Disability plan to
enable entire PS

Big city planning
is capital idea

State floats sub
design plan

Minister does job
on job scammers

Retiring principals
hard acts to follow

Bushfire DVD
a hot item

Energy drink campaign
to be hyped up

Ex-Education DG
back at school

Water police to make
safety splash

Bike-safe fences get
traffic green light

Thin blue line
becomes longer

Curfew locks out
doorknockers

Island fire plan
gets thumbs up

Investors to bank
on new ASIC guide

Curtain campaign
comes with strings

SA Water taps into
more scholarships

Enterprise bargain
billed as good deal

Fatigue calculator
is tired and true

PS in from cold as
job freeze melts

Councils cleaned up
in new audit rules

Phone alert system
gets the numbers

Police drink to new
liquor powers

• Mandatory responsible service of alcohol training;
• Introduction of ‘chaperones’ in high-risk venues to escort intoxicated patrons to transport;
• Limiting the alcohol content and size of shots;
• Enhanced crowd control outside venues;
• Banning public advertising of drink specials and happy hours outside venues;
• Additional responsible service measures.


10 December, 2009


Outback authority
scrubs up

A new management authority to support and develop South Australia’s Outback Communities is to be established mid-next year to help address infrastructure needs, service planning and community managements.
   Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Gail Gago said the Outback Communities Authority would replace the Outback Areas Community Development Trust.
   Ms Gago said the Authority would cover 65 per cent of the State and less than one per cent of the population not serviced by Local Councils.
   She said the Authority’s area would continue to take in remote areas of the State from Blinman, Andamooka, William Creek, Oodnadatta and Innamincka in SA’s north to Penong and Fowlers Bay in the west.
   “We’ve worked through the best options to replace the existing five-member Port Augusta-based Trust, delivering a seven-member body which I expect will bring together a vital mix of professional skills to manage the region.” Ms Gago said.
   “At least four outback representatives will be included, and possibly all seven if the necessary skills set can be sourced from outback communities.”
   She said the Authority would be responsive to community needs and aspirations and would be able to raise revenue to help maintain and develop local infrastructure and facilities.
   Ms Gago said support from other Agencies and the Commonwealth Local Government (Financial Assistance) Grants would not be affected by the new structure.
   She said key elements of the Outback Communities (Administration and Management) Bill 2009 included increased community consultation on infrastructure, service planning and community management; the creation of an asset sustainability levy; increased powers to manage developments and matters such as rubbish collection; improved transparency; and equitable distribution of community funds.
   Ms Gago said potential appointees to the Outback Communities Authority could access further information from www.oacdt.sa.gov.au


10 December, 2009


Refund probe
on the money

The Office of Consumer and Business Affairs is to focus on refund policies and bait advertising as it gears up for the busy Christmas shopping period.
   Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gail Gago said December was a busy time for shoppers and that her Office wanted to make sure retailers were not misleading customers about their refund rights or the availability of sale items.
   Ms Gago said in the lead up to Christmas in 2008, the OCBA found almost 10 per cent of traders visited did not understand their obligations under fair trading laws or were displaying illegal signage.
   “That’s not good enough,” Ms Gago said.
   “All traders must be aware of their responsibilities under fair trading laws and make sure they are practising them to the letter.”
   She said the law did not allow traders to add their own criteria or qualifications to a consumer’s rights or to only stock small quantities of sale items to entice consumers in to purchase other items.
   “The purpose of this monitoring program is to clamp down on such behaviour,” Ms Gago said.
   She said 42 of the 470 stores visited by OCBA staff in 2008 were misleading consumers, either with incorrect refund policies or price-scanning inaccuracies.
   Ms Gago said shops were caught displaying incorrect refund signs, such as ‘no exchange on sale items’ and ‘no refund on lay-bys’.
   Stores found to be in error were issued with a formal warning and followed up to ensure the issue had been addressed while repeat offenders risked prosecution.
   Ms Gago said traders making misrepresentations to consumers about their refund rights or about the availability of sale items risked a maximum penalty of $100,000.
   She said concerns about shop refund policies or supply problems consumers could be made by phoning (08) 8204 9777, or 131 882 for country callers.


10 December, 2009


Minister puts bite on
fruit fly travellers

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Paul Caica has issued a reminder to travellers not to put the State’s multi-million dollar horticulture industry at risk by bringing fruit and vegetables over the border this summer.
   Mr Caica said now was a high-risk period for fruit fly infestations and reminded residents and visitors to be vigilant in helping to keep SA fruit-fly free.
   He said it was illegal to travel from interstate with fruit and vegetables.
   Mr Caica said people coming back across the border would be reminded to stop before they entered the State to declare, bin or eat their produce.
   “Being fruit fly free means that our horticultural producers have access to lucrative export markets worth more than $100 million annually, and as a community we can enjoy fresh and pest-free home-grown produce,” he said.
   Mr Caica said the State borders were protected by fruit disposal bins on highway entry points, the airport, bus and rail terminals, sea ports and permanent and mobile quarantine roadblocks throughout the State.
   “If caught doing the wrong thing, there is a fine of $315, plus a $30 levy,” he said.
   “There is no penalty if fruit is voluntarily disposed of at the quarantine roadblocks.”
   Mr Caica said travellers needed to take additional measures when travelling through the Riverland, including carrying a valid receipt for produce purchased within SA.
   He said people were not permitted to take any home-grown fruit and fruiting vegetables, including tomatoes, chillies, capsicums and eggplant, into the Riverland.
   Mr Caica urged anyone who found maggots in produce to report it to the Fruit Fly Hotline on 1300 666 010.


10 December, 2009


DTEI delivers spray
on water safety

The Department of Transport, Energy and Infrastructure has reinforced the message that people should use life jackets and other floatation devices when participating in water activities this summer.
   Director of Transport Safety Regulation for the Department, Brian Hemming said personal flotation devices (PFDs) were a ‘must have’ safety accessory to avoid tragedy on the coastline and along the River Murray.
   “Making sure you have the right life jacket should be your number one priority when planning an aquatic getaway over summer,” Mr Hemming said.
   “There is so much fun to be had on our waterways but fun can turn to tragedy so quickly if people aren’t properly equipped.”
   He said a suitable device must be worn at all times by anyone in a canoe, kayak or sailboard, when kite surfing or operating a personal watercraft, as well as anyone engaged in skiing behind a vessel.
   Mr Hemming said PFDs should be readily accessible and fitted before people participated in activities on the water.
   He said while every person on board a vessel must have access to a PFD, specific attention should be given to children to ensure their safety on the water.
   Mr Hemming recommended children wear a PFD when they were in any open area of a vessel and highlighted the importance of fitting it correctly to ensure the child could not slip out.


