fire Commissioner, Greg Mullins, has praised the work of Community Fire Units as the State prepares for the summer bushfire season.
   Commissioner Mullins said CFUs were a great asset to the local community and fire services by providing valuable back-up support, which allowed full-time firefighters to get on with the main job of fighting fires.
   Speaking at the season’s first bushfire training day, Commissioner Mullins said the importance of the Units should not be underestimated.
   “CFUs are made up of ordinary men and women who play an important role in supporting NSWFB and Rural Fire Service firefighters during bushfires in their community,” Mr Mullins said.
   “There are 350 CFUs in NSW with more than 6000 volunteers working all year round clearing leaves from gutters, reducing fire fuel and preparing themselves and their properties for the bushfire season.”
   He said volunteers initially completed 12 hours of skills acquisition training conducted by CFU Training Coordinators from the NSWFB Bushfire/Natural Hazards Section.  This training focused on property protection and bushfire behaviour. 
   He said members also learned how to use fire hoses, hydrants and how to pump water from a static water supply using a portable pump. 
   After initial training, members were required to complete 12 hours of supervised skills maintenance training each year with trainers and local fire stations to ensure they were up to date with the latest procedures and equipment so they could protect their homes better against bushfires.
   Commissioner Mullins said CFUs were provided with a CFU trailer valued at $15,000, containing fire fighting hoses, portable pumps, hydrant standpipes, safety helmets, gloves, smoke masks, goggles, tools, first aid kits, boots and protective clothing.
   He said CFU members performed a vital role in our communities by raising awareness and working alongside fire fighters to actively deliver community safety messages.
   More information on CFUs is available by visiting the Community section on the NSWFB website at www.fire.nsw.gov.au, and for general bushfire safety, visit the RFS website at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au

September 18, 2007
NPWS Keeps Council To Take Advice
The National Parks and Wildlife Service is accepting nominations for 19 Advisory Councils around the State.
   The Service is seeking people who are interested in conservation and would like to be involved in decision making about local national parks.
   Head of the NPWS, Tony Fleming said the recruitment drive for Advisory Council members was part of an ongoing process to tap into community knowledge.
   “These committees have formed a crucial part of our decision-making processes for many years,” Dr Fleming said.
   “They help us to ensure an ongoing community and neighbour involvement in our operations and play an important role as a point of contact for the broader community to communicate ideas and issues relating to conservation.”
   He said they also helped NPWS understand community needs which guided the provision of appropriate services and community facilities.
   Dr Fleming said the current advisory committees were appointed by the Minister for the Environment in 2004.
   “These community-minded members have made a real difference, ensuring we hear and act on many important community concerns, assisting us with the development of plans of management for our parks and reserves and providing advice on a range of technical and specialist matters,” he said.
   The current committees’ terms are due to finish in June 2008 and new committees need to be recruited for the next four years from 1 July 2008 to 30 June 2012.
   “The current committees have performed extremely well and I am hoping that many of them will sign on for another term. I would also like to see some new faces come on board,” Dr Fleming  said. “In particular, I strongly encourage Aboriginal community members, women and young people to apply.”
   More information and application packages are available from  the National Parks and Wildlife Service website at www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au or by phoning the Stakeholder Liaison Officer on (02) 9585 6084.

September 18, 2007
Water Recycler Has Birthday Wash-up
Australia’s largest industrial water recycling scheme has celebrated its first anniversary.
   Sydney Water’s Wollongong Recycled Water Plant was launched on 11 September 2006 and has now supplied over five billion litres of highly treated recycled water to industry in the Illawarra.
   The scheme is now recycling around 20 million litres per day or about 18 per cent of the Illawarra’s water supply.
   Sydney Water said the scheme had a number of environmental benefits including:
   - Reducing the draw on drinking water from Avon Dam by up to 18 per cent or 7.3 billion litres per year.
   - Recycling up to 40 per cent of the Illawarra’s wastewater on most days.
   - Together with improvements to Bellambi, Wollongong and Port Kembla treatment plants, the scheme had improved water quality at beaches along a 1km stretch of coastline.
   It said the project was an example of how its large industrial customers were making a big difference.
   The company said 10 of its top 14 industrial water users would be replacing drinking water with recycled water for a range of manufacturing processes by 2015, saving around 50 million litres of drinking water a day.
   Recycling treated wastewater was a key element of the Government's Metropolitan Water Plan, which would secure water supplies in the Greater Sydney region, Sydney Water said.

September 18, 2007
Well-known Faces In New Look Sydney
Tourism NSW has enlisted the services of a team of high profile Sydneysiders in a $1.3 million tourism push promoting Sydney to tourists.
   Minister for Tourism, Matt Brown launched the campaign at a breakfast at Café Sydney, saying the new “Brand Sydney” campaign included:
   - A new commercial titled, “Sydney. City of Celebrations”
   - A new Sydney Official Guide – in three languages
   - The first Brand Sydney business visitor guide for 123 upcoming business events.
   Up to 200 people attended the breakfast including Sydney Festival’s Artistic Director, Fergus Linehan, Billy Elliot The Musical’s Josh Horner, Toby Osmond of Will and Toby’s, and designer Simone Zimmermann. All are lending their support for the campaign.
     Mr Brown said Sydney, City of Celebrations was a well-researched and targeted campaign designed to encourage leisure visitors to Sydney from this October through to March next year.
   He said it was a strong push for visitors from regional NSW, ACT, south east Queensland, Brisbane and Melbourne – markets that had been identified as having the greatest number of people in the target audience.
     He said Virgin Blue was major partner of the campaign and would be running a “Celebrate with a Mate” promotion with local Sydney restaurants, attractions and events and celebrity cook Donna Hay would also be promoting Brand Sydney throughout the campaign.
   Mr Brown said the partnerships would help meet the commitment under the State Plan to increase visitor nights to NSW by 10 million a year by 2016.
   He said in the year to March 2007, an estimated 26 million international and domestic visitors came to Sydney, spending around $11 billion. This was up from the 24 million who spent $10.3 billion over the corresponding period in 2006.

