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SearchArchives for November 2009
26 November, 2009
Fast-track planning
moves into fast lane
A new committee to fast-track major planning projects has been announced by the Minister for Urban Development and Planning Paul Holloway.
Spearheaded by the Department of Planning and Local Government, the Government Planning and Coordination Committee (GPCC) has the specific brief of stopping unnecessary bureaucratic delays to State Significant Developments and will be chaired by DPLG Chief, Ian Nightingale.
According to Mr Holloway, the GPCC will include the Chief Executives of most State Government Agencies and some Local Governments to improve across-Government collaboration.
Mr Holloway said the Committee’s role would be to streamline the planning process and tackle the “complex mix” of issues that arise across State Agencies.
“The process of developing and agreeing on key directions for a State Strategic Area requires an unprecedented level of cooperation with Local Government, industry, residents and State Government Agencies,” Mr Holloway said.
Executive Director of the Local Government Association, Wendy Campana welcomed the proposed new “partnership approach”, and said she looked forward to working out the details of Local Government’s participation.
“Having CEOs in Local Government sit at the same table with State Government Chief Executives to identify likely implications on communities and processes for the engagement of elected Councils was a positive step,” Ms Campana said.
“This approach has the potential to deliver significant benefits to local communities through a more coordinated and transparent process.”
Mr Holloway said long-term objectives had been established for Adelaide and other regions that required a coordinated Government approach to planning.
“The new team we have assembled will be accountable for delivering the changes needed to ensure that we are better able to achieve the long-term goals set out in the 2008
Planning and Development Review and the 30-year Plan for Greater Adelaide,” he said.
“This Committee will take a strategic view of planning and development and work closely with Local Government to ensure hurdles to delivering on these objectives are quickly identified and resolved.”
Mr Holloway said the committee would be accountable for the identification of State Significant Areas for development and would help meet the challenge of increased housing demand.
26 November, 2009
Salary survey
shows PS on top
Public sector wages have outpaced the private sector, according to the latest average weekly earnings figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Economists said the Public Sector had experienced its fastest wage growth in five years at 4.6 per cent, while private sector wage growth was at its slowest in seven years at 3.2 per cent for the year to September.
The increases for the quarter were 3.2 per cent for the Public Service and 0.7 per cent in the private sector.
The ABS figures showed average weekly earnings for August in the Public Sector were $1,320.10 (full-time adult total earnings, which includes overtime), a 5.4 per cent increase from the same time last year.
In the private sector, average weekly earnings for the month were $1,228.30, representing a 4.4 per cent increase from the same period in 2008.
The national average full-time adult total earnings rose by 5.2 per cent for males and 4.2 per cent for females in the 12 months to August.
Economist with the Commonwealth Bank, James McIntyre was reported in the media as saying the Public Sector wage increases could be inflationary.
“It would seem surprising that in an environment of rising unemployment and deteriorating fiscal positions that Public Sector wage rises have not eased back somewhat,” Mr McIntyre told Australian Associated Press.
“This would suggest a lack of flexibility in Public Sector wage setting.”
26 November, 2009
PSA discusses
PS concerns
A delegation from the Public Service Association has met with members of the State Opposition to discuss matters of concern to the SA Public Service.
The Association pinpointed current job cuts and the proposed $750 million of savings announced by the Government, for which details will not be provided until after the 2010 election, as areas of concern.
Chief Industrial Officer for the PSA, Peter Christopher said the Association also made it clear it intended to continue with its campaign focusing on the negative impact of budget cuts on South Australian families.
Mr Christopher, who represented the PSA alongside General Secretary, Jan McMahon and President, Lindsay Oxlad, said the problems caused by cuts to administrative positions were highlighted by the Upper House report into Families SA, which recommended additional administrative staff be employed to regional offices as a matter of urgency to ease the burden on case workers.
Opposition Leader, Isobel Redmond provided independent university research documents which showed Public Sector employment as a proportion of the SA workforce had dropped from 18.1 per cent in 1991 to 12.5 per cent in 2007.
Mrs Redmond, who was supported by Deputy Leader, Steven Griffiths and Shadow Minister for Finance, Rob Lucas, also provided research into public housing reduction.
Mr Christopher said the PSA highlighted the importance of an effective Public Sector and the difficulties caused to the community by continuous job cuts.
26 November, 2009
Enterprise Centre
shows enterprise
A South Australian Business Enterprise Centre has won the Best Metropolitan BEC Award at the 2009 Small Business Development Conference for the fifth consecutive year.
Minister for Small Business, Paul Holloway said South Australia continued to prove its success in small business with six out of the eight finalists for the Award coming from Adelaide.
“Southern Success BEC, at Morphett Vale, is to be congratulated on its achievement of winning the Best Metropolitan BEC, and the fact that one of its clients also won a national award,” Mr Holloway said.
“It just shows that South Australia is a national leader when it comes to nurturing small business.”
Mr Holloway said the awards recognised excellence in service and innovation as well as the benefits that flowed to the wider community.
Manager for Southern Success BEC, Alan Edmond said a client had to nominate a centre for it to be considered for an award.
“There is nothing more satisfying than client and peer recognition for the work we do,” Mr Edmond said.
“Receiving this national award is fantastic.”
Mr Edmond acknowledged the financial support of the Centre’s funding partners, the City of Onkaparinga, the Department for Trade and Economic Development and AusIndustry.
One of Southern Success BEC’s clients, Quisk Design, won the HP Award for Best Micro Business.
Mr Holloway said the HP Award for Best Home Based Business went to Brazcom Imports, which imports Brazilian-made products.
Brazcom Imports attributed its success to the skill and experience of the Inner Southern BEC, located at Clarence Gardens.
Mr Holloway said South Australian BECs and their clients won three of the six national award categories.
26 November, 2009
Timely warning in
overtime report
Calls to address the amount of unpaid overtime being undertaken by Australian workers have followed the release of a think tank survey that found Australians were putting in an average of eight hours unpaid overtime every week.
Executive Director of the Australia Institute which undertook the survey, Richard Denniss, said the results showed overwork was an “obvious area for Government to address.”
Dr Denniss said the survey, Something for nothing – unpaid overtime in Australia, found the typical full-time employee was working 70 minutes of unpaid overtime a day, which is equal to 33 eight-hour days per year, or six and a half standard working weeks.
“The amount of unpaid overtime worked in Australia is the equivalent of 1.16 million full-time jobs,” Dr Denniss said.
“Given the dangers to health, families and communities posed by overwork, we should be looking to the success that other countries have had in capping overtime.”
The survey examines the nature, extent and consequences of Australia’s heavy reliance on unpaid overtime.
