SearchArchives for April 2010
29 April, 2010Union gets heavy on
workload reports
The Public Service Association has called on its members to “self-manage” their work in an effort to avoid unreasonable workloads it believes are the result of unfilled vacant positions.Responding to what it said were “many reports” from members being required to take on high workloads, the PSA said the current Wages Parity Enterprise Agreement with the Government specifically dealt with the issue.
It says that Clause 14.4 of the Agreement states that in establishing a safe work environment, Agencies will not require employees to take on unreasonable workloads in the ordinary discharge of their duties.
The PSA recommended that its members not undertake the duties of absent staff, including answering phone calls, dealing with emails or taking on work which adds to occupational health and safety concerns.
It stressed that this was not industrial action, but rather self-management.
The PSA said members who were directed to take on another employee’s work should ask management for specific advice on avoiding OH&S problems.
“The failure of management to ensure an appropriate workload is a breach of the Enterprise Agreement and the PSA can take these matters to the Industrial Relations Commission,” the Association said.
“The PSA is making every effort to respond at the workplace to the concerns raised by members in relation to high workloads and the high vacancy rate.
“PSA industrial officers will work with members to ensure management comply with all aspects of the Enterprise Agreement.”
The PSA urged its members to provide it with regular information on unreasonable workloads and delays for services, or instances where services were are available at all.
29 April, 2010
Stats report finds
public works work
The Australian Bureau of Statistics has identified increased spending on public works as the driver behind an upsurge in engineering construction in South Australia.Figures from the ABS New Vehicle Sales, Housing Finance and Retail Sales report showed that the value of engineering construction exceeded the value of building construction in South Australian for the first time in over 20 years.
The ABS said the increase in engineering construction work since December 2007 was a result of increased public works and was accompanied by an increase in employment in the State’s construction industries.
The ABS pointed to public infrastructure works that contributed to the figures, including the South Road overpass for the Glenelg tramline in the latter half of 2009 and early 2010, the extension of the tramline from North terrace in the city to the Entertainment Centre on the Port Road from April 2009 and construction for the Adelaide Desalination Plant and water pipeline.
The report also showed transport infrastructure expenditure was $286.2 million in the December 2009 quarter and water infrastructure for the period $341.4 million.
The ABS said the proportion of the public sector engineering construction work contracted to the private sector increased from 34% in the September 2008 quarter to 65% in the December 2009 quarter.
Engineering construction includes bridges, roads, water supply and public transport infrastructure, while building construction includes houses, units and office blocks.
More information on South Australian specific updates on New Vehicle Sales, Housing Finance & Retail Sales can be found in SA Stats (cat. no. 1345.4) at www.abs.gov.au
29 April, 2010
New health network
is right prescription
A new National Health and Hospitals Network has been announced by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and welcomed by Premier Mike Rann.Following negotiations with all the States and Territories, the new scheme will see the Commonwealth take over responsibility for primary health care and aged care as well as become the dominant source of funds for the Australian health and hospital system.
According to Mr Rann, patients will be the big winners from the agreement which will secure the long term sustainability of the South Australian health and hospital system.
He said the arrangement would see an extra $1.35 billion ‘unlocked’ for health services in SA.
“Every Premier and Chief Minister agreed the system needed reform,” Mr Rann said.
“States have been carrying so much of the burden that in another 25 years time, it would have swallowed up our entire State budget.”
Health Minister, John Hill said the additional funding would be spent on:
- More elective surgery;
- Advancing the goal of treating emergency patients within four hours;
- More rehabilitation and mental health services;
- Help to move older patients no longer ill to aged care places;
- Capital works including emergency wards and theatres at Modbury Hospital;
- More aged care places in nursing homes;
- Support for GPs to help patients with diabetes;
- More services for young people with mental illness; and
- More General Practitioners and specialists.
He said with just one level of Government funding the system, the focus can be on consumers and avoiding the ‘revolving door’ between hospital and community care that some patients face.
Prime Minister Rudd said national standards would be established to give Australians, no matter where they lived, confidence in their public hospitals.
Under the new system, doctors and nurses would have more input into how their local hospital was run through Local Hospital Networks and new primary health care organisations.
Mr Rudd said the reforms mean the Commonwealth will pay for public hospitals, as well as 60 per cent of building, equipment, teaching, training and services with the money paid into seven separate National Health and Hospitals Network funds, one in each State and Territory.
Payments for hospital services will be made to Local Hospital Networks from this fund.
Mr Rudd said the only State not to sign up to the new arrangement was Western Australia.
“Talks with the Western Australian Government would continue,” he said.
29 April, 2010
New life for cemetery
in pipeline water
The Adelaide Cemeteries Authority has signed up with SA Water to take recycled water from the Glenelg to Adelaide Parkland pipeline.Making the announcement in the lead-up to Anzac Day, Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Paul Holloway said the Commonwealth-State funded $76.25 million pipeline would benefit war graves at the historic Australian Imperial Forces cemetery.
Mr Holloway said the pipeline would irrigate the Australian Imperial Forces (AIF) section of Adelaide’s West Terrace Cemetery with high-quality recycled water.
“It is only fitting we preserve the final resting place of those South Australians who so bravely fought to defend our liberties,” Mr Holloway said.
“West Terrace Cemetery will be supplied 5,000 kilolitres a year by accessing the 32-kilometre network of pipes that now brings recycled water from the Glenelg Wastewater Treatment Plant to Adelaide’s parklands.”
“The agreement to supply recycled water will allow the Adelaide Cemeteries Authority to maintain the AIF section to a high standard of presentation, even during Adelaide’s hot, dry summers.”
Mr Holloway, whose grandfather Private Bill (WJ) Johnston is buried in the AIF section, said the cemetery and surrounding parklands had become parched as a result of water restrictions introduced in 2006.
He said the pipeline should ensure that the AIF cemetery will be restored to a green resting place in time for next year’s Anzac Day ceremonies.
The AIF Cemetery was officially opened in 1920 soon after peace was declared in the Great War 1914-1918.
Dedicated exclusively for the burial of ex-service personnel, it was the first soldiers’ burial ground in the Commonwealth.
It contains the gravestones of 4,155 ex-service personnel, including four Victoria Cross recipients - Lieutenant Arthur Blackburn, Joergen Jensen, Private Reginald Inwood and Corporal Phillip Davey.
Minister for Water, Paul Caica said the Glenelg to Adelaide Parklands (GAP) pipeline project was part of the Government’s commitment to recycling 45 per cent of wastewater from urban areas by 2013.
“While the West Terrace Cemetery is just the latest customer, we expect Councils, schools, businesses and organisations to sign up to receive recycled water from the GAP pipeline,” Mr Caica said.
29 April, 2010
New framework is
the rights stuff
A new Australian Human Rights Framework has been launched by the Commonwealth Attorney-General and Minister for Foreign Affairs.
The Ministers said the Framework outlined measures to respect human rights both in Australia and overseas, and included $2 million in funding over four years for non-government organisations to develop and deliver community education and engagement programs.
The Ministers said other measures included the development of a new National Action Plan on Human Rights to be lodged with the United Nations to map future actions to protect and promote human rights, and the creation of an annual NGO Human Rights Forum.
The Ministers said the Forum would combine meetings currently convened by their respective Departments and create a dialogue with non-Government organisations on domestic and international human rights issues.
They said the measures followed other initiatives to improve human rights, including legislation to create a Commonwealth offence of torture, in line with the UN Convention Against Torture.
Mr McClelland (Attorney-General) and Mr Smith (Foreign Affairs) said the Federal Government had also legislated to prevent the reintroduction of the death penalty anywhere in Australia and ratified the Convention on the Rights of Person with Disabilities.
They said other commitments to the promotion of human rights included Australia acceding to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, signing the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhumane or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and announcing support for the UN Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
“This represents a practical demonstration of our commitment to engage with the international community and lead by example to encourage other nations to review and continually improve their own human rights performance,” Mr McClelland and Mr Smith said in a joint statement.
“Strengthening the implementation of human rights through the adoption of the Framework will further enhance Australia’s standing as an advocate for the protection and promotion of human rights in international settings, such as the United Nations General Assembly and the Human Rights Council,” the Ministers said.
29 April, 2010
Workplace watchdog
puts bite on parents
The Fair Work Ombudsman is urging the parents of apprentices and trainees to check that their children are not missing out on entitlements at work. Executive Director of the Fair Work Ombudsman, Michael Campbell said parents could play an important role by “keeping an eye” on their children as they started their first job.
“Mum and Dad are often the first people that young workers will ask if they have got questions about their employment,” Mr Campbell said.
“Knowledge is the best defence for young workers against being unwittingly taken advantage of, and we encourage parents to help their sons and daughters to understand their workplace rights.”
Mr Campbell said the Fair Work Ombudsman was also reaching out to high school careers advisors and group training organisations.
He said the Ombudsman had written to thousands of advisors across the country to ask them to promote improved understanding of workplace entitlements in light of the important role they played in guiding young people.
Mr Campbell said free information, including school lesson plans, was available at www.fairwork.gov.au, along with other material such as a young workers’ interactive video, an employment checklist, Best Practice Guide for young workers and information on minimum pay rates.
He urged young workers who needed advice of assistance to contact the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94 from 8am-6pm weekdays for advice and assistance.
29 April, 2010
Shipbuilder sets sail
for bright future
Techport Australia has accepted its first paying customer, officially setting the ball rolling on the State’s commercial shipbuilding, maintenance and service industry.Premier, Mike Rann said the first priority of the new $300 million State-owned facility at Osborne would be to service the construction of the $8 billion air warfare destroyers (AWDs).
Mr Rann said the Government also hoped to run Techport Australia as a commercial facility for naval and civil contracts.
He said the facility’s giant shiplift, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, was capable of lifting a 9,300 tonne ship into and out of the water.
It will be used for the first time this week when a tug owned by international towing company Svitzer is lifted up for a month-long survey and maintenance overhaul.
“We are delighted to have our first customer and we are actively seeking others,” Mr Rann said.
“That is why I went to Washington in the US last year, to speak to senior Naval officials at the Pentagon about the advantages that we could offer for US naval vessels deployed in Southern Pacific region in using Techport facilities for services, repair and maintenance.”
Mr Rann said South Australia was on the cusp of a new industry that would have huge economic benefits.
He said the massive AWD project alone was expected to contribute more than $1.4 billion to the State economy over the next 10 years.
“At present, the AWD Alliance employs over 700 people in South Australia, bringing this project to life,” Mr Rann said.
“Over the coming decade, the AWDs are estimated to create 3,000 direct and indirect jobs across the State.
“In the meantime, the more commercial shipping ventures we can encourage to use this outstanding piece of infrastructure, the more skilled jobs we can keep and sustain locally in this new industry.”
29 April, 2010
Shots fired over
flu concerns
The Chief Public Health Medical Officer, Dr Stephen Christley, has announced that the seasonal influenza vaccination program for children five and under has been suspended.
Dr Christley said the precautionary measure was in response to reports of an apparent increase in children experiencing fever and febrile convulsions after receiving the vaccinations.
He said the matter was being urgently investigated by the national Therapeutic Goods Administration and immunisation experts, and that neither the paediatric formulation nor the adult vaccine should be used on children in the age group until further notice.
“At this stage it is not clear whether reported adverse events represent a true increase or whether the apparent spike is due to increased numbers of children being vaccinated this year, with the inclusion of young children in the eligible at risk cohort, or due to some other factor,” Dr Christley said.
“It is also possible that reported adverse events may be partly due to underlying infections.”
He told doctors it would be helpful if a throat swab could be collected for testing from all children presenting with symptoms following vaccinations.
He said it was extremely important that all adverse reactions to vaccinations be reported as soon as possible and urged practitioners to phone 8226 7177 or email a report form available from www.dh.sa.gov.au
Dr Christley said while children aged five and under who were due for their second dose of the vaccine should wait until further notice, those aged six to nine may receive it. This may include some children who experienced reactions to the first dose.
“Clinical trials data suggests that reactions to the second dose of the 2010 seasonal influenza vaccine are greatly reduced, but this is yet to be demonstrated,” he said.
“At this stage that this is a pause in the program while more detailed data collection and analysis can be carried out.
“People aged over five-years can continue to receive seasonal influenza vaccination, and pandemic H1N1 vaccine can continue to be given to anyone older than 6 months.”
Dr Christley emphasised that the suspension applied only to the seasonal influenza program and not to the entire childhood immunisation program.
29 April, 2010
Phone companies
called up to explain
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has announced it will launch a formal inquiry into the handling of customer service and complaints in the telecommunications industry.Chairman of ACMA, Chris Chapman, said the move followed an ongoing high level of complaints to the industry’s Ombudsman.
“Many would share the ACMA’s concern about whether the current arrangements which underpin telecommunications consumer protection are really effective in dealing with the issues that concern consumers most,” Mr Chapman said.
“The trend-line growth and sheer quantum of complaints about complaint handling and customer service —up to 900 every working day—reflects poorly on the entire industry.
“Whether this is evidence of a failing regulatory system or just a perception of that failure, I now believe this issue has to be confronted directly and urgently otherwise we will be talking about these same issues for years to come.”
Mr Chapman said a key focus of the inquiry would be how consumer expectations of customer service could be satisfied in the NBN-delivered broadband world.
He said he would personally brief CEOs of the larger service providers, which made up 90 per cent of complaints, and ask for their support.
As learnings emerged from the inquiry, Mr Chapman said he would seek their collective agreement on enforceable strategies to lower the number of complaints to the industry ombudsman about complaint handing.