September 11, 2007
Fairness Stats Give Fair View of Test
The Federal Workplace Authority has published its first statistical report on its application of the Fairness Test to workplace agreements in Australian industry.
   Head of the Workplace Authority, Barbara Bennett said the statistics provided the first snapshot of how the Authority was progressing with the application of the Fairness Test.
   “Publication of the data reflects the Workplace Authority’s commitment to being transparent,” Ms Bennett said.
   “It has been a challenging task, establishing the Workplace Authority and beginning the processing of agreements. However, we have made significant progress in a short period of time.”
   The Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Joe Hockey said the statistics provided strong evidence that people were not loosing protected award conditions such as penalty rates, without proper compensation.
   “This Government is committed to better pay and conditions for working families and the fairness test is ensuring this happens,” Mr Hockey said.
   “There is still a lot of work to do but I am very pleased the Workplace Authority is working closely with employees and employers to administer the stronger safety net for working Australians.”
   By the end of August the Workplace Authority had finalised 12,749 assessments. Of these:
   * 6237 agreements passed the Fairness Test – these agreements commonly provided a higher rate of pay in exchange for changes to protected award conditions
   * The Fairness Test did not apply to 5408 agreements – either because protected award conditions did not change or because the employee earned more than $75,000 per annum * 1070 agreements were assessed as requiring changes within 14 days to meet the Fairness Test
   * 29 agreements met the Fairness Test following the changes – in most of these cases the employers agreed to pay a higher hourly rate of pay
   * five agreements ceased to operate because the changes needed to pass the Fairness Test were not made so the employees go back to the entitlements they would have received, as if the agreement had never been made.
    Ms Bennett said given these were early figures, people should be cautious when drawing preliminary conclusions from the first set of statistics.
   She said however that the figures showed the Fairness Test was working.
    Ms Bennet said the figures also showed a need to continue educating employers and employees on agreement making and the requirements of the Fairness Test.

September 11, 2007
ICAC Voting For Electoral Change
The Independent Commission Against Corruption has recommended that the Election Funding Act be amended so land developers would be required to declare their support for political parties when applying for planning approvals.
   A Discussion Paper issued by ICAC recommended that Local Government councillors remove themselves from decisions involving political donors.   
   The ICAC has made 24 recommendations, including that the Minister for Planning consider making it a requirement for councils to give reasons for all decisions on development applications such as application approvals, and extend third-party merit appeal rights to certain categories of currently non-designated development. 
    The Commission also recommended that individual councils implemented systems to record how councillors voted on development matters.  
   Commissioner of the ICAC, Jerrold Cripps said the Paper was the result of a broad consultative process with the NSW planning sector, including State and Local Government which was generated by a discussion paper on planning reform released by the ICAC in late 2005.  
     “The discussion paper raised several aspects of the NSW development approval process and questioned whether some of them might pose a corruption risk,” Mr Cripps said.  
   “The ICAC received 187 submissions from a wide range of individuals, agencies and organisations, which were considered in the formulation of these recommendations.
   Other recommendations made in the paper include:
    * The Department of Local Government, in conjunction with relevant agencies and organisations, provide training for councillors on planning matters and corruption awareness;
    * Councils disposing of their own land consider using a competitive process for the sale of valuable land, or in the absence of that process, consider at least two valuations based on the land’s ‘highest and best use’; and
   * Individual councils consider measures to address the risk of inappropriate relationships  forming between council officers and frequent applicants.

September 11, 2007
Sports Head Blows Whistle on Career
Director-General of the Department of the Arts, Sport and Recreation, Bob Adby has announced his retirement effective 1 November.
   Minister for the Arts, Frank Sartor and Minister for Sport and Recreation, Graham West paid tribute to Mr Adby and thanked him for his service.
   “Mr Adby is a respected senior member of the public service and has made an outstanding
   contribution to the promotion of the arts, culture and sport in NSW,” Mr Sartor said.
   “His Department has worked hard to increase participation in the arts and culture through
   support for the film and television industry, galleries and museums and the performing arts.”
   Mr West said Mr Adby had helped encourage more community involvement in sport and recreation.
   He said Mr Adby contributed to Sydney’s Olympic success in 2000, working with the Olympic Coordination Authority and had helped support other key sporting events.
    Mr West said he also headed the Major Events and Venues Strategy Unit of the Premier’s Department which coordinated the Government’s support for the Rugby World Cup 2003 and other successful bids.
   Mr West said the Unit helped secure the 2009 World Masters Games, the A1 GP World Cup of Motorsport and the Australian/Uruguay qualification playoff for the 2006 Football World Cup Final.
   “Under Mr Adby’s leadership, the Department of the Arts, Sport and Recreation has worked to achieve a key priority of the NSW State Plan – more people using parks, sporting and
   recreation facilities,” Mr West said.
   “His commitment to the Public Service will be missed and we wish him all the best for the future.

September 11, 2007
DPI Scientist Has Good Oil on Soils
Department of Primary Industries scientist, Dr Yin Chan has been judged among the top 10 in the world for his articles on soil research.
   According to the DPI, soils are regarded as one of the last frontiers: the basis of all life on dry land, and the respected international journal Soil and Tillage Research says scientific interest in soils is growing.
   Soil and Tillage Research recently analysed trends in usage of articles published since the journal’s inception in 1980, which occurred under the umbrella of the International Soil Tillage Research Organisation.
   A statement from the journal said that among the top 10 articles published from 16 to 2005 were articles from Dr Chan on earth worms and soil carbon. 
   During this period, the soil-related topics of most interest were soil organic matter, nitrogen cycling, agricultural systems, impacts of tillage on soil properties, soil structure, compaction and conservation tillage.
   The author of the review, Dr Alan J. Franzluebbers from the US Department of Agriculture also outlined emerging themes in soils research. Themes included developing sustainable approaches to satisfy global food security; discovering the nature of soil biodiversity and how this could be effectively used and protected; and utilizing soil as a biogeochemical reactor for industrial and urban by-products.

September 11, 2007
Recalling Toys Is No Game: Burney
Fair Trading Minister, Linda Burney has questioned the Commonwealth consumer protection authorities following further product recalls for safety reasons.
   Ms Burney alerted parents and carers to another voluntary recall of toys because of lead found in the surface paint. 
   She said the latest recall, which affected a range of Barbie-branded toys, further demonstrated the ongoing failure to make consumer protection a priority.
   “This is the third such recall in just over a month,” Ms Burney said.
   “Some time ago the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said it was developing an Australian standard for lead content for toys – but nothing has been heard since.
   “As this latest recall shows, regulations need to be developed quickly so manufacturers, importers, retailers and importantly consumers know where they stand.”
   She said the Commonwealth should be responsible for keeping dangerous products off the market.
   “This recall also highlights just how porous our borders are when it comes to unsafe products entering the country,” Ms Burney said.
   “The Commonwealth Government must get its act together and stop these potentially dangerous products at the gate.”
   She said about 14,100 affected toys had been distributed in Australia. 
   The latest recall is part of five Barbie playsets identified during Mattel’s investigation into their toys manufactured in China.
   “I urge all parents who have purchased Barbie playsets since October last year to remove them from their children until they can be sure they are not be affected by this recall,” Ms Burney said.
   “Parents should contact Mattel to arrange for the return of affected toys and a refund of the purchase price.”
   She said consumers could contact Mattel Australia toll-free on 1800 674 753 from Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm or log on to www.service.mattel.com.
   Ms Burney said affected toys would be removed off shelves as part of the recall.