10 December, 2009


Science teachers
have right formula

Twenty-one science and mathematics teachers have been recognised for their participation in the Premier’s Industry Awards.
   Minister for Education, Dr Jane Lomax-Smith said the awards were conducted in conjunction with Business SA to give teachers from Reception to Year 12 the opportunity to spend 10 days working in an industry or business.
   Dr Lomax-Smith said teachers also spent five days developing teaching and learning resources that related to their placement, as well as attending induction and presentation ceremonies.
   “The Premier’s Industry Awards is an initiative designed to build links between classrooms, science or mathematics teachers and industry,” Dr Lomax-Smith said.
   “The program provides a professional development learning experience that exposes teachers to the practical applications of mathematics and science during an industry placement.”
   She said by participating in the program, teachers developed an up-to-date, first-hand understanding of the applications of science and mathematics in business and industry.
   “There’s the associated benefit of being able to provide engaging, real-life problems and contexts for students,” Dr Lomax-Smith said.
   “Teachers also have the opportunity to develop working partnerships and networks between workplaces and their schools.”
   Teachers were placed in a raft of industries and businesses, including SAGE Didactic, Australian Fisheries Academy Limited, Catapult People and Fulton Hogan.
   Dr Lomax-Smith said the awards were in their sixth year and, while 21 teachers had a placement in 2009, it was anticipated the number would increase to 30 in 2010.


10 December, 2009


Gloves are off for
kids’ protection

New legislation to better protect vulnerable children from adults who exploit them has been announced by Attorney-General, Michael Atkinson.
   Mr Atkinson said the Statutes Amendment (Children’s Protection) Bill 2009 was introduced to Parliament in response to recommendations made by Commissioner Ted Mullighan in his report, Children in State Care Commission of Inquiry.
   “Children who run away from home or State care often end up living with an adult who offers shelter, food and drugs in return for sexual services or for selling drugs,” Mr Atkinson said.
   “It is difficult to protect these vulnerable children under the current laws, because the grounds for removing them require proof of what is happening to them, and often it is only the child who really knows.”
   He said children who were exploited often become dependent on the adult and wouldn’t speak out for fear of what the adult might do to them and the risk of losing their shelter or drugs.
   Mr Atkinson said the new laws would stop the adult from having any further contact with the child without having to rely on evidence from the child.
   He said the Magistrates’ Court would be able to make temporary arrangements for the child’s accommodation pending further investigation.
   Mr Atkinson said the Statutes Amendment (Children’s Protection) Bill 2009 established a child-protection restraining order to prevent exploitation.
   The penalty for breaching a child-protection restraining order is two years imprisonment.
   Mr Atkinson said the Bill also gave the Chief Executive of the Department of Families and Communities authority to direct people not to harbour, conceal or communicate with children in State Care.
   An adult who continues to keep in contact or harbours the child after being directed not to could face up to four years in jail.


10 December, 2009


Special JPs to
unlock more cases

Special Justices of the Peace are to be given the authority to hear more cases in a bid to increase the efficiency of the State’s criminal justice system.
   Attorney-General, Michael Atkinson said amendments to the Magistrates Court Act would result in a practical and cost-effective way to deliver swifter justice.
   “Allowing a broader range of minor offences, uncontested applications and procedural matters to be dealt with by Special Justices will free Magistrates to deal with more serious criminal offences,” Mr Atkinson said.
   “This improves outcomes for victims of crime as well as increasing access to justice.”
   He said the power of Special Justices would be extended to enable them to hear and determine a charge for any offence with a maximum penalty of $2,500 and no penalty of imprisonment.
   Mr Atkinson said some specified offences with a maximum fine of $2,500 that included imprisonment as a penalty would also be heard by a Special Justice.
   He said under the changes Special Justices could deal with some uncontested applications, including consent bail applications and bail variations.
   Mr Atkinson said an additional $450,000 had been allocated to facilitate additional sittings by Special Justices and to cater for extra training.
   He said the funding allowed 126 additional Special Justice sitting days to take place in 2009-10.


10 December, 2009


SA training tracks
ahead of the rest

South Australia continues to outperform national levels of apprentices and trainees, according to figures released by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research.
   Acting Minister for Employment, Training and Further Education, Paul Caica said there were 32,400 apprentices and trainees in SA at the end of June this year, 0.7 per cent higher than the same time in 2008.
   Mr Caica said nationally there had been a decrease of 2.4 per cent for the same period.
   “South Australia’s VET system is continuing to deliver high quality education and training to meet growing skill needs as the economy begins to recover,” Mr Caica said.
   “The number in-training is an increase of 1.7 per cent on the March 2009 quarter compared to a decrease of 0.7 per cent nationally.”
   He said the figures showed in-training numbers also rose for technician and trade workers, a positive result for trades facing increased demand.
   “In SA, 5,500 apprentices and trainees commenced their training in the June quarter, an increase of 2 per cent compared to the same time last year,” Mr Caica said.
   “Nationally commencements decreased by 12.6 per cent.
   “During the same period, 2,600 apprentices and trainees completed their training - 7.8 per cent higher compared to the June quarter 2008, and well above the 3.5 per national increase.”
   Mr Caica said 1,400 young trainees completed their apprenticeships in SA in the June quarter for 2009, representing 53.1 per cent of the State’s completion figure – 3.7 per cent higher than the national average.
   He said there were also 1,200 technician and trade worker apprenticeship commencements in the June quarter and 13,200 technician and trade worker apprentices in-training in the State, an increase from the same time last year.


