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SearchArchives for May 2010
27 May, 2010
New process scratches
broken records
State Records has released an updated version of its information sheet outlining the disposal process for official Agency records.
The information sheet, Adequate Records Management in Perspective - Disposal of Official Records, provides details on why disposing of official records is necessary, how disposal is authorised, using disposal schedules and the methods to be used to destroy records.
The information sheet defines disposal as destroying, abandoning, transferring or selling a record.
“The disposal of official records also includes their permanent retention as part of the South Australian archival collection maintained by State Records,” the sheet says.
“Disposal does not, however, include transferring or delivering a record to State Records or between one Agency and another.
The information sheet says an “orderly, authorised or managed disposal process” is important to help protect records from illegal destruction and to ensure limited records storage space is used economically.
It advises that official records must be disposed of in accordance with determinations made by the Director of State Records and that Disposal Schedules can be made by Agency staff or private consultants.
“State Records requires that official records be destroyed in a manner that is appropriate to their content and format,” the sheet says.
“For paper based records this would involve shredding, pulping or some other environmentally friendly means.
“For records stored on magnetic media, reformatting or overwriting several times to prevent records being read by normal means is sufficient.”
The information sheet also outlines the functions of different types of disposal schedules and when they should be used, when records should not be destroyed and methods for dealing with sensitive information.
According to the information sheet, anyone who intentionally disposes of an official record without authority could face two years in prison or up to $10,000 in fines.
Adequate Records Management in Perspective - Disposal of Official Records was available from www.archives.sa.gov.au
27 May, 2010
PSA holds breath over
asbestos incident
The Public Service Association has raised fears of a possible asbestos contamination incident at the Flinders Medical Centre earlier this year.
According to the Union, some of its members may have been accidentally exposed to the dangerous mineral during the removal of a drain.
In a statement, the PSA said it was investigating the incident.
It said while an asbestos cleanup process was initiated after the disturbance was identified, in line with the regulations, a number of people could have been exposed prior to the cleanup.
The Union has written to the Department of Health requesting details relating to the matter, and lodged a request with SafeworkSA seeking information on any investigation that took place.
It urged members who could have been exposed to contact SA Unions and complete the asbestos exposure register, a confidential document that could be used in any future compensation claim.
“All members should be aware of any asbestos in their workplaces and ensure they have an elected Health and Safety Representative (HSR) for their designated work area,” the PSA said.
It said employers should consult with Health and Safety representatives in relation to any work to be conducted in the workplace.
The Union said members should be aware of any work being carried out in their workplace that could involve asbestos.
“As in the above example, mistakes occur,” the PSA said.
“There are serious consequences for failing to identify and carry out asbestos removal in compliance with strict legislation and these events can cause significant emotional and psychological distress.”
27 May, 2010
Sexy show uncovers
sex assault laws
The Legal Services Commission has launched a theatrical performance highlighting the dangers of sexual assault to young people and intends to offer it to schools and youth agencies over the next three months.
The live performance, Expect Respect, is a legal education program targeting 15 to 18 year olds.
Aiming to help young people understand new laws about sexual assault, the initiative was funded by a grant from the Office for the Status of Women.
Minister for the Status of Women, Gail Gago said the performance included the message of Don’t Cross the Line – the Government’s anti-violence community education campaign.
“This project is an innovative way to connect with young people about one of the most serious issues they face,” Ms Gago said.
“Helping young people develop healthy, safe relationships is a key to reducing intimidation and violence in our communities.”
Director of the Legal Services Commission, Hamish Gilmore said Expect Respect sent a “hard-hitting, clear and positive” message to young people about the implications of sexual assault including ‘sexting’ and ‘date rape’.
“Sometimes young people, particularly women, find themselves drawn into a situation where they are the subject of unwelcome attention or even assault,” Mr Gilmore said.
“This may include harassment in a nightclub, finding intimate photos of themselves in circulation on the internet or even being raped.”
He said the key message in Expect Respect was the importance of respectful relationships and making sure both people agreed when having sex.
“Unfortunately, young people often don’t realise that using pressure to have sex could be seen as sexual assault.”
Director of Act Now Theatre for Social Change, Edwin Kemp Atrill said the interactive nature of forum theatre was great for working with young people.
“In forum theatre, audiences have the ability to stop a scene and suggest a new direction for the story unfolding on stage,” Mr Atrill said.
“Over the course of the hour-long show, Expect Respect explores three different scenarios played out by the performers and backed up by legal information about what constitutes sexual assault.”
27 May, 2010
New urban trails
on the right track
The Department for Environment and Heritage is seeking public comment on a draft strategy that reviews trails across 24 parks and reserves on Adelaide’s urban fringe.
The draft strategy, Linking Adelaide with Nature, a trail strategy connecting people with Adelaide’s natural areas, is aimed at identifying community needs and opportunities for more diverse trail experiences such as walking, cycling and horseriding.
In a statement, the Department for Environment and Heritage (DEH) said the strategy aimed to encourage healthy lifestyles by promoting recreational activities as an important and necessary part of South Australian parks.
“A new direction highlighted in the strategy is the importance of encouraging recreational activities in parks,” the DEH said.
“This is to increase visitation to parks, which in turn will help raise the profile of parks and the important role that they play in conserving threatened plants and animals.”
The Department said one example proposed in the strategy was a shared-use trail through the Adelaide Hills.
It said the trail would link the River Torrens Linear Trail and the Sturt River Linear Trail to form a loop trail network around Adelaide, with further links to the Coastal Trail and other local and region trails.
“Improvements are important as it is anticipated that in the future, recreational activities in parks will be the most common and popular way for the public to get close to nature and the main reason for the public to visit parks.”
The DEH encouraged people to comment on the draft strategy by 25 June 2010, saying it welcomed feedback.
Linking Adelaide with Nature, a trail strategy connecting people with Adelaide’s natural areas was available from www.environment.sa.gov.au
27 May, 2010
3D trials add new
dimension to TV
The Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) and the Nine Television Network have been granted limited licences to trial 3D television in Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Newcastle and Wollongong.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority said the licences would allow the trial operators to test new radiocommunications technologies between 19 May and 19 July this year by broadcasting 3D high definition television to viewers with access to 3D-enabled digital television receivers.
Chair of ACMA, Chris Chapman said the trials would include live telecasts of the three State of Origin rugby league matches.
“ACMA supports the development and demonstration of new broadcasting technologies and is pleased to be able to assist with the trialling of 3D TV,” Mr Chapman said.
Mr Chapman said retailers would be using the trials to showcase the first generation of 3D television receivers, but it was important people understood that the trials had only been approved for a two-month period.
The trials will be broadcast in digital mode on ultra high frequency channels, with viewers able to access the trial through logical channel number 40 on a 3D-enabled digital television set.
As part of the licence conditions, SBS and Nine will manage telephone hotlines to assist with viewer and community enquiries about the operation of the trial.
ACMA said the approval of the 3D TV trials was not an indication that the future permanent allocation of these UHF channels would be for broadcasting purposes, and that this was a matter for consideration by the Government.
27 May, 2010
New PIRSA Division to
give pests the flick
A new Biosecurity Division within Primary Industries and Resources SA (PIRSA) is expected to boost the State’s ability to respond to threats from animal, plant and aquatic pests and diseases.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Michael O’Brien announced Biosecurity SA, saying it integrated the biosecurity functions of the Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation (DWLBC) with PIRSA.
Mr O’Brien said the new Division would take on DWLBC’s coordinating responsibilities for weeds and vertebrate pests such as mice, foxes, goats, camels, rabbits, wild pigs and deer.
“PIRSA and DWLBC already share information and expertise, and the new Biosecurity SA will ensure a greater consistency in policy, legislation, surveillance and team response,” Mr O’Brien said.
He said while South Australia had an impressive record in managing biosecurity issues, the world was changing and additional measures were needed.
“Not only are we grappling with climate change, which can impact on animal pest and plant disease invasions, there are also impacts from expanding world trade, eco-tourism and changing land use patterns,” he said.
“The new Biosecurity SA division within PIRSA will strengthen the State’s capability to respond to national and State priorities and provide a consistent approach.”
The Minister said the new organisation would work closely with other Agencies and Natural Resource Management Boards, which would share operational responsibility.
Mr O’Brien said Biosecurity SA would provide a one-stop gateway to Government for biosecurity issues.
“It will provide a better ability to respond to new national imperatives arising from the Beale Review conducted for the Federal Government on changing biosecurity management arrangements in Australia,” he said.
“Other States have integrated their biosecurity functions and this move is consistent with new national arrangements under the Intergovernmental Agreement on Biosecurity and the National Environment Biosecurity Response Agreement to be endorsed by COAG in the middle of this year.”
Mr O’Brien said Biosecurity SA would be officially set up from 1 July but it was expected the transition would take several weeks to complete.
27 May, 2010
New road laws to put
brakes on injuries
New, nationally approved laws governing the use of child restraints in motor vehicles are to come into effect from 1 July.
Minister for Road Safety, Jack Snelling said the new laws would provide greater protection for children travelling in vehicles and reduce road trauma.
“Unfortunately, nearly 60 children under 12 years of age are either killed or seriously injured in crashes on South Australian roads every year, and more than a third of those casualties are just seven years of age or younger,” Mr Snelling said.
“Around a quarter of those seriously injured were not wearing a child restraint at the time of the crash.”
The Minister said the new laws would reduce the risk of injury caused by unsuitable restraints by specifying the restraint types to be used for different ages and when kids can sit in the front seat.
“Drivers will receive an ‘on-the-spot fine’ of either $240 or $292 and between three to five demerit points if passengers, including children, are not wearing a seatbelt or a suitable approved child restraint,” he said.
“However, once the laws take effect from 1 July, there’ll be a three month grace period for drivers before police start enforcing the new rules.”
Mr Snelling said changes to the Australian Road Rules included a mandatory size appropriate restraint system for all children up to the age of seven.
He said the laws required children up to the age of six months to be restrained in a rear facing child restraint while those aged six months to four years had to be restrained in a rear or forward facing child restraint.
Mr Snelling said children between four and seven would have to be restrained in a forward facing child restraint or booster seat.
He said the new laws would also ban children aged between four and seven from sitting in the front seat of a vehicle unless all backseats were occupied by children younger than them.
Mr Snelling said kids aged up to four years must sit in the back of a vehicle.
A list of Frequently Asked Questions about the restraint laws was available from www.sa.gov.au
27 May, 2010
Watchdog books into
Cape tourist resort
Developers of a tourist resort at Cape Bauer have been told that a Public Environment Report is the next step in guiding the assessment process for their $31 million project.
The Development Assessment Commission has called for the report and has identified 139 issues that need to be addressed.
Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Paul Holloway said the proponent, Streaky Bay JV Group, had been advised by the independent Commission that a Public Environment Report (PER) was required for the proposed eco-tourist resort on Eyre Peninsula.
“Determining the level of scrutiny is a very important step in the process of assessing a major development,” Mr Holloway said.
“This environmental assessment provides a way to determine this project’s impacts on the environment and how these are to be addressed by the proponent.”
He said Cape Bauer was about 15 kilometres northwest of Streaky Bay and was zoned primary production and coastal zone.
Mr Holloway said the proposed eco-tourism resort includes seasonal accommodation on about 150 hectares of land, conference facilities, a restaurant and swimming pool.
He said the developer now had to justify the proposal from environmental, economic, social and sustainability perspectives and outline how access to the coast would be arranged and how soil erosion and damage to native vegetation would be prevented.
Mr Holloway said the PER would also have to identify how power use could be minimised or supplemented.
The Minister said the PER would be released for a six-week consultation period, during which time a public meeting would be held at Streaky Bay.
Mr Holloway said since the resort was declared a major development in September last year it had been referred to the Commonwealth Minister for Environment, Peter Garrett.
Mr Holloway said the Commonwealth had last month advised the project didn’t warrant its formal assessment.
27 May, 2010
DTEI steams in with
winter boat warning
With winter approaching, the Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure (DTEI) has reminded all boat operators of the importance of marine and river safety.
Director of Transport Safety Regulation at DTEI, Brian Hemming said boat owners should ensure they were aware of safety requirements and of the penalties for not doing the right thing.
Mr Hemming said while winter wasn’t usually associated with boating, many people ventured out on to the water during the colder months, often in less than ideal conditions.
“It is imperative that boat operators take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of their passengers, their vessels, others on the water and themselves,” Mr Hemming said.
He reminded boat operators to carry appropriate safety equipment such as flares, smoke signals, a compass, fresh water, a working marine radio and an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon.
Mr Hemming said it was an offence to operate a vessel without due care for the safety of any person or property which was punishable with a maximum penalty of $2,500 or up to 12 months in jail.
He said drought conditions were still having an impact on many of South Australia’s waterways and that despite recent rainfall water levels in the River Murray and the Lower Lakes were still very low in some places.
“All river users should familiarise themselves with hazards associated with low water levels, including redundant navigation markers, snags previously submerged at a safe depth, emergency moorings and river bank slumping,” Mr Hemming said.
Further information on boat safety and rules was available from www.transport.sa.gov.au
27 May, 2010
History of toilets a
flush in the pan
SA Water is to stage an event this weekend tracing the history of toilets and revisiting the conditions that existed before they were invented.
Minister for Water, Paul Caica said the free community event - Toilets Through Time - was part of SA History Week 2010.
“This is a unique chance for people of all ages to take a step back in time and learn about one of the most common things we use in our lives every day – the toilet,” Mr Caica said.
He said the event was designed by SA Water to raise community awareness about the importance of wastewater networks and treatment.