He said while Australians had a reputation for taking ‘sickies’ and ‘smokos’, the evidence suggested otherwise.
He said across the workforce, 2.14 billion hours of unpaid overtime per year gave a $72 billion ‘gift’ to employers.
Dr Denniss said the figures meant six per cent of the economy depended on free labour and that the economic value of unpaid overtime was enormous but largely unacknowledged.
The report shows 45 per cent of Australian workers and more than half of all full-time employees work more hours than they are paid for on a typical workday and that 44 per cent of people who did so said it was ‘compulsory’ or ‘expected.’
Another 43 per cent said it was ‘not expected, but also not discouraged.’
In response to the findings, the Institute has nominated 25 November as national ‘Go Home On Time Day’, which was supported by the Community and Public Sector Union.
26 November, 2009
SA doctors get
country practice
South Australia’s first dedicated Clinical Director of Surgery for Country Health has been appointed to improve doctors’ training, streamline services and increase the number of operations performed in country hospitals.
Minister for Health, John Hill said Professor Guy Maddern would serve in the role and would provide medical leadership in the State’s regional areas.
Mr Hill said Professor Maddern would lead all surgical services in Country Health SA.
“Professor Maddern is one of South Australia’s most highly regarded medical practitioners and educators,” Mr Hill said.
“He has an impeccable record and significant experience in country medicine, having coordinated surgical services in the Upper Spencer Gulf, Mount Gambier and Port Lincoln.”
He said as Clinical Director of Surgery, Professor Maddern would coordinate surgical services across regional areas and ensure surgeons working in country hospitals had the training and support they needed to increase the amount of surgery undertaken in country SA.
Mr Hill said the appointment underlined the Government’s commitment to improving public health in regional South Australia, appointing more doctors and nurses and investing in services close to people’s homes.
Professor Maddern is currently the Director, Division of Surgery at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Professor of Surgery at the University of Adelaide.
He has also held the posts of Director of the Basil Hetzel Institute, Surgical Director of the Australian Safety and Efficacy Register of New Interventional Procedures – Surgical, and Chair of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Professional Development and Standards Board.
26 November, 2009
PS injects itself
into blood bank
Ministers and Public Servants in the SA PS have donated blood to the Red Cross as part of Public Sector Week.
The Red Cross Blood Service’s mobile donor unit took advantage of the Week and parked outside the State Administration Centre in Victoria Square, urging nearby workers to give blood to help boost supplies.
Minister Assisting the Premier in Cabinet Business and Public Sector Management, Jay Weatherill and Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gail Gago were among the donors.
Mr Weatherill, who is a regular blood donor, said the mass blood donation highlighted the contribution that Public Servants make to the community.
“Public Sector employees provide all sorts of services to the community in areas as diverse as the emergency services, national parks, forensic science and transport services,” Mr Weatherill said.
“I’m pleased that when the call went out for volunteers for this worthy cause, the response was immediate.”
He said about half of the Public Servants who joined him in the mobile donor unit were first-time blood donors.
About 80 Public Service employees joined the Minister and Commissioner for Public Employment, Warren McCann in donating blood.
Donations weren’t just limited to the capacity of mobile donor units. Some PS staff caught shuttle buses from their workplaces to city donor centres.
Operations Manager for the Red Cross Blood Service, Greg Wilkie welcomed the PS donations, labelling them a “precious gift.”
Mr Wilkie said every blood donation could help save three lives.
“This is a very special community service,” he said.
Public Sector Week runs until 27 November and offers the community a chance to see the diverse range of work undertaken by SA Public Sector employees.
26 November, 2009
Babies no bonus in
career planning
A recently released survey has found most women believe falling pregnant will hurt their career progression.
The research by employment agency CareerOne revealed almost two thirds of female respondents thought becoming pregnant would have a negative impact on their career, while three quarters believed it was difficult to be in a highly paid executive role and raise a family.
In contrast, the majority of men (73 per cent) did not think parenthood would have any impact on their chance for promotion.
Conducted by CoreData for the company, the research also found 48 per cent of women believed they had been overlooked for job opportunities/promotions because of their gender.
When asked why there were more men in senior ranks than women, most respondents said it was because women weren’t perceived as “tough” enough for a senior role, and women were more likely to value assertiveness training than men.
In other findings, more than half the women surveyed said they wished they had a mentor compared to only 29 percent of men.
CareerOne’s Kate Southam said the results were a message for employers who did not value family friendly policies, urging them to do more.
“Some of Australia’s biggest employers are striving for that female-friendly tag yet the perception amongst employees is that parenting is career poison for women,” Ms Southam said.
“Employers also need to look at their workplace culture to ensure it is not biased towards male success.
“Nearly half our female respondents believed they were passed over for promotion because of their gender.
“That might not be the case but perception is everything when it comes to developing a strong employer brand.”
She said a positive message from the survey was that more female employees were willing to develop new skills through training and mentoring compared to men.
“In our rapidly changing world of work it appears from the survey women are most open to developing new skills – another reason for employers to look at their family policies if they want to retain their female employees,” Ms Southam said.
“For women, the message is also clear: develop skills around positioning yourself for promotion. It is up to each individual to make career development a priority.”
26 November, 2009
Students breathe easy
after smoking survey
The Minister for Substance Abuse, Dr Jane Lomax-Smith has released a survey showing South Australia has recorded its lowest rate of smoking among secondary school students since 1984.
Dr Lomax-Smith said the 2008 Australian Secondary Students’ Alcohol and Drugs Survey showed young South Australians were smoking and drinking less.
The survey is conducted every three years and involved 2,984 South Australian students in 2008.
“I am delighted that we’re seeing declining rates of smoking and drinking among the State’s secondary school children,” Dr Lomax-Smith said.
“The health dangers associated with tobacco and alcohol use, particularly in the formative years of life, are well documented.”
She said the survey showed a significant drop in smoking rates for secondary school students aged 16-17 years, with only 8 per cent reported they currently smoked in 2008, compared to 15 per cent in 2005.
Dr Lomax-Smith said the survey found three out of four students aged 12-17 reported they had never smoked and only 5 per cent of students reported smoking in the week before the survey was conducted, compared to 7 per cent in 2005.
She said the overall smoking rate for the South Australian population aged 15 years and above was 19.9 per cent in 2008, marginally lower than the 20.6 per cent recorded the previous year.
Dr Lomax-Smith said alcohol use had also declined among school students.
She said in 2008, 23 per cent of students reported consuming alcohol in the week prior to the survey, compared with 26 per cent in 2005.
