SearchArchives for January 2009
29 January, 2009PS chimes in for gongs
Public Servants featured prominently in the Australia Day awards this week with three from South Australia being awarded the prestigious Public Service Medal.The honours were announced on Australia Day by the Governor-General, Quentin Bryce.
PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL
Congratulations go to:
Julie Noreen CANN PSM
Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation
For outstanding public service in the area of water licensing reform.
Mrs Cann is the Principal Policy Officer - Drought in the Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation.
She complements her encyclopaedic knowledge of water licensing systems in South Australia with an ability to communicate this knowledge clearly and concisely to others in government and to the community.
Mrs Cann neatly balances the provision of sometimes highly technical information to irrigators with a manner that is simultaneously highly professional, down-to-earth, and friendly. She has led the community through complex changes to water licensing and has sought out solutions between the government (as the regulator of the water licensing system), irrigators and the community. More than anything else, this quest for solutions characterises her work and goes far beyond the normal requirements expected of her position.
Much of the water licensing reform that has occurred in South Australia since the mid-1990s has been achieved with Mrs Cann's close involvement. Her management of public consultation for the introduction of the Water Resources Act 1997 was crucial in winning public acceptance of the proposed policy changes. Successive governments in South Australia have shared the policy goal of separating water rights from property rights.
This was achieved by establishing the right to take and use water through water allocation plans.
Mrs Cann led the introduction of Water Allocation Plans and associated water trading across South Australia in areas as diverse as the River Murray, Northern Adelaide Plains, the south-east of South Australia and McLaren Vale.
Mrs Cann has extended her consultation and engagement model to her current work on Drought Response. She continues to exemplify the consultative, engaging, dedicated public servant, leading on community engagement by example.
John Walter PAGE PSM
Transport Energy and Infrastructure
For outstanding public service through the maintenance and development of road transport infrastructure in remote South Australia.
Mr Page has served as the Department of Transport Energy and Infrastructure’s Regional Area Superintendent of the Northern and Western Region at Port Augusta since 1980.
His role involves ensuring, through the management of internal departmental resources and local contractors, that the road network is maintained in a safe and accessible condition to allow the movement of freight, goods and people between remote communities and the more populated areas. His area of responsibility extends to 8,000 kms of unsealed roads over an area that is almost half of South Australia.
Mr Page has dealings with 25 outback communities, 13 Aboriginal groups, 200 pastoralists, and many businesses and mining companies. In additional to his ongoing management of the maintenance of the unsealed roads, Mr Page has delivered over 120 projects that have transformed and improved the quality of life in the outback.
Throughout his association within the Northern and Western Region, he has provided customer service to the outback communities that has resulted in improved road conditions and ensured that the lifeblood of the outback has been quickly repaired and available following damage caused by torrential rain and flooding.
These improvements haveo allowed current and future developers, through the lowering of their vehicle operation costs, to improve the viability of business ventures in the area.
Mr Page's impact on the reputation of the Department has been significant through his work, dedication and genuine empathy for the outback communities which now view the Department as responsive and empathetic to their needs.
Mr Page's innovative thinking and courageous decision making have also lessened the impact on the resources that are extracted from this fragile environment and have reduced the ongoing impact on the local area by erosion and dust generation.
Marcia May STEWART PSM
Public Trustee
For outstanding public service in achieving positive outcomes for Public Trustee clients.
As a Team Leader providing financial services in the Public Trustee’s Personal Estate Branch, Ms Stewart has made a significant contribution to the lives of people with mental or decision-making incapacities.
Her team manages complex personal financial matters, including personal and corporate insolvency, complex trusts and large damages awards.
A consistent feature of Ms Stewart’s work is her willingness to go beyond the formal requirements of a financial administrator in the interests of her clients. She values relationships with, and the contributions of, others who support her clients, and encourages their input to decision making.
Through often delicate mediation and negotiation, she actively builds relationships and bridges gaps to enable other support services to assist her clients properly.
Ms Stewart is unfailingly client-focused and is able to approach issues from her clients’ point of view. She is able to persuade and influence her clients towards constructive development and the achievement of significant personal and social goals.
By taking time and care to identify their needs and ambitions, Ms Stewart encourages and supports her clients to reach milestones that make meaningful contributions to their ongoing quality and enjoyment of life, and achieve the greatest level of personal and financial autonomy possible in their circumstances.
Her support, perseverance in the face of complexity, and readiness to be a champion for her clients have enabled some to resolve complex legal proceedings and many to enhance their long-term financial well-being greatly.
In many cases Ms Stewart becomes a friend and confidant. Ms Stewart provides outstanding public service to those people at risk within the community.
29 January, 2009
Mentor program is one to look after
The Institute of Public Administration Australia has launched its 2009 Mentoring Program, calling for expressions of interest by 6 February.The South Australian division of the IPAA has put its weight behind mentoring as a way of promoting efficiency and professionalism in the Public Service and believes it to be an effective method for transferring professional, technical and management skills from experienced staff to the up-and-coming ranks.
IPAA says all participants benefit from the mentoring process:
- Mentorees through the development of their skills and the realisation of their potential;
- Mentors, through the transfer of knowledge (both ways), the recognition of their abilities, and the personal satisfaction of improving someone else’s prospects; and
- Organisations, because they are more likely to retain better skilled workers.
Under the IPAA‘s mentoring framework, the program is driven by the employee being mentored, who is responsible for developing his or her goals and then articulating them.
Its program is open to mentorees and mentors from across the South Australian Public Service, with the successful applicants selected on the basis of the quality and integrity of their expressions of interest.
“Only mentorees will have a say in who their matching mentor is,” the IPAA says.
“Training will be provided for both mentors and mentorees at the commencement of the program.”
The 2009 program will run from February to December with each pair (mentor and mentoree) entering into an agreement for the whole of the 11 month period.
“IPAA will act as a facilitator, hosting training and providing support by attending the first meeting and by providing guidelines and information as required.
“Beyond December 2009, mentoring pairs will be responsible for continuing on their own, as agreed between mentor and mentoree.”
More information about the program is on the IPAA’s website: www.sa.ipaa.org.au and questions can be directed to the Institute on (08) 8212 7555.
29 January, 2009
Agencies in picture over photo privacy
State Government Agencies wishing to use photographs of staff for promotional purposes have been warned not to breach the Government’s Information Privacy Principles.State Records of South Australia has issued a Guide to assist Agencies using photographs or videos of staff, or members of the public, in publications such as annual reports, brochures and information sheets.
It says Agencies should be aware that some individuals may be sensitive about how and for what purpose their image is used and have a right to control the use and disclosure of that image.
“Agencies should also be mindful of cultural issues that may impact on the appropriateness of using images of individuals in particular contexts,” the Guide says.
“In utilising photographic images or video footage, Agencies must ensure that they are not breaching their obligations under the Government’s Information Privacy Principles.”
It says the Information Privacy Principles (IPPs) define personal information and a photograph or video image could constitute that “information” if the person’s identity was clear or could reasonably be established from the image.
It provides advice on compliance with the IPPs and says the Privacy Committee recommends that consent be obtained before any images taken for promotional purposes are used.
“In some circumstances it can be difficult to gain informed consent,” the Guide says.
“At a large event, Agencies may consider giving notice to people attending the function that photographs or video footage will be taken and used for specified purposes.”
It says giving notice demonstrates respect for individual privacy and allows people who don’t want their image to be used to say so.
The Guide, which is published in the form of an Information Sheet, also warns against using a photograph or video for reasons that were not approved by the subject.
“If you intend using a person’s image for a different purpose other than they were advised, you need to seek their consent,” it says.
“Agencies should also take care that in disclosing photographic images or video footage to external organisations they are not breaching personal privacy.”
The Information Sheet can be downloaded from the State Records website: www.archives.sa.gov.au
29 January, 2009
Bike ride leads to chain reaction
The publicity generated by the Tour Down Under cycling event has been described as “incredible’” by State Premier, Mike Rann.Mr Rann said this year’s race had put South Australia and Adelaide on the map more than it ever had in previous years.
He attributed the increased popularity in part to the participation of seven-time Tour de France winner, Lance Armstrong.
“Lance Armstrong’s comeback at the 2009 race is attracting huge interest from the world’s media,” Mr Rann said,
“The publicity we are receiving is incredible. Before the race even started, there were more than 4,200 online articles alone compared to 618 for last year’s race.”
“Since the start of the race, the 396 accredited media have been filing stories for television, print, radio and online media outlets in countries across the world.
He said the week-long race had attracted 133 world class cyclists to Adelaide, with routes passing The Esplanade at Victor Harbour, Wickhams Hill Road, Meadows, Goolwa, Port Elliot and Encounter Bay.
“Country communities in particular really get behind this race,” Mr Rann said.
“People have been decorating streets, homes and businesses to welcome riders and visitors alike.”
He said spectator numbers had surged, with over half a million people attending the event, a new record for the Tour.
Minister for Tourism, Jane Lomax-Smith, said becoming the “first stop” in world cycling would bring huge benefits to South Australia’s profile in Europe as the race was beamed into millions of homes across the world.
“Cycling is huge in Europe and tens of millions of people, experiencing a European winter, have been watching the sun shining as cyclists pass through our spectacular regions,” Dr Lomax-Smith said.
“Over time, we hope the UCI ProTour will generate a 60% increase in tourists from interstate and overseas and a 40% increase in media publicity and television broadcast.
“The Tour Down Under is a huge money spinner for the State and we expect that to grow as the profile of the race builds overseas,” she said.
29 January, 2009
New officer hooks into fishing limits
A new Industry Liaison Officer has been added to the Department for Environment and Heritage’s marine parks team to help commercial fishers develop coordinated submissions on marine park outer boundaries.In a novel move, the new position is being jointly funded by DEH and the industry’s peak body, Wildcatch Fisheries SA.
Marine Parks Manager at DEH, Chris Thomas, said the new role would help the Department design marine parks to met conservation objectives and minimise impacts on commercial fishers.
Mr Thomas said former Executive Officer of the South Autralian Rock Lobster Advisory Council, Roger Edwards, had been appointed as the Industry Liaison Officer for the rest of 2009.
He said Mr Edwards would work with the Government’s Displaced Effort Working Group, Wildcatch Fisheries SA’s Seafood Industry Marine Park Taskforce and individual fishers to coordinate whole of industry responses and help minimise the impact of marine parks on the fishing industry.
Mr Thomas said the Government aimed to establish a network of 19 multiple-use marine parks in the State by 2010.
“While this initiative is focused on conservation outcomes, commercial and recreational fishing will continue within the boundaries of marine parks,” he said.
“Feedback from the fishing industry will inform the development of marine park management plans with zoning over the next couple of years, and help to minimise any displacement of commercial fishing.”
Mr Thomas said the Displaced Effort Working Group, established a year ago, was set up to help compensate commercial fishers who could be displaced when the zoning took effect in 2011.
“South Australia’s multiple-use marine parks network will help protect representative examples of marine habitats along South Australia’s 5,600 kilometres of coastline, for the enjoyment and benefit of current and future generations,” he said.
“The marine parks network will also help protect South Australia’s marine biodiversity from various pressures, including pollution from the land and climate change.”
DEH’s marine parks team spent the past year travelling around the State consulting with over 8,000 fishers and community members about the program.
Mr Thomas said there was broad community support for the project and that the release of the outer boundaries for consultation would have no immediate effect on how people used the marine environment.
“There will be no change to current activities before the management plans with zoning arrangements are finalised in a couple of years’ time,” he said.
“We’ll be seeking extensive community and industry input during that time, to establish broad agreement on the small zones within each park where conservation is a priority and where fishing and some other activities will not be allowed.”
29 January, 2009
Commission to review Commissions Act
The Australian Law Reform Commission is to review the Royal Commissions Act 1902.Federal Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, said he had asked the Commission to look into a number of issues including whether some inquiries could be better served by less formal alternatives.
“Royal Commissions have been an important means of inquiry and source of advice to Government since Federation,” Mr McClelland said.
“But they have tended to be highly technical, time consuming and expensive.”
He said the recent inquiry by former Judge, John Clarke into the Dr Mohammed Haneef case had brought the issue into the spotlight.
“Mr Clarke indicated in his report that having powers under the Royal Commissions Act would not have overcome some particular difficulties raised in that inquiry,” he said.
“Less formal inquiries in other areas may nonetheless benefit from having some of the powers of a Royal Commission, including the ability to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents as well as protection from suit for defamation.”
President of the ALRC, Professor David Weisbrot, welcomed the review saying the Commission would focus on a number of matters.
Professor Weisbrot said those issues included whether an alternative form or forms of Commonwealth executive inquiry with statutory foundations was needed; the need for special powers for national security inquiries; finding an appropriate balance between powers for persons undertaking inquiries and protections of the rights and liberties of persons interested in them; and information disclosure.
The Commissioner in charge of the new inquiry, Professor Les McCrimmon, said there were a number of lessons to be learnt from problems thrown up by recent inquiries.
“These difficulties have included the power to compel the provision of information, a lack of power to investigate breaches of the Act, the adequacy of penalties for a failure to comply with the Act, and the ability of Royal Commissions to communicate information about unlawful behaviour to law enforcement bodies,” Professor McCrimmon said.
In carrying out its review, the Commission is to identify and consult with key stakeholders, including State, Commonwealth and Territory Agencies.
Its final report is to be completed by 30 October 2009.
29 January, 2009
Tourism plan has fare set of goals
A plan to almost double tourism to South Australia in the next six years has been launched by the Minister for Tourism with the support of the State’s tourism industry and following widespread consultation.The Minister, Jane Lomax-Smith said it was important for the industry to have a clear and collaborative plan for the future and the new one would build on the State’s strengths by being smarter, more fleet-footed and creative.
“South Australia has long punched above its weight, both nationally and internationally,” Dr Lomax-Smith said.
“Tourism has always been a tough, competitive business.”
She said the new plan followed a tradition of strategic planning that had seen Government and the industry working together since 1981.
“Our common goals have been to identify a shared vision and to have a clear sense of purpose to achieve sustainable tourism growth.”
The new South Australian Tourism Plan 2009-2014 lists six priorities, four key focus areas and 13 strategies.
“Fine tuning our approach is increasingly important,” Dr Lomax-Smith said.
“There are new consumer patterns emerging that reflect more discerning travellers, while competition is growing from interstate and abroad.”
She said tourism managers needed to look harder at what they did and what outcomes they could achieve through the shared investment in people and tourism dollars.
Among the priorities listed in the plan are communicating with impact; developing new signature experiences; improving distribution channels; improving air access; ensuring a positive policy environment; and building industry capability.
The strategies included developing partnerships, refreshing tourism developments, growing new festivals and events, encouraging more investment in tourism assets and building a single, strong body to take responsibility for leading the industry to a sustainable future.
According to Duncan Mackenzie from the South Australian Tourism Industry Council, the local tourism industry has traditionally been fragmented but will have to work together to achieve the plan’s goals.
“I look forward to a new era of collaboration and partnership,” Mr Mackenzie said.
29 January, 2009
Lessons learned in student numbers
The number of international students studying in South Australia rose 29.2 per cent in the year to November 2008, 4.4 percentage points higher than the national average.The figures, released by Australian Education International, found 16,093 new students in 2008 took the total number of international students studying in South Australia to a record high of 27,748, 19.4 per cent higher than 2007.
Acting Minister for Further Education, Carmel Zollo, said the arrival of students from over 130 countries created many opportunities for South Australia.
“International education is now worth more than $700 million annually to the State and it plays an equally important role in developing Australia’s diplomatic and trade relations,” Ms Zollo said.
“Overseas students broaden the cultural perspectives of Australian students in the classroom and add substantially to the social and cultural diversity of our community.”
She said the fastest growing markets in 2008 were India, up 73 per cent; Vietnam, up 54 per cent and China, which rose by 17 per cent.
“The latest results reinforce our efforts in meeting the South Australian Strategic Plan goal to grow our international education industry and to help position Adelaide as Australia’s learning city,” Ms Zollo said.
She said Education Adelaide and the education industry had predicted student numbers in South Australia would rise above 30,000 by the end of 2009.
Ms Zollo said the State’s top 10 markets for international students were, in order, China, India, Malaysia, South Korea, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand.
29 January, 2009
Lights out trial to stop mercury rising
The City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters is to conduct an 18-month trial to allow residents to dispose of energy efficient compact fluorescent lights safely.Mayor of the city, Robert Bria, said the proposal would prevent the small amount of mercury in the lights from being sent to landfill.
Mr Bria said the Council was embracing its responsibility to provide a hazardous material and household goods disposal facility for residents to encourage them to have a greater regard for the environment
“This service provides our community with an appropriate facility at the Glynde Depot to dispose of compact fluorescent lights and fluorescent tubes until June 2010,” he said.
Mr Bria said it was possible the end of the trial period would coincide with the expected date of proposed legislation to provide a consistent approach towards the disposal of used CFLs and fluorescent tubes.
He said it was too early to say whether the trial would lead to a permanent CFL recycling collection facility.
Mr Bria said the Council would monitor its demand by residents, as well as the progress of legislation regarding the disposal of CFLs.
Sustainability Planner for the Council, Sarah Wigley, said before the trial, CFLs could not be recycled through regular curbside collection as the globes often broke and contaminated other recyclables with mercury.
Ms Wigley said there was strong community support for action to ensure electronic equipment and CFLs were appropriately recycled.
“Residents are increasingly seeking advice about how to dispose of numerous electronic items and CFLs and the Council now has the chance to promote and support the recycling of such items to ensure 'best practice' environmental sustainability,” she said.
29 January, 2009
School gardens get seeding funds
Up to 190 Government primary schools across Australia, including nine in South Australia are to take part in a program promoting the benefits of growing, preparing and sharing fresh food.The Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program is to be funded by the Commonwealth to help tackle childhood obesity by giving children hands-on experience in healthy eating.
The program’s namesake, Stephanie Alexander, said the program had been operating in Victorian schools for seven years and had made children more aware of the natural world and healthy foods.
“They consistently try new foods and new dishes with interest and curiousity, they handle tools in the garden and knives in the kitchen with respect and with confidence, they approach both garden and kitchen classes with enthusiasm and anticipation,” she said.
“The garden becomes a place of beauty and is visited constantly by the students even when they do not have classes, and they love to cook and take pride in presenting beautiful platters of food to be set out in the centre of the table for everyone to first admire before they tuck in.”
She said children in years 3 to 6 would get the opportunity to work in a garden, harvest the food, cook it in a teaching kitchen and sit down with other students and parents to taste and enjoy what they have made.
Demonstration schools are to be set up as models for interested schools to visit and act as a training centre for schools joining the program.
Nine in Queensland, eight in NSW, one in the Northern Territory, eight in Western Australia and two in Tasmania are to receive grants of up to $60,000 for kitchen and garden infrastructure.
The next round of grants is expected to open in mid-2009, with further funding rounds in 2010 and 2011.
29 January, 2009
HIV infections under microscope
A mandatory code for dealing with people apparently spreading HIV infections in the community has been released to doctors and health professionals by SA Health.Chief Executive, Dr Tony Sherbon, described such activities as “rare” since HIV sufferers normally posed no risk to others, but said the code had been developed after extensive consultation with medical practitioners working with HIV patients, workers in the community HIV sector and public health legal experts.
Dr Sherbon said compliance with the Code for the Case Management of Behaviours that Present a Risk for HIV Transmission was mandatory for all medical practitioners.
“The Code is intended to guide medical practitioners, social workers, counsellors, psychologists and other clinicians in managing the rare situations where they have concerns that a patient may be exposing others to HIV infection,” he said.
Dr Sherbon said the Code was in line with newly developed National guidelines for public health protection and was set within clinical and health responsibilities under the Public and Environmental Health Act.
He said the Code was based on the understanding that people with HIV did not usually pose a risk to others and there was no reason to impose restrictions on their activities.
“By focusing only on the behaviours of particular individuals who might be placing others at risk, this Code seeks to avoid any general implication that persons with HIV are a threat to the community,” Dr Sherbon said.
He said when restrictions were required, they would be implemented under the appropriate sections of the Public and Environmental Health Act.
As Chief Executive of the Department of Health, Dr Sherbon can choose to delegate powers and responsibilities outlined in the Code to the Director of the Communicable Disease Control Branch.
Under the Act, Dr Sherbon also has the power to request information as may reasonably be required to fulfill his duties as stated in the Act.
The Code was available from www.dh.sa.gov.au
29 January, 2009
Bitumen scammers in consumer pitch
The Minister for Consumer Affairs has warned the State’s business owners to beware of itinerant trades people offering substandard bitumen laying services.The Minister, Gail Gago, said she was concerned the scammers were targeting commercial properties in Adelaide’s northern suburbs.
Ms Gago issued several warnings last year, after the door-to-door sales scam was reported to her office by suspicious consumers in the North and South East regions.
“Now it appears the scammers are back and consumers are again warned to be wary and on the lookout for any offers that sound too good to be true,” she said.
“The traders claim to offer quick, cheap services but they demand immediate payment and do not offer any receipts or contract documents.”
Ms Gago said it was believed a small group of people were involved and were equipped with road laying machinery and a light truck.
“Consumers have also reported that some of the group have English and Irish accents,” she said.
Ms Gago said the latest reported incidents showed the scammers were breaching door-to-door sales provisions and approaching commercial properties.
“I have been informed that the group has been approaching commercial businesses, offering to lay bitumen driveways with materials they say are leftover from other work,” she said.
“They charge high prices and in some cases, will escort consumers to the bank to collect money.
“The work is substandard and the traders are unlicensed.”
Ms Gago reminded consumers that when they purchased goods or services from a door-to-door trader they were legally entitled to a 10-day cooling off period if the purchase was over $50.
She said consumers should receive a form enabling them to cool off.
“These fraudsters are good at giving customers the slip and making it hard to track their next move,” Ms Gago said,
“They usually leave as soon as they’ve been paid, well before the consumer realises they’re the victim of shoddy work.”
She has advised consumers to stick to the basics.
“Don’t pay until the work is done satisfactorily, demand receipts, contract documents, proof of ID and proof of the trader’s building work contractor’s licence,” Ms Gago said.
To make a report, contact the Office of Consumer and Business Affairs on 8204 9777 or 131 882.
29 January, 2009
Water researchers bubble up at Uni
A new National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training is to be established in Adelaide with its headquarters at Flinders University.Acting Minister for Environment and Conservation, John Hill, welcomed the Commonwealth’s decision to place the facility in South Australia, saying it was an endorsement of the State’s reputation as a leader in innovative water management.
Mr Hill said the Centre would provide training for research graduates, hydrologists, groundwater practitioners and people involved in natural resources management.
“It will link together a nationwide partnership of universities working on groundwater research for the benefit of industry and the environment,” he said.
“As well as being important for our future prosperity, sustainable management of groundwater will be essential for the future health of our unique ecosystems.”
Mr Hill said the decision reflected the significance of groundwater to SA.
“South Australia’s regional economy is largely dependent on groundwater for irrigation, industry and town water supplies,” he said.
“New tools and techniques are needed to help with the understanding and sustainable use of groundwater supplies.”
Mr Hill said SA understood the true value of water resources and was “already a leader in the sustainable use of water.”
“No other capital city in Australia recycles more water than we do here in Adelaide - we will increase our re-use of wastewater to nearly 45 per cent in the coming years and we’re on track to re-use an estimated 21,000 mega-litres of stormwater,” he said.
Mr Hill said the State Government had committed up to $750,000 over five years towards the Centre.
29 January, 2009
Saltbush research to get added spice
Interest in growing Australian saltbush in Argentina has sparked the possibility of collaborative research projects with the South Australian Research and Development Institute, SARDI.During a recent visit to Argentina, pasture researcher with SARDI, Dr Jason Emms found the Argentinians conducting extensive testing on the Australian shrub and comparing its performance against cactus in the arid Monte Desert region as forage for goats.
Dr Emms said the Argentine Institute of Agricultural Technology were looking into the shrub because, like Australian graziers, they faced a shortage of feed at the end of the dry season.
“Old Man Saltbush is a means to fill that gap,” Dr Emms said.
“For many years we looked to Europe to find answers for pasture varieties, but we are now making a concerted effort to develop our indigenous pasture resources.”
Dr Emms said the shrub had been growing in South Africa and Chile for years.
“Now Argentine interest offers the opportunity to boost collaborative research.”
He said through its Enrich Project which was funded by the Future Farm Industries (FFI) CRC, SARDI was developing knowledge on the productive potential of many saltbush species and there was enormous opportunity in them.
He said SARDI researcher, Dr Ram Nair, had been leading research to improve animal performance by grazing on the saltbush shrub.
“We are looking at the variation in plant habit – the physical attributes of the plant - which aids us in assessing production yields, and most importantly we are studying sheep eating preferences of the different types,” Dr Nair said.
“There is more potential if managed properly, and we are spurred on by colleagues worldwide who are waking up to the value of Old Man Saltbush.”
Dr Emms said the FFI CRC, the SA Natural Resource Management Program and partners from the Department of Water Land and Biodiversity were major supporters of plant collection, assessing its nutritional value and further plant improvement.
Three major plant assessment sites have been established at Monarto in SA, Tammin in WA and Condoblin in NSW to compare performance of nearly 30 regional-variants of the plant.
The Future Farm CRC is to conduct linked studies run by the CSIRO Livestock Industry and NSW’s Department of Primary Industries.
29 January, 2009
Ambulance officers call for the doctor
The SA Ambulance Service and the State Government have launched a joint campaign to improve the protection of ambulance officers and paramedics.Health Minister, John Hill, said the officers were “committed, dedicated and caring”, even though their work could be stressful and confronting.
Mr Hill appealed to all residents to ensure Ambulance officers and paramedics were treated with care and respect.
“Assaulting an ambulance officer is now an aggravated offence, which means tougher penalties for anyone convicted,” he said.
Mr Hill said while the Government and the SAAS provided protection and support for the officers, who also had distress alarms linked to SA Police, the community needed to play a part in protecting them too.
“I would urge all South Australians to take care of the people that take care of you,” he said.
Figures gathered by the SAAS showed there were 104 addresses across the state where ambulance officers were warned police support could be required due to safety concerns.
Mr Hill said all triple zero calls were answered regardless of the address or any record of previous incidents there.
He said from April 2005 to September 2008, 56 Ambulance officers had been injured while on duty.
“Every injury to an ambulance officer – every scratch and bruise - in the line of duty is regrettable,” Mr Hill said.
29 January, 2009
Ban on sales is curtains for cords
A ban on the sale of curtains with blinds and looped cords has been imposed by the Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gail Gago.Ms Gago said the ban was aimed at improving the safety of children and followed a coronial inquest into the death of a toddler who became entangled in a looped blind cord near his cot last month.
Ms Gago said the ban would come into effect on 27 January.
“Any installer, whether professional or the homeowner/handyman, needs to ensure that any cord fastenings are installed in a safe manner, so there’s no loose loops,” Ms Gago said.
“Blind cords can be deadly if they loop around a child’s neck and we all need to be alert to the potential dangers to avoid unnecessary injuries.”
Ms Gago said if the cord was not at least 160cm from the base of the window furnishing, it needed to include a safety device such as an enclosed cord-tensioning wheel or two-pronged hook for fastening the cord to the wall.
“A warning sticker and swing tag must also be attached to all blinds and curtains to alert consumers of the potential dangers and safe installation and use of the product,” she said.
“We can improve safety of devices sold, but ultimately matters like these come down to user responsibility.”
Ms Gago urged parents, grandparents and carers to check the safety of their existing blind and curtain cords.
“This can be improved with the purchase of a relatively inexpensive hook or cord tensioning wheel from a hardware store or curtain shop,” she said.
At least 10 Australian children have been accidentally strangled by blind or curtain cords since 2000.
She said further information about the ban was available from www.ocba.sa.gov.au or by phoning (08) 8152 0732.
29 January, 2009
Multicultural winner named
The Minister for Multicultural Affairs has awarded his inaugural prize for outstanding contribution to the promotion of cultural diversity and community harmony to the architect of Project Abraham, Katherine Goode.
Project Abraham commenced in 2004 and was designed to promote understanding between Muslims, Jews and Christians.
The Minister for Multicultural Affairs Award was a newly created award that evolved from the Governor’s Multicultural Awards that began last year.
House overhauls website
The United States White House has launched a new-look website following the inauguration of President Barack Obama.
The website is similar to Mr Obama’s election campaign site and highlights four of the main points made during the campaign: change, economy, transparency, and public service.
Sports in the money
Sport and active recreation organisations are to receive over $7 million in funding to help increase community participation, improve the quality of programs and services, support elite athlete development and to help deliver core programs.
The funding is to be distributed under the Statewide Enhancement Program (StEP) and the Inclusive Recreation, Inclusive Sport Program.
Further information was available from www.recsport.sa.gov.au or by phoning 7424 7708, with interested organisations encouraged to apply before the 2 March deadline.
New planning code soon
The first stage of the new Residential Development Code is to come into effect in March 2009.
Councils have been urged to identify potential areas requiring specific attention to ensure their unique characteristics are retained before 31 March.
The Code will apply in designated residential zones for new homes or major changes and extensions to existing homes.
Further information and Council criteria was available from www.planning.sa.gov.au
Moon calendar out
The Australian Fisheries Management Authority has announced that its 2009 Moon Phase calendar is now available.
The calendar can be downloaded www.afma.gov.au
Awards open
Nominations are being called for the 2009 Gladys Elphick Award.
Awarded by the International Womens Day Committee to recognise community involvement, achievement, leadership and volunteer work in the Aboriginal community, the award commemorates 1984 Aboriginal of the Year, “Aunty” Glad Elphick who was a legendary worker for the Aboriginal community.
Information can be obtained from, or nominations made to sp@acc.asn.au and nNominations close on 16 February.
The award is supported by the Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation Division of the Department of Premier and Cabinet.
22 January, 2009
PS going for broke to fix finance crisis
The Treasurer has announced a new focus on Public Service delivery in South Australia with an emphasis on front-line activity at the expense of administration and planning.Announcing the Government’s mid-year Budget Review at Christmas-time, Treasurer Kevin Foley said the move could see 1,600 full-time positions cut from the State PS workforce over the next three years.
He said the mid-year review was necessary because the State’s predicted surplus of $160 million for 2008-09 had fallen victim to the global financial crisis and would now be a $112 million deficit instead.
He promised there would be no forced redundancies to meet the reduced staffing levels but said future recruitment activity would be directed to attracting more doctors, nurses, emergency workers, child protection officers, teachers, and police.
Mr Foley said a driving force behind the PS refocus was a Commonwealth Government requirement that new funding arrangements agreed by the Council of Australian Governments needed to be measured against outcomes.
“Therefore we want more of the Public Servants we employ to be in the frontline delivering those outcomes,” Mr Foley said.
“When money is tight, businesses and families have to look hard at what they spend their money on.
“The same is true for Government.”
Mr Foley said certain areas of Government activity would be exempt from cost cutting because they enhanced frontline service delivery.
“Those exemptions include doctors, nurses, ambulance workers and paramedics, psychologists, teachers and school support staff, police, firefighters social and youth workers.”
He said Agency Chief Executives would be asked to freeze vacant positions and take advantage of natural attrition to bring about the staff reductions.
“As a final step CEOs would look at positions no longer required and a Targeted Voluntary Separation Program will be available for a short period,” he said.
Mr Foley said the plan was expected to reduce the Government’s operating costs by $131 million in the years leading up to 2011-12 and then provide an additional $100 million or more per year for spending on other priorities.
22 January, 2009
Work needed on workplace changes
Proposed changes to national industrial relations laws would disadvantage State Public Servants according to the Federal Secretary of the State Public Services Union, SPSF, David Carey.Mr Carey told a Senate Committee that the Commonwealth’s proposed “Fair Work Bill” which was planned to replace WorkChoices, would “not be good enough” for the workers in State Public Services.
Mr Carey said while the Union applauded scrapping the worst parts of WorkChoices, there were a number of failings in the replacement Bill that would deprive State public sector workers of many rights they currently enjoyed under their State industrial relations systems.
"We know the Rudd Government has an agenda to ‘harmonise’ all State's industrial relations laws,” Mr Carey said, “and this, in itself, could be a good thing.
“But unless it is seriously amended, the Federal Act will inevitably sell short workers currently in the State systems.”
He said of particular concern was the limited powers of arbitration to be allocated to the proposed Fair Work Australia which would succeed the Australian Industrial Relations Commission.
The union believes the FWA should have broad powers of arbitration to settle industrial disputes however they arise, whether in Enterprise bargaining, the meaning of an agreement or award, or because a dispute has erupted in a workplace over a local issue.
Mr Carey said the “regime of good faith bargaining" the Bill was seeking to establish was bound to fail because an intransigent and well-resourced employer, such as a State Government, could just walk away from the table after ticking all the procedural boxes to say they had negotiated in ‘good faith.’
Only a strong FWA with powers to arbitrate could protect the workers’ rights.
Mr Carey said the union also wanted the FWA to have arbitration powers to ensure cases run to achieve "Equal Pay for work of Equal Value" would be more likely to be successful. He suggested the Senate Committee and the Government look to the pay equity principles developed in NSW and Queensland for guidance.
The union made 34 specific recommendations for amendments to the Bill and called on the Commonwealth to give serious consideration to them since the SPSF Group represented 120,000 workers, making the CPSU one of the biggest unions in Australia.
22 January, 2009
Door slammed on open plan offices
Open plan offices have been found to contribute to workplace stress and sickness with a Queensland researcher saying the results of a recent study were “absolutely shocking”According to researcher Vinesh Oommen of the Queensland University of Technology's Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, a review of global research into modern office design has found that open plan layouts lead to lower worker productivity and higher stress levels.
"The evidence we found was absolutely shocking,'' Dr Oommen said.
"In 90 per cent of the research, the outcome of working in an open-plan office was seen as negative, with open-plan offices causing high levels of stress, conflict, high blood pressure, and a high staff turnover.”
He said the level of noise alone in open plan offices caused workers to lose concentration, pulling down productivity levels.
“There are privacy issues because everyone can see what you are doing on the computer or hear what you are saying on the phone, and there is a feeling of insecurity,” he said.
Dr Oommen said the likelihood of workplace conflict increased because of the irritation caused when other people’s phones rang and this led to higher blood pressure and sometimes anger and violence.
He said the probability of picking up contagious diseases was also increased as viruses and bugs could move quickly through the workforce.
"Based on these findings, I think employers around the country need to rethink the open-plan environment in their offices,'' he said.
Dr Oommen said the research found that the traditional office design of small, private closed offices was better for most workers,
He said some employers were motivated to introduce open plan layouts due to cost considerations.
“Using open-plan designs can save 20 per cent on construction,' he said.
More details of the study can be found in the Asia-Pacific Journal of Health Management.
22 January, 2009
All roads lead to Council reforms
Public comment has been invited on proposals to improve the accountability and transparency of South Australia’s Local Government Authorities.Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Gail Gago said the consultation process would give Councils, ratepayers and other interested parties the chance to comment on a range of new measures included in a recently-prepared Local Government Accountability Proposals Paper.
Ms Gago said the changes proposed in the Paper were about improving community confidence in Local Councils.
“The proposed changes will provide greater transparency to ratepayers on how their Councils are operating, how decisions are made and how their rates are being used,” she said.
“As elected bodies, Councils are directly accountable to their communities in the same way as Federal and State Governments – through the ballot box.”
She said this was why they needed to meet appropriate standards of accountability for public sector administration and the management of public funds.
“In recent times concerns have been raised about aspects of the current framework, highlighting the need to ensure these standards are met.”
She said the changes being put forward included a greater role for Council auditors by strengthening the links between their reports, the Ombudsman’s reports and the Minister’s powers to take action.
“At the Council level, there are proposals for improving the complaint/grievance process for seeking review of decisions made by Council officers and ensuring that that review is independent of the original decision maker.”
Ms Gago said other proposals included issues relating to prudential management, codes of conduct for Council members and employees, training and education and making sure there was adequate oversight of subsidiaries created by councils.
“These proposals build on reforms this Government has already put in place to improve Council financial management and accountability, including the introduction of compulsory audit committees, long-term financial plans, infrastructure and asset management plans and consultation requirements on the annual business plan,” she said.
“The effectiveness of these earlier reforms will also be reviewed as part of this reform process.”
Ms Gago also encouraged Councils and interested parties to provide feedback on two draft Bills currently available for comment: the Statutes Amendment (Council Allowances) Bill and the Local Government (Miscellaneous) Amendment Bill.
She said the Office for State/Local Government Relations within the Department of Planning and Local Government would accept comments and submissions on the Proposals Paper and the draft Bills until Monday, 16 February 2009.
She said further information was available from www.localgovt.sa.gov.au or by phoning (08) 8204 8700.
22 January, 2009
New DPC head headed this way
A Deputy Secretary in the Victorian Department of Premier and Cabinet, Chris Eccles has been appointed the new Chief Executive of the Department of Premier and Cabinet.Premier Mike Rann announced the appointment saying Mr Eccles would bring a wealth of experience to the position and would take up his post on 16 February.
He said Mr Eccles had extensive experience in both the public and private sectors at national and State levels for more than 20 years.
“In Victoria, his current role involves overseeing national reform and climate change,” Mr Rann said.
“South Australia, through its inaugural chairing of the Council of Australian Federation (CAF) has been at the forefront of the national reform agenda, and has demonstrated national and international leadership in tackling climate change.”
The Premier said he delighted that in Mr Eccles, the Government had found someone who was keen and able to continue working on the climate change agenda to maintain the momentum.
“This appointment is part of broad-ranging changes to the Public Sector which began in July last year,” Mr Rann said, “when I announced the appointment of new Chief Executives in six Departments.”
He said Mr Eccles would oversee a regeneration in government.
“We have the highest expectations of executives to deliver on key performance indicators, and importantly, on the targets in South Australia’s Strategic Plan,” Mr Rann said.
“I would also like to thank the former Chief Executive of DPC, Warren McCann, who was appointed to another senior executive position late last year.
22 January, 2009
Conference planners launch paper chase
The Institute of Public Administration Australia has called for papers for its 2009 National Conference which is to be held in Brisbane in November.Exploring the theme ‘The Changing Public Sector Climate’, the Institute has encouraged Public Service practitioners and academics to propose papers focusing on future directions and challenges facing the PS.
Conference Organiser, Cath Healy of the IPAA Queensland, said proposals adopting a comparative perspective and addressing the implications of research and practice for public administration would be particularly welcome.
Ms Healy said the conference would look at addressing issues of capability; collaboration; clients and community; cost; strengths and weaknesses; international influences; identifying sustainable solutions to public problems; and challenges in public sector management.
She said it would examine how these themes influenced Public Service functions and how it carried them out and the conference would try to identify new challenges likely to emerge and how the sector could respond to them.
Ms Healy said proposals for papers should be submitted to the National Conference Organising Committee by Friday 27 February 2009.
“If you are interested in submitting a paper for consideration, please submit an abstract of up to 300 words (in electronic form compatible with MS Word), accompanied by the form which can be obtained from the website,” she said.
“At the conclusion of the conference, accepted papers will be published with permission on the IPAA conference website, www.ipaanationalconference.org.au”
Ms Healy said some papers could also be accepted for publication in the Australian Journal of Public Administration or Public Administration Today.
The 2009 IPAA National Conference will be held from 19 to 20 November 2009 at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre at Southbank.
22 January, 2009
Premier sells buy SA campaign
A revitalised advertising campaign to encourage South Australians to buy and spend locally has been launched by Premier, Mike Rann.Mr Rann has urged the State’s consumers to look for local produce when shopping, or for a local destination when planning a vacation.
“By buying locally, and holidaying locally, we can back local jobs and local regions,” he said.
“We have some of the finest fresh fruit and vegetables, great beers and world-class wines, fantastic products including cheeses, nuts, dried fruit, seafood and pasta.
“The quality of local produce is unbeatable.”
He said the advertising campaign would build on recent successes such as the whole world buys South Australian. Do you?” and last year’s Buy South Australian. It’s better for you.
He said $50,000 would be spent on advertising.
Mr Rann said even international markets recognised Australia’s manufactured goods such as cars, shoes and mattresses.
“But with ongoing drought, and the global financial crisis, everyone – including our primary producers - is going to be doing it a bit tougher, but we can all pitch in by spending our money locally,” he said.
Mr Rann reminded residents of Australia’s beautiful beaches and tourist destinations, saying there would always be a get-away that was close to home but seemed “a world away.”
He said the Government would continue to invest in infrastructure such as a new desalination plant, extended tramlines and an updated train network to stimulate the economy.
“And every South Australian can do their bit on a smaller scale, by spending wisely and locally - it’s a reinvestment in our state which will pay dividends for everyone,” Mr Rann said.
22 January, 2009
Designers size up obesity problem
The Australian Safety and Compensation Council (ASCC) has examined the impact of overweight and obesity on Australian workers by looking at how the increasing size of Australians is being reflected in workplace design.Chairman of the ASCC, Bill Scales, said the accuracy of anthropometric data was an emerging issue for designers and for the Council.
Mr Scales defined anthropometric data as the measurements of the human body used by designers when planning such things as office products, spaces and systems.
He said the ASCC report Sizing Up Australia: How contemporary is the anthropometric data Australian designers use?followed up on earlier work into the implications of overweight and obesity for occupational health and safety and for workers’ compensation.
He said this work was important in light of findings by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2008 that 7 million Australians aged 18 years and over were overweight or obese, an increase of 2.8 million over the previous 15 years.
“Australia’s anthropometric dimensions have changed due to improved nutrition, increasing rates of obesity, ageing and different migration patterns,” Mr Scales said.
“A number of emerging issues including the extent of overweight and obesity amongst the Australian workforce may have implications for the designers of workplace equipment and products.”
He said the Council’s initial research suggested that existing Australian anthropometric data did not adequately represent the current Australian workforce, findings confirmed by designers who admitted they were concerned that the data they were using was out of date or inaccurate.
“They (the designers) want access to data which accurately reflects the current body shape of the Australian workforce,” Mr Scales said.
“More accurate Australian anthropometric data and tools will help our designers make workplaces safer,” he said.
22 January, 2009
Lawyers lay down admin law
The Australian Government Solicitor has joined with the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Law to present Australia’s first week-long intensive course in administrative law.Entitled Excellence in Government Decision-making, the course is the first of its kind and was unveiled by High Court Justice Bill Gummow in November 2008.
AGS Senior Specialist, Tim Moe, said the course would bring practitioners, the Law Faculty and leading Australian figures in administrative law together for the first time.
Mr Moe said administrative law touched on all aspects of Government, and was directly relevant to all Public Servants and the legal staff of all Agencies and Departments in all Governments across Australia.
“The course is suitable for lawyers and non-lawyers and will maintain a varied and interesting pace throughout the week,” he said.
“Participants will gain considerable insight into the theory and practice of administrative law, and into the relevant legislation, recent cases and policy perspectives.”
Mr Moe said the new course would run from 30 March to 3 April 2009, and would provide coverage of merits review, judicial review, Ombudsman, Freedom of Information and Privacy.
The cost of the course was $3,450 and covered the five days of instruction provided.
“The Commonwealth Solicitor-General, Stephen Gageler would speak on the first day of the course, with other speakers to include Tom Howe, the Deputy President of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, Stephanie Forgie; and Professor Triggs,” Mr Moe said.
He said Judges, AGS practitioners and other Law Faculty would also present sessions.
“Participants in the course may choose to receive a Certificate of Completion from AGS and the University of Sydney or can (at no extra cost) complete an item of assessment through the University and obtain University credit for the course (as a postgraduate subject) at Diploma or Masters level.”
He said attendance at the course represented an historic opportunity to be involved in the first collaborative and intensive course in administrative law.
The AGS and the Faculty of Law invited all Public Servants to join them in Excellence in Government Decision-making.
22 January, 2009
Election reform gets vote of confidence
Reforms to the election processes governing Local Government elections are to be made in an effort to increase voter turnout.Minister for State and Local Government Relations, Gail Gago, said the changes/ would be based on recommendations from the Independent Review of Local Government Elections completed last year.
“Many of the recommendations are aimed squarely at improving the participation of voters at local government elections – thereby strengthening democracy,” Ms Gago said.
She said the South Australian Strategic Plan aimed to increase voter participation from just over 30 per cent to 50 per cent by 2014.
Ms Gago said two major forms would look at refocusing Local Government election expenditure to divert resources away from unnecessary administrative tasks towards activities that increased awareness of the role of Local Government.
She said currently each Local Government was obliged to update its voters roll to include absentee landlords, business owners and business renters.
“No other State requires Local Government to do this,” she said.
“From 2010, absentee landlords, business owners and business renters will be able to vote in Local Government elections only if they choose to enrol.”
Ms Gago said the money saved by this reform would be re-directed into a public awareness campaign encouraging enrolment, the nomination of candidates and the voting process.
She said the Government also planned to create a web portal with candidate information; ensure absentee landlords, business owners and business renters could only vote once; and review Local Government caretaker policies for the election period.
Ms Gago said the State had accepted 23 of the review’s 27 recommendations but had rejected the suggestion to move the date of the Local Government elections.
She said the elections would go ahead in October-November 2010.
Ms Gago said further information was available from www.localgovt.sa.gov.au
22 January, 2009
Cancer facility goes for the doctor
Adelaide’s specialist services for treating cancer and blood disorders in children are to be brought together under one roof.Premier, Mike Rann, and Federal Treasurer, Wayne Swan, have jointly announced that a $17 million, fully integrated cancer facility for children would be built at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
Construction of the new facility, which is to include two new storeys and cover 1,200 square metres, is expected to start early next year and be completed by mid-2011.
Mr Rann said the Centre would provide eight overnight beds for children with cancer, 12 same-day treatment beds, care and treatment facilities, isolation facilities for children at risk of infection and an improved working environment for doctors, nurses and haematology and oncology staff.
He said the new Centre would aim to meet the unique needs and requirements of children receiving cancer treatment which included up to 70 who were newly diagnosed with cancer each year.
“Each year the Women’s and Children’s Hospital has around 1,800 cancer related admissions and treats 5,300 outpatients and day patients,” Mr Rann said.
“According to the Cancer Council of SA, brain cancer, although more common after the age of 50, can occur in relatively young adults and is one of the most common cancers found in children.”
Health Minister, John Hill, said cancer services for children in Adelaide were currently based in two main areas of the Hospital.
Mr Hill said children suffering from cancer needed a specialised Centre.
“A cancer diagnosis can be devastating but it is particularly distressing when it occurs in young children,” he said.
The Federal Government and the McGuiness McDermott Foundation are jointly funding the facility, with MMF providing a $2 million contribution.
The State Government will fund the Centre’s ongoing operations.
Mr Swan thanked MMF for its support and dedication to improving cancer treatment facilities.
MMF Executive Director, Tony McGuinness, said they were thrilled to help establish the new facility.
“We look forward to playing a major role in its building in our quest to provide the very best services for children with cancer in SA,” Mr McGuinness said.
22 January, 2009
Police bite bullet on firearm orders
SA Police have issued the State’s first firearm prohibition order since new laws to combat gun related violence came into effect in November.The prohibition order (FPO) was issued against a former member of the Gypsy Jokers bikie gang.
Officers said the member had an extensive history of violence, drug offending, unlawful possession of firearms, firearms silencers, dangerous articles and bail offences.
Police Minister, Michael Wright, said the Crime Gangs Taskforce, who issued the FPO, had acted swiftly to achieve a “significant result.”
Mr Wright said the order meant the bikie gang member could be searched by officers on sight, at his home or business and that any vehicle he was driving could be searched to ensure he was complying with the terms of the order.
“Anyone issued with these orders can be stopped and searched anywhere, anytime in any vehicle, vessel or aircraft as well as their place of residence for evidence of firearms, gun parts or ammunition,” Mr Wright said.
“These new laws are a world-first and have been designed to target unlawful use of firearms to commit violent and criminal acts.”
Mr Wright said people found guilty of breaching the order would face a maximum prison sentence of 15 years, a 13 year increase on previous penalties.
“People who are served with an FPO can and will be named through an online registry that can be accessed by firearm clubs, commercial ranges, firearm dealers and the general public,” he said.
Under the new laws it is an aggravated offence to carry a loaded firearm, to conceal it on the person, reside in premises where a firearm is present illegally, attend shooting ranges or firearms dealerships and to supply a person subject to a FPO with a firearm
According to SA Police statistics, since the Crime Gangs Task Force was established 14 months ago, it has seized over 55,000 street deals of illicit drugs, 113 firearms and arrested over 300 people.
The registry could be accessed at www.sapolice.sa.gov.au
22 January, 2009
Scientists have taste for DNA sampling
Scientists at Forensic Science SA have developed a new device which could be adopted around the world to make collecting DNA easier, cheaper and more efficient.Acting Attorney General, Michael Wright, said 10 scientists at FSSA had created a ‘mini-popule’ – a self-saturating foam swab used to recover DNA evidence from crime scenes.
Mr Wright said the device improved the quantity and quality of DNA collected, and cost about one third of the previously used cotton swabs.
“The value of this invention is immense,” he said.
“Testing is quicker, easier and more successful if there’s sufficient DNA and if it’s an uncontaminated sample.”
He said the ‘mini-popule’ was also compatible with other aspects of DNA profiling, which made it even more valuable to scientists.
Mr Wright said the Australian Federal Police, Queensland’s Forensic Department and the United States’ FBI we all trialing the discovery.
“Interest from these world-leading crime-fighting agencies is a great credit to the invention’s creators at Forensic Science SA,” he said.
FSSA’s Senior Technical Officer, Ted Silenieks, said the mini-popule was a leap forward for DNA collection.
“The challenge was to create a convenient, economical device that optimised the recovery of DNA evidence but was also compatible with robotic D.N.A. profilers,” Mr Silenieks said.
“The mini-popule achieves that.”
He said the devices were relied upon in the State’s legal system, with the DNA profiles obtained from them used as evidence in Court.
Mr Wright said the traditional method of using cotton swabs to collect DNA was not “overly efficient.”
He said two cotton swabs were needed to collect enough DNA material, the samples had to be dried before packaging and the swabs were incompatible with robotic systems.
“The mini-popule enables maximum DNA recovery while reducing contamination risks,” he said.
The device was created in co-operation with US-based company Puritan Medical Products.
22 January, 2009
Tourism campaign is just the ticket
Tourism South Australia has launched an advertising campaign encouraging residents to explore their state.Minister for Tourism, Jane Lomax-Smith, said the advertisements, appearing on Channel 7 and Channel 9, starred local and national celebrities who endorsed South Australia’s tourist destinations.
Dr Lomax-Smith said David Koch, Jane Doyle and Melody Horrill from Channel 7 and Kate Collins, Kym Dillon and Keith Conlon from Channel 9 appeared in the ads.
“The celebrities featured in these ads were chosen because they genuinely love what South Australia has to offer,” she said.
“Each celebrity was simply asked to talk about their favourite South Australian experiences, and from that we have easily developed a rich and diverse picture of the State’s tourism products and experiences.”
Dr Lomax-Smith said the campaign “aggressively targets the Adelaide market” and encouraged residents to make the most of their time off by discovering the State.
“The global financial crisis has provided us with opportunities to increase our national market share by making Australians more inclined to holiday in their own country, rather than overseas,” she said.
“However, it is also imperative that locals do not overlook all the benefits a South Australian holiday has to offer – world class food and wine, amazing scenery and unique experiences.”
Dr Lomax-Smith said the campaign would cost $620,000 and would “assist in ensuring the tourism industry reaches its expenditure goal of $6.3 billion by 2014.”
22 January, 2009
Life’s a beach for sand transfers
Public submissions have been invited on plans to build a pipeline to transfer sand between beaches in a bid to reduce erosion.A development application for the pipe has been prepared as part of the Adelaide’s Living Beaches project.
The Department for Environment and Heritage submitted the application to the Development Assessment Commission in 2008, saying sand transfers were needed to protect Adelaide’s beaches from the effects of wind and water erosion.
Project Manager of Adelaide’s Living Beaches, Rob Tucker, said public consultation was an important part of ensuring community and environmental needs were met.
Mr Tucker said South Australians were no strangers to “sand carting”, which had been carried out in SA for the past 35 years.
“However trucks are noisy and intrusive to beach goers and road users,” he said.
“The new sand transfer infrastructure, including pipelines, pumping stations and discharge points, will be designed to be very quiet and concealed underground.”
Mr Tucker said the pipeline system would be used instead of trucks to transfer sand from north to south, replenishing the coastal regions affected by erosion.
“This will benefit the community by maintaining an equitable distribution of sand on Adelaide’s beaches while minimising the need for sand carting using trucks,” he said.
Mr Tucker said DEH had worked with community and conservation groups to determine the best route for the pipeline before the development application had been submitted.
“During a series of public meetings held late last year, a number of concerns were raised with us regarding the potential impact of the new infrastructure,” he said.
“Following these discussions, adjustments were made to the location of pump stations and discharge points, and alternative pipeline routes have been proposed to avoid sensitive dune vegetation.”
Mr Tucker said the pipeline would run around 22 kilometres, from Semaphore South to Kingston Park, and was expected to be completed by 2010/11.
He said the route had not been finalised, and encouraged members of the public to have their say and report any concerns.
Submissions close 29 January 2009.
22 January, 2009
Ban on sales is curtains for cords
A ban on the sale of curtains with blinds and looped cords has been imposed by the Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gail Gago.Ms Gago said the ban was aimed at improving the safety of children and followed a coronial inquest into the death of a toddler who became entangled in a looped blind cord near his cot last month.
Ms Gago said the ban would come into effect on 27 January.
“Any installer, whether professional or the homeowner/handyman, needs to ensure that any cord fastenings are installed in a safe manner, so there’s no loose loops,” Ms Gago said.
“Blind cords can be deadly if they loop around a child’s neck and we all need to be alert to the potential dangers to avoid unnecessary injuries.”
Ms Gago said if the cord was not at least 160cm from the base of the window furnishing, it needed to include a safety device such as an enclosed cord-tensioning wheel or two-pronged hook for fastening the cord to the wall.
“A warning sticker and swing tag must also be attached to all blinds and curtains to alert consumers of the potential dangers and safe installation and use of the product,” she said.
“We can improve safety of devices sold, but ultimately matters like these come down to user responsibility.”
Ms Gago urged parents, grandparents and carers to check the safety of their existing blind and curtain cords.
“This can be improved with the purchase of a relatively inexpensive hook or cord tensioning wheel from a hardware store or curtain shop,” she said.
At least 10 Australian children have been accidentally strangled by blind or curtain cords since 2000.
She said further information about the ban was available from www.ocba.sa.gov.au or by phoning (08) 8152 0732.
22 January, 2009
Wetlands invitation
The Department for Environment and Heritage has invited members of the public to experience the South East wetlands first hand as part of World Wetlands Day 2009
The free celebrations will take place at Piccaninnie Ponds on 1 February, marking the anniversary of the signing of the Convention of Wetlands – the first intergovernmental treaty for the conservation of natural resources.
Activities will include kids craft, guided walks, snorkeling adventures, live wetland animal displays and a sausage sizzle.
More brass for police
A National Police Service Medal is soon to be awarded to State, Territory and Federal Police who stand out from the crowd in the line of duty.
The separate medal has been created to recognise the unique role Police Officers play in the preservation of peace, the protection of life and property and the maintenance of law and order throughout Australia.
Police would have to serve 15 years to be eligible, with the first awards expected to made in the second half of 2009.
Food industry targetted
The Federal Workplace Ombudsman has targetted South Australian butchers and bakers in his latest crackdown on the food industry to ensure workers are receiving their correct entitlements.
The Ombudsman said the decision to scrutinise the suppliers followed an increase in complaints.
He said up to 100 employers would be randomly selected for audit by workplace inspectors.
Rewards posted
State Cabinet has approved rewards of $200,000 for information on two separate murders that have remained unsolved for 10 years.
The Cabinet approved the rewards at the request of Police, who said their major lines of inquiry have been exhausted.
A total of $400,000 has been approved for information about the murders of 17-year-old Heather Dianne Turner at Port Gawler in 1998 and 41-year-old Andrew David Williamson at Coober Pedy in 2003.
Water works start
Work on two major water infrastructure projects has begun with site preparation commencing at the Christies Beach Wastewater Treatment Plant and at Port Stanvac.
Minister for Water Security, Karlene Maywald, said work to be undertaken this month included soil testing, new services, installing site offices, preparing new roads, surveying, digging and removing top soil.
Fingerprints nailed
Australians travelling to the United States for less than 90 days will now be required to provide all 10 fingerprints to the US’ Electronic System for Travel Authorisation.
The US Department of Homeland Security made the changes following security upgrades at major ports of entry.
Travellers will also be required to provide basic travel and eligibility information online.