“It’s also an opportunity to highlight past achievements and how they have contributed to today’s much-improved lifestyle,” Mr Caica said
Chief Executive of SA Water, Anne Howe said methods of waste collection and treatment varied throughout history.
“From chamber pots and night cartmen to the water efficient dual flush systems we have today, I think people would be surprised and relieved just how much has changed,” Ms Howe said.
“Many of us simply press the toilet button and walk away, but there have been major changes to our sewerage systems over the years to get to the modern feat of engineering we use today.
“The presentation reveals some hilarious toilet facts and children will be entertained with wastewater related activity stations.”
Ms Howe said entries from the ‘design a toilet for the future’ competition would also be on display, in which Year 6 – 12 students designed what they thought toilets could look like in the future.
“Judging by the entries we have already received, we could expect great things for the humble loo,” she said.
Toilets Through Time will be held in the SA Water Learning Centre on 29 May from 10am – 3pm.
27 May, 2010
Correct weight for
measurement plan
A new national system for policing weights and measures is on track to come into force on 1 July.
The Commonwealth Parliamentary Secretary for Innovation and Industry, Richard Marles said the new system would ensure consumers got exactly what they paid for - from the supermarket check-out to the petrol pump.
He said the changes mean the Commonwealth will have responsibility for weights and measures for the first time, replacing 17 different pieces of State and Territory legislation.
The new system will cover measures used in trade totalling more than $400 billion a year nationally, including exports, imports and over-the-counter sales such as meat, fire wood, petrol and gas.
“One hundred and nine years after it was written into the Australian Constitution, the responsibility for weights and measures has finally gone national,” Mr Marles said.
“Whether they are buying petrol in Hobart or groceries in Cairns, Australians are entitled to buy with confidence knowing they are getting exactly what they pay for.”
He said even small errors in weight or volume could add up significantly over time.
“If you lose one per cent of a weekly $200 grocery shop because the scales are wrongly calibrated, over a year you would be down more than $100,” he said.
Mr Marles also launched a public awareness campaign that highlighted the importance of a national system for both consumers and businesses and said the reform was part of the work being undertaken by the Council of Australian Governments as part of its effort to create a seamless national economy.
He said the new system would make it easier for business to operate interstate.
From 1 July, the National Measurement Institute (NMI), a division of the Federal Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, will be responsible for all trade measurement, including its regulation.
Chief Executive of the NMI, Dr Laurie Besley said Commonwealth-employed trade measurement inspectors would ensure the effectiveness of the new system.
“Inspectors will be checking the accuracy of equipment and transactions in all types of retail outlets Australia-wide,” Dr Besley said.
More information is available from www.measurement.gov.au
27 May, 2010
SA grinds out
organ record
South Australia has the highest rate of organ donation in the country according to the Minister for Health, John Hill.
Mr Hill said while the national rate was 11 donors per million people, South Australia had 20 donors per million which was almost double the national average.
He said that last year 33 people donated organs in South Australia which resulted in 105 transplants.
“Greater public awareness and the highly effective organ donor coordination system we’ve pioneered in South Australia has resulted in a rate that [is] among the best in the world,” Mr Hill said.
“South Australia is one of the few States to assist private hospitals with the costs of organ donation and we’ve also recruited and trained a network of senior clinicians and specialist nurses to work in major public hospitals at the forefront of the national campaign to raise donor rates.”
The Minister said while donation rates in South Australia were the highest in Australia, it was important for all residents to think about becoming an organ donor and to discuss the decision with their families.
Mr Hill said it was important to discuss the issue, because even if someone was registered as a donor, their next of kin would still be asked to give consent for donation.
State Medical Director of DonateLife, Dr Sally Tideman said such conversations were critical.
“By openly discussing your wishes about donation with your family you could reduce the distress of decision making at a critical time,” Dr Tideman said.
“A single organ donor can transform, or even save another person’s life and organ donors deserve our sincere gratitude and respect.”
DonateLife in SA has had the highest number of donors per million of population in the country for the past six years.
For more information or to register as a donor, visit www.donatelife.gov.au
27 May, 2010
Healthy response to
hospital tenders
The final bids to finance, build and maintain the new Royal Adelaide Hospital have been received, with Minister for Health, John Hill saying two consortia had formed to compete for the project.
Mr Hill said the Torrens Health Partnership and SA Health Partnership had placed bids.
He said the short-listed bidders were given the full specifications of the new hospital last year and had spent the past six months working with the State to develop their final proposals.
Mr Hill said staff such as doctors, nurses and allied health staff from Treasury, Crown Law and SA Health and outside experts would evaluate the proposals, with the preferred bidder expected to be announced later this year and construction to begin soon after.
“Some of the most experienced finance, design and construction firms have bid to be part of the construction of the new Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH),” Mr Hill said.
“This intense competition means the new RAH will not only be Australia’s most advanced hospital and the single largest infrastructure project in the State’s history, but it will also be built for the best price.”
The Minister said the hospital was expected to be complete in six years.
“Patients and staff will move into a world-class hospital, located alongside the new teaching and research facilities at the Health and Medical Research Institute in the city’s west end,” he said.
Features of the new RAH include a bigger emergency department to allow an extra 24,000 patients to be treated every year and 120 more beds than the current hospital site
Mr Hill said the RAH would also include five more theatres, and single rooms with en-suite bathrooms for patients to providing greater privacy and reduce the potential for cross-infection.
Torrens Health Partnership is made up of Bilfinger Berger Project Investments, Royal Bank of Scotland, Lend Lease Infrastructure Investments, Baulderstone/Bovis Lend Lease, ISS Health Services and Bilfinger Berger Services.
SA Health Partnership includes Leighton Contractors, Macquarie Capital Group, Hansen Yuncken and Spotless.
27 May, 2010
Mobile office wheels
into Riverland
A new Mobile Office that provides local communities with access to Centrelink and Medicare services is visiting the Riverland over the next week.
Mobile Office Team Leader, Kathy Sack said the offices were designed to improve access to Government services for people living in rural communities by bringing together services and payments offered by the two Agencies.
Ms Sack said the Mobile Office initiative was launched in October last year and saw the offices travel to small communities across the country that did not have easy access to Centrelink or Medicare offices.
“The friendly staff on board the Mobile Office live and work in rural communities and can provide information, assistance and support to seniors, students, families, farmers and farm-dependent small businesses,” Ms Sack said.
Centrelink Rural Services Officers, Rural Social Workers, Psychologists and Medicare Australia staff travel with the office to provide a wide range of services to local communities.
Ms Sack said Mobile Offices could help people make claims for a wide range of Centrelink payments, update Centrelink and Medicare Australia customer information and confirm customer documents and supporting information.
She said they also provided information on how financial matters could impact on Centrelink payments, different payment and service options to suit individual circumstances, drought assistance claims and non-cash Medicare transactions.
Other services offered include Medicare enrolments and social work support or referrals.
Ms Sack said Australian Taxation officers would also be available for meetings at Renmark and Berri, while Vietnamese, Greek, Turkish and Farsi interpreters would be on hand at Renmark, and Punjabi interpreters at Berri and Barmera.
She said the Mobile Office was an extension of the Drought Bus program.
“We are still here for farmers, but the new Mobile Office has been custom-built to provide more flexibility and space to assist a broader range of customers at different stages of their lives,” Ms Sack said.
Mobile Offices are wheelchair accessible and have a small waiting area, two separate interview rooms, three service desks, wireless technology and self-service facilities.
Ms Sack encouraged members of the community to visit the Mobile Office in Renmark on 27 May, Berri on 28 May, Barmera on 31 May and at Loxton on 1 June.
Further information on locations, dates and times was available from www.centrelink.gov.au
27 May, 2010
Compost recycling
is waste and see
A world-first organics recycling plant has been opened at Buckland Park by the Minister for Environment and Conservation, Paul Caica.
Mr Caica said the plant aimed to improve the quality of compost generated from Adelaide’s green waste and would help reduce landfill.
He said the South Australian-designed and built Recycled Organics Screening System (ROSS) was part of a $3 million upgrade to the Buckland Park composting facility that opened 5 years ago.
Mr Caica said ROSS aimed to remove uncompostable items such as plastic bags from the organic recycling matter before it was turned into compost, soil and mulch.
“Despite South Australians overwhelmingly embracing kerbside recycling, many foreign materials that have no place in our compost, soil and mulch products still inadvertently end up in the organic waste bins, providing a significant challenge to recyclers,” he said.
Mr Caica said the designer of the system, Jeffries Group, recycled over 100,000 tonnes of organic material each year.
“When you consider that a decade ago most compostable material from Council collections went straight to landfill, South Australia has come a long way,” Mr Caica said.
“Receiving almost three-quarters of greater Adelaide’s garden organics, there is also a good chance that what people in Adelaide put in their kerbside green garden bin will come to Jeffries.”
Managing Director of Jeffries Group, Lachlan Jeffries said ROSS would improve the quality of compost, soil and mulch products while streamlining the sorting and processing of organic material.
“As far as we know, there is nothing like ROSS anywhere in the world,” Mr Jeffries said.
“This innovative ROSS process can remove up to one tonne of metal a day from organic material.”
The new plant is three-storeys high, has three custom-made mechanical screens and two sorting rooms to allow workers to manually remove unwanted material.
Magnets are used to remove steel, fan systems extract light plastics and a conveyor screens out rocks, plastic bottle caps and other objects.
“The composting process previously used mechanical turning, so the new system will significantly reduce our carbon footprint,” Mr Jeffries said.
27 May, 2010
Hepatitis strategy is
something to deliver
A national strategy to deal with Hepatitis B has been announced by the Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Mark Butler, marking World Hepatitis Day and Hepatitis Awareness Week.
Mr Butler also unveiled an updated national strategy for Hepatitis C.
He said the strategies would provide a framework to reinvigorate efforts to prevent new cases of the diseases over the next four years, and an action plan to better support and care for people already living with them.
“The new national strategies for Hepatitis B and C provide the framework for a unified response that for the first time combines the efforts of the Australian Government, the States and Territories, community-based services, and people living with Hepatitis,” Mr Butler said.
He said the national Hepatitis B strategy was the first strategy in Australia’s history to recognise and respond directly to the unique challenges of the B strain.
The strategies will form a part of Australia’s response to sexually transmitted infections and blood borne viruses, and are part of a suite of five national strategies that target sexually transmissible infections and blood borne viruses.
“Importantly, the strategies will also work to reduce the stigma and discrimination that people living with Hepatitis can face in their lives, and recognise that people living with Hepatitis are often the best placed to help reduce its transmission,” Mr Butler said.
He said the Federal Government had also committed $17 million over four years to continue the Hepatitis C Education and Prevention Initiative, and spent $79.1 million in 2008-2009 on the Highly Specialised Drugs (HSD) program medications for Hepatitis B and C.
27 May, 2010
Thesaurus updated
State Records has updated the Thesaurus of Terms for Local Government to reflect the fourth edition of General Disposal Schedule 20.
The Thesaurus was developed to help Local Councils in South Australia manage their official records and mirrors the Disposal Schedule.
It is only available to authorised Local Government Agency users via the State Records website members’ area at www.archives.sa.gov.au
Police recruits graduate
Twenty-three police recruits have graduated from Fort Largs academy and been posted to Local Service Areas to complete the initial phase of their training.
The five women and 18 men undertook 36-week intense training course to make them ready for frontline policing duties.
Whale watching in season
This year’s whale watching season has commenced, with two southern right whales already spotted in the Great Australian Bight Marine Park.
Spokesperson for the Department for Environment and Sustainability, Saras Kumar said more whales, including pregnant females were sure to follow.
Ms Kumar said the Marine Park was an important seasonal habitat for the whales, with over 143 visiting it last year.
NAIDOC nominations open
Nominations are now open for the 2010 South Australian NAIDOC Awards.
The awards celebrate the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in shaping South Australia’s future, with the 2010 theme being Unsung Heroes - Closing the Gap by Leading Their Way.
Nominations close 11 June and further information was available from www.naidocsa.com
Wallaroo Hospital upgrade
The $1 million upgrade of Wallaroo Hospital’s Emergency Department is complete and includes a modern emergency facility, new birthing suites, a new nurse call system and expanded areas for paperwork.
Minister for Health, John Hill said the upgraded facilities would help nurses and GPs care for an increased number of patients.
The upgrade began in October 2009 and took six months to complete.
Tonsley Park progresses
The redevelopment of the former Mitsubishi site at Tonsley Park has moved a step closer with the announcement of successful tenderers for Stage 1 of the Master Plan.
SGS Economics and Planning and Alba Capital Partners will provide the framework for the development of the 61 hectare site which is expected to integrate sustainable and clean technologies, environmental industries, advanced manufacturing and research and development.
Stage 1 is due for completion in August 2010, with Stage 2 of the Master Plan to follow.
20 May, 2010
Union calls for
cut to PS cuts
The Public Service Association has called on the Government to reverse its policy of cutting $750 million from the public sector.
The PSA pointed to the State’s extra $782 million in GST revenue contained in the Federal Budget, saying it would wipe out any need for the cuts.
Chief Industrial Officer, Peter Christopher said the State Government no longer had a need to pare back Public Service funding.
“The landscape has changed dramatically in terms of financial markets around the world, but secondly the State Treasury will not be down by $750 million,” Mr Christopher said.
“They’ll in fact be up by $30 million.
“They should simply cancel all of the proposed cuts.”
Mr Christopher said continuing with the planned cuts would inflict further pain on the community through reducing public services that were already stretched.
Treasurer, Kevin Foley indicated to South Australian media that there were no plans to cancel the spending cuts earmarked for the State Budget which is due to be handed down in September.
“We are still behind and that’s why the State budget coming up will be a very tough one,” Mr Foley told the ABC.