Other key findings from the survey included:
- Students were more likely to smoke if they had a higher weekly disposable income or lower (self reported) ability at school
- Overall student knowledge of tobacco-related adverse health effects was high in 2008 and almost two-thirds of students reported receiving at least one lesson about smoking in the year prior to the survey
- Use of cannabis continued to decline, with 3.3 per cent of school students using cannabis recently (in the last week) compared to 4.7 per cent in 2005.
26 November, 2009
New charities code
is no giveaway
The Department of Treasury and Finance and the Office of the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner have drafted a Code of Practice that will provide stricter guidelines and more accountability for charities.
Minister for Gambling, Tom Koutsantonis said under the plan charities would be required to provide the OLGC with a breakdown of all funds, assets and expenditure, with the information also to be made publicly available on the OLGC’s charities website.
“It means South Australians could look up an organisation, before they donate, and see for themselves how much of their money would go towards wages and administration, and how much would be used for charitable purposes,” Mr Koutsantonis said.
He said the Code of Practice also proposed restrictions on collection times, which included telemarketing and door-to-door appeals.
Mr Koutsantonis said under the Code licensed charities would be able to collect between 9am and 8pm on weekdays, 9am and 5pm on Saturdays, and midday and 5pm on Sundays.
He said door-to-door and street collections for licensed charities must not be made after sunset or 6pm, whichever came first.
Mr Koutsantonis said all collectors must also be trained and keep documents on their premises detailing the approximate percentage of donations returned to the charitable purpose.
The draft Code also proposed that any contracts for donations to be collected on an ongoing basis must be subject to a 10-day cooling off period.
Mr Koutsantonis said amendments made to the Collections for Charitable Purposes Act 1939 in 2008 included increased disclosure by charities; the establishment of a charities website to increase transparency; and the introduction of inspectorial powers.
He said as a result of those investigations and random audits, two charity licences had been revoked and two refused.
The draft Code of Conduct is expected to be released to the public soon.
Mr Koutsantonis said complaints could be made on (08) 8226 8500 and the charities website was available from www.charities.sa.gov.au
26 November, 2009
Law reform papers
are well writ
The National Legal Profession Reform Taskforce has issued two discussion papers proposing the establishment of a national Legal Services Ombudsman and ways of reducing overcharging in the law industry.
The first paper outlines a range of functions for the proposed Ombudsman including receiving and investigating complaints; making determinations in relation to complaints and unsatisfactory professional conduct; conducting internal reviews of some decisions; and educating the public and the legal profession on ethical issues and the complaints process.
In the second paper the Taskforce examines ways to prevent vulnerable consumers of legal services from being exploited.
Proposals include the disclosure of legal costs to clients; regulating the making of costs agreements and the billing of costs; a mechanism for assessing legal costs; and setting aside certain costs agreements.
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland praised the Taskforce for tackling complaints and costs in the papers, two areas he said were in need of regulatory reform.
“We need to ensure that consumers of legal services across Australia are afforded consistent protection and remedies, and they can obtain all necessary information to make informed decisions about the conduct of a matter, and that legal costs are fair and reasonable,” Mr McClelland said.
The National Legal Profession Reform Taskforce has been charged with developing uniform legislation to regulate the legal profession across Australia and is due to report to the Council of Australian Governments in April 2010.
Copies of the discussion papers were available from www.ag.gov.au
26 November, 2009
Lobster pots on
rocky ground
Primary Industries and Resources SA Fisheries has issued a reminder about the rules that apply to using rock lobster pots.
The reminder comes after a number of recreational fishers were fined for using pots not registered to them.
Acting Regional Manager for Limestone Coast Fisheries, Hamish Telfer said while the recreational Southern Zone Rock Lobster season had only opened at the beginning of October, officers had already issued 11 expiation notices.
“Last season Fisheries Officers removed more than 52 unregistered devices, a record number, and detected numerous fishers operating more than two rock lobster pots,” Mr Telfer said.
“We don’t want to see this happen again this season, which is why it’s important we remind recreational fishers that rock lobster pots are owner operated devices and that there are strict rules that you must abide by.”
Mr Telfer said any person found setting or retrieving a rock lobster pot not registered to them faced on the spot fines or prosecution.
He said fishers could operate a maximum of two rock lobster pots, all pots must have a PIRSA issued registration tag attached to them and that floats must be red and must not display any commercial fishery numbers.
Mr Telfer said illegal fishing activity could be reported through the 24 hour FISHWATCH number on 1800 065 522.
26 November, 2009
Hot car rides get
cooling off period
A two-day cooling off period for people who buy used cars and motorbikes has been approved by Parliament and will allow buyers to consider their purchase.
Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gail Gago said the changes would combat high-pressure sales tactics and rein in people who were bringing the used vehicle industry into disrepute.
“Consumers will have two clear business days, including Saturdays, to arrange a mechanical inspection and to weigh up their final decision, ultimately allowing them to cool off,” Ms Gago said.
She said buyers who needed to drive the vehicle away immediately could waive their right to the cooling off period.
“This has particularly been designed to assist country people who may be specifically travelling for a same day purchase. (The required waiver form will include a warning notice),” Ms Gago said.
She said dealers were already on notice that the number of waivers would be reportable and the waiving of rights was intended to be the exception not the rule.
Ms Gago said any abuse of the system would result in “swift action” to further tighten the requirements.
“In a further bid to combat crime and stamp out backyard operators I’m also pursuing tighter constraints on traders – making it easier to prosecute unlicensed dealers and in turn raising confidence in the industry,” she said.
“Other changes aim to stop rogue dealers from enlisting close associates, such as family members, to sell vehicles on their behalf.”
Maximum penalties available to the Courts for unlicensed dealing will be increased from $20,000 to $100,000 and expiation fees increased to $315 from $105.
Ms Gago said the cooling off period won’t apply to private sales, auction sales, new car sales and purchases by companies or dealers.
She said last year almost 125,000 used cars changed hands in SA and that the Office of Consumer and Business Affairs recorded 129 complaints about dealings with second-hand motor vehicle dealers.
More information on the changes was available at www.ocba.sa.gov.au
26 November, 2009
Rural Solutions has
answer for bushfires
Rural Solutions SA is helping individuals, businesses and organisations get ready for the bushfire season by helping develop fire management plans and strategies.
Senior Environmental Consultant for Rural Solutions SA, Di DeLaine said fire planning was critical for those in rural or peri-urban areas, particularly with catastrophic bushfire conditions predicted to become more frequent.
Ms DeLaine said the correct management and early implementation of strategies aimed at reducing the impacts of bushfire could decrease the risk of incurring massive recovery costs and could prevent deaths.