September 11, 2007
Birthday Monitors Get Screensaver
The National Parks and Wildlife Service is giving away a screensaver featuring many of the State’s spectacular natural attractions, cultural sites and wildlife to celebrate the Service’s 40th anniversary.
   According to NPWS, desert dunes, waterfalls, rivers, beaches and alpine snowcaps are all featured in the 50 images collected from national parks across the State.  Some of the native animals of NSW such as echidnas, water dragons and the NPWS signature lyrebird are also included.
   Acting NPWS Head, Bob Conroy said the anniversary was a perfect opportunity to showcase what the parks had to offer.
   “NPWS manages some of the State's most iconic, precious and unique landscapes,” Mr Conroy said.
   “From the abundant rainforests of the north coast to the open plains of the west; from the breathtaking alpine regions to the isolated beaches up and down the coast, our national parks offer a diversity seen in few other places.”
   He said the screensaver would give people a glimpse of the State’s natural beauty while sitting at their computers.
   “A perfect distraction from our modern technological life,” Mr Conroy said.
   NPWS turns 40 on 1 October and has planned a variety of other celebrations to mark the occasion including events and tours across NSW form 1 to 14 October; fee-free entry day to all parks and reserves on Sunday 7 October; an opportunity for the community to share its experiences of NSW national parks online; and a free souvenir publication, also available in October.
   The free 40th anniversary screensaver can be downloaded by following the 40th anniversary links on the NPWS homepage at www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au.

September 11, 2007
Student Does Number On Privacy Contest
An Australian student from Victoria has won an international youth privacy competition.
    Privacy Commissioners from Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand, the Northern Territory, New South Wales and Victoria jointly announced Erica Hei-Yuan Chan as the winner of the secondary school competition, which promoted awareness of privacy issues.
   “Ms Hei-Yuan Chan’s entry offered a highly original and imaginative perspective on the privacy issues facing all of us in Australian society and beyond,” Australian Privacy Commissioner Karen Curtis said of the 16-year-old student at the Carey Baptist Grammar School in Kew, Victoria
   She said the competition was hosted by the Asia Pacific Privacy Authorities as part of its Privacy Awareness Week initiatives and that hundreds of entries were received from secondary school students across Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong.
   According to the Commissioner entrants were able to submit a written piece in any format addressing the theme, “Privacy is your business”. Entries included poetry, prose, Internet blog entries, diary entries, radio interview scripts, academic essays and word art and were judged by the APPA Privacy Commissioners.
   “The judging panel was impressed with the quality of the entries it received,” Ms Curtis said.
   “The entrants’ depth of consideration of privacy issues and concerns demonstrates the interest in and importance of privacy in the lives of the youth of today.”
   Ms Curtis said Ms Hei-Yuan Chan’s essay described privacy within an “Age of Never Before” where people were able to communicate more freely and rapidly.
   Ms Hei-Yuan Chan was to be presented with a laptop computer and would fly to Sydney with a guardian to meet with the Australian Attorney-General, the Hon. Philip Ruddock MP, the Australian Privacy Commissioner, Ms Karen Curtis, the NSW Privacy Commissioner, Mr John Dickie, and David Taylor, Director Privacy Awareness from Privacy Victoria.
   Other winning entrants included Yeung Kuen from Hong Kong in second place and Briony Bennett from New Zealand in third.
   For more information on Privacy Awareness Week and the competition, go to www.privacyawarenessweek.org

September 11, 2007
Flannery on Menu At IPAA Dinner
Environmentalist and Australian of the Year, Dr Tim Flannery is to address a dinner of the Institute of Public Administration Australia’s NSW branch on climate change.
   A statement from IPAA said Tim Flannery was on a mission, believing human activity was drastically changing the earth's climate and that these changes would have a devastating effect in the near future.  It said he wanted to mobilise the social and political will to address climate change before it could not be reversed.
   The Institute said Dr Flannery was a leading thinker and writer and an internationally acclaimed scientist, explorer and conservationist. It said he has published more than 130 papers and books, including The Future Eaters and The Weather Makers.
   According to the statement, in 2007 Dr Flannery was appointed Chair of the Copenhagen Climate Council, a coalition of community, business, and political leaders who would confront climate change. Dr Flannery was also the former Director of the South Australian Museum and is currently a Professor at Macquarie University.
   In his pre-dinner address, Dr Flannery aims to focus on the urgent response required from the Public Sector must to tackle climate change.
 Individual bookings and group bookings for tables of eight can be made.
   The talk and dinner will be held at Ballroom three and four, Westin Hotel, 1 Martin Place, Sydney from 6:15pm to 9:30pm and cost $195 for IPAA NSW members and $220 for non-members.
   Email cristiana@nsw.ipaa.org.au for more information.

September 11, 2007
Cyber-Buyers Warned As Net Catches More 
The Office of Fair Trading has issued a warning to internet shoppers to take care after Fair Trading figures revealed a 22 per cent increase in complaints in the past year.
   In response to the 1500 recorded complaints, Fair Trading Minister, Linda Burney has urged consumers to proceed with caution when shopping online.
   Ms Burney said while more than 50 per cent of Australians now bought or sold goods online, many learnt the hard way about the perils of virtual trading.
   “Shopping online is an attractive option, especially as the range of products and services available is expanding by the day, but as complaints to Fair Trading indicate, a trip to the online shops is not without risk,” Ms Burney said.
   “Almost half of the complaints received related to the non or partial delivery of the goods, faults or damage, or the product not matching the description.
   “One in five complaints related directly to refunds, overcharging and other money-related issues.”
   She said Fair Trading had produced a list of dos and don’ts for internet shopping, along with other tips and contacts which are available on their website at www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au.
   The Office has released a number of steps to take before buying online.  They include doing research and only buying from trusted sites; checking the site’s refund and return policy; do not provide bank account details, credit card numbers, or other personal details to untrusted businesses; and looking for any hidden costs such as packing, delivery or currency conversion charges.
   “I urge all consumers to remember that the rules for online shopping are the same as traditional shopping – shop around, keep receipts and carefully check credit card statements,” Ms Burney said.