“We’re going to have to cut hard, we’re going to have to reign in expenditure to make sure, like Wayne Swan has done, is that we bring down a very responsible State Budget.”
Mr Christopher said the Government should relieve the Sustainable Budget Commission of its “arduous” task of finding the savings.
“If the South Australian Government is serious about delivering better services for the community and is not just stuck in a spin cycle, then now is the time for it to act,” he said.
20 May, 2010
Ombudsmen complain
over name game
The peak body for Ombudsmen in Australia and New Zealand is calling for stronger controls on the use of the term ‘Ombudsman’.
The Australian and New Zealand Ombudsman Association (ANZOA) has released a policy statement setting out six essential criteria it believes members of the public should be entitled to expect of any office described as an Ombudsman.
In its statement, Essential Criteria, ANZOA said an ‘Ombudsman’ should have: independence, jurisdiction, powers, accessibility, procedural fairness and accountability.
Chair of ANZOA, Fiona McLeod said when problems arose in an industry or an area of Government services, the call for an Ombudsman often followed.
“ANZOA’s concern lies with the increasing inappropriate use of the term ‘Ombudsman’ to describe bodies that do not conform to, or show an understanding of, the accepted Ombudsman model and its 200-year history,” Ms McLeod said.
“The term ‘Ombudsman’ is understood by the public as signifying an independent office, which primarily has a complaint handling and investigation function.”
She said that using the term to describe an office with regulatory, disciplinary and/or prosecutorial functions confused the role of Ombudsman with that of a regulatory body.
“This criticism applies to the Fair Work Ombudsman, the recently proposed Supermarket Ombudsman, and the proposed National Legal Services Ombudsman,” she said.
“The concept of Ombudsman is being stretched and the confidence of the Australian public in the role and independence of the Ombudsman institution is at risk of being undermined and diminished.”
“An ‘Ombudsman’ office under the direction or control of an industry or a Government Minister is not independent.”
Ms McLeod said no Australian organisation should misuse the term and urged anyone considering an ‘Ombudsman’ proposal to consult ANZOA early in the process, to ensure the proposed office meets the necessary criteria for use of the term.
20 May, 2010
Water upgrades
in the pipeline
A range of upgrades to water facilities in the metropolitan area has been chosen as the preferred option for inclusion of Adelaide’s water in the $403 million North South Interconnection System Project.
Minister for Water, Paul Caica said linking Adelaide’s water storages would involve installing new booster pumping stations, upgrading some pump stations and constructing new pipe work and pressure-regulating valves.
Mr Caica said the preliminary work to determine the preferred option followed a decision last year to examine alternatives to constructing a single pipeline to link Happy Valley and Hope Valley reservoirs.
He said construction on the chosen solution was expected to begin later this year.
“This preferred solution minimises disruption to the public, while improving system flexibility and water security for greater Adelaide,” Mr Caica said.
“As part of the preferred option, some existing pump stations are to be upgraded and some new booster pumping stations are to be constructed at locations that include Gilberton and one on existing SA Water land at Glenelg North.
“A number of existing underground pipelines will be upgraded east, west and north of the CBD and pressure regulating valves will be installed to control water pressure throughout the system.”
The Minister said SA Water’s feasibility design and assessment process had considered a range of factors including cost, operational service, water quality, existing assets, environment, planning, social impacts and infrastructure delivery.
“This project will enhance the flexibility of Adelaide’s drinking water distribution network,” he said.
“It will also enable SA Water to maximise the use of all available resources, including water from the Adelaide Desalination Plant.”
Mr Caica said SA Water would now begin consulting with Local Councils, industry and the community to identify key issues associated with the plan.
“We want to ensure that we can minimise the inconvenience to residents, businesses and commuters during the construction phase of this important water security project,” he said.
20 May, 2010
Women’s court program
wins positive verdict
A volunteer program supporting women facing the Family and Federal Magistrates Courts has reached the milestone of assisting its 200th case.
Minister for the Status of Women, Gail Gago said the Family Court Support Program, which commenced in 2006, had helped many women including victims of domestic violence.
“This is a great example of what a fantastic job volunteers do in our community,” Ms Gago said.
“The dedicated team provide personal support for women facing a very difficult and emotional time in their lives.”
Under the program, which is run by the Women’s Information Service, volunteers provide women with confidential, emotional practical support by explaining Court processes and helping them ask solicitors and Court personnel questions.
The volunteers also help women access essential services such as secure accommodation, interpreters and child care.
“Women who have suffered abuse travel from all around South Australia to the Family Court in Adelaide,” Ms Gago said.
“In unfamiliar surroundings and sometimes lacking the support of family and friends back at home, these friendly, reliable volunteers are often what gives such women the strength to go on.”
As part of National Volunteer Week, Ms Gago urged more women to volunteer with the Women’s Information Service.
She said over 30 volunteers helped around 20,000 women every year at the Women’s Information Service’s Grenfell Street centre.
Further information was available by phoning 1800 100 158.
20 May, 2010
Fire officers shine
in honour parade
Six officers from the Metropolitan Fire Service have been officially recognised for their exceptional service during the Kilburn plastics factory fire last year.
Minister for Emergency Services, Michael Wright praised the heroic efforts of the MFS officers in battling one of Adelaide’s largest industrial fires in September last year.
The officers were honoured for their courage at a graduation ceremony for 19 new firefighters.
“During this significant industrial inferno, these fire-fighters helped to drastically reduce the risks to members of the community, their peers and ensured that the fire was brought under control and doused quickly,” Mr Wright said.
“These fire-fighters have gone above and beyond the call of duty.”
Mr Wright said it is only appropriate that they be recognised before a ceremony of graduating fire-fighters who could aspire to their professionalism and dedication as they embarked on their own fire-fighting careers.
Chief Officer of MFS, Grant Lupton said the Kilburn fire threatened two factories, a foundry and an industrial-sized LP Gas cylinder, all of which were saved.
“The incident prompted a major MFS response,” Chief Officer Lupton said.
“All fire-fighters involved in this incident displayed remarkable skill and team-work, especially in the case of the six we will honour today.
“The supportive role of the Country Fire Service (CFS) in this incident cannot be forgotten, and I again extend my thanks to CFS staff and volunteers who greatly assisted.”
The MFS firefighters honoured were Station Officer John Leach; Senior Fire-fighters Kent Cooper and Timothy Slaven; and Fire-fighters Justin Meldrum, Andrew French and Matthew Hodder.
Chief Officer Lupton said the new recruits had endured tough physical challenges during their three-and-a-half month training course and had a good appreciation of the skill and physical exertion required to combat a structure fire such as the Kilburn plastics fire.
20 May, 2010
Rail switched on to
electric power
A further step in the upgrade of Adelaide’s public transport system has been taken, with shortlisted contractors invited to submit proposals for electrifying all 100-kilometres of the city’s passenger rail network.
Minister for Transport, Patrick Conlon said successful companies from last year’s Expressions of Interest were now being invited to tender for the work.
“This is the important next stage of the $2.6 billion, decade-long rail revitalisation program and we hope to start design work later this year,” Mr Conlon said.
“We can then start major site works commencing next year and electrified train services will operate on the Adelaide to Seaford and Adelaide to Gawler lines in 2013.”
Mr Conlon said the $400 million electrification of the network would provide a platform for more modern and efficient train services and help reduce noise and air pollution.
He said 2,000 jobs would be created through the program and described the size of the works as “unprecedented” in metropolitan Adelaide.
The Minister said the electrified network would stretch from Gawler in the north to Seaford in the south and all the way to Outer Harbor.
Mr Conlon said the major works package covered the installation of masts and overhead wires required to power the system, along with railway signalling and communications.
He said this was the first of a two-part tender process, with the second – for the construction of substations to power the network - to be called in the coming months.
In 2009 the Federal Government announced $291 million funding to extend the Noarlunga line to Seaford and $293.5 million to accelerate the modernisation of the Gawler line.
Mr Conlon said upgrade works on the Gawler line prior to electrification would begin on 6 June and major construction works on the Seaford extension would commence later in the year.
Further information was available from www.tenders.sa.gov.au
20 May, 2010
Bureau health survey
goes for the doctor
The Australian Bureau of Statistics is to undertake the biggest health survey in Australia’s history.
The survey – to be conducted under the Commonwealth Census and Statistics Act 1905 – will build on the ABS’s long-running Australian Health Survey and is being planned in consultation with the Federal Department of Health and Ageing and the National Heart Foundation of Australia, which have provided supporting funding for new components of the collection.
The Australian Statistician, Brian Pink said it was an important survey for all Australians.
“It will be the most comprehensive health survey ever undertaken by the ABS and will be an important benchmark to help determine future health strategies,” Mr Pink said.
He said the survey would include new and improved measures of what Australians are eating and their levels of physical activity.
Other health information – such as whether people have been diagnosed with arthritis or heart disease – will also be collected, while the survey will for the first time measure chronic disease risk factors, like cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
Chief Executive of the National Heart Foundation, Dr Lyn Roberts said the survey would provide crucial information about the health of Australians.
“Information from this survey will help improve our understanding of cardiovascular disease, which is currently responsible for one-third of all deaths in Australia,” Dr Roberts said.
“This research has never been more important, so this survey is an investment in the future health of all Australians.”
Survey participants will also be asked to consider visiting a pathology centre so information on health risks and factors could be derived from blood and urine samples, which will provide a more accurate picture of Australians with high cholesterol, diabetes risk or poor nutritional status.
Around 50,000 people across Australia will be asked to participate in the survey, which will commence in April next year.
20 May, 2010
Commission peddles
recycling program
The National Water Commission has joined with the Water Services Association of Australia to release three new software tools to help water managers implement recycling schemes safely.
Chief Executive of the National Water Commission, Ken Matthews and the Executive Director of the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA), Ross Young said the tools would encourage re-use and recycling by practitioners.
Mr Matthews said the tools were developed to help managers implement the Australian Guidelines for Water Recycling.
He said the tools comprise three software components: Requality - a self assessment and improvement tool for urban water recyclers; AquaSafe – an exposure and treatment technology performance database; and Web based user friendly guide – which explains how to use the software tools to help implement the Guidelines.
“Water recycling is an important option in building a more reliable and diversified water supply portfolio for Australian cities and to meet the pressures of drought, climate variability and population growth,” Mr Matthews said.
“Uptake of the tools will help improve certainty in planning recycled water systems, provide clarity on the scientific evidence used to support recycling decisions and promote national consistency for both industry and regulators in managing critical water quality issues.”
Mr Young said there had been a rapid increase in the volume of recycled water produced across Australia.
“These tools will assist planners, operators and regulators in improving and robustly managing potential water quality risks,” he said.
“These tools will provide additional support to recycled water supply organisations ranging from smaller scale systems such as golf courses and Council operated systems watering parks and ovals through to large utility-managed dual reticulation schemes,” Mr Young said.
The tools were developed with funding from the National Water Commission’s Raising National Water Standards Program.
Further information on the tools was available from www.nwc.gov.au or www.wsaa.asn.au
20 May, 2010
High marks for Budget
from TAFE Directors
The Directors of TAFE colleges around the nation have delivered their verdict on the recent Federal Budget saying it was notable for two “gems” of policy.
Chief Executive of TAFE Directors Australia (TDA), Martin Riordan welcomed the Quality Skills Initiative and the Commonwealth’s promise to overhaul the Australian apprenticeship system.
Mr Riordan said the Quality Skills Initiative would provide $129.8 million in performance-based funding and be open to the top 100 largest public providers in the country.
He said this meant for the first time, a Federal funding scheme would directly support Australia’s 59 TAFE Institutes and their 1.7 million students.
Mr Riordan said in its Budget submission to Federal Treasury, the TDA called on the Government to establish performance funding for TAFE Institutes in a similar fashion to that provided to Australia’s universities.
“We are delighted the Federal Government has acted on this expert TDA advice,” he said.
“This incentive will motivate TAFE Institutes to aspire to even further new quality and accessible training benchmarks.
“This in turn will accelerate quality and accessibility for student outcomes. Performance funding is a whole new ballgame.”
Mr Riordan said the TDA has written to the Federal Minister for Education, Julia Gillard and senior officials from the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations seeking input on how the funding would apply.
He said the proposed overhaul of the Australian apprenticeship system - “Smarter Apprenticeships” - was also long overdue.
Mr Riordan said Smarter Apprenticeships featured two components: accelerated training-delivery and structural change to industry training-delivery.
He said training providers would partner with industry to ensure the quality of training modes was high.
“TAFE will be seeking representation on the Government’s industry committee to be established to monitor Smarter Apprenticeships, and to support the many existing and potential students which enrol for apprenticeships through TAFE,” Mr Riordan said.
20 May, 2010
Developments face
new developments
The Minister for Urban Development and Planning has revoked three major development declarations under the Development Act.
The Minister, Paul Holloway said the move affected the Hindmarsh Square Apartment Complex, the proposed Jurlique Herb Farm near Mylor and the Stansbury Marina on Yorke Peninsula.
Mr Holloway said the major development declaration was no longer appropriate for the apartment complex as the construction of the ‘Conservatory on Hindmarsh Square’ building had been completed.
“If any future amendments or variations to the apartment complex at 49 Hindmarsh Square are required, they will now have to be assessed by the Adelaide City Council,” Mr Holloway said.
He said the declaration for the expansion of the herb farm had been revoked after Jurlique advised it no longer intended to go ahead with the project in the proposed form.
Mr Holloway said the development declaration was revoked for the Stansbury Marina following last year’s decision to give the project an early ‘no’.
The Minister said he decided against putting out the project’s Environmental Impact Statement for public consultation last year due as the document received from the proponents was unsatisfactory.