According to Ms DeLaine, in developing a fire plan for its clients Rural Solutions SA considers a range of factors, including:
- Determining the fire history and fire potential
- Assessing fuel hazard and risk
- Outlining fire-fighting resources, capacity and capabilities
- Outlining ecological considerations of fauna and flora
- Producing maps with relevant spatial data
- Incorporating the special needs of the client
Ms DeLaine said Rural Solutions SA also conducted ‘Fiery Women’ workshops, in partnership with the Country Fire Service, to help women to gain basic skills and confidence in bushfire safety.
Fire Planning Officer for the Murraylands Region at the Department for Environment and Heritage, Ben Kaethner said Rural Solutions SA combined expert organisational skills and technical expertise.
Mr Kaethner said it also looked at operational and ecological considerations when developing bushfire strategies.
Further information was available at http://solutions.pir.sa.gov.au
26 November, 2009
Prison penalties
set to pass Go
Tough new laws passed by Parliament will ensure convicted criminals who continue to offend behind bars will pay a heavy price, according to the Minister for Correctional Services, Tom Koutsantonis.
Mr Koutsantonis said amendments to the Correctional Services Act would result in much higher penalties, such as the maximum fine for breaching prison rules increasing from $75 to $1,000.
“This will send a strong message to prisoners about bringing in contraband, such as drugs or mobile phones,” Mr Koutsantonis said.
“It will also target bullies who intimidate and assault fellow inmates, or refuse to obey orders given by staff.”
He said criminals who damaged prison property would also be more accountable for their actions, with the culprit facing up to $15,000 in reimbursements compared to the current maximum of $3,000.
“This is the biggest shake-up of the Act since 1994,” Mr Koutsantonis said.
“The new penalties are in line with community expectations, and I believe they will go a long way in deterring illegal and anti-social behaviour in our prisons.”
He said there were other incentives for prisoners to behave, including the withdrawal of privileges for breaching prison rules.
Mr Koutsantonis said alleged breaches were assessed by an Independent Visiting Tribunal, headed by a Justice of the Peace.
Penalties are separate to criminal charges, which can still be pursued by police.
Mr Koutsantonis said the Government had also supported an amendment to increase penalties for people other than prisoners who introduce contraband to SA prisons.
They now face a maximum penalty of two years jail – a four-fold increase.
Mr Koutsantonis said the Government had also supported amendments to toughen parole laws.
Violent offenders and arsonists sentenced to less than five years will now have to front the Parole Board before their release is approved.
26 November, 2009
Alcohol changes are
toast of the town
Changes to liquor licensing laws to encourage more responsible service of alcohol in pubs and clubs have been approved by Parliament.
Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gail Gago said the changes clarified the term ‘intoxication’ for the first time in SA law.
Ms Gago said the definition would make it easier for licensees, staff and police to reliably determine if someone requesting alcohol is drunk.
“Giving pubs, clubs and restaurants greater certainty in deciding who is drunk will help them abide by the laws, protect South Australian’s wellbeing and avert alcohol-fuelled crime,” Ms Gago said.
“Our changes provide a win-win to industry, which has flagged it wants to be more proactive in refusing liquor to drunk people and better monitoring their premises.”
She said the reforms would also allow restaurant patrons to take their unfinished bottle of wine home regardless of whether they bought it at the premises or brought it from home.
Ms Gago said streamlining cellar door options for wineries would also cut red tape and deliver savings.
“Improvements to Producer’s Licences will allow boutique wineries to better cater for visitors’ needs while potentially saving up to $4.2 million in red tape reduction and valuable time absorbed by the preparation of additional licence applications,” she said.
Ms Gago said regional wine producers would be able to operate from a second premise under their existing licence as well as serve drinks at regional farmers markets or other localised events without having to pay for additional licences.
Other amendments include an additional power to remove or refuse entry to someone who supplies, or is about to supply liquor to an intoxicated person.
The changes also provide Ministerial power to ban “undesirable liquor products” likely to appeal to minors.
The Office of the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner it to consult industry groups in the development of an associated Code of Practice before the reforms are brought into operation mid next year.
26 November, 2009
School closures
pass bushfire test
The Minister for Education, Dr Jane Lomax-Smith has thanked parents for their cooperation when schools in high risk areas were shut down under the Government’s new bushfire policy.
Dr Lomax-Smith said the policy had been enacted for the first time last week when catastrophic conditions were forecast.
“I thank the many people who worked to directly inform as many parents as possible after the conditions were officially declared by the Bureau of Meteorology,” she said.
“This has been the first opportunity we’ve had to put this new policy into practice, and Education Department officers will debrief to refine and improve our responses.”
Dr Lomax-Smith said cooler weather this week would allow the Department of Education to debrief after the school and preschool closures and bus route cancellations.
She said while the closures were inconvenient for parents, they were crucial to ensuring the safety of children.
“Six schools and preschools burned in the Victorian bushfires earlier this year and our actions are a direct result of that tragic experience,” Dr Lomax-Smith said.
“Every person working in the education system has the safety of children foremost in their minds as they work to enact this precautionary policy.”
She said the Education Department had also made arrangements to ensure all tasks identified through schools’ Bushfire Safety Audit Checklists were completed before 1 December.
“We want to make sure that any fire hazards are addressed in schools that are identified as being at extreme, very high or high risk of damage in a bushfire,” Dr Lomax-Smith said.
Under the new bushfire protection policy, 140 schools and preschools identified by a Country Fire Service (CFS) audit as at high fire risk will close if catastrophic (code red) conditions are forecast for their area.
Decisions about further school closures in catastrophic or extreme conditions, particularly in the Adelaide Hills, will be made on the advice of the CFS.
26 November, 2009
Concern over Archives closures
The Community and Public Sector Union has written to the Director General of the National Archives, Ross Gibbs, calling for him to reconsider closing State offices in Adelaide, Darwin and Hobart.
The CPSU said it was concerned about the impacts of the closures on staff, public services and the archived documents.
It said it had met with NAA management to look at alternatives to closing the sites.
New salinity website
Rural Solutions SA is promoting a new interactive website that provides information about dryland salinity and how to better manage salt affected land.
The website, Saltland Genie, aims to provide advisers and landholders with advice on how to boost the productivity of saline land while reducing the impacts of salinity.
Saltland Genie could be accessed from www.saltlandgenie.org.au
No go for Stansbury Marina
The Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Paul Holloway has announced the Government has given an “early no” to the Stansbury Marina project on the York Peninsula.
Mr Holloway said the decision to decline the project followed the proponent’s inability to respond sufficiently to concerns raised by industry, the community and State Government Agencies.