Mr Chapman also foreshadowed a role for other regulators in helping to reform the telecommunications industry, saying a collaborative approach was important.
“As regulators, we need to turn the mirror on our structures and roles,” Mr Chapman said.
“I do not believe the current regulatory ‘alphabet soup’ of ACMAs, TIOs, ACCCs, DBCDEs, CAs and TISSCs (along with the state Offices of Fair Trading) is leading to the best solution for some of the bigger problems.
“In the short-term, I will be seeking to work with my colleagues at the ACCC and the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy and with consumer groups, led by the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network, to identify emerging issues in telecommunications and develop appropriate regulatory responses.”
29 April, 2010
Councils counselled
on bid for excellence
The goal of achieving excellence in governance among the State’s 68 Local Councils has been reaffirmed by the President of the Local Government Association, Mayor Felicity-ann Lewis.Speaking at the LGA’s half-yearly General Meeting, Ms Lewis said results of 11 Council governance assessments were good, but could be better.
“The great thing about having a structured program across Local Government looking at improving governance is that it provides specific feedback to a Council on where it needs to improve along with aggregate feedback to the LGA so we know where more support is required,” she said.
Under the LGA program, all Councils are given funding over a five-year cycle to have independent validation of governance assessments conducted and are able to focus development on areas identified in the assessments.
Ms Lewis urged Councils to listen to three students who spoke at the LGA conference – Ruby, Fergus and Aleksa – who said Councils should engage with the community in an effort to help people understand what they do and take an interest in Local Government elections.
She said Councils should be more active in their self-promotion instead of relying on service delivery and works programs, noting that few sporting ovals and facilities were adequately signed to recognise Councils as the biggest funder of sport and recreation.
Ms Lewis said Councils should look at their communication methods, including how social media could be used.
Three Council Members were honoured at the conference in the annual John Legoe Awards for Excellence, named in memory of former LGA President and Kingston Councillor John Legoe.
The members honoured were Mayor Joy Baluch of Pt Augusta, Mayor Paul Thomas of the Copper Coast Council and Cr Jane Muras of Campbelltown Council.
The event also featured 24 Council presentations on innovative approaches to a variety of issues, including riverbank collapse issues along the River Murray, barking dogs and using GPS technology to drive graders.
29 April, 2010
Aboriginal rail work
is on road to respect
The Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure is expected to pay great respect to Aboriginal people as it goes about its work following approval of the Seaford rail extension.Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, Grace Portolesi authorised the extension under the Aboriginal Heritage Act after what she said was an extensive consultation process.
Last year, the Minister for Transport applied under the Aboriginal Heritage Act to undertake work on the project in an area extending across the Onkaparinga River and Valley.
In line with the requirements of the Act, consultations were held with a range of bodies including the Kaurna community, Aboriginal heritage groups, and the State Aboriginal Heritage Committee.
Ms Portolesi said she had met with representatives of the Kaurna Nation Cultural Heritage Association (KNCHA) last week who had expressed concerns about the proposed course of the rail extension.
She said she came to her decision after considering the outcome of the consultations, advice provided, and the concerns of the KNCHA.
“I am advised that thorough consultations were held with a range of interested parties and that the Transport Department consulted extensively with the KNCHA for some time prior to lodging its application to undertake works in the area,” Ms Portolesi said.
“Consultations continued this year, including a public meeting in January, and I have also met the KNCHA to hear their concerns.
“I am satisfied that the Transport Department will work with Aboriginal people with respect as this project proceeds.
“While I acknowledge there will be some disagreement with my decision, I am pleased that DTEI is developing an Aboriginal Heritage Plan.”
Ms Portolesi said the Aboriginal Heritage Plan would include engagement with the KNCHA about the use of Aboriginal monitors.
She said Aboriginal place names would be used in appropriate locations and every effort would be made to respect Aboriginal culture as the project proceeded.
29 April, 2010
Solar wonderland
booked for Alice
The largest solar energy power station to be built in Australia is to be constructed at the Alice Springs Airport.Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Senator Penny Wong said on completion, the high-tech solar panels were expected to cover an area larger than an average soccer or rugby pitch and generate approximately 600 megawatt hours of solar energy a year.
“The 235kw of solar panels to be installed at Alice Springs Airport will generate enough clean, renewable energy to power 70 homes,’’ Senator Wong said.
“This is a great example of the clean energy investment that we are seeking to promote under the Government’s Large-scale Renewable Energy Target from 1 January 2011.
“This solar power station will help Australia to meet its Renewable Energy Target of 20 per cent of energy coming from renewable sources by 2020.’”
Senator Wong said the Government would provide $1.132 million in funding for the $2.264 million project as part of the Solar Cities program.
She said other projects to be built under the Solar Cities program included a solar installation on the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Alice Springs that has generated more than 580MWh of solar energy in its first year.
Northern Territory Senator Trish Crossin said the Alice Solar City program now had more than 1,650 participating households and over 90 participating businesses.
“I commend all of the staff at Alice Solar City and Alice Springs Airport for working cooperatively on this project,’” Senator Crossin said.
MP for Lingiari, Warren Snowdon said 600kW of solar energy capacity had been installed to-date on Alice Springs roofs under the Solar Cities program.
The solar power station, to be constructed by Ingenero Pty Ltd, will be the first application of Solfocus concentrator photovoltaic technology in Australia.
29 April, 2010
Fisheries boat hooks
name competition
Young people across the Limestone Coast have been challenged to come up with a name for PIRSA Fisheries’ brand new 8.5m Niaid rigid inflatable boat.The vessel is currently under construction and is to be stationed at the Fisheries office at Mount Gambier.
Senior Fisheries Officer, Barry Tarr said the boat would complement the fleet of 23 other vessels that patrol South Australia’s rivers, gulfs and other fishing areas.
“Our fish stocks are community owned, which is why we are seeking ideas from the local community in naming this new vessel,” Mr Tarr said.
“It’s there to help protect their fish stocks so we would like them to help out by naming it.
“We’re really keen for young people in the region to submit their ideas, and have sent information out to local schools inviting kids to take part.”
Mr Tarr said the name should be symbolic of the Limestone Coast area and that vessels in the past have been named after people, such as South Australian explorers, or native flora and fauna.
However, he said PIRSA was leaving it open to the public to be creative.
Fisheries Officers from the Mount Gambier station and Adelaide will select the best entry, with the winner to receive a trip on board the vessel, as well as a small prize.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what the creative young minds in the area can come up with,” Mr Tarr said.
Entrants must be permanent residents of the Limestone Coast and aged under 15.
Entries, which close Friday 30 April, must include the entrant’s name, age and contact number and can be posted to:
Barry Tarr, Senior Fisheries Officer
PO Box 2124
Mount Gambier 5290
Alternatively, they can be dropped off at the Mount Gambier office at 9 Krummel Street or emailed to barry.tarr@sa.gov.au
29 April, 2010
Outback Committee goes
bush for members
Residents of outback South Australia with a passion for living in the bush have been encouraged to nominate for membership of the Government’s new Outback Communities Authority.Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Gail Gago said operations of the new seven-member governance authority would commence this year, replacing the former Outback Areas Community Development Trust.
“The new Authority provides members and residents more broadly, with a great opportunity to shape the future of Outback South Australia,” Ms Gago said, “a vast region covering 65 per cent of the State and serving about 3,800 people in 36 communities.”
“This is a significant step forward in helping these communities manage the increasing demand for infrastructure and services, given the mining boom and growing tourism popularity of the Outback.”
Ms Gago said she hoped people from across the Outback would nominate for membership, with at least four to be drawn from different Outback communities.
She said the Government was looking for people who would be good advocates for the Outback and who were committed to serving the communities, as well as those with skills in areas such as community governance, community engagement, strategic planning, financial management and business or law.
“Once appointed, the Authority, with the support of State Government staff based at Port Augusta, will be responsible for developing a five-year strategic management plan, annual business plan and budget,” Ms Gago said.
“These plans will guide spending of new levies which can be introduced at a later date, for the benefit of Outback residents.
“The strength of the new Authority will be in its commitment to involve communities in decision-making and in setting long-term strategic directions so all outback residents can rest assured that they will be consulted on important matters before they become part of the Authority’s work.”
For more information on nominating for membership, visit www.oacdt.sa.gov.au or phone 8204 8700.
29 April, 2010
Leadership out front
in rural program
Primary Industries and Resources SA has opened applications for the 2010 South Australian Rural Leadership Program (SARLP).Leader of PIRSA Rural Communities’ Program, Hylton Keele said the program aimed to encourage potential and existing rural leaders, and provide them with the skills, motivation and confidence they need to take an active role in local communities and agricultural industries.
Ms Keele said the 2010 residential program would be held in Adelaide over four days, from 29-30 June to 1-2 July, with a two-day follow-up session on 2-3 September.
Ms Keele said the intensive leadership development sessions would help develop the next generation of leaders for South Australia and build up the talents of current and emerging leaders.
“The workshops focus on boosting the participant’s skills in strategic planning, negotiation, lobbying, managing change and team building,” she said.
“We are looking for participants of all ages who are passionate and dynamic and who can demonstrate their potential to be involved in leadership roles.
“The feedback we’ve received from past participants is that the program has not only given them better leadership skills, but taught them a lot about themselves, providing them with the confidence and motivation to step up and take a leading role in their community.”
There are 20 positions available this year and FarmReady assistance is available for qualifying applicants.
Applications close on 29 May 2010 and application forms are available at www.pir.sa.gov.au/sarlp
29 April, 2010
Sky’s the limit for
for SA rocket site
A rocket testing range managed by the Department of Defence in South Australia is to play a major role in a Japanese space exploration project.Minister for Defence, Senator John Faulkner said the Hayabusa spacecraft, which is to touch down at Woomera in June, is on track to become the first spacecraft to return material from an asteroid to Earth.
Senator Faulkner said Australian authorities were working with the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to successfully land the Hayabusa in the Woomera Prohibited Area (WPA) in outback South Australia.
The WPA is managed by the Department of Defence and is the largest land-based test range in the world.
Minister for Innovation, Senator Kim Carr said it was an example of Australia’s ongoing contribution to international space programs.
“Australia is proud to support Japan in this world-first expedition,” Senator Carr said.
“The Australian Government is investing $48.6 million in the Australian space sector through its new Space Policy Unit and Australian Space Research Program.
“The Space Policy Unit is the central point of contact and coordination for all civil space activities, including fostering links with international space organisations. The return of the Hayabusa is one of the many activities the unit is supporting.
“Australia’s contribution to this exciting space project will be significant.”
Senator Faulkner said Australian authorities would assist JAXA in ensuring the recovery of the spacecraft on its return and were working closely with their Japanese counterparts on the proposed path and landing of Hayabusa.
“This has been an historic mission. It is the first time a spacecraft has made contact with an asteroid and returned to Earth,” Senator Faulkner said.
“Australia is closely involved in the project and our support is vital.
“This highlights once again the valuable contribution that the Woomera Prohibited Area can make to Australia’s national security, Defence capability and our international relationships.”
Hayabusa made contact with the asteroid Itokawa in 2005 and JAXA has been guiding the spacecraft on its return journey back to Earth since then.
29 April, 2010
Call for legal efficiency
South Australia’s thinker-in-residence, Peggy Fulton Hora has said the State’s legal system needs to fight entrenched practices to become more efficient.
The retired Californian Superior Court judge said people remanded in major indictable cases could wait up to four years for a trial, a process which easily could be streamlined.
She said legal aid payments were also causing inefficiencies, pointing to the fact that payments for a trial day were $1,500 compared to $500 for a routine court appearance.
“So out of 50 cases, 41 pled guilty on trial day. Why is that? Because any other day you’re paid $500,” Ms Fulton Hora said.
School hall gets go-ahead
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, Grace Portolesi has given the go-ahead for construction of the Williamstown Primary School hall following the resolution of an Aboriginal Heritage issue.
Construction of the hall was suspended after remains were discovered during excavation work in November last year.
Ms Portolesi said she granted authorisation for the works on the proviso that the remains be reburied under culturally appropriate conditions with Aboriginal heritage monitors present.
Superhighway a step closer
Adelaide’s $812 million South Road Superway is a step closer with the start of preliminary ground testing.
South Australia’s biggest ever road project includes a 2.8 kilometre elevated road way, with a two-way service road along the corridor underneath.
It is scheduled to open to traffic in late 2013.
22 April, 2010
Drug management
is bad medicine
Researchers from the University of Canberra have found that Australian hospitals are making their patients sicker by the way they buy and use medicines.The researchers called for an urgent overhaul of hospital procurement and drug management systems.
The report, conducted by the University’s National Centre for Social and Economic Modelling (NATSEM), found there were “staggering” numbers of patients becoming sicker because of medication mishaps, poor communication and the way drugs were selected.
NATSEM’s Research Director (Health), Professor Laurie Brown and the Head of Pharmacy, Professor Gabrielle Cooper said their research mirrored the Federal Government’s plan for a takeover of hospitals, and that any of the three proposals being considered to regulate the use and procurement of drugs would be better than the status quo.
“Our research shows it is time Australia introduced a national system to govern the way we evaluate, buy and use medicines in our hospitals,” Professor Cooper said.
“We need a fairer, more efficient national system, which would be cost effective, ensure patients get access to the most appropriate medication and ensure the treatment they receive in hospital does not conflict with the medicines they are prescribed in the community.”