September 11, 2007
Fast Lane Model For Go-Slow Bid
The Road and Traffic Authority is to employ the skills of fashion model and social campaigner, Imogen Bailey to help spearhead a campaign aimed at curbing speed on the roads in the Hunter region.
   According to the Authority, 445 people have died in road crashes in the Hunter region in the last five years, which almost half of these involved speeding drivers.
   The RTA said following the successful ‘pinkie’ commercial ‘Speeding - No one thinks big of you’, an anti-speeding roadshow had arrived in Newcastle.
   Ms Bailey was joined by spokespeople from the RTA and Police to highlight the importance of tackling speeding among young people.
   Spokesperson for the RTA’s Centre for Road Safety, Dr Soames Job said crash statistics showed the seriousness of speeding.
   “Of all speeders involved in fatal crashes between 2002 and 2006 more than a third (34 per cent) were aged between 17 and 25 years old,” Dr Job said.
   “Young drivers in Newcastle aged 25 years and under represented one third of all drivers involved in recorded crashes.”
   He said in NSW, 85 per cent of drivers involved in fatal speeding crashes were males.
   Dr Job said the RTA’s ‘Speeding – No one thinks big of you’ commercial was an attempt to change the behaviour of young males.
   The ad depicts the onlookers and passengers of young male speeders using the well-known ‘pinkie’ gesture to express their concern.
   As a P-plater herself, anti-speeding ambassador Ms Bailey said the interest in the campaign had been driven largely by people identifying with the issue of young people and speeding.
   “The ‘pinkie’ gesture has allowed members of the community to express their concern about this issue, because we can all be part of the solution,” she said.
   “It is a tragedy that so many people, especially young men, are losing their lives because of speeding.”
   Dr Job said research suggested young drivers in 2007 were increasingly de-sensitised to the more traditional ‘shock-horror’ speeding images.
   “We accept the ‘Speeding – no one thinks big of you’ campaign is controversial, but we must find new ways to make our anti-speeding message sink in.”

September 11, 2007
Bright Spark Sought For Light House Job
The National Parks and Wildlife Service is searching for a tourist operator to take over management of the historic lighthouse keepers’ cottages at Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse at Seal Rocks north of Newcastle.
   NPWS Hunter Region Manager, Robert Quirk said completion of renovations to the cottages was a unique business opportunity for someone interested in enhancing public enjoyment of the Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse site.
   “The NPWS is seeking expressions of interest from people interested in managing accommodation facilities on a commercial basis,” Mr Quirk said.
   “This will involve managing accommodation facilities which include the head lighthouse keeper’s cottage, two assistant lighthouse keepers’ cottages, a garage, carpark, workshop and public toilet.
   “The successful tender will be also required to be a caretaker for the lighthouse area.”
   He said the changes to the area were designed to increase opportunities for the community to experience what life was like living on the remote headland.
   “Similar reuse strategies are proving very popular at other NSW lighthouses at Cape Byron, Smokey Cape at South West Rocks and at Green Cape and Montague Island on the south coast,” Mr Quirk said.
   According to NPWS, since it commenced managing the site in 2003, considerable work had been done to improve public access.
 Mr Quirk said this included upgrades to access tracks, fencing, new parking, a renovated garage, landscaping and the installation of an eco-friendly sewage system and sub-terrain drainage.
   “A large part of the work involved major renovations to the lighthouse cottages to restore them and prepare them for use as holiday accommodation,” he said.
   Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse with its keepers’ cottages first opened in December 1875 and was home for many lighthouse keepers and their families until 15 when the lighthouse was fully automated.
   People interested in managing the cottages must register for a compulsory information session to be held on the 24 September.
   Please contact the NPWS Great Lakes Area office on (02) 6591 0300
to register for the information session and to obtain an information package.

September 11, 2007
Souped-Up Mowers Slice Through Races
Year 10 Finley High School students have been converting old lawn mowers into racing engines as part of their Work Skills course at the TAFE NSW Riverina Institute.
   According to the Institute, the young men from the southern NSW school have spent several hours a week at Riverina Institute’s Finley Campus working on a range of vocational subjects and job seeking skills.  They would then work on their automotive mechanics and engines at the Deniliquin Campus.
   Automotive TAFE teacher, Derek Sanders said he was hopeful of the students’ chances in the “big race”.
   “They’ve done a terrific job converting these old clapped-out mowers into the fastest machines in the west,” Mr Sanders said.
   He said each team took 12 weeks restoring the mowers and equip them with the necessary safety equipment such as hand made roll bars and guards, as well as removing the blades.   
   Mr Sanders said the team would vie for the title against competitor Ouyen Secondary College, pulling a sled behind the mower.
   The Lawn Mower Pull is to be run under the auspices of the Australian Tractor Pullers Association on Friday 28 September as part of the annual “Deni Ute Muster”.

September 11, 2007
Harbour To Bay At 2007 Moon Festival
The Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority has announced Darling Harbour's Chinese Garden of Friendship is to be lit up for a traditional Moon Festival for the first time this year with lanterns, dragon dancing, fireworks, moon cakes and markets on 22 and 23 September.
   The Authority said the traditional festival celebrated the full moon during its brightest period, the southern equinox, and is as important in the Chinese calendar as New Year.
   A spokesperson from the SHFA said the festival allowed participants to reflect upon the bounty of the harvest and the fullness of the moon.  It would be celebrated with a spirit of gratitude, an abundance of food, and an emphasis on family reunions and shared time with loved ones.
   “From 5.30pm each evening, the Chinese Garden will come alive with moon cakes, Chinese wine and refreshments, hand-held and floating lanterns, traditional lion and dragon dancing and firework effects,” the spokesperson said.
   “The celebration will also tell the story of ‘The Lady on the Moon’ or ‘Moon Goddess’ through a Son et Lumiere (sound and light show) using costumed characters, creative lighting, gentle pyrotechnics and theatrical staging.”
   The Authority said the event would be complemented by the free Moon Festival Market Place in the Chinese Garden Forecourt from 10am each day in which visitors could experience a variety of Chinese market stalls ranging from food to arts and crafts, and traditional Chinese performances throughout the day.
   Tickets to the Moon Festival can be purchased online at www.chinesegarden.com.au or through the Sydney Visitor Centre on 1800 067 676 and costs $10 for adults with children under 12 free.  Bookings are essential as spaces are limited.
   The SHFA said the garden would be open every day from 9.30am to 5pm (except Christmas Day) and admission prices were $6 for adults, children under 15 $3, family (two adults, two children) $15 and concession $3.