Volunteers win NRM award
The Research Award at the 2009 Premier’s Natural Resources Management Awards has been awarded to the volunteers who conducted the first comprehensive study of the Chain of Bays reef system off the Eyre Peninsula.
The Friends of Sceale Bay co-ordinated the survey, which was conducted by volunteers, including local high school students, and professional divers.
The awards were held in conjunction with the South Australian Landcare Awards at the National Wine Centre.
National Census
The Australian Bureau of Statistics is to conduct the 16th national Census on 9 August 2011, marking 100 years of national census-taking.
The ABS has been allocated $440 million over seven years to conduct the Census which will be the single largest peacetime operation conducted by the Australian Government.
Information gathered in the Census is used for estimating population figures; determining electoral boundaries; calculating the number of members to be elected to the House of Representatives from each State and Territory; determining the distribution of Federal Government funds to the States; and helping plan basic services such as housing, social security, transport, education, industry, shops and hospitals.
New safety standards for trailers
New safety standards have been introduced to crack down on importers and local manufacturers of unsafe trailers and caravans.
Importers and manufactures will now need to comply with a new national code of practice, and face fines of up to $66,000 if they are found to be non-compliant.
The new rules apply to all imported and locally produced trailers up to 4.5 tonnes, with further information available from www.infrastructure.gov.au
19 November, 2009
PS Week shines
light on PS
More than 100 events are to conducted in Public Sector Week 09 due to showcase the work of the South Australian Public Service this month.
Public Sector Week will be celebrated from 21 to 27 November and highlight the wide range of work undertaken by the State’s Public Servants.
Minister Assisting the Premier in Cabinet Business and Public Sector Management, Jay Weatherill urged the broader public to make the most of the week.
“In Public Sector Week, we throw open our doors,” Mr Weatherill said.
“It’s a time for you to come and find out what we do – because there’s more than you think to South Australia’s Public Sector.”
He said events included going behind the scenes at the Migration Museum and the State Library of South Australia.
“This year, CSI fans and budding scientists can find out what happens in our forensic science labs or tour the laboratory that keeps us safe on our roads,” Mr Weatherill said.
“You may even want to explore questions of life and death by touring the crematorium at Enfield Memorial Park or the historic West Terrace Cemetery.”
He said a highlight of the celebrations would be tours of the new medical retrieval facility, MedSTAR, at the Adelaide Airport.
“There are more than 100 tours, events and forums planned for Public Sector Week 2009,” Mr Weatherill said.
“It’s your Public Sector, so come along – discover more about what we do, and speak to those who work for your community.”
Community members have been encouraged to participate in the events to discover what the State’s PS employees do and to learn about careers in the PS such as fire fighting and becoming a park ranger or a marine scientist.
The Premier’s Awards 2009, which aim to showcase excellence in Public Service Innovation, coincide with Public Sector Week this year and will be announced on 26 November.
Mr Weatherill said the South Australian Public Sector was the largest employer in the State and employed around 97,000 South Australians.
A specila guide to the week has been published and can be accessed from www.publicsectorweek.sa.gov.au
19 November, 2009
Police add Tasers
to arsenal
The Police Commissioner has announced that a six-month trial of Taser stun-guns has been successful and the devices would now be rolled out across the South Australian Police Force.
Police Commissioner, Mal Hyde said the Tasers, or Electronic Control Devices (ECDs), would be an additional option for police when responding to and resolving high risk incidents.
“These electronic control devices can save lives and can prevent serious injury but it is important to remember they are not some wonder piece of equipment which is going to solve all problems,” Commissioner Hyde told the ABC.
He said since ECDs had been provided to operational general patrols, there had been a total of 67 occasions where police officers had carried the devices, they had been drawn and pointed at a person (but not fired) eight times and discharged twice.
Commissioner Hyde said the ECDs would be confined to high-risk situations where a person was armed with a weapon.
He said the devices would be carried in patrol vehicles and accessible to qualified operators if their use was required.
According to the ABC, Police had wanted to wear the devices on their belts, but Commissioner Hyde said there could be problems if that were allowed.
“The more general the deployment the more likely it becomes normalised in everyday usage and gets extended into situations where it is really not justified and warranted in its use,” he said.
The Commissioner said approximately 2,500 operational police officers would be trained in the use of ECDs.
He said 300 Devices were required for the expansion within SAPOL and would follow Public Sector tender requirements, which would take time.
In the meantime, Commissioner Hyde said an interim expansion would occur to provide a limited number of ECDs in all metropolitan Local Service Areas, Port Augusta and Mount Gambier regional locations.
He said the acquisition and issue of ECDs and subsequent training would happen over 12 months.
19 November, 2009
Managers managing a
management course
Enrolments are now being taken for the next intakes into the SA Public Sector Management Program.
The Program, to be held at Adelaide and Mt Gambier, is the only national university accredited management program that is tailored specifically to mid-level managers in Commonwealth, State and Local Government Agencies.
The program combines intensive workshops with home-based research and assignments to prepare participants for the challenges of management within the Public Service.
Upon completion of the 12 to 24 month course, participants are eligible to be awarded a Graduate Certificate in Public Sector Management from Flinders University.
According to the PSM Program website, financial management, human resource management, team management, knowledge management, project management and their interactions are all covered in the program.
It said the program focused on the strategic direction for the Public Sector, provided an integrated view of business planning and public accountability and explored common themes such as accountability, ethics and relationship management.
The program aims to provide participants with the skills to meet current challenges and to help participants transition into management positions and senior roles.
Participants are given the chance to meet people from different Agencies and tiers of Government.
Applications for the Adelaide program, which starts in February 2010, close on 22 January, 2010.
The Mount Gambier intake commences in March 2010, with applications closing on 12 February, 2010
Further information was available from www.psmprogram.gov.au
19 November, 2009
Archives files away
its Adelaide office
The National Archives of Australia has announced it will close its Adelaide office in a bid to cut costs.
Director General of the Archives, Ross Gibbs said the SA office as well as those in Darwin and Hobart would be closed over the next two-and-a-half years as building leases expired.
“The decision to close these particular offices was difficult, but is, I believe, a responsible one,” Mr Gibbs said.
“Canberra will bear budget cuts to achieve the savings, and there would naturally be a flow-on to all State offices.
“The decision to close the Adelaide, Darwin and Hobart offices was based on the knowledge that they could not endure any more budget cuts while still maintaining the high level of service that they are known for.”
He said as part of the Commonwealth’s Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook, the National Archives and other Agencies were required to find “significant budget savings.”
“For the current forward estimate years 2009–10 to 2012–13, the savings are $700,000 in the first year and $1.4 million each year thereafter.
Mr Gibbs visited the Adelaide and other offices inform staff of the changes.