10 December, 2009


Curtain campaign
comes with strings

South Australia has joined a national campaign to raise awareness of the risk of looped cords on curtains and blinds and is advising people to keep them out of reach of young children to prevent strangulation.
   Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gail Gago said the campaign was being led by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to inform parents and carers of some simple precautions they can take to make their blinds safer.
   Ms Gago said a safety ban introduced by South Australia in January this year meant new curtains and blinds with looped cords could not be supplied in the State unless they met safety requirements.
   The ban followed a Coronial Inquiry into the death of a South Australian toddler after he became entangled in the loop of a blind cord while in his cot.
   Ms Gago said parents, grandparents and carers with existing blind and curtains in their home needed to check that looped cords could not be accessed by young children in order to prevent further deaths.
   She said consumers could cut the cord to eliminate the loop, fasten the cord against the wall using a cord pulley and ensure cots, highchairs and climbing hazards were placed well away from curtains with looped cords.
   “I cannot stress enough the importance of this issue,” Ms Gago said.
   “Infant deaths as a result of unsafe blind and curtain cords are entirely preventable and it’s a matter of raising awareness of the hazards.”
   She said more information on blind and curtain cord safety was available from www.ocba.sa.gov.au


10 December, 2009


SA Water taps into
more scholarships

SA Water is to add four new scholarships aimed at South Australian university students to its scholarship program next year.
   Chief Executive of SA Water, Anne Howe said the new Learning for Life scholarships aimed to offer assistance to students studying at a tertiary level.
   “Through the new program we will be able to support university students undertaking varied levels of education, providing the basic necessities required for tertiary study by helping to purchase items such as text books, stationery and also give them access to mentoring support, resources which they may have otherwise missed out on,” Ms Howe said.
   “During 2010, the four new scholarships we are offering, as well as building on the current work we do, will see our overall scholarships funding increase to $500,000.”
   She said the SA Water Scholarships program offered education opportunities in a range of categories including disadvantaged youth, Aboriginal peoples, academic excellence, professionals from non-English speaking backgrounds and young women pursuing study in non-traditional roles.
   Ms Howe said the four new scholarships would be delivered by The Smith Family and would build on SA Water’s already strong partnership with the charity
   “Through the cooperation and assistance of The Smith Family, SA Water has been able to provide support to a number of children in local and rural South Australian communities,” she said.
   “The partnership we have established allows us to help young children to pursue their school education where otherwise this may not have been a possibility.”
   Ms Howe said that during 2008-09 SA Water rolled out a $400,000 program of scholarships with more than 150 recipients benefiting.
   She said SA Water worked with The Smith Family, University of South Australia, University of Adelaide, Flinders University, TAFESA and Tauondi College to deliver the scholarships.


10 December, 2009


Seaweed survey to
weed out threats

The Department for Environment and Heritage has conducted a survey on environmental weeds on the South East coast to help conserve the region’s costal environments.
   The survey was part of the Limestone Coast and Coorong Coastal Conservation Assessment and Action Plan, one of a series of coastal conservation assessments being conducted by DEH in conjunction with natural resources management boards and Councils around the State.
   Employees at DEH, Chris Brodie, Ron Sandercock and Jason Quinn documented and collected environmental weeds growing on the coast from the Victorian border to the Murray Mouth.
   Mr Brodie said the survey targeted environmental weeds that posed potential threats to the future of the environment.
   Mr Brodie said Coastcare Week, which runs from 7-13 December, was an ideal time to remind people of the threat environmental weeds pose to coastal environments.
   “Coastal environmental weeds are plants that are not native to the region,” he said.
   “They may be plants originally from overseas that have been brought here, or plants from interstate that have escaped into the wild.”
   Mr Brodie said weeds such as sea wheat-grass and pyp grass were a serious problem as they grew quickly and altered the nature of the coastal environment.
   “They usually prevent native plants from growing, which can also affect the native animals and insects that rely on that vegetation for food and shelter,” he said.
   Mr Brodie said by mapping the location and spread of environmental weeds, they could determine where the problem areas were.
   “We can then help local residents and Councils manage these problem areas using environmental weed control programs,” he said.
   “It’s also important to educate the community about the types of garden plants that can spread and invade coastal environments.”
   Mr Brodie said the Coast Protection Board had published a brochure about garden plants that were known to become serious costal weeds.
   The brochure was available from www.environment.sa.gov.au


10 December, 2009
Water bills up
The average South Australian household water bill is to increase by $1.62 a week in 2010-11 under new water prices announced by the Government.
   Water prices will rise in real terms by 21.7 per cent on average (before inflation) from 1 July 2010, with the fixed annual water supply charge rising by $4.80 (3 per cent).
   Sewerage charges will rise in real terms by 0.8 per cent for metropolitan customers and 1.3 per cent for country customers, with actual rates to be announced before July 2010.

Hoon cars to go
The Government has introduced tough new laws to allow police to crush the cars of hoon drivers.
   Under the changes the Police Commissioner was given the power to direct a car be destroyed rather than sold and the period of vehicle impoundment and clamping has been increased to up to 28 days.
   The reforms were the first to come from a working group set up in May which included Chief Superintendent Paul Schramm and representatives from the Attorney General’s Department, the Department of Transport, Infrastructure and Energy, Parliamentary Counsel and Minister’s Offices.

Parents urged to do maths
The Office of Consumer and Business Affairs has advised parents to be wary of investing in expensive computer tutoring programs after it received several complaints from consumers who paid up to $12,000 for educational programs.
   The OCBA said salespeople pushing education software often had no educational qualifications and that the test they asked children to take was not always aligned to school curriculum.
   The Office advised that a 10-day cooling-off period applies to all purchases over $50 made from door-to-door trader and said further information was available from www.ocba.sa.gov.au

Theatre back in fashion
The latest exhibition at the Adelaide Festival Centre, What People Wore to the Theatre is now open and will run until 7 February 2010.
   The exhibition showcases a variety of items, including those on loan from the NIDA research collection and the State Theatre Company of South Australia wardrobe department.
   Featuring outfits from as far back as 1840s, the exhibition celebrates a time when people used to get dressed up to go to the theatre.

Fire Service celebrates 70
The Macclesfield Country Fire Service has celebrated its 70th year of service to the community.
   CFS Chief Officer, Euan Ferguson said the anniversary was an exciting milestone for the Macclesfield Brigade, which started out with a tank and pump that was transported by a private vehicle before it was replaced by a second-hand 1945 Bedford that was purchased by the community in 1956.
   Celebrations included a street parade of past and present fire appliances, as well as displays and stalls at Davenport Square.