September 11, 2007
Gap-Year Visas Fill Gap in Tourism
Australia’s tourism industry is expected to benefit from a reciprocal agreement with the United States to introduce Work and Holiday visas for students travelling and working in their gap year.
   Federal Minister for Tourism, Fran Bailey said the new agreement would deliver a boon for the tourism industry and help fill vacant jobs for Australian small businesses and tourism operators.
   “Regional Australia will benefit in particular,” Ms Bailey said.
    “As well as the additional spending by these cashed up travellers working and touring in one locality, tourism and other small businesses will receive assistance meeting seasonal labour shortages.”
   She said a similar agreement with the UK resulted in thousands of British backpackers visiting Australia.
    “I am hopeful this initiative will provide even better results,” Ms Bailey said.
   The new agreement would allow American students and graduates aged between 18 and 30 to spend one year travelling and working in Australia. They could work for one employer for up to six months or take an Australian course for up to four months.
   Ms Bailey said in 2006-07, more than 455,000 Americans visited Australia, making the US the nation’s fourth largest inbound tourism market.
    She said the new agreement would encourage more young Americans to stay longer and spend more.
   Ms Bailey said Tourism Australia worked in partnership to promote the program with STA Travel and Roadtrip Nation, a multimedia organisation with a TV series, DVDs, books and online communities aimed at youth and student travellers.
   “Australia will be featured on US prime time television via the hip program Roadtrip Nation, reaching 208 million American households,” she said.
   “This will be backed up with a US-wide college tour targeting over 2.5 million students as well as online activities on Roadtripnation.com and australia.com, and programs for the travel trade.
    “We want to encourage savvy student and youth travellers from the US to head Down Under for their working holiday.”
   The new Work and Holiday Agreement is expected to be implemented on 31 October 2007, with an unlimited number of visas available to eligible Americans.

September 11, 2007
ACMA Adds Ad Time
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has agreed to allow television stations to broadcast more commercials and election advertising than is usual in the lead-up to the Federal election.
   Under a revised version of the Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice, an additional one minute per hour of political non-program matter could now be broadcasted from 6pm to midnight during election periods.
   ACMA Chairman, Chris Chapman said the Authority was satisfied the commercial free-to-air television industry peak body, Free TV Australia, had fulfilled requirements for public consultation on the matter, as set out in the Broadcasting Services Act 12.
   “Based on the evidence provided from submissions, there was no strong view that the proposed amendment would result in a lessening of community safeguards during an election period,” Mr Chapman said.
   Under the previous version of the code, broadcasting the additional minute would breach restrictions regarding the average amount of non-program matter, which applied without distinction between election and non-election periods.
   Details regarding the amendment are available on Free TV’s website, www.freetv.com.au.

September 11, 2007
Competition Catches Official Suppliers
Companies supplying Government contracts are no longer immune to the provisions of the competition law following a major decision of the High Court.
   In upholding an appeal by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, the High Court determined that Crown immunity for companies dealing with the Government no longer applied.
   On the basis of the judgment, all transactions by companies – including those with and Australian Government - are subject to prohibitions against anti-competitive conduct.
   The ruling overturned a decision of the Federal Court which gave a private company “derivative” Crown immunity because the State Government Agencies with which it was dealing, enjoyed that status.
   Ironically, the Federal Court, at both trial and appeal, referred to a 1979 High Court decision in justifying its ruling.
   According to the ACCC however, the High Court has now noted that the Trade Practices  Act 1974 had changed since its previous decision and no longer represented the current state of the law.
   The decision went against claims by the NSW Government as well as those of Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia who took the position that companies contracting with them should be exempted from the Trade Practices Act.
   According to ACCC Chairman, Graeme Samuel the decision has brought companies dealing with Governments into line with what was expected of the Governments themselves.
   "Government procurement comprises a significant part of the economy," Mr Samuel said.
   "(The) decision of the High Court makes it clear that companies supplying Government have the same rights and responsibilities that are applicable to companies supplying the private sector."
   He said the matter related to the supply of bundled health products to public hospitals in NSW, the Australian Capital Territory, Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland.
   The Federal Court had found the supply to have breached the Trade Practices Act but applied the principles of derivative immunity to dismiss the ACCC’s claim.
   The matter will now return to the Federal Court where it will decide if the company’s alleged conduct constituted a misuse of market power or had the purpose, effect or likely effect of substantially lessening competition.

September 4, 2007
Iron-Clad Agreement On APEC Security
The final security preparations for the APEC Economic Leaders Forum in Sydney were put in place a week before the event opened when NSW Police and the Australian Defence Force signed a memorandum of understanding outlining the ADF’s supportive role in the security effort.
   The signing ceremony was overseen by Federal Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock.
   “There’s no doubt that APEC is the largest dignitary protection event we have ever hosted,” Mr Ruddock said. “It brings together some of the world’s most important powers to facilitate economic growth in our region and we need to ensure the meetings are carried out safely and securely.”
   Mr Ruddock said a number of Federal Agencies were assisting NSW Police with APEC security arrangements, including the Australian Federal Police, ASIO and the ADF.
   He said the Comonwealth had been working with NSW Police for more than two years on APEC preparations and had allocated $169.1 million over six years for APEC security. This included $91.3 million to Federal security agencies and $77.8 million to NSW Police to meet the needs of Leaders Week.
   Mr Ruddock said the Commonwealth had recognised the unique security requirements of NSW Police and had provided a range of assets as well as support from Commonwealth Agencies.
   He said its support included command and control vehicles, armoured response vehicles, jet skis, rigid hull inflatable boats, and assistance in upgrading the Police Operations Centre.
   “These assets will become a legacy to the nation after APEC and will boost the capability of Australia’s national security arrangements,” Mr Ruddock said.