He said the timing of the office closures would allow the Archives “to deliver a planned approach” and help the 19 affected staff adjust.
“We are developing an employment transition plan for affected staff and an employment assistance service will also be made available to them,” Mr Gibbs said.
He said the Adelaide office would close on 30 March 2011; Darwin on 30 September 2010; and Hobart’s Melville Street on 31 August 2010 and Macquarie Street office on 30 April 2012.
“I want to reassure our users that meeting their needs into the future is a key concern,” Mr Gibbs said.
“As well as ensuring the ongoing provision of the National Archives’ service – both locally and online – in Adelaide, Darwin and Hobart, we are considering the future of the records in these locations.”
He said some records could be relocated to repositories in Sydney or Melbourne, while others could be relocated locally with “sympathetic local cultural heritage institutions.”
“These arrangements are being negotiated with National Archives staff in each office,” he said.
Director of the Adelaide, Brisbane and Darwin offices at the national Archives, David Swift said the decision was unexpected but economically sound.
Mr Swift said the three offices were the smallest and least-used collections compared to other States.
The Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) has called for further information on the closures and how they will effect staff.
CPSU said it was working to ensure information about the impact of the cuts on service delivery to residents was forthcoming and that directly affected staff received their rights as per the union-negotiated NAA collective agreement.
It said indirectly affected staff should not be burdened with “unrealistic and unmanageable workloads.”
19 November, 2009
Borders expanded
in Fed/State event
The State’s relationship with the Federal Government is to be explored during a special event organised by the Public Sector Performance Commission and the Institute of Public Administration Australia.
The free event is to be held on 2 December and is targeted towards members of the South Australian Executive Service.
It is expected to highlight the need for a high performing State Public Service and an integrated collaborative partnership with the Commonwealth.
Premier, Mike Rann will deliver the keynote speech which will be followed by a panel discussion on ‘Influencing the National Agenda - Interacting with the Commonwealth.’
The panel is to be headed by the Chair of the Public Sector Performance Commission Advisory Board, Professor Jennifer Westacott.
Other speakers on the panel will include the Chief Executive of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Chris Eccles and Chief Executive of the Department of Education and Children’s Services, Chris Robinson.
According to the PSPC the forum provides an opportunity for SAES members to enhance their knowledge and gain insights into Commonwealth-State relations.
The discussion is expected to include an overview and analysis of the role of the Council of Australian Governments, Council for the Australian Federation, Commonwealth-State financial relations and the Commonwealth Grants Commission.
Limited places are available, so bookings need to be made at www.sa.ipaa.org.au by 27 November.
19 November, 2009
Energy overhaul for
office buildings
A national scheme to boost the energy efficiency of commercial and Government-owned office buildings has been announced by the Federal Minister for the Environment, Peter Garrett.
Mr Garrett said from the second half of 2010 building owners would be required to provide up-to-date energy efficiency information when selling or leasing space covering over 2,000 square metres.
“This means all parties - the building owner and potential buyers or tenants - will have access to consistent, credible and meaningful information about a building’s energy efficiency and make informed decisions when they buy or rent office space,” he said.
“Greener offices are not only more comfortable to work in, they can also boost productivity, bring down sick leave, support green building industry jobs and have the potential to deliver savings of 20 to 40 percent on energy bills.”
Mr Garrett said the disclosure scheme would encourage building owners to invest in energy efficient upgrades.
He said the scheme would require owners to disclose a valid Building Energy Efficiency Certificate, including a National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) Energy base building star rating.
He said an assessment of the lighting energy efficiency of tenancies and some suggestions on how to improve the building’s energy efficiency would also be included.
He said owners who did not comply would risk a fine or prosecution.
“If you are planning on selling or leasing office space, the first NABERS Energy base building star rating can take time,” Mr Garrett said.
“I encourage building owners to start now to prepare for the introduction of this measure.”
Ministers for Energy at the Federal, State and Territory levels recently approved the parameters of the new scheme and Commonwealth legislation was currently being developed.
Mr Garrett said businesses would be informed about the new rules through upcoming seminars to be hosted by the Department of the Environment and the Property Council of Australia.
More information was available from www.environment.gov.au
19 November, 2009
TAFE Centre has
change of art
TAFE SA’s Adelaide Centre for the Arts has undergone an identity change and is now to be known as the Adelaide College of the Arts, or AC Arts.
It has also appointed a new Artistic Director and a new Board.
Minister for Employment, Training and Further Education, Michael O’Brien said the changes were among a number of strategic developments aimed at boosting the profile of arts training in South Australia.
“A new Arts Advisory Board – to be chaired by acclaimed singer, writer, director and public advocate of the arts, Robyn Archer, AO – has been established to encourage artistic excellence and assist in establishing AC Arts as an iconic, exciting and competitive arts training campus,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Frank Ford AM has agreed to be the Patron for the Adelaide College of the Arts and members of the new Board include arts luminaries such as Greg Mackie OAM, Rosalba Clemente and Stephen Bowers.”
He said Adelaide Fringe Director, Christie Anthoney, had been appointed as inaugural Artistic Director of the Adelaide College of the Arts for a three year term.
The Minister Assisting the Premier in the Arts, John Hill welcomed the appointment, saying Ms Anthoney had been the Fringe Director for the past four years and had successfully overseen its transition from a biennial to annual event.
“As Artistic Director, Christie will develop the public image and reputation of AC Arts as a leading arts education and training institution both nationally and internationally,” Mr Hill said.
“She will provide strategic and operational advice to further improve arts education and training in South Australia.”
Mr O’Brien said the college would be positioned as a Lead Centre for arts, one of the aims of the State Government’s Skills Strategy, to establish centres of excellence closely linked to industry.
He said a new website for AC Arts had also been created: www.acarts.edu.au
19 November, 2009
Riverbank hotline
could be a cracker
The Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation has launched a new 24-hour hotline to take reports from the public about cracking of the River Murray’s riverbank.
The Riverbank Collapse hotline (1800 751 970) will also provide information to the community about collapses.
Leader of the Riverbank Collapse Project, Richard Brown, said members of the community should take advantage of the new hotline to obtain information and report any major new cracking.
“The community can play an important role in helping us to monitor riverbank cracking that could result in collapses,” Mr Brown said.
“This hotline will also enable people to get further information about the issue, including the signs of potential collapse that they should look out for.”
He said any major riverbank collapse should still be reported immediately to 000.
“Riverbank stability has been impacted by long periods of low water levels downstream of Lock 1 and the risk of collapse has the potential to threaten lives and property,” Mr Brown said.
“During the coming dry summer months, low water levels will continue to be an issue and the risk of serious riverbank collapse will escalate.”