Prickly Pear draft
The Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity has called for public comment on a plan to manage one of the State’s most troublesome weeds.
   The draft State Opuntoid Cacti Management Plan looks at current management options and future goals, objectives and actions for dealing with the Prickly Pear in SA.
   The Plan has been released for an 8-week community consultation period, with further information available from www.dwlbc.sa.gov.au


3 December, 2009


Premier serves up
service awards

The Premier’s Awards for Excellence in the Public Sector have been announced and presented as part of Public Sector Week 2009.
   Minister Assisting the Premier in Public Sector Management, Jay Weatherill said a diverse group of individuals and organisations were recognised with awards including an internet-based journey planner for catching public transport, the plastic bag ban and a garden where disadvantaged people living in supported residential facilities could grow and eat their own fruit and vegetables.
   Mr Weatherill said the awards recognised the work of groups and individuals who had made a significant contribution to achieving the aims of the State’s Strategic Plan.
   “The awards provide an opportunity to honour Public Sector employees who have gone above and beyond the regular demands of their jobs,” Mr Weatherill said.
   “They are a way of acknowledging strong commitment to working for - and with - the people of South Australia.”
   He said the award categories were aligned to the six objectives of the Strategic Plan: growing prosperity, improving wellbeing, attaining sustainability, fostering creativity and innovation, building communities and expanding opportunity.
   The Office of Small Business and Regional Affairs, Department of Trade and Economic Development took out the Growing Prosperity Category for Easy Data, a website providing information on 60 social, environmental and economic indicators, to allow comparisons at Local Government and Regional or State levels.
   Other winners were:

Improving Wellbeing:
   Better Oral Health In Residential Care – SA Dental Service, Department of Health
   Better Oral Health in Residential Care promotes a team approach with GPs, nurses, care workers and dental professionals responsible for oral health assessments, oral health care planning, daily oral hygiene and dental treatment. Next year this model will be implemented in the first Australia-wide Nursing Home Oral and Dental Plan.

Attaining Sustainability:
   South Australia’s Plastic Bag Ban – Zero Waste SA
   This year’s checkout-style plastic bag ban was an historic moment in South Australia’s leadership on environment issues, capturing the attention of national and global leaders in environment reform. A small team at Zero Waste was responsible for introducing the ban, working on legislation, education and behavioural change.

Fostering Creativity and Innovation:
   World First Greywater Treatment System for River Vessels – Water Quality Branch, Environment Protection Authority
   The introduction of greywater management requirements for all vessels operating on South Australian inland waters.

Building Communities:
   Sustainable Online Community Engagement – Office for Volunteers, Attorney-General’s Department
   The program is a partnership between the Office for Volunteers and the University of South Australia and promotes volunteer participation in South Australia

Expanding Opportunity:
   Youth Employment and Training Initiative – Housing Services, Department for Families and Communities in collaboration with Urban Strategy and Asset Management, Department for Families and Communities
   Housing SA works in partnership with other State Government Agencies, non-Government organisations and private enterprise to deliver an employment and training initiative targeting young people within urban renewal, new build and maintenance programs.

Individual award winners:
   Adam Dwyer,
   Southern Primary Health – Inner Southern, Department of Health.
   Richard Ferme,
   ICT Strategy Group, Department of Transport, Energy and Infrastructure


3 December, 2009


OCBA inspectors have
presents of mind

The Office of Consumer and Business Affairs has found 21 unsafe toys and gifts in the shops in the lead up to Christmas.
   Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gail Gago said product safety officers checked hundreds of items at 80 stores across South Australia to make sure any hazardous items were removed from sale before the Christmas buying season.
   Ms Gago said the unsafe items included children’s folding chairs that could entrap fingers; a candle with flammable decorations; three magnetic letters sets that were a choking hazard; a children’s swimsuit with a flotation device that didn’t meet labelling requirements; five bikes with inadequate brakes; and a number of items posing ingestion or choking dangers.
   Ms Gago said 13 traders had been asked to remove the offending items from sale and would receive warning letters, while three repeat offenders had been sent fines.
   “It’s concerning that three stores previously warned for selling unsafe items have been found doing the wrong thing again,” she said.
   Under the Trade Standards Act 1979 it is an offence to manufacture or supply a banned or unsafe item, with offenders facing a maximum penalty of $10,000.
   Ms Gago said consumers with concerns about product safety could contact the Office of Consumer and Business Affair’s product safety section on (08) 8152 0732 or visit www.ocba.sa.gov.au


3 December, 2009


Corruption police
cop a thankyou

The Anti-Corruption Branch of SA Police has been praised for investigating and uncovering corruption in the Department of Transport.
   Attorney-General, Michael Atkinson said an eight-month inquiry into the customer services level of the Department had resulted in 144 bribery and corruption-related offences being laid against 30 people.
   “This successful investigation by the Anti-Corruption Branch confirms my belief that South Australia is already more than adequately served by existing organisations primed to root-out corruption wherever it may be,” Mr Atkinson said.
   “South Australia has several bodies charged with dealing with corruption allegations, including the Police Anti-Corruption Branch, the Police Complaints Authority, an Ombudsman with the powers of a Royal Commissioner, the Government Investigation Unit and an Auditor-General’s Office.
   “They can investigate any Government Agency, including Local Government.”
   Mr Atkinson said recent statistics showed 352 charges of bribery or corruption and abuse of public office had been laid since 2001 and had resulted in 141 convictions.
   He said the latest charges proved the current approach to investigating was working and there was no need to burden South Australian taxpayers with establishing an Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), which came with an estimated annual cost of $30 million.
   “We know the challenges, we are not naive and we do have a good record compared with other States,” Mr Atkinson said.
   “Statistics show that these Agencies are doing an effective job, as public employees have been investigated and where necessary charged with corruption offences, tried, convicted and punished.”
   He said any allegations or evidence of corruption were already dealt with effectively and that with such a high annual cost, establishing an ICAC would be a disproportionate response.
   “All an ICAC does is expose alleged corruption, a task already performed well by many organisations,” Mr Atkinson said.
   “It should also be noted that more than 98 per cent of ICAC allegations are proved to be false.”