September 4, 2007
Insurance Ensured In Disability Deal
The Department of Health and Health Services Union have reached an agreement to introduce a Death and Disability Scheme for Ambulance Officers.
   Minister for Health, Reba Meagher has announced that the Department and HSU had filed a consent agreement in the NSW Industrial Relations Commission, which was endorsed by the full bench of the Commission.
   “Ambulance Officers provide a valuable service to our community. They save lives every day,” Ms Meagher said.
   “However it can be a difficult job, and often ambulance officers are placed in dangerous
   situations.”
   The Minister said that the Scheme would provide protection and peace of mind for Ambulance Officers and their families.
   “I’m pleased we have been able to agree on the key aspects of the Scheme, which will provide protection for more than 3000 Ambulance Officers.”
   She said the Scheme would be back-dated to 10 November 2006 and the NSW Government would contribute $30 million to it over four years, with an additional back payment of $4.8 million.
   “We have agreed that Ambulance Officers will pay the same employee contribution to the
   Scheme as the rate currently paid by Police Officers,” Ms Meagher said.
   According to the Department, based on the scheme that operated for Police, the Ambulance Death and Disability Scheme would offer Ambulance Officers compensation and income protection for any injury, disability or death suffered while on duty and would:
   - Provide a lump sum payment to officers for work-related injuries;
   - Pay benefits based on the injured officer’s age and the degree of incapacity suffered;
   - Pay benefits if the injury prevented the officer from continuing to work with the
   Ambulance Service of NSW or in the broader public sector; and
   - Pay benefits to a spouse or estate if an officer were killed on duty.
   The Department said the Scheme would also provide for Ambulance Officers to make their own contributions to provide off-duty protection.
   Ms Meagher said Work Value and Special Case claims for Ambulance Officers were still before the IRC and the Department and HSU would continue negotiating over the coming weeks.

September 4, 2007
NSW Has Fair Cop As New Commissioner
Andrew Scipione has begun duties as NSW Police Commissioner, officially succeeding Ken Moroney at the beginning of this month.
   At 49, Mr Scipione is the State’s 21st Police Commissioner having been a Police Officer for 27 years.
   Starting in general duties at Hurstville in 1980 Commissioner Scipione has held a range of positions including detective, Traffic Motorcyclist, Commander, National Crime Authority investigator, Chief of Staff to former Commissioner Peter Ryan and Assistant Commissioner in charge of Special Crime and Internal Affairs. He was named Deputy Commissioner (Specialist Operations) in 2002, then Deputy Commissioner Field Operations in 2005.
   Among his honours and awards Mr Scipione holds a Masters Degree in Management from Macquarie University and is a graduate of the FBI National Executive Institute.
   On taking over the Office, Commissioner Scipione said his first priority would be overseeing the security operation that would protect the 21 world leaders visiting Sydney for the APEC summit.
   “NSW Police is the lead agency and I’m confident that all the correct planning is in place to make this a safe and secure event for the visiting dignitaries,” he said.
   “There will be disruption for Sydneysiders but if everyone is willing to be patient and co-operate this will be a successful occasion.”
   Mr Scipione said his predecessor had set a high standard to follow.
   “Ken Moroney will be remembered in history as one of the great Commissioners of NSW Police. It’s an honour to be the man who takes the reins from him.”
   The new Commissioner will be sworn in later in the month, the timing and complex nature of the APEC operation delaying the ceremony.
   Mr Scipione’s five-year appointment officially began on 1 September 2007. He is married to wife Joy and has two sons and a daughter.

September 4, 2007
Blame Sheeted Home After NZ Blanket Ban
NSW Fair Trading Minister Linda Burney has criticised the Federal Government’s Competition and Consumer Commission for not acting quickly enough to protect Australian and NSW consumers.
   Ms Burney expressed concern at New Zealand’s recent recall of Chinese-made blankets due to high levels of formaldehyde but contrasted it with what she called the Australian Government’s failure to adequately deal with the issue.
   Ms Burney said there had been a spate of Chinese recalls in Australia lately because of either lead or formaldehyde and action was needed to bring it all to an end.
   “Several European nations already restrict the use of formaldehyde, including the import of formaldehyde-treated products,” Ms Burney said
    “While the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is looking at regulations relating to lead in consumer products and acceptable levels of formaldehyde in textiles, the Commonwealth Government needs to move more quickly to protect consumers.”
   She called for the development of regulations to be sped up so that Australian industry knew where it stood.
    “While this is happening, the Commonwealth Government must act to stop these potentially dangerous products coming into the country in the first place.”
   Ms Burney said the recent recalls due to formaldehyde in fabrics also reinforced the need for consumers to heed the care label and instructions on new products and clothing.
   “Washing new fabrics before wearing or using them may be time consuming, but it is important as it removes or reduces many pollutants and additives.”
   She said that in light of the recent recalls and lack of clear information on formaldehyde in textiles, the Office of Fair Trading was developing a factsheet on what consumers should look out for and do when purchasing items such as clothes, linen and blankets.

September 4, 2007
Brisbane On File For Archives 2012
The 2012 Congress of the International Council on Archives is to be held in Brisbane, Queensalnd, and hosted by the National Archives of Australia.
   Federal Minister for the Arts, Senator George Brandis, said he particularly welcomed the decision of the NAA to hold the event in Brisbane.
   “The ICA is the pre-eminent international body in the archival profession and this will be the first ICA congress in the southern hemisphere,” Senator Brandis said.
   “This is great success for Australia, and international recognition of the high standing in which the NAA is held in the international archival arena.”
   The 2012 Congress will be the ICA’s 17th and is expected to attract 2000 delegates to the Queensland capital.
   Senator Brandis said themes planned for the Brisbane congress included “Archives in the digital age” and “Archival education” - areas where Australia was recognised among the world’s leaders.

September 4, 2007
Clean Water Plant Rises From the Sand
Construction of Sydney’s saltwater desalination plant is set to move into its next phase with  construction expected to begin very shortly.
   According to the Managing Director of Sydney Water, Kerry Schott preliminary works at the Kurnell site had been underway for several months and construction management plans had now been approved by the Department of Planning.
    “Site establishment activities are now underway, which include installing site offices, connecting essential services such as electricity, telephone lines, water and sewerage, and erecting boundary fences,” Dr Schott said.
   “Site access roads and a car park are also being constructed within the worksite for construction staff. These activities will continue throughout September.”
   Dr Schott said with the receipt of necessary approvals for the construction management plans, major construction on the Kurnell site could now begin.
   “From next week work will start on piling to form a retaining wall in preparation for the pumping station,” he said.
   “There will be minimal community impacts caused by these works at Kurnell, but residents will notice work underway on the site, including the arrival of a drill rig.
   “All of this work will be undertaken during standard construction hours, which are Monday to Friday from 7am to 6pm and Saturdays from 8am to 1pm.”
   Dr Schott said marine survey activities would be carried out to identify the offshore work site.
   “During September, divers will survey the area to determine the best sites for a temporary anchor and the plant’s intake and outlet facilities,” he said.
   “These activities will take place in the ocean, south of the southern headland of Botany Bay.”
   The desalination project is part of the Government’s strategy to secure Sydney’s water supply for future generations.  Sydney Water is also required to continue to expand the provision of recycled water with its demand management programs.
   According to Sydney Water, the Blue Water Joint Venture had been contracted to design, construct, operate and maintain the desalination plant and intake and outlet facilities, which would  be 100 per cent powered by renewable energy.

