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SearchArchives for February 2011
24 February, 2011
Call to toughen
tender terms
The Australian Institute of Criminology has called for tougher requirements in Government tenders to help cut down the incidence of cybercrime.
The AIC also suggests Departments and Agencies should play a greater role in helping IT companies design more security-protected products.
Senior research analyst with the Commission, Raymond Choo was quoted in ZD Net as saying there was a need to “cultivate a culture of security” within Government procurement services.
“[Government should] create an environment conducive for ICT service or content providers to achieve marketing and competitive advantages if they offer products and services with higher levels and more innovative types of security,” Mr Choo said.
“There will never be enough policing resources to investigate all cybercrime.”
Mr Choo said a “one-stop 24/7 reporting website” could be established to help feed better cybercrime statistics to law enforcement agencies.
He said this would also enable coordinated action by Government and law enforcement agencies and the private sectors to have a better understanding of the frequency and extent of cybercrime incidents.
He said the difficulties in prosecuting individuals for online crime stem from a lack of consistency of legal frameworks across countries.
In order for a conviction to be successful, alleged misconduct must constitute an offence in both the country seeking prosecution and that in which the alleged offence was made.
Mr Choo said countries should establish laws to outlaw the creation of networks used for illegal purposes to crackdown on botnets and distributed denial-of-service attacks.
He said Australia, Singapore, the United Kingdom and United States have a relatively comprehensive legislative framework in place to deal with cybercrime.
Mr Choo said tougher measures should also be enforced to reduce abuse of the domain name system, including the creation of a stricter domain name registration regime, and ensuring domain names and IP addresses suspected of being used for cyber criminal activities were revoked.
24 February, 2011
Engineers engineer
prestigious award
Experts in Systems Engineering from the University of South Australia have been honoured with an international award from the Omega Alpha Association.
UniSA Pro Vice Chancellor for IT and Engineering, Professor Andrew Parfitt said UniSA was one of only five universities worldwide to be acknowledged.
He said among a handful of individuals to receive awards, Professor Stephen Cook and a PhD student in his department, Martin Kew, have been awarded Membership and Associate Student Membership of the prestigious organisation.
This was in recognition of Professor Cook’s outstanding achievements in systems engineering teaching and research, and of Mr Kew’s excellent doctoral research.
Professor Parfitt said recognition at the top international level was particularly pleasing not only for Professor Cook and Martin Kew, but for the University as a whole.
“Our commitment to systems engineering has been long and strong and this is great recognition of the efforts of individuals and of the institution to develop a high quality systems engineering hub at the University and one that is recognised for its quality research and teaching,” Professor Parfitt said.
He said Professor Cook and Martin Kew would be awarded their Member and Associate Student Member citations and medals at Mawson Lakes campus.
Professor Parfitt said the US-based international honour society Omega Alpha was established to promote systems engineering in academia.
He said its motto, “Think about the end, before the beginning”, was derived from the philosophy and writings of Leonardo da Vinci. The not-for-profit organisation was dedicated to rewarding excellence globally, he said.
24 February, 2011
Local Gov’t women
not skirting issue
The 2010 Year of Women in Local Government has been declared a success with the number of women contributing to local government in South Australia increasing.
Minister for the Status of Women, Gail Gago said last year’s council elections saw the number of women councillors increase from 180 (24.3 percent) to 193 (27.2 percent).
“The 3 per cent improvement is worthy of celebration, but it should not be the only criteria by which we measure success,” Ms Gago said.
“We had many positive benefits – some good social networking occasions, useful research commissioned, supportive literature published and some fruitful public discussions; and these are all good outcomes in the larger scheme of things.”
Ms Gago said South Australian women had come a long way since the first female MPs were elected in 1959.
“It would have been unimaginable then, that one day in the future, a group of powerful and capable women would have gathered to celebrate their own success in power,” Ms Gago said.
“The very thought would have had the old gents spluttering with outrage into their port,” she said.
“We can, however, take some pride in the fact that in 1894, South Australian women became the first group of women in Australia to win the right to vote and to stand for parliament on the same terms as men.”
Ms Gago said the year of Women in Local Government helped to stimulate a culture of organisational change.
She said it was important to continue this momentum.
24 February, 2011
Local Government to
support Councils
The Local Government Association is to develop a strategy to support regional Local Government.
LGA President, Mayor Felicity-ann Lewis said an LGA forum brought together more than 80 key regional Local Government leaders and Regional Development Australia representatives to discuss concerns about State and Commonwealth Government approaches to regional issues.
She said considerable confusion remained surrounding policies, plans, State budget cuts and new Commonwealth programs.
“Clearly the absence of a well co-ordinated plan for each region - equivalent to the 30-year plan for Greater Adelaide - is an issue,” Mayor Lewis said.
“I suspect a key message we will take to the State is the need to accelerate the development of regional plans.”
She said there was a strong feeling that failures in co-ordination across State agencies - something the Greater Adelaide Plan was seeking to address - was an even more acute issue in regional areas.
“A clear asset is the level of collaboration between Councils and Regional Development Australia bodies and the fact that all three spheres of Government are involved in SA's seven country RDA bodies,” Mayor Lewis.
She said that notes taken from the day's forum indicated that there was a great deal of awareness about the issues in regions, particularly the valuable work of the RDAs in developing their “regional road maps” with Councils.
“We won't be duplicating any existing documents but the forum was clear about the LGA's role in helping to make sure government was listening and responding effectively on regional issues,” Mayor Lewis said.
She said a draft document would be prepared in consultation with the SA Regional Organisation of Councils (SAROC) and country RDA representatives and presented to the LGA's half-yearly General Meeting in April.
The forum heard from Federal Senator Don Farrell and the State's new Regional Development Minister, Gail Gago, and State and Federal Departmental representatives.
24 February, 2011
School violence probe
to strike balance
The Minister for Education, Jay Weatherill has ordered an independent review of bullying and violence problems in public schools.
The review is to be conducted by Former Education Department chief executive Bill Cossey.
Mr Weatherill said the review stemmed from a recent alleged assault of a 15-year-old boy at a northern suburbs secondary school in Adelaide.
He said vision of the incident was recorded and posted on the internet.
Mr Weatherill said no limits had been put on the scope of the independent review.
He said Mr Cossey would look at the cooperation between schools, the Department and police when dealing with violent incidents.
“These are not behaviours that are taught in our schools, they are brought into our schools,” Mr Weatherill said.
“But we have a very strong obligation to act decisively when they are brought into our schools.”
Mr Weatherill said that meant ensuring that the Government took the strongest possible action and, alongside schools, had to have good relationships with the police.
He said a 16-year-old boy had been charged with assault over the northern suburbs case, and a 14-year-old girl had been reported for allegedly recording the incident.
24 February, 2011
Police book space
in online media
South Australia Police have launched an online news service and social media channels.
SA Police Commissioner, Mal Hyde said the SA Police News website, www.sapolicenews.com.au, took the form of an online newspaper and would provide police updates and latest news directly to the public.
He said the news site provided up-to-the minute information for the community and the media and featured articles on arrests, police operations, serious and fatal road crashes as well as appeals for witnesses to a range of crimes.
“It is an important time for SAPOL to be online,” Commissioner Hyde said.
“The internet and social media has changed the way members of the public seek and find news and information.”
Commissioner Hyde said the online news service was a fundamental shift in the way SAPOL communicated.
“Australians are going online to find their news and information, and our news site will be invaluable as the community can visit to find the latest and trusted information,” Commissioner Hyde said.
He said one of the key advantages for SAPOL having a stronger online presence was the ability to reach the younger demographic.
Commissioner Hyde said SAPOL would also launch a Facebook fan page, Twitter site and YouTube channel.
Commissioner Hyde said by following SAPOL “tweets”, the community could receive real-time alerts for witness appeals, Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) images and information about major operations.
He said all the new communication channels would link to video clips from the SAPOL YouTube channel and audio podcasts of major police announcements.
Commissioner Hyde said one of the key components of the website was the media-only, password-restricted section designed specifically to meet the needs of journalists.
To visit or follow SAPOL, go to www.sapolicenews.com.au; twitter.com/SAPoliceNews; www.youtube.com/SAPoliceNews; www.facebook.com – SAPoliceNews.
24 February, 2011
Single Department to
run Capital Territory
A review of the Australian Capital Territory’s Public Service has recommended its nine Departments be amalgamated into one and then divided into “Directorates”.
The independent study by former senior Commonwealth officer Allan Hawke, said the single-Department structure would better reflect the city-state nature of the ACT and allow greater coordination between the many areas of the bureaucracy.
ACT Chief Minister Jon Stanhope said the Government accepted the wisdom of the report in its totality and would immediately establish a high-level implementation taskforce within the ACT Public Service to work through each of the specific recommendations, advise on necessary legislative changes, timing and funding implications.
“I stressed at the outset that this review was about effectiveness, not about efficiency, and to that end I do not expect that there will be job cuts associated with the restructure,” Mr Stanhope said.
He said Dr Hawke had delivered a thoughtful and robust analysis of the structure of the ACT Public Service, which the Territory inherited from the Commonwealth at the time of Self-Government and which had remained much the same ever since.
“Dr Hawke’s review has found that while the ACT Public Service is in many respects a leader in its field, we would be better served - as a Government and as a community - by a public service designed to meet our own particular needs, taking into account the range of services provided to the community, and the kinds of challenges our city will face in the coming decades,” Mr Stanhope said.
He said the review came at a perfect time in the life of Canberra and was part of a suite of work by the ACT Government that included plans for a thorough review of the ACT Self-Government Act, the first comprehensive review of Territory taxes since Self-Government, and major improvements to methods of community consultation and feedback.
The Hawke review can be found in its entirety at this PS News link.
24 February, 2011
Cost increases spark
electricity rises
The Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure has announced new electricity tariffs for communities supplied with electricity under the Remote Areas Energy Supplies (RAES).
Energy Division Executive Director, Vince Duffy said the new tariffs followed increased on-grid prices and increased costs of supplying electricity to customers in remote areas of the state.
“The RAES scheme subsidises the delivery of safe and reliable electricity supplies to over 2,600 customers across 13 communities in remote areas of the state,” Mr Duffy said.
He said one of the key aspects of the revised tariffs was: consistent with long standing RAES policy, small and medium domestic customers (up to 8,000 kWh per annum) continued to pay no more than 10 percent above the on-grid regulated standing contract tariffs.
In fact, small to medium domestic customers would be charged about 4 per cent higher than equivalent on-grid customers, he said.
Mr Duffy said other aspects included: as RAES tariffs had not kept pace with recent increases in on-grid prices, small to medium RAES domestic customers were currently paying less than equivalent on-grid customers; larger domestic customers and General Supply customers would face higher increases as they moved towards the full cost of supply; and tariffs for State and Commonwealth Government agencies were set at a rate reflecting the average full cost of supply.
“Businesses have been offered energy audits and subsidies for changes to their infrastructure to improve energy efficiency via the Federal Government funded Renewable Remote Power Generation program administered by DTEI,” Mr Duffy said.
He said holders of a Pensioner Concession Card, DVA Gold Card or a Centrelink Low Income Health Care Card could phone 1800 307 758 to see if they were eligible to receive a $150 concession on energy costs.
Details of the new tariff are available via this PS News link.
24 February, 2011
Collecting staff to
come to Census
The Australian Bureau of Statistics is recruiting staff to help run the 2011 Census, the 100th anniversary of the national count.
Assistant Treasurer, Bill Shorten said that despite Census night not being until 9 August, the ABS has started its recruitment drive for the more than 43,000 Census jobs, ranging from Area Supervisors to collectors, to back office staff.
Mr Shorten said the 3,500 casual jobs being recruited now were Area Supervisor positions, who would oversee the distribution and collection of Census forms to Australia's 9.8 million households.
He said in April a further 29,000 collector positions would be advertised nationally.
“This is the 16th Census and marks 100 years of national Census taking in Australia by the Federal Government,” Mr Shorten said.
He said Area Supervisor positions had been created in every region of Australia to ensure that Australia was accurately counted on Census night.
“More than ever, Area Supervisors are essential to the success of the Census,” Mr Shorten said.
“They help inform planning for future resources and infrastructure and ensure other community needs are placed in their towns.”
Mr Shorten said Area Supervisors would receive between $4,300 and $7,500 for the part-time position and would be employed from 18 April until 7 October.
For more information visit this PS News link.
24 February, 2011
COAG to fast track
economic reforms
The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) has decided to bring forward the deadline for introducing its Seamless National Economy (SNE) by six months to the end of 2012 and to start work on a future deregulation agenda.
Covering 36 areas of reform, including 27 business regulation reforms, eight areas of competition reform and ongoing reforms to improve processes for regulation making and review, the SNE agenda is a key element in moves to increase productivity, strengthen the national economy and create jobs.
Federal Minister for Deregulation, Senator Penny Wong, said the Business Regulation and Competition Working Group (BRCWG) - which she co-chairs with the Commonwealth Minister Assisting on Deregulation, Senator Nick Sherry - was well placed to meet the new completion targets and to take on added challenges.
She said bringing forward the SNE deadline reflected a shared commitment between Commonwealth and the States and Territories in the area of regulatory and competition reform to cut business costs, improve incentives, lift productivity and increase economic output.
Senator Sherry said COAG and the BRCWG were more than capable of meeting the challenges ahead.
“The (Federal) Department of Finance and Deregulation has estimated that 10 of the
27 business regulation reforms are worth about $3.5 billion per year to the economy as a whole, with $1.8 billion of this flowing to business,” Senator Sherry said.
“We’re keeping a strong focus on delivering the existing Seamless National Economy reforms, but also looking to the future by committing to developing a further deregulation agenda.”
He said the development of the future regulatory and competition reform agenda would involve identifying areas of regulatory and competition reform which have the potential to contribute to improving Australian productivity.
The BRCWG Report Card on Progress of Deregulation Priorities is available at this PS News link.
24 February, 2011
Report finds need for
religious tolerance
A report commissioned by the Minister for Multicultural Affairs has recommended that community education be used to encourage a broader understanding of differing religious beliefs.
The report was produced by an independent taskforce led
by the chairman of the SA Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission, Hieu Van Le.
The Minister, Grace Portolesi, said it became evident last year from the public interest and debate about religious dress and diversity, that there needed to be more public awareness of different religions.
“The report recommends a range of measures to boost community education, with a view to encouraging a better understanding of the different religious beliefs that exist in South Australia,” Ms Portolesi said.
“South Australia has a long and proud history as a culturally and religiously diverse society and we need to continue to recognise and celebrate that diversity into the future.”
She said the taskforce had made 16 recommendations which the State Government would now consider.
“Acting on those recommendations will require us to work together with religious, community and sports organisations, schools and universities, and both the public and private sectors,” Ms Portolesi said.
She said among the key recommendations were: a yearly event be staged to celebrate religious diversity in SA; education providers be encouraged to include information about different religious beliefs in their school curriculum; and public and private sector employers incorporate information into their existing induction and management training on ethical conduct and discrimination in relation to religious appearance and dress.
Ms Portolesi said other recommendations included: employers be encouraged to try to accommodate staff who wish to take annual leave to celebrate religiously significant days; and programs to increase the representation of youths from culturally and religiously diverse backgrounds, in local sporting organisations and youth groups.
The taskforce report and recommendations are available at this PS News link.
24 February, 2011
Rail makes tracks to
clear way for RAH
The move of Adelaide’s rail operations from North Terrace to Dry Creek has cleared the way for work to start on the new Royal Adelaide Hospital.
Premier Mike Rann said the State was now ready to close one chapter in Adelaide’s history and open an exciting new one, transforming the site into a vibrant health precinct of international standing.
“The momentum continues to build - we have announced the SA Health Partnership consortium as the preferred bidder to build the new hospital and work is well underway on the adjacent South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute,” Mr Rann said.
“Site works for the brand new Royal Adelaide Hospital will begin this year.”
Mr Rann said the new Dry Creek train depot was open for business after maintenance crews, equipment and full train operations took just two weeks to move from the old rail yards.
“The network is being upgraded with new track, electrification and new stations so it’s fantastic that our operations and maintenance facility is just as modern and functional,” Mr Rann said.
Minister for Health, John Hill said moving rail operations away from North Terrace meant remediation of the site could proceed uninterrupted.
“This has been a railway site so we know what kinds of chemicals are used on railway lines," he said.
“The remediation, in fact, will take place as the hospital is constructed.”
Mr Hill said contaminated surface soil would be removed as foundations were laid and underground car parks built.
He said the Government was committed to delivering the new Royal Adelaide Hospital by 2016 and it remained on track to achieve that goal.
“We now have full access to the site, which means SAHP can begin the clean-up in earnest once the final contract has been signed in a few weeks’ time,” Mr Hill said.
For further information about the Dry Creek Railcar Depot visit this PS News link.
24 February, 2011
National push to
reduce violence
A National Plan to reduce violence against women and their children has been endorsed by all States and Territories, including South Australia.
Federal Minister for the Status of Women, Kate Ellis said the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022 was a single unified strategy that brought together Government efforts to reduce violence against women.
She said the National Plan was the first of its kind to focus so strongly on prevention, including building respectful relationships among young people and working to increase gender equality to stop violence from occurring in the first place.
Ms Ellis said key actions under the National Plan included supporting local community action to reduce violence against women; commitment to support the inclusion of respectful relationships education in phase three of the Australian Curriculum; and, provision of telephone support for frontline workers such as allied health, child care and paramedics to better assist clients who have experienced violence.
She said other initiatives included: new programs to stop perpetrators committing acts of violence and national standards for perpetrator programs; and establishing a national Centre of Excellence to evaluate the effectiveness of strategies to reduce violence against women.
Ms Ellis said the National Plan had been built from an evidence base of new research and extensive consultation with experts and the community, and set out a framework for action over the next 12 years.
She said that under the National Plan, the Australian Government would support a series of projects over the next three years to improve services for victims of domestic violence.
“We will also fund the Personal Safety Survey and the National Community Attitudes Survey every four years to track the impact of the National Plan,” Ms Ellis said.
The National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022 is available online at this PS News link.
24 February, 2011
Healthy plans for
country hospitals
Ten-year health service plans have been released for four of the State’s major country hospitals.
Minister for Health, John Hill said the plans had been drawn up by local Health Advisory Councils for Mount Gambier, Port Lincoln, Whyalla and the Riverland.
He said the Councils were set up for country communities to provide advice to Government and the Health Department and also act as advocates for patients.
“The establishment of Health Advisory Councils gave communities a say in what their health services should look like in 10 years’ time and we’re now seeing the results of their work,’’ Mr Hill said.
“The starting point for us all is that we want to make sure that people living in the country have access to high-quality health care and services as close to home as possible.”
He said the Country General Hospitals needed to provide the right mix of services and expert care so patients didn’t have to travel to Adelaide so often.
Mr Hill said a total of 33 draft plans had been developed across country South Australia by the Health Advisory Councils and local health services.
“Each of the 33 plans considers immediate local priorities and what will be needed in the future too,” he said.
Mr Hill said senior Country Health SA staff would now start meeting with each Health Advisory Council and meetings would also be held with the Aboriginal Health Advisory Committees, doctors, union representatives and other key stakeholders.
Country Health SA Chief Executive Belinda Moyes said the Plan, prepared by the Health Advisory Council (HAC) and the local health service, provides long term strategic direction and residents would benefit from enhanced facilities and service delivery, including mental health, palliative care and the regional cancer centre.
To view the Health Advisory Council plans, visit this PS News link.
24 February, 2011
Scientist laps up
river research
An inter-agency, inter-disciplinary research team with the task of improving the health of the River Murray system is to be led by a scientist from the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI).
Dr Qifeng Ye will lead the team which will include including members from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), University of Adelaide, Flinders University, SARDI and the Department for Water.
Minister for Water, Paul Caica said the Goyder Institute was embarking on a suite of additional ground-breaking research projects.
This included the downscaling of global climate models to understand the impact of climate change on South Australia’s climate, looking at ways to use environmental flows more efficiently to improve the health of the River Murray system, and an investigation to discover new Outback groundwater resources.
“As the River Murray receives significant inflows after the worst drought in recorded history, the Institute will monitor the recovery of ecosystems along the river to provide the first detailed understanding of how its health changes as it refills,’’ Mr Caica said.
“A great deal of research has been done on the effects of the drought on river health, but this ‘Murray Flood Ecology’ project represents a once in a lifetime chance to measure the recovery of the river, wetlands, tree and plant growth, fish spawning and recruitment as water returns to the system,” he said.
Dr Qifeng Ye said that to achieve the greatest ecological benefits from available environmental water in the River Murray, it was vitally important to know how the biological systems respond to various flow scenarios.
“Over the last 10 years significant research and monitoring efforts have been undertaken across the lower River Murray,” Dr Qifeng Ye said.
“Nevertheless, this has been a protracted drought period, resulting in a system with reduced flow volumes, rates and water levels.”
Dr Qifeng Ye said the project was a unique opportunity to undertake time critical ecological investigations, measuring how biological systems responded and recovered when water was restored to the system after a long period of drought.
24 February, 2011
New nursing resource
no flash in the pan
Newly opened clinical laboratories at Flinders University are expected to be of great assistance to students hoping to pursue a career in nursing and midwifery.
Opened by the Federal Minister for Tertiary Education, Senator Chris Evans, the $5.8 million laboratories will allow the University to expand training opportunities for nursing and midwifery students.
Senator Evans said the laboratories would “put them at the cutting edge.”
The Australian Government had provided $8.9 million to Flinders University for projects through the Better Universities Renewal Funding (BURF) initiative, including $1.8 million for the new nursing and midwifery laboratories.
Senator Evans said Flinders University was one of 41 Australian universities to have received funds from the BURF initiative.
The program, announced in 2008, provided universities with immediate access to funding for renewing infrastructure to improve teaching and learning, research and students’ overall higher education experience.
“A strong higher education sector is integral to creating a skilled Australia, ready for the challenges of a modern economy,” Senator Evans said.
“One of the best investments a government can make to boosting productivity is investing in education.”
Member for Kingston, Amanda Rishworth said the facility would provide a vital clinical simulation training facility for future nursing and midwifery professionals.
“Combined with classroom theory and clinical practice, clinical simulation in the laboratories will play a critical role in educating and equipping students with the practical skills and knowledge needed before stepping out into our hospital wards,” Ms Rishworth said.
She said the new nursing and midwifery laboratories comprised three teaching rooms, two nursing laboratories, one midwifery laboratory and one science laboratory.
More information on the BURF initiative can be found at this PS News link.
24 February, 2011
Fire services dispel myth
South Australia’s fire services have moved to correct a growing assumption about house fires at properties where solar power is installed.
Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) District Officer of Community Safety, Allan Foster said a completely incorrect myth had evolved, with many members of the public showing concern that fire services might allow houses with solar power supply to burn to the ground due to a risk to firefighters.
He said South Australia’s MFS and CFS firefighters were well trained to handle structure fires and to mitigate any risks involved.
This included fires at properties with solar power supply, he said.
Super Clinics progressing
Residents and health professionals from the Mt Barker areas and Adelaide have shared ideas about the best options for their local GP Super Clinics.
The GP Super Clinics in Mt Barker and central Adelaide are part of the Government’s program to make it easier for Australians to see and contact a doctor when they need to.
The consultation was designed to ensure the Clinics met local needs.
The Federal Government will provide up to $15 million to establish the Adelaide GP Super Clinic as part of the funding for 28 additional GP Super Clinics provided in the 2010-11 Budget.
Further information is also available at this PS News link.
School buildings open
New school buildings funded by the Federal Government at Emmaus Christian College in South Plympton have been officially opened.
The buildings included: a new multipurpose hall and refurbished sports facilities, a new Trade Training Centre, and modernized administration and classroom areas.
The Centre will provide students with the resources and experience they need to pursue a different path towards further education and employment.
The Trade Training Centres in Schools Program has funded 288 projects benefiting 927 schools throughout Australia.
Peter Allen fans wanted
Adelaide Festival Centre’s Performing Arts Collection is inviting people to submit Peter Allen memorabilia, memories and stories to form part of an exhibition in this year’s Adelaide Cabaret Festival.
The Peter Allen exhibition will be on display in the Festival Theatre foyer from 10 June to 28 August and will feature a “fans window” where people can share memories of Peter Allen – anything from posters to record covers, or photos with Peter.
To submit your Peter Allen memorabilia, contact Exhibition Coordinator Jo Peoples on 8216 8769 or jo.peoples@adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au or Collections Coordinator Helen Trepa on 8216 8995 or helen.trepa@adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au
Submissions will be returned after the completion of the exhibition.
17 February, 2011
PS to lose country
housing rights
A decision to sell Government-owned housing used by police, nurses and teachers in country areas has raised concerns about staffing in the areas.
The plan to offload properties within 100 km of Adelaide will have implications for public service staff who have traditionally been entitled to subsidised rentals as an incentive for working outside major centres.
According to Treasurer Jack Snelling however, times have changed and the attraction of a Government house is not the drawcard it once was.
“There are areas of South Australia which perhaps 40 or 50 years ago might have been considered regional or remote, but that’s not necessarily the case today,” Mr Snelling told the ABC.
He said the Government would monitor the situation and adopt a flexible approach.
“If we’re finding difficulty in attracting police officers or teachers or other public sector workers to various locations we’ll adopt a flexible approach.”
According to the teachers union, the absence of appropriate accommodation would make a difference to teachers.
“There’s no doubt that it’s going to be very difficult to attract new educators to the country when they don’t have appropriate accommodation options,” said Correna Haythorpe from the Australian Education Union.
“This measure from the State Government is a regressive, anti-worker attack on workers’ conditions.”
Mark Carroll from the Police Association of South Australia agreed, telling the ABC the change would be “devastating” for some regional communities.
“It would be very difficult to attract members to communities such as Murray Bridge or Port Wakefield if government housing wasn’t provided,” Mr Carroll said.
“We believe that police officers should be provided with housing for those that choose to live and work in those communities,” he said.
The Government has agreed to discuss the issue with the unions.
17 February, 2011
Legal aid to
stand trial
A review of legal aid services has been announced by the Attorney-General, John Rau.
Mr Rau said the review would be conducted by the Solicitor-General, Martin Hinton, with representatives of the Law Society of South Australia, the Legal Services Commission and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
He said it would also consider the question of setting up a Public Defender’s Office.
Mr Rau said last year the Government announced extra funding for the Legal Services Commission and it was appropriate for the Government to make sure that money was being spent in a way that gets best value for taxpayers.
He said the review would examine: the fee structure of the Legal Services Commission; how the Commission provided legal assistance, including the current policy which gave defendants the choice of applying for legal aid directly to the commission or being represented by a particular private lawyer where possible; and, Commission operations, including an analysis of criminal matters assigned to in-house Commission lawyers and external lawyers.
Mr Rau said he had also asked the review to look at other legal aid models.
“I am particularly interested in the concept of a Public Defender’s Office in which in-house lawyers provide criminal defence services to the public,” Mr Rau said.
He said public defence offices had been established in New Zealand and New South Wales, and a public defender’s office operated at a high level, in a similar way to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Mr Rau said the model would deliver experienced counsel to tough cases, maximising the efficient use of legal and judicial resources.
He said the review was due to report by the end of July.
17 February, 2011
Drought program
is drying up
The drought program established five years ago to guide the State through its worst drought is to be wound down.
Minister for Agriculture, Michael O’Brien said the Premier’s High Level Drought Taskforce was close to completing its task.
“As a result of this program, South Australia’s rural communities are stronger, more resilient and in a better position to respond quickly to adverse conditions,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Five years ago, SA was facing the worst drought on record and it was vital that businesses, families and communities were supported through this critical time.”
Mr O’Brien said there was a sustained effort across Government to implement a wide range of projects to deal with severe drought conditions affecting farmers and communities.
“During that five-year period, the Government provided $115 million to support businesses, families and communities in a way that minimised the devastating consequences of drought,” Mr O’Brien said.
He said through the State Drought Program: 2,450 businesses received Interest Rate Subsidies; 1,568 businesses benefited from Business Planning Grants; 3,000 clients were supported by Rural Financial Counselling Service SA; 1,725 irrigators were granted a Critical Water Allocation; 4,200 people were supported by Country Health Community Counsellors; 733 men were assisted through the Peer Support Project; 908 young apprentices were supported to stay in work and in their regions; 143 community events were funded to build community morale; 742 farmers learnt new transferrable skills; three Regional Drought Coordinators were appointed to cover four regions; two Drought Response Centres provided a one stop shop for services; and, the Drought Information Hotline provided a single point of contact for advice and assistance.
Mr O’Brien said the phased approach taken by the Drought Program allowed the Government to respond to challenges as they emerged.
“There were 14 phases of support, moving from crisis, to recovery, to transitioning to preparedness,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Strong community involvement and input throughout the program has been the backbone of its success,” he said.
17 February, 2011
Water Commissioner’s
role all washed up
The Commissioner for Water Security, Robyn McLeod has recommended that her position be abolished following the introduction of water management measures that lead the nation.
Minister for Water Paul Caica said the Government had accepted the recommendation and Ms McLeod would relinquish her position at the end of March.
He said Ms McLeod, who was appointed Water Security Commissioner at the height of the drought in 2008, had made a great contribution to water security in South Australia.
“South Australia is now leading Australia in water management due in no small part to the contribution of Ms McLeod,’’ Mr Caica said.
“The internationally acclaimed blue print for water security Water for Good is now being implemented and we have a dedicated department for water as well as a minister responsible for all aspects of water security. The position is no longer required,” he said.
Mr Caica said Ms McLeod led the development of Water for Good, a plan to ensure SA’s water to 2050.
Mr Caica said Ms McLeod would work to transfer the duties of Commissioner for Water Security and the operation of the Water Security Council to the Department for Water over the next two months.
Ms McLeod said she had left the state’s water security in good hands.
“I have always publicly indicated that my sign of success in this job would be to do myself out of a job,’’ Ms McLeod said.
“With the construction of the desalination plant on track to be completed in December 2012, new Legislation tabled in Parliament, I believe a comprehensive and diverse water portfolio is now in place,” she said.
Ms McLeod said she would remain a member of the SA Competitiveness Council, the SA Premier’s Science and Research Council and as an Independent Director of The Australian Centre for Social Innovation, plus continue her involvement in Advisory Boards for the University of Adelaide.
17 February, 2011
Paper puts case for
legal system reforms
Public comments have been invited on a series of innovative proposals for the South Australian legal system put forward by the latest Thinker in Residence.
Attorney-General John Rau said the proposals, including increased use of technology in courts and measures to reduce court delays, were contained in Judge Peggy Hora’s final report, Smart Justice: building safer communities, increasing access to the courts and elevating trust and confidence in the justice system.
Mr Rau said the report contained a range of ideas, in line with work the Government had already begun, including: expanding the use of video conferencing in courtrooms; measures to reduce court backlogs and delays, including by expanding the civil and criminal jurisdiction of the Magistrates Court to relieve the caseload on the District Court; and, consulting with the judiciary and the legal profession about the establishment of a formal legislative scheme of sentencing discounts.
“Reducing delays and bottlenecks in the justice system has been high on my list of priorities since I became Attorney-General, and I will look carefully at the new measures recommended by Judge Hora,” Mr Rau said.
“I am keen to hear the community’s views on all of the report’s recommendations, many of which are worthy of detailed consideration by the Government.”
Mr Rau said that as well as ways to reduce delays in the justice system, Judge Hora’s recommendations included an integrated approach to mental illness, a new way of treating drink driving and drug driving offences, and civics education to increase community knowledge of the justice system.
Mr Rau said the Government would consult widely with the community and interested groups, including the judiciary, justice agencies and others, before finalising its response to the report.
Copies of the report are available online at this PS News link.
17 February, 2011
Governments sign
working agreement
The State Government has entered a new agreement with the Local Government Association to work together collaboratively for the benefit of the community.
Premier Mike Rann, State/Local Government Relations Minister Bernard Finnigan and Local Government Association President, Mayor Felicity-ann Lewis, signed the joint agreement.
Mr Finnigan said the signing represented a new milestone in the collaborative relationship that was established in 2004.
He said the agreement was designed to guide the relationship between State and Local Government on matters of mutual interest.
Mr Finnigan said positive outcomes had been achieved in diverse areas including waste management, recycling, rural property addressing, tourism, climate change and a reduction in South Australia’s reliance on the River Murray.
“This agreement delivers practical results with real benefits for all South Australians,” Mr Finnigan said.
“For example, the Tour Down Under has become a signature event for our state, and in another example, stormwater harvesting will treble by 2013 to 20 billion litres.”
Mayor Lewis said the new agreement was aimed at improving consultation arrangements and communication practices to build a closer, more productive working relationship.
“It also seeks to be a practical document, identifying an agreed set of priorities for joint action,” Mayor Lewis said.
She said the agreement ensured State and Local Governments worked collaboratively to achieve mutually agreed targets, goals and strategies.
“It also ensures we increase the efficiency, effectiveness and coordination of services and infrastructure to achieve better outcomes for all South Australians,” Mayor Lewis said.
“The agreement underpins the commitment of both parties to regular and effective communication, consultation and negotiation on the formulation and implementation of key policies, legislative proposals and significant programs and projects.”
The State Government had also agreed to hold a meeting of the Minister’s State/Local Government Forum in coming months.
17 February, 2011
Training reforms
to sharpen skills
Final plans for the Skills for All reforms to the State’s vocational education and training (VET) system have been released by Minister for Employment Jack Snelling.
Hailing the changes as the single greatest investment ever made in VET in South Australia, Mr Snelling said these changes would result in more people in training, more choice about training providers, better skills, more jobs and a stronger South Australian economy.
“The training system will undergo fundamental changes with these reforms to make sure we have the skills for future growth in existing, new and emerging industries,” Mr Snelling said.
“Skills for All aims to significantly increase current skill levels, lift workforce participation and increase productivity.”
Mr Snelling said that to achieve these goals, the State Government had committed an extra $194 million over the next six years to support an additional 100,000 training places.
He said the messages coming back from the community consultation had indicated the training system needed to be simpler and easier to access.
“Under the changes, there’ll be more choice for students with training linked to the skills that industry needs,” Mr Snelling said.
“A key initiative of Skills for All will include fully funded training for up to, and including, Certificate II level in areas of industry demand.”
He said significant subsidies would be available to students for identified Certificate III and IV courses with the highest level of funding available in the areas where jobs were in most demand.
Mr Snelling said additional funding for these reforms would mean more students would be able to access training and many of the caps and constraints on courses would be removed, so the training system would be better able to meet the demand for skills.
“Students will be funded to start training in identified areas of industry demand, subject to them meeting the course entry requirements and a place being available,” Mr Snelling said.
17 February, 2011
Flood scammers
flushed out
The Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gail Gago, has issued a warning against scams relating to recent natural disasters that have occurred across the country.
She said it was very concerning that a scam had emerged involving the resale of flood-damaged vehicles from Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales.
“I urge all car buyers to be on the lookout for flood-damaged vehicles and any second-hand dealers or other traders making false or misleading representations regarding the history of a motor vehicle that is for sale,” Ms Gago said.
“If the vehicle is flood damaged, then it should be identified as a water-damaged vehicle or classified as a statutory write-off,” she said.
Ms Gago said if a dealer did not disclose this to consumers, they might be in breach of Australian consumer law by their silence.
She said when buying a flood-damaged car, OCBA encouraged consumers to check the written-off vehicle register for the respective state or territory that the vehicle was being purchased in.
Commissioner for Consumer and Business Affairs, Paul White, has also warned consumers to be wary of phone scammers claiming to represent Microsoft in order to access personal data.
Mr White said the Office of Consumer and Business Affairs had received a growing number of complaints from the public about suspicious phone calls, which may form part of an ongoing international scam.
“OCBA has received 40 complaints in the past 12 months about this scam, but of concern is that 21 of these have been in the past three months,” Mr White said.
He said the scammer convinces the consumer to turn on their computer and leads them through pathways within the computer’s operating system. Eventually the scammer directs the consumer to a website to download a program that gives the caller remote access to the computer.
“Once they have access, they can obtain credit details and personal information to access bank accounts or make purchases in your name,” Mr White said.
Consumers are urged to report any scams to the ACCC via the Scamwatch website at this PS News link or call the infoline on 1300 302 502.
17 February, 2011
Libraries point finger
at digital access
A new national program offering people with print disability better access to digital library materials is calling for libraries to join up.
Commonwealth Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers, Senator Jan McLucas, said applications were open for a $1 million initiative aimed at improving access to library resources for people with print disability.
“One of the significant barriers to inclusion and participation for people with print disability is a lack of access to information,” Senator McLucas said.
“We are encouraging libraries across Australia to be part of this new program to help deliver digital playback technology for people with print disability.”
She said under this initiative, a range of digital playback devices such as DAISY players and audio-navigators would be provided, making print material such as books and newspapers more accessible for people with print disability.
Senator McLucas said the initiative would also support training and access to digital content.
She said this initiative was part of an accessibility package to support people with disability participate in community life, and built upon the Australian Government’s Accessible Communities grants program.
The grants program was currently open to local councils to improve the accessibility of their local infrastructure, and the national Leaders for Tomorrow program that would help people with disability become leaders in business, community and Government through mentoring and leadership development, she said.
Senator McLucas said the Federal Government had contracted the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) to implement the initiative.
She said libraries were invited to apply through ALIA, and the closing date for applications was 4 March.
Further information on the initiative is available at this PS News link or the Australian Library and Information Association’s website at this PS News link.
17 February, 2011
Nursing scholarships
what doctor ordered
The first round of scholarships to assist nursing students complete Masters Degrees to become Nurse Practitioners has seen 40 awarded.
Minister for Health John Hill said the first round of scholarships was part of the Government’s commitment to introducing more Nurse Practitioners across the State’s public health system.
“By 2014, we hope these nurses will be among the additional 100 Nurse Practitioners treating and caring for patients across South Australia,” Mr Hill said.
“At least 80 nurses will be eligible for a scholarship to help them complete their studies.”
Mr Hill said each nurse would receive reimbursement of all their course fees and costs including books, travel and accommodation for rural students and clinical placements.
“The scholarships are going to nurses studying in the key areas of palliative care, aged care, emergency care and cancer services as well as other important fields of expertise such as mental health and allergy services,” Mr Hill said.
He said Nurse Practitioners were registered nurses who had completed Masters level studies in advanced nursing practice specific to their area of speciality and who could assess, diagnose, manage and treat both acute and chronic illnesses.
Mr Hill said they had advanced clinical assessment skills and were able to interpret diagnostic tests, implement and monitor patient care, prescribe medication and refer patients to other health care professionals.
“Put simply, having more Nurse Practitioners in our health services will allow us to get more high quality care to more patients,” Mr Hill said.
“The Government is following through on a key election commitment to introduce more nurse practitioners and medical interns to ensure that South Australians receive the care they need, when they need it.”
He said the next round of scholarships was expected to be offered in late 2011 for the 2012 University year.
17 February, 2011
Writing on the wall
for graffiti vandals
A consultation paper proposing tough new laws against graffiti has been issued by the Attorney-General, John Rau.
Mr Rau said the Government was now seeking community views on the consultation paper, which outlined graffiti management strategies in South Australia and other jurisdictions and possible amendments to the Graffiti Control Act 2001.
“These proposals represent a significant strengthening of the current legislation, and I encourage interested people to examine the paper carefully and provide their feedback,” Mr Rau said.
“Graffiti vandalism causes great distress in the community: it costs businesses, individuals and government a great deal of time and money to clean it up, and it creates negative perceptions in areas targeted by vandals.”
Mr Rau said it was important to strike a balance between addressing damaging behaviours, and regulating it in a way that did not impact too greatly on businesses that legitimately trade in items that could be used for graffiti vandalism, or on people who may have a legitimate use for such items.
Mr Rau said the proposed amendments would be complemented by an increase in Crime Prevention and Community Safety Grants funding.
He said the Government was calling for comment on a range of proposed amendments to the Graffiti Control Act 2001, including: increasing penalties for graffiti offences; introducing expiation notices for graffiti offences; and, introducing aggravated graffiti offences for graffiti marked on memorials, cemeteries, places of worship or in the presence of a minor.
Mr Rau said that, after considering community feedback, the Government would proceed with amendments to the legislation, which could include any or all of the measures in the paper, and any other effective measures that emerge in the consultation process.
The Graffiti Prevention Discussion Paper is available on the Attorney-General’s Department website at this PS News link and comments will be received up until 23 March.
17 February, 2011
Map of floodplain
rises to surface
The Department for Water has produced an interactive map of the River Murray floodplain showing the location of man-made structures that could be submerged and a danger to boating.
The Department said it had collated information on a range of structures, including fences, fence posts, gates, pumps, pipes and culverts, monitoring equipment and earthen walls, which could present a risk to the safety of recreational boat users.
It said while current flows were well within the normal historical range, they had not been seen along the river in South Australia since late 1993 and some recreational boat users might not have experienced these conditions.
The Department said some structures on the floodplain and in wetlands and creeks were either partially or fully submerged, and not all sites identified on the map posed a hazard, and not all were submerged.
It said the map was available at www.waterconnect.sa.gov.au.
The Department said it had GPS marks for structures and was the result of a survey of structures completed by the SA Murray-Darling Basin NRM Board in 2010.
It said where available, it also included photographs and design drawings of the structures so people using the river knew what to expect when boating.
The map complemented the River Hazards information published by the Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure (DTEI), published at this PS News link and including information on submerged logs and other hazards.
The Department said people planning to use the River Murray were advised to check the DTEI and DFW websites for the latest information on the area they planned to visit.
17 February, 2011
Fair Work campaign
on unfair practices
A new campaign against workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender has been launched by the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Executive Director of Fair Work Ombudsman, Michael Campbell said instances of employees being discriminated against might be going unreported because of a lack of awareness of workplace rights.
“We want employees to be aware that discrimination in the workplace is unlawful and that they can turn to the Fair Work Ombudsman for help if they experience it,” Mr Campbell said.
He said the Fair Work Ombudsman would host a stall at Fair Day - which kicks off Sydney’s Mardi Gras Festival - on 20 February.
Mr Campbell said staff would talk to event-goers about workplace issues and distribute 50,000 educational brochures on unlawful workplace discrimination.
He said to promote its participation in Fair Day, the Fair Work Ombudsman has created a Facebook fan page to create a two-way discussion about relevant workplace protections.
Mr Campbell said a further 40,000 educational postcards would be distributed in Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Hobart, Darwin and Perth over the next month through retail outlets, cafes, bars, galleries, museums, universities and other venues.
“We have had few complaints about discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, but this may be due to a lack of awareness, and it is our role to educate the community about its workplace rights and obligations,” Mr Campbell said.
He said workers had complained about having their hours reduced, being dismissed and being treated in a hostile manner at work.
Mr Campbell said other behaviour which could constitute discrimination included changing an employee’s job to their disadvantage, reducing their pay or refusing to hire them on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity.
He said the new campaign also aimed to raise awareness among same-sex couples that they could be eligible for workplace entitlements such as parental, adoption, carer’s and compassionate leave.
For more information, visit this PS News link or call 13 13 94.
17 February, 2011
Consumers say bye-bye
to dangerous products
The first 10 dangerous products permanently banned under new national consumer laws have been named and include cigarette lighters that look like children’s toys and “sky lanterns”.
Parliamentary Secretary to the Federal Treasurer, David Bradbury said the products, which were initially the subject of 18-month interim bans, had now been permanently banned in all States and Territories.
“These are the first permanent bans under the new Australian Consumer Law and will help to keep consumers safe from potentially hazardous products,” Mr Bradbury said.
“Under the new national product safety system, these bans will be in force uniformly in all States and Territories.”
He said the bans included seven products that were identified by the Commonwealth, States and Territories, while a further three products were recommended for permanent bans by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
“The products that have now been permanently banned under the Australian Consumer Law include cigarette lighters that look like children’s toys, infant food containers and toys that contain more than 1 per cent of the chemical diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), and unmanned hot air balloons, or “sky lanterns”,” Mr Bradbury said.
He said a supplier of goods that was found to be in breach of these bans could be prosecuted and fined up to $1.1 million.
Mr Bradbury said the Australian Consumer Law, which came into effect on 1 January, allows for permanent bans and standards made by the Commonwealth to have effect in all States and Territories.
“The Commonwealth has worked with the States and Territories to develop a national product safety system, so that products deemed to be unsafe are subject to bans or standards consistently across the country, enforced by State and Territory as well as Commonwealth regulators,” Mr Bradbury said.
More information on the permanent bans, and the national product safety system, can be found at this PS News link.
17 February, 2011
Italian connection
hailed as bellissimo
A review of South Australia’s close relationship with regions in Italy has revealed they deliver great value for the State, according to the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Grace Portolesi.
Ms Portolesi, who conducted the review herself, said it had found that the Memorandums of Understanding signed with Basilicata, Puglia and Trento and the reinvigoration of the long-standing MOU with Campania had increased South Australia’s exposure and presence in Italy.
“The strategic approach has resulted in numerous agreements, projects and activity with these regions and an increase in South Australia’s presence across Italy,” Ms Portolesi said.
“Our first point of entry into Italy was the Pavilion we hosted at the Fiera del Levante in Puglia, one of the biggest trade fairs in Italy.”
Ms Portolesi said the Pavilion showcased South Australia to the many thousands of Italians, including companies and organisations, coming through the trade fair on a daily basis at a time that the State was seeking to create a new strategy of engagement.
“In the four years since then, South Australia has succeeded in consolidating its relationship with different regions, universities and governments in Italy,” Ms Portolesi said.
“I have concluded, and therefore recommended to the Premier, that SA’s engagement with Italy is now at a stage where our Pavilion at the Fiera has served its purpose and can now conclude.”
Ms Portolesi said that in the second part of SA’s relationship with Puglia, close ties have been established in higher education and research, which was achieving significant results.
“This relationship is giving our South Australian universities access to European Community research funds that we would otherwise not have access to without our European partners,” Ms Portolesi said.
“And it’s helping to drive investment in priority research areas including renewable energy and biotechnology, as well as promoting trade and tourism opportunities,” she said.
17 February, 2011
Minister team up to
tackle match fixing
National moves to stamp out match-fixing in sport have been welcomed by the Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing, Tom Kenyon.
Mr Kenyon, who chaired a meeting of Sport and Recreation Ministers, said gambling world-wide on sport was increasing and posing a threat to the integrity of many international sporting events.
“The Ministerial Council agreed corruption was emerging as a critical issue facing Australian and international sport,” Mr Kenyon said.
“It’s therefore imperative for all States and the Commonwealth to work closely together to safeguard the future of Australian sport.”
He said the Ministers agreed to support developing a nationally-consistent approach to deterring and dealing with match-fixing in Australia, as well as developing a consistent national Code of Conduct for sport.
“This will require the involvement of representatives from key industry organisations, such as the Australian Olympic Committee, major professional and participation sports, the betting industry and law enforcement agencies,” Mr Kenyon said.
“Agreement was also reached to support more information sharing and developing better networks between Governments, major sports, betting operators and law enforcers.”
Mr Kenyon said the Ministers unanimously endorsed a National Sport and Active Recreation Policy framework to guide the development of future Government strategies and policies aimed at increasing participation in sport, success in international competitions and strong national sporting competitions.
“A proposed National Institute System Intergovernmental Agreement was also endorsed aimed at enhancing the way our sport institutes and academies around the country work together with sports organisations to identify and develop sporting talent, and ultimately deliver world class Australian athletes,” Mr Kenyon said.
“Ministers also agreed that sport and physical activity is fundamental for the development of children and remains a high priority for inclusion in the national curriculum,” he said.
17 February, 2011
Economic reforms
lose buying power
Important reforms to the national economy are at risk of stalling and the Council of Australian Governments should act to protect them, according to a Reform Council set up to drive the national reform process.
Delivering its second annual progress report on changes needed to produce a seamless national economy, the COAG Reform Council has called on COAG to address the reforms it believes are under threat.
Chairman of the COAG Reform Council, Mr Paul McClintock said the National Partnership Agreement to Deliver a Seamless National Economy was aimed at achieving better regulation across the country, reducing business compliance costs, and increasing competition.
He said the report showed progress in the first two years of the five-year agreement - almost the half-way point for implementation of the 39 streams of regulation and competition reform.
“At this critical juncture in the life of this agreement, our report has identified 10 regulation reforms that are at risk of running late, or not being delivered,” Mr McClintock said.
He said the council had found that there were nine cases where there were implementation issues or risks, including: a nationally harmonised occupational health and safety system; improved processes for development assessment; regulation of chemicals and plastics; a national business names registrations scheme; a single national law and register for personally property securities; food regulation; streamlined upstream oil and gas regulation; nationally consistent approach to maritime safety; and the imposition of directors’ liability for corporate fault.
He said while some reforms were rated “at risk”, the council found that Governments had made good progress on most of the remaining regulation reforms.
Mr McClintock said seven reforms due to be completed by 30 June 2010 had al been completed, including a standard business reporting system, a national registration and accreditation system for health professionals, and rail safety.
The full report was available at this PS News link.
17 February, 2011
Marine Park feedback
Planning for South Australia’s marine parks will advance further this week with Marine Park Local Advisory Groups considering early community feedback on how their local marine park should be managed.
Throughout the week MPLAGs will meet for a series of workshops where they will review community suggestions about marine park zoning that were made over recent months.
The MPLAGs will start the process of developing draft zoning scenarios for their local marine park and once the MPLAGs have completed this work, draft management plans will be released for further public consultation later this year.
Anyone interested in marine park zoning is encouraged to provide information directly through the SA Marine Parks website at this PS News link.
Rail contract awarded
The electrification of Adelaide’s rail network will being in earnest next year following the awarding of the contract for a major component of the program.
Minister for Transport, Patrick Conlon said the $10.2 million Project Development contract for Electrification Major Works had been awarded to Laing O’Rourke.
Laing O’Rourke is a company with over 30 years experience designing and constructing electrified rail systems nationally and worldwide.
The Adelaide rail electrification project will cover more than 100km of track across the metropolitan area from Gawler to Seaford, and Adelaide to Outer Harbor.
10 February, 2011
New faces on
front bench
A Ministerial reshuffle announced by Premier Mike Rann has seen a new Minister appointed for Public Sector Management.
Minister for Consumer Affairs, the Status of Women and Government Enterprises, Gail Gago has been given the post along with responsibility for Regional Development.
In other changes, Attorney-General John Rau is elevated to Deputy Premier and 10 others either change their roles or take on new ones.
Two new Ministers - Bernard Finnigan and Tom Kenyon - have been appointed to replace Paul Holloway and Michael Wright who have stepped down.
“Our Cabinet is reinvigorated, and renewed, while maintaining the right balance of stability and continuity,” Mr Rann said.
“Out of a Cabinet of fifteen, we have five with the experience of having served since we came to office in 2002, as well as new blood.”
He said Mr Rau would continue as Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Tourism, and would take on the role of Deputy Premier as well as Urban Development, Planning and the City of Adelaide and the new role of Minister for Food Marketing.
Mr Rann said Jack Snelling would be the new Treasurer, while retaining Employment, Training and Further Education, and new Minister Bernard Finnigan would take on the Industrial Relations, Local Government and Gambling portfolios.
The Premier said Tom Kenyon joined the Cabinet as Minister for Recreation Sport and Racing, Veterans’ Affairs, Road Safety and Minister Assisting the Premier.
He said Kevin Foley took on Police, Emergency Services and Motor Sport, adding to his Defence Industries; and while Jay Weatherill added Science and Information Economy to his Education Duties.
Mr Rann said Tom Koutsantonis was the new Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Michael O’Brien took on the additional portfolio of Energy, and Grace Portolesi added Minister Assisting the Premier in Social Inclusion to her responsibilities.
He said Tony Piccolo had also been appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier.
The full list of Ministers can be found at this PS News link.
10 February, 2011
New education chief
is first class leader
Keith Bartley has been named the next Chief Executive of the Department of Education and Children’s Services.
Announcing Mr Bartley’s appointment, the Minister for Education, Jay Weatherill said he would continue with the reform process for the State’s schools and preschools, which was already underway.
Mr Weatherill said Mr Bartley was the head of England’s professional teaching regulatory body, the General Teaching Council, which was the second largest of its type in the world.
“Keith Bartley was the outstanding candidate in a strong field of local, interstate and overseas candidates,” Mr Weatherill said.
“He has spent his whole career working in public education and understands the value of public education and its charter to meet the needs of every child.”
He said Mr Bartley had experience in classrooms, policy, advisory, regulatory and early childhood fields and had a strong record as a reformer.
Mr Weatherill said the new chief executive would build on the reforms being undertaken in South Australian public education.
“Keith’s role will be to carry the reform agenda much further,” he said.
“I look forward to working with him on that agenda.”
Mr Bartley said it was an honour to have been chosen by the Government of South Australia to contribute to a program that was focussed on improving outcomes for children and young people.
“My task is to set the framework that supports improved outcomes in South Australia,” he said.
Mr Bartley will take up the position on May 1. Until then acting chief executive Gino De Gennaro will continue in the role.
10 February, 2011
Tap switched on at
Aquatic Centre
Water is flowing into a new 55-metre Olympic-standard water polo and dive pool at the new State Aquatic Centre at Marion.
Minister for Infrastructure Patrick Conlon said this milestone marked the end of 18 months of construction that would deliver a world-class sporting facility and architectural statement for Adelaide.
“South Australia will truly be the envy of the nation’s swimming fraternity when the brand new State Aquatic Centre hosts the 2011 Australian Age Championships in April,” Mr Conlon said.
“I’m hardly surprised to hear that everyone who has visited the site, both during construction and while we apply the finishing touches, has the same reaction; they are genuinely amazed with what is being delivered here.”
He said in addition to the dive pool, the competition pool and leisure water facilities would now be filled with the total to be supplied some 10 million litres of water.
Mr Conlon said the state-of-the-art indoor aquatics facility would be the principal competition and training venue for swimming, diving and water polo in South Australia.
He said the State Aquatic Centre would also provide about 1,000 square metres of recreational water to meet the varied needs of recreational swimmers of all ages, including two water slides featuring a South Australian first “Space Bowl”.
Mr Conlon said the facility also featured grandstand seating for 4,500 people, further strengthening Adelaide’s chances to host major national and international aquatic events.
He said the site, also the home of the new GP Plus Health Care Centre, featured more than 500 car parks and easy access to public transport.
“The finished product will be something all South Australians can be duly proud of,” Mr Conlon said.
He said the State Aquatic Centre and GP Plus Health Care Centre at Marion are funded by the South Australian Government with contributions from the Australian Government and the City of Marion.
10 February, 2011
Literacy skills on
steep learning curve
A $1 million community education initiative is expected to give up to 1,300 people the chance to improve their literacy and numeracy skills.
Minister for Training Jack Snelling said there had been a strong response to the call for applications for the State Government’s Foundation Skills Grants Program.
“The funding will see 1291 training places offered through 32 community-based not-for-profit training providers across the State,” Mr Snelling said.
“The additional $1 million funding - part of the State Government’s Job Strategy commitment to support people to boost their literacy and numeracy skills - brings the annual grant for adult community education to $2.9 million.”
He said the successful applicants would provide training so course members could further improve their skills through vocational education and training and help them move into the workforce.
Mr Snelling said the successful applicants included: St Vincent de Paul and Hutt Street Centre, Adelaide, which provided courses in literacy and numeracy skills, computing and retail; and The Hut Community Centre in Adelaide Hills, which offered five eight-week courses in specific vocational areas, including basic computing skills; introduction to horticulture; developing computer hardware skills and basic office skills.
Other successful applicants were: Yorke Your Services in Yorke Peninsula, which provided engagement activities and training that will build foundation, employability, literacy and numeracy skills through a program called the “Yorke Chefs”; and Catherine House in Adelaide, which focused on individual capacity building, job readiness, personal development and resilience.
Mr Snelling said among the other 28 community-based training providers were: Yorke Youth Services; UnitingCare Wesley Port Pirie; Tailem Bend Community Centre Inc and Murray Mallee Community Education Network; Mt Gambier Men’s Shed, ac.care - Mt Gambier Community Centre; Encounter Centre Inc, District Council of Yankalilla (Yankalilla Youth and Community Centre), and Wandana Community Centre (A Service of Centacare Catholic Family Services).
10 February, 2011
Refugees to be at
home in Kilburn
A new facility to house asylum seekers not considered a risk has been officially opened in the Adelaide suburb of Kilburn.
The Adelaide Immigration Transit Accommodation (AITA) was developed by the Federal Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) to replace a facility in Richmond.
The Department said the purpose-built Kilburn facility comprised two three-bedroom cottages and a one-bedroom bedsitter, and would replace the DIAC facility that had operated in Richmond for a number of years.
It said the new facility had an operational capacity of 13 people but could accommodate more than 20 for brief periods should there be short-term demand.
According to the Department, it was expected that people would begin to be transferred into the facility in coming days, as DIAC continued to house its clients in accommodation which best suited their needs.
It said all clients at the AITA would have been assessed as suitable for this type of accommodation.
DIAC said the plan to establish an ITA in Adelaide was announced by the Government in the 2004-05 Budget.
It said officers from the Department conducted information visits in the area to keep residents informed of the development.
According to DIAC, the Port Adelaide Enfield City officials were also kept abreast of the development to ensure building requirements of the city were considered in the planning stages.
It said security was low and unobtrusive to the local residents, with suburban residential-type fencing and no signage.
The centre would be staffed 24 hours a day by the Department’s contracted detention service provider.
The Department said similar short-term transit accommodation had already been built in Melbourne and Brisbane.
10 February, 2011
Institute to sustain
sustainability
The challenge of finding solutions to the human and technological issues involved in developing environmentally-sustainable communities is the focus of a new research institute at the University of South Australia.
UniSA Pro Vice Chancellor for IT, Engineering and the Environment, Professor Andrew Parfitt said the new Barbara Hardy Institute would make the most of multidisciplinary research approaches that challenge conventional thinking.
“The Institute, whose patron is the well known and widely respected environmentalist Dr Barbara Hardy AO, brings together world-leading expertise in a range of science, engineering and social science disciplines to champion Dr Hardy’s vision for the widespread adoption of sustainable principles and environmentally correct practices,” Prof Parfitt said.
He said the Institute would be launched in May 2011 with the announcement of flagship projects to be undertaken with local and national industry partners.
Director of the Barbara Hardy Institute, Professor Michael Taylor said the Institute would have national and international reach and provide leadership in research and engagement with industry, government and communities.
“Our goal is to create integrated technological and behavioural solutions for sustainably-managed human and natural environments,” Prof Taylor said.
“The Barbara Hardy Institute will draw together researchers in renewable energy, transport systems, urban and regional planning, engineering, construction and infrastructure development, clean technologies for agriculture, manufacturing and industrial applications, complex systems modelling and evaluation and urban ecology.”
He said the Barbara Hardy Institute had been formed through the merger of UniSA’s Institute for Sustainable Systems and Technologies and the Barbara Hardy Centre for Sustainable Urban Environments and will bring under its umbrella 67 key researchers and 98 postgraduate students.
10 February, 2011
No more hang-ups
on phone locations
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has changed its rules to allow telephone companies to tell police, fire brigade and ambulance services the location of a mobile phone used to call the Triple Zero emergency number.
Acting Chairman of ACMA, Richard Bean said the rules required mobile carriers to provide emergency service organisations with the most precise mobile phone location information available for emergency calls made from mobile phones, in situations where a Triple Zero caller was unable to verbally report their location.
“Locating callers quickly and with confidence is clearly a crucial element of the Triple Zero emergency call service,” Mr Bean said.
“The ACMA’s new rules enable emergency service organisations to access the most precise location information that is currently available on the mobile networks and also to automatically capture the benefits from any future developments in location-based services offered by the mobile carriers.”
He said mobile phones accounted for about 63 per cent of calls made to Triple Zero but unlike fixed landline phones did not automatically give emergency service organisations accurate details about a caller’s whereabouts.
Mr Bean said this was not an issue for the vast majority of mobile calls where the caller could tell the emergency operator where they were located, but there were times when people were too distressed or unfamiliar with their environment to report their location.
Mr Bean said the new Determination required mobile carriers to: provide the most precise location information they had available on request from an emergency service organisation; resolve emergency call location queries with the highest possible priority; ensure emergency service organisations were provided with a designated contact point and telephone number for location queries, or have a dedicated process for location queries; and assist an emergency service organisation to identify the relevant mobile network carrying the emergency call.
Mr Bean said the Telecommunications (Emergency Call Service) Amendment Determination 2011 (No. 1) would commence on 20 April.
10 February, 2011
National curriculum
making the grade
Development of Australia’s first National Curriculum has taken another step with the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) releasing Geography and Languages papers.
Federal Minister for School Education, Peter Garrett said the Shape of the Australian Curriculum: Geography paper would be used to guide expert curriculum writers in the drafting of the Australian Curriculum for Geography, while the draft Languages paper would be available for comment until 7 April.
“Our diverse, multicultural community has shown lots of interest in a broad variety of commonly used languages being represented in the National Curriculum,” Mr Garrett said.
“ACARA’s draft shape paper on languages covers a comprehensive list of significant community languages for development in the National Curriculum, including Modern Greek, Chinese, Italian, Arabic and Vietnamese.”
He said ACARA had developed the papers following public consultation on the draft geography shape paper in mid 2010 and national forums on the Australian Curriculum – Languages and Geography.
“The years to which the study of geography should be compulsory is among a number of significant issues that will be determined by Australia’s education ministers in light of the feedback received to the geography shape paper,” Mr Garrett said.
“I encourage everyone, whether they’re a teacher, academic or parent, to use this opportunity to have their say on the curriculum and the development of the languages curriculum.”
He said the papers had been developed by ACARA, in consultation with education authorities and curriculum experts as well as teachers, principals and subject area experts.
“The release of these papers for geography and languages marks the historic next step in the development of the Australian Curriculum following on from the education ministers’ endorsement of the curriculum for English, mathematics, science and history in December last year,” Mr Garrett said.
He said the shape papers for geography and languages are available at www.acara.edu.au/curriculum/curriculum.html
10 February, 2011
Parental locks
locked in for TV
Television sets sold in Australia since the end of last week are required to offer a parental lock-out system complying with a technical standard set by the Australian Communications and Media Authority.
Acting Chairman of ACMA, Richard Bean said the technical standard, determined in August 2010, mandated the inclusion of a parental lock feature in new domestic reception equipment used for viewing free-to-air services such as integrated digital televisions, set-top boxes and personal video recorders.
“The parental lock feature allows parents and guardians to protect their children from content on television they may consider inappropriate or harmful,” Mr Bean said.
“While a significant proportion of equipment currently available in the market already includes parental lock, the technical standard makes it a required feature in new models sold from 4 February, however, some models offered for sale prior to this date, and still in stock, may not include the feature.”
He said parental lock was a feature of digital television receivers allowing parents and guardians to control their child’s access to program content based on the program’s classification, for example, G, PG, M or MA.
Mr Bean said when activating parental lock, users were prompted to select a program classification level and a personal identification number (PIN). The parental lock feature would then prevent any program classified at or above the selected level from being shown unless the PIN number was entered.
He said parental lock would not block programs that were not subject to classification, such as news, current affairs and sports programs.
Mr Bean said over the past 12 months the ACMA had worked with equipment manufacturers and broadcasters to ensure parental lock would operate effectively from 4 February.
He said broadcasters had committed to have timely and accurate information about program classification on their electronic program guides (EPGs).
10 February, 2011
Visitor on high road
to infrastructure
A senior representative of the Commonwealth Government has joined Regional Development Minister, Michael O’Brien on a tour of some South Australian regions in recent days looking at local priorities for infrastructure projects.
Mr O’Brien, and Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and Urban Water, Don Farrell, visited Mount Barker, Tanunda, Clare, Port Augusta, Whyalla, Berri and Mount Gambier as part of a three-day listening tour.
Mr O’Brien said the visit signalled a strong commitment from all three tiers of Government to work cooperatively on major strategic issues.
“The RDA structure in South Australia represents a true partnership between the Commonwealth, the State Government and Local Councils,” Mr O’Brien said.
“The RDAs have been working on regional roadmaps, which outline the community’s vision for sustainable growth and development.”
Mr O’Brien said the visit enabled Senator Farrell and himself to hear what the priorities were for the region in terms of infrastructure requirements.
Senator Farrell said he and Mr O’Brien met all seven RDA boards in regional South Australia to explore regional priorities and help foster the development of South Australia’s regions.
“As part of my role as a Federal Parliamentary Secretary and Senator for South Australia, I meet with Minister for Regional Australia, Simon Crean, on a regular basis to discuss regional issues in South Australia,” Senator Farrell said.
“On this trip, I will be listening to what local community leaders, throughout the state, have to say about their regional development priorities.”
10 February, 2011
Research training to
train researchers
A new training centre for researchers is to be established to foster professional skills among researchers and help them launch their careers in industry.
Funded jointly by the Australian Technology Network (ATN) of Universities: the University of South Australia; RMIT; Queensland University of Technology; the University of Technology, Sydney; and Curtin University, the Industry Doctoral Training Centre was unveiled by the Federal Minister for Innovation, Senator Kim Carr.
Senator Carr also announced that the Government had developed a new Research Workforce Strategy.
“Australian researchers can look to the future with renewed confidence,” Senator Carr said.
He said the new pilot centre in mathematics recognised that collaboration between universities, businesses and students was vital.
“It is the only way we can meet the growing demand for skills while opening secure career paths for researchers,” Senator Carr said.
“The discipline of mathematics is an area of critical industry and research need, and I applaud the ATN for its efforts to build Australia’s capabilities in this area.”
He said the Commonwealth Government had worked closely with the higher education sector to develop a comprehensive strategy for the Australian research workforce in the decade to 2020.
“We must invest in our researchers today if we are to meet the demand for university places, skilled workers, and innovative ideas tomorrow,” Senator Carr said.
“The global competition for research talent and capital will be fierce.”
He said for more information about the ATN Symposium, visit www.atn.edu.au/atnconference and for more information about the Research Workforce Strategy, visit www.innovation.gov.au
10 February, 2011
Cemetery chief has
grave advice
South Australia’s largest cemetery, Centennial Park, has offered a range of tips, suggestions and ideas for people faced with creating a headstone or memorial inscription.
Chief Executive of Centennial Park, Bryan Elliott, said that because few people take the time to consider what will be written on their headstone, the choice is usually left to surviving family members to do it.
“A headstone or memorial is a long-lasting tribute to a loved one,” Mr Elliott said.
“(It) provides a place where family and friends can go to remember and reflect.”
Mr Elliott said the wording on a headstone or a memorial was an opportunity for people to summarise their personality, relationships, beliefs and life achievements.
“For those who did not know that person, the words provide a historical record and some insight into the circumstances and significance of the life they lived,” he said.
Mr Elliott said choosing a memorial or headstone could be difficult for grieving family members, but could offer comfort by providing a meaningful way to preserve their loved one’s memory.
“Families are not limited to words alone to tell their loved one’s story,” he said.
“Modern technology is increasing the number of choices available in headstone inscriptions. Alongside text, photographs can be incorporated into the design.”
Mr Elliott said people were being encouraged to give some thought to what they would like to have written on their own memorial plaque.
“Famous epitaphs have shown us that it can be a great opportunity to have the final say or the last laugh,” he said.
Mr Elliott said Centennial Park suggested planning ahead by discussing options and preferences with your family so that your headstone inscription reflects your wishes.’
He said a typical headstone inscriptions included a heading, body copy and line of verse or rhyme.
He said memorial plaques at Centennial Park could also be personalised to include emblems, family crests, illustrations and photographs.
10 February, 2011
Anti-smoking campaign
to be breathtaking
Australia’s largest ever national media campaign against smoking has been launched by the Commonwealth’s Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon.
Ms Roxon said the $61 million campaign’s message was a simple one: every cigarette you smoke brings cancer closer.
“Smoking kills. It’s as simple as that,” Ms Roxon said.
“This campaign will emphasise the link between a smoker’s cough - an everyday occurrence that is familiar to most smokers - and lung cancer.”
She said the National Tobacco Campaign reminded smokers that a cough was the most common symptom of lung cancer.
“The link between smoking and lung cancer is well established,” Ms Roxon said.
“In Australia, smoking causes 84 per cent of new lung cancers in men and 77 per cent in women, so the message is plain: stop smoking to reduce your risk of lung cancer.”
She said the campaign would include national advertising across television, print, online, outdoor and radio with a simple call to action: smokers - attempt to quit today.
Ms Roxon said this campaign, alongside the Government’s plain packaging plans, increase in tobacco excise and subsidised nicotine patches showed the Government’s determination to do all it could to help those Australians, including South Australians, who were ready to quit smoking.
She said smoking was one of the leading causes of preventable death and disease in Australia, killing 15,000 Australians and costing the economy $31.5 billion each year.
For help to quit smoking, people should consult their doctor or pharmacist, call the Quitline on 13 7848 or see the Quit Now website at this PS News link.
The campaign’s media strategy does not include the Public Service.
10 February, 2011
Homeless get free
kick from AFL
A new youth housing project for vulnerable young people has been announced jointly by the State and Federal Government and the AFL Players Association and the AFL Foundation.
Minister for Housing Jennifer Rankine said the Ladder St Vincent Street project meant young people would have the chance to work with past and present AFL and SANFL players and elite female athletes who would conduct group and individual mentoring sessions.
She said it would provide housing and 24-hour specialised support for 23 young South Australians aged between 16 and 21.
“Ladder St Vincent Street is an all inclusive project providing integrated housing, one-on-one support and mentoring,” Ms Rankine said.
“It will also provide a range of opportunities to develop independent living, work, recreational and social skills.”
She said this was a great way to help young people to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness in a supportive and secure environment.
Federal Minister for Social Housing, Mark Arbib said the Ladder St Vincent Street project provided housing and life skills to young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
“Employment, education and vocational training outcomes must be at the centre of addressing youth homelessness and disadvantage,” Senator Arbib said.
“The AFL is to be congratulated for its significant investment, working with the governments and the community sector and importantly ensuring that these young people who will have a bright future ahead of them have the valuable experience of having a mentor.”
He said sports stars had an incredible capacity to influence young people in a positive way and he commended the players, teams and sports associations who invest in the future of young Australians.
The Ladder St Vincent Street project was funded as part of A Place to Call Home through the Australian and State Governments’ National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness and the AFL Foundation and AFL Players Association.
10 February, 2011
New income model
more on the money
A framework for evaluating an income management model that is non-discriminatory has been released by the Federal Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.
Commonwealth Minister for FaHCSIA, Jenny Macklin said the non-discriminatory model was already in use in the Northern Territory and a voluntary pilot was underway in Western Australia.
She said a future roll-out of the new model of income management beyond the Northern Territory would be informed by evidence gained from the independent evaluation.
Ms Macklin said the two-stage evaluation would run from now until 2014 and would provide a comprehensive assessment of both the initial impact of the program, and the impact several years later.
She said the evaluation would include analysis of existing data on income management, as well as surveys of child protection staff, financial literacy service providers, and retailers; and there would also be interviews and focus groups with people on income management.
Ms Macklin said to ensure the methodology was robust and comprehensive and the evaluation process was transparent, the framework was independently developed by researchers from the Australian National University, the Australian Institute of Family Studies and the Social Policy Research Centre at the University of New South Wales.
She said the methodology was shaped in consultation with a range of community and Government stakeholders including the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance of the Northern Territory, the Brotherhood of St Laurence, the Northern Territory Department of Health and Families and the Federal Social Inclusion Board.
Ms Macklin said income management helped to protect children and vulnerable people by ensuring that money was available for the essentials of life, and provided a tool to stabilise people’s circumstances.
She said the new model of income management replaced the model of income management introduced as part of the Northern Territory Emergency Response.
A copy of the framework can be found at this PS News link.
10 February, 2011
Water scholarship
in the pipeline
A new scholarship for Aboriginal students studying for a groundwater-related qualification is to be offered jointly by the Department for Water, Flinders University and the National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training.
According to a brochure about the Aboriginal Groundwater Scholarship, it will encourage and assist an Aboriginal student who is studying or enrolled in an undergraduate degree in an Earth Science discipline.
The brochure said up to two scholarships were available each calendar year and included tuition fees and paid work experience.
It said the NCGRT would pay tuition fees for the Undergraduate Degree (adjusted annually) for an approved scholarship holder and the scholarship would pay for the university tuition fees (108 units 3 years full-time) for successful completion of a course from the School of the Environment at Flinders University.
According to the brochure, scholarship recipients may also be eligible to receive tuition funding for a fourth year.
It said as part of the Scholarship the Department for Water would: fund the salary at ASO1 level for the student’s paid work placements; provide a workplace mentor; and offer employment in a graduate role following the successful completion of their undergraduate and/or honours degree.
The brochure said the Scholarship would be awarded to the applicant who, in the opinion of the Selection Committee, best demonstrated through their application and supporting documentation: academic achievement, as well as other achievements, leadership or community service.
Written applications are open until 15 March. To download the application form, visit this PS News link.
Applications must be lodged attention to Ms Merryn Bailey, HR Business Partner, Department for Water via email DFWCareers@sa.gov.au or via post to PO Box 2834, Adelaide SA 5001.
For more information contact Ms Bailey on (08) 8204 1406.
10 February, 2011
Campaign continues
Despite the Ministerial reshuffle and changes to Cabinet, the Public Sector Association is continuing with its campaign to restore lost conditions.
The PSA said its position remained clear and the Government must continue to be held to account.
The PSA campaign began after last year’s Budget cut PS jobs, threatened job security in spite of undertakings from the Premier; abolished leave loading and reduced long service leave entitlements in contradiction of an Enterprise Agreement.
Think Tank II for Playford
City of Playford residents are being encouraged to get involved and have their say at the Think Tank II Community Conference.
The free conference is a follow up to the inaugural Pulse Community Think Tank held in September 2009, and through Community discussions on “Creating Lifestyle and Prosperity in Playford”, feedback will be sought on topics that will feed into Council’s planning for the future.
This year’s speakers include: former Premier of South Australia and current Chief Executive of Anglicare SA, Lynn Arnold; and current Principal of Mark Oliphant College, Lynne Simons.
The conference is on 19 February. To register your attendance visit this PS News link or call 8256 0333.
Recruits graduate
Seventeen Correctional Officers will take up positions in prisons around the State following their graduation ceremony.
The 11 male and six female recruits have completed a 12-week induction course and will now complete their Certificate III in Correctional Practice over the next nine months.
The graduates will take up positions in prisons around the State including Adelaide Women’s Prison, Adelaide Remand Centre, Cadell Training Centre, Mobilong Prison and Port Lincoln and Port Augusta prisons.
3 February, 2011
Relaunched website
to keep eye on jobs
The Public Service Association has relaunched its “doesntaddup” website with a new Job Watch feature reporting the number of jobs cut from the South Australian Public Service.
The Association said the website would show a tally of the jobs being lost as they happen, for everyone to see, in an attempt to make the Government see the consequences of its action.
The PSA said the job cuts impacted not only on its members, but also on the delivery of important services to South Australian families in need.
According to the PSA, last year it launched the doesntaddup website which contained reports showing the South Australian economy was in good financial shape and the Budget cuts were not justified.
It said the website was also an interactive tool which featured stories about how tough the public sector was doing it, and also stories from the community about how they were affected.
The Association said the list of jobs lost would be regularly updated and graphs displaying from which agencies the jobs were going could also be viewed on the site.
It said stories could still be shared, and members and the public alike were encouraged to contribute information on where the jobs were being cut, and what the impact on the community would be.
For more information, visit the website this PS News link.
3 February, 2011
DECS statistics
get the numbers
A new statistics portal on the Department of Education and Children’s Services website is expected to make it easier for parents and the community to access data about public schools.
Minister for Education, Jay Weatherill, said for the first time, year-on-year comparisons of enrolment numbers, retention, attendance and attendance rates, as well as statistics on student behaviour, would be able to be accessed in one place on the DECS website.
He said the initiative would help make statistical summaries about education easier to find and compare.
“Parents and members of the public regularly seek information and updates about issues such as attendance and student behaviour,” Mr Weatherill said.
“Establishing a statistics portal will provide transparency and accountability about how our schools are managing these and other issues by providing data in a format that is easy to access and analyse from year to year.”
He said the first data to go online included retention rates, critical incidents, behaviour management as well as the latest data on student suspensions.
Mr Weatherill said the suspension data showed parents that school principals were taking a tough stand on bad behaviour, with the number of students suspended for disruptive and anti-social behaviour increasing.
He said the suspension figures showed that 5086 students were suspended in Term 2, 2010, an increase on the previous three years.
Mr Weatherill said the Term 2 census was conducted annually as a regular snapshot of student behaviour.
“The value of publishing this data is that it demonstrates to parents that the majority of students are behaving appropriately, but that bad behaviour will have consequences,” Mr Weatherill said.
“It is important to set boundaries for students who are not acting responsibly and we support our principals suspending students if this disciplinary action is required.”
3 February, 2011
Queen recognises
more for excellence
The Queen’s Australia Day Honours List recognised the dedication and commitment of a number of people in public service in South Australia over and above those named last week as recipients of the Public Service Medal, Australian Police Medal, Ambulance Service Medal and Emergency Services Medal.
Governor-General, Quentin Bryce announced that the following had been awarded honours in the Order of Australia awards.
OFFICER IN THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA(AO)
Professor Alastair Harvey MacLENNAN AO
St Georges
For distinguished service to medicine as a leading researcher and practitioner in the areas of obstetrics and gynaecology and the causes of cerebral palsy, to medical education, and to professional development.
Professor MacLennan has been Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Adelaide since 1977 leads the South Australian Cerebral Palsy Research Group.
MEMBER OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA (AM)
Dr Bruce Kristian FOSTER AM
St Peters
For service to medicine as a paediatric orthopaedic surgeon, to medical research through contributions to the Bone Growth Foundation, and to professional development.
Dr Foster is the Deputy Director of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Adelaide.
He is the Founder and Chairman of the Bone Growth Foundation at the same hospital.
Ian John KOWALICK AM
Stonyfell
For service to the community of South Australia through public sector management, particularly in leadership roles in business and environmental organisations, and to tertiary education and the arts.
Mr Kowalick was Chair of Playford Capital until last year.
Professor Jill SLAY AM
For service to the information technology industry through contributions in the areas of forensic computer science, security, protection of infrastructure and cyber-terrorism.
Professor Slay is Dean of Research in the Division of Information Technology, Engineering and Environment at the University of South Australia.
She is a specialist in forensic computer science, IT security, critical infrastructure protection and cyber-terrorism and has been instrumental in the development of several forensic computing software tools leading to improved practices in e-crime investigations.
MEDAL OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA (OAM)
Ian Richard PARMENTER, OAM
Margaret River WA
For service to the food and tourism industries as an event director, author, journalist and broadcaster.
Mr Parmenter has been the Festival Director for Tasting Australia since 1997.
3 February, 2011
Land release
lands at LMC
The Land Management Corporation has announced that one of the largest residential land releases in Adelaide’s history has gone on sale.
Minister for Infrastructure, Patrick Conlon said the 206ha, which was capable of accommodating more than 3000 homes, was at Blakeview in Adelaide’s north and provided a rare and exciting opportunity for the private development sector.
He said the Blakeview land release was being managed by the South Australian Government’s Land Management Corporation.
Mr Conlon said the land release would help to meet continued demand for residential allotments in the outer northern area and also assist with housing affordability by establishing a ready allotment supply.
“Land releases of the scale at Blakeview will provide developers with the opportunity to acquire larger development parcels capable of being master planned and of sufficient size to support required infrastructure development,” Mr Conlon said.
“Adelaide’s north is a fast growing and dynamic area that is currently undergoing significant investment in infrastructure, housing and employment opportunities.”
He said the land release at Blakeview would help facilitate the growth by providing timely and affordable housing in line with the aims of the Government’s 30-year Plan for Greater Adelaide.
Mr Conlon said tenders would be sought nationally for purchase of the land which was situated about 30km north of Adelaide.
He said the release was to comprise two separate land parcels of 107 hectares and 99 hectares, which would be marketed in a single, national sales campaign.
Mr Conlon said he was confident that the land release would be highly attractive to local and national property developers.
He said the Blakeview land release was now available to the market via a tender process with the tender period scheduled to close at 4pm Adelaide time on 6 April.
Mr Conlon said LMC had appointed Adelaide-based Realtycorp Property Solutions to support the national marketing and sales campaign.
3 February, 2011
Job cuts bedevil
Tasmanian PS
Tasmanian Public Servants are concerned that their new State Premier, Lara Giddings, intends cutting PS job numbers.
Ms Giddings replaced David Bartlett after his surprise resignation last month.
The Premier, Lara Giddings, has said the state was struggling financially and cutting public service jobs to improve the state’s finances was one option on the table.
Assistant Secretary Tim Jacobson said the Health and Community Service Union wrote to former premier David Bartlett seeking reassurances but received no response and Ms Giddings must respond.
“The rumours that we’ve heard are somewhere in the order of a 5 per cent cut across the public sector and numbers that seem to equate to the many hundreds across the Department of Health and Human Services,” Mr Jacobson said.
“It would be into the hundreds, if not thousands.”
Ms Giddings said belts must be tightened.
“We’ve had a reduction of some $200 million in our GST over the next four years, so that’s $50 million a year, that’s on top of other reductions we’ve had in recent times,” Ms Giddings said.
Tasmania’s Police and Education Minister, Lin Thorp, said she could not guarantee there would not be job cuts to frontline services.
“The Premier’s said quite clearly she is not ruling anything in or anything out at the moment,” Ms Thorp said.
“I of course, like anyone, am protective of my patch but I’ll be waiting like all of us will be for the mid-year financials and that will give us a clear indication of what we may need to do in the future,” she said.
3 February, 2011
Eating disorders
are on the table
A comprehensive, State-wide model of care for people with eating disorders is to be developed in South Australia in the next three months.
Minister for Mental Health, John Hill said the new model would bring South Australia into line with national and international best practice to ensure the very best care for people of all ages.
“This is another step in the process of reforming mental health in South Australia,” Mr Hill said.
He said the project would be advised by Director of DMHL Consultancy in New Zealand, Deirdre Mulligan.
Mr Hill said Ms Mulligan had a clinical background, experience with eating disorder services and had worked as an independent adviser for health boards and non-Government organisations in New Zealand.
He said the planning process would look at both specialist hospital and community- based services.
Existing providers of eating disorder services from Flinders Medical Centre and the Children, Youth and Women’s Health Service would contribute to its development, he said.
“Clinicians, consumers, carers and non-Government organisations will all be involved in developing SA’s first comprehensive plan for providing the best possible care,” Mr Hill said.
“We want to improve the processes of referring and admitting people with eating disorders who need specialist help to ensure equitable access and to identify and help people at risk before they develop a more serious problem.”
He said the Government would also provide more support in the community and in Northern Adelaide and country areas.
Mr Hill said the mental health reform process in SA would see the introduction of 86 more mental health beds, and the development of a coordinated system of community mental health care.
3 February, 2011
Courts win judgement
in safe work awards
South Australia’s Courts system has been named as a finalist in the Sixth Annual Safe Work Australia Awards.
The SA Courts Administration Authority was named in the Public Sector category, alongside the ACT’s Shared Services Agency.
According to the Chair of Safe Work Australia, Tom Phillips the awards emphasise the achievements of everyday Australians who remind their work colleagues and the public in general that workplace safety is a priority.
Mr Phillips said the national awards promoted continuous improvement in workplace safety by recognising excellence at the Government, organisational and individual levels.
“The 38 finalists represent a range of industries across Australia and these awards present an opportunity to recognise their outstanding contribution to reducing workplace death, injury and disease,” Mr Phillips said.
Finalists won work health and safety awards in their State, Territory, Seacare or Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission jurisdictions.
An independent judging panel will now consider each finalist’s award submission and the winners will be announced on World Day for Health and Safety at Work on
28 April.
More information about the Sixth Annual Safe Work Australia Awards, including finalist information, can be found at this PS News link.
3 February, 2011
New campaign to
sell consumer laws
The Office of Business and Consumer Affairs has launched an education program publicising new nationwide consumer laws that promise to benefit South Australian shoppers.
Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gail Gago, said the new laws were designed to ensure products were safe, contracts were fair and sales practices were sound.
She said the new rights and protections came into effect across Australia over the last month with the introduction of Australian Consumer Law.
Ms Gago said as part of the education program, radio and newspaper advertising was underway in SA.
“The program is informing consumers and traders about the new protections now in place and the tough new penalties for breaches of the law,” Ms Gago said.
“There are a wide range of significant new consumer protections in areas such as product safety, refunds and replacements, telemarketing and door-to-door sales through to unfair sales practices and unfair terms in contracts for products such as mobile phones, airline tickets and gym membership.”
She said to ensure that traders abided by Australian Consumer Law, maximum penalties for breaches were up to $220,000 for individuals and $1.1 million for corporations.
“Through this campaign we hope to achieve a high level of awareness of the new consumer laws and the full cooperation of traders in observing them. And we want to see this reflected through responsible behaviour and practices,” Ms Gago said.
Ms Gago said people needed to get informed about their new rights and could check the information and videos being made available on the OCBA website at www.ocba.sa.gov.au/acl/
She said they could also visit the new national Australian Consumer Law website on www.consumerlaw.gov.au for detailed guidance on each major part of the law, in plain language, and a subscriber service, to receive updates.
Ms Gago said people could telephone the State Government’s Office of Consumer Affairs on 8204 9777 if they had questions about the new protections and penalties.
3 February, 2011
Park on track for
Aboriginal names
Five geographic features in the Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges National Park have been given new Aboriginal names in addition to their European ones.
Chair of the Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges National Park Co-management Board, Pauline McKenzie, said the 128,000ha park, situated north of the Flinders Ranges in South Australia’s outback, was proclaimed in 1970. It had been co-managed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the area’s traditional owners, the Adnyamathanha people, since 2005.
Ms McKenzie said that in a co-management model, DENR and the Adnyamathanha people shared the responsibility for making decisions about the park, using both traditional and scientific knowledge to better manage the cultural as well as natural features of the land.
She said the Board worked closely with the Adnyamathanha community and the Geographic Names Unit of the Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure to determine suitable Adnyamathanha names for five features in the park.
“The Geographic Names Board recently accepted the recommended Adnyamathanha names, Ms McKenzie said.
“Red Hill, Mount McKinlay, Reedy Springs, Italowie Spring and Oocaboolina have been co-named Niparraakanha, Wayanha, Warnngalyunha, Ithala Awi and Ukapudanha Vari, respectively.”
She said this was a historical achievement for the Adnyamathanha community as the dual naming not only recognised and promoted Aboriginal culture but highlighted the partnership arrangement between the Adnyamathanha community and DENR.
“All DENR employees in the park are local Adnyamathanha people who work closely with the Board to provide advice on issues such as managing visitors and protecting cultural sites,” Ms McKenzie said.
The Director of National Parks and Wildlife, Greg Leaman, who was also Deputy Chair of the Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges National Park Co-management Board, said the park was rich with cultural significance and provided a great experience for visitors.
“The park contains a number of important Adnyamathanha cultural sites, including grave sites and rock art,” Mr Leaman said.
3 February, 2011
Research research
shows research OK
A report into research standards in Australia has confirmed that the University of South Australia is on target to meet its research goals for the next decade.
Vice Chancellor of UniSA, Professor Peter Høj, said the first Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) assessment had demonstrated that, not only was the University producing research that was world-class in all of its academic divisions, but it was performing well above world-class level in key areas.
“Our results show that around 70 per cent of UniSA research assessed is world-class, which is a testament to the commitment of research active staff across our divisions and institutes,” Prof Høj said.
He said UniSA was performing at or above world class levels in: Chemical Sciences, including Physical Chemistry; Engineering, including Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Materials Engineering, Resources Engineering and Extractive Metallurgy and Chemical and Civil Engineering; and Environmental Sciences, including Environmental Science and Management.
Prof Høj said other areas the University was performing well in included: Medical and Health Sciences, including Nursing, Nutrition and Dietetics, Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Medical Physiology, Public Health and Health Services; Accounting and auditing; and Business and management.
He said the ERA exercise, an Australian Government initiative to assess the research contributions of Australian universities, had been based on research performance data collected between 2003 and 2008 and on publications during that period.
Prof Høj said that as an institution established just 20 years ago, the University’s performance was remarkable.
“Even though we are a very young institution and the data collection for this ERA assessment represents a period early in our development as a research university, our results are a clear sign that we are on the right trajectory,” Prof Høj said.
“We are ambitious about the role that the University will play in building further research excellence and innovation in Australia,” he said.
3 February, 2011
New tourism profile
is just the ticket
The South Australian tourism industry now has access to the latest regional market intelligence published in the Regional Tourism Profiles 2009/10.
SA Minister for Tourism, John Rau said the profiles had been developed as a tool for business in 81 regions throughout Australia to give local tourism businesses the information they needed to drive investment and tourism development in their communities.
He said the profiles provided detailed tourism data on all 13 tourism regions in South Australia including the number of arrivals, tourism’s contribution to local economies, consumer profiles and a breakdown of reasons for travel.
“People who visit South Australia are important to our state economy - they spent $4.5 billion in 2009/10, up from $4.3 billion the previous year,” Mr Rau said
“They come for work, to attend world-class events like the recent Santos Tour Down Under, to study at our leading universities or to take a well-deserved holiday.”
He said South Australian business could use the data to better target their investments, spending money where they were more confident of getting the best return.
Federal Minister Assisting on Tourism, Senator Nick Sherry, encouraged tourism businesses and investors to use the profiles as the first stop for information when planning future investments and marketing initiatives.
“Local tourism businesses and investors now have region-specific information on growing tourism market segments and consumer insights into why people travel to South Australia,” Senator Sherry said.
“The Australian Government developed the profiles after the National Long-Term Tourism Strategy and Jackson Report identified the need for more accurate regional data to assist both government and the private sector with future planning.”
He said the profiles incorporated data from Tourism Research Australia’s National Visitor Survey and International Visitor Survey as well as data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
The SA Regional Tourism Profiles 2009/10 can be downloaded at this PS News link.
3 February, 2011
Better food labels are
recipe for success
An independent report on food labelling in Australia and New Zealand has been presented to the Commonwealth’s Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King.
Chair of the Review Panel, Dr Neal Blewett, said in the Final Report entitled Labelling Logic the Panel recognised that the food label was one of the most highly valued and competitively sought-after communication channels in the market place.
“The Review Panel has thoroughly examined the views and ideas submitted orally and in writing by a wide range of stakeholders, and sourced evidence from international experience, to produce what we believe is a set of robust recommendations designed to address the inquiry’s Terms of Reference,” Dr Blewett said.
“The crux of the Review was to address the tensions between the competing interests that drive food labelling policy and to seek to resolve them.”
He said the 61 recommendations contained in the Report were designed to address the current ad hoc approach to food labelling and provide a clear path forward.
“The cornerstone of the recommendations in the Report is a Food Labelling Issues
Hierarchy in descending order of food safety, preventative health, new technologies and consumer values issues,” Dr Blewett said.
“This classification, which is essentially a risk hierarchy, should govern the initiation of regulatory action, the modes of intervention and where rules and oversight should lie.”
He said in addition the Panel recommended that a comprehensive Nutrition Policy be developed that included a framework for the role of the food label.
Dr Blewett said within this framework, the Panel had made a wide range of recommendations, including: changes to the Nutrition Information Panel (NIP), such as the inclusion of fibre content and the removal of the current mandatory “per serve” column; a responsive regime for nutrition, health and related claims ranging from the use of simple words that may infer health implications, to high level health claims; and the introduction of a multiple traffic light front-of-pack labelling system.
The Final Report is available at this PS News link.
3 February, 2011
Industry experts
put to work
A new partnership between the University of South Australia and some of the world’s largest companies has been launched.
Director of UniSA’s Executive Partners Programme, Peter McInnes, said the program involved 13 executives, who were currently active, semi-retired or recently retired, working with a select group of postgraduate management students.
Mr McInnes, who is also Executive Director of Mitsubishi’s National Dealer Council, said the management experts would engage with students through one-to-one mentoring sessions, guest lectures, participation in in-class discussion panels and feedback on student field projects and presentations.
Mr McInnes said former Senior Research and Development Manager of Exxon Mobil USA, Dr Ian Cody, and former General Manager at Mitsubishi Motors, Mr Trevor Angus, were among the executives.
He said the program would expose students to invaluable insider knowledge.
“This mentoring scheme offers excellent opportunities for students to gain industry and life insights from successful and experienced industry executives,” Mr McInnes said.
“The Executive Partners add a valued dimension to the life of the School of Management in linking the students’ academic learning to the business world.”
He said it was a great chance for students to learn new skills and network with these highly experienced individuals.
“It also gives the Executive Partners the opportunity to impart their industry-based experience and knowledge to young and dynamic students and to positively influence future generations of industry leaders,” Mr McInnes said.
He said there were 20 places on offer for The Executive Partners Programme, which was free to postgraduate students in the School of Management who have attained a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or above.
He said initially the program would be offered exclusively to postgraduate students but may extend to include undergraduate students in the future.
3 February, 2011
Carbon calculator
slated for farmers
An engineer with the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) has developed a special calculator to assist vegetable growers calculate the extent of the farm’s carbon footprint.
Senior Engineer with SARDI Karl Forsyth said the online calculator had been designed specifically for the vegetable industry and was developed in conjunction with growers from across the country.
Mr Forsyth, an experienced life cycle assessment practitioner, said developing the International Wine Carbon Calculator inspired him to seek further opportunities to help primary industries become more profitable through environmental and sustainability initiatives.
“The Vegetable Carbon Calculator provides a simple mechanism for every vegetable farmer in Australia to calculate their farm’s greenhouse gas emissions,” Mr Forsyth said.
“It works by providing a platform for farmers to enter their production inputs, such as fuel, power and fertiliser consumption and receive information on which aspects of their farming practice are contributing most significantly to their carbon footprint.”
He said the calculator was also able to help farmers assess if their carbon footprint was similar or different to other farmers, by benchmarking their emissions against others.
Mr Forsyth said five different crop categories were used for the benchmarking process, leafy, cucurbit, brassica, root and other.
He said training workshops had been held in each State to teach growers how to use the online calculator, and growers could also access training information though a number of different channels on the website.
Mr Forsyth said these different channels of training include presentations, training videos and extensive step-by-step manuals.
He said this project was funded by Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) using the vegetable levy and a voluntary contribution from Woolworths with matched funds from the Federal Government.
Mr Forsyth said the resources created for this project, including a video presentation, are available on the Carbon Calculator website (www.vegiecarbontool.com.au).
3 February, 2011
New medal pinned on
for flood heroes
A new honour for members of the community who perform extraordinary acts or provide special services during a national emergency has been proposed by the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard.
Ms Gillard has written to the Governor-General Quentin Bryce recommending the Queen establish a new medal for that purpose.
She said the medal, to be called the “National Emergency Medal”, would recognise extraordinary or sustained services to others during a national emergency such as the recent floods.
Ms Gillard said the award would also be back-dated to cover the Victorian bushfires in 2009.
She said the medal would be a permanent element in the national honours system, established by the Queen and awarded by the Governor-General.
In addition to the new medal, the Prime Minister has proposed a new scheme to ensure that everyone who has contributed to the rescue and recovery effort in their local communities receives due acknowledgement.
Ms Gillard said she was also writing to the Premiers of flood-affected States to support a separate community-driven form of recognition to acknowledge local heroes, including the outstanding work done by professionals and volunteers alike.
She said informal recognition by way of commemorative pins or certificates was often initiated by the relevant State in partnership with the Commonwealth for a particular event and could provide broad, community-based recognition for all of those involved.
Ms Gillard said the medal and local hero recognition scheme would provide the nation with a way to express gratitude for those who have supported individuals and communities during a time of crisis.
She said nominees for the medal and recognition scheme could include members of emergency services personnel, Government employees, corporate and private sector employees and private citizens.
Mrs Gillard said the criteria for medal nominations would be developed in the coming months following approval by the Queen.
3 February, 2011
Water scholarship
in the pipeline
A new scholarship for Aboriginal students studying for a groundwater-related qualification is to be offered jointly by the Department for Water, Flinders University and the National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training.
According to a brochure about the Aboriginal Groundwater Scholarship, it will encourage and assist an Aboriginal student who is studying or enrolled in an undergraduate degree in an Earth Science discipline.
The brochure said up to two scholarships were available each calendar year and included tuition fees and paid work experience.
It said the NCGRT would pay tuition fees for the Undergraduate Degree (adjusted annually) for an approved scholarship holder and the scholarship would pay for the university tuition fees (108 units 3 years full-time) for successful completion of a course from the School of the Environment at Flinders University.
According to the brochure, scholarship recipients may also be eligible to receive tuition funding for a fourth year.
It said as part of the Scholarship the Department for Water would: fund the salary at ASO1 level for the student’s paid work placements; provide a workplace mentor; and offer employment in a graduate role following the successful completion of their undergraduate and/or honours degree.
The brochure said the Scholarship would be awarded to the applicant who, in the opinion of the Selection Committee, best demonstrated through their application and supporting documentation: academic achievement, as well as other achievements, leadership or community service.
Written applications are open until 15 March. To download the application form, visit this PS News link.
Applications must be lodged attention to Ms Merryn Bailey, HR Business Partner, Department for Water via email DFWCareers@sa.gov.au or via post to PO Box 2834, Adelaide SA 5001.
For more information contact Ms Bailey on (08) 8204 1406.
3 February, 2011
2010 road deaths
lowest in 60 years
The Federal Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics (BITRE) has reported that the number of deaths on Australia’s roads in 2010 was the lowest in more than 60 years.
Commonwealth Parliamentary Secretary for Infrastructure and Transport, Catherine King said while the latest road fatality figures indicated substantial progress in the area of road safety, Australia still had a lot of work to do.
“These figures are a remarkable result considering there are now three times as many people on our roads and 13 times more vehicles than in 1949,” Ms King said.
“We’ve seen an 8.2 per cent reduction on the 2009 figure, and a 24.7 per cent reduction on the figure from a decade ago.”
She said the 2010 figure accelerated the mostly downward trend of the last decade.
“While these figures are encouraging, motorists should remain alert,” Ms Kings said.
“Any death on our nation’s roads is one too many.”
She said despite the progress, 1,368 people died as a result of crashes on Australian roads last year, about four people died each and every day, with an estimated 22 people hospitalised for every person killed, amounting to about 30,000 a year.
Ms King said the latest figures came as the 2001-2010 National Road Safety Strategy draws to a close.
“These figures point to the success of the many road safety programs implemented as part of that Strategy by all levels of Government over the last 10 years. Now we are putting in place the Strategy for the next 10 years,” Ms King said.
She said everyone needed to take responsibility for their actions and everyone could have their say on reducing fatalities on our roads by putting forward ideas on the new National Road Safety Strategy 2011-2020 by 11 February.
The draft National Road Safety Strategy 2011-2020 is available for public comment until 11 February at this PS News link.
3 February, 2011
Advocate awarded
Aboriginal advocate, Ms Patricia Waria-Read, was named as the first winner of a new Australia Day award.
The Women Hold Up Half the Sky award, created in collaboration between the State Government’s Office for Women and the Australia Day Council of South Australia, was designed to honour outstanding women who have previously gone unrecognised.
Ms Waria-Read was selected because of her dynamic role in advocating for the rights of Aboriginal women and the leadership and inspiration she provided to other women in the community.
Police Station open
The Christies Beach Police Station has been officially opened following a $6.5 million redevelopment.
The new facility caters for Criminal Justice, Crime Prevention and Family Violence Investigation Sections as well as a Property Room, Training Centre, storage area and gymnasium.
The refurbishment of the current building boasts a new cell complex, and office area for Tactical Teams.
The Government’s major construction and refurbishment program has seen new police stations built at Golden Grove, Aldinga, Gawler, Mount Barker, Victor Harbor, Berri, Port Lincoln, Newton, Blakeview, Hallett Cove, Pooraka and Kalangadoo.
Playford Alive kicks goal
Central District Football Club is joining forces with the Playford Alive project in Adelaide’s northern suburbs.
The Bulldogs’ home ground, Elizabeth Oval, will be renamed Playford Alive Oval from this season, in what has been described as a “win-win” for the SANFL club and the Land Management Corporation - the lead government agency responsible for the Playford Alive project.
Playford Alive has been involved with Central District as a sponsor before because of the club’s strong commitment to the community and its involvement with football and personal development of local youth through schools and sports clubs.
New plant discovered
A new pasture plant has been hailed as an exciting discovery.
South Australian Research and Development Institute Pasture Officer, Amanda Bonython, said the new annual pasture legume, messina (Melilotus siculus), was an outstanding option for saline waterlogged environments where current commercial legumes fail to survive.
Messina and accompanying rhizobia are expected to be commercially available by 2014.
An extensive field and glasshouse program undertaken by SARDI and Department of Agriculture and Food scientists, has evaluated more than 100 new strains of rhizobia.
Nine elite strains have been identified as having greater persistence over summer.
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