He said the Stansbury Marina Development Company’s proposal included constructing a commercial/recreational marina facility and associated waterfront residential development on land north of the Stansbury township.
Mr Holloway described the development assessment process as the most stringent in South Australia, allowing for public consultation on proposed projects and scrutiny by Government and Agencies.
The Minister has the power to vary or revoke major development declarations if he believes a high level of assessment is needed due to the environmental, social or economic importance of the development.
20 May, 2010
Ombudsman to clean
up car wash industry
A six-week investigation into working conditions in Adelaide’s car wash industry will decide whether the Fair Work Ombudsman launches a national crackdown.
Executive Director of the Fair Work Ombudsman, Michael Campbell said the Agency was considering launching a national campaign to ensure car wash crews, which are staffed mainly by young people, are properly paid.
Mr Campbell said random audits on car wash businesses would be conducted over the next six weeks to determine the need for a national campaign.
“If our initial investigations in South Australia uncover serious issues of non-compliance with workplace laws, then we may well launch a full national investigation,” Mr Campbell said.
“We have received a number of complaints that people employed to manually wash cars are being underpaid.
“We are also concerned about sham contracting in this area – that is, that employees have incorrectly been classified as sub-contractors in an attempt by employers to avoid some of their obligations.”
He said the Fair Work Ombudsman was considering legal action against two car wash operators – one in Sydney and one in Melbourne – following recent investigations.
Mr Campbell said people working in the car wash industry were often vulnerable as they were often young or from non-English speaking backgrounds and were not fully aware of their workplace rights.
“It is important that we ensure these workers are receiving their full entitlements,” he said.
Mr Campbell said Fair Work Inspectors would ask employers to provide time-and-wages records and other employment documents for March and April 2010.
“Inspectors will scrutinise records to ensure workers have been paid the correct minimum rates of pay, penalty rates, loadings and allowances,” he said.
Mr Campbell said Inspectors would educate the employer and help rectify the issue where minor or inadvertent contraventions had occurred but would escalate the matter if blatant contravention was evident or if the employer was not willing to resolve the problem voluntarily.
20 May, 2010
Aboriginal tram to
make its own tracks
A promotional tram painted with Aboriginal motifs and artwork has been launched to draw attention to Reconciliation Week which starts later this month.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, Grace Portolesi said the initiative was instigated by the South Australian NAIDOC Committee and facilitated by the Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure.
Ms Portolesi said the tram, which features an emu in the Adelaide landscape, would run for eight weeks to raise awareness of Aboriginal culture.
“It’s great to see an Adelaide Metro Tram being used to raise awareness of Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week,” Ms Portolesi said.
“The design celebrates the spirit of reconciliation by acknowledging all 39 Aboriginal language groups whose country is either fully or partly located within South Australia.”
She said the artwork symbolically represented Kari the emu.
“Kari is one of the significant totem animals for Kaurna people and the artwork celebrates the importance of Aboriginal art and culture in a contemporary setting,” Ms Portolesi said.
She said the artwork also included an arrangement of concentric circles to represent the various tram stops as meeting places along the Glenelg to the Entertainment Centre Tramline.
Reconciliation Week starts on 27 May and NAIDOC Week starts on 4 July.
NAIDOC celebrations are held across the country to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
20 May, 2010
Environment forum
given green light
The Department for Environment and Heritage is to conduct its third South East Junior Youth Environment Forum next week to bring students together from across the region to network and learn about key environmental issues.
Sixty-five primary school students are expected to participate in the event on 26 May at Naracoorte Caves.
Coordinator of the event, Kate Rhook said the youth forum was a valuable educational tool.
“The aim is to bring students together to share information, work collaboratively and importantly, have fun learning about the environment,” Ms Rhook said.
She said students would work together to discuss biodiversity, drought and bushfire and to develop an action plan to tackle local environmental issues.
Ms Rhook said participants would then return to their school communities and work with their peers to implement the action plan.
She said students would discuss the outcomes of their action plans at the next environment forum which is to be held in August.
Ms Rhook said 12 students who attended the State Youth Environment Conference in Adelaide earlier this year would have the opportunity to speak at the forum and share their experiences.
The forum is an initiative of the Department for Environment and Heritage and Waterwatch South East programs and is supported by the South East Environmental Education Working Group, South East Natural Resource Management Board, Weed Warriors and Primary Industries and Resources SA Forestry.
20 May, 2010
Job numbers a good
job says Minister
The latest unemployment statistics released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics have been welcomed by the Minister for Employment, Training and Further Education, Jack Snelling.
Mr Snelling said the new figures showed record numbers of South Australians continued to be in jobs.
He said while the headline unemployment rate rose to 5.6 per cent, South Australia was just 0.2 percentage points above the national rate of 5.4 per cent and the third lowest of all the States.
“Significantly, the trend unemployment rate of 5.2 per cent in April was below the national average of 5.3 per cent, meaning we continue to meet the South Australian Strategic Plan target to better or equal the national trend unemployment rate,” Mr Snelling said.
“In April, the total number of people employed in South Australia in trend terms remained steady at a record level of 801,700.
Mr Snelling said full-time employment in April rose by 1,800 to 540,500 – the seventh consecutive monthly rise – while the participation rate in trend terms remained steady at 63.1 per cent.
He said 110,600 new jobs had been created since 2002.
Mr Snelling said while the youth unemployment rate had increased by 2.4 percentage points to 28.8 per cent and was higher than the national rate of 24.2 per cent, the participation rate among young people in South Australia was higher than the national average.
“The State Government is going to invest $194 million to help create an extra 100,000 extra apprenticeships and training places to keep driving the State’s economic boom,” he said.
“This should provide full qualifications to about an extra 40,000 people in trades and other skills.
“This increased investment in Vocational Education and Training (VET) will help meet our target of creating 100,000 new jobs over the next six years.”
Mr Snelling said the new jobs would be driven by growth in key industries such as mining, Defence, renewable energy, tourism, education, food and wine and manufacturing.
The statistics were available from www.abs.gov.au
20 May, 2010
Defence hits target
with Woomera plan
A new process setting out the rules for accessing the Woomera Prohibited Area has been announced by the Federal Minister for Defence, Senator John Faulkner.
The move has been welcomed by the Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Paul Holloway.
Mr Holloway said it was in the national interest to create a clear set of rules for the Department of Defence and the mining industry when operating within the Woomera Prohibited Area (WPA).
“Defence and mineral resources development are both key elements underpinning the future economic prosperity of South Australia and the nation,” Mr Holloway said.
“A clear set of rules will allow mineral resources companies involved in high-risk investment to more confidently commit millions of dollars to develop projects within the prohibited area while ensuring Defence can continue testing technologies vital to maintaining our national security.”
Senator Faulkner said the processes were set out in a Public Statement and were the result of an extensive whole-of-Government consultation process.
“Over the past year, there have been several prominent investment proposals affecting resources companies which have an interest in exploiting minerals in the Woomera Prohibited Area.
“It is evident that there is a need to provide greater clarity to the resources sector about the considerations which apply to granting access to the area for mineral exploration and mining.
“The public statement is aimed at providing that clarity.”
Senator Faulkner also announced the Government would conduct a review on the future of the WPA with a view to maximising its value to the nation.
He said the review would be led by Dr Allan Hawke and was expected to be completed by the end of the year.
The Commonwealth’s public statement was available from www.defence.gov.au
20 May, 2010
Landowners land good
deal from land tax
New laws that reduce or abolish land tax for up to 100,000 South Australian property owners have been introduced into the Parliament.
Treasurer, Kevin Foley said the measures outlined in the 2009/10 Mid Year Budget Review would mean almost two thirds of people currently paying land tax would not have to pay up in the next financial year.
Mr Foley said for the remaining 33 per cent of land tax payers, bills would be reduced by up to $1,245.
He said the package also included a policy to index thresholds by the average movement in land value from 2011-12, providing ongoing relief from bracket creep over the long term.
“We made a promise to deliver land tax reform, and today we deliver with a package that will bring relief across the board, with the greatest benefit flowing to small businesses and mum and dad investors,” Mr Foley said.
“Set against a backdrop of reduced Government revenues in the wake of the global financial crisis, this is significant relief that recognises the effect of higher land values on land taxpayers and will help maintain South Australia’s reputation as a competitive place to live and invest.”
Under the changes, the land tax tax-free threshold is to be increased from $110,000 to $300,000 from 1 July.
Thresholds and rates above $300,000 will be adjusted from 1 July so those still liable for the tax would receive relief of up to $1,245.
Commercially run residential care facilities will also be exempt from land tax retrospectively to the 2009-10 financial year in an effort to cut red tape for those businesses.
20 May, 2010
Electoral Act amended
Legislation to amend the Electoral Act has been introduced into Parliament.
Attorney-General, John Rau said the Bill would repeal references in the Electoral Act 1985 which compelled bloggers to provide their details when commenting on election matters and make changes to the use of ‘how to vote’ cards to improve clarity for voters.
Teacher changes answers
A primary school teacher has been removed from duty for altering her students’ NAPLAN test answers.
Minister for Education, Jay Weatherill said an investigation into the incident was underway and the Department of Education and Children’s Services had been advised.
Mr Weatherill said 24 Year 7 students from St Leonard’s Primary School at Glenelg North needed to re-sit the test and the teacher would be subject to disciplinary processes.
Gardening book for novices
The Botanic Gardens of Adelaide has released a book to help novice gardeners grow their own food.
Kitchen Garden: a Beginner’s Guide by Bruce Morphett is specific to South Australia and provides advice on growing food from herbs and tomatoes to citrus trees.
The book is available from The Botanic Shop.
Funding for teachers
More than $9 million has been allocated to address a shortage of science and maths teachers across the State.
Minister for Education, Jack Snelling said the funding would provide up to 155 South Australian high school teachers with qualifications in science and maths.
Mr Snelling said a new outreach program would be developed through the Royal Institution’s sister establishment in Adelaide to help young people learn more about careers in science and maths-related fields.
Brickworks Market rezoned
Rezoning to revitalise the historic Brickworks Market precinct at Torrensville has been approved.
The changes aim to ensure the market remains economically viable by no longer restricting the area for use as a weekend market.
Established in 1983, the Brickworks Markets have developed into one of Adelaide’s most popular weekend markets.
The area around the existing 6.65 hectare site will be rezoned to accommodate a department store, supermarket and specialty shops, offices and a health centre, while ensuring the heritage-listed chimney and kiln are retained.
Museum rocks
The South Australian Museum has been presented with a sample of a rare mineral first discovered in South Australia’s Barossa Valley.
The mineral, Angastonite, was named after the Barossa town of Angaston, where it was discovered by local resident and geologist Vince Peisley in 1989.
The discovery remained unrecognised for almost 20 years until an investigation by the University of British Columbia in Canada led to its identification as a mineral in 2008.
Advice for grape growers
A business support specialist has been appointed to work with grape growers in the Riverland and other wine-producing regions to support and advise them on structural adjustment.
Government funding of $100,000 has enabled the Rural Financial Counselling Service SA (RFCSSA) to create the new position for a 12-month period.
Peter Hackworth, who was previously Chief Executive of the Pylloxera Board and Grape Industry Board, will begin work on 24 May.
Irrigation changes
All transactions and leases issued under the former Irrigation (Land Tenure) Act 1930 will be required to receive prior consent from the Minister for Environment and Conservation from 1 June.
The Land Services Group has announced the new Crown Land Management Act 2009 will come into effect in June, repealing the Crown Lands Act 1929 and associated legislation excepting the Pastoral Land Management and Conservation Act 1989.
All Crown Leases issued from 1 June 2010 will be issued under the new Act. Further information is available from www.environment.sa.gov.au
13 May, 2010
New privacy guide
lifts lid on impacts
A new guide has been published for public and private sector organisations to conduct Privacy Impact Assessments when developing new policies, services, projects or systems.
Releasing the guide, the Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis said in many cases, privacy measures were an afterthought.
“All too often, organisations try to tack on privacy measures after having already designed their projects or systems,” Ms Curtis said.
“This could lead to inadequate protection of customers’ personal information, as well as leading to privacy breaches.
“At the outset, organisations should consider the privacy implications of a proposed project or system by conducting a comprehensive Privacy Impact Assessment.”
Ms Curtis said the Privacy Impact Assessments guide would help take organisations through the considerations and steps they should employ.
She said the guide, written in plain English, was modelled on a previous version developed for Government, and could be applied to both the public and private sectors.
“It is important to note that, even if a PIA identifies aspects of a project or system that may have negative privacy impacts, this does not necessarily mean compromising your organisation’s goals,” Ms Curtis said.
“It is likely that you will find options that will make a significant difference to the privacy impact, while still allowing you to achieve your overall objectives.”
More information is available from www.privacy.gov.au
13 May, 2010
Electricity decision
shocks Minister
The Minister for Energy, Patrick Conlon has criticised the Australian Energy Regulator for not recognising the need for a replacement undersea electricity supply cable at Kangaroo Island.
Mr Conlon said the AER’s final determination on ETSA’s regulatory proposal did not include an allowance for a new undersea electricity cable, despite his personal request that it be taken into account for the long-term interests of consumers on Kangaroo Island.
“This decision in my view exposes Kangaroo Island residents to unnecessary risk and restriction on growth,” Mr Conlon said.
“On behalf of the State, I made two submissions advocating for ETSA’s position and the AER has simply ignored the advice.
“I believe the rejection of this project has been based upon a misconception that the second undersea cable was intended to provide a higher level of supply reliability, rather than replace the existing 18-year-old cable.”