He said every effort had been made to signpost and cordon off high risk areas, but there were no guarantees that other areas weren’t affected.
Mr Brown said during the past 12 months considerable work had been undertaken to reduce the risk of riverbanks collapsing, including trimming or removing trees and grading banks considered most at risk.
In addition to the new free-call hotline, further information was available at www.dwlbc.sa.gov.au
19 November, 2009
Uni course to tame
‘wicked problems’
The University of Western Australia is offering courses in a new field – Integrated Human Studies – which will have particular relevance to public service.
Professor Neville Bruce from the University developed the courses due to his dissatisfaction with the way tertiary institutions were responding to the world’s problems.
Professor Bruce said Integrated Human Studies directly addressed 21st century challenges.
He said he believed science and technology had contributed rapidly to human development in the 20th century, but that their effects had ruinous consequences.
“Massive, complex problems like resource depletion, climate change, poverty and inequity threaten the very survival of humans and the planet – and many universities continue to deliver the same old discipline-based or vocationally focused education,” Professor Bruce said.
Professor Graeme Martin, also of UWA, said Integrated Human Studies delivered a transdisciplinary perspective and methodologies that drew on science, the arts, humanities, law and economics.
“We get some of the brightest minds in the country, and they come in wanting to change the world – and we teach them maths,” Professor Martin said.
“Of course the world needs mathematicians, but if you want to change the world and address complex problems, you need broad understandings, and a sense of how your disciplinary specialty fits in with others.”
He said the new course drew on a range of subject areas to consider local and global issues and “wicked problems” that defied narrow analysis.
Professor Bruce said the course’s starting point was the idea that in order to consider human futures, it was necessary to understand human nature and culture, evolutionary and historical origins and value and belief systems.
He said it was also imperative to understand the current status of humans on
Earth.
“Australia needs to formulate policies relating to immigration, welfare, housing, land management and more,” he said.
“Policy makers need to understand the global issues and pressures, and leaders and voters all need to make informed decisions.”
Professor Bruce pointed to the Australian Public Service Commission (APSC), which recognised the need for a different approach to solving complex policy problems known as “wicked problems.”
He said former Australian Public Service Commissioner Lynelle Briggs said wicked problems “require thinking that is capable of grasping the big picture, including the interrelationships among the full range of causal factors underlying them.”
Ms Briggs said they often required broader, more collaborative and innovative approaches.
Professor Bruce said the curriculum design team at UWA’s Centre for Integrated Human Studies had built these skills into their course content and delivery.
More information about the course could be accessed at www.ihs.uwa.edu.au
19 November, 2009
UniSA hacks into
cybercrime need
The University of South Australia has launched Australia’s first Masters program to produce graduates with the skills to combat cybercrime.
The Master of Science (Information Assurance) will be offered by UniSA’s Division of Information Technology, Engineering and Environment (ITEE) at Mawson Lakes Campus to tackle increases in computer hacking, malicious botnets and threats to critical infrastructure.
Dean of Research for ITEE and Director of UniSA’s Forensic Computing Lab, Associate Professor Jill Slay said the program would help meet the growing demand for IT security professionals in Australia.
“In the past 10 years, the amount of electronic crime evidence requiring analysis has increased 100,000 fold,” Associate Professor Slay said.
“There is actually a limit to the number of cases that forensic computing experts can take on due to shortages of qualified staff.
“This new program will train a new generation of forensic computing, critical infrastructure, defence, law enforcement, banking industry and IT security professionals who will be able to present scientific evidence in a court of law.”
She said the program was the only one of its kind in Australia and was supported by the Australian Federal Police, all State Law Enforcement agencies and the private sector.
Associate Professor Slay said the term ‘information assurance’ had emerged to reflect the need to protect information during transit, processing or storage within complex and widely dispersed computers and communication systems networks.
She said Information assurance has superseded such terms as computer security and information security.
Associate Professor Slay said in addition to the Masters program, Information Assurance would also be offered at the Graduate Diploma and Graduate Certificate level.
More information was available from www.unisa.edu.au
19 November, 2009
Fingers wagging at
new truancy laws
New laws to crack down on truancy have been announced by the Minister for Education, Dr Jane Lomax-Smith.
Dr Lomax-Smith said a raft of amendments to the Education Act 1972 were being drafted to toughen the State’s school truancy laws and to make South Australian parents more accountable for their child’s school attendance.
“We understand there are sometimes valid reasons that a child is unable to attend school, such as illness, visits to the doctor or dentist or to attend a TAFE course as part of their schoolwork,” Dr Lomax-Smith said.
“However, there is absolutely no excuse for young people to skip school and potentially damage their chances of achieving their potential.”
The Minister said parents could be prosecuted for their child’s ongoing non-attendance under the current Act, but there had not been a track record of success over the last 25 years.
She said the Education Department had recommended 22 cases of prosecution since 1984 and only six had been successful.
Dr Lomax-Smith said the reforms would prevent parents from avoiding prosecution by claiming they did the best they could to get their child to school.
She said the proposed changes included removing the defence provision for parents, requiring parents to work with the school to support regular attendance to avoid further prosecution and increasing maximum penalties for failing to enrol a child or ensuring the child attends school.
Under the changes parents would be forced to disclose information about their child’s previous schooling to help the Government track children across all schools in the State.
Schools would also be required to disclose enrolment information and enhance exchange of information and record-keeping provisions to ensure children attend school.
Dr Lomax Smith said the changes were part of the Government’s broader Education Act reform.
19 November, 2009
Consumer crawl
finds tangled web
The Office of Consumer and Business Affairs is investigating an “alarming number” of internet websites suspected of promoting offers that look like scams.
Consumer Affairs Agencies from over 20 countries participated in an Internet sweep - an initiative of the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network - focusing on websites promoting miracle cures, health claims and employment opportunities.
According to the OCBA about 1,400 websites were scanned in Australia, of which 400 sites are undergoing further analysis, including 42 of the 110 sites checked in South Australia.
Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gail Gago said it was concerning that more than a third of all the websites checked in the State had a cloud of suspicion hanging over them.
“This reinforces that consumers simply cannot afford to take websites at face-value,” Ms Gago said.
“They really need to do their own research to check that the claims are legitimate and the trader is reputable.”
She said many of the traders and individuals behind the websites were based offshore, making them difficult to track down, but that the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission would work to protect consumers whenever there was sufficient evidence of a scam.
“The internet opens up opportunities for consumers to interact with traders from all over the world, but unfortunately it also increases the risk of being exposed to unscrupulous operators,” Ms Gago said.
She said consumers should report concerns about websites featuring outlandish or unproven claims about products or services.