September 4, 2007
Police Exhibition Is Big Ticket Item
An exhibition celebrating the national history of policing has been unveiled at the NSW Police College in Goulburn.
In the Line of Duty: Policing in Australia 1788-2007 was officially opened by NSW Police Commissioner, Ken Moroney, shortly before he retired.
   In the Line of Duty is located within the NSW Police College’s new Heritage Precinct and was originally developed for the Australian Federal Police’s National Police Memorial, which opened in Canberra last year.
   The exhibition contains historical information and images of Police throughout Australia, with a special emphasis on the NSW Police Force.
   According to a statement released by the College, it is fitting that the exhibition’s opening coincided with the retirement of Commissioner Moroney, given his significant contribution to championing the traditions of the Force and policing in Australia.
   Curator of the exhibition, Merryn Gates said the exhibition was about portraying Police in an active role doing their jobs.
   “When the exhibition was compiled and in place it became evident that by viewing the role of Police you could gain a much bigger impression about the history at the time,” Ms Gates said.
   She said that images for the exhibition had been sourced from numerous organisations, including Police archives, museums, news archives, state libraries, the Justice and Police Museum and private collections.
   Also unveiled in the NSW Police College Heritage Precinct was Heroes’ Walk, made up of bravery banners developed to tell the stories of some of the greatest heroes in the NSW Police Force’s 145-year history.
   The College said there were six Police Officers separately represented on the banners, including Senior Constable Allan Sparkes who was present at the opening ceremony.
   According to the statement, Mr Sparkes was the first Australian Police Officer and the only NSW Police Officer to have been awarded the Cross of Valour. He was presented with the award in 18 for his selfless and brave act of rescuing a young boy who had been washed into a stormwater drain at Coffs Harbour.
   Heroes’ Walk will continue to grow with further Police Officers to be added to the installation later this year.
   In conjunction with Heroes’ Walk, the Rolls of Honour were also launched, honouring officers who had received the George Cross, Cross of Valour, Star of Courage and George Medal.

September 4, 2007
Diving to Drink In Clean Water Wash-Up
Ongoing routine sampling of water from the Warragamba Dam is being undertaken by the Sydney Catchment Authority following the detection of blue green algae at the dam recently.
   The SCA is working closely with Sydney Water and NSW Health to monitor the algae conditions.
   A statement released by the Authority said in order to supply the best quality raw water to Sydney, it was currently drawing water from between 40m and 48m below the surface, well below the algal zone.
   This water was then being treated to Australian drinking water guidelines by Sydney Water.
   The statement said the dominant algae present on the surface of the lake at Warragamba Dam was a species of microsystis, which was part of the blue green algal family.
    According to the Authority, while microsystis had the potential to produce toxins, water sampling test results to date detected none at Warragamba Dam and the algae was not currently presenting any drinking water quality issues.
   It said that Algae was a naturally occurring feature of aquatic environments, particularly during warmer months and when there were relatively high nutrient levels in the water. The algae at Warragamba Dam was a result of nutrients being washed into the dam from the heavy rainfalls in June and July.
   The statement explained that these increased nutrients, combined with the warming of the surface waters in the lake from the recent warm weather, had promoted algal growth and that the numbers of microsystis could increase if the warmer weather continued.
   The Authority said Sydney had a world class water supply system with the flexibility to draw the highest quality water available from a number of different sources.
   If the quality of the water being supplied from Warragamba Dam were to change, the SCA said it had a number of options available, including reducing or stopping supply from Warragamba Dam, increasing supply from the Upper Canal and pumping from Prospect Reservoir.

September 4, 2007
Fired Up Hero Wins Bravery Award
A firefighter with the NSW Fire Brigades is to receive the third-highest bravery award in the nation for saving a three-year-old boy from a house fire.  
   Carlos Henry, a Station Officer based at Silverwater Fire Station, is to be awarded the Australian Bravery Medal for rescuing Tyler Jameson from the second floor of a blazing townhouse in Kingswood.
   According to an official statement from the NSWFB, Station Officer Henry performed his heroic act while on annual leave and without the protective clothing or breathing apparatus normally worn by fire fighters.
   Announcing the award, Governor General, Major General Michael Jeffery said: “National bravery awards recognise the heroic actions of those amongst us who have placed the safety and lives of others before their own.
    “We are privileged to have such role models in our society, and it is an honour to be able to recognise their acts of selfless bravery and thank them publicly for their brave actions.”
   Station Officer Henry had already received the NSW Fire Brigades Medal of Conspicuous Bravery - the highest award for a fire fighter - from NSWFB Commissioner Greg Mullins for his actions. That medal had been awarded only 25 times since it was established in 1932.
   “I have already had the pleasure of presenting Station Officer Henry with the Medal for Conspicuous Bravery and it is great to see that his bravery has now been recognised outside of the NSW Fire Brigades at a national level,” Commissioner Mullins said.
   “Being awarded the Bravery Medal is a fitting tribute to his selfless actions at this fire, particularly his determination to rescue Tyler under extreme conditions and without any protective equipment.”
   Station Officer Henry will receive his award from the Governor of NSW, Professor Marie Bashir at a ceremony at Government House on Thursday, 20 September 2007.

September 4, 2007
NPWS Chimes In For Bogongs
The National Parks and Wildlife Service is conducting a competition in the Snowy Mountains to find and identify the first Bogong moth of the season.
   Residents around the region are being asked to phone in their sightings of the moths, or better still bring in a sample for inspection. They stand to win book prizes from the Snowy Region Visitor Information Centre’s NPWS shop.
   Alpine ecologist Dr Ken Green said the first Bogong moth of Spring was an important milestone in the changing of the seasons, and for animals dependent on the sudden influx of food to the mountains.
   “Keeping tabs on the date of arrival is important in tracking changes due to climate change,” Dr Green said.
   “A number of animals depend on this food source, from the endangered mountain pygmy possum and spotted-tail quoll, to birds such as flame robins and pipits, and countless fish, spiders and insects – some of which have only ever been found in the rocky tops where the moths spend their summer.”
   According to Dr Green the arrival of the moths can vary significantly from year to year.
   “The moths arrive at different times each year, depending on weather systems, the amount of rain and the temperatures in western NSW and wind speed and direction,” he said.
   “Keeping a track on what happens every year is a difficult task and one which everyone can help with.”
   He said moths taken into the Visitor Centre should be in a jar with breathing holes and a bit of crumpled newspaper for it to hide in. It should be kept cool at all times, even in the fridge.
   “There are some moths that look suspiciously like Bogong moths and there are a number of species of the same genus,” Dr Green said.
   He said if a moth could not be confirmed as a Bogong moth straight away, NPWS staff will take down the owner’s name and contact details and confirm it within 24 hours.