Mr Conlon said the Government’s submission listed a number of reasons for upgrading the supply including the growth in tourism and local development on Kangaroo Island which indicated that the cable’s supply capability towards the end of the regulatory period may not meet the demand for electricity.
The submission also said that some Kangaroo Island residents relied on supplementary power supplies from their own generators and deserved a stronger grid supply.
He said even ETSA had indicated the current cable was nearing the end of its life and the previous regulator had identified the period 2010 to 2015 for its replacement.
“Kangaroo Island needs a new cable to ensure continued reliable supply to the Island and also accommodate growth in demand,” Mr Conlon said.
“The AER has determined that the matter of a new cable can be worried about should the KI cable fail and I simply don’t accept that because the replacement could take up to a year.”
13 May, 2010
Old records caught
by new laws
State Records of South Australia has amended the Schedule for the disposal and retention of records by Local Government Authorities following the introduction of the new national fair work laws.
In a notice on its website, State Records said it had recently been advised that the requirements within the Fair Work Act 1994 and the Fair Work (Commonwealth Powers) Act 2009 needed to be taken into account within General Disposal Schedule No. 20 (GDS 20).
It has now amended the Schedule to ensure the all records relating to Local Government Authorities are retained for a period consistent with the retention periods outlined in the Fair Work legislation.
“For example, timesheets and wage records need to be retained for seven years after last action,” the notice says, “as per the Fair Work Online Time and Wages Records fact sheet.”
It also said State Government Agencies and most Local Government Authorities fell under the Fair Work Act: “However, Councils that are considered to be trading entities (eg support tourism initiatives, own entertainment complexes and gain profit) may instead fall under the responsibility of the Fair Work (Commonwealth Powers) Act 2009.”
“Councils in this situation will need to be assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Fair Work Ombudsman.”
State Records said GDS 20 was currently in its fourth edition and applied to all records, irrespective of format or media, created or received by all Local Government Authorities in South Australia.
GDS 20 was approved by the State Records Council and came into effect on 1 January 2010 for a period of five years.
Inclusion of Fair Work Act in the next review of GDS 15 for State Government Agencies would be considered.
The latest version of GDS 20 was available from www.archives.sa.gov.au
13 May, 2010
Investigators plug
into water leaks
More than 500 kilometres of water mains are being investigated for leaks under SA Water’s leakage detection program.
South East Service Delivery Manager with SA Water, Janina Morrison said over the coming months, approximately 250 kilometres of water mains would be checked in Mount Gambier for leaks, followed by a further 250km in other south east towns, including Robe, Beachport, Nangwarry, Millicent, Kingston, Mount Burr, Naracoorte and Penola.
Ms Morrison said Mount Gambier was the State’s first regional centre to undergo this level of leakage detection.
“The program is one of the most effective ways to ensure any leakage in our local water network can be found and repaired before they progress to the point of burst mains,” Ms Morrison said.
“We have an extensive mains network across the south east and the majority of our pipes are underground, making it difficult to find leaks until they are significant enough to reach the surface and become more obvious.
“A team of contractors will be using hand-held listening devices to detect noises at water meters and fittings.
“This technology allows us to detect and assess any areas of leakage which can then be investigated and repaired by our local crews.”
Ms Morrison said the program was part of SA Water’s efforts to continuously look at new ways to reduce water lost to leakage.
She said other initiatives included an ongoing maintenance program to assess the age and condition of pipelines to further assist with identifying required repairs, upgrades and replacements.
If the south east program is successful, SA Water will consider expanding it to other regional areas.
Ms Morrison said a similar program began in 2008 which checks leaks across Adelaide’s water distribution network.
13 May, 2010
Bushfire forum
sparks new ideas
New initiatives to deal with deliberately lit fires have emerged from the second annual ‘National Forum for the Prevention of Bushfire Arson’.
Hosted by the Federal Attorney-General, Robert McClelland to promote more effective and collaborative means of preventing and deterring bushfire arson, the second forum attracted more than 40 police, fire agency officers, and arson specialists from around the nation.
Mr McClelland announced the new initiatives, which include establishing a centralised national database of convicted and suspected arsonists and investing in the development of a ‘Bushfire Arson Investigation Course’ to build the expertise of arson investigators across the country.
A ‘Bushfire Arson Prevention Manual’, developed by the Australian Institute of Criminology to help local communities develop strategies to prevent arson will also be published.
“Arson is a major threat to the Australian community, with up to half of all bushfires being deliberately lit or starting in suspicious circumstances,” Mr McClelland said.
“In addition to the massive human toll that fires can take, it is estimated that arson in all its forms costs the Australian community approximately $1.6 billion each year.”
Mr McClelland said maximising cooperation between fire agencies, police social services, the criminal justice system and all levels of Government was key to reducing and preventing bushfire arson.
He said a centralised national database of arsonists would provide local authorities with access to up-to-date information on arsonists, while the manual would be an important reference for local organisations, fire Agencies and the police when developing arson prevention strategies.
“Today’s Forum demonstrates the ongoing commitment of Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments to work together to prevent and deter arson through a coordinated and nationally agreed framework,” Mr McClelland said.
13 May, 2010
Seeds of success to be
planted in lakes
More than a million native seedlings are to be hand-planted across the Lower Lakes.
Minister for Environment and Conservation, Paul Caica and Federal Minister for Water, Senator Penny Wong said the project would vegetate more than 2,300 hectares of exposed lake beds across Lake Alexandrina and Lake Albert.
Mr Caica and Senator Wong said a fixed-wing aircraft would also drop about 300 tonnes of seeds - including fast-growing cereal rye and native grass species – over 5,000 hectares of lake beds.
The initiative is part of the Federal Government’s $10 million Lower Lakes Bioremediation and Revegetation Project, which is supported by South Australia’s Department for Environment and Heritage.
”These one million native seedlings will help address dust, soil erosion, acidification and other potential threats to the Lower Lakes by improving ground cover and soil quality,” Senator Wong said.
Mr Caica said volunteers had made a significant contribution to the project, by providing the seedlings and undertaking the “painstaking work” of hand planting the exposed lake beds.
“Seedlings have been propagated by volunteers at community nurseries as well as Ngarrindjeri and commercial nurseries for this large-scale vegetation project,” Mr Caica said.
“Community members will be involved in plantings along parts of the shore at Milang, Meningie, Currency Creek and the Finniss River, while local landholders will also be involved by providing equipment, staging areas and airstrip sites.”
The vegetation activities are being coordinated by Rural Solutions SA on behalf of the Department for Environment and Heritage, while the Goolwa to Wellington Local Action Planning Board and the Lakes Hub at Milang are helping to co-ordinate community involvement.
Also involved is the Murray Darling Basin Natural Resources Management Board, which is assisting with weed and pest control, and Ngarrindjeri people who are contributing to, participating in, and delivering the project.
Senator Wong said the Australian Greens had played a role in developing the bioremediation initiative as part of the passage of the Nation Building and Jobs Plan through the Senate during 2009.
13 May, 2010
Housing sales go
through roof
A new affordable housing project in Adelaide’s city centre is attracting strong interest according to the Minister for Housing, Jennifer Rankine.
Ms Rankine said more than half the available apartments in the UNO development in Waymouth Street had been sold or were under offer.
“UNO is a mixed tenure development which offers 27 properties each for social housing, affordable rental, low-income purchase and general market sales,” Ms Rankine said.
“More than 400 registrations of interest have been received to date and of the 27 apartments available to the general market, contracts for 13 of these apartments have now been signed.”
She said these were clear signs that there was a market in Adelaide for integrated development.
She said the project was funded by the Federal Government as part of its Nation Building and Economic Stimulus Plan in conjunction with the State Government, Housing SA and the Affordable Homes program.
Ms Rankine said sales to purchasers eligible for the Affordable Homes program had been strong with 15 contracts under offer and being processed by Housing SA.
She said 30 units had been set aside for managed accommodation for young people who were either homeless or at risk of homelessness.
The development - which has 138 units in total - will have a six-star energy rating and is located close to public transport, employment, services and facilities.
The UNO Apartments were purchased by Housing SA to increase residential development in the city, including social housing and are expected to be completed by February 2012.
More information on the project is available from www.unoapartments.com.au
13 May, 2010
Yellow flag for
Motorplex land
The Land Management Corporation has issued a statement denying media reports on the possible sale or lease of land to the Adelaide Motorplex consortium.
Chief Executive of the LMC, Wayne Gibbings said comments reportedly made by consortium spokeswoman Anna Micheel referred to an LMC proposal to sell or lease land for the Motorplex subject to certain conditions, but no such offer had been made.
Mr Gibbings said the LMC had only given an indication to the consortium of the potential terms and issues that would need to be resolved before any leasing arrangement could be considered.
“Noise is the major issue and I have stressed to the consortium that its proposal will not succeed if it cannot completely satisfy the State Government that current and future residents around Gillman will not be adversely affected,” Mr Gibbings said.
He said a proposal for a motorsport facility at Gillman would only be considered by the LMC or other Government Agencies after strict environmental and design requirements were met.
“Further, it must be remembered that these discussions are still strictly about whether the land will be made available for development,” Mr Gibbings said.
“The consortium would then need to seek the necessary development approvals from planning authorities.”
He said the LMC would pay half the cost of the acoustic assessment, subject to the scope of works being approved, given the importance of resolving the noise issue.
13 May, 2010
Aboriginal nursing
course on track
TAFE SA is to launch an Aboriginal Nursing Program at its Port Lincoln Campus in an effort to get more Indigenous nurses working in the health system.
Minister for Employment, Training and Further Education, Jack Snelling said 11 traineeships valued at $600,000 over two years would allow the Aboriginal students to receive a wage while undertaking the course.
“The program is an innovative and integrated model for connecting Aboriginal students with a career in nursing,” Mr Snelling said.
“The program allows students to achieve long term goals by combining paid work at the Matthew Flinders Health Service with training and study.”
The initiative brings together TAFE SA, the Productivity Places Program (part of the Federal Government’s Skilling Australia for the Future initiative) and Matthew Flinders Health Service, along with Complete Personnel and the Career Employment Group.
General Manager of TAFE SA Regional Aboriginal Access Centre, Marg Mibus said all candidates for the program had indicated an interest and ability to care for, and educate, their families and communities to achieve better health.
“The importance of increasing the number of Aboriginal health professionals within our communities is vital, not only to improve the health of our people, but for women as the ‘carers’ of our families and extended families,” Ms Mibus says.
She said the students had committed to being full-time students and employees for the duration of the Diploma in Enrolled Nursing.
13 May, 2010
New radio contract
run up the mast
The Government and electronics firm Motorola Australia have entered into a new contract to support the current SA Government Radio Network (SAGRN).
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Michael Wright said the three-year agreement would see specialist systems and technical services provided to SAGRN to ensure its continued effective operation.
“The SAGRN forms part of the State’s critical infrastructure,” Mr Wright said.
“It is vital to the day to day operations of our police and emergency services, and is one of the largest public safety radio communications networks in the world.”
He said the network was regarded by many other Governments as one of the most effective public safety communications systems due to its seamless communication between emergency agencies.
He said the SAGRN covered 14,500 mobile/portable voice users; 16,000 alert/paging users; 500 mobile data users; 204 towers allowing coverage for over 96 per cent of the population of South Australia; and 220,000sq km of landmass, as well as up to 20km offshore along more than 3,700km of coastline.
Mr Wright said Motorola, which previously provided maintenance and support of the SAGRN’s core components as a sub-contractor, was selected as the principal provider of all SAGRN support services through an open and extensive tender process.
He said Motorola had demonstrated its ability to provide the State with an effective, low-risk approach to the ongoing management and operational services required to support SAGRN.
“This agreement will complement this Government’s $150 million SAGRN upgrade announced in the 2009/10 State Budget,” Mr Wright said.
“It will help to ensure South Australia remains at the forefront in providing police and emergency services with the best possible radio communications systems – giving the community confidence that SA remains a safe place to live, work and raise a family.”
13 May, 2010
Minister gives
locusts a spray
Official plans to tackle the looming locust plague include large-scale spraying according to the Minister for Agriculture, Michael O’Brien.
Mr O’Brien said a recent survey identified a significant threat to primary production in the Riverland and Southern Murray Mallee with unusually high levels of adult locust densities and egg laying.
He said the survey also confirmed low densities of adult locusts on Eastern Eyre Peninsula, but no swarming or significant egg laying.
According to Mr O’Brien, primary producers are facing a “particularly stressful scenario” with many still coming out of prolonged drought conditions
“We must be ready to hit (the locusts) in the hopper stage when they form into bands,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Once locusts take to the wing they are more difficult to control and can travel up to 500km in a night.”
He said it was likely that the spring control program would target the pests through large-scale aerial control in pastoral areas, and ground spraying and spot spraying in cropping regions.
He said the Government would engage with Local Government and landholders in areas where aerial spraying was not possible.
Mr O’Brien announced that two community reference groups would be established – one based on pastoral areas and the other on cropping and horticultural areas - to help guide information flow and provide input to the spring control program.
The Minister said he had informed Cabinet that a funding submission for significant aerial spraying in spring and summer was likely.
He said he was planning to travel to Canberra in coming weeks to meet with the Australian Plague Locust Commission, of which South Australia is a member, to discuss the situation and cross-border management issues.
He advised farmers who currently needed to make decisions on whether to sow to contact a local agronomist.
Last week the Premier convened a meeting of the State’s Emergency Management Council to discuss ways to deal with the locust plague.
13 May, 2010
ACMA does number on
mobile phone locations
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has called for public comment on a proposal to require mobile phone carriers to supply emergency services with the location of people making emergency calls from a mobile phone.