3 December, 2009


High Court is new
high water mark

The South Australian Government has issued proceedings in the High Court in a bid to have the Victorian Government remove its 4 per cent cap on water trading in the Murray-Darling river system.
   Premier, Mike Rann said the cap was unconstitutional and hampered trade.
   Mr Rann said taking the matter to the High Court was intended to keep the flow of momentum in reforms to the management of the Murray-Darling system.
   “As far as we are concerned all caps imposed by the Victorian Government need to be banned so that irrigators are free to sell their water licences where and when they see fit,” he said.
   “This is our bid to free the river. This is our bid to make the waters flow. This is our bid to end that constitutional impasse.”
   Minister for the River Murray, Karlene Maywald said proceedings were expected to begin by the end of July, but that the matter could be resolved sooner if Victoria removed its water trading cap.
   “We believe that the best interests of the nation will be served if Victoria chooses to cede and remove the 4 per cent themselves but we are prepared to take this action if Victoria stands firm and we will see it through to its conclusion,” Ms Maywald said.
   Mr Rann said abolishing the annual 4 per cent cap was only part of the solution as Victoria’s 10 per cent cap on trading that was above it provided a permanent block to water trade.
   “Like the 4 per cent cap, the 10 per cent cap is a State Government-imposed water trading cap,” he said.
   “This second cap stops more than 10 per cent of water licences ever being purchased from a particular irrigation district.
   “Therefore, even if the 4 per cent annual cap were to be completely abolished, the 10 per cent cap would remain and continue to place a noose around the neck of water trading in Victoria.”
   Mr Rann said the cap had not been agreed to by the other Basin States and constituted a breach of the National Water Initiative.
   He said the Commonwealth had allocated $3 billion to buy permanent water to restore healthy environmental flows to the River.
   Mr Rann said if the caps were not lifted, the ability of the Commonwealth and other States to buy back water in time to benefit the River, the Lower Lakes and the Coorong would be compromised.
   “We need to remove the barriers to water trading as a matter of some urgency,” he said.


3 December, 2009


UniSA and Library
book up partnership

The State Library of South Australia and UniSA have signed an agreement that will provide postgraduate Library and Information Management students with continued access to experiential learning opportunities.
   Pro Vice Chancellor of the Division of Information Technology, Engineering and the Environment at UniSA, Professor Andrew Parfitt said since 2007 the Library had provided students with access to staff and facilities to deliver specialised courses related to accessing and managing resources, preservation and historical conservation.
   Professor Parfitt said the new agreement would cement that partnership for another two years and embodied the University’s goal of developing strong ties with industry.
   “We work hard to ensure that our graduates are ready for work in an industry that is undergoing a renaissance and emerging as a key area in the information revolution,” he said.
   “In collaboration with the State Library, we are able to equip students with hands on experience complemented by a sound theoretical underpinning.”
   Director of the Library, Alan Smith said UniSA was a preferred partner because of its focus on delivering the best outcomes for students.
   “I have become increasingly impressed with the university’s commitment to its students, not just academically but also in giving them a well-rounded experience through every aspect of their engagement with the university,” Mr Smith said.
   “This commitment to a total quality experience and the user centric focus aligns with the core values of the State Library and it was a pleasure to sign the agreement with them.”
   Head of School of UniSA’s School of Computer and Information Science, Professor Andy Koronios, said the State Library agreement was one of a number of ongoing partnerships aimed at enhancing students’ experiences.
   “Further development of our existing partnership with State Records of South Australia is also taking place to provide similar educational opportunities for Information Management professionals such as archivists,” Professor Koronios said.


3 December, 2009


Garden plants seeds
for new ideas

A new native plant garden at the Adelaide Botanic Gardens has been opened to provide people with the chance to see and learn about plants suited to the South Australian climate.
   Minister for Environment and Conservation, Jay Weatherill said the Australian Native Garden was designed to provide home gardeners with ideas for using native plants.
   “The heat we’ve had in Adelaide last month is a good reminder of the benefits of planting native trees and shrubs,” Mr Weatherill said.
   “Our native plants are water-efficient, colourful, fragrant, make low demands on our fragile soils and adapt to heat and sunlight.”
   He said the new garden showcased plants used for hedging, structural plantings, screening, formal and informal garden beds, a “living wall” and potted plants suitable for different sizes and styles of private gardens.
   Mr Weatherill said a new 25,000 litre rainwater tank had been installed at the garden to provide water to meet the requirements of the new display.
   “This beautiful garden not only showcases plants - it also uses locally sourced and recycled materials to minimise its carbon footprint and help demonstrate sustainable gardening practices,” he said.
   Mr Weatherill said a new set of educational pamphlets would be available at the Botanic Gardens to help people design and look after their own native gardens.
   “Creating more sustainable urban landscapes is an important way of protecting our natural resources,” he said.
   “We’re hoping this initiative will inspire home gardeners and I certainly encourage people to visit this special new garden in the Adelaide Botanic Gardens.”
   As part of the initiative, the State Government is searching for the best home, school and commercial native gardens.
   Guidelines and entry forms were available on the Sustainable Landscapes website www.botanicgardens.sa.gov.au or by calling 82229311.
   Applications close on 11 January 2010.


3 December, 2009


New book has the
dirt on soils

A $10 million, 20-year investment by the State and Federal Governments has culminated in the launch of The Soils of Southern South Australia, a book containing everything you’d need to know about South Australian soils.
   The Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation (DWLBC) and the University of Adelaide jointly launched the publication, which presents data on the soil types and characteristics of South Australia’s agricultural areas.
   Soil scientists from DWLBC, James Hall, David Maschmedt and Bruce Billing co-authored the book which is expected to provide farmers, grape growers and other primary producers with a better understanding of soils in the environment.
   Director of Science, Monitoring and Information at DWLBC, Ben Bruce said The Soils of Southern South Australia was one of the most detailed publications of its kind, summarising the nature, diversity, distribution, limitations and potential of soils in the State’s farming regions.
   “It is based on knowledge and information developed via the State Land and Soil Mapping Program, which has been underway since the mid 1980s,” Mr Bruce said.
   “This program has involved a group of dedicated scientists who have spent long hours in regional areas assessing soil profiles and analysing and mapping the properties and potential of SA’s soils and landscapes.”
   He said the book was organised into 15 soil groups and 61 subgroup soils based on features of most importance to land use and management in South Australia.
   It includes maps, a detailed glossary and soil key, images and presentations of constituent subgroup soils.
   The Soils of Southern South Australia can be purchased through DWLBC (Science, Monitoring and Information Division) by contacting (08) 8463 6947 or via the Primary Industries and Resources SA Customer Service Centre at 101 Grenfell Street, Adelaide.