September 4, 2007
Managers Set Course To TAFE Griffith
A new post-graduate qualification in Management is to be offered from the Riverina Institute’s Griffith Campus in 2008.
   Brokered between TAFE NSW’s Riverina Institute and Charles Sturt University, the new Graduate Certificate in Management (Professional Practice) is to be launched this month.
   The new qualification follows on from the successful Integrated Diploma-Degree in Business Management, which was piloted at Griffith four years ago and is now also offered at the Institute’s Albury and Wagga Campuses.
   “This is a very exciting opportunity for people in Griffith,” the Head of Griffith Campus, Anthony McBride said.
   “This post graduate qualification will enable managers to gain a nationally recognised qualification together with the skills to become more effective in their management role.”
   He said that graduates from the program who went on to study a Master of Management  at Charles Sturt University could gain credit for the first four subjects.
   “Griffith is a vibrant expanding city and we’re really delighted to be able to offer the types of programs that our people need to grow and develop their businesses,” Mr McBride said.
   The  agreement to deliver the program will be signed this month by the Director of TAFE NSW Riverina Institute, Rosemary Campbell and the Manager of the Professional Development Unit at Charles Sturt University, Pat Bradbery.
   Information about the Graduate Certificate in Management (Professional Practice) is available from  TAFE NSW Riverina Institute Griffith Campus on (02) 6962 0444 or via email to  rodney.white2@tafensw.edu.au

September 4, 2007
Tourism Flying High On Mid North Coast
The excellence of tourism operators on NSW’s Mid North Coast has been recognised and celebrated by the Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, Bob Baldwin.
   Speaking at the Mid North Coast Tourism Awards for Business Excellence Gala Dinner in Forster recently, Mr Baldwin said the many award winners from the region showed it had  high-quality experiences to offer visitors.
   “Tourism is an important contributor to regional Australia, and can provide communities with sustainable economic bases that complement and support traditional industries in regional areas,” Mr Baldwin said.
   He said the Federal Government supported tourism in regional Australia through the Australian Tourism Development Program committing $34.9 million over four years to extend and enhance the ATDP, including $5 million in each of 2007-08 and 2008-09 to provide additional assistance in drought-affected areas by funding projects that stimulate, diversify or enhance the region's economic base.
   “The Mid North Coast region has a huge variety of experiences that will appeal to a broad range of travellers.” Mr Baldwin said.
   “For example, visitors can enjoy the hundreds of kilometres of sandy beaches, picturesque lakes and waterways, as well as stunning mountain ranges and hinterland.”
   He said tourism was an important industry for regional Australia, gaining 47 cents of every tourism dollar spent.
   Mr Baldwin congratulated all participants in the Mid North Coast Tourism Award program, and said that by recognising and promoting excellence in tourism, the region could overcome challenging obstacles and become more prosperous than ever.

September 4, 2007
Stone Age Tours To Show Rock Art
Aboriginal rock art dating back 2000 years is to be opened for public display this month when Aboriginal guides lead tours of ancient sites and engravings at Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
   Regional Manager for the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Chris McIntosh said the Discovery tours had returned to the park following an immensely popular season in January.
   “We had a very good response the first time around because they offered visitors the chance to learn about these ancient engravings from Aboriginal guides who are dedicated to keeping the traditions, stories and secrets alive,” Mr McIntosh said.
   “Each engraving tells a story about the Garigal clan who lived in the area thousands of years ago. These sites are some of the largest concentrations of rock art in Sydney.”
   Discovery guide Chris Ingrey explained that the drawings were originally engraved by Aboriginal elders as teaching tools.
   “The area was basically used as a big classroom to teach the clan about life, well-being and how to survive on this land,” Mr Ingrey said.
   “One site for example shows a very large man with a fish in his belly which we think was used to teach children about sharing and the dangers of greed, while another has a collection of the many different animals that live in the area like wallabies, fish and penguins.
   “I think it’s important that we can still share these stories today in the 21st Century and keep the rich cultural history of my people alive.”
   Mr Ingrey said that as well as rock engravings the tours would also point out the different types of bush tucker the Garigal clan survived on.
   The Rock Art Tours will run on 8 September and 23 September and then again on 13 October and 28 October, and 10 November and 25 November.
   The 3-hour tour costs $38 for adults, $25 for children and $115 for a family (including park entry).
   Tours are self drive, with a short walk to the sites. Bookings and pre-payment are essential and can be made by phoning the Bobbin Head Information Centre on (02) 9472 8949.

September 4, 2007
Competition Catches Official Suppliers
Companies supplying Government contracts are no longer immune to the provisions of the competition law following a major decision of the High Court.
   In upholding an appeal by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, the High Court determined that Crown immunity for companies dealing with the Government no longer applied.
   On the basis of the judgment, all transactions by companies – including those with and Australian Government - are subject to prohibitions against anti-competitive conduct.
   The ruling overturned a decision of the Federal Court which gave a private company “derivative” Crown immunity because the State Government Agencies with which it was dealing, enjoyed that status.
   Ironically, the Federal Court, at both trial and appeal, referred to a 1979 High Court decision in justifying its ruling.
   According to the ACCC however, the High Court has now noted that the Trade Practices  Act 1974 had changed since its previous decision and no longer represented the current state of the law.
   The decision went against claims by the NSW Government as well as those of Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia who took the position that companies contracting with them should be exempted from the Trade Practices Act.
   According to ACCC Chairman, Graeme Samuel the decision has brought companies dealing with Governments into line with what was expected of the Governments themselves.
   "Government procurement comprises a significant part of the economy," Mr Samuel said.
   "(The) decision of the High Court makes it clear that companies supplying Government have the same rights and responsibilities that are applicable to companies supplying the private sector."
   He said the matter related to the supply of bundled health products to public hospitals in NSW, the Australian Capital Territory, Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland.
   The Federal Court had found the supply to have breached the Trade Practices Act but applied the principles of derivative immunity to dismiss the ACCC’s claim.
   The matter will now return to the Federal Court where it will decide if the company’s alleged conduct constituted a misuse of market power or had the purpose, effect or likely effect of substantially lessening competition.