Under the proposal, which is outlined in the paper Enhanced mobile location information for the Emergency Call Service, mobile phone carriers would have to provide the location information for Triple Zero calls if requested by an emergency service organisation.
Chairman of ACMA, Chris Chapman said mobile phones accounted for around 63 per cent of all calls made to Triple Zero.
“Unlike landline phones, emergency calls from mobile phones don’t automatically give emergency operators accurate details about a caller’s whereabouts,” Mr Chapman said.
‘In most cases the caller can tell the emergency operator where they are located. But there are times—estimated at less than one per cent of calls—when people are too distressed or unfamiliar with their environment to report their location.”
Mr Chapman said access to enhanced location information would help emergency service organisations locate these callers.
He said the consultation paper addressed four key issues.
The first point would require mobile carriers to provide the location information upon request, while the second identified the need for operational arrangements to implement better mobile location solutions.
He said the third issue looked at managing unrealistic expectations of the public in regards to mobile location capabilities.
“The ACMA is concerned that the community may have unrealistic expectations about the current ability of mobile technology to help them in an emergency situation,” Mr Chapman said.
“For example, a recent ACMA survey found that 52 per cent of people believe they can be located automatically via mobile phone.
“This is not the case.”
He said there was currently no single or widely-available method that could accurately pinpoint a mobile phone user’s location and then pass the information to emergency operators.
Mr Chapman said the final issue was to determine a temporary exemption process to give carriers reasonable time to upgrade their technology.
13 May, 2010
Feds deliver on
midwife insurance
A new insurance scheme to protect midwives from professional indemnity has been announced by the Federal Minister for Health, Nicola Roxon.
Making the announcement on International Midwives Day, Ms Roxon said it was the first ever professional indemnity insurance for midwives supported by the Commonwealth Government, and the first time since 2002 that midwives could purchase insurance.
She said privately practising midwives would be able to purchase their own insurance from 1 July this year, which will be provided by Medical Insurance Group Australia.
“This is an important step for Australia’s midwives,” Ms Roxon said.
“It is also an important step for Australian women and their families.
“This insurance arrangement will help midwives who wish to provide high quality midwifery services to Australian women as part of a collaborative team with doctors and other health professionals.”
Ms Roxon said the deal was part of the Federal Government’s maternity reform measures to improve choice and support for Australian mothers, building on legislation passed in March this year to give midwives access to the Medicare Benefits Schedule and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
“It also helps underscore the importance of midwives in providing high-quality, safe maternity care in Australia,” she said.
She said the Commonwealth-supported insurance would not cover services provided during home births.
She said Medical Insurance Group Australia was selected through a tender process and had been providing insurance to doctors and other health care professionals in Australia for many years.
13 May, 2010
Foxes outfoxed by
control program
A fox control program has been introduced by the South East Natural Resources Management Board in the Lower South East Region.
Consultant for Rural Solutions SA, Troy Bowman said autumn was an optimal time to plan a fox control program as many of the south east’s sheep properties were lambing.
Mr Bowman said a well designed control program could see fox populations in an area shrink by 90 to 95 per cent.
He has been appointed to engage with landholders and encourage coordinated fox control across the lower south east region which involves 1080 baiting and other methods, such as den destruction and shooting.
“Autumn is a good time for fox control as young adults are dispersing and hungry,” Mr Bowman said.
“Foxes can travel up to 10km in a night, so four to six 1080 baits per 100ha can target up to 95 per cent of foxes in a two to six-week period.”
He said for best results and to reduce re-colonisation, a fox program should involve coordination with neighbours due to the large areas the foxes cover.
He said 1080 baits were considered the most effective and humane method of fox-control and while they had low toxicity to native wildlife and domestic stock, domestic dogs and cats should not have access to them.
“Baiting and other controls should also be used in early Spring during the fox’s breeding season to reduce numbers in the long-term whilst reducing damage in the short term,” Mr Bowman said.
“Mapping fox baiting in the south east shows that there is already a good coverage across the region.”
He said coordinating actions with neighbours would produce the best results.
“This way we have the best chance at sustaining low fox populations and reducing damage to lambs and native fauna,” he said.
Mr Bowman encouraged landholders to sign up to the program to take advantage of fox baiting information sessions and an aerial property map to assist with planning.
For more information contact the SE NRM Board on 8724 600 or visit www.senrm.sa.gov.au
13 May, 2010
TAFE investment
gets high score
More than $70 million is to be spent on upgrading and maintaining TAFE SA facilities across the State.
Minister for Employment, Training and Further Education, Jack Snelling said the investment – jointly funded by the State and Federal Governments – was the largest capital program in TAFE SA’s history.
“Our increased investment in vocational education and training (VET) will help meet our target of creating 100,000 new jobs over the next six years,” Mr Snelling said.
“These new jobs will be driven by growth in key industries, such as mining, defence, renewable energy, tourism, education, food and wine and manufacturing.
“We’re also investing in new technology and work has commenced on a new $20 million Student Information System over four years to make TAFE SA more flexible, easier to access and more suitable for e-learning.”
Mr Snelling said projects included a $6.5 million refurbishment and upgrade of the Whyalla campus that will see training workshops built for mining programs and related industries, as minerals exploration and development continues to increase.
He said additional classrooms would also be built, along with e-learning spaces, additional study facilities, and walkways to provide shelter and improved access for students and staff.
It is expected that the works at Whyalla will be completed by the end of June, while a further $543,000 will be spent to increase the safety of industrial machinery on the campus and to install a lift to improve access for people with a disability.
Mr Snelling said the refurbishments of TAFE campuses across the State complemented the Government’s $194 million investment to help create an extra 100,000 extra apprenticeships and training places, which are expected to provide full qualifications to about an extra 40,000 people in trades and other skills.
13 May, 2010
Barossa pops cork on
tourist satisfaction
Tourism businesses in the Barossa have achieved one of the highest satisfaction ratings from their visitors in Australia.
The Barossa was ranked second for visitor satisfaction out of a total of 62 destinations across the country in the Visitor Profile and Satisfaction Report from Tourism Research Australia.
Federal Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson said that in the survey, conducted in July and August last year, more than 70 per cent of visitors to the Barossa said they were very satisfied with their experience.
Mr Ferguson said visitors were particularly impressed by the friendly and hospitable staff and locals, and were also happy with tourism information services, shopping, food and wine, hotels and motels, roads and tours.
“Customer satisfaction is at the heart of a successful tourism destination,” Mr Ferguson said.
“For many regional communities such as the Barossa, tourism is vital to the local economy.
“For tourism to succeed it needs not only good service but good local facilities.”
Mr Ferguson said Australians needed to be reminded of the beauty of a domestic holiday, and use up some of their accrued leave to do so.
He said the Barossa was an ideal spot for a getaway, and that people could do a wine tasting at one of the many cellar doors, visit the farmers market or have a picnic with their family and friends.
He said the Federal Government last year provided more than $365,000 directly to the Barossa region for local community infrastructure, including public facilities for tourists.
The Visitor Profile and Satisfaction Program (VPS) is a part of the Destination Visitor Survey Program run by the Federal Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism.
Mr Ferguson said since 2006 about 70 VPS projects have been completed in Australian regional tourist destinations.
13 May, 2010
Payback on way
for volunteers
South Australians are being encouraged to say ‘thank you’ to community volunteers – and to consider becoming involved themselves.
Minister for Volunteers, Grace Portolesi said National Volunteer Week, being held this week, recognised those who freely give their time to help others in a range of fields.
“Every day they are helping people in schools, hospitals, sporting clubs and environmental work,” Ms Portolesi said.
“Volunteers assist the young and the elderly and generally support those who are less fortunate than themselves.”
She said about 600,000 South Australian volunteers work an estimated 1.4 million volunteer hours per week.
“This is an enormous contribution to the South Australian community.”
Ms Portolesi said the week was also an opportunity for people to consider undertaking volunteer work or to encourage their family and friends to volunteer.
She said there were several benefits to volunteering - including making new contacts, learning new skills and experiencing something outside one’s comfort zone – and opportunities to suit everybody’s interests and availability.
As part of National Volunteers Week, several events have been organised, such as dozens of morning teas, luncheons and tours.
Some volunteers will be formally recognised for their efforts at local community award ceremonies.
Ms Portolesi said that for more information on National Volunteer Week events interested readers could go to www.volunteeringaustralia.org
13 May, 2010
Heritage concession
Owners of State heritage listed properties who install solar panels and rainwater tanks are to have most of their development application referral fee waived.
The Department for Environment and Heritage (DEH) said a fee of $180 usually applies, the majority of which is paid to the DEH, with the remainder kept by Council.
From now on, the DEH portion of the fee will no longer be charged.
Forestry ballot fails
The staff of ForestrySA have rejected a proposed Enterprise Agreement in a ballot conducted by ForestrySA.
Of the 154 staff who voted, 111 returned a ‘no’ vote and 43 voted ‘yes’.
The Public Service Association said it expected negotiations with ForestrySA would recommence.
In the meantime, Nigel Tonkin has been appointed as a PSA Worksite Representative for ForestrySA.
Legal consultations open
Consultations on the National Legal Profession Reform Project will commence on 14 May 2010.
Federal Attorney-General, Robert McClelland said the project aimed to create a single national market for legal services, as well as simplify and increase the effectiveness of the legal profession’s regulation.
He said stakeholder meetings would be held in Adelaide on 27 and 28 May and consumer representatives will also be invited to a one day workshop on the proposed reforms.
Submissions could be made until 13 August and more information is available from www.ag.gov.au/legalprofession
Fish fights back
A critically endangered fish found in the Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth region is making a come-back.
The Murray Hardyhead, considered vulnerable nationally and extinct in NSW, is a small native freshwater fish which has continued to survive in a few isolated populations in Victoria and South Australia, including Boggy Creek on Hindmarsh Island.
Scientists discovered last year that the population of Murray Hardyhead at Boggy Creek was close to being lost so began a breeding program at the Murray–Darling Freshwater Research Centre.
Enough Murray Hardyhead have now been bred to enable a large number to be released into a freshwater refuge with an aim of returning them to their habitat on Hindmarsh Island in future.
Procurement expo
The State Procurement Board and National Disability Services have teamed up to present an expo to promote the employment of people with disability and to discuss the range of disability services offered by NDS member organisations.
The National Disability Services Procurement Expo has been organised for 26 May and is to be held in Goodwood, Adelaide.
The Local Government Association of South Australia has urged Council representatives to attend.
National crime approach
The Standing Committee of Attorneys-General has agreed on a coordinated national approach to combating cybercrime.
Under the agreement, a National Cybercrime Working Group will review Australian arrangements for fighting cybercrime and cyberbullying; coordination between Federal, State and Territory law enforcement Agencies is to be enhanced; and greater reporting of online offences is to be encouraged.
Fruit fly outbreak
A fruit fly outbreak has been declared at Seaton.
Primary Industries and Resources SA (PIRSA) said a 1.5 kilometre quarantine area was declared around the detection site and that an eradication program would be carried out.
PIRSA said it was important for people in the area not to remove fresh fruit, fruiting vegetables or garden waste from their properties during the eradication program.
For more information contact the 24 hour Fruit Fly Hotline on 1300 666 010.
Pelican talk
The Department for Environment and Heritage is holding a free public talk on pelicans this month
Australian pelicans: are their bellies bigger than their beaks? will be held delivered as the final in a series of biodiversity talks being held by the DEH in Goolwa.
Dr Greg Johnston, Senior Lecturer at Flinders University and Conservation Biologist at Zoos SA, will discuss the cultural significance of the Australia pelican, their breeding behaviour and habitat.
More information is available on 8555 0948.
Work on Gawler line
Major track works on the rail line between Adelaide and Mawson Lakes are due to start on 6 June 2010.
The upgrade of the Gawler line will involve its total closure between Adelaide and Mawson Interchange.
There will also be disruptions on sections of the line between 20 and 23 May and substitute bus and temporary train timetables are available from www.adelaidemetro.com.au or by calling 1300 311 108.
6 May, 2010
DFC is heavyweight
waste watcher
The Department for Families and Communities has achieved a ‘perfect score’ for its recycling and resource recovery activities at its Riverside building on North Terrace.
Waste management consultancy, Rawtec inspected the site and confirmed the DFC had successfully implemented changes to its waste management practices that were in line with recommendations from an initial assessment.
Team Leader for Building Services and Sustainability at the Department, John McInnes said the result placed the Riverside site as a leader in waste and recycling practices.
“This is the first site Rawtec has reviewed that achieved 100 per cent in recycling and resource recovery,” Mr McInnes said.
“DFC staff can be proud of their environmental leadership.”
The Department, which takes part in the Zero Waste SA program, launched its waste management processes in 2005.
Mr McInnes said DFC started by removing under-desk bins from staff work stations and by late 2009 had a comprehensive recycling system with waste directed into five streams that were processed and recycled differently.
He said the Department’s initiatives included new bins for separating recycling products and the recycling of food organics and dry general waste to prevent them from becoming landfill.
Mr McInnes said changes in cleaning and waste collection practices were also implemented.
“These changes have reduced waste collection and disposal costs from $35,000 to $15,000 per year, and we have also increased the percentage of waste streams being diverted to recycling or resource extraction from between 70 and 75 per cent (by weight) to 100 per cent,” he said.
Mr McInnes said Riverside’s organic waste was converted and sold as mulch and compost; general waste was converted into an alternative fuel; recyclable items were recycled; confidential papers were shredded on site and sent overseas for pulping; and general paper was also sent overseas for pulping and re-use.
6 May, 2010
Super changes super
for employees
The Commonwealth Minister for Superannuation, Chris Bowen has announced reforms to superannuation processes that will require employers to make larger super contributions to their employees.