3 December, 2009


Environment report
gets green light

The Government has released its response to the fifth Environment Protection Authority State of the Environment report, and supports 40 of the 43 recommendations.
   Minister for the Environment and Conservation, Jay Weatherill said the Government supported all nine priority recommendations.
   Mr Weatherill said the agreed recommendations included pursing more environmental water for the River Murray wetlands and doubling the capture and re-use of stormwater by 2012.  
   “The State of the Environment report evaluates the health of the environment and how effectively our resources are being managed,” Mr Weatherill said.
   “Clearly, one of the most pressing challenges for us is the health of the River Murray, which is suffering because of drought and the overuse of water in the upstream States.”
   He said South Australia took just seven per cent of water from the Murray-Darling compared with 93 per cent taken from upstream and that it was important for the State to get its fair share of the water while restoring the River Murray, Lower Lakes and Coorong to health.
   “We are supporting the recommendation to pursue environmental water sharing provisions in the Murray-Darling Basin Plan that include allocation of flood flows to South Australia sufficient to generate appropriate watering regimes for key wetlands,” Mr Weatherill said.
   He said the Government purchased 50 gigalitres of water for the Lower Lakes in 2009 and was securing a further 120 to 170 gigalitres over the summer.
   Mr Weatherill said the Government also supported recommendations to develop effective climate change adaptation strategies and improve incentives and support for private landowners to help conserve native animals and plants.
   He said the Government had rejected three recommendations as the negative social and economic impacts outweighed any potential or perceived environmental benefits.
   He said he did not support the recommendation to move towards managing fisheries on a full cost-recovery basis as it would have required recreational fishers to have a licence.
   Mr Weatherill said introducing a gross feed-in tariff to replace the existing net feed-in tariff for renewable energy sources was not supported as there were benefits in keeping the current system.
   He said and promoting a national weed labelling scheme that identified the weed potential of species to plant buyers and sellers was not practical.


3 December, 2009


Engineering teacher
engineers award

An engineering lecturer from the University of South Australia has won the Prime Minister’s Award for Australian University Teacher of the Year.
   Associate Professor Mahfuz Aziz, who previously won an Australian Teaching and Learning Council award, leads first year engineering programs across UniSA’s Division of Information Technology, Engineering and the Environment.
   UniSA Vice Chancellor, Professor Peter Høj said the $50,000 award recognised Dr Aziz’s advancing student learning, educational leadership and his scholarly contribution to teaching and learning.
   Professor Høj said the university community was very proud of Dr Aziz’s achievement.
   “Mahfuz is a wonderful example of what it takes to be an excellent university teacher – he is dedicated to his students and has a real passion to ensure that they have a quality educational experience at university – one that is relevant, informed by the latest research and delivered with genuine enthusiasm and care,” he said.
   “We have made a significant investment at UniSA in reshaping the student learning environment so that all students can benefit from the elements of good teaching that Mahfuz so clearly has brought to his students.
   “This approach is invaluable because it helps us deliver the best graduates for the workforce.”
   Professor Høj said the Prime Minister’s Teacher of the Year Award acknowledged Dr Aziz’s sustained contributions in teaching and learning in local and international settings over the past 10 years.
   Dr Aziz moved from Bangladesh to Australia in 1999 and has used his experience in teaching to create programs that help students adapt to the new social and educational environment university provides.


3 December, 2009


Festival Centre lifts
curtain on 2010

The Adelaide Festival Centre has released its schedule for the 2010 season with a mix of Australian and international entertainment incorporated into its program of theatre, dance, music, visual arts and exhibitions.
   The Centre will once again host its three festivals, Adelaide Cabaret Festival, OzAsia Festival and Adelaide International Guitar Festival, as it aims to provide the public with mainstream and cutting edge work from a variety of artists.
   The year-long festival of arts will start with Avenue Q and Cats coming to Adelaide in January.
   From February onwards there will be shows for all tastes and budgets, with five world premieres throughout the year and works from the Festival Centre’s theatre, dance and music streams.
   Visitors to the Centre will be able to choose from new seasons of CentreStage, Pivot(al), trans:mission, Australian Stories and the unique inSPACE program, which will be presenting a record seven shows in 2010.
   The will also be plenty for children to get enjoy with the return of Something On Saturday and Little Big Shots.
   Encouraging and developing new audiences is also key for the Festival Centre in 2010 and the GreenRoom program (16 – 30 year olds) and centrED program (primary and secondary students) will continue people the opportunity to participate in a number of workshops, events and forums.
   To encourage patrons to ‘date their diaries’ at the start of the year, the Festival Centre has put together some Season Pass Packages, which include music, dance, inSPACE, theatre, mixed, family and premium packages.
   Further information was available from www.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au


3 December, 2009


Taxi solution hailed
for Christmas

The Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure has called standby taxis into service, taking the number on Adelaide’s roads to over 1,000 to meet the anticipated festive season demand.
   With many Christmas functions, late night shows and New Year’s Eve celebrations within walking distance of taxi ranks, the Department has suggested commuters make the most of the additional taxis and leave the car at home.
   Managed taxi ranks are located in the city at SkyCity Casino, the East End on the corner of Rundle Mall and Pulteney Street, the West End on the corner of Morphett Street and Hindley Street and at Jetty Road, Glenelg.
   Adelaide Metro said concierges would be on duty at the managed taxi ranks to assist patrons organise share rides where possible and to help with queues.
   It said during the busy festive season, sharing taxi rides was a great way to reduce waiting times at taxi ranks and to save money.
   On Christmas Day, all available Access Taxis will be on duty, while on New Year’s Eve MV hire cars will also be available to hail from 4pm to 10am on 1 January 2010.
   MV hire cars can be hailed by customers on New Year’s Eve, however they will not be allowed to access taxi ranks.
   Adelaide Metro reminded people using MV hire cars that they are not metered and fares must be negotiated at the beginning of the journey.
   For more information contact Adelaide Metro on (08) 8210 1000 or visit www.adelaidemetro.com.au