The researchers said under the current system, which costs $2 billion annually, there was little consistency between the National Medicines Policy and agreements between the Commonwealth and States, and the numerous ‘formularies’ developed at a hospital, area or State level to determine which medicines are purchased and how they are used.
The report - Modelling Options for the Public Funding of Hospital Medicines in Australia - found there was insufficient expertise in health economics at local levels to measure drugs’ value for money, as well as wasteful duplication of work in running the system in each hospital.
It revealed inequities in the availability of medicines across the country, including access between public and private hospitals, and a “substantial number of adverse drug events” relating to medication confusion or omission.
“Over one in every 75 hospital stays had an adverse drug event that was sufficiently severe that it was reported on the patient’s medical file and coded into official hospital statistics,” the report said.
The researchers said adverse drug events were often the result of confusion and a lack of effective communication between community and hospital care about medications.
Professor Brown said NATSEM would be able to construct a computer model to map the effects of potential changes to the system if it had more funding.
“The bulk of this research was carried out last year, so it’s an interesting coincidence that our findings mirror the Commonwealth’s moves towards a national hospitals system,” Professor Brown said.
22 April, 2010
Consumer watchdog
buys into website
A new website developed by the Office for Consumer and Business Affairs (OCBA) in association with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and regulators around the country, is now online and offers consumers a wealth of information on product safety issues.Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gail Gago said the website provided consumers with information and advice about the safety of products, from toys, cosmetics, hardware and health products, through to furniture and vehicles.
“Product Safety Australia is now the primary online source of Government information about product safety, assisting both consumers and suppliers to make safe, buy safe, and use safe products,” Ms Gago said.
“Visitors to the site can sign up for automatic email updates, which they can customise according to their own needs or areas of interest.”
She said the product safety ‘portal’ allowed consumers to keep up-to-date with risks associated with unsafe or misused products, how to choose safe products, and current safety issues that regulators were watching.
“The site, www.productsafety.gov.au, gives consumers ready access to information about mandatory safety standards, product alerts and bans, myths, product safety tips and legal cases related to product safety, and it allows them to lodge complaints on line,” Ms Gago said.
“It also gives manufacturers and suppliers access to information on how to comply with product safety standards and how products are regulated in Australia.
“This is about helping to minimise the risk of injuries, illness and even death, related to unsafe goods.”
She said the website would play an important role in addressing the Productivity Commission recommendation to streamline the national product safety system.
Ms Gago said OCBA had worked with the ACCC and other regulators around the country on the development of the website.
22 April, 2010
Boat safety blitz in
troubled waters
A crackdown on water safety by Transport Safety Compliance Officers from the Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure found a non-compliance rate of 55 per cent over the Easter holiday weekend.The Department’s General Manager for Transport Safety Regulation, Trent Rusby said while the result was disappointing it was another vital step in educating the public of strict safety and registration requirements.
“It’s concerning that many vessel operators were cautioned for not carrying the basic safety equipment, but we have effectively educated a large number of people of their on-going responsibilities,” Mr Rusby said
“If any of these operators are detected with the same deficiencies in the future, penalties will apply without leniency.”
He said Transport Safety Compliance Officers would remain vigilant in catching those operators who don’t adhere to basic water safety messages.
Mr Rusby said the Easter blitz covered metropolitan Adelaide, the River Murray (including Mannum, Goolwa, Wellington, Berri, Morgan, Waikerie and Swan Reach) as well as Whyalla and Port Lincoln.
He said boat operators needed to address some basic requirements to ensure the safety of all people on board a vessel.
“If a vessel is operated in any waters of the state it must be equipped with a personal flotation device (PFD) for each person aboard,” Mr Rusby said.
He said boat operators should also check safety equipment that has an expiry date, such as flares, or requires batteries before they go boating as equipment must be in working order to meet the requirements.
“Vessel owners must also have registration identification numbers displayed on the vessel in the correct size and position with good legibility,” Mr Rusby said.
“The fines for not carrying the required safety equipment are severe and can be up to $10,000.”
He said to view a range of new safety initiatives that came into effect in September 2009 visit www.sa.gov.au/boatingmarine
22 April, 2010
New energy rating
has star quality
A six-star energy efficiency standard for new housing is to become mandatory in South Australia from 1 September.Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Paul Holloway said the new requirements which will affect all new homes and home extensions, were part of the State’s push to reduce residential green house gas emissions.
He said the Building Ministers’ Forum agreed in December last year to increase the energy efficiency requirements in the Building Code of Australia, delivering on a Council of Australian Governments commitment to improve energy efficiency.
Mr Holloway said he had also written to members of the Master Builders Association and Housing Industry Association in February this year to provide industry with advance notice of the change.
He said research and modelling indicated that a six-star rating was relatively easy to achieve at minimal cost provided appropriate designs and good orientation were adopted.
“We will be one of the first jurisdictions to fulfil the COAG agreement lifting the acceptable level of energy efficiency from five to six stars for all new homes and home extensions,” Mr Holloway said.
“Residential buildings comprise about 12 per cent of total energy consumption in Australia and going from a five- to six-star ratings is expected to decrease energy loads for heating and cooling by 23.2 per cent, which can deliver up to $340 a year in savings to homeowners depending on the size of the house and number of rooms.”
He said South Australia’s home building industry had already been preparing for the introduction of the new requirements, and in many cases already met or exceeded the six-star ratings standard.
Mr Holloway said developers would be working on designs to ensure house orientation helped make the most of natural lighting, which with appropriate shading, also helped to reduce energy consumption and running costs.
22 April, 2010
Art protocol draws
line on children
Arts SA has developed a series of protocols to guide the appearance of children and young people in art works, exhibitions and publications that receive Government funding.The protocols are based on national standards adopted by the Australia Council for the Arts.
Covering the creation, exhibition and distribution of artworks, the 7-page protocol also looks at the implications of technological change through online and mobile media.
Arts SA said while the protocols aimed to ensure the safety of children and that publicly funded art abided by the law, it also wanted to uphold and promote the rights of people to freedom in arts and to encourage young people and children to be involved in arts.
It said the protocols have been designed to help artists and arts organisations understand their legal obligations and to establish responsible steps for artists when they are involving children in the creation of art works.
Arts SA said the protocols did not affect an applicant’s eligibility to be considered for funding, but the expectations outlined in the protocols were the minimum standards for those seeking and receiving support.
It said the protocols’ intended outcomes were to ensure that throughout the creation of an art work the rights of children were protected, based on informed consent; to ensure artworks involving images of children has been produced and will be present with due care and sensitivity; and, to protect images of children from being exploited, including use of the images beyond the original context of the creative work.
Arts SA said the protocols came into effect on 1 April and all grant applicants would be required to indicate whether they planned to work with anyone under the age of 18.
Further information about the protocols is available on the Arts Law website at www.artslaw.com.au and via Arts SA’s website at www.arts.sa.gov.au
22 April, 2010
Parks open gates
to healthy lifestyle
An international researcher visiting the University of South Australia has claimed that public parks and reserves have a positive effect on public health.Professor Myron Floyd from the United States is the second international researcher to visit UniSA in 2010 as part of the university’s new Distinguished Researcher Award, which aims to bring five distinguished researchers to Adelaide to boost research collaborations and outcomes.
Professor Floyd is a faculty member in the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management from North Carolina State University and is a lead investigator for Investigating Places for Active Recreation in Communities (IPARC).
He said his research focused on the role of parks and recreation amenities in facilitating physical activity especially in low-income communities, the influence of race and ethnicity on leisure activity preferences, and environmental justice in relation to public parks.
During a public seminar, Professor Floyd said he had been researching how parks can be part of the inactivity-obesity solution and had found they have a large role to play.
He said parks were readily accessible and available, with 75 per cent of United States households being within two miles of a park system.
He said research evidence was consistent in showing that availability of parks is related to increased activity but, there was limited understanding of how the use of parks translated into physical activity.
“In the parks we observed, people were more active on the paths through walking and jogging, but expended the least energy in the baseball fields and in the dog areas, where people tended to sit and watch their dogs rather than exercise with their dogs,” he said.
“In children, we found boys were more active on an informal basis – they were more likely to pick up a basketball and have an impromptu game. Girls, on the other hand, needed more formal, organised activities with a coach or supervising adult.”
Professor Floyd’s visit to UniSA was secured through the UniSA International Research Collaboration Support Program.
22 April, 2010
Nursing graduates
in sister act
More than 1,000 new nurses and midwives graduating from South Australian universities in the past year have been welcomed to the health system by the Minister for Health, John Hill, who said they would make a positive contribution to the SA community.Mr Hill said of the 1,128 nursing and midwifery students who completed their studies, 671 of them had already registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of South Australia.
He said almost 100 nurses and midwives graduated from the University of Adelaide, with the other graduates coming from the Flinders University Faculty of Health Science and UniSA.
“These new graduates will join the thousands of South Australian nurses and midwives who are already making a positive difference to the lives of individuals, families and communities in this State,” Mr Hill said.
“Nurses and midwives play a vital role in our health system, which is why the Government has employed an extra 3,692 nurses in South Australia since 2002.”
The Minister said university enrolment figures for 2010 were also looking good with more than 1,600 places on nursing and midwifery courses being offered to students for the coming year.
“The vast majority of these nurses and midwives will be employed in our public health system, but there are also opportunities to work in private hospitals,” Mr Hill said.
“SA Health provides positions for nursing and midwifery graduates through the Transition to Professional Practice program, which provides the opportunity to get practical experience in a supported environment.”
He said nurses and midwives were important and trusted professionals who hold a special place in the community, and South Australia was lucky to have such an outstanding group of dedicated people providing care.
22 April, 2010
New old-boys’ club
to work for girls
The national Sex Discrimination Commissioner has presided over the establishment of an all-male committee to promote cause of women in the corporate sector.The Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick, said the new 9-member group of Chief Executives and Chairmen of major Australian companies had been assembled to “use their collective influence and personal commitment” to create strategies and drive progress in gender equality across the business world.
She said establishing the group was prompted by recommendations from the ASX Corporate Governance Council which now requires entities listed on the Australian Stock Exchange to disclose their diversity policies, including measurable objectives.
Those changes are due to apply from 1 January next year.
“The commitment and enthusiasm of these men will be one of the most significant factors in achieving success and building momentum toward the adoption of the ASX Council reforms,” Commissioner Broderick said.
After its first meeting in Sydney the Group issued a statement saying it would support Ms Broderick in her work towards gender equality.
“Any business that wants to fully understand the marketplace needs to ensure it has the right mix of people, skills and experience in decision-making positions,” the Group’s statement said.
“If you don’t have a diverse workplace, you run the risk of being less competitive.
“In other words, gender diversity is good for business.”
The men acknowledged a number of valuable initiatives already in place by organisations such as Australian Institute of Company Directors and Business Council of Australia.
“By acting together, we hope to embed a culture of diversity and change the face of the business environment,” they said.
Commissioner Broderick warned against undervaluing the importance of gender equality in senior business decision-making.
“Everyday, boards and corporate decision makers are influencing our lives,” she said. “From the decisions that are made about the products we consume, how we live, what we eat, how we are entertained and what services we can access,” she said.
“It is imperative that this sort of decision-making has equal representation from both genders.”
Among the members of the Group are the Managing Director of Telstra, David Thodey; CEO of Woolworths, Michael Luscombe; Managing Director of IBM Australia and New Zealand, Glen Boreham; and Robert Elstone from the Australian Securities Exchange.
22 April, 2010
Puppy program has
police going to dogs
South Australian police have established a Puppy Development Program to recruit new pups that might be suitable for training as police dogs.Assistant Police Commissioner Bronwyn Killmier said in the past, the South Australia Police Dog Operations Unit had sourced German Shepherd dogs suitable for training through dog breeders and donations from the public.
But she said, in recent years, sourcing suitable German Shepherds had become more difficult.
Assistant Commissioner Killmier said to overcome these issues, SAPOL, with the assistance of the Queensland Police, had established the Puppy Development Program, which would see the dogs being trained from a young age.
She said the Queensland Police German Shepherd breeding program had recently presented SAPOL with two 12-week-old German Shepherd pups.
According to Assistant Commissioner Killmier, over the next 12 months, with the help of dedicated and enthusiastic volunteer carers, these potential crime-fighting puppies would be socialised and developed.
She said SAPOL would then assess the pups for their suitability for a career as police dogs.
She said a significant advantage of the Puppy Development Program was that the dogs were being developed for operational police work from such a young age.
She said this would increase the likelihood of producing highly-skilled working dogs.
22 April, 2010
Councils clean up in
leadership awards
Local Government Councils from across South Australia have been honoured in the 2010 Local Government Management Association Leadership Excellence Awards.The Cities of Playford and Salisbury were presented with the Partnerships for Growth award for the establishment of the Greater Edinburgh Parks precinct as an employment hub.
Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Gail Gago said the precinct was recognised as this year’s most outstanding example of local Government partnership designed to achieve growth.
“I would like to congratulate these Councils for rising to the challenge and creating a precinct that encompasses 1100 hectares across the two Council areas,” Ms Gago said.
“This has the potential to attract $3.4 billion in investments and 38,000 jobs to the region.”
She said it was an exceptional example of the invaluable contribution of Local Government to plan for, and generate, economic growth for South Australia.
The Minister said the Partnerships for Growth Award was one of nine awards presented in the program.
Ms Gago said the City of Salisbury had a second win in the Excellence in Advancing the Status of Women in Local Government category in recognition of its comprehensive strategy that had led to a significant increase in the number of women holding management positions.
She said individual winners at the awards included Roderik Vincent from the City of Onkaparinga, who won the Emerging Leader of the Year; Desma Fraser from the Coorong District Council and Patty Therrios from the City of Marion, who were joint winners of the Risk Manager of the Year; and, Dee O’Loughlin from Adelaide Hills Council for Leadership and Management Excellence (metropolitan).
Ms Gago said the City of Okapringa won the Excellence in Sustainability within Local Government Award; and, the City of West Torrens won the Zero Waste SA Award for Environmental Leadership.
The Minister said other winners included the Barossa Council, who took out the Leadership and Management Excellence Award (rural), and Angelo Catinari and Joseph Ielasi, from the City of West Torrens, for Excellence in Asset Management within Local Government.
22 April, 2010
PIRSA hops into
locust survey
Primary Industries and Resources SA has joined the Australian Plague Locust Commission (APLC) to survey locust movements across key regions of South Australia.Initial areas to be surveyed include the Hawker/Orroroo/Burra region, the Riverland and parts of the Eyre Peninsula.
State Locust Commissioner for PIRSA Biosecurity, John Badgery said there had been reports of adult locusts quickly moving south, from the pastoral regions into some horticultural and agricultural zones.
“There has been rapid movement as they have been making their way south from the far north, south east Queensland and north western New South Wales,” Mr Badgery said.
“The Riverland, parts of the Mallee, north east and northern pastoral area are all now reporting high numbers of adults.
“Further migration will depend on weather conditions as cooler conditions may reduce the threat of further movement.”
He said where crops may be impacted, growers should undertake their own management programs to reduce the impact.
“Adults will continue their development and lay eggs in some districts which will hatch next spring,” he said.
“Where egg laying is confirmed growers are encouraged to destroy these by cultivation or ploughing.”
Mr Badgery said PIRSA Biosecurity would continue to assess the locust situation over autumn and winter and respond in association with operations conducted by the APLC in spring as required, but growers also needed to be vigilant.
“Growers are urged to respond as locusts will be seeking green feed and crop producers need to assess their situation and make local management decisions,” Mr Badgery said.
He said any suspect sightings of locusts, both adults and hoppers, needed to be reported to PIRSA through the 24-hour Plant Health hotline on 1300 666 010.
He said more information on locust control was available from www.pir.sa.gov.au/locusts
22 April, 2010
Sea lion report gets
seal of approval
Scientists from the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) are assisting Commonwealth Government Agencies manage the Australian sea lion population which is being threatened by collateral damage from the shark gillnet fishery off South Australia.The SARDI scientists have produced a report offering a range of options to protect the sea lions and to help the fishery become more ecologically sustainable.
Australian seal expert, Associate Professor Simon Goldsworthy, who led the report, said more than 80 per cent of Australian sea lions – Australia’s only endemic seal - lived in South Australian waters and bycatch in the shark gillnet fishery had been identified as a key threat to the species.
Professor Goldsworthy said the comprehensive research program used a range of cutting edge technologies to assess interactions between the fishery and the sea lions.
“These included the satellite tracking of over 200 female, male and juvenile sea lions across the State, providing over 100,000 satellite positions that were used to model their at-sea distributions; detailed data on sea lion abundance and colony distribution; a dedicated independent bycatch observer program on shark gillnet fishing vessels; and data on the spatial distribution of fishing effort,” Professor Goldworthy said.
He said the report estimated that between 187 and 347 sea lion bycatch mortalities occur within SA and adjacent Commonwealth waters each year.
“For female sea lions, mortality from fishery bycatch represents about a 35 per cent increase from natural mortality levels,” Professor Goldsworthy said.
He said the report acknowledged that such bycatch mortality levels were unsustainable and, if modifications were not made to current fishing practices, further declines in sea lion abundance, colony extinctions and reductions in range were likely.
Professor Goldsworthy said the report identified that the likelihood of further declines in sea lion abundance would be minimised, and the capacity for the species to recover would be enhanced, if bycatch of female sea lions could be reduced to zero.
He said the report also provided powerful modelling tools to enable fisheries and threatened species managers to compare and contrast the bycatch reduction benefits that would be achieved from the implementation of different management strategies.
22 April, 2010
Cricketing police
all out to impress
A Twenty20 cricket match between the South Australia Police and a team of international students is to be held at Adelaide Oval this Friday (23 April) to highlight the contribution the students make to the State.The match is part of Education Adelaide’s continued campaign to highlight the social, cultural and economic value of international education to the South Australian economy and community.
International Student team captain Hemanshu Juneja said having the chance to play cricket on the Adelaide Oval was like a dream come true.
“I’ve always loved cricket and have watched great players like Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev, Adam Gilchrist and Shane Warne play on this ground. I can’t believe that I am also going to get the chance,” Mr Juneja said.
“But not only that, the opportunity to make new friends and promote Adelaide as a great place to study is important.
“I’m happy to say that I’ve experienced nothing but good things in Adelaide as have all of my friends. The people in Adelaide are friendly and welcoming and for that I say thank you.”
Chief Executive of Education Adelaide, Denise von Wald said while Adelaide enjoyed the support of almost 34,000 international students, there was a need to continue to promote education and what it had to offer.
“It’s almost impossible to quantify the benefits international education provides South Australia,” Ms von Wald said.
“There’s the business and political links it creates, economic advantages and the strengthening of relationships with critical trade partners like India and China.”
Assistant Commissioner of SAPOL, Graeme Barton said events such as the cricket match were important to SAPOL’s work to engage the community.
“Participating in sport gives everyone the chance to meet informally and have fun together,” Assistant Commissioner Barton said.
“This provides an unbeatable opportunity to break down barriers, understand the work of SAPOL and develop friendships,” he said.
The match will be played from 2-5pm.
22 April, 2010
Mining survey
is gold for SA
An international survey of mining potential has rated South Australia 10th in a worldwide field of 72.The Fraser Institute Survey rates jurisdictions on the impact of government policy on minerals exploration and has acknowledged the State’s potential as the best in Australia.
Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Paul Holloway said South Australia’s performance in 2010 was an improvement on the 16th ranking in 2009 and restored it as the leading State in Australia.
“Also gratifying was South Australia’s second ranking in the world for the quality of its geological database – beaten only by Sweden in the 72 jurisdictions surveyed,” Mr Holloway said.
“The second ranking is a testament to the hard work of PIRSA in maintaining high-quality data and the ease of access to maps and analysis provided through PACE, the Plan for Accelerating Exploration.”
Mr Holloway said South Australia was committed to building on PACE’s global recognition by providing a further $10.2 million to potentially open up more areas of the State to exploration.
“This Government is expanding our PACE scheme to help mining companies make the transition from exploration to mine development in record time,” he said.
“This will send a strong signal to mining companies that South Australia wants their investment and the jobs that are created by developing our world-class resources.”
Mr Holloway said the Canada-based Fraser Institute was founded in 1974 as an independent research and educational organisation with locations throughout North America, and international partners in more than 70 countries.
He said since 1997, the Fraser Institute had conducted an annual survey of metal mining and exploration companies to assess how mineral endowments and public policy factors such as taxation and regulation affected exploration investment.
He said the survey results represented the opinions of mining company executives and exploration managers operating around the world.
22 April, 2010
Indigenous business
scheme is trailblazer
The Office of Small Business and Regional Development in the Department of Trade and Economic Development has announced that its Young Indigenous Entrepreneur Program (YIEP) is to be expanded.Minister for Small Business, Tom Koutsantonis said this year’s program would involve 40 students, which was more than double the number who signed up during term four last year.
“YIEP gives young Aboriginal people the skills they need to ultimately operate a business and, in the meantime, makes them job ready,” Mr Koutsantonis said.
“It is a pathway to self-employment and may even create the next generation of business leaders in this State.”
He said the program involved practical, hands-on learning and was delivered by specialist facilitators who had skills and experience in the field of business.
Mr Koutsantonis said YIEP provided training in business planning, product development, finance, marketing and human resource management and had recently been upgraded to offer students certificates of attainment in subjects from the Certificate II in Business.
The Minister said confirmed YIEP locations for Term 2 this year were Port Augusta High School, Kaurna Plains High School, Woodville High School and The Heights Modbury.
He said the program was organised by the Department of Trade and Economic Development through its Office of Small Business and Regional Development and was part of the State Government’s Aboriginal Economic Development Strategy, an initiative designed to build capacity in Aboriginal communities.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, Grace Portolesi said YIEP was an important part of the Government’s support of emerging leaders in the Aboriginal community.
“We’re closing the gap on Aboriginal school retention rates which are now at a record high level,” Ms Portolesi said.
“This program provides us with another opportunity to reduce the gap in employment and also small business ownership, through specialist training for Aboriginal students who want to pursue business careers.”
22 April, 2010
More land lands
in protected area
A large area of land in the remote north has been added to the National Reserve System and declared a protected area.Federal Minister for Environment Protection, Peter Garrett said the declaration of the Kalka-Pipalyatjara Indigenous Protected Area in South Australia would help protect the endangered warru, or black-footed wallaby.
“This spectacular landscape stretches from the Tomkinson and Mann ranges dominating the north-west to sand dune country in the south,” Mr Garrett said.
“(The) declaration means 580,000 hectares of this country will be managed by its traditional owners for conservation.”
He said the ranges provided a safe haven for one of the few remaining colonies of black-footed rock wallaby, with experts estimating there were only about 100 left.
Mr Garrett congratulated traditional owners and Indigenous rangers from the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands on the declaration.
He said rangers were working with the APY Land Management Unit in a Warru Recovery Team to secure the future of the culturally significant mammal.
“Today’s declaration creates a significant conservation corridor of more than 12 million hectares across state borders, as Kalka-Pipalyatjara connects Ngaanyatjarra IPA in Western Australia and the Watarru IPA in South Australia,” Mr Garrett said.
“It joins 37 other declared Indigenous Protected Areas around the nation - 13 of which, covering more than three million hectares, have been announced in the last year alone.
Local community leader and ranger, Kenneth Ken said the declaration would help the wellbeing of young people in the community by improving their health, education, training and job opportunities.
“Young people do school in Adelaide – but they need something when back in country,” Mr Ken said.
22 April, 2010
Unis on course for
new funding plan
Draft guidelines for universities moving to a new student-focused funding system have been released by the Commonwealth Government for public consultation.Federal Minister for Education, Julia Gillard said the Structural Adjustment Fund aimed to improve the quality of the higher education system and encourage collaboration between universities that choose to consolidate with other institutions, such as TAFEs, for sustainable partnerships.
Ms Gillard said the Fund was a response to the Commonwealth’s 2008 Bradley Review of Australian Higher Education, and would assist universities prepare for the new operational requirements of a demand-driven funding system.
She said universities making significant structural changes necessary to refocus their activities, including through the creation of new models of higher education institutions and collaborations will be eligible for funding.
Ms Gillard said while all higher education providers would be eligible for funding, the new system would focus on outer metropolitan and regional providers, and on those which needed to make substantial changes to succeed and deliver quality.
Half the $400 million fund is to be spent on building and upgrading infrastructure.
Under the draft guidelines, universities seeking support will need to demonstrate that their proposal entails substantial structural adjustment, the extent to which it is needed for the institution to thrive in a student demand-driven system, and how it will improve the quality of teaching and learning.
The likelihood of project being successfully implemented will also have to be demonstrated, along with the institution’s financial stability.
Ms Gillard said following the consultation process, a competitive round would open later in the year.
She encouraged all higher education stakeholders to comment on the guidelines, which are open for consultation until 30 April.
For more information, go to www.deewr.gov.au/structuraladjustmentfund
22 April, 2010
Anzac day free travel
In a gesture of respect, veterans, military personnel and family representatives will again have access to free public transport on Anzac Day.
The free travel will be available all day to past and present military personnel in uniform, people wearing service medals, and those carrying a war veteran identification card.
There will also be an extra pre-dawn Adelaide Metro bus services for the Dawn Service at the War Memorial and free shuttle services from selected RSL halls.
In addition, a free-to-all shuttle bus will operate between the Cross of Sacrifice and Victoria Square after the march.
Commuters can get information on www.adelaidemetro.com.au or 1300 311.
WorkCover sacks system
WorkCover SA is to replace its ageing IT System with a new system, Cúram.
The system has been specifically tailored to support WorkCover’s core business processes of return to work, claims management, scheme compliance, employer registration, levy collection and financial management.
Cúram will also allow WorkCover to adapt to changing business needs and improve customer service.
The new system is expected to be rolled out over the coming weeks, but as with any new IT system times and dates are subject to change.
Due to the upgrade, online payment service on WorkCover’s secure site will not be available from 6pm, 20 April, to 9am, 28 April.
For enquiries contact the Service Centre on 131855 or info@workcover.com
Glenside approved
The new $130 million hospital at Glenside has received development approval.
The Independent Development Commission recommended the Government approve the 129-bed hospital, support services, car parking and landscaping, which will include up to 650 new trees.
The approval was granted on the grounds the SA Health meets 23 conditions, which follow extensive consultation and input from the Department of Environment and Heritage and the Environment Protection Authority.
The new hospital is due to be complete within the next two years and will be a key element of the State-wide mental health reforms.
Rivers improve
The River Murray and Lower Lakes are beginning to show signs of improvement due to an increase in environmental flows this year.
Water levels in Lake Alexandrina have risen 200mm since January and will continue to rise as more inflows read the Lower Lakes by the end of June.
Statistics show the flow of water past Lock One has also tripled in the past three months compared to the same period last year.
Police add recruits
More police are on the beat after 23 recruits graduated from Fort Largs academy last week.
The graduation is the culmination of a 36-week intense training course for the five female and 18 male officers, who range in age from 19 to 44 years, with an average age of 26.
The new members, who will be posted to metropolitan Local Service Areas, are part of the State’s pledge to recruit 300 additional police as well as invest in state-of-the-art equipment.
South Australia continues to lead the nation per capita for the number of sworn in police officers.
15 April, 2010
Report into OHS finds
unhealthy mixture
A national Productivity Commission report into Occupational Health and Safety regimes across the country has found that the differences between State and Territory jurisdictions are “hard to justify.”The study, Performance Benchmarking of Australian Business Regulation: Occupational Health and Safety, examined differences in OHS legislation, including its administration, enforcements and costs to businesses, in an effort to provide information to support a nation-wide regulatory approach to OHS.
The report found there were 70 industry or hazard-specific Acts across Australia that regulated OHS in some way, and that the burdens from jurisdictional differences fell most heavily on businesses operating in more than one State or Territory.
Commissioner, David Kalisch said the report had been requested by the Council of Australian Governments as part of its efforts to reduce regulatory duplication and overlap and to help with the move towards a national OHS Act.
“The report should provide Governments and the Workplace Relations Ministers Council with further opportunities to reduce the regulatory burden on business through greater harmonisation of the next layers of regulation, such as national codes and guidance material for business,” Mr Kalisch said.
“The report also highlights many ways to improve the practices of Government regulators across Australia.”
The Commissioner said while OHS regulation played an important role in promoting safe work practices, excessive regulation could have a negative impact on productivity and consumer costs.
He said the report found significant differences in OHS in 2008-09 in a variety of areas including record keeping for risk management, training and incidents; worker consultation, participation and representation; and dealing with workplace hazards such as asbestos and the prevention of falls.
Mr Kalisch said the report also found there were significant differences between the resources of OHS regulators, as well as their funding sources, availability and application of enforcement tools, appeal mechanisms and transparency.
It found businesses, particularly those operating nationally, could find it difficult to comply with their OHS obligations because of the regulatory differences, with those operating Australia-wide having to be aware of 3,392 pages of regulation.
Mr Kalisch said although progress had been made towards national OHS standards, not all States and Territories had adopted them.
The report did not make any recommendations and was available from www.pc.gov.au
15 April, 2010
New body for
Coroner
A new position is to be created to support the State Coroner in the investigation of deaths from domestic violence.Minister for the Status of Women, Gail Gago said creating the position had been an election promise and would be funded through the next State budget process.
Ms Gago said she expected the appointment to be made by the end of the year.
“This new resource will be an important further step in the State Government’s campaign to stamp out domestic violence,” Ms Gago said.
“More details will be provided as the position details are finalised, but I am confident that the position will add further valuable insights into how best to improve services.”
She said the position would complement a range of other domestic violence initiatives that had already been established as part of the State’s Women’s Safety Strategy.
Last week Ms Gago attended a vigil held by the Coalition of Domestic Violence Services of SA to remember South Australian women who had died due to domestic violence.
“The death of every woman under such circumstances is a tragic and powerful reminder of the urgent task that confronts all of us who are working for safer lives for all women,” she said.
The Minister said the Government would be examining the experiences of other States that had recently adopted domestic violence death review processes.
She said another initiative to tackle domestic violence included the passage through both Houses of Parliament late last year of the Intervention Orders (Prevention of Abuse) Act, which gives police greater powers to take immediate action against perpetrators and makes it easier for victims to stay safely in their homes.
“We’re now turning that Act into action, with processes and protocols now being developed so the police force and others can be trained and the strategy rolled out later this year,” Ms Gago said.
She said the Government had also been rolling out the Family Safety Framework, which targets women at high risk of domestic violence, to three new districts over the last year.
“The Coalition of Domestic Violence Services in SA has helped to keep the public spotlight on the tragic reality of domestic violence and supported my task of bringing about these new laws,” Ms Gago said.
15 April, 2010
Public to plug into
electricity plans
The Essential Services Commission of South Australia has called for public input into changes to the way electricity distribution in South Australia is regulated.ESCOSA has released a Draft Decision on how to implement service standards to apply to the State’s electricity provider, ETSA Utilities.
In its Draft Decision the Commission proposes a new reporting regime requiring ETSA to report regularly to the Commission on its performance in distribution regions, particularly the poorly performing parts of its network.
The Draft looks at distribution reliability performance targets and data; criteria for identifying poorly performing areas; changes to the Electricity Distribution Code and other instruments; amendments to the value of Guaranteed Service Level payments; and ETSA’s Distribution Licence.
In its draft decision, South Australian electricity distribution service standards 2010 – 2015 review of regulatory instruments, the Commission said ETSA’s services and prices were regulated to ensure consumers received fair prices and adequate services.
“The regulatory regime currently in place was established by the Commission through the Electricity Distribution Price Determination (EDPD) in 2005,” the Draft Decision says.
In establishing the EDPD for the 2005-2010 regulatory period, the Commission aimed to ensure ETSA made a reasonable profit while still providing services under a Service Standard Framework.
New regulatory amendments have been put into place to govern distribution pricing arrangements for the 2010-2015 regulatory period.
“Whereas the Commission was formerly responsible for making the relevant price determination and setting all aspects of the Service Standard Framework, under the new arrangements the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) will be responsible,” the Draft Decision says.
The Commission will retain a central role in the price determination process by setting the remaining elements of the Service Standard Framework – the average service standards and the Guaranteed Service Level payments scheme.
“In that context, the Commission will remain responsible for setting the South Australian jurisdictional service standards to apply to ETSA Utilities,” the Draft Decision says.
Comments on the Draft Decision, which was available at www.escosa.sa.gov.au, close on 7 May.
The Commission said it would release its Final Decision by 4 June after considering any submissions.
15 April, 2010
Water rules
hosed down
Water restrictions are to be eased from 1 May, with households permitted to water gardens for seven hours a week and a popular public water feature being turned back on.Under the changes, households will be able to water their gardens using a hand-held hose with trigger nozzle or drippers, for a maximum of seven hours a week, on any day of the week.
The current watering hours of 7am to 10am and 4pm to 7pm will remain in place, as will a ban on sprinklers.
Premier, Mike Rann said watering cans and buckets could be used at any time.
The new water allowances also allowed Mr Rann to switch the Glen Osmond water feature back on, which was turned off in January 2007 when strict water restrictions were imposed.
“So far this year, Adelaide has used about 45.8 billion litres of water which is about 3.6 billion litres less than at the same time last year,” Mr Rann said.
“That means we can have great confidence that further increasing watering times is highly unlikely to cause problems.”
He said reservoir levels in the Mount Lofty Ranges were at 61 per cent capacity compared with the 10-year average of about 51 per cent for April.
Mr Rann said reliance on River Murray water had been reduced by 84 per cent this financial year, with just 16 billion litres of river water needed to top up Adelaide reservoirs compared to 103.3 billion litres used last year.
“Improved flow into the Murray-Darling Basin, despite the ongoing drought, has allowed us to already secure South Australia’s critical human needs water for 2010/11,” he said.
Minister for Water, Paul Caica said the latest Government analysis of figures confirmed the State was in a better position this year.
“South Australians have done a great job in observing the restrictions to conserve water and changing their behaviour to use water more efficiently both inside and outside the house,” Mr Caica said.
“We will continue to reassess the situation on a month-by-month basis to ensure that the increased flexibility in watering times doesn’t lead to an unmanageable spike in consumption.”
Watering permits for the elderly and disabled are unchanged.
15 April, 2010
Library maps out
future of maps
By Alycia BrownThe State Library of South Australia has launched a selection of online maps to coincide with the Australia and New Zealand Map Society’s annual conference in Adelaide.
Forty-five maps with special significance to South Australia have been digitised and added to the Library’s website catalogue.
The maps include one of the City of Adelaide created by George Kingston and believed to date from 1842, a chart of Cape Jervis from the 1800s and a map of Australia by Matthew Flinders from 1822.
Staff at the Library worked to implement the digital project, drawing ideas from initiatives at the National Library of Australia and from within their own team.
Officer from the Content Services Team at the State Library, Merridy Lawlor said the program had been implemented to help preserve fragile maps, create an effective way of supplying copies to the public and to cater to the demand for access to maps.
Ms Lawlor said the Library had previously scanned maps for individual customer orders and had placed a limited number online as part of the South Australia Memory website.
She said the new digital program would be expanded, with more maps digitised and added online overtime as images were scanned or became available.
Ms Lawlor said maps that were subject to copyright and could not be published online were being stored in an internal system to preserve them for future use.
The digitised maps had zoom functions, could be downloaded as PDF files and included a summary of information about their history.
The maps could be accessed online at www.slsa.sa.gov.au
15 April, 2010
Indigenous data to
track everybody
New guidelines on data collection issued by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare recommend that all users of a health service be asked if they have an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island origin, regardless of their appearance, country of birth or whether they are well-known to the service provider.Under an agreement in force at the Council of Australian Governments, all States and Territories must adopt the National best practice guidelines for collecting Indigenous status in health data sets and be using them by December 2012.
Spokesperson for the National Indigenous Data Improvement Support Centre at AIHW, Kerryn Pholi said asking if users of health services were of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin would help the design, delivery and evaluation of services to Indigenous Australians.
Ms Pholi said knowing if patients had ATSI heritage helped researchers, policy makers and community organisations who relied on the data to understand and improve the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“We know that the question on Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin is not always asked of every client, because staff may not realise the question is important, or they are concerned that this question is sensitive or even discriminatory,” Ms Pholi said.
“Far from being discriminatory, the reverse may be true.
“It may be discriminatory if service providers choose not to ask some people, because everyone should have the right to answer the question for themselves.”
She said other recommendations included how to put the guidelines into practice and how to deal with situations where a client is too ill to be asked, did not speak English, or when Indigenous status had to be established for a deceased person.
There is also information for staff who might be reluctant to ask the question, and examples of how to respond if the client wants to know why they are being asked.
The guide is available for free at www.aihw.gov.au
15 April, 2010
Postage rise to seek
stamp of approval
Australia Post has lodged a formal submission with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to increase the basic postage rate by five cents from 28 June.General Manager of Mail and Networks at Australia Post, Jim Marshall said the submission addressed issues raised by the ACCC in its December 2009 View, which had been in response to Australia Post’s notification in July that year.
“While no-one likes a price rise, we are only seeking an increase in order to cover the cost of providing access to letter services for all Australians - no matter where they live,” Mr Marshall said.
“Rapid growth in areas such as western Sydney, south-east Melbourne, south-east Queensland and parts of Western Australia will add 2.5 million new addresses to Australia Post’s delivery network over the next decade.
“The projected growth in homes and business addresses over the coming decade will be equivalent to adding another Queensland or nearly four Adelaides to our network.”
Mr Marshall said revenue from the proposed increase – the third in 18 years – would help Australia Post cover the cost of the expanding delivery network.
He said Australia Post had 4,453 retail outlets across the country, with over 2,500 of these located in rural and remote areas.
Mr Marshall said even with the proposed increase, Australia’s basic postage rate would still be the third lowest in the OECD, with people in the UK and many European countries paying the equivalent of more than $1 for a similar service.
15 April, 2010
Tankwater rebates
in the pipeline
Rebates on rainwater tanks and other tax relief measures promised in the recent election campaign have been endorsed by Cabinet.According to Premier Mike Rann, householders would now be able to access the $200 rebate on rainwater tanks for backyard watering, which has been backdated to 11 March, the date the announcement was made.
“We’re hoping people take advantage of the current rain band sweeping South Australia, so they can begin storing water for inevitable drier months ahead,” Mr Rann said.
“The new rebate is for tanks of 1,000 litres or more and given prices start from about $400, this rebate can cover half the cost of a basic tank.”
The Premier said the $9.47 million initiative would allow home gardeners to purchase 40,000 more tanks over the next four years.
He said South Australia led the nation in rainwater tank ownership, with about 45 per cent of properties having one. However he said the State’s dry conditions meant it needed to do better.
Mr Rann said another initiative approved by Cabinet was abolishing payroll tax for employers for wages paid to apprentices and trainees, which he said could lead to a 10 per cent increase in apprentice and trainee numbers.
“It will provide a huge incentive to employers to take on more apprentices and trainees, providing relief for employers of an estimated $24.6m next year, and $104m over four years,” he said.
“It will cut the cost of employing an apprentice or trainee by up to $1,440.”
Cabinet also approved payroll tax exemptions for wages or salaries associated with the direct on-site construction of renewable energy plants.
From 1 July investors in new large-scale renewable energy projects will receive a rebate of payroll tax paid for labour associated with direct, on-site construction of energy projects such as wind farms, solar panel installation and solar thermal and geothermal projects.
Mr Rann said the rebate would have a maximum of $5 million per project for solar and $1 million per project for wind.
15 April, 2010
Workers to bank on
riverbank guide
The Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation has published a new safety guide for people working on or near Lower Murray riverbanks at risk of collapse.Riverbank Collapse in the Lower Murray: A Guide to Safe Working on or near Riverbanks in the Lower Murray Region has been produced as a training presentation and includes important information about key signs that workers should look out for, tips on safer work methods, and simple steps to ensure worker safety.
< The guide also includes background information about previous riverbank collapse incidents and key contacts for further information.
It recommends workers “remain vigilant” and keep an eye out for leaning trees, cracks in riverbanks and bubbles in the water, all of which could indicate a possible collapse.
Riverbank Collapse Program Leader, Richard Brown urged people working on riverbanks between Lock 1 at Blanchetown and Wellington to access the safe work guide, saying the region was at significant risk of riverbank collapse
“Anyone who accesses riverbank areas in the Lower River Murray region needs to learn how to live, work and play in a region that includes areas with a significant risk,” Mr Brown said.
“On any given day there can be a large number of people working along the riverbank performing a range of tasks.
“This could include staff of Government Agencies, local Councils and the private sector.”
He said the self-guided education tool included important information for people currently working on riverbanks and anyone who might be required to work on them in the future.
The guide was available for download from DWLBC website at www.dwlbc.sa.gov.au or in hardcopy by phoning (08) 8204 8575.
15 April, 2010
Mousetrap warning
sprung on farmers
The Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation is urging South Australian farmers to keep a watch out for mice on their properties.Areas of the Eyre Peninsula, Yorke Peninsula and Murraylands have experienced increased mice numbers this year, prompting a reminder for farmers in the State’s agricultural districts to remain vigilant and adopt mice management strategies if needed.
Manager of Natural Resource Management Biosecurity at the Department, Dr John Virtue said favourable conditions had allowed for mice survival and growth.
“Mice tend to invade paddocks where grain has been spilt or where there is still heavy stubble from last harvest, and they can cause substantial agricultural losses and animal health issues in livestock,” Dr Virtue said.
He said once sowing commenced in mid to late Autumn, the number of mice across the State would become clearer.
“Management of mice rests primarily with farmers – and now is the ideal time for them to assess the potential for mice problems in their paddocks and employ suitable management options,” Dr Virtue said.
“If need be, they should adjust their sowing techniques, and always monitor newly-sown crops.”
He said commercial mice baits were popular and effective and recommended farmers consult their local agronomist or pesticide retailer about the most suitable management products.
Dr Virtue said the Department was liaising with Natural Resources Management Boards, agronomists and bait manufacturers to ensure bait supplies were sufficient in regions at risk of high mice numbers.
15 April, 2010
Employment statistics
show job well done
The latest employment figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics have been welcomed by the new Minister for Employment, Training and Further Education, Jack Snelling.Mr Snelling said while the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for March rose to 5.4 per cent from 4.8 per cent in February, South Australia still had one of the lowest unemployment rates in Australia.
“Our trend unemployment rate of 4.9 per cent in March was well below the national average of 5.3 per cent,” Mr Snelling said.
“This means we continue to meet the SA Strategic Plan target to better or equal the national trend unemployment rate.”
Mr Snelling said that in March, the total number of people employed in South Australia in trend terms rose by 600 to a record 803,800.
He said the participation rate in trend terms remained steady at 63.2 per cent, indicating that South Australians had confidence in their ability to find a job.
Mr Snelling said it was the seventh consecutive monthly rise in total employment in SA, with the number of jobs created since 2002 standing at 112,700.
He said while the figures showed youth unemployment rose by 1.9 percent to 26.4 per cent, compared to the national rate of 25.4, the participation rate among young people in SA was higher than the national average.
He said the Government was spending $194 million to help create an extra 100,000 extra apprenticeships and training places, which were expected to provide full qualifications to about 40,000 people in trades and other skills.
“Our increased investment in Vocational Education and Training (VET) will help meet our target of creating 100,000 new jobs over the next six years,” he said.
“These new jobs will be driven by growth in key industries, such as mining, defence, renewable energy, tourism, education, food and wine and manufacturing.”
15 April, 2010
Joint venture floats
water project
A joint project by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology and the CSIRO has created a new information transfer system that produces a clearer picture of Australia’s water resources.The Water Data Transfer Format (WDTF) was developed by the Bureau’s Water Division and the CSIRO’s Water for a Healthy Country Flagship.
The WDTF aims to improve the Bureau’s efficiency as it collects and processes six million data files on water resource information that were provided by over 200 organisations over the past year.
A researcher at the CSIRO, Dr David Lemon said WDTF would allow information to flow freely to the Bureau, which is mandated to collect, process, compile and deliver data from around Australia.
“To streamline the collection and use of this data, the Bureau required a standards-based information model and transfer format to accept water information submitted electronically,” Dr Lemon said.
“The web-based WDTF has been developed to allow data providers to efficiently deliver water observations data to the Bureau in a format that is more easily loaded into the Bureau’s Australian Water Resources Information System.”
He said data providers currently used a variety of methods ranging from mature data management systems to ad hoc spreadsheets to manage the information.
Dr Lemon said the new format specifies a standard encoding for information about groundwater observations, transfers of water between storages, observation sites and samples, water quality, channel profiles and time-series streamflow observations, as well as conversion tables.
Assistant Director of Water Data Services at the Bureau, Tony Boston said the WDTF had become the Bureau’s preferred format for water data delivery and was being promoted as the standard format for data transfer.
“A number of commercial companies have already embraced WDTF by including data input and export functions in their water information software,” Mr Boston said.
“This is allowing organisations that use the software to more easily export data in WDTF to the Bureau.
“These tools will help streamline water data delivery by organisations, while providing the assurance and confidence that their data delivery solution is commercially available and supported by the water IT industry.”
15 April, 2010
Oldies iron wrinkles
out of Youth Week
The State Government and local Councils across the State have thrown their weight behind National Youth Week, this week.Minister for Youth, Grace Portolesi said more than 150 events were being held across SA – including skate competitions, aerosol art workshops, short film festivals, sporting clinics and a variety of live music events.
“Youth Week is a chance to celebrate the achievements of young people and show off the incredible breadth of talented young people making great contributions in a whole range of areas across the community,” Ms Portolesi said.
As part of the event, young people aged between 12 and 25 were encouraged to get involved in planning and organising their own events for their communities.
Ms Portolesi said the Government provided $90,000 to local Councils for National Youth Week activities, allowing them to support young people in their areas - particularly those who faced difficulties – to achieve some of their personal aspirations.
SA’s Ambassador for Youth Opportunity, Gavin Wanganeen is providing advice to youths at events throughout the week.
“Many young people involved in National Youth Week are passionate about creating change and opportunities in their local communities,” Mr Wanganeen said.
“Young people can find it difficult to contribute to decisions being made about the communities in which they live.
“National Youth Week offers them a way to start getting involved.”
The spokesman appointed by the young organisers, Chris Sedunary, urged youths to participate in the week.
“If you haven’t got involved already, you haven’t missed the boat. Plenty of events can do with extra help on the day,” Mr Sedunary said.
“There’s a national talent competition being organised with serious prizes to be won and, if you don’t have the talent, you can always check out the Win Free Stuff Competition online.”
A free music festival at Victor Harbor kicked of the event, which winds up on Sunday.
A full event listing was available from www.youthweek.com
15 April, 2010
Battle on for
battle honours
With the six high school students who won the Premier’s Anzac Spirit School Prize now headed for the battlefields of World War I, the quest is already on for those who will win the prize next year. Minister for Education, Jay Weatherill said the program aimed to keep the ANZAC spirit alive through study.
“The Prize is an exceptional opportunity for young South Australians to learn firsthand about what Anzac Day means and the history behind it,” Mr Weatherill said.
Prize recipients who left Adelaide this week for their study tour were Sean Lloyd of Brighton Secondary College, Renae Farr and Chloe Searles of Loxton High School, Jack Jercic of Christian Brothers College, Brigid O’Farrell of St Ignatius College and Shane Rosenzweig of Faith Lutheran School.
The students will attend the Dawn Service at the Australia War Memorial on the Western Front and visit battlefields in Belgium and France, as well as memorials in London and Paris.
On their trip they will retrace the steps of the former servicemen and women they researched as part of their entries to the competition.
The students are being accompanied by Lieutenant Governor of South Australia, Hieu Van Le; RSL representative John Spencer; and teachers John Griffen of Willunga High School and Susan Howlett of Mitcham Girls High School.
Last year, Year 9 and 10 students were asked to make a video, a six-minute digital program, audio production, web page or to write a three-page application to enter the competition.
Winning student, Renae Farr said students should get involved for their chance to get the opportunity to gain a better understanding of Australian soldiers’ experiences.
Entries for the 2011 prize are open until 24 September and further information will be distributed to SA schools.
“Representing our State at the Anzac Day memorial at Villers-Bretonneux in France is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity the students will never forget,” Mr Weatherill said.
“A Dawn Service is a very moving experience that is a special time to pay our respects to the fallen and remember the sacrifices the Diggers made for our country.”
The competition is run in association with the SA Branch of the RSL.
15 April, 2010
Bugs under microscope
in DEH fun night
The Department for Environment and Heritage is to host a free, fun and informative evening exploring the wonders and the world of south east Australia’s bugs and slugs.And everyone is invited to join in.
The second presentation of the 2010 Autumn Biodiversity Series, Creature Features: Spineless, wet and on the wing, will explore the area’s invertebrates.
Environmental Education Facilitator for DEH, Kate Rhook said there was a lot to learn about bugs and their unique way of life.
“Some invertebrates are so small that they can be easily overlooked, but they have the most intriguing ways of living,” Ms Rhook said.
“From misunderstood spiders, to bugs on the front line of recycling, they have the most fascinating camouflage, eating habits, and life cycles.”
She said the night talk would feature live bug displays, take-home information, family-friendly talks and light refreshments afterwards.
Ms Rhook said Creature Features had an exciting line-up of presenters, including Kristen Messenger from the Bugs n Slugs Program.
“For the past three years this program has been the official invertebrate education provider to the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide, the CSIRO Double Helix Club and the Investigator Science Centre, and has inspired more than 20,000 students,” Ms Rhook said.
She said Conservation and Recreation Planner from Forestry SA in Mount Gambier, Bryan Haywood would also speak about local butterflies.
The series of talks is supported by the Southern Natural Resource Management Group and the South East Natural Resource Management Board.
Creature Features: Spineless, wet and on the wing! will be held on 21 April at Wehl St Theatre, Mount Gambier from 6.45pm.
For more information, contact the Department on (08) 8735 1177. Places are limited so the Department advises people to get there early.
15 April, 2010
Crime report finds
Indigenous guilty
A report from the Australian Institute of Criminology has discovered that Indigenous Australians were 15 to 20 times more likely than others to commit a violent crime.Entitled Indigenous perpetrators of violence: Prevalence and risk factors for offending, the report was commissioned by the National Indigenous Violence and Child Abuse Task Force of the Australian Crime Commission.
Director of the AIC, Dr Adam Tomison said unlike previous research which focused on the experiences of Indigenous victims, this report looked at the perpetrators of violence.
Dr Tomison said the report aimed to quantify the prevalence and nature of violent behaviour and examine the relationship between violence and its risk factors.
“We know there are many risk factors linked to violent offending by Indigenous people, including alcohol misuse, illicit drug use, sex, age, childhood experience of violence, abuse and neglect, exposure to pornography, education, income, employment, housing, physical and mental health, geographic location and access to services,” Dr Tomison said.
“Alcohol, however, based on the existing evidence, stands out as a problem over and above all the structural factors such as socioeconomic disadvantage.”
He said the report found the rate of violent offending by Indigenous people was consistently higher than that of non-Indigenous people, with Indigenous males strongly overrepresented.
Dr Tomison said the report also revealed large knowledge gaps in the understanding of Indigenous violent offending.
He said more research was needed to discover initiatives to stop such behaviour.
“It is not enough for us to continue to document the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the criminal justice system without understanding the reasons behind it,” Dr Tomison said.
“There are many Indigenous people who experience a constellation of risk factors who do not offend and this report recommends further research into resilience and protective factors, as part of a developmental prevention approach to the problem.”
The report could be downloaded from www.aic.gov.au
15 April, 2010
Police on Olympic run
South Australia Police officers will join officers from five States and the Australian Capital Territory in the ‘Law Enforcement Torch Run’ for the 2010 Special Olympics opening ceremony in Adelaide on 19 April.
The ‘Flame of Hope’, a symbol of unity, is to be carried by police officers and Special Olympic athletes through 43 towns and cities from the Gold Coast to South Australia, including Mount Gambier and Murray Bridge.
Members of the public are invited to attend the event and to attend the cauldron lighting ceremony.
More information on the Torch run was available from www.runwiththelaw.com.au
Training awards open
Vocational education and training students, employers, training providers, schools and businesses are being encouraged to apply for the 2010 South Australian Training Awards.
The Awards, hosted by South Australia’s Training and Skills Commission, recognise excellence in vocational education and training.
Nominations close on 28 May, with more information available by contacting (08) 8226 2335 or visiting www.satrainingawards.sa.edu.au
Road closures for north
The Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure has advised motorists planning to travel in the northern areas of SA to check road conditions after heavy rain forced a number of roads to close.
Drivers have also been urged to exercise extreme caution when travelling through creek crossings and floodways between Quorn and Leigh Creek
Information about the road closures was available on the Department’s website at www.dtei.sa.gov.au or by contacting 1300 361 033.
Science awards open
Nominations for the South Australian Science Excellence Awards are now open.
Eight awards with total prize money of $125,000 are on offer in the following categories: South Australian Scientist of the Year; South Australian Young Tall Poppy of the Year, Excellence in Research (Commercialisation, Public Good, and Collaboration), and Science Educator of the Year (School, Tertiary and Community).
Minister for Science and Information Economy, Jack Snelling said nominations closed on 21 May and that further information was available from www.innovation.sa.gov.au
Volunteers recognised
South Australians are being asked to nominate for the 2010 Volunteers Day Awards.
The awards aim to recognise the State’s top volunteers from within the 600,000 who provide an estimated 1.4 million hours of volunteer work every week.
Award categories include the Premier’s Business Award in Volunteering, the Joy Noble Medal for service to Government volunteer programs and the Andamooka for projects with significant community benefits.
The Awards will be presented on Volunteers Day on 14 June and nominations close on 14 May. Further information was available from www.ofv.sa.gov.au
Community grants available
Local sporting, recreational, social, cultural and other organisations have been encouraged to apply for a grant in the second round of the Playford Alive Initiatives Fund.
Under the program $150,000 will be available groups with links to the Playford Alive project and whose initiatives will make a positive contribution to the well-being of the Playford Alive community.
Further information on the grants was available from www.lmc.sa.gov.au
8 April, 2010
Return-to-work fund
giving good returns
WorkCoverSA has established a Return to Work Fund to encourage new ideas and initiatives that could help injured workers get back to work sooner.It is now calling for expressions of interest in the $15 million pool that has been put aside.
The fund aims to find solutions to problems that prevent or delay people returning to work, expand retraining options for injured workers and develop greater workforce participation options.
It also hopes to improve the skills of those operating in the State’s workers compensation scheme and establish workplace initiatives to help sectors with known difficulties achieve successful and timely return-to-work outcomes.
WorkCoverSA said it would give priority to projects that focused on locally-based services; educating workers; improving attitudes; providing support, were family inclusive; and collaborative projects between WorkCover and other organisations.
It said there were currently seven projects underway, including an initiative by the Business Services Industry Skills Board to retrain or upskill injured workers.
A project from Business SA involves approaching employers to source and provide work placement opportunities for injured workers to provide them with an alternative pathway into employment.
WorkCoverSA said Interwork Limited would create ‘whole of life’ action plans for injured workers to help them readjust to employment.
The Department of Further Education, Employment, Science and Technology is expected to run a ‘Next Step’ training and employment program for injured workers to give them the opportunity to participate in a self-paced training activity and certificate level training.
WorkCoverSA said these and other projects would result in an increased focus among the State’s workers, employers and worker groups on return-to-work issues.
Expressions of interest for the funding close on 30 June 2010.
Further information was available by phoning (08) 8233 2933 or visiting www.workcover.com
8 April, 2010
Councils frown on
signs of old times
The Local Government Association is calling on candidates from the recent State election to take down their advertising signs.President of the LGA, Mayor Felicity-ann Lewis said she hoped the signs would all be cleared away before the Federal election which is expected to be called later this year.
Ms Lewis said while most candidates from the State election had complied with the rules to remove their signs, there were still “orphan” signs dotting the roadsides.
She urged South Australians to report the location of “unloved and forgotten” signs to respective candidates.
“Every election, hundreds of signs escape the attention of campaign teams, particularly when they have been placed in out-of-the-way places,” Ms Lewis said.
“So we encourage residents to let candidates know where signs are so they can be collected and taken home.”
She said if the signs had to be disposed of by Councils it would cost the public money and Councils could seek to recover costs from the registered owner of the sign.
“Our preference is obviously for candidates to be alerted that their signs remain at large so they can collect them,” Ms Lewis said.
“Our concern is that the longer the signs are left, out in the weather, the greater the likelihood that they will come loose and become a public danger.”
She also reminded people to ensure they were properly enrolled for Local Government elections which will be held later this year.
Ms Lewis said ratepayers not on the State Electoral Roll needed to check they were properly enrolled with their Council by 13 August.
“The State Parliament has removed automatic enrolment for most electors not on the State Electoral Roll so I would urge all such people and businesses to check on www.lga.sa.gov.au/goto/enrol or with the Council concerned,” she said.
8 April, 2010
Work ethic works
for WorkCover
WorkCoverSA has improved its financial position by $148m and has reduced its average levy rate as a result.Chief Executive of WorkCoverSA, Julia Davison said the average levy would be reduced from 3 per cent to 2.75 per cent for 2010-11 as the organisation’s finances moved in a positive direction.
“This will ease some of the financial burden that has been expressed by the State’s employers and is in line with the Government’s commitment to reduce the rate to between 2.25 per cent and 2.75 per cent,” Ms Davison said.
She welcomed the good financial results, but said WorkCover still had a way to go as it continued to improve case management and return-to-work outcomes for injured workers.
Ms Davison said return-to-work issues remained pivotal to the long term future of the Scheme.
She said WorkCoverSA’s unfunded liability had decreased from $1.059 billion at June 2009 to $911m in December 2009, lower than the organisation’s unfunded liability of $1.298bn at December 2008 and $984m at 30 June 2008.
According to the latest actuarial valuation received by the WorkCover Board, the Scheme is now 62.8 per cent funded - an improvement of 6 percentage points on 30 June 2009 figures when the Scheme was 56.7 per cent funded.
Ms Davison said this was the second period in a row where there had been a drop in WorkCover’s unfunded liability.
“Over the last 12 months world financial markets have stabilised and the impact on the South Australian economy is less than first predicted,” she said.
“We have recouped much of our investment losses and this time round the economic factors that had fluctuated wildly over the last 12 months have had a negligible impact on the Scheme’s liabilities.”
Ms Davison said for each of the past four six-monthly actuarial valuations WorkCover had improved upon the actuary’s projections.
A summary of results from 30 June 2008 to 31 December 2009 was available from www.workcover.com.au
8 April, 2010
Caring researcher
shares results
A new approach to caring for Emergency patients that is being used at Flinders Medical Centre in Adelaide has been found to cut waiting times and reduce the amount of time a patient might spend in hospital. Research undertaken by consultant physician at Flinders Medical Centre and Flinders University, Dr Jordan Li found establishing Acute Medical Units (AMUs) in hospitals could free up beds and reduce delays.
Minister for Health, John Hill said patients who went into an Emergency Department and were assessed as not being in immediate danger but likely to need further investigation, treatment or a bed, were sent to the AMU and cared for by doctors and nurses.
Mr Hill said taking those patients out of the Emergency Department kept it clear for new patients.
In the study, which was published in the Medical Journal of Australia, Dr Li compared data for general medical patients admitted to the Flinders Medical Centre in 2003 and 2006, before and after the AMU was established.
He found the average length of a hospital stay shortened from 6.8 days in 2003 to 5.7 days in 2006, increasing bed capacity by about 4,391 bed-days per year.
This was despite admissions increasing by more than 50 per cent, and other factors including increases in the age of patients and the number of patients with existing conditions.
“We face a steady increase in the number of acute admissions so any reduction in the length of patients’ hospital stay contributes to the efficiency of care and the availability of beds,” Dr Li said.
He said the study also found that after the AMU was established, the direct discharge rate within 24 hours increased from 13.2 per cent to 17.7 per cent.
The number of patients waiting in Emergency for a hospital bed for over eight hours also decreased.
Mr Hill said the Government was setting up more AMUs at Lyell McEwin and Modbury Hospitals and expanding the assessment unit at the Queen Elizabeth, with an extra $6.35 million every year for four years.
“The research done by Dr Li and his colleagues is really encouraging as it shows that reforming the way hospitals work can bring real improvements for patients,” Mr Hill said.
8 April, 2010
Cemeteries grounded
in population push
Population growth in South Australia is putting pressure on the amount of land available for cemeteries, according to a new report from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. According to the Bureau, even with a gradual shift towards cremations, the predicted metropolitan population increase of half a million over the next 30 years could affect future requirements for cemetery development.
The ABS said the need for new cemetery land could be reduced by current availability in the north of Adelaide and regional South Australia and by reusing burial plots, changing community requirements and the emergence of new technologies.
In its March edition of SA Stats, the Bureau said a growing preference for cremations over the past two decades had led to the proportion of burials in South Australia slowly decreasing.
It said Adelaide’s two major providers of burial and cremation services - Adelaide Cemeteries Authority and Centennial Park Cemetery Authority - together conducted about 56 per cent of the State’s burials and cremations, with around 75 per cent of those services in Adelaide.
It said burials represented 22 per cent of services provided compared with 34 per cent of burials for all South Australian providers.
The SA Births Deaths and Marriages Registry Office estimated there were about 4,300 burials in South Australia last year, with the number expected to increase to about 5,000 to 7,000 burials a year by 2056, resulting in a requirement each year of at least 2 hectares of land.
The full March edition of SA Stats (ABS catalogue no. 1345.4), was available from www.abs.gov.au
8 April, 2010
Beach makes waves
in clean-up awards
South Port Noarlunga beach is the Overall Winner of the national Keep Australia Beautiful Clean Beach Awards for 2009/10.The beach also won awards in the Resource Recovery and Waste Management; Environmental Innovation and Protection; Water Conservation; and Young Legends categories as well as a distinction in the Community Action and Partnerships category.
Federal Minister for Climate Change, Energy Efficiency and Water, Senator Penny Wong presented the Overall Winner award at a ceremony in Sydney.
“South Port Surf Life Saving Club shows outstanding leadership that I hope encourages all beach communities around Australia to take up environmental initiatives,” Senator Wong said.
“I congratulate them and their community members on their dedication and commitment in taking steps to improve their local community’s environment.”
She said the South Port SLSC was one of the first clubs in Australia to have a nominated environmental officer and has an established Costal Action Plan and Dune Management Plan.
The club also promotes recycling and implemented water audit recommendations such as using buckets and sponges instead of hoses to clean boats.
South Port youths work to help prevent sand boarding over the dunes and the local nursery is involved in collecting seeds from Indigenous plants for propagation and dune planting.
Clean Beaches National Judge, David Moy said the community members all had a “high-level common goal” and were focused on achieving positive outcomes for the environment.
“The approach of the SLSC and other community partners was pivotal to their enhanced environmental protection and climate change impact,” Mr Moy said.
“They are most deserving of this award.”
The Australian Clean Beaches Awards is organised by Keep Australia Beautiful and further information is available from www.kab.org.au
8 April, 2010
Timely change to
gardening hours
Changes to garden watering times under current water restrictions have been made to take account of the end of daylight saving.Minister for Water, Paul Caica said the changes were minor and would mean gardeners would not have to water in the dark.
Mr Caica said the changes applied from Easter Sunday and meant there would still be a maximum limit of five hours watering a week, but that the watering hours would move to between 7am and 10am and 4pm and 7pm.
“Watering cans and buckets can be used at any time and sprinklers and other watering systems will remain banned,” Mr Caica said.
“The change to watering hours won’t affect the elderly and disability permit holders.”
The Minister said while the Government would continue to examine water consumption on a month-by-month basis, he was impressed with the community’s efforts to limit water, even when restrictions became more flexible in November.
“So far this year Adelaide has used about 42.7 billion litres of water which is about 3 billion litres less than at the same time last year,” he said.
“It is clear people are keen to limit their water use, even when they are given more opportunity to water their gardens.”
Mr Caica said Adelaide’s total reservoir holdings were at about 61 per cent capacity, around three per cent higher than the same period last year, putting the city in a good position as the cooler months approach.
He said about 88 billion litres less water had been pumped into the Mount Lofty storages from the River Murray this financial year when compared to 2008-09, as the State continued to use water captured from last year’s winter and spring rainfall.
Enhanced Level 3 Water Restrictions apply to SA Water clients supplied with River Murray water and those on the southern Fleurieu Peninsula and Eyre Peninsula.
Special restrictions apply in Port Pirie and parts of Whyalla to allow residents to control dust.
Further information was available from the Water Restrictions Hotline on 1800 130 952 or www.sawater.com.au
8 April, 2010
Clubs caught in
Fisheries’ net
PIRSA Fisheries has warned community clubs and other organisations of the rules surrounding the sale of fish.Regional Manager of Central South for PIRSA Fisheries, Randel Donovan said recent inspections by Fisheries Officers had found many community organisations were not sure which protocols they should follow when purchasing and then selling seafood.
“One of the biggest misconceptions is that it is okay for sporting clubs and community organisations to accept donated fish or recreationally caught fish and then on-sell them to make money,” Mr Donovan said.
“It is important that such groups and organisations understand it is illegal to accept fish unless it has been provided by a registered fish processor.”
He said the laws were introduced to ensure legitimate fish processors were safeguarded against people seeking to generate income without having the appropriate authority to do so.
“Just because someone has a commercial fishing licence, it doesn’t mean he or she can sell fish directly to a club,” Mr Donovan said.
He said sporting clubs and organisations should ensure the person selling them fish had an appropriate fish processor’s licence.
Mr Donovan said they should also keep receipts for all seafood purchased and stored on the premises, along with a record book summarising seafood purchases in sequential order, including the date of purchase, who it was purchased from, the type of fish or fish product, weight and price paid.
He said anyone who wanted more information could contact FISHWATCH on 1800 065 522.
8 April, 2010
Library maps out
map contest
The State Library of South Australia has launched a map-making competition based on a five-day holiday travelling around South Australia.In conjunction with the RAA and the Australian & New Zealand Map Society, the Library will be offering prizes for the top three winners and then adding their maps to its permanent archive.
Entrants have been invited to draw up a five-day holiday itinerary on a map, featuring South Australia’s best attractions along the way.
The maps can include just one location or a variety of spots across the State.
Under the competition rules, geographical distance is not an issue, so an itinerary could start off with a morning hike in the Flinders Ranges and end with an evening enjoying seafood at Port Lincoln.
Entrants must submit a brochure outlining their intended travels in a five day period and include a map showing where they will travel and descriptive narratives of locations and intended activities.
The Library has stipulated that entries can use photos and other imagery, and must be one single or double-sided A4 page.
Prizes include a $1,000 RAA Travel Voucher for first place, while those coming in second and third will receive a $500 and $250 RAA Travel Voucher respectively.
Each winner will also receive a tour of the State Library of South Australia’s mapping archive for themselves and a friend.
Winning entries will be on display during the ANZMapS Conference and will become part of the official State Library of South Australia Archive.
Entries close on 30 April, with the winners to be announced on 11 June.
Entry details and conditions were available from www.slsa.sa.gov.au
8 April, 2010
DNA jurors caught
with genes down
The Australian Institute of Criminology has released a report into the use of DNA evidence in Court, arguing that more should be done to ensure jurors understand its ‘complex’ science.The AIC said although DNA evidence had become a common feature of criminal trials over the past 20 years and could increase convictions even in a weak circumstantial case, improving jurors’ knowledge of DNA could lead to better decision making and more secure verdicts.
The report, Enhancing fairness in DNA jury trials, was based on a study that assessed the pre-trial DNA knowledge of 3,611 jury-eligible Australians.
The paper found jurors with little knowledge of DNA would defer to the expert’s view when verbally presented with evidence.
However, it found that when jurors watched a simulated homicide trial featuring a multimedia tutorial on DNA profiling evidence, their DNA knowledge was significantly improved.
“When given clear and well-sequenced complex information, lay jurors dealt competently with it and this enhanced DNA knowledge increased their level of scepticism about experts and reduced the number of convictions,” the AIC said in a statement.
“The multimedia tutorial presented to the jurors effectively improved the decision-making of those whose comprehension of the scientific evidence was lowest, bringing their verdicts in line with those whose understanding of the evidence was most accurate.
“These findings can assist Courts and legal administrators to develop procedures for the use of visual aids, the use of a single expert and use of agreed background information material in DNA cases, presented either before or during trial.”
The AIC said the use of DNA evidence in Australian Courts had increased significantly since 1989 and, with DNA technology being well-tested, was no longer the subject of defence challenges.
The AIC said while it had become generally accepted practice for a single forensic expert to verbally guide a jury through DNA evidence, there was a concern that the fairness of these verdicts may be compromised by widespread misconceptions about the infallibility of DNA evidence.
The paper was available at www.aic.gov.au
8 April, 2010
Records blown away in
wind power plans
A milestone in South Australia’s renewable energy program is expected to be reached in July when the combined total of wind energy on tap is due to pass 1,000 megawatts.Premier, Mike Rann said the combined investment by private energy companies in wind farms across the State equalled almost $2 billion since 2002.
Mr Rann said two more wind projects were under construction, with a combined capacity of 150 megawatts.
He said the two new projects, Infigen Energy’s 39 MW Stage 3 project at Lake Bonney and Roaring 40s 111 MW Stage 1 project at Waterloo, are both expected to be commissioned by July this year.
Mr Rann said SA was well on its way to achieving its target of 33 per cent of electricity generated from renewable energy sources by 2020 which would match California’s ambitious target.
He said he expected the first target – 20 per cent of electricity generated from renewables – to be achieved ahead of the 2014 schedule.
“If South Australia were a nation-state, it would rank second in the world behind only Denmark in the amount of wind energy it hosts as a proportion of its total electricity generation,” Mr Rann said.
“We have the sites and the wind resource to host much more.
“We have set ourselves up to become the engine room of Australia’s wind energy industry.”
The Premier said the RenewablesSA Board was working to bring further investment into South Australia.
He said the Government was investing in a Sustainable Technologies Precinct at the former Mitsubishi site at Tonsley Park to maximise the economic benefits of renewable energy and clean technology.
Mr Rann said a Government-commissioned study showed Eyre Peninsula had the potential to host a further 2,000 megawatts of conventional wind generation turbines.
“The installed capacity on Eyre Peninsula alone could potentially be much higher using new, high-yield turbines,” he said.
“However, we must first have the ability to link these extra wind farms to the national electricity grid.
8 April, 2010
Rail info kit on
the right track
A review of the Rail Access Regime Information Kit by the Essential Services Commission of South Australia has found aspects of the kit could be improved.The Commission finalised its Review of the South Australian Rail Access Regime: Information Kit, which focused on how to improve the information brochure, ensure commercial negotiations were transparent and ensure the information in the brochure would lead to a successful negotiation.
The Information Kit explains the main features of the Rail Access Regime and the Pricing Principles and Reporting Requirements established by the Commission.
According to the Commission, the Access Regime applies to third-party access to major intrastate railways in South Australia and aims to provide for access to railway services on fair commercial terms as SA railways are owned by six main organisations: Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC), APT, NRG Flinders, OneSteel, GWA and TransAdelaide.
The Commission said the Information Kit’s floor and ceiling pricing principles should be extended to incorporate some features of AustralAsia Railway’s guidelines and the Australian Rail Track Corporation Undertaking.
The Commission undertook the review after its 2009 Inquiry into the Access Regime identified aspects of the existing Information Kit that could be further improved, such as greater transparency in pricing information.
In finalising its decision on the Information Kit, the Commission regarded submissions to the Draft Revised Information Kit and accompanying Discussion Paper that was released in December 2009.
The Commission’s findings have led to some amendments already being made.
The South Australian Rail Access Regime Information Kit – Final Decision could be accessed at www.escosa.sa.gov.au
8 April, 2010
New airport policy
grounds old jets
Noisy, smelly and dirty old jet aircraft are to be banned from Australia’s major airports from September.Federal Minister for Transport, Anthony Albanese said from 1 September, the ban on older, ‘marginally noise-compliant’ jets such as Boeing 727s would be phased in.
Mr Albanese said the ban had been foreshadowed in an aviation Green Paper released in 2008 and had been restated as policy in a White Paper released last year.
He said from 1 July, no new services using these aircrafts would be allowed at Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Darwin, Cairns, Gold Coast, Essendon, Newcastle (Williamtown), Avalon or Canberra airports.
Existing services are to cease at Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth from 1 September.
“For example, from September the noisy Boeing 727 freight plane that currently flies over thousands of houses in Sydney late on weeknights will no longer do so,” Mr Albanese said.
“Marginally compliant aircraft are predominantly used in the air freight industry and have been an ongoing source of concern for residents around Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth airports.”
He said the aircraft were certified to operate following modifications to meet aircraft noise standards issued in the 1970s.
“Most have been fitted with ‘hush kits’ which entitles them to a ‘marginally compliant’ rating under the 1977 regulation,” Mr Albanese said.
He said the new regulation would make provisions for a marginally compliant aircraft to operate in an emergency or in limited cases if it was in the public interest.
Mr Albanese said airports and air freight operators had been advised of the Government’s intention to have the new regulation in place by 1 July.
He said his Department would work with industry to ensure a smooth introduction.
8 April, 2010
Murray Darling plans
watered down
The national Productivity Commission has issued a report into the allocation of water to the Murray Darling Basin, arguing against any more water purchases until a long term plan for the Basin is finalised.The Commission has presented its recommendations to the Federal Minister for Climate Change, Energy Efficiency and Water, Senator Penny Wong.
Senator Wong said while the Government would consider the report’s findings and recommendations in more detail, it was unlikely they would all be accepted.
She said the report, Market Mechanisms for Recovering Water in the Murray Darling Basin, recommended water purchase be prioritised as a more efficient way of returning water to rivers than infrastructure investment.
Senator Wong said the report also recommended more rigorous approval processes for infrastructure projects.
She said the Commonwealth agreed that water purchase was the fastest way to improve river health, and that under the $12.9 billion Water for the Future plan, it was both purchasing water and investing in the efficiency of irrigation.
“But we don’t agree that infrastructure investment should be de-prioritised,” Senator Wong said.
“It is equally important to invest in infrastructure to shore up the long term viability of our food producing communities and sustain the regions, particularly in the face of a future with less water.”
She agreed with the Productivity Commission’s recommendation for rigorous approval processes for infrastructure projects and, while she said substantial due diligence processes were in place, she would be seeking advice as to whether further steps were necessary.
Senator Wong said the report also raised issues regarding social and economic issues in the Basin Plan under the Federal Water Act 2007.
She agreed it was “critically important” to address social and economic effects when restoring the system’s health.
“This objective is reflected in the Water Act, which has twice secured bi-partisan support in the Australian Parliament,” she said.
The report Market Mechanisms for Recovering Water in the Murray Darling Basin was available from www.pc.gov.au
8 April, 2010
Plants guide grows
in popularity
An updated guide to native plants in the South East has been published with the support and endorsement of the South East Natural Resources Management (SE NRM) Board.Written by Neville Bonney as a partnership with SE NRM and Central NRM Boards, the guide What South East Native Plant is that? offers simple, user-friendly identification for common plants of the South East.
The book aims to help land managers and primary producers manage the natural environment on their properties.
Mr Bonney, who is an advocate, nurseryman and a revegetation practitioner, said he was passionate about the region and wanted everyone to feel the same way.
“I want people to know what they are looking at and understand the role flora plays in our environment,” Mr Bonney said.
“We’re privileged to live in the South East and this book shows you 400 reasons why.”
Group Chair of the Southern NRM, Max Arney said the book would act as a springboard for education, community engagement and skills development initiatives in the area of native vegetation.
Mr Arney said it would help guide primary and tertiary students, volunteers, landholders, managers of native vegetation, seed collectors, revegetators and native plant enthusiasts.
“This is a book that will help people understand the important plant species of the region and highlight their conversation and heritage value,” Mr Arney said.
He said the guide, featured hundreds of colour photos, black and white drawings, plant descriptions, plant locations and historical, economic and Aboriginal information.
Chair of the Central NRM, James Ferguson said the region was home to diverse flora, ranging from the Mallee Parks in the North West, to the ever-changing Coorong.
“We’ve got wild coasts, rich wetlands, sinkholes and beautiful native forests,” Mr Ferguson said.
“Our NRM Group is pleased to be able to support a project which increases people’s understanding of what flora belongs in our region.”
The 2010 edition of What South East Native Plant is that? costs $45, with further information available from www.senrm.sa.gov.au
8 April, 2010
New stockmarket
lines up for a share
A plan to set up a new stockmarket in competition with the ASX has been approved by the Commonwealth Government in principle.Federal Minister for Financial Services, Superannuation and Corporate Law, Chris Bowen said the Government supported competition between markets for trading in listed shares and gave in-principle approval to a licence application from Chi-X Australia.
“The Government’s announcement of support for competition between financial markets operating in Australia is an important step in ensuring that Australia’s financial markets are innovative and efficient, now and into the future,” Mr Bowen said.
He said Chi-X was a wholly-owned Australian-incorporated subsidiary of Chi-X Global, which already operates markets throughout Europe and Canada.
Mr Bowen said alternative trading systems had been operating successfully in the US and Europe for a number of years.
He said the announcement was in line with a key recommendation in the report, Australia as a Financial Centre: Building on Our Strengths, which called for competitive, efficient and innovative equity markets.
“The decision of the Government to support competition is a vital step in the development of Australia as a financial services hub,” the Minister said.
He said Chi-X’s application for an Australian market licence would be decided after the necessary regulatory framework was in place and other requirements had been met.
He said the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) had advised him Chi-X was “well on its way” to meeting the requirements.
Mr Bowen said the Corporations Regulations 2001 would have to be amended and ASIC-set market integrity rules settled before the regulatory framework could be finalised.
“If final approval is granted, Chi-X’s competing market will not become operational until supervisory responsibilities have transferred to ASIC and an appropriate settling-in period has taken place,” Mr Bowen said.
He said competition would be a significant change in Australia’s market structure and would have implications for price discovery and compliance and best execution.
“To ensure the integrity of the Australian market the Government is committed to ensuring that supervisory and regulatory arrangements are established and communicated to the market before competition is introduced,” Mr Bowen said.
He said other applications for market licences would also be considered on their merits, in accordance with Federal laws.
8 April, 2010
Botanic Gardens fun day
The Adelaide Botanic Garden is holding a free Family Fun Day on 11 April from 10am to 4pm.
Birds, Bugs and Banksias will feature art, workshops, walks, talks, bush food tastings, planting, painting activities for kids and other displays to highlight the beauty and resilience of Australian native plants
Further information on the Fun Day was available from www.environment.sa.gov.au
Funding injection for health
Additional clinical training places for students at local universities have been announced by the Commonwealth in an effort to encourage more health students to study and work in South Australia.
Flinders University, the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia will share in an additional $10 million in funding from the Commonwealth’s Increased Clinical Training Capacity grants.
The grants will support approximately 740 additional clinical training placements for students currently enrolled in medicine, nursing, optometry, physiotherapy, social work, dentistry, podiatry and a number of other disciplines.
Coastal weeds hot topic
The Department for Environment and Heritage is holding a free biodiversity talk, Coastal Weeds: What’s jumping over your garden fence? on 15 April.
It is the second in a series of biodiversity talks in the Coorong and Lower Lakes area.
Weeds Coordinator at the Department, Chris Brodie will be giving the talk, sharing his knowledge of weeds and their impact on the coastline.
The speech will be held at Goolwa Centenary Hall on at 6.45pm for a 7pm start. Further information was available by phoning the Department on (08) 8555 0948.
Better road for ranges
Work to seal a 53 kilometre section of road between Wilpena and Blinman has been completed.
Director of Road and Traffic Management at the Department of Transport, Energy and Infrastructure, Flett Steele said the $12.7 million undertaking would improve access to the Flinders Ranges and safety conditions when driving between the two towns.
The project was jointly funded by the State and Federal Governments.