Mr Bowen said the reforms were part of the Federal Government’s Stronger, Fairer, Simpler: Tax Plan for our future, and included a 12 per cent Superannuation Guarantee (SG).
He said the increased SG would commence with a 0.25 per cent increase in 2013-14 and 2014-15, followed by 0.5 per cent increments until it reaches 12 per cent in 2019-20.
“The three year lead time recognises that employers and employees need to factor this into future wage negotiations,” Mr Bowen said.
He said the increase was the biggest to superannuation since the introduction of compulsory superannuation in 1992 and would deliver an “historic boost to retirement savings”.
He said it would deliver substantial improvements in retirement savings and a fairer distribution of superannuation tax concessions, ensuring more Australians could enjoy a comfortable retirement.
Mr Bowen said other reforms to the nation’s superannuation system included a concessional contribution cap for those nearing retirement from 1 July 2012.
“Workers aged 50 and over with superannuation balances below $500,000 will be able to make up to $50,000 in annual, concessional superannuation contributions,” he said.
Mr Bowen said the Government’s contribution of up to $500 annually would also apply from 1 July 2012 for workers on adjusted taxable incomes of no more than $37,000.
“This will provide a reward for savings for low income earners by ensuring no tax is paid on SG contributions,” he said.
“The Government will also retain the co-contribution scheme.”
Mr Bowen said the SG age limit would be raised from 70 to 75 from 1 July 2013, meaning workers aged 70 to 74 would be eligible to have SG contributions made on their behalf for the first time.
More details of the Stronger, Fairer, Simpler: A tax plan for our future was available from www.futuretax.gov.au
6 May, 2010
Fire season
extinguished
The 2009/10 fire danger season has been officially closed with the Minister for Emergency Services, Michael Wright, congratulating all members of the State’s emergency services for their success in responding to the challenges of the season.
Mr Wright said there were 180 fewer deliberately lit fires during the season compared to the previous season, while police patrols racked up 3,591 hours in areas of high risk across the State.
“Between November last year, to date, police have apprehended 42 people for fire related crimes and issued expiation notices to 187 others,” Mr Wright said.
“We have always maintained that arsonists are like terrorists within our neighbourhood and we make no apology for our zero tolerance approach towards their reckless and despicable behaviour.”
He said of the 42 apprehensions, 16 were for causing or attempting to cause a bushfire; seven related to property damage; four were for arson; two were for endangering life or property and 13 were for other fire offences.
Mr Wright thanked Country Fire Service (CFS) volunteers who responded to 1,042 fires over summer, 327 more than the previous season.
“Our CFS volunteers worked through a demanding season, clocking up 33,780 more hours on the fire ground than the previous summer,” he said.
“Thankfully, no lives were lost or major injuries sustained in any of the fires in South Australia this fire danger season.
“This is testament, not only to the preparedness and resilience of our people, but of the efforts of our volunteer fire-fighters.”
Mr Wright said lightening strikes had been the major cause of fires this season and had more than doubled from 7.5 per cent in 2008/09 to 18 per cent in 2009/10.
He said fires caused by harvest activities formed almost nine per cent of the total, as did those started by slashers/mowers. Vehicle-related fires sparked eight per cent of incidents.
Chief Officer at CFS, Euan Ferguson said restrictions would now be lifted on outdoor burning, lighting campfires, barbecues and the use of outdoor equipment such as angle grinders.
“The lifting of restrictions means now is the time for people in bushfire risk areas to start preparing the defendable space around the home and property, well before next summer,” he said.
“Property owners need to remember that some restrictions may still apply for burn offs, and they should refer to their local council Code of Practice.”
6 May, 2010
Top cop Michelle
fills the bill
South Australia’s top police officer is Senior Constable Michelle Hollis from Elizabeth.
Senior Constable Hollis was named Police Officer of the Year for 2009 for her role as Suburban Police Officer in Salisbury, where she regularly liaises with high risk and vulnerable students at local schools.
Senior Constable Hollis has also worked closely with the Salisbury Council and the community in a range of initiatives including graffiti removal, Neighbourhood Watch, Housing SA and the Bagster Road Community Centre.
She joined SAPOL in 1991 and has previously been awarded the National Medal and the South Australia Police Service Medal in recognition of her ethical and diligent service to the community.
The award was established by the Rotary Club of Unley in 1978 in a bid to increase awareness of the important role police play in the community by recognising an outstanding and committed police officer.
The annual award recognises police who have displayed high standards of professionalism; performed significant acts of courtesy, kindness, understanding or courage; or handled a complex and difficult situation with humanity in the past 12 months.
It also recognises volunteer work undertaken by police officers outside their policing duties.
Senior Constable Hollis, who was nominated by the City of Salisbury, is the 32nd Police Officer of the Year.
The Rotary Club of Unley Award Selection Panel coordinated the award with Police Commissioner Malcolm Hyde who formally endorsed the selection.
6 May, 2010
Human rights to
right human wrongs
A new range of interactive human rights education resources have been released for schools by the Australian Human Rights Commission.
President of the Commission, Cathy Branson, said complimentary DVDs would be sent to each school in Australia in an effort to educate students about human rights and responsibilities.
“The importance of human rights education should not be underestimated in our efforts to create a more respectful human rights culture in Australia,” Ms Branson said.
“Human rights education is critical if we are to make real inroads in our efforts towards true social inclusion.”
Ms Branson said the rightsED resource was guided by a clear set of education principles and learning outcomes, and included interactive education activities for teachers and students which would introduce human rights concepts in an engaging and relevant way.
She said there were nine resources, each of which focussed on different human rights issues: understanding human rights, commemorating Human Rights Day, child rights, bringing them home, face the facts, voices of Australia, disability rights – what about Doug’s rights?, young people in the workplace, and tackling sexual harassment.
“rightsED comprises more than 400 pages of worksheets, resources and activities and is the culmination of over a year’s work,” Ms Branson said.
“The resource fits in well with the emphasis on human rights education announced by the Attorney-General.”
Ms Branson said the Commission would be taking a strong focus on education over the coming year and she urged teachers to take advantage of the resources available to them.
She said more information was available at www.humanrights.gov.au/education, on phone 1300 369711 or by emailing education@humanrights.gov.au
6 May, 2010
Disabled benefit from
wait-loss program
Waiting lists for special equipment used by children and adults with a disability are to be cleared following Cabinet’s decision to allocate an extra $7.75 million to meet the cost.
Promised as an election commitment, the move is expected to free up around 1,500 pieces of equipment such as wheelchairs and mobility aids, as well as home modifications for people who have been assessed as in need.
Minister for Disability, Jennifer Rankine said funding would be provided to Novita Children’s Services to fund assessments for children in need of equipment.
Ms Rankine said Public Servants would work with the organisation on ongoing funding needs.
She said the Government had a strong track-record when it came to providing equipment to people with a disability and had increased spending on disability services by 87 per cent since 2002.
“Last December, we announced an additional $31m to be invested in disability services over four years to give families more respite and greater in-home support and this funding is already helping South Australians,” she said.
Ms Rankine said a new single equipment program was established in 2008 to reduce waiting times for some equipment and to address unmet needs through better financial management.
“Together, these measures will ensure that all South Australians with a disability are able to participate in their communities as fully and independently as possible,” she said.
6 May, 2010
Wind power generates
special licence review
The increased amount of wind power generated in South Australia has prompted the Essential Services Commission of SA to review and remove some special licensing conditions for wind generators.
The licence review Final Decision found a “measured and cautious” approach to wind generation licensing in the State remained the best approach, but allowed some changes to be made to reflect improvements in the industry.
The review, Licence Conditions for Wind Generators, looked at the conditions that were placed on wind generator licences in 2005 in a bid to help manage the risks wind power posed to consumers.
In 2005 the Commission found the reliability and security of the SA power system was at “significant risk in the absence of upgraded conditions for network connections, high quality wind forecasting, and proper market arrangements” to integrate wind generators more fully into the National Electricity Market (NEM).
The review of the licence conditions aimed to better accommodate wind generation following the development of a more advanced wind forecasting system, improved network connections and amendments to ancillary services cost recovery arrangements.
“The paper stresses that the national arrangements in relation to wind generation in the NEM have been amended in some major respects since 2005,” the review says.
“In relation to technical standards, however, while the Australian Energy Market Commission reviewed and amended the technical standards for generator connection in 2007, the work was regarded as incomplete.”
As a result, the Commission said it was still “necessary and prudent” to continue to apply a cautious approach to wind generation licensing in the State to meet the long term interests of consumers.
The Commission has “substantially removed” some special licence conditions, but said conditions relating to technical standards for reactive power and fault ride through would remain.
“While it would be possible for the Commission to restrict the number, location or volume of wind generators which can be licensed and operated in South Australia; these are not approaches preferred by the Commission at this time,” it says.
“Rather, the Commission’s focus has always been on ensuring that the overall network is not adversely affected by the introduction of large volumes of wind generation.”
The Licence Conditions for Wind Generators Final Decision was available for download from www.escosa.sa.gov.au
6 May, 2010
Post Office delivers
on 5-year plan
Australia Post has launched a five year program it says will lay the foundations to create a more customer-focused and sustainable organisation.
Managing Director and CEO of Australia Post, Ahmed Fahour said the program, Future Ready would allow the organisation to do everything it does in the physical world in the digital world.
“As the world has moved on from the horse and buggy and has shifted from the telegraph to the telephone, Australia Post must embrace the digital world,” Mr Fahour said.
He said the program mapped a strong growth platform based on a growth in parcels, retail and business-to-business express delivery, that would offset the decline in letters being sent.
He said Australia Post would be restructured into four strategic business units with individual profit and loss accountability: Postal Services, Retail Services, Express Distribution Services, and e-Services.
Mr Fahour said Postal Services would be responsible for providing both letters and parcels, enabling Australia Post to offset the decline in letters with the growth in parcels, while Retail Services would handle the services offered in its 4,433 retail stores.
“We are in every major town across Australia and play a vital role at the centre of each community,” he said.
“We want to be the community hub for important trusted services like passports, identity verification, payments and more.”
Mr Fahour said Express Distribution Services would oversee Australia Post’s courier and logistics business, as well as joint ventures such as Australian Air Express, Star Track Express and Sai Cheng Logistics, focusing on the business-to-business market, particularly in Australia and Asia.
He said e-Services would be a dedicated new business incubator focusing on opportunities such as secure, identity-verified, digital communications, e-commerce initiatives and other services that can be offered electronically, to complement Australia Post’s physical network.
Mr Fahour said under Future Ready, a new structure would be established in 2010/11, while the “rebuilding and growing” phase would occur from 2012.
He said the restructure would be based on a customer-focused approach, and building a collaborative culture with strong accountability and transparency.
“The new organisation structure is designed to unlock the depth of talent within Australia Post which will be developed and rewarded for sustainable outcomes,” Mr Fahour said.
6 May, 2010
New liquor laws pop
cork on red tape
The volume of red tape facing South Australia’s wine producers has been slashed following the introduction of changes to the State’s liquor laws.
Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gail Gago said the move would make it easier for the State’s wine producers to do business and promote their products in the market place.
Ms Gago said changes to the Liquor Licensing Act 1997, which came into effect on 3 May, would reduce the volume of paperwork, overheads and expenses for wine producers.
“This will assist them to better focus on building their brands while promoting the growth of the local economy and South Australian wine tourism,” Ms Gago said.
The Minister said the Government was also working with the South Australian Wine Industry Association to streamline licence application process.
“This will particularly assist small wineries to better cater for visitors’ needs, while potentially saving up to $4.2 million across the industry,” she said.
Ms Gago said regional wine producers would be able to form a Collective Cellar Door of four or five wineries or operate from a second location under their existing licence.
She said other opportunities for wine producers included participating in regional farmers’ markets or other local festivals and events without needing to apply for a new licence each time.
Ms Gago said producers would also be able to seek exemption from legal requirements that blended wines contained a ‘substantial proportion’ of their own product, which will help those who had lost production capacity due to circumstances beyond their control such as bushfire or crop failure.
“The Collective Cellar Door proposal has been enthusiastically received by the wine industry, particularly by smaller operators who find it difficult to raise the funds to set up and run their own cellar door facility,” she said.
“Consumers may also be pleased that wine producers, previously limited to selling or supplying their own product, will now be able to sell beer with a meal and provide samples of wine from other wineries at tastings.”
Chief Executive of the South Australian Wine Industry Association, Brian Smedley welcomed the reforms as a “win-win” for everyone.
“The reforms provide opportunities for wine businesses to reduce operating costs, eliminate red tape and provide increased flexibility that benefits both consumers and licensees,” Mr Smedley said.
6 May, 2010
Drinkers raise glass
to new rules
The same changes to liquor laws that will lead to streamlined systems for wine producers will make nights out safer for the general community, according to the Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gail Gago.
Ms Gago said changes to the Liquor Licensing Act 1997 – which came into effect on 3 May- would make it easier to legally determine whether someone requesting alcohol in a licensed premises was drunk.
She said the laws would promote more responsible service of alcohol in licensed premises and stronger alcohol service enforcement.
“It will be an offence to sell or supply liquor on licensed premises to a person who is intoxicated,” Ms Gago said.
“And the new laws make it easier for licensees and staff to refuse service if they have ‘reasonable grounds’ for believing a person is intoxicated.”
The Minister said while serving an intoxicated person had already been an offence under the Act, there was now a specific description written into the law which clarified ‘intoxication’.
Ms Gago said the Act states intoxication can be detected when “the person’s speech, balance, coordination or behaviour is noticeably impaired and it is reasonable to believe that the impairment is the result of the consumption of liquor”.