“Many consumers are adept at recognising scams, but if they don’t report a suspect site then it can remain on the web for other more vulnerable consumers to come across it,” Ms Gago said.
Concerns about websites could be reported to the OCBA on (08) 8204 9777 or to the ACCC on 1300 302 502.
19 November, 2009
School study shows
students staying in
School retention rates released at a recent Secondary Principals’ Summit show a 15 year high in the number of students staying at school to finish Year 12.
According to Premier, Mike Rann, 77.5 per cent of students were retained in State schools from Year 8 to Year 12.
Mr Rann said the result was a credit to the State’s high school principals and teachers.
“One of our biggest school retention success stories has been our Innovative Community Action Networks (ICAN) initiative,” Mr Rann said.
“Pioneered by Monsignor David Cappo and the Social Inclusion Board, ICAN has helped more than 80 per cent of its 8,000 participants to remain learning or earning since 2004.”
He said with the help of $30 million in Commonwealth funds, the State Government would expand the initiative to benefit up to 8,000 students per year by 2013, including those in Years 6 and 7.
Mr Rann said the Government had also reformed high school education to give students academic skills and job skills.
“Our $29.5 million Trade Schools for the Future initiative is giving more than 1,140 students a head start into a career through a school-based apprenticeship,” he said.
“The new $54.5 million South Australian Certificate of Education is underway and the State’s current cohort of Year 10 students will be the first to graduate in 2011.”
Education Minister, Dr Jane Lomax-Smith said the Government’s ‘School to Work’ reforms to improve the job skills of school students would have a long-term benefit for the State and was encouraging more young people to stay in school in order to capitalise on future job opportunities.
The SA Government raised the school leaving age to 16 from the start of 2003 and made it compulsory for young people to learn or earn until age 17 from 2009.
19 November, 2009
Kelp is at hand for
seaweed researchers
An Australian-first national research facility to foster research and development relating to biofuels and microalgae has been opened in Adelaide.
Premier, Mike Rann opened the National Collaborative Research and Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) Photobioreactor Facility at the South Australian Research and Development Institute’s Aquatic Sciences laboratories at West Beach.
Mr Rann said the $5 million facility would be available to national and international researchers.
“The race is on all over the world to find a way to produce biofuel from the clean and renewable resource of microalgae in a commercially viable way,” Mr Rann said.
“Algal biofuel is attractive because of its relatively high oil yield and its efficiency in recycling carbon.
“Microalgal production is emerging as a method of fixing CO2 from the atmosphere, as the microalgae require only saline water, sunshine and carbon dioxide to grow.”
He said it was estimated that replacing just 10 per cent of Australia’s mineral diesel with biodiesel from microalgae would bring about a reduction of nearly four million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels.
Mr Rann said the State had provided $22 million over five years to the NCRIS, to help establish a future of sustainable economic growth.
He said the state-of-the-art facility provided the capability to research microalgal growth in experimental photobioreactors and raceways as well as develop algal production systems in one central location.
Mr Rann said one of the facility’s first major clients would be South-Australian based Algal Fuels Consortium (AFC) comprising SARDI Aquatic Sciences, Flinders University, Flinders Partners, CSIRO Energy Transformed Flagship and Sancon Resources Recovery.
The NCRIS Photobioreactor Facility will be open to the public at the SARDI Aquatic Sciences Open Day on Sunday 22 November between 10am and 4pm.
19 November, 2009
Workplace watchdog
warns new starters
The Commonwealth’s Fair Work Ombudsman has encouraged school-leavers to be aware of their workplace rights if they decide to take jobs over the summer holidays.
The Ombudsman, Nicholas Wilson, said knowledge was the best defence to ensure young workers were not ripped off.
“When you’ve just left school, every dollar counts,” Mr Wilson said.
“Often the excitement of the first pay packet and a lack of understanding of the laws that protect them can leave young workers vulnerable to unacceptable workplace practices.”
He said there were several facts young workers should be aware of, for instance that every worker should receive a payslip and unpaid trial work was generally against the law.
He said having money deducted from wages if the cash register was short was also against the law.
“Entering the workforce should be a positive experience, and we’re here to help empower young people to ensure that is the case,” Mr Wilson said.
“It’s as simple as picking up the phone and calling our national Infoline on 13 13 94 to speak with one of our Fair Work advisers.”
He suggested keeping a work diary to record shifts and pay, noting the start and finishing time, meal breaks and the names of supervisors.
“A record of events such as this can be extremely helpful in resolving issues that may arise down the track,” Mr Wilson said.
He said over the next month his office would distribute tens of thousands of post-cards to areas populated by young people, including cafés, cinemas and shopping centres, alerting students to their workplace rights.
Last year the Fair Work Ombudsman audited 400 businesses primarily employing young workers and recouped $634,000 for 1,700 underpaid young employees.
Further information for school-leavers was available from www.fairwork.gov.au
19 November, 2009
Underwater map
comes out on top
Scientists from the Department for Environment and Heritage are using cutting-edge sonar technology to map the seafloor more accurately and efficiently than ever before.
Dr Bryan McDonald from the Department said the new multi-beam sonar equipment, known as ‘Seascope SA’, was essential for developing highly detailed maps of South Australia’s sea floor.
Dr McDonald said the maps would be used to better conserve the marine environment.
“Seascope SA can capture detailed images of the sea floor, which can be used to identify different habitats such as sand or seagrass,” Dr McDonald said.
“The equipment also collects very detailed depth information, enabling DEH to create detailed 3D maps of the sea floor, and to identify intricate changes in the depth profiles of different habitats, which is a very important component of understanding why plant and animal communities may change from place to place.”
He said the new equipment allowed scientists to map about four square kilometres of the sea floor per day, and to accurately pin-point mapped areas using a GPS system.
“An added bonus of the sophisticated GPS system, which accounts for movement of the boat, is that it can be used in conditions that we have previously been unable to work in, giving us more opportunities to do the mapping,” Dr McDonald said.
He said the maps would be used for various projects that help care for the State’s marine environment.
Dr McDonald said the waters off South Australia contain many unique habitats including some of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest expanses of seagrass meadows, fragile sponge gardens and a diversity of rocky reefs.
The Department has used the multi-beam technology off Port Lincoln to study marine habitats in Thorny Passage and over the next six months will take it to the Sir Joseph Banks group of islands, the Far West Coast, southern Adelaide and Kangaroo Island.
19 November, 2009
OHS convention planned
The Public Sector Workforce Relations is holding a convention entitled ‘Meeting New Challenges in Workforce Wellbeing’ on 9 December at the Victoria Room, Hilton Adelaