SearchArchives for June 2009
25 June, 2009Working group meets
road safety head on
The Attorney General’s Department, the Department of Transport, Infrastructure and Energy, the Parliamentary Counsel and both the Ministers for Police and Road Safety have formed a working group with Chief police Superintendent Paul Schramm to tighten laws on dangerous and reckless driving.Minister for Police, Michael Wright said road laws needed to be changed to curb dangerous driving, which is a common factor in many road deaths.
“A driving licence is not an automatic right - it’s a privilege,” Mr Wright said. “Too many drivers appear all too ready to flout their responsibilities.”
He said the aim of the working group would be to provide Cabinet with recommendations on legislative changes, with an aim to have these changes introduced and passed before the end of the year.
He said the measures would consider increasing the penalties for street racing and giving Police the power to seize vehicles upon a first dangerous driving offence, with mandatory seizure upon a second offence.
Mr Wright said the Group would also consider giving Police the power to impound or clamp vehicles from the time of apprehension until a case is heard at Court.
He said the Group was also looking at giving Police the power to suspend a person’s licence from the time of the offence until the Court hearing.
The Group was also considering toughening penalties for any driver exceeding the speed limit by 45kph or more.
Minister for Road Safety, Michael O’Brien said the changes were aimed at the minority of dangerous drivers in the State.
“Illegal street racing may give some drivers a quick rush but their ‘dicing with death’ antics can have consequences lasting a lifetime,” Mr O’Brien said.
“These drivers are a menace,” he said.
“They threaten the lives of every other road user when they put their foot to the floor. They endanger their own lives as well as their passengers.”
Mr O’Brien said out of 47 crashes in the first five months of 2009, 17 were partly caused by extreme driver behaviour such as drag racing, and dangerous speeding.
“Out of those 17 crashes, 24 people were killed and that is a staggering and sobering statistic,” he said.
He said further analysis of the 24 fatalities showed that 12 were drivers, 11 were passengers and one was a motorcyclist.
He said of the 12 drivers, 10 were between 16 and 24.
“Dangerous driving is a major contributor to the road toll and we must now look at increasing penalties to deal with these offenders and to send a clear message to those inclined to drive dangerously that their behaviour will not be tolerated,” Mr O’Brien said.
25 June, 2009
New house plans on
the drawing board
Planning applications for new residential developments are to be streamlined under the new Residential Development Code. Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Paul Holloway said the new approval processes would reduce unnecessary regulations, providing cheaper and faster approvals for residential development
“New home approvals will be simpler, faster and cheaper from 2 July, with individual savings of more than $5,000 possible under the staged rollout of the code to many Council areas throughout the State,” Mr Holloway said.
“For the first time in most Council areas, planning applications for new dwellings will be subject to the more streamlined and simplified approval process provided by the new Residential Development Code,” he said.
Mr Holloway said this would cut assessment times by up to 70 per cent on many new dwellings and would yield interest savings on mortgages of up to $5,500.
“By dramatically reducing waiting times for planning and building approvals, South Australia is removing disincentives to investment, and putting dollars back into people’s pockets,” he said.
“The Residential Development Code also frees up councils from spending time and valuable resources on assessing low-impact housing developments.”
Mr Holloway said the roll out of the Residential Development Code followed previous reforms designed to streamline processes for minor home additions and major renovations.
He said the Playford and Salisbury Councils had embraced the Code to deliver efficient planning approval processes for housing developments which would see detached and semi-detached buildings subject to a tick-the-box planning approval process.
He said applications that complied with requirements regarding site coverage, setbacks, car parking and height would be processed more quickly than the previous assessment system.
Mr Holloway said some Councils had applied to modify the Code for their jurisdictions.
He said Councils had also raised issues surrounding the management of land-use conflicts, implications for bushfire protection and the character of townships.
“This process will prevent new dwellings from having an adverse impact on an identified area’s present character.”
He said the Government wanted to create an efficient planning system, but not at the expense of the charm and character of Adelaide’s suburbs and regional country towns.
He said these concerns had been referred to the independent Development Policy Advisory Committee for consideration.
Mr Holloway said the Code would not apply in heritage places and areas, historic conservation zones and policy areas or high-risk bushfire protection areas.
Further information on the new Residential Development Code and other reforms can be found online at the Department of Planning and Local Government’s website www.dplg.sa.gov.au
25 June, 2009
Tag team effort for
balancing act
SafeWork SA and the University of South Australia have hosted a public lecture on the importance of maintaining a work-life balance during the economic crisis. Professor Linda Duxbury from the Sprott School of Business at Canada’s Carleton University presented the lecture earlier this month at the University of South Australia’s Hawke Centre.
Professor Duxbury’s presentation looked at the dangers of ignoring workplace flexibility in economic downturns and the economic and social burden created by a poor work life balance.
Project Manager for Work Life Balance at Safework SA, Michelle Hogan said Professor Duxbury’s research in Canada was one of the largest projects of its kind, with more than 100,000 Canadians being surveyed or interviewed about their work life balance.
Ms Hogan said the current economic downturn had highlighted work life balance as an important issue.
“Businesses are making do with less in terms of resources and staff, and that is ramping up the pressure on employees,” Ms Hogan said.
“Anxiety, overwork and burnout are all foreseeable consequences of this, and pose a risk to the physical and mental health of employees and the financial health of their employer if not addressed and managed correctly.”
She said Professor Duxbury’s presentation provided insight and advice to those involved in people management.
Ms Hogan said the talk also made suggestions as to what managers should be doing to help their employees and themselves live happier, balanced, and more productive lives.
25 June, 2009
New UK police
to fill the bill
SA Police has announced that 24 former United Kingdom Police Officers have graduated from Fort Largs Police Academy. Minister for Police, Michael Wright said the experienced UK officers had now become part of the largest police force in the State’s history.
“17 newly sworn officers will be posted to Metropolitan Local Service Areas and seven to Country LSA’s after completing their 10-week training course,” Mr Wright said.
“As skilled police officers, the 20 men and 4 women will bring a wealth of policing skills, knowledge and experience to communities throughout South Australia,” he said.
Mr Wright said the graduates ranged between 26 and 44 years of age, with an average age of 34.
He said 251 cadets had already graduated this financial year with 121 cadets still training at Fort Largs.
“South Australia continues to lead the nation, with the highest percentage of police staff assigned to operational duties,” Mr Wright said.
“The recruitment of new police officers will ensure more police are available for frontline policing duties, which will help to deter crime and safeguard the community.”
Mr Wright said a report by the Productivity Commission showed 89.3 per cent of SAPOL staff were assigned to operational duties, the highest in Australia and well above the national average of 83.9 per cent.
He said the increases in police numbers would help create safer streets and neighbourhoods throughout South Australia.
25 June, 2009
Water bills to flow
more often
SA Water customers are to begin receiving quarterly bills for their water usage. Minister for Water Security, Karlene Maywald said the new system would begin on 1 July and would help consumers monitor and manage their water consumption better.
“Currently customers receive four bills per year but only two contain water use charges,” Ms Maywald said. “The other two accounts have only fixed supply charges and sewerage rates.”
She said charging for water use each quarter would also smooth out water charges across the year, subject to variation in household seasonal water use, and would bring South Australia into line with other quarterly billing systems in Australia.
She said SA Water would also update its water bills to show water use, and a household’s history of water use, as well as providing standard community usage rates.
Ms Maywald said the new bill format would allow households to make informed choices about their water use by providing a detailed consumption history that could easily be monitored.
She said the changes would see water prices determined by usage over three months rather than six.
According to the Minister, for the 2009-10 financial year this would mean that in any given quarter, usage of up to 30 kilolitres would be charged at 97 cents per kilolitre, 30 to 130 kilolitres would be charged at $1.88 per kilolitre, and 520 kilolitres or above would be charged at $2.26/l.
Ms Maywald said new water prices for 2010-11 would be announced in December.
She said within the first 12 months of the transition to quarterly billing, customers would receive accounts for 15 months of water they had already used.
She said customers who fould this first year transition difficult financially should contact SA Water to make other payment arrangements.
25 June, 2009
Forestry framework
plants watery seeds
A new framework to manage water use better in forestry plantations has been developed. Minister for Environment and Conservation Minister, Jay Weatherill said the new framework would help decision makers in industry, Natural Resource Management Boards, Local Councils and the State Government use their water resources in forestry plantations more wisely.
“More than ever, governments, industry and the community understand water is a vital natural resource that must be managed carefully,” Mr Weatherill said.
“Industries reliant on water are looking for certainty about the future management of the water resources they rely upon, and this framework is designed with that in mind for the forestry industry,” he said.
Mr Weatherill said the framework was important in dealing with climate change and drought, and its development was based on the best available science independently assessed by CSIRO.
Minister for Forests, Paul Caica said the framework recognised that plantation forests were a dry land crop and used water differently from irrigated agriculture.
“This Statewide approach recognises the significant economic and social benefits that commercial plantation forests provide the State, and it will allow them to further develop within sustainable limits of the available water resource,” Mr Caica said.
He said the framework was designed to provide direction for State and regional National Resource Management plans, such as water allocation plans.
The framework would also ensure that water-affecting activities were identified and managed within sustainable limits; the use of appropriate management tools was promoted; and the environmental, social and economic impacts of water allocation decisions were accounted for.
He said the framework would ensure that planning processes included extensive community consultation with all interested parties, including the forestry industry.
Mr Caica said invitations had been sent to Natural Resource Management Boards and key industry organisations to attend a briefing on the policy framework and the draft legislation.
25 June, 2009
Women directorships
are maiden heaven
Women may be under-represented in Australian boardrooms, but a report released by the Commonwealth’s Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency shows that once they are appointed as Directors, they are at least as influential as their male counterparts.The report, entitled Pay, Power and Position: Beyond the 2008 EOWA Australian Census of Women in Leadership, examined the boards of Australia’s top 200 companies and found there were about 12 male board Directors to every woman board Director.
Of the 89 individual women with board seat positions, nearly half chaired at least one board committee, compared to one third of the 1,091 men.
However, female executive managers in the same companies held only seven per cent of key management personnel positions.
Acting Director of EOWA, Mairi Steele said the report added to the Agency’s understanding of why women were under-represented in senior leadership positions in the business world.
“Sadly, regardless of which way you look at the data, women are still disadvantaged and their skills are being underutilised,” Ms Steele said.
“The EOWA report shows that it’s not just about the absolute or relative numbers of women on boards, or at executive manager level, it’s also about the pay, power and position of women compared to their male colleagues.”
The research found female board Directors were more likely to have gender pay parity with their male counterparts.
The small number of women on ASX200 boards were slightly better paid than their male counterparts (7.6 per cent more on median earnings), regardless of the number of board seats held.
The EOWA said this could be because board remuneration was generally fixed, with additional amounts for chairing key committees.
There was an average pay gap of 28.3 per cent for women in key management roles, 11 per cent higher than the national average figure.
The report found female key management personnel in support roles earned 37.4 per cent less than their male equivalents and those in line management positions earned 10.4 per cent less.
It found women in CEO and finance positions earned less than half that of their male equivalents.
25 June, 2009
Motorcycle Guide
is wheelie good
The Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure has released a new handbook to assist motorcyclists to stay safe on the road. Minister for Road Safety, Michael O’Brien said The Rider’s Handbook would complement the highly successful RiderSafe training program.
“We’re aiming to give riders the information and skills they need to make them the safest possible riders under all conditions,” Mr O’Brien said.
“The free handbook covers topics, such as licensing, rider management, safety, road rules, roadworthiness and penalties, as well as material on how to deal with hazards and how the road rules apply to motorcycle riders.”
He said over the past three years, more than 21,000 motorcyclists had attended RiderSafe training courses, which became mandatory in South Australia in 1987.
He said motorcyclists had less protection in a crash and riders aged between 16 and 40 were up to 36 times more likely to be killed than drivers of other vehicles.
“Last year in SA there were 17 motorcycle fatalities and 183 seriously injured, including pillion passengers,” he said.
“This year there’ve been five motorcycle fatalities, two fewer than at the same time last year.”
He said on average, 45 per cent of serious motorcycle crashes did not involve another vehicle.
Mr O’Brien said The Rider’s Handbook helped motorcyclists gain essential skills, remain alert and defensive, and accept responsibility for their own safety.
He said the handbook was available now online at www.dtei.sa.gov.au/roadsafety and on request at RiderSafe motorcycle training courses and Service SA Customer Service Centres from today.
25 June, 2009
OCBA spit leads to
dummy recall
The Office of Consumer and Business Affairs has ordered the recall of dangerous babies’ dummies.Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gail Gago said the Baby Joy 2pc Orthodontic Pacifier and Baby Pacifier 2 Packs were recalled after it was found they presented a choking hazard for babies.
Ms Gago said the dummy shields were too small and the teats had the potential to tear and detach and potentially choke young babies.
“Many parents use dummies to help pacify their little ones, and the last thing we want is for part of a dummy to lodge in a baby’s throat or lungs,” Ms Gago said.
OCBA sent out Product Safety Inspectors to inspect South Australian stores after receiving information from their NSW counterparts about the potentially unsafe products.
“OCBA’s product safety inspectors promptly visited stores to make sure products were being recalled, but found one retailer had non-compliant Baby Joy dummies still for sale,” Ms Gago said.
“The dummies were seized by the inspectors, and OCBA is considering what action should be taken against the trader for selling items that don’t comply with a mandatory safety standard,” she said.
She said the traders could face a maximum penalty of $10,000 under the Trade Standards Act 1979.
She said the traders had a responsibility to sell products that were safe and to remove any products that OCBA had advised against selling.
“I am extremely disappointed traders still sell non-compliant baby products and this shows little regard for the safety of young children,” she said.
To report concerns about unsafe items for babies, consumers can contact OCBA’s product safety section on 8152 0732, or 131 882 for country callers.
A list of banned and regulated products can be found on OCBA’s website at www.ocba.sa.gov.au
25 June, 2009
2-day campaign to nail
dodgy tradespeople
The Office of Consumer and Business Affairs has launched a 2-day call in campaign to identify unlicensed tradespeople. Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gail Gago said the campaign, held this Wednesday and Thursday this week, was helping identify illegal tradespeople and prevent dodgy work.
“If someone isn’t licensed then they’re probably not qualified or capable of doing the work, and the end result may be an unsightly mess,” Ms Gago said.
“There are many stories of consumers who’ve had to shell out money to have substandard or even unsafe work fixed as a result of hiring an unlicensed tradesperson,” she said.
Ms Gago said OCBA was keen to hear from consumers or industry members who were aware of unlicensed tradespeople contracting for work.
She said the trades covered by licensing laws included plumbers, gas fitters, electricians, and various building trades such as tiling and landscaping.
“Laws make it quite clear what trades are required to be licensed, but there are always some unscrupulous people trying to cash in on the constant demand for repairs or renovations,” she said.
“Reports from the public during this phone-in will help OCBA catch these rogue operators who could face penalties of up to $20,000 under the relevant industry acts.”
Ms Gago said callers had been encouraged to send in copies of invoices, advertisements or other proof to assist investigations, and had the opportunity to remain anonymous.
She said OCBA conducted a number of checks each year to identify tradespeople who operated without a licence or worked outside their licence conditions.
She said compliance activities included checking advertisements in newspapers and phone books, visiting building sites to inspect licences, as well as following up reports of unlicensed activity from consumers.
She said around a third of the 26 Court matters resolved so far this financial year had related to unlicensed activity by builders and tradespeople.
25 June, 2009
Time has come for
Aboriginal heritage
The State Government is conducting a series of regional consultation meetings to discuss its review of the Aboriginal Heritage Act. Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, Jay Weatherill said the meetings would be held over the coming month, providing a chance for people to voice their opinions about the proposed changes to the Act.
“Industry groups and Aboriginal people have been seeking reform in this area for some time,” Mr Weatherill said.
“In December, the State Government announced a review of the Aboriginal Heritage Act to better protect Aboriginal culture and heritage,” he said.
Mr Weatherill said Aboriginal people wanted greater participation in decision making about Aboriginal heritage, and industry groups wanted more clarity on the processes.
He said the first meeting was held in Port Adelaide on 22 June, with meetings in Noarlunga on 24 June and Elizabeth on 26 June.
“Increasingly, industry groups are recognising the importance of maintaining good relations with Aboriginal people connected with the land,” he said.
“These consultation meetings will provide interested parties an opportunity to express views, develop ideas, and discuss what should be in an Aboriginal Heritage Act.”
He said the discussion would help the Government to develop innovative and forward-thinking legislation.
Consultations would also be held with industry peak bodies and other similar groups.
Mr Weatherilll said the results of these initial consultations would be compiled and analysed, with a position paper to be released by the Government at the end of this year.
Following the release of the position paper, further consultations would be undertaken, out of which draft legislation would be developed.
He said the scoping paper and meeting schedule can be downloaded from www.aboriginalaffairs.sa.gov.au
25 June, 2009
School speakers
to talk in class
The Local Government Association of South Australia (LGA) has called for Local Council staff to visit schools and talk to students about their careers. The LGA encouraged all young South Australians to get involved in the SA Great Speakers in Schools Program, which has presented to over 70,000 students across the state since October 2005.
Volunteer speakers are supported by the LGA and SA Great to go into schools and talk to students about their careers.
The LGA said the program provided an opportunity for Local Councils to present to students about the benefits and realities of working for their community.
The LGA said the speakers tell students how they made their journey from school into their current job and what their current role entails.
The Program generally seeks people under 45 years of age, who are keen to share their story with students.
The LGA said full training was given through workshops which provide tips and advice for speakers.
The LGA said its school education site had useful information for interested participants, including a Power Point presentation useful for primary school audiences.
For older students, the LGA provides television advertisements which are currently being circulated to Councils on DVD.
More information is available from the program website www.sagreat.com.au/speakers or Jessica Bosnakis or Emma Edwards on 8211 8111 or by email speakers@sagreat.com.a
25 June, 2009
High hopes for
Lower Lakes
Two projects are being undertaken to improve the environmental health of the Lower Lakes region by revegetating its shoreline and preventing acidification in its waterways. The Department for Environment and Heritage began a revegetation program across the Lower Lakes region a month ago.
Chief Executive of DEH, Allan Holmes said the project had already caused new plants to appear, helping to stabilise the soil and prevent devastating soil erosion.
“It’s heartening to see the green growth along the shoreline of the Lower Lakes and to report positive news for the region,” Mr Holmes said.
“As water levels have dropped, salinity has increased and soils on the drying lakebeds and wetlands are acidifying,” he said.
The Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation (DWLBC) has also begun a project to prevent acidification in the lower lakes by constructing environmental flow regulators in the Goolwa Channel, Finniss River and Currency Creek.
Minister for the River Murray Karlene Maywald said the project would raise water levels in the region, limiting the exposure of acid sulfate soils to the air.
“The Goolwa Channel, Currency Creek and Finniss River are part of nationally important Ramsar wetlands and support valued plants, animals and ecosystems,” Ms Maywald said.
“Failure to protect at least some of these wetlands could result in important plant and animal species becoming locally extinct, and would severely limit the potential for these fresh water communities to re-colonise the Lower Lakes region when conditions improve.”
She said the main regulator would be constructed in the Goolwa Channel as an earth embankment and regulators would be built at the Finniss River and Currency Creek to help control the inflows into the Lower Lakes.
She said the regulators would be temporary and removed once the Lower Lakes recovered.
Mr Holmes said the revegetation project in the same area had seen a coordinated effort between DEH, Rural Solutions SA, Aerotech Australasia and local landowners, to sow about 300 tonnes of seed across the lakebeds.
He said the vegetation project was still in its early stages, but early signs showed that it may be effective in preventing acidification in the Lower Lakes.
“If the revegetation proves to be successful in stabilising the soil, sedges and other native species will be planted, as part of a process called revegetation layering,” Mr Holmes said.
“Our hope is that the revegetation works will eventually help the
25 June, 2009
Verdict pending on
offender information
The Minister for Corrective Services has joined his State and Federal Government counterparts in backing a National Protocol for releasing information concerning criminal offenders to their victims. The Minister, Tom Koutsantonis, said the proposed National Protocol would establish a unified registration process for victims who were moving interstate or seeking information about offenders who had relocated.
“Many jurisdictions have followed our lead and developed contact registers so that victims can be contacted and consulted about the management of a person who offended against them,” Mr Koutsantonis said.
“But, when victims and offenders move interstate, victims can sometimes have trouble getting information from other agencies or may not be entitled to the same type or extent of information,” he said.
Mr Koutsantonis said victims regularly moved in and out of South Australia’s four adjoining States and the Northern Territory.
He said the proposed National Protocol was a practical way to make life easier for those who have been scarred by crime, either in South Australia or elsewhere.
He said the National Protocol would build on the South Australian Government’s progress in developing the rights of crime victims.
“We appointed the nation’s first Commissioner for Victims’ Rights and through innovative legislation we’ve shifted the focus of the justice system towards the needs of victims,” he said.
“But our obligation to victims doesn’t stop when the judge’s gavel falls.”
Mr Koutsantonis said the involvement of victims in the community corrections process was valuable and promotes community safety.
Commissioner for Victims’ Rights, Michael O’Connell, welcomed this move as a step to strengthen victims’ rights and congratulated all of the Federal, State and Territory Ministers.
“Crime hurts,” Mr O’Connell said.
“There is no set timetable for getting over being the victim of a crime.”
He said help was available but it needed to be accessible.
“The agreement by Ministers means victims who want information about offenders will no longer be constrained by State and Territory borders.”
Mr O’Connell said by embracing the National Protocol the South Australian Government was showing it was listening to victims and taking action to make sure victims could stay informed.
Mr Koutsantonis said he would work with the Commissioner for Victims’ Rights and Government and non-Government agencies to implement the National Protocol in South Australia.
He said the National Protocol project was being led by Queensland as part of the Corrective Services Ministers’ Conference and was entering its final stages of development.
25 June, 2009
Brand new law for
second hand dealers
New laws have been introduced to Parliament to prevent second-hand dealers from distributing stolen goods. Minister for Police, Michael Wright said the legislation would require second-hand dealers to obtain a licence to be able to trade.
“It will mean second-hand dealers, who deal in ‘high risk theft goods’ such as jewellery; electronic goods and power tools and pawnbrokers will have to be licensed,” Mr Wright said.
“Second hand outlets are often used by unscrupulous individuals to offload stolen property in exchange for cash and these new laws will work to reduce the scope dealers have to plead ignorance about illegal activity occurring on their premises,” he said.
Mr Wright said second-hand dealers would need to undergo a fit and proper person test before being granted a licence.
He said a licensed staff member must be present whenever the business is open for trade.
Second-hand dealers would also be required to keep electronic records and verify the identity of people selling them goods by using the 100 point identification system.
Mr Wright said the proposed laws would also increase the time dealers were required to hold goods for Police from 10 business days to 14.
He said the legislation would also allow the Police Commissioner to object to a person’s employment in the industry on the basis of criminal history checks.
Mr Wright said the laws would complement the $2.1 million web based reporting and tracking system for Pawnbrokers and Second-Hand Dealers.
He said this system would allow police to spend less time trawling through receipts and data.
“The new laws will also net scrap metal dealers and make it compulsory for them to be licensed,” he said. “They too will have to identify persons selling goods and record transactions electronically.”
Mr Wright said that in the first year of implementing a similar scheme, Vancouver Police increased its identification and recovery of stolen property by 300 per cent in 2001.
“This is significant legislation that will lead to a much needed crackdown on the industry and will ensure unscrupulous dealers and sellers are weeded out but also maintain an ethical and productive environment for the majority of operators who do the right thing,” he said.
25 June, 2009
Indigenous history
brought to book
Families SA has launched a program to help young Aboriginal clients keep written records of their life stories and Aboriginal culture. Minister for Families and Communities, Jennifer Rankine said the program uses Aboriginal Life Story Books, which explain Aboriginal culture whilst providing space for readers to enter their own unique stories.
“Throughout their contact with the Department, it is important that young people learn about their culture and heritage,” Ms Rankine said.
“These books will become a cherished record of each young person’s Aboriginal culture and life stories, helping them to learn where they fit into the wider community,” she said.
Ms Rankine said the books explain the origins of Aboriginal culture, rules of living, where different people fit into their lives, and the respect that must be shown to Aboriginal Elders.
She said gaps were provided so readers could insert the names of family and foster carers, special places, as well as important documents that help complete their life story.
She said many young Indigenous people become clients of the Department for Families and Communities for a number of reasons.
She said often they were placed under the Guardianship of the Minister following an order by the Youth Court, convicted of a crime as a juvenile, or were simply involved with youth programs.
Ms Rankine said by reading their Dreaming stories, these young clients could retain links with their family, kinship group and culture.
She said the books would also lead to greater recognition of Aboriginal cultural needs and foster improved consultation with Aboriginal people and agencies.
A Departmental staff member, and Aboriginal Elder of the Ngarrindjeri people, Liz Tongerie, wrote the books and the accompanying artwork was produced by Aboriginal artist Susan Betts.
25 June, 2009
Housing conference
Housing SA is to sponsor three South Australian tenants to attend a National Housing Conference in Melbourne from 24 to 27 November 2009.
The Conference is to look at housing in a new era and will explore the connections between housing, people, place, community and nation.
Housing SA said anyone who plays an active role in their community and was interested in housing could apply to be sponsored by writing a submission explaining why they would like to attend and how they would use the information and experience they gained.
Submissions need to be lodged by Friday 14 August 2009 and more information was available from the National Housing Conference website at: www.nationalhousingconference.org.au/melbourne2009
Gardens booklet launched
The Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board has published a new booklet to help people maintain gardens in coastal areas.
The Coastal Planning Guide helps South Australians create gardens that cope with sandy or saline soils, salt spray and sand blasting.
Information is available at www.amlrnrm.sa.gov.au and printed copies of the booklet are available by calling 82739100.
Leadership program for SAES
Members of the South Australian Executive Service have been invited to participate in the Australia and New Zealand School of Government’s Executive Fellows Program.
ANZSOG says the program was a good opportunity for SAES staff to develop skills that would reinforce the quality of their leadership.
Nominations close on 30 June with the program to be presented in New Zealand between 19 October 2009 and 6 November 2009.
Nominations must be endorsed by Chief Executives and should be sent to Desi Angelis from the University City Project in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet.
More information is available from Ms Angelis at angelis.desi@dpc.sa.gov.au
Woodlands revegetated
The Department for Environment and Heritage is working with volunteers, the Gawler Environment and Heritage Association, Friends of Urban Forests and ETSA Utilities Employee Foundation to revegetate Para Woodland Reserve.
DEH’s Regional Conservator of the Adelaide Region, Dr Laurence Haeg said the planting of over 6000 seedlings across the Reserve is an important step in the long-term goal of providing a habitat for declining fauna populations.
Dr Haeg said more than 140 members of the community were expected to participate in the project.
Landscapes show at Gallery
The Art Gallery of South Australia is to host a new exhibit looking at the way European artists have represented landscapes.
The Making Nature exhibit opens on 26 June and will close on 6 September 2009.
The exhibit includes numerous oil paintings, sculptures, watercolours, prints, drawings and photographs from the collection of the Art Gallery of South Australia.
Penola hospital upgrade
A new Emergency Department is to be built at the Penola War Memorial Hospital.
The second stage of the hospital’s Capital Building Program would also see major upgrades to patient and resident care areas and the Pinchunga Nursing Home.
Southern Constructions was the successful bidder for the job and work is to start on the new ED immediately.
18 June, 2009
PS reforms reformed
in Upper House
The Legislative Council has intervened to soften proposed changes to management powers in the South Australian Public Service, particularly those relating to the ability of Chief Executives to hire and fire PS staff.The powers were included in a far-reaching Public Sector Bill, introduced into the House of Assembly in February this year.
Opposition parties and independents in the Upper House voted to amend the Bill to ensure that power over PS appointments and discipline was centralised with the Commissioner for Public Employment and that Public Servants retained appeal rights over grievances relating to promotions and other matters.
Minister for Business and Public Sector Management, Jay Weatherill said the rejected powers already applied in other States and Territories as well as other areas in the public sector.
“We can’t compromise on this,” Mr Weatherill told the Advertiser.
“You can’t have a responsive public sector if people that run the sector don’t have the authority to hire and fire.”
He said the Chief Executives of statutory authorities such as SA Water had the power and so too should the heads of Government Departments.
The Upper House amendments to the Bill were welcomed by the Public Service Association which had lobbied for just such a result since the changes were proposed.
Chief Industrial Officer, Peter Christopher said the planned changes would have done nothing to improve public services for the community.
“It's about giving politically appointed Chief Executives the power to reduce staffing levels even further,” Mr Christopher said.
“At a time when the community requires community services even more, the Government has focused on how to reduce the number of those providing such services.”
He lauded the Opposition’s commitment to opposing the changes despite pressure from the private sector.
“The Opposition and non Government MPs and MLCs are the ones acting with principle,” Mr Christopher said.
18 June, 2009
New pandemic powers
to catch on in SA
New laws strengthening the powers of senior health officials to manage medical emergencies have been passed by the State Parliament.Minister for Health, John Hill said the new powers would allow health authorities to direct people to remain in isolation or oblige them to undergo medical observation, examination or treatment.
“These emergency management powers would be used only in the event of a very serious health emergency and could help to contain the outbreak of a disease that might otherwise pose a grave threat to the whole community,” Mr Hill said.
“For a more serious illness in the future, these new powers may be required,” he said.
Mr Hill said the new powers would help to delay health pandemics, giving researchers more time to develop a vaccine.
He said the new powers, which are included in an amendment to the existing Emergency Management Act and the Public and Environmental Health Act, would also allow the Chief Executive of SA Health to declare a public health incident or emergency.
He said the Chief Executive would only be able to take such a measure following consultation with the Chief Medical Officer and the State Coordinator, and with approval of the Health Minister.
Mr Hill said swift action taken by the Government in relation to swine flu had helped contain the recent outbreak.
“We asked children and their parents to help by observing the medical advice on home isolation, and we’re really grateful for the co-operation of families and schools on this,” he said.
“By following this advice they’ve helped slow the initial spread of swine flu and protected those members of our community who are most vulnerable to the illness.”
18 June, 2009
No shock for parents
in school charges
Parents have been assured that that they will continue to have a vote on any proposed increase to their school’s materials and services charges.Minister for Education, Jane Lomax-Smith said currently a school’s materials and services charge could only be raised above the standard amount if it had the majority support of parents and a final approval from the Chief Executive.
Dr Lomax-Smith said proposed reforms to the Education Act would not change this system.
“We are currently looking at reforms to the 37-year-old Education Act and various legislative changes are being explored,” Dr Lomax-Smith said.
“However, it is our absolute intention to retain the requirement that parents vote on any suggested increase in a school’s materials and services charge,” she said.
Dr Lomax-Smith said the current standard amounts were $194 for primary students and $259 for secondary students.
She said the proposed reforms to the Education Act would be designed to establish a more flexible and relevant legislative framework for schools.
“There will be significant opportunities throughout the legislative reform process for people to hear about proposed changes and provide their views,” she said.
“It should be noted that, at this stage, no firm proposals have been developed and no decisions on any proposed legislative changes have been taken.”
She said draft legislation would be canvassed with school communities and parent, school and community interest groups before any legislative reforms were introduced to Parliament.
18 June, 2009
SA Health is
the healthiest
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has released a report showing that South Australia is leading the nation in the number of public hospital beds, doctors and nurses and also has the best neurosurgery performance.
Minister for Health, John Hill said the report highlights South Australia’s highly skilled, professional and dedicated workforce.
“It’s particularly gratifying to see that 96.1 per cent of elective surgery patients are seen within 365 days,” Mr Hill said.
He said the elective surgery figures were the third best in the nation.
According to Mr Hill, the AIHW report found that the State had 3.1 public hospital beds per 1,000 people, the highest ratio in the nation.
It also found South Australia had more nurses per population than any State or Territory and more salaried doctors than any other State.
But although the report was encouraging, Mr Hill said, there was still plenty of improvements to be made.
“Largely because of our relatively older population, SA has the second highest number of ED patients that need to be admitted (29%),” he said.
“Older people are more likely to have existing conditions that can complicate their treatment, so they’re more likely to stay in hospital after they’ve been seen in an ED.”
Mr Hill said the Government was still working toward achieving the recommended waiting times in ED, but noted that there had been a reduction in average waiting times by two minutes.
He said the recent State Budget contained measures that would benefit EDs and $60.9 million had been provided to establish Acute Medical Units at hospitals.
He said this funding would also help the State meet the national target of seeing 80 per cent of emergency patients within the recommended waiting times and reduce access blocks in emergency departments.
Mr Hill said $51 million over four years had also been provided to fund 160 additional full-time nursing and midwifery positions.
18 June, 2009
5-year plan soars
for skill seekers
The Training and Skills Commission has released its Five Year Plan, which aims to increase training and employment opportunities across the State. Minister for Employment, Training and Further Education, Michael O’Brien unveiled the plan which identifies a need to increase the rate of higher level qualifications, broaden and deepen the State’s skills base and improve employment participation.
According to Mr O’Brien, the plan will be the major vehicle driving the State’s workforce planning over the next five years.
“The plan outlines the key goals, principles and characteristics required in our skills and workforce development system,” Mr O’Brien said, “and looks at the challenges presented by State Government targets for education, training and employment participation.”
He said the TSC produced the Skills for Jobs: Priorities for Developing South Australia’s Workforce report as part of its role as a key independent advisor to the State Government on skills and training.
Mr O’Brien said the TSC focused on helping to maximise training and employment opportunities in high skill demand areas.
Chair of the TSC, Emeritus Professor Denise Bradley said the plan was vital in increasing employment and developing professional skills.
“A skilled workforce is fundamental to developing a globally competitive economy and a socially inclusive community,” Professor Bradley said.
“The Commission estimates that growth in the economy, and the need to replace workers who retire, will create about 134,000 job openings over the next five years, primarily in the business and financial services, wholesale, retail and personal services, and health and community services sectors.”
Professor Bradley said South Australia would need to deliver an additional 260,000 post school qualifications to meet industry demand.
She said there was no doubt that South Australia faced tough times ahead, but said the likely period of economic recovery could be strengthened with a skilled workforce.
The plan was developed following consultation with Industry Skills Boards, regional, community and industry groups, and the Economic Development Social Inclusion Boards.
The Five Year Plan can be found on the Training and Skills Commission website at www.tasc.sa.gov.au
18 June, 2009
PSA hits roof over
housing plans
The Public Service Association has expressed concern over the availability of public housing in South Australia, labelling both Federal and State funding as inadequate. The PSA said initiatives highlighted in the recent State budget to provide 1,500 homes over four years would barely affect the high waiting lists in South Australia.
The Association said it was up to the public sector to show the initiative to improve the availability of social housing.
It said that a report compiled by the University of Adelaide’s Australian Institute for Social Research showed that in June 2007, around 176,321 Australian households were on waiting lists for public rental housing.
The PSA said since the early 1990s public housing supply had been reduced by 14 per cent with further declines predicted over the next decade.
This was compounded, the PSA said, by an almost doubling of housing prices between 2000 and 2004 and a simultaneous reduction of Government spending on public housing by 10 per cent.
The PSA said social housing needed greater resourcing and a proper Government commitment to address the increasing waiting lists.
Chief Industrial Officer with the Association, Peter Christopher,said the PSA had written to the Minister, Jennifer Rankine calling for substantial additional investments in social housing to address the growing need for public housing and community housing in South Australia.
18 June, 2009
New laws weed out
cannabis growers
New laws that crackdown on the sale of equipment for cultivating cannabis hydroponically have been introduced into State Parliament.Minister for Police, Michael Wright said the laws would prevent the infiltration of criminals into the hydroponics industry and would make it easier to track suspicious purchasers of hydroponic equipment.
“It is well known that criminal bikie gangs and other organised criminals are highly involved in the hydroponic cannabis industry, particularly through hydroponic equipment supply and the organisation of cultivator syndicates.” Mr Wright said.
He said the laws would require hydroponic equipment dealers and their employees to obey a strict licensing and approval process that and that anyone purchasing hydroponic equipment would be required to provide a 100 point ID check at the time of sale.
He said licence holders would also maintain records of every transaction involving the prescribed equipment and police would be given powers to enter premises they reasonably suspect were selling it.
Mr Wright said he believed a number of people working in the hydroponics industry were associated with organised criminal networks which produced and distributed cannabis.
“They are selling the equipment, providing advice and arranging electricians to install the equipment as well as facilitating the purchase of dried cannabis for distribution to interstate networks,” he said.
“This Government makes no apology for coming down hard on those businesses that have knowingly supplied equipment to help in the cultivation and trade in illegal drugs.”
Mr Wright said the Government would continue to toughen these laws and give police a better ability to combat the illegal drug trade.
18 June, 2009
Demerit plan straight
to the point
A demerit points system is to be introduced for the State’s commercial fishing industry, similar to the scheme used for motoring offences.Minister for Fisheries, Paul Caica said the demerit points would be handed out in addition to the current penalty system, which fines fishers for unlawful practices.
“The primary goal of the system is deterrence, with fishers risking the loss of their licence, just as drivers do now,” Mr Caica said.
“Fishers who incur 200 points within a five-year period will be disqualified from holding a fishing licence (or other fishing authority) for 10 years,” he said.
Mr Caica said the number of demerit points handed out would reflect the seriousness of the offence and its impact on the fishery.
He said expiations would attract fewer points than being found guilty by a court; and demerit points would be increased on repeated offences.
“While minor offences will not result in the loss of a licence authority, points incurred for any breach should provide a sufficient deterrent to ongoing breaches,” he said.
“Committing systematic breaches that accumulate to 200 points over a five year period will mean you’ve lost your commercial licence or registration for a decade.”
For example, Mr Caica said, taking undersize fish would incur five demerit points for up to 10 fish and 10 points for more than 10 fish, while engaging in unlicensed commercial fishing would incur 100 points.
He said engaging in unauthorised fishing activity in an aquatic reserve would incur 20 demerit points and, where there was a prosecution, up to 100 points for a repeat offence.
He said processing fish without registration would cost 75 demerit points, whilst providing misleading information about a catch in a quota-managed fishery would cost 100 demerit points.
Mr Caica said the Demerit Points System was a significant step forward in improving fisheries management practices.
“It will not only streamline administrative proceedings for offences, it will encourage greater compliance from commercial licence holders who flout the law and encourage sustainable fishing practices,” he said.
He said the demerit scheme would apply to the State’s 850 licensed commercial fishers and registered fish processors.
He said existing penalties for recreational fishers would also incur demerit points under the scheme, which may prevent them from being registered to use rock lobster pots or fishing nets or from entering the commercial fishing industry.
Details about demerit points are available on the Department of Primary Industry and Resources website, www.pir.sa.gov.au, including descriptions of the penalties applied to each offence.
18 June, 2009
Forensic awards
cut to the chase
Forensic Science South Australia has held its annual awards ceremony to recognise excellence in the field of forensics. Attorney-General Michael Atkinson said this year’s awards recognised the importance of forensic science in fighting crime.
“Unlike the glory afforded to their television counterparts, these individuals are the quiet achievers behind some of the most complex, sensitive and important work undertaken in South Australia,” Mr Atkinson said.
“Whether it be in the laboratory or the mortuary, their work is vital in convicting offenders, exonerating the innocent and providing answers to victims and families,” he said.
Forensic Scientist, Mathew Cox won the Professor Hilton Kobus Research Award for uncovering and explaining new methods of manufacturing illicit drugs, while Sharon Poulton and Bruce Hanan won the FSSA Foundation/Infrastructure Award for providing dedicated support to the FSSA.
Glenda Summersides won the FSSA Customer Service Award for coordinating the mortuary during the January heat wave, and Amanda Thompson was recognised under the Special Awards category for the development of a new technique to detect drugs prescribed under the Road Traffic Act.
In addition, Karen Lee and Ted Silenieks won the Ted Mullighan Outstanding Case Award for their extensive work as expert witnesses.
The Attorney-General said the awards also recognised 11 new reporting officers.
“FSSA reporting officers are at the front line of our justice system,” he said.
“They interpret the complex science involved in forensics, prepare reports for Court and explain the results as expert witnesses in the Court room.”
Mr Atkinson said FSSA’s achievements deserved even more praise this year after stepping up during the January heat wave.
“Earlier this year our FSSA team was confronted with extraordinary conditions,” he said. “Extreme temperatures and a higher than usual number of deaths placed enormous pressure on our mortuary staff and pathologists who worked round the clock.”
“Around the same time, we also provided support to our Victorian peers in the wake of the bushfires with some of our staff travelling interstate to help in a range of areas including anthropology and disaster victim identification.”
Mr Atkinson said the FSSA was integral to the State’s justice strategy, with Government funding increasing by around $13 million and staff numbers doubling since 2002.
18 June, 2009
Belair trail plan to
blaze new trails
Plans to upgrade trails in the Belair National Park have been released for public consultation by the Department for Environment and Heritage.Acting Manager of the Visitor Management Branch for DEH, Chris Halstead said the Department planned to rehabilitate key areas to improve the existing network of walking, cycling and horse riding trails.
“Belair National Park is one of the best loved, but also one of the most visited, national parks in the Adelaide metropolitan area,” Mr Halstead said.
“As such, it is important to balance the conservation of the area with the recreational needs of the community.”
He said no new trails would be created under the plan however some informal trails could be closed and rehabilitated, and some existing trails would become ‘shared-use’, to increase the number of visitors who could use them.
“We also hope to install improved signage so visitors can easily define appropriate trail activities,” Mr Halstead said.
He said the plan had been developed with the assistance of the Belair Trails Community Reference Group and public consultation would run from to 31 July.
He said the Belair National Park Trail Masterplan could be viewed online at www.environment.sa.gov.au or as a hardcopy at Mitcham Library, Blackwood Library, DEH’s Southern Lofty District Office (Cleland Conservation Park) and Belair National Park Office (Upper Sturt Road).
Comments can be sent via email to gardner.kain@saugov.sa.gov.au or posted to Kain Gardner, Visitor Management Branch, GPO Box 1047, Adelaide SA, 5001.
18 June, 2009
Drugs smoked out
in joint exercises
The Australian Crime Commission has released a report into illicit drugs, revealing that joint efforts by law enforcement Agencies are achieving results.Chief Executive of the ACC, John Lawler said the report highlighted the work undertaken by a range of law enforcement and health Agencies to address the importation and use of illicit drugs.
Mr Lawler said the 2007-08 Illicit Drug Data Report found most border detections of illicit drugs occurred through scatter importations in parcel post.
“This report will inform decision-makers across the full spectrum of the illicit drug response - from law enforcement to health and education - in developing strategies to minimise harm and limit drug supply,” Mr Lawler said.
“Longer-term trends across illicit drug markets, like those provided in the report, provide a strong evidence base to inform comprehensive polices and collaborative responses to the illicit drug problem in Australia.”
The report found South-West Asia was increasingly becoming a source for Australia’s heroin supply, in keeping with increased opium production in the region.
“Although we are seeing changes in heroin sources, heroin seizures and arrests in 2007-08 are low when compared with the last decade,” Mr Lawler said.
He said the report also identified an increase in cocaine use, along with the continued high use of cannabis.
“In 2007–08 the number of cocaine detections at the Australian border increased by 71 per cent, and the number of cocaine seizures was the highest on record.”
Mr Lawler said the report drew on the combined resources, experience and expertise of Australia’s law enforcement community and forensic laboratories to provide a statistical overview of illicit drug arrests, seizures and border detections.
The report was available at www.crimecommission.gov.au
18 June, 2009
TAFE hospitality
gets $5m tip
TAFE SA’s Regency Campus is to undergo a $5 million refurbishment to coincide with the opening of its new Lead Centre training facility for hospitality, tourism and food studies courses. Minister for Employment, Training, and Further Education, Michael O’Brien said the funding would be used to upgrade the facilities to meet increasing student demand.
“The campus attracts significant numbers of international students and the revamp will cater for the high demand by making better use of 2,500 square metres of currently under-used space,” Mr O’Brien said.
“This has the potential to increase the program by as much as 25 per cent - an increase of up to 650 full time students,” he said.
Mr O’Brien said the funding for the upgrades would come from the Commonwealth’s Better TAFE Facilities funding.
He said the Federal funding would compliment a joint State-Federal commitment to provide $155 million over the next four years to train an extra 56,000 South Australians through the Productivity Places Program.
“The Lead Centre will be a one-stop shop for high quality training in what are key industry areas of our economy,” he said.
“It will provide a clear focal point where businesses can go when they need to upgrade the skills of their workers and to develop customised workplace-specific tailored training programs.”
He said the centre would be a first point of contact for potential students considering a career in hospitality, tourism or the food industry.
He said this concept of a first contact was key to the skills strategy for South Australia’s Future, which aims to develop a highly skilled local workforce to help develop the economy and increase international competitiveness.
Director of Human Resources at the Hyatt Adelaide, Paul Mason welcomed the new Lead Centre and said TAFE SA had been focussed on filling the Hyatt’s needs from kitchen and table service through to management.
“Investment in TAFE SA means in return we get the best students,” Mr Mason said.
18 June, 2009
Kangaroo Island jumps
on tourist program
Kangaroo Island has been declared a part of Tourism Australia’s National Landscapes program, cementing its status as one of Australia’s top tourist destinations. Minister for Tourism, Jane Lomax-Smith said the accolade recognises the Island as being one of the best places in Australia for tourists to get close to nature.
“National Landscapes identifies areas with outstanding natural and cultural experiences that are distinctive to Australia and sought after by a global audience made up of Tourism Australia’s international target market,” Dr Lomax-Smith said.
“The amazing landscapes of Kangaroo Island showcase the best of the authentic Australian bush and wildlife, making it a natural selection for the National Landscapes initiative,” she said.
Dr Lomax-Smith said this was just one of many awards Kangaroo Island had received recently, and praised the area as an international tourism drawcard.
She said as eco-tourism became more popular, tourists were beginning to flock to areas such as Kangaroo Island, which was clean, green and environmentally sustainable.
“The pristine island has abundant native wildlife and spectacular natural landscapes – in fact, more than one third of the island is set aside for national and conservation parks,” she said.
“Kangaroo Island is increasing its focus on eco-attractions and accommodation in recognition of these environmentally-aware travellers – as well as the future preservation of the island.”
Dr Lomax-Smith said South Australia was already a leader in sustainable tourism development, noting Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island as an example of how nature and development could exist in harmony.
She said the Government would continue to support sustainable tourism, as part of its goal to achieve $6.3 billion in visitor expenditure by 2014.
18 June, 2009
No-go zone
rezoned as goer
An extra 62 hectares has been provided in the Lefevre Peninsula for defence, infrastructure and port-related industries in preparation for the $8 billion Air Warfare Destroyer Contract. Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Paul Holloway said the land had been rezoned under a Development Plan Amendment after extensive community consultation.
“The zoning changes will bring new industry to the region and provide new job and career opportunities for generations to come,” Mr Holloway said.
He said the supply of the additional land on the northern part of the peninsula would help to meet new demand that would be created by the Contract.
He said the rezoning was part of a number of land releases, which will be rezoned in stages across Adelaide’s established metropolitan areas during the next 30 years.
“There has been significant private and public investment on the peninsula during the past five years included the construction of the Port Expressway bridges, the Lefevre rail upgrade, the deepening of the shipping channel and the development of Techport Australia,” he said.
“The Development Plan Amendment is the next step in the ongoing development of this area.”
He said the DPA would create a framework for the integration of the new industry with the natural landscape and the Government recognised the need for buffer zones and open space to maintain the integrity of the environment.
He said the plan would also protect areas of significant biodiversity and would provide stormwater management policies for the area.
“The State Government has committed more than $5 million to enhance the local open space network, and the community will be encouraged to be actively involved in this process,” he said.
He said the land affected by the DPA, was largely owned by the State Government, within the Port Adelaide Enfield Council and it included sections of Largs Bay, Largs North, Osborne and Outer Harbor.
He said the DPA attracted more than 50 submissions during the public consultation period last year and was examined by the independent Development Policy Advisory Committee.
The new zones, maps and policies are to provide the detailed criteria against which development applications will be assessed before becoming part of the Development Plan for the relevant councils.
Details of the final DPA for the Northern Lefevre Peninsula can be found online at www.planning.sa.gov.au
18 June, 2009
Cycling Minister
peddles guide
The Minister for Transport, Patrick Conlon has launched a new guide to cycling routes around Adelaide.Mr Conlon said the new Where to Ride Adelaide guide would complement the promotion of cycling as a recreational activity and as a preferred mode of transport.
“There are so many great places to ride in South Australia,” Mr Conlon said.
“Whether you are an experienced cyclist, a beginner or just someone looking for something to do, this guide has all the information you need,” he said.
Mr Conlon said Adelaide was the capital city of cycling, shown by the huge crowds at the Tour Down Under and the high rates of participation in this year’s Mutual Community Challenge Tour.
He said the Government had significantly expanded Adelaide’s cycling network over the past seven years and had plans for further work.
“As part of the $2.6 billion rail program of which the State Government has committed $2 billion, I have asked the Department (for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure) that cycling be considered in the early planning stages for these projects to ensure that facilities for cyclists are provided in an integrated fashion,” he said.
“Each weekday there are almost 7-and-half thousand people cycling in and out of the Adelaide CBD – 50 per cent more than in 2003.”
Mr Conlon said the Government had expanded Adelaide’s Bikedirect bicycle network with a 50 per cent increase in bicycle lanes and bicycle paths.
This, he said, had increased the size of the bicycle paths and lanes from 480 kilometres in 2002 to about 720km in 2009.
He said the Government had spent $95 million on cycle-related projects including cycle lanes for the Bakewell and South Road underpasses and cycle paths for the Northern Expressway and Glenelg Tramway Overpass.
Mr Conlon said the Government had also invested in Open Space Grants and bicycle education and promotion programs
He said Where to Ride Adelaide was available at most bike shops, book stores and online at www.bagear.com.au
18 June, 2009
Caravan parks
to tow the line
The Office of Consumer and Business Affairs is helping residents of caravan and residential parks understand new fee structures, following recent changes to the Residential Parks Act. Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gail Gago said the changes meant that residents whose sites were not individually metered for gas, electricity or water would only be required to make one regular payment to cover both rent and utilities.
“Some residents have complained that the uncertainty of what they will be charged for basic living requirements, on top of their rent, has left them feeling very anxious,” Ms Gago said.
“By bundling the costs of rent and utilities together residents will be able to better plan for their weekly expenses,” she said.
Ms Gago said if sites were individually metered, park operators must provide residents with proof of power or water consumption, if requested.
She said the Government had also prevented park operators from charging fees when drawing up a new residential park agreement or extending an existing lease.
These additional provisions to the Residential Parks Act, Ms Gago said, would help to strike a balance between park operators and residents.
“Since residential park laws were introduced over 18 months ago park residents have benefited from similar rights and protections to consumers who rent property from a landlord,” she said.
“We are now closing the loop on vague charging practices so that residents can have a clearer picture about their living costs.”
She said further changes would allow park operators to charge residents a fee for overnight visitors, provided it was stipulated in the residential park agreement.
Ms Gago said it was reasonable for park operators to charge a small fee for additional guests to their parks.
18 June, 2009
Park extension
gets green light
The boundaries of the Pike River Conservation Park are to be extended to add more than 62 hectares to the park and better protect a unique forest reserve. Minister for Environment and Conservation, Jay Weatherill, said land from the nearby Mundic Native Forest Reserve would be added to the Park, which is located near Paringa in the Riverland.
“Mundic Native Forest Reserve includes a significant wetland ecosystem that is habitat for a number of threatened species,” Mr Weatherill said.
“These include the Australasian Bittern, Regent Parrot, Broad-shelled tortoise and Darter waterbird,” he said.
He said by adding the Reserve to the Pike River Conservation Park, the Government could now be manage it under the National Parks and Wildlife Act for the purposes of conservation.
“Importantly, the land also will become part of the River Murray-Coorong NatureLink corridor,” Mr Weatherill said.
Mr Weatherill said the NatureLink corridor was one of five large-scale conservation corridors being planned by the State Government to help South Australia’s plants, animals and ecosystems survive and adapt to climate change.
He said the Pike River Conservation Park was originally established to protect the floodplain environment on the edge of the River Murray, including a section of Mundic Creek.
Mr Weatherill said he was also moving for the exclusion of a small allotment from the edge of the park, which contains a privately tenanted residence.
He said South Australia had 244 Conservation Parks as part of its network of protected areas, which also included 21 National Parks and 11 Wilderness Protection Areas.
He said the State’s newest Wilderness Protection Area, Danggali, which is 70km north of Renmark, was proclaimed last month.
18 June, 2009
Public buildings awarded
The 2009 South Australian Architecture Awards have recognised excellence for many architectural designs across the State including buildings at the Flinders University, the North Adelaide Australian Technical College and the Rundle Lantern.
Designs at the Flinders University and the Northern Adelaide Australian Technical College were honoured with awards for public architecture, whilst the design of the Adelaide fire station won the Jack Cheesman 25 year award for enduring architecture.
The Adelaide Prize was awarded for the design of the Rundle Lantern, which was initiated by the Adelaide City Council and was a result of collaboration between architects, Government and artists.
UniSA’s Facilities Management Unit was recognised for its significant contribution to architecture, whilst the design of SA Water picked up the Keith Neighbour award for commercial architecture.
The designs for the Linden Park Shools and the Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure both picked up commendations.
Rescues for rats
The Department for Environment and Heritage has called for the public to help protect native water rats, after several were suspected to have drowned in illegal yabby nets.
The DEH said using nets to catch yabbies and shrimp is legal provided there is a sufficient opening to allow water rats to escape if caught.
Water rats are one of only two Australian mammals that live in freshwater lakes, streams and rivers, but due to their shy nature, they are relatively unknown.
Water allocations announced
Irrigators are to begin the 2009-10 year with a 2 per cent opening water allocation, with access to 60 per cent of their approved carry-over water.
Minister for the River Murray, Karlene Maywald said the State had been able to secure enough water to make the opening allocation possible, but said drought conditions across the Murray-Darling Basin were still very serious.
Ms Maywald said the Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation were currently completing projections on possible inflow scenarios during 2009-10.
She said this information would be made available prior to the end of the month.
PS pays in Tasmania
Public servants are to bear the brunt of the Tasmanian State Government’s budget cuts, with 800 expected to lose their jobs.
Tasmanian Treasurer, Michael Aird reportedly said expressions of interest for voluntary redundancies would commence in the second half of this year.
Mr Aird said jobs in the health, education and police services would not be affected.
Consulate to close
The Government of Italy has announced it will close its Consulate in Adelaide.
The closure is one of a number around the world due to the global financial crisis but was described by Premier, Mike Rann as a ‘body blow’ to the Italian community of South Australia.
Mr Rann is to write to the Italian Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi asking that the decision be reconsidered.
Cinema in the frame
The Chelsea Cinema in the City of Burnside has been added to the South Australian Heritage Register to help the City Council retain its ownership and keep it operating as a movie theatre.
The decision to enter the Cinema into the Heritage Register came after widespread community concern over the possible sale and subsequent closure of the building.
The State Government has also provided $25,000 in funding to assist the Burnside Council in maintaining the building.
Go-ahead for Greenacres preschool
The Government has announced that a preschool at Greenacres is to be made permanent following a successful one-year trial.
Minister for Early Childhood Development, Jay Weatherill said the Hampstead Preschool had proved to be very successful, with enrolments in the school doubling over the trial period.
Mr Weatherill said the local community at Greenacres had experienced low rates of preschool attendance, with only about half of all four-year-olds attending preschool.
He said the continuation of this school would ensure the local community increased participation in preschool education.
Contractor stats
The Australian Bureau of Statistics has reported that in November 2008 one in 10 employed people worked as independent contractors.
According to the ABS there were 967,100 people working as independent contractors in their main job during the month and an additional 134,100 working as independent contractors in their second job.
The Bureau also found that 5% of people with jobs had found them through a
labour hire firm or employment agency with about 22 per cent being paid by the firm.
11 June, 2009
Super study to
create interest
A comprehensive examination and review of Australia’s superannuation system has been ordered by the former Commonwealth Minister for Superannuation and Corporate Law, Senator Nick Sherry.Senator Sherry announced the Review into the governance, efficiency, structure and operation of Australia’s superannuation system, as well as the membership of an Expert Panel to conduct the review and its Terms of Reference.
The announcement followed the release of an industry-wide Communique of Principles, which included a resolution to examine the structure, operation and efficiency of the superannuation system.
Senator Sherry said the Terms of Reference would cover four areas: governance, efficiency, structure and operation.
He said compulsory and voluntary aspects of superannuation would be examined, as would maximising the retirement incomes of Australians, improving regulation and reducing business costs.
Senator Sherry said after 20 years of compulsory superannuation, the Government and industry had agreed a thorough examination of the system was due.
“This is a landmark process, supported by all parts of the superannuation industry, which for the first time ever, will examine the governance, efficiency, structure and operation of our $1.1 trillion superannuation system,” he said.
“Our system is strong and people should have confidence in it – but let’s work to make sure that we keep it that way and that we boost the retirement incomes of all Australians.”
The panel of experts appointed to head the review includes full-time Chair, Jeremy Cooper who will move from his current role as Deputy Chairman of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.
Five part-time members – Sandy Grant, Brian Wilson, Kevin Casey, Greg Evans and Dr David Gruen – will also sit on the panel.
The panel will examine how the system is governed, focusing on its legal and regulatory framework, trustee knowledge, skills and training, and an assessment of risk surrounding the use of debt and leverage.
The system’s efficiency will also be reviewed, with the Terms of Reference listing the removal of unnecessary complexities as a priority, along with ensuring cost effectiveness.
Ways in which competition in the system can be encouraged will also be examined.
The panel is expected to begin the review in the new financial year and will call for public consultation before reporting back to the Government by 30 June 2010.
The review is to be supported by a secretariat, led by the Federal Treasury and with staff from ASIC, the Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority and the superannuation industry.
Senator Sherry said the Government would advertise the position of Deputy Chairman of ASIC shortly.
11 June, 2009
PS awards mark
public service
Public Servants have featured prominently in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List with many members of the South Australian PS receiving recognition for excellence in service.,The honours were announced by the Governor-General, Quentin Bryce.
PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL – PSM
Kerry Pam COLBUNG PSM
For outstanding public service in the delivery of services to Indigenous South Australians.
Mrs Colbung is the Director of the South Australian Aboriginal Sports Training Academy. She has over 20 years’ experience of working within both the Commonwealth and state public sectors and has played a key role in service delivery, program and policy roles.
Michael John HARPER PSM
Monash
For outstanding public service in the conservation and restoration of South Australia's wetlands and in environmental management.
Mr Harper is highly respected in the Department for Environment and Heritage, scientific and environmental fields and throughout a number of regional communities in South Australia. He is a quiet, yet persistent, achiever whose innovations have changed management techniques of wetlands at the local, state and national levels.
MEMBERS OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA- AM
Professor Glyn Garfield JAMIESON AM
College Park
For service to medicine through the advancement of gastrointestinal surgical techniques, education, research and professional organisations.
Professor Jamieson has been Head of the Department of Surgery at the University of Adelaide since 1982.
Professor Michael Richard KIDD AM
Potts Point NSW
For service to medicine and education in the areas of general practice and primary health care and through a range of professional organisations.
Professor Kidd is Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at Flinders University.
Associate Professor Manchala MOHAN RAO AM
Colonel Light Gardens
For service to medicine, particularly renal transplant surgery, as a mentor and educator and through professional development.
Professor Mohan Rao is Professor of Surgery at Queen Elizabeth Hospital and was the first trainee in renal transplantation surgery in the late 1960s.
Vincent Dudley (Vince) MONTEROLA AM AFSM
Aldgate
For service to the community of South Australia through leadership roles in the fire and emergency services sector, particularly the Eyre Peninsula recovery effort.
Mr Monterola has been the Presiding Member of the South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission (SAFECOM), since 2005.
Dr Carole Bolton PINNOCK AM
For service to medicine, particularly urological research, and to men's health through the development of support programs for people with prostate cancer.
Dr Pinnock has been the Principal Research Scientist in Urology at the Repatriation General Hospital since 1992.
Thomas Anthony SHERIDAN AM
Glenelg
For service to public administration in South Australia through financial management and governance roles, and to professional, charitable, and business organisations.
MEDALS IN THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA – OAM
June ANDREW OAM
Marree
For service to nursing, and to the community of Marree.
Miss Andrew has been the Nursing Sister in Charge at Marree Hospital for over 20 years.
11 June, 2009
More effort to be
put into energy
A plan to increase the State’s renewable energy target to 33 per cent by 2020 has been announced by the Premier, Mike Rann.Mr Rann said the Government would set up a $20 million Renewable Energy Fund to help reach this target.
“We already lead the nation in renewable energy production, but we want to create a new industry in South Australia so we become Australia’s green energy powerhouse,” Mr Rann said.
“Our fund will help foster innovation and investment in renewable technology, to create green jobs in a renewable energy industry alongside our defence and mining sectors,” he said.
Mr Rann said the Economic Development Board had identified renewable energy as a critical sector for the State’s future.
He said the Board had recommended that South Australia establish itself as Australia’s leading clean energy state.
He said the Commonwealth had asked every state to reach a 20 per cent target for renewable electricity generation by 2020.
“We had a much more ambitious target in South Australia to reach that 20 per cent by 2014.
Mr Rann said South Australia was set to reach its target ahead of the 2014 deadline, and as such had announced the higher target of 33 per cent by 2020.
He said this target would help the State to stay at the forefront of renewable energy development internationally.
“South Australia is home to 56 per cent of the nation’s wind power, 90 per cent of its geothermal investment and nearly 30 per cent of its grid-connected domestic solar systems, by far the highest in Australia,” he said.
“We have taken advantage of our world-class natural renewable energy resources and cut red tape to support renewable energy investment in Australia to make sure we create new jobs from this booming industry.”
He said it was possible to simultaneously care for the environment and promote economic growth.
He said the first project to be funded using the Renewable Energy Fund would be the South Australian Centre of Excellence for Geothermal Research at the University of Adelaide, which would receive $1.6 million over two years.
He said recommendations on using the remaining funds would come from the new RenewablesSA Board lead by Bruce Carter, who is also the Chair of the Economic Development Board.
Mr Rann said this group of experts would create a new framework for attracting investment in renewable energy and oversee its implementation.
He said the RenewablesSA Board would be supported by a new Renewable Energy Commissioner who would advise the Government on policy and planning and ensure that the State’s leadership position in renewable energy translates into benefits for the economy.
Mr Rann said membership of the Board would be Mr Carter (Chair), David Klingberg, Ian Chessell, Amy Kean, Mohan Kolhe, Fiona O'Hehir, and Monica Oliphant.
11 June, 2009
Ambulance picks up
healthy improvements
The South Australian Ambulance Service is in line for an upgrade with Health Minister John Hill announcing plans to spend $15 million on new technology and services.Mr Hill said the funds would be used to improve the Extended Care Paramedics (ECP) scheme and to install Mobile Data Terminals in paramedic vehicles.
“We’re going to build on the early success of the Extended Care Paramedics scheme, where dedicated teams of highly skilled paramedics provide routine treatment to patients at home, under the supervision of their GP, avoiding trips to hospital.” Mr Hill said.
“The ECP pilot in the southern suburbs has been really successful and SAAS is planning to roll the program out across Adelaide,” he said.
Mr Hill said the funds would also be used to install Mobile Data Terminals in ambulances and other paramedic vehicles.
These Terminals, he said, send detailed case information to crews on their way to an emergency call-out
“The data terminals include navigation and tracking information to help crews quickly locate patients and allow SAAS emergency communication staff to see exactly where each vehicle is,” he said.
Mr Hill said currently, this information was sent via radio, which could jeopardise the confidentiality of patient details.
He said the new system would allow paramedics to arrive at a scene and be fully informed and prepared to deal with the emergency.
He said the ambulance service had continued to grow in recent years, forcing the Government to use resources more efficiently.
“The ambulance service continues to grow and we need to increase staff and vehicles to meet demand, but in tough financial times we also have to use resources in a smarter way,” he said.
“SAAS has always been a user-pays service and remains excellent value, offering 24-hour assistance anywhere in the State.”
He said to help fund these improvements, ambulance fees would increase by about 8%.
He said emergency call out fees were expected to rise by about $60 with non-emergency call out fees rising by $14 and travel rates increasing by about 30c a kilometre.
Mr Hill said the average annual cost for ambulance-only insurance was also expected to rise by around $10 for a family and $5 for a single person.
He said there would be an additional fee of around $171 for the treatment of a patient who does not need to be taken to a hospital.
11 June, 2009
Shopping watchdog
buys into sales
The Office of Consumer and Business Affairs has launched a crackdown on retailers’ activities in the lead-up to the mid-year sales season.The OCBA said it would be focussing its attention on advertising claims, refund policies and price scanning accuracy
Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gail Gago said often stores make errors in promoting their mid-year sales.
“We want to make sure that stores are trading fairly and that consumers are not being misled about the bargains on offer,” Ms Gago said.
She said the OCBA was monitoring advertising and in-store promotions, particularly where traders were claiming significant price savings.
She said the OCBA would ask the trader for proof where it suspects false advertising has taken place.
“Retailers know that many consumers are more concerned with the amount saved rather than the actual amount spent, but any claims about price reductions must be genuine,” she said.
The OCBA would also be looking at stores using electronic price scanners, to make sure that consumers are being charged the correct price at the checkout.
“Price scanning errors tend to increase during sale periods because stores may not readily update their shelf tags or computer programs,” she said.
“But errors are avoidable as long as stores have good processes in place to deal with price reductions during the sales.”
She said the OCBA would also be reminding traders that a consumer’s right to a refund does not change just because an item may be on sale.
She said consumers were entitled to a refund if an item is faulty, does not match the description, or does not do what it is supposed to.
However, she said in cases where shoppers have simply changed their mind about a purchase they were not legally entitled to a refund.
She said stores caught breaching fair trading laws could face a formal warning.
She said repeat offenders could be prosecuted with a maximum penalty for making misrepresentations to consumers of $100,000.
11 June, 2009
Cemetery on top
in green awards
The State’s largest cemetery, Centennial Park, has won a prestigious environment award for its carbon offset scheme. Chief Executive of Centennial Park, Bryan Elliott said the cemetery was named the winner of the Business Award category for Environmental Best Practice in the United Nations Association of Australia’s 2009 World Environment Day Awards.
“We are the first cemetery in Australia, and possibly the world, to manage our entire greenhouse gas emissions with a carbon offset scheme,” Mr Elliott said.
“This win recognises the hard work and dedication that has gone into making
Centennial Park as environmentally sustainable as possible,” he said.
Mr Elliott said the innovative carbon offset scheme has accounted for all greenhouse gases created by cremations, burials and funeral services as well as emissions from buildings, garden maintenance, vehicles and equipment.
He said Centennial Park had absorbed the cost of this scheme themselves, rather than passing it on to customers.
“Our staff have really embraced our environmental journey with many now making a more concerted effort to reduce their environmental footprint in their own homes,” he said.
Mr Elliott said that in recent years, Centennial Park had reduced operational waste sent to landfill by 97.3%, energy consumption by 9%, vehicle emissions by 10% and its reliance on mains water.
He said crematorium improvements had also reduced gas consumption by 5% and electricity consumption by 10%.
“We have made some big strides in terms of reducing our impact on the environment, but we believe we can still improve further,” he said.
“We are continuing to examine how we can reduce our impact on the environment with the aim of being a world leader in our area.”
11 June, 2009
Scammers cash in
on Revenue SA
Revenue SA has warned South Australians to beware of an email scam claiming to offer tax refunds in return for personal information. Minister for Consumer Affairs Gail Gago said it’s the second time since March that the scam had been reported to Revenue SA.
“As I’ve said before - there is no magical pot of money at the end of this fictitious Revenue SA rainbow,” Ms Gago said.
“As with all deceptive scams, if something sounds too good to be true then it is too good to be true,” she said.
Ms Gago said the email was addressed to ‘Dear Applicant’ stating that ‘After the last annual calculation of your fiscal activity we have determined that you are eligible to receive a tax refund of $184.23’.
She said the email then asks the reader to electronically submit a range of personal details through a linked ‘Tax Refund Application Form’.
“South Australians should be aware that Revenue SA never emails people to ask for their personal details and I strongly advise people not to answer unsolicited requests by providing their details,” she said.
“It’s timely to warn people against these types of deceptive scams for which criminals pretend to be from legitimate companies and request information that allow them to profit from their fraud.”
She said the Commissioner of State Taxation had referred the matter to SA Police who were taking action to see whether the source of the email could be traced.
Ms Gago said scams could be identified when the individual received an unexpected communication, which asked for personal details up front.
She said if the claim sounds like an easy, low risk way to make large amounts of money, then it is likely to be a scam.
11 June, 2009
Apprentice numbers
forging ahead
The number of apprentices and trainees in South Australia increased significantly last year according to the National Centre for Vocational and Education Research (NCVER).Minister for Employment, Training and Further Education, Michael O’Brien said 33,000 apprentices and trainees were in-training in the December quarter last year, an increase of 7.5 per cent over the same period in 2007.
“That’s a very large increase over the year, particularly when compared to the national increase of 2.6% for the same period,” Mr O’Brien said.
“It’s very pleasing to see businesses in South Australia are ensuring they hold on to their apprentices despite these difficult times, as they can see the value of continuing to train and skill their staff for the future when the economy turns,” he said.
Mr O’Brien said the number of people starting an apprenticeship or traineeship were also strong with around 22,000 commencements in South Australia during 2008, an increase of about six per cent.
He said around 4,600 apprentices and trainees commenced training in South Australia in the December quarter last year, which was 10.4 per cent higher than the previous year and the national average increase of 4.9 per cent.
He said the number of female apprentices and trainees also showed strong growth.
“Female apprentices and trainees numbers continued to rise with 11,400 in-training as at December 31 last year, an increase of 7.2% compared to the national increase of 4.9%,” he said,
“Commencements for females over the year were also up, with 9,000 female apprentices and trainees starting training in SA, an increase of 6.7% on the previous year’s figure.”
He said the number of people under 24-years-old taking up apprenticeships and traineeships had also risen by 3.1 per cent during the December quarter to 18,800.
He said this was well above the 0.2 per cent decrease nationally.
“Overall in 2008, 12,500 young apprentices and trainees commenced training in SA, 6.2% higher than the previous year’s figure of 11,800,” he said.
Mr O’Brien said trade and technician apprenticeships also remained strong with an estimated 13,300 currently in-training at the end of the December quarter.
He said this was a rise of 8.2 per cent on the last year, which also compared favourably to the 1.4 per cent increase nationally.
11 June, 2009
Land rights lecture
is down to earth
A call to eliminate racism from Australia’s land rights system and for a treaty to be signed between white and black were the main messages delivered in the Mabo lecture this year.Presented in Melbourne by the Chair of the Foundation for Aboriginal and Islander Research Action, Les Malezer, the lecture is named in honour of Koiki Mabo whose land rights battle ended up in the High Court and led to the establishment of Aboriginal land rights in Australia.
“If Koiki Mabo were alive today he would be an angry man,” Mr Malezer said.
“The rights he won in the High Court have been eroded away by Government, Courts and socio-economic pressure.”
Mr Malezer criticised the current system, saying it had “constrained” debate and prevented the native title process from working.
“It is a process that has been proven to be racially discriminatory, removed from the principles of land rights which has totally replaced the land rights agenda of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” he said.
Mr Malezer said a treaty addressing Indigenous sovereignty was needed between Indigenous people and the Government, and also recommended a process similar to that of New Zealand’s Waitangi Tribunal, which gives the final decision to the Tribunal, rather than the Minister of the Crown.
“Australia has international human rights obligations to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights to land and sea are respected and recognised,” he said.
“The procedures for recognising Indigenous ownership of land must be revised, ensuring that outcomes are achieved without undue delay and that there is agreement between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and Government about how to proceed.”
The meeting was held at the 10th annual Native Title Conference which is hosted by the Wurundjeri people and convened jointly by the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies and Native Title Services Victoria.
Mr Malezer was the winner of the 2008 Human Rights Medal and a full copy of his speech is available from www.aiatsis.gov.au
11 June, 2009
Long arm of law
reaches regions
Two new regional offices for the Legal Services Commission have been officially recognised in Port Augusta and Whyalla.Attorney-General Michael Atkinson said the further expansion of the Legal Services Commission into the new offices was a positive step to ensure equitable treatment before the law for all South Australians.
“The Legal Services Commission was established to ensure that all people in the State have access to legal services, regardless of whether or not they can afford to pay for such assistance,” Mr Atkinson said.
“These two offices give more people opportunity to access these services more easily,” he said.
Mr Atkinson said both the offices had greatly helped disadvantaged members of both communities to access legal services.
He said the Whyalla office had provided invaluable legal assistance to many disadvantaged members of the community over the past 25 years and said the office was committed to further developing these services.
He said in 2007-08 over 770 grants of legal aid were made to clients in Whyalla, Port Augusta and the surrounding regions including the isolated communities north of Port Augusta.
“Representation for accused people means swifter justice for all,” Mr Atkinson said.
He said the Government believed disadvantaged defendants should have greater access to justice
He said the 50 per cent boost in funding for the Legal Services Commission the Government had provided was evidence of this.
He said in the 2007-08 Budget the Government had invested $8.3 million in legal aid.
11 June, 2009
Adelaide on track
to add new trams
Adelaide is to receive six European trams after the Government secured a $36 million deal to boost the light rail network. Premier Mike Rann said the trams would begin arriving in Adelaide in November and would increase the capacity of the network by 50 per cent.
“This is another fantastic result for users of our public transport system,” Mr Rann said.
“These trams can each carry more passengers than our current trams, and will provide extra capacity during the busy morning and evening peaks on the Glenelg and City West tramline,” he said.
Mr Rann said the Government had secured the trams through negotiations with transport authorities in Madrid.
He said the trams, which are close to brand new, would also service the new extension to the western suburbs upon completion next year.
“Rather than applying the brakes during tough economic times, we are pressing ahead with our massive $2 billion commitment to revitalise the public transport system,” he said,
He said the trams would be shipped to Melbourne from next month, where they would undergo minor modifications to tailor them to Adelaide’s light rail network.
He said the first vehicles would be transported to Adelaide in November and trialled on the local network before commencing operation over the Christmas/New Year period.
Minister for Transport, Patrick Conlon said the trams were originally purchased for use on Madrid’s light rail network but were sold early after delays in Madrid’s planned network extensions.
. “These trams will be modified slightly to meet the technical needs of our rail operator TransAdelaide but we are very confident they will deliver the capacity improvements we are looking for,” Mr Conlon said.
“Madrid’s weather conditions are very similar to those we experience here in Adelaide so with some minor modifications these vehicles should be a great fit for our city,” he said.
Mr Rann said the Government would build on this investment by providing a further $84 million for new electric rail cars, increased security, improved track inspections, and quicker graffiti removal.
He said the Federal Government had also committed to improving the State’s public transport service by providing $646 million to extend the Noarlunga line to Seaford, accelerate the Gawler line upgrade by two years and make O-Bahn services into the City faster.
11 June, 2009
Fitness groups in
running for campaign
Sport and recreation groups have been called on to submit ideas for projects to help motivate inactive people to take up physical activity. Minister for Recreation and Sports, Michael Wright said successful applicants would share in $500,000 of funding in the 2009-10 round of the Move It! Making Communities Active Program.
“Eligible sporting and active recreation organisations are invited to lodge their applications for projects that will help inactive members of the community to become active on a regular basis,” Mr Wright said.
“Projects which target inactive groups and assist them to be active by breaking down some of the barriers to participation are strongly encouraged,” he said.
Mr Wright said the program supported the Government’s plans to increase participation in sport and recreation in the State.
He said since the introduction of the Move It! Program in 2003-04, more than $3.5 million had been provided to the recreation and sport industry to support physical activity initiatives.
“During that time, we’ve funded some great projects from grassroots clubs and community organisations, and they’ve had a positive impact on making communities active,” he said.
“For example, from the previous round of Move It! grants, a sustainable community based gym has been established in Orroroo.”
Mr Wright said the Orroroo project had enabled the regional community to undertake physical activity at a low cost.
He said the Gym now provided a wide range of physical activity options to meet local needs, and was being used by people of all ages.
“I look forward to receiving applications for funding for the 2009-10 round of Move It! and seeing more projects like this unfold in our community,” Mr Wright said.
More information about Move It! is available by phoning funding consultants at the Office for Recreation and Sport on 7424 7708, or by visiting the website www.recsport.sa.gov.au
11 June, 2009
Arts drawn into
disability plan
Arts SA has released a report looking at improvements in the South Australian Disability and Arts Sector.The report identifies several key areas where improvement could be made.
The report was based on extensive consultation with individual artists and art organisations connected with the Disability and Arts Sector.
During consultation, Arts SA identified several key areas that needed to be improved to better support South Australian artists with a disability.
These included, better information services, more effective grant and funding programs, increased connectedness between the sector, better mentoring and education programs, and greater access to mainstream art.
The report found that many individuals wanted better information services for the Disability and Arts Sector, to inform artists with disabilities of possible grants, community links, art spaces, exhibitions and performances.
The report found that many individuals valued the importance of grant programs such as the Richard Llewellyn Arts and Disability Trust and the Dawn Slade-Faull Award, and recommended their continuation.
It found that many in the sector wanted increased connectedness with others in the Sector, through the establishment and promotion of clubs and networks of like-minded artists.
The Arts SA report also found that mentoring programs were extremely important to artists with a disability, as were education and professional accreditation.
In light of this, the report recommended the setting up of structured mentorship programs and registers of professional artists who were willing to mentor artists with a disability.
The report also found that organisations in the Disability and Arts Sector required greater administrative support and connections with the community.
Organisations said they also required greater and more effective funding programs to help them nurture emerging artists.
In responding to the report, Arts SA proposed the setting up of an independent organisation to facilitate the delivery of these recommendations.
Arts SA said this body would act on the report’s recommendations to improve artist information and support services, improve networking and collaboration across the sector and build pathways for emerging artists.
11 June, 2009
ASIC creates demand
for market service
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has set up a new online service to help people caught up in the growing financial crisis.Commissioner of ASIC, Michael Dwyer said the new portal had been designed specifically for shareholders, investors and others likely to be impacted by corporate insolvency.
Mr Dwyer said the current economic environment had lead to an increase in companies experiencing financial difficulty and becoming insolvent.
“When a company experiences financial distress or becomes insolvent, there are likely to be a wide range of people affected, including directors, creditors, employees, and often, shareholders and investors,” he said.
“ASIC now provides specific information on its website to give greater clarity and assistance to these stakeholders, including direction to further advice and information.”
The portal, which is available at www.asic.gov.au/insolvency, provides information specific to each stakeholder group about their rights and obligations and provides answers to frequently asked questions.
Advice about the technical jargon of insolvency and common forms of corporate insolvency administration is also available.
Mr Dwyer said ASIC wanted to ensure company directors knew they could not trade while insolvent, and had to take appropriate action at the first signs of difficulty.
“The consequences and impact of corporate insolvency, and flow-on effects to other stakeholder groups, can be mitigated or minimised if directors act early and responsibly,” he said.
“We encourage all company directors to familiarise themselves with this information and ensure they understand their responsibilities in relation to insolvent trading.”
Mr Dwyer said the website could also help company creditors and employees identify possible signs of insolvency in companies they were involved in.
New information has been added for shareholders and investors who own shares in or have invested through failed companies.
“Company insolvencies are getting more complex and each circumstance is different,” Mr Dwyer said.
“We recognise that the portal won’t be able to answer every question but we want to ensure people have easy access to clear and independent information about insolvency during these often stressful times.”
He encouraged insolvency practitioners and the bodies that represented various stakeholder groups to refer to the portal when liaising with clients.
11 June, 2009
It’s curtains for
blind retailers
The Office of Consumer and Business Affairs has found five curtain and blind retailers selling banned blind products.Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gail Gago said the retailers had shown a complete disregard for children’s safety and mandatory requirements.
“These safety requirements have been in place for nearly five months and businesses have had ample time to ensure they are compliant,” Ms Gago said.
“We are not talking about small businesses here; the non-compliant retailers are large traders who should have processes in place for these sorts of changes,” she said.
Ms Gago said three of the businesses had been warned by OCBA four months ago about stocking non-compliant products, yet still persisted in selling them.
She said the retailers had sold products without the correct warning labels or instructions.
She said products without these labels were considered dangerous goods and were banned from sale and supply in South Australia.
The OCBA said it was investigating the matter further and would be taking the next steps in the legal process with an aim of prosecuting the companies.
Ms Gago said retailers caught selling banned products after being warned could be subject to fines of up to $10,000.
She said the deaths of at least 10 toddlers across Australia had been linked to looped blind cords since 2000.
She said the new bans were brought in to protect children by tightening regulations on the sale of potentially hazardous blind cords.
Information about the requirements for blind cords and curtains can be found on the Office of Consumer and Business Affairs website www.ocba.sa.gov.au by searching for ‘blind cords’. Consumers can also contact the Office of Consumer and Business Affairs (OCBA) on 8152 0732 or 131 882 for country callers.
11 June, 2009
Free finance talks
are on the money
The Federal Government is to conduct two free seminars in Adelaide to help people to cope with financial stress.The seminars are to be held in Marion at 6pm on 17 June and in Elizabeth at 6pm on 18 June.
Around 20 Coping with Financial Stress seminars are to be held across the country throughout June, and will focus on informing people about their options and rights when under financial pressure.
The two-hour seminars are to also provide information for people seeking financial help.
The Federal Government has provided $60,000 to conduct the seminars, which aim to alleviate the pressures put on households by the Global Financial Crisis.
Centrelink are to organise the seminars which would be delivered by trained financial counsellors.
Centrelink said many families were currently facing mortgage stress, credit card debt and cost of living pressures, a result of unemployment, sickness or family breakdown.
The seminars are to be conducted in areas of particularly high financial stress including, Adelaide, Maitland, Wollongong, Ipswich, Western Sydney, Brisbane, Bundaberg, and Canberra.
The seminars are part of a pilot project under the Federal Government’s $10 million four-year Financial counselling – enhancing existing programs (tools and materials) measure.
This project provides funding for practical tools and resources to help people build their financial management skills and take early action to avoid financial crisis.
To attend a seminar or to find out more, call 13 63 57 between 8am and 7pm (AEST) or email fis.seminar.bookings@centrelink.gov.au
11 June, 2009
Park extension
gets green light
The boundaries of the Pike River Conservation Park are to be extended to add more than 62 hectares to the park and better protect a unique forest reserve. Minister for Environment and Conservation, Jay Weatherill, said land from the nearby Mundic Native Forest Reserve would be added to the Park, which is located near Paringa in the Riverland.
“Mundic Native Forest Reserve includes a significant wetland ecosystem that is habitat for a number of threatened species,” Mr Weatherill said.
“These include the Australasian Bittern, Regent Parrot, Broad-shelled tortoise and Darter waterbird,” he said.
He said by adding the Reserve to the Pike River Conservation Park, the Government could now be manage it under the National Parks and Wildlife Act for the purposes of conservation.
“Importantly, the land also will become part of the River Murray-Coorong NatureLink corridor,” Mr Weatherill said.
Mr Weatherill said the NatureLink corridor was one of five large-scale conservation corridors being planned by the State Government to help South Australia’s plants, animals and ecosystems survive and adapt to climate change.
He said the Pike River Conservation Park was originally established to protect the floodplain environment on the edge of the River Murray, including a section of Mundic Creek.
Mr Weatherill said he was also moving for the exclusion of a small allotment from the edge of the park, which contains a privately tenanted residence.
He said South Australia had 244 Conservation Parks as part of its network of protected areas, which also included 21 National Parks and 11 Wilderness Protection Areas.
He said the State’s newest Wilderness Protection Area, Danggali, which is 70km north of Renmark, was proclaimed last month.
11 June, 2009
Performance delay
The Public Sector Performance Commission has reported a delay in receiving the survey data from its Multigenerational Survey conducted in January and February 2009.
The survey was conducted across a number of Public Sector agencies, but delays in receiving the data back from the Corporate Leadership Council in the United States meant that the survey data would not be available for release.
The PSPC said it would provide participants with details of the survey results as soon as possible.
AAA rating confirmed
Rating agency Standard and Poor’s has reconfirmed South Australia’s Triple-A credit rating following the recent State budget.
Standard and Poor’s said the budget was consistent with the AAA rating and the stable outlook already assigned to the State.
Premier Mike Rann said the rating was a recognition of the Government’s prudent financial management.
“Maintaining the rating sends a signal to the Business community and to taxpayers that we are serious about jobs, building infrastructure for the future, but at the same time being responsible with state finances,” Mr Rann said.
Green cooking at DEH
The Department for Environment and Heritage (DEH) held a demonstration on World Environment Day to show people how cooking can contribute to an ecologically sustainable future.
The cooking demonstration was hosted by Chief Executive of DEH, Allan Holmes, and Adelaide chef, Symon Bryant at the Adelaide Central Markets.
Mr Holmes said changing your cooking regime was an easy way to start to adjust to a more sustainable lifestyle.
He said a recent study of food transport in Australia found the average food basket of 29 items purchased from a supermarket could have travelled over 70,000 kilometres, putting unnecessary pollution into the air.
Water attracts tourists
Water flowing into Lake Eyre has not only revived local wildlife, but local businesses as well.
Minister for Tourism, Jane Lomax-Smith said large increases in tourism are boosting local industries.
Dr Lomax-Smith said major inflows into Lake Eyre are rare, with the lake being filled just three times in the past 160 years.
“It’s not surprising that the current flows are attracting a rush of visitors to the region and this is great news for businesses all the way from Adelaide to the lake,” she said.
4 June, 2009
Union coughs up
swine flu advice
The Public Service Association has published advice to its members on how to avoid being infected by the Human Swine Flu.In a statement on its website, the PSA said people could take practical steps to keep themselves safe from Swine Flu.
It said the Swine Flu virus was spread in exactly the same way as ordinary colds and flu and was made up of tiny particles spread through droplets that come out of the nose and mouth when someone coughs or sneezes.
The PSA said if someone coughed or sneezed without covering their mouth, droplets could spread for about a metre, and people in the nearby vicinity could breathe the germs in.
It said people coughing or sneezing into their hand could easily transfer the virus to any surfaces they touch.
“Everyday items at home and in public places may have traces of the virus, such as door handles, the TV remote control, hand rails and computer keyboards,” the PSA advice said.
“Viruses can survive for several hours on these surfaces.”
The PSA said if a person touched the surfaces and then their face, the virus could enter their system.
It recommend that people cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, wash their hands frequently with soap and water, use alcohol-based hand cleaners, and avoid touching their eyes, nose, or mouth.
The PSA recommended against having close contact with sick people, and said members should stay away from work and social contact if they were feeling sick.
It said people should avoid trips to Mexico and should seek medical advice if flu-like symptoms appear.
4 June, 2009
Radio waves goodbye
to analog system
The State Government’s radio network is to be upgraded to digital.Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Michael Wright said up to $100 million would be spent on the network which was used by the State’s police, ambulance and emergency services.
"The time has come to upgrade the equipment to the latest, fully digital network to provide much more efficient emergency communications and provide it with capabilities that will see the State’s police and emergency services well into the next decade,” Mr Wright said.
“Importantly it gives our emergency services the most effective communications tools to deal with rapidly escalating threats such as the recent bushfires experienced in Victoria,” he said.
He said the South Australian Government Radio Network was one of the largest in the world covering, 96 per cent of South Australia’s population.
Mr Wright said the network was regarded as one of the most effective public safety radio networks in Australia, because of the seamless inter-agency communication it allowed between emergency services.
“Experience (in Victoria) showed that fast and effective communications are essential to not only better protect communities, but also to support the emergency workers and volunteers who are protecting our communities,” he said.
Mr Wright said because of the size and technical complexity of the network, the upgrades would take two to three years to deliver its core functions and up to five years to complete.
He said the project would ensure South Australia remained at the forefront in providing its police and emergency services with the best possible communications systems.
4 June, 2009
Council law change
lodged for approval
Local Government Authorities have been invited to comment on changes to the law that would improve representation on Local Councils and lead to more people coming out to vote.Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Gail Gago, said the reforms were designed to strengthen democracy in South Australia by improving voter participation in Council elections.
“Raising awareness of Local Government elections will improve the democratic process and encourage more participation in Councils in the long term,” Ms Gago said.
“Our changes strive to lift the profile of local elections and promote easy access to all candidate information via a central web portal.”
She said that in 2006, only 31 per cent of people voted in Council elections, with the Government aiming to increase this to 50 per cent by 2014.
She said the reforms would also abolish multiple voting in each election, which aimed to reduce the administrative burdens on Councils having to maintain separate voters’ rolls for property franchisees.
“Instead, councils will be required to divert these resources into a centrally administered publicity campaign that will encourage voting at local elections, explain and the role of Local Government and elected members,” she said.
She said the changes would also ensure every person has only one chance to vote in each Council election even if they own another property in the same Council area.
Ms Gago said the Bill had been derived from the Government’s response to an Independent Review of Local Government Elections and extensive consultation with Councils and the Local Government Association.
She said the Bill would place the responsibility for promoting elections in the hands of the Electoral Commissioner and would provide for the centralised publication of information about each candidate and their policies on the internet.
She said the Bill would also require each Council to adopt a caretaker policy during election periods and would prohibit the withdrawal of any candidate after the close of nominations.
4 June, 2009
Principal power is
lesson for bullies
School Principals have been given extra powers to combat cyber-bullying in schools.Minister for Education, Jane Lomax-Smith said Principals would now have the power to suspend or exclude students who threatened the safety of others in the school community, regardless of where and when the incidents occurred.
“Through new technologies, students can become victims of cyber bullying at any time of the day, night or week,” Dr Lomax-Smith said.
“We must do all we can to protect students’ rights to learn and feel safe and supported when they are at school,” she said,
Dr Lomax-Smith said Principals could now also confiscate students’ mobile phones and hand them over to police as evidence, if there was a reasonable suspicion that the phones had been used to record a crime.
She said the new powers would be included under Regulations 40 and 41 of the Education Act 1972.
“Bullying in any form is unacceptable,” she said.
“Whether the method is face to face in the school yard, over social networking websites at home or via mobile phone text messages, schools will not stand for bullying committed by or against students.”
She said the State Government first highlighted cyber-bullying back in 2004 and provided an anti-bullying package and anti-bullying training to every school in the State.
She said these powers for Principals were the latest in a range of preventative measures designed to keep students cyber-safe.
One such measure, she said, was the implementation of the Keeping Safe Child Protection Curriculum, introduced in 2007, which includes content on the safe use of new technologies.
She said a pamphlet about cyber bullying and e-crime, developed with SA Police and NetAlert, was also distributed to South Australian families in 2007.
“We will continue to work with school communities to create even safer school environments,” Dr Lomax-Smith said.
4 June, 2009
Housing files to be
window on history
State Records has released a new Research Advice designed to assist researchers discover the history of their houses.Announcing the new Advice on its website, State Records said that the Researching the History of Your House program was designed to aid researchers in obtaining detailed information about the history of buildings, and could be particularly useful revealing information about their own houses.
It said the program would help researchers find and inspect building plans for their houses as well as locate information relating to when the house was built and the history of its owners and tenants.
The Advice directs individuals to check with their local Councils to obtain building plans for their house but says if people want to find out when their house was built or who its previous owners were, they should contact the Lands Services Group or go to the PropertyAssist website.
State Records said it held records of previous occupants in Council Assessment Books and also held information that could show whether a house had ever been used as a shop or a business.
The Advice recommends that people use other sources of information to find out about the history of their home such as the Adelaide City Council Archives, the Louis Laybourne Smith School Architecture Museum, the State Library of South Australia, the Gepps Cross Research Centre or their local library.
4 June, 2009
Police get
more brass
The South Australian Police Service has received record funding for the coming year to allow it to do more to enforce law and order.Premier, Mike Rann said a funding boost of $661 million would be given to SAPOL over 2009-10, a five per cent increase on the previous financial year.
“We now have more than 4,250 full time equivalent police officers in South Australia, 549 more than when we took office in March 2002,” Mr Rann said.
He said in this financial year 227 cadets had already graduated from the Fort Largs Police Academy, with another 133 currently in training and the Government was also to also invest $3.3 million for a new police complex at Yalata on the State’s far west coast.
“It’s the latest in a growing list,” he said. “This Government has invested in new police stations which are now open in Golden Grove, Aldinga, Gawler, Mount Barker, Victor Harbor, Berri, Port Lincoln, Newton, Blakeview, Hallett Cove and Pooraka.”
“We have no intention of slowing either, with more than $25 million already allocated towards expanding Christies Beach Police Station and rebuilding Roxby Downs and Murray Bridge police facilities.”
Mr Rann said prior to the budget, SAPOL received additional support for a $59 million redevelopment of the Fort Largs Academy and $34 million for a new state-of-the-art Police Headquarters.
“It is essential we continue to deliver new and upgraded infrastructure for future growth and cater for the ever-increasing numbers of police serving the people of South Australia,” he said.
“By providing the necessary resources, our hardworking police force will be better equipped to deliver effective and efficient services to the people of South Australia.”
Mr Rann said the Government had also committed an extra $2.4 million for prison video conferencing facilities, $1.1 million to establish a Community Corrections Centre at Gawler and $0.5 million to facilitate an earlier opening of the Sturt Street Courts.
He said speeding up the State’s Court system was also a priority for the State Government, even during tough economic times.
He said when Sturt Street was re-opened in September this year, it would provide a suite of up-to-date facilities including two courtrooms, three cells, two jury rooms, and interview rooms.
“Over five years, the two extra courtrooms are expected to hear approximately 300 trials – helping clear backlogs and assisting in the prevention of further delays in case listings,” he said.
A further investment of $450,000 would also be made to allow in Special Justices to sit in the Magistrates Court, relieving pressure across the Court system.
4 June, 2009
Crime set to pay for
enforcement graduates
South Australia’s police and prison officer numbers have increased in the past week with two graduation parades conducted in the same week.Twenty-two new police officers and 30 new prison officers graduated in separate ceremonies.
Minister for Police, Michael Wright said the police officers ranged in age between 19 and 45 years with an average age of 28 and would ensure that more police are available for frontline policing duties, which will help to deter crime and safeguard the community.
“Twenty-one will be posted to metropolitan Local Service Areas and one to a Country LSA,” Mr Wright said, “whilst they complete the initial phase of their probationary constable training.”
He said 227 police cadets had graduated this financial year with a total of 133 - 38 women and 95 men - still in training at the Fort Largs Police Academy.
He said South Australia continued to lead the nation, having the highest per capita rate of sworn police officers of any Australian State.
“All of our police do a magnificent job and as a Government we have a responsibility to support our hard-working officers,” he said.
“The new recruits will have an integral role in helping make SA a better and safer place to live and on behalf of the community, I thank them for stepping forward and taking on this challenging role.”
Minister for Correctional Services, Tom Koutsantonis similarly thanked the 30 graduating prison officers for joining the State’s correctional services workforce.
He said the latest class of trainees had completed a three-month course of theory and practical experience to prepare them for their challenging new jobs in South Australia’s prisons.
“Working in South Australia’s prison system is a difficult but rewarding occupation,” Mr Koutsantonis said.
“The job provides a unique insight and a chance to help make SA a better place to live.”
He said the opportunity was there to make a difference to the lives of prisoners through rehabilitation and contribute to delivering justice to the South Australian public.
Mr Koutsantonis said the prison officer graduates were aged from 19 to 55 and include seven women and 23 men.
He said in 2008-09 about 100 Trainee Correctional Officers were recruited though four training schools, with two more courses expected to start this financial year, training another 40 new officers.
He said in the next financial year it was expected that at least another 85 new officers would be recruited.
“Each new officer brings unique skills and experience,” he said.
“This graduating class includes a professional cook, an RAR parachutist, a miner and a female truck driver who worked in Afghanistan for the Australian Defence Force.”
Mr Koutsantonis said during the three-month course students worked in the control room, accommodation units, infirmary and visits centre as well as performing internal escorts and prisoner movement.
He said they also learned about topics such as prisoner case management, regime management, tactical communication, human relations, safety and security for staff and prisoners, criminogenic methods, duty of care, prison security and administration duties.
“Like any job, there’s a lot to learn and an education doesn’t stop when the exams are passed,” he said.
“The coming months will see these graduates learn more each day and I look forward to hearing about the fresh new ideas they’ll bring to the system,” Mr Koutsantonis said.
4 June, 2009
10-year-old Court
judged a success
The first special Court in Australia for hearing cases involving members of the Aboriginal community has celebrated its 10th anniversary.Attorney-General, Michael Atkinson, said the Nunga Court at Port Adelaide aimed to create a venue that was less intimidating for offenders and their families and was the first of its kind in Australia.
“We wanted to design a Court that recognised the integral role of the family and the community in the lives of Aboriginal people and this has resulted in an extremely successful and effective format over the past 10 years,” Mr Atkinson said.
“It has been so successful, the rest of the nation has followed our lead and introduced similar Court setups interstate.”
He said similar programs were now operating across South Australia at Port Augusta, Murray Bridge and Port Lincoln with pilot programs having commenced at Berri and Ceduna.
He said reports from the Aboriginal community suggested defendants were able to speak more directly with the Magistrate at the Nunga Court and felt they had more of a voice.
Mr Atkinson said recent experience showed the sentencing processes needed to be culturally appropriate if they were to be supported by Aboriginal communities.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Jay Weatherill, said statistics showed attendance levels of Aboriginal defendants at the Port Adelaide Nunga Court were considerably higher than for other Court sittings.
“The fact that over the past two financial years the Port Adelaide Nunga Court has heard an average of 554 cases per annum, highlights how well respected the Court is by the Aboriginal community,” Mr Weatherill said.
“By encouraging the direct participation of Aboriginal defendants in the Court process and compliance with community service orders, improved rehabilitative outcomes can be achieved for Aboriginal defendants to help break their cycle of offending,” he said.
4 June, 2009
Organ donor bodies
grind out agreement
A new agreement has been signed between Government and health sector organisations to unify Australia's organ donation and transplantation policies and practices.Chief Executive of the Australian Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Authority, Karen Murphy announced that 46 organisations, including all eight State and Territory Governments, had signed a National Communications Charter to improve the health outlooks for Australians requiring an organ or tissue transplant.
Ms Murphy said the signatories all agreed to work together to improve the rate of organ donations across the country
"Australia leads the world in transplantation medicine,” Ms Murphy said, “but the number of donations is low by global standards.”
She said this was due to an historic fragmented approach.
"Although there are six million people listed on the Australian Organ Donor Register, on average there are 1,800 children, women and men on a waiting list for a transplant at any time,” she said.
“But in 2008 just one third of the demand was able to be met from 259 deceased donors.”
Ms Murphy said the new Charter would create a single, national team.
“After a great deal of negotiation and hard work I am very pleased the signatories have agreed.
“It's a symbolic vote of confidence by Ministers, State health departments, industry associations, community organisations and tissue banks to lift donor activity.”
Ms Murphy said the Charter united the sector under guiding principles to communicate clear and consistent messages and dispel some of the myths and misinformation in the public arena.
"Our key message to Australians is a simple one - talk today with your partner and family about your decision to become an organ or tissue donor because they are required to confirm your wish to donate life," Ms Murphy said.
4 June, 2009
Botany museum
springs up again
The Museum of Economic Botany in the Adelaide Botanic Garden has been reopened after a year of extensive restoration.Premier Mike Rann said the restoration would return the building to its former glory by restoring its original colour scheme and historic display cases, and creating a new contemporary space for travelling and temporary exhibitions.
“Over the past year, specialised teams have been working to restore the interior of this historic building to ensure the Garden maintains its reputation as one of Adelaide’s premier cultural attractions,” Mr Rann said.
“I am pleased to officially reopen this magnificent exhibit and announce its new name - the Santos Museum of Economic Botany,” he said.
Mr Rann said the building which was first opened in 1881, had been a museum for all of its 128 years and was one of few purpose-built museums of its type still in existence.
He said the restoration work had been funded by the Federal Government through a $1.125 million grant and the museum’s collections held valuable lessons on sustainability for 2009.
“The Santos Museum of Economic Botany contains hundreds of different displays, including fruit, natural gums and resins, the history and uses of cocoa and tea and a selection of native timbers,” Mr Rann said.
“These displays highlight the benefits of plants that are used for food, medicine, fibre, oils and art.”
He said the displays would also help educate the community on how to avoid waste in the use of plant resources.
Mr Rann said the Adelaide Botanic Garden had recently entered a five-year, $2 million partnership with South Australian based energy company Santos.
He said this would provide benefits for conservation programs and would further support the museum and the exhibition program as part of the company’s community support program.
Mr Rann said internationally respected local artist, Fiona Hall had been commissioned to create an original artwork to be displayed in the museum, while well-known designer Khai Liew had been involved in the development of the temporary exhibition space.
4 June, 2009
Activity campaign
kicks off new phase
A new stage in the Government’s be active campaign has been launched with television, radio and outdoor advertising targetting all sections of the community.Minister for Recreation and Sport, Michael Wright, kicked off the new phase in a kick-for-kick session with football legend Graham Cornes.
“The best way to get yourself into the habit of doing physical activity every day is to find something you enjoy,” Mr Wright said.
“It’s important for adults to get 30 minutes of exercise every day, but the be active message is that you can accumulate the 30 minutes in 10 minute bouts by making active choices throughout your day,” he said.
Mr Wright said the be active campaign also highlighted the benefits of riding a bike, getting off public transport one stop early, and taking the stairs instead of the lift.
“Around 40,000 train commuters each day are being encouraged every step of the way up to North Terrace with be active messages such as ‘keep it up’, ‘almost there’ and ‘every step is burning calories’ on the stairs,” he said.
He said the campaign had been tailored to rural and regional areas in the State, where lifts, stairs and carparks were not commonplace.
“We have eight be active Field Officers covering the State in partnership with local Councils,” he said.
“They have each worked with their communities to create local ‘be active in our town’ messages, including using cycling and walking trails and participating in water sports.”
He said for tips on joining in with the campaign and becoming more active, readers could visit the website www.beactive.com.au
4 June, 2009
Transport upgrade
is just the ticket
Adelaide’s public transport system is to be upgraded in a four-year program expected to cost $1.5 billion.Premier Mike Rann said the program included a previously unannounced $84 million to support new public transport initiatives, including the purchase of electric rail cars, the extension of security services, and increased rail track inspections and graffiti removal.
Mr Rann said the total program of the Department of Transport, Energy and Infrastructure in 2009-10 was worth a record $1.097 billion.
He said that was almost 6 times the amount allocated in the year before his Government came to office.
“It will continue to expand and accelerate the 10-year revitalisation of the public transport system.”
He said the program also included $585 million from the Federal Government to extend rail services to Seaford and upgrade the Gawler line.
He said the Commonwealth was also providing $61 million for a dedicated bus corridor for O-Bahn services into the City.
“This huge injection of funds from the Commonwealth means we can now begin extending the Noarlunga line to Seaford, accelerate the upgrade of the Gawler line by two years and improve the movement of O-Bahn buses into the City,” he said.
“The State Budget will provide additional support for these projects and the operation of the public transport network.”
He said the global financial crisis had not deterred the State Government from investing in critical infrastructure.
“Rather than putting the brakes on we are supporting and securing jobs through infrastructure projects and building for the future,” he said.
Mr Rann said money provided from last year’s budget was currently being used on the tram extension to the Entertainment Centre, the Glenelg tram overpass and a significant upgrade of the Belair rail line.
4 June, 2009
School designs
make the grade
Design concepts for six new schools in Adelaide have been lodged with the Development Assessment Commission.Premier Mike Rann said the Government’s preferred partner in the development of the schools, Pinnacle Education, had now released the designs for feedback from community members and local Councils.
“Our new school building program is a massive investment in new school infrastructure in suburban Adelaide,” Mr Rann said.
“We are building six brand new schools from scratch and want to make sure we have the best possible designs to cater for many future generations of children,” he said.
He said the designs featured modern classrooms to maximise the use of natural light, and included covered walkways that would take students on a ‘learning journey’ from Birth to Year 7 or Year 12.
He said the school designs also included dedicated playgrounds for children of different ages, rainwater tanks to irrigate native gardens and ovals, and parking spaces for bikes and cars.
He said there were outdoor eating and learning areas and vegetable gardens where students could grow fresh produce on site as part of classroom programs.
He said all classrooms and school buildings would incorporate ‘green’ sustainability features such as opening windows and thermal chimneys for natural ventilation, skylights for natural light, water harvesting for toilet flushing and covered areas for shade and rain protection.
Minister for Education, Jane Lomax-Smith said a new plan for a State Sports Park had been developed as part of the school building initiative.
Dr Lomax-Smith said the Sports Park would incorporate a number of sports pitches, ovals and courts for soccer, hockey, tennis, netball, football and cricket.
“These schools are no bigger than our most popular public schools with waiting lists and will provide families with a host of education, health and child care services at a single location,” she said.
“Starting the planning approval process now will allow building works to start as soon as negotiations with the preferred partner have been finalised,” she said.
She said the State Government was currently in negotiations with Pinnacle Education over the designs and the company would be engaged as the successful consortium if financial and technical issues could be resolved.
She said a value-for-money outcome for the State would need to be delivered.
4 June, 2009
Grants make settlers
feel at home
The Federal Department of Immigration and Citizenship has announced a program of settlement grants for South Australia amounting to $1.5 million and covering 16 projects.Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services, Laurie Ferguson, said the Settlement Grants Program (SGP) funding would play a major role in helping new arrivals settle into the community.
Mr Ferguson said organisations which had received funding for the 2009/10 financial year included include migrant resource centres, multicultural service agencies and community and welfare organisations.
“The many projects supported by the settlement grants program will help migrants and refugees to settle successfully into their new communities, promoting social participation and assisting in their cultural transition into Australia,” Mr Ferguson said.
He said $160,000 funding would be provided toward the Multicultural Youth South Australia (MYSA) to provide refugee and migrant youth with a forum of expression through music, drama and art.
“MYSA provides activities tailored to suit the ages and cultural backgrounds of refugee and migrant youth,” Mr Ferguson said.
“Music and performing arts workshops will form a significant part of the project, to help migrant youth engage with and participate in the broader community,” he said.
He said one of the largest problems faced in settling refugees in Australia, were communication difficulties between young people and their parents, peers, and communities.
He said projects like MYSA would provide an outlet and a forum for young people to communicate and express themselves, and at the same time engage with both their families and communities.
“I commend all organisations for their contribution to the successful settlement of migrants and refugees in South Australia,” Mr Ferguson said.
He said a list of successful applicants in the 2009-10 funding round was available from the DIAC www.immi.gov.au
4 June, 2009
Wheels come off
bike promotion
A cooling off period has been introduced for second-hand car and motorcycle sales to protect consumers from unfair dealer tactics.Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gail Gago said the amendments to the Second hand Vehicle Dealers Act 1995, would also benefit dealerships by raising consumer confidence in the industry.
“These changes will turn up the heat on dodgy dealers and rein in those who bring the industry into disrepute,” Ms Gago said.
“They’re designed to help combat high pressure sales tactics by introducing a two-day cooling off period during which consumers can consider their purchase.”
She said the cooling off period would give consumers two business days to arrange a mechanical inspection and weigh up their final decision.
But she said buyers could waive the right to this cooling off period, allowing them to drive the vehicle away immediately, if needed.
“Dealers are on notice that the number of waivers will be reportable and the waiving of rights is intended to be the exception not the rule,” she said.
“Abuse of this system will prompt swift action to further tighten the requirements.”
Ms Gago said the Government was also attempting to tighten constraints on traders to make it easier to prosecute unlicensed car dealers.
She said consumers would also be able to seek faster Government responses to dodgy second hand car dealing, as authority for dealing with the issue had been transferred from the Magistrates Court to the Commissioner for Consumer Affairs.
She said maximum penalties for unlicensed dealing had been increased from $20,000 to $100,000 and expiation fees had been increased to $315 from $105.
She said the cooling off periods would not apply to private sales, auction sales, new car sales, or purchases by companies.
4 June, 2009
ACMA hooks up with
telecom watchdog
The Australian Communications and Media Authority and the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman have signed a memorandum of understanding to formalise their close working relationship. Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman, Deirdre O'Donnell said the document underlined the importance of the relationship between her office and ACMA.
“It's in everyone's interest that the TIO, ACMA and telecommunications service providers work together to ensure that consumer complaints are resolved in a fair and equitable way,” Ms O’Donnell said.
The memorandum covered issues dealing with exchanging information and advice about consumer complaint investigations; the application of legislative and alternative dispute resolution remedies; the exchange of information regarding telecommunications and internet industry service and complaint trends; and compliance and enforcement actions related to membership of the TIO scheme.
Ms O'Donnell signed the memorandum with ACMA Chair, Chris Chapman in Melbourne.
She said TIO also cooperated closely with other regulatory bodies including the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and State Fair Trading and Consumer Affairs Agencies.
She said the TIO was a free and independent complaints handling body for people who had been unable to resolve a problem with their telecommunications service provider.
It was established in 1993 and is independent from the interests of industry, the Government and consumer organisations.
4 June, 2009
Place names website upgraded
The Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure has upgraded its PlaceNames Online website and its State Gazetteer database.
The State Gazetteer is a database of place names in South Australia aiming to provide a record of any place name that is, or has been used, in South Australia.
The PlaceNames Online website is a tool which individuals can use to search through and obtain information from the State Gazetteer.
DTEI has said the Gazetteer information will now be up to date and align with the standards for place names in South Australia.
PSA health forum
The Public Service Association is to hold a forum for Health Professional Managers to look at professionals in public health and discuss the 2009 Enterprise Agreement.
The forum will assist the PSA in developing a new Enterprise Bargaining claim before the current South Australian Government Wages Parity (Salaried) Enterprise Agreement 2006 expires on 21 December 2009.
The PSA said the forum would be held at 4pm on Thursday 11 June in the Jim Otte Room PSA Building, 122 Pirie Street, Adelaide and include a speech by Catherine Turnbull.
RSVP by 9 June to Sue Fraser on email sf@cpsu.asn.au
Cells back in service
Repairs have been completed on damaged high security cells at Port Augusta Prison.
The cells were damaged when prisoners in the high security Bluebush Unit rioted in October last year.
Minister for Correctional Services, Tom Koutsantonis said about $1 million of repairs had been carried out on the cells, which were now functioning again.
“It is disappointing that some prisoners chose to cause extensive damage to a tax-payer funded facility but it’s pleasing to see that damage has now been repaired and it’s back to business as usual,” Mr Koutsantonis said.
Students beat trend
The number of overseas student enrolments in South Australia has increased by 24 per cent in the first three months of this year, far exceeding the national average.
The figures represent South Australia’s strongest growth rate in overseas education in seven years.
Employment, Training and Further Education Minister, Michael O’Brien said if the growth continues, the State will be set to attract a record 32,000 international students by the end of the year.
ESCOSA releases bulletins
The Essential Services Commission of SA has released three Residential Energy Efficiency Scheme Bulletins.
The Bulletins look at the installation of ceiling insulation, water heaters and low-flow showerheads.
A third bulletin looks at the timing of reporting home energy audits and energy efficiency activities.
Corrections for Gawler
A new Community Corrections Centre is to be established at Gawler in Adelaide’s north.
The new centre will deal with growing offender numbers at the Elizabeth Corrections Centre, which had increased by 34 per cent since 2004.
About half of those reporting to the Elizabeth Centre reside in areas such as Gawler, the Barossa Valley, Mid North Yorke Peninsula, Two Wells, and Virginia.
Minister for Correctional Services Tom Koutsantonis said the new Gawler centre would provide services closer to home for these people, ensuring it’s easier for offenders to comply with their obligations and get their lives back on track.
More wilderness protected
Environment and Conservation Minister, Jay Weatherill has announced a new Wilderness Protection Area in one of the state’s largest areas of native vegetation.
The Danggali Wilderness Protection Area will be located 70km north of Renmark in the Murraylands.
Mr Weatherill said the area provides refuge for a number of vulnerable and endangered animals including the Major Mitchell’s cockatoo and the Black-eared Miner.
He said the area also has a rich diversity of bats, Aboriginal heritage sites and rare flora species.