Changes to the Act include an additional power to remove or refuse entry to people who supply liquor to a drunk person on a licensed premises; fines ranging from $600 to $1,200 for less serious offences; and a new Ministerial power to ban liquor products likely to appeal to minors such as alcoholic milk drinks or alcoholic icy poles.
Ms Gago said restaurant patrons would now also be able to take home their unfinished bottle of wine bought at licensed premises, in an effort to encourage responsible drinking.
The Office of the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner (OLGC) is distributing information kits to licensees, including fact sheets to help staff identify the difference between intoxication and impairment resulting from disability or a medical condition.
More information on the changes was available from www.olgc.sa.gov.au
6 May, 2010
Interpreters speak
language of success
A Diploma of Interpreting course in Aboriginal languages being offered by TAFE SA has produced its first graduates.
The graduates were seven Aboriginal students - five women and two men from the Anangu, Pitjantjatjara & Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, Yalata, Port Pirie, Adelaide and Coober Pedy.
The course was established with State Government funding following a recommendation by Commissioner Ted Mullighan in his 2008 report into children on APY land.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, Grace Portolesi congratulated the students, saying completing the course in some extremely remote locations had required tremendous dedication.
“Most of them are already using their training in jobs providing interpreting,” Ms Portolesi said.
“Aboriginal interpreting skills are needed across a whole range of areas – from child protection and Courts to healthcare and employment and training.”
She said a further 30 students from the APY Lands, Finke, Oodnadatta, Coober Pedy, Marree, Port Augusta and Adelaide were continuing to study the course.
Most of the students completed the Diploma over a period of about 18 months, with flexible arrangements that included some online work.
Ms Portolesi said workshops had been delivered in Umuwa, Pipalyatjara and Port Augusta and would also be held in other locations for students still undertaking the course.
“It can’t be overstated how important it is that people for whom English is a second language have access to interpreting services,” she said.
“From accessing healthcare and filling out forms to negotiating Court proceedings, interpreters provide a crucial service.
“The graduation of this first group of students is an important milestone in this innovative new course.”
6 May, 2010
New laws get tough
on family violence
Public comment is being sought on ways to improve laws that protect women and children from family violence.
The Australian Law Reform Commission has joined with the NSW Law Reform Commission to release a Consultation Paper on the issue, entitled Family Violence: Improving Legal Frameworks (Consultation Paper 1).
President of the ALRC, Professor Rosalind Croucher said input from over 60 individuals and organisations involved in family violence, sexual assault and child protection had formed the thinking behind the consultation paper.
Professor Croucher said the paper was released as part of the Commissions’ Inquiry into family violence laws.
“This Inquiry will be one of the largest and most significant in the ALRC’s recent history,” Professor Croucher said.
“The Inquiry’s Terms of Reference have asked the Commissions to focus on laws and legal processes and to consider what improvements could be made to protect women and children from family violence.”
She said the Australia-wide Inquiry would cover at least nine sets of criminal laws, eight sets of child protection laws, eight sets of family violence laws, the Family Law Act and evidence and sentencing laws.
“The importance of what we are trying to achieve - a more integrated, seamless and accessible system of justice that will help people dealing with family violence and sexual assault, to have their voices heard - makes it imperative that we get our proposals for reform right,” Professor Croucher said.
Commissioner for the NSWLRC, Professor Hilary Astor said families in crisis were currently faced with a complex maze of Courts, legal processes and services which didn’t always relate well to each other.
“At the moment, it is far too easy for people to fall through the cracks, for them to leave the process disillusioned, or for outcomes not to deliver maximum safety for families in crisis,” Professor Astor said.
She urged people to contribute their ideas for improving law and practice to ensure the systems for dealing with family violence were approachable, effective and easy to navigate.
Those working in and around the justice system have been encouraged to inform the Commissions of which Federal and State laws do or do not work.
Submissions close on 4 June, with the Consultation Paper and information on how to make a submission available from www.alrc.gov.au
The Commissions are expected to submit their final report to their respective Attorneys-General on 31 July.
6 May, 2010
Tourism gets taste
for food festival
Events South Australia has launched its 2010 Tasting Australia festival highlighting the best of the State’s food and wine industry.
The events arm of the South Australian Tourism Commission, Events SA has chosen to celebrate South Australia’s ‘Local Heroes’ as its theme this year, giving up-and-coming chefs and food and wine producers the chance to showcase their skills to a national and global audience.
Minister for Tourism, John Rau said the eight-day food and wine festival had attracted world-wide media attention.
“With over 200 cellar doors on our doorstep and the largest undercover produce market in the southern hemisphere, it’s no surprise that Adelaide is a city famed for its food, wine and good living,” Mr Rau said.
“South Australia has an incredible array of fresh produce and world-class wine, and the Tasting Australia festival gives us the chance to celebrate this and showcase our wares to the world.”
Tasting Australia features more than 45 events including celebrity lunches and dinners, cooking classes, tastings and demonstrations which are held across regional South Australia from 29 April to 6 May.
Mr Rau said free events such as the BankSA Feast for the Senses held at the weekend, gave people a chance to meet world-renowned chefs and cooks, taste different foods and learn new techniques.
Tasting Australia has been running since 1997, and attracted 124 national and international media and celebrity chefs this year.
“The visiting media will get to experience the best food and wine the State has to offer during tours of the Barossa, Adelaide Hills, Eyre Peninsula, Kangaroo Island, Fleurieu Peninsula and the Limestone Coast/Coonawarra regions,” Mr Rau said.
“These visits will promote South Australia’s great regional produce and publicise the regions to an increasing number of visitors who travel nationally and internationally to experience authentic local foods and regional wines.”
Festival details were available at www.tasting-australia.com.au
6 May, 2010
Drilling grants do
their bit for mining
The Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Paul Holloway, has announced financial grants for 23 exploration projects under the Plan for Accelerating Exploration Initiative, PACE.
Mr Holloway said the projects had won drilling grants totalling $1.35 million in the sixth round of the PACE initiative.
He said the successful projects, chosen from 63 applications, included the search for minerals, petroleum and geothermal prospects in South Australia.
“The variety of projects funded in this latest round is very encouraging, and clearly demonstrates the success of the PACEinitiative in generating world-wide interest in South Australia as an investment destination,” Mr Holloway said.
“Successful proposals include new targets, new exploration concepts, and interest in a wide range of minerals.
“There is also a strong response from the energy sector, including geothermal exploration, a potential area for developing renewable power generation in which South Australia remains a national leader.”
Mr Holloway said since its inception in 2004 PACE had helped achieve significant discoveries including the Carrapateena prospect; the 4 Mile project; the Bramfield, Malache and Oakdale prospects; and the Gullivers and Dromedary heavy mineral sands prospects.
He said the initiative had also helped South Australia reach its State Strategic Plan target of maintaining minerals exploration spending at more than $100 million a year.
“Our challenge is to continue to increase our market share of exploration investment in the face of a higher level of competition from other States to attract resource companies,” Mr Holloway said.
The Minister said a Government commitment to an updated support program - PACE2020 –would help SA continue to attract exploration investment.
During the first five rounds of the initiative, 335 proposals were received and 168 successful submissions shared in grants worth $10 million.
6 May, 2010
Penne drops for
Italian hospitality
A new hospitality course at TAFE SA has been designed for Italian citizens living in Australia and is to include a period of work experience in Italy.
The ‘Professional Refresher Course’ is part of an effort to promote professional training programs for Italian residents in countries not part of the European Union.
Minister for Employment, Training and Further Education, Jack Snelling said the six-month course would be run at the TAFE SA Regency International Centre in partnership with IPSSAR (an Italian institute for hotel services) and the State Vocational School for Hospitality and Catering Services.
Mr Snelling said the Italian Government had provided $190,000 in funding for 40 positions.
Italian residents aged between 18 and 64 who live in Australia and hold an Italian passport are eligible to apply for the course.
Mr Snelling said applicants must be professional entrepreneurs with hospitality and tourism industry experience.
As part of the course, students will learn Italian cuisine theory and practice, which includes the preparation of traditional Italian regional dishes, wine appreciation and menu planning.
It concludes with 80 hours of work experience in Italy, including air fare, board and accommodation.
“It’s anticipated there’ll be a further 15,000 additional jobs in our food and wine industries over the next five years,” Mr Snelling said.
“Courses like this will help meet that demand by working in partnership with the industry to provide this type of specialised training.”
6 May, 2010
Paper lifts roof on
housing sector
A discussion paper on the community housing sector has been released by the Commonwealth to start a public consultation process on the options for regulation and growth of not-for-profit housing providers.
Federal Minister for Housing, Tanya Plibersek said the community housing sector had increased by a third between 2003 and 2008, and it was important to look at ways it could be supported and sustained.
Ms Plibersek said not-for-profit providers had demonstrated their ability to build more homes when working with finance, developers and other commercial partners than through Government grants alone.
“The Government supports these new partnerships and initiatives,” Ms Plibersek said.
“I want this paper to provoke debate and discussion and result in the best possible blueprint for growing and extending not-for-profit housing so the sector can take a stronger role in meeting Australia’s housing needs.
“We need a national regulatory system that protects the interests of tenants and governments and at the same time builds investor confidence in the sector.”
Ms Plibersek said the paper argued that in order to allow the sector to reach its full potential, there was a need to change institutional frameworks, improve access to capital funding and facilitate a shift in scale and sophistication of operations.
She said a national regulatory system would give housing providers the opportunity to operate across State and Territory jurisdictions and enter into solid commercial relationships.
“I encourage those with an interest in how the not-for-profit housing sector can help increase the supply of affordable rental housing to contribute to this discussion by providing a written or online submission,” Ms Plibersek said.
She said a public consultation process in 11 locations across Australia was begun on 3 May to allow people to contribute to the eventual policy.
Submissions close on 4 June and more information is available from www.fahcsia.gov.au
6 May, 2010
Online safety program
launched online
A new program aimed at educating parents and teachers about creating a safe online environment for kids has been launched in Adelaide by the Federal Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor.
The ThinkUKnow program was unveiled nationally in January and has been designed to encourage children to have fun on the internet, stay in control and to report anything that makes them feel uncomfortable.
Mr O’Connor said there was little that divided the real world and the online world for young people so it was important adults had a good understanding of the internet and what youths use it for.
“While the internet provides many benefits, there are people who seek to use the internet and mobile technologies for criminal purposes, and to harm others,” Mr O’Connor said.
“The Australian Government is serious about preventing the exploitation of children online, which is why we hope to educate parents, carers and teachers on the risks young people face and how to mitigate these risks.”
The Minister said the Australian Federal Police, Microsoft and Ninemsn had worked to enable the program’s roll-out and to create an online seminar explaining it.
“It is important that those in rural and regional areas, as well as those in cities, have access to the ThinkUKnow program and that is why the AFP and Microsoft have made an online seminar available,” he said.
“The seminar explains the various technologies and online applications that young people use on the internet, the potential risks and also how to report issues along with various other resources.”
Mr O’Connor said 11 South Australian schools had already enrolled for the program.
He said a ThinkUKnow YouTube channel also promoted the program and provided educational information to help prevent online child abuse.
“This all links in to raising awareness to both adults and youth online,” Mr O’Connor said.
He said the initiative was part of the Commonwealth’s cyber-safety plan to inform and educate parents and children about the risks of internet use and further information, including registration details, could be accessed at www.thinkuknow.org.au
6 May, 2010
PSA challenges PS cuts
General Secretary of the Public Service Association, Jan McMahon, has challenged the Government’s claim that cuts to the public sector will not impact on frontline services.
Ms McMahon said the Department of Treasury and Finance’s Sustainable Budget Commission, which was established in June 2009 to create a sustainable State budget, was likely to get rid of workers and cut services.
“It remains a fact that if public sector administrative jobs are cut, it directly impacts on not only the workplace, but also the delivery of vital services,” she said.
ABS reveals casual stats
New figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that in November 2009, one in five, or 20 per cent of Australian workers were casual employees, with no paid holiday or sick leave entitlements.
The ABS said this represented over two million people, with women more likely than men to have no paid leave entitlements.
Over half (58 per cent) of all employed people in the accommodation and food services industry did not have paid leave entitlements.
Funding for regions
The latest round of Regional Project Fund grants has opened.
Minister for Regional Development, Michael O’Brien urged Regional Development Associations across the State to submit their local rural projects for consideration.
“These projects will need to have substantial economic benefits, such as job creation, capital investment, increasing Gross State Product and import replacement,” Mr O’Brien said.
Applications close on 28 May, with further information available from www.ministers.sa.gov.au
Food awards open
South Australian businesses are being encouraged to enter this year’s annual Premier’s Food Industry Awards.
The annual awards are in their thirteenth year and aim to reward businesses and individuals who demonstrate outstanding vision, leadership and innovation.
They have been expanded for 2010 to include any food related business involved in the industry.
Applications close on 23 July and winners will be announced on 5 November. Visit www.safoodawards.com.au for further details.
Innovation festival on
The Australian Innovation Festival, which started on 26 April and runs until the end of May, is expected to attract 400,000 participants to over 650 events across the country.
The Festival will show businesses how to use ideas to prosper during the economic recovery.
Minister for Innovation, Senator Kim Carr urged businesses to get involved in what was the biggest festival of its kind in Australia.
Google improves ABS data
Regional information from the Australian Bureau of Statistics will now be easier to find with the implementation of a new Google Maps interface.
The National Regional Profiles now use Google Maps to make it easier to find information on Local Government Areas and other types of regions.
There are more than 2,000 Regional Profiles, each offering a range of current social and economic indicators over a five year period.
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