3 December, 2009


Sustainable licences
to sustain good work

A new licensing regime aimed at improving sustainable practices among industry has been announced by the Minister for Environment and Conservation, Jay Weatherill.
   Mr Weatherill said the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) would issue Sustainable Licences to businesses committed to reducing their resource use and their impact on the environment.
   He said the new EPA Sustainability Licence combined the enforceable conditions of the standard EPA statutory licence with a voluntary sustainability agreement.
   “On top of the EPA’s strict statutory licensing system, the Authority will now issue Sustainability Licences, under which companies will commit to more sustainable use of resources,” Mr Weatherill said.
   “The EPA will continue to use its regulatory and enforcement powers, but through its Sustainability Licences will also have a stronger role in encouraging businesses to find ways to reduce their use of resources, increase recycling and lessen their impact on the environment.”
   He said motorcycle component manufacturer, New Castalloy at North Plympton was the first business to receive a new licence after it made significant environmental improvements.
   Mr Weatherill said the manufacturer was preparing to build on its improvements by reducing the amount of water it uses, investigating a program to supply high quality wastewater for parks and gardens, improving energy efficiency, investigating recycling of foundry sand and finding ways to use less foundry sand in casting.
   He said companies awarded EPA Sustainability Licences would have to commit to openly engaging with their neighbours and local community.
   “The regulation role of the EPA is critically important to prevent environmental damage or address it where it occurs,” Mr Weatherill said.
   “But it should also have a role to encourage businesses to adopt more sustainable practices and so lessen their drain on the environment.”
   He said the EPA would work with businesses to resolve potential environmental issues before they became problems
   Mr Weatherill said all EPA sustainability licences would be made available on the EPA website at www.epa.sa.gov.au


3 December, 2009


Forgotten Australians
get family services

A new family tracing and support service for “forgotten Australians” and improved aged care are among initiatives to be adopted by the Government as its response to a Senate report into the treatment of former child migrants.
   The report, Forgotten Australians and Lost Innocents Revisited, details the trauma and suffering of many of the 500,000 former child migrants and led to a national apology by the Prime Minister on 16 November 2009.
   In a joint statement the Federal Minister for Community Services, Jenny Macklin and national Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot said responses to the report would help care leavers.
   Ms Macklin and Ms Elliot said a national ‘Find and Connect Service’ would help ‘forgotten Australians’ locate personal and family history files and reunite them members of their families where possible.
   The service is expected to include a national database that collates and indexes existing State identified records into a national searchable database, accessible to State and other care leaver services and to care leavers directly.
   Ms Macklin and Ms Elliot said the Government would identify care leavers as a special needs group for aged care purposes by amending the Aged Care Principles 1997.
   “This will ensure the needs of care leavers are considered in the planning and allocation of aged care places,” they said.
   “The Government will also support the development and distribution of information so providers and carers in the aged care sector recognise the special needs of care leavers and provide appropriate and responsive care, including access to counselling and support services.”
   Two history projects will also be established to help scholars, support organisations, the community, former child migrants and their families better understand the experiences of children who experienced physical and emotional abuse while in care.
   Ms Macklin and Ms Elliot said the Government would provide the National Library of Australia with $1.7 million for an oral history project, including $500,000 for counselling support for those who participate.
   They said the National Museum of Australia would receive a further $1.2 million to develop a material culture collection and exhibition.
   Both projects are expected to commence in early 2010.
   The report was available from forgottenaustralianshistory.gov.au


3 December, 2009


War history grants
hit community targets

The South Australian Branch of the Association of Totally and Permanently Incapacitated Ex-servicemen and women is to receive $6,000 worth of grants as part of a funding project aimed at boosting Australia’s wartime heritage.
   The two grants, worth $3,000 each, will be used to help restore, preserve and display wartime memorabilia at the club premises in Richmond; and to help purchase four glass image panels to provide a pictorial history from the First World War to the present day.
   Federal Minister for Veteran Affairs, Alan Griffin said 110 projects would be funded across Australia from $303,708 set aside for the Federal Government’s Saluting Their Service Commemorative grants program, which was to help communities across the nation honour and commemorate wartime history.
   “The grants will fund local activities and initiatives that recognise the service and sacrifice of Australians who have served in wars, conflicts and peace operations,”
 Mr Griffin said.
   “The Government is announcing funding for a range of projects including restoring and displaying wartime memorabilia, upgrading community war memorials, purchasing association banners and holding commemorative events.”
   He said the grants helped regional and rural communities in particular, allowing them to maintain places of remembrance and to honour local sons and daughters who served Australia.
   Mr Griffin said commemorative activities in local communities played a major role in encouraging Australians - especially younger Australians - to learn about wartime experiences and provided an opportunity for veterans to share their stories.
   He said other projects to be funded in South Australia included:
• Purchasing street flags for the Semaphore Port Adelaide RSL Sub-branch
• Installing a display case at the Scholz Park Museum to exhibit wartime memorabilia.
• Constructing a memorial on the Pathway of Honour in Adelaide dedicated to the South Australian Branch of the 8th Battalion The Royal Australian Regiment Association.
• Replacing two deteriorated Second World War honour rolls at the gates of the Second World War Memorial Park in Georgetown; and
• Purchasing a new honour roll to commemorate the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
   Mr Griffin encouraged local community and ex-service organisations interested in applying for funding to visit www.dva.gov.au


3 December, 2009


Prison penalties
set to pass Go

Tough new laws passed by Parliament will ensure convicted criminals who continue to offend behind bars will pay a heavy price, according to the Minister for Correctional Services, Tom Koutsantonis.
   Mr Koutsantonis said amendments to the Correctional Services Act would result in much higher penalties, such as the maximum fine for breaching prison rules increasing from $75 to $1,000.
   “This will send a strong message to prisoners about bringing in contraband, such as drugs or mobile phones,” Mr Koutsantonis said.
   “It will also target bullies who intimidate and assault fellow inmates, or refuse to obey orders given by staff.”
   He said criminals who damaged prison property would also be more accountable for their actions, with the culprit facing up to $15,000 in reimbursements compared to the current maximum of $3,000.
   “This is the biggest shake-up of the Act since 1994,” Mr Koutsantonis said.
   “The new penalties are in line with community expectations, and I believe they will go a long way in deterring illegal and anti-social behaviour in our prisons.”
   He said there were other incentives for prisoners to behave, including the withdrawal of privileges for breaching prison rules.
   Mr Koutsantonis said alleged breaches were assessed by an Independent Visiting Tribunal, headed by a Justice of the Peace.
   Penalties are separate to criminal charges, which can still be pursued by police.
   Mr Koutsantonis said the Government had also supported an amendment to increase penalties for people other than prisoners who introduce contraband to SA prisons.
   They now face a maximum penalty of two years jail – a four-fold increase.
   Mr Koutsantonis said the Government had also supported amendments to toughen parole laws.
   Violent offenders and arsonists sentenced to less than five years will now have to front the Parole Board before their release is approved.


3 December, 2009


Alcohol changes are
toast of the town

Changes to liquor licensing laws to encourage more responsible service of alcohol in pubs and clubs have been approved by Parliament.
   Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gail Gago said the changes clarified the term ‘intoxication’ for the first time in SA law.
   Ms Gago said the definition would make it easier for licensees, staff and police to reliably determine if someone requesting alcohol is drunk.
   “Giving pubs, clubs and restaurants greater certainty in deciding who is drunk will help them abide by the laws, protect South Australian’s wellbeing and avert alcohol-fuelled crime,” Ms Gago said.
   “Our changes provide a win-win to industry, which has flagged it wants to be more proactive in refusing liquor to drunk people and better monitoring their premises.”
   She said the reforms would also allow restaurant patrons to take their unfinished bottle of wine home regardless of whether they bought it at the premises or brought it from home.
   Ms Gago said streamlining cellar door options for wineries would also cut red tape and deliver savings.
   “Improvements to Producer’s Licences will allow boutique wineries to better cater for visitors’ needs while potentially saving up to $4.2 million in red tape reduction and valuable time absorbed by the preparation of additional licence applications,” she said.
   Ms Gago said regional wine producers would be able to operate from a second premise under their existing licence as well as serve drinks at regional farmers markets or other localised events without having to pay for additional licences.
   Other amendments include an additional power to remove or refuse entry to someone who supplies, or is about to supply liquor to an intoxicated person.
   The changes also provide Ministerial power to ban “undesirable liquor products” likely to appeal to minors.
   The Office of the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner it to consult industry groups in the development of an associated Code of Practice before the reforms are brought into operation mid next year.


3 December, 2009


School closures
pass bushfire test

The Minister for Education, Dr Jane Lomax-Smith has thanked parents for their cooperation when schools in high risk areas were shut down under the Government’s new bushfire policy.
   Dr Lomax-Smith said the policy had been enacted for the first time last week when catastrophic conditions were forecast.
   “I thank the many people who worked to directly inform as many parents as possible after the conditions were officially declared by the Bureau of Meteorology,” she said.
   “This has been the first opportunity we’ve had to put this new policy into practice, and Education Department officers will debrief to refine and improve our responses.”
   Dr Lomax-Smith said cooler weather this week would allow the Department of Education to debrief after the school and preschool closures and bus route cancellations.
   She said while the closures were inconvenient for parents, they were crucial to ensuring the safety of children.
   “Six schools and preschools burned in the Victorian bushfires earlier this year and our actions are a direct result of that tragic experience,” Dr Lomax-Smith said.
   “Every person working in the education system has the safety of children foremost in their minds as they work to enact this precautionary policy.”
   She said the Education Department had also made arrangements to ensure all tasks identified through schools’ Bushfire Safety Audit Checklists were completed before 1 December.
   “We want to make sure that any fire hazards are addressed in schools that are identified as being at extreme, very high or high risk of damage in a bushfire,” Dr Lomax-Smith said.
   Under the new bushfire protection policy, 140 schools and preschools identified by a Country Fire Service (CFS) audit as at high fire risk will close if catastrophic (code red) conditions are forecast for their area.
   Decisions about further school closures in catastrophic or extreme conditions, particularly in the Adelaide Hills, will be made on the advice of the CFS.


3 December, 2009
Marine scientists grope for answers
The Department of Environment and Heritage has installed 10 receivers, or “listening stations”, on a 3.5km stretch of sea floor off the north-western tip of Kangaroo Island.
   Marine scientists will use the receivers to investigate the habits and home range of the iconic western blue groper fish, which is among several species of conservation concern.
   The research project will continue until April 2010 when the data will be reviewed and analysed.

Development in SA up
The value of major developments in South Australia stands at a record $71.5 billion, up from $44.8 billion in 2007.
   Premier, Mike Rann said the current figures were dominated by minerals and energy, urban development and defence projects, and that it was further proof the State was emerging strongly from the global slowdown.
   Mr Rann said the South Australian Major Developments Directory 2009/10 provided South Australian businesses the opportunity to link into major projects, plan for the future, and help generate jobs in South Australia.

Schools set for upgrade
The State and Federal Governments are to jointly invest in 10 school upgrade projects, worth nearly $100 million.
   The Education Works program is completely voluntary and a majority vote of parents is required before changes to the way individual schools operate can be pursued.
   Junior primary and primary schools to benefit from the restructuring works are expected to be in Modbury West, Glenelg, Melaleuca Park, Flagstaff Hill, Burton and Burton Park Preschool, Morphett Vale, Reynella East, Magill, Direk and Salisbury North West, and Evanston and Gawler.

Reserve bosses get payrise
Payments to the employers of Defence Reservists have been increased to $1,183.10 a week.
   Self-employed reservists and other employers in need of financial assistance under the Employer Support Payment Scheme will receive the payment, which was increased from $1123.30.

School retention rate revised
The retention rate for South Australian State schools has been revised, after the Education Department discovered a technical error in the rate that was released last month.
   The new result shows 79.5 per cent of public school students are retained to Year 12, the highest rate in 15 years.
   It is mandatory for young people to learn or earn until they are 17.

Shopping hours extended for Christmas
The Minister for Industrial Relations, Paul Caica has approved additional Christmas trading hours.
   Under shop trading hours legislation, major stores will be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day but will be able to open on 27 December.
   Shops will be closed on 28 December to mark the Proclamation Day public holiday.
   Some major stores will start to open on Sundays from 9am from 13 December and retailers who have been granted exemptions for additional hours will have the flexibility of opening until midnight for trading on two weeknights between 17 December and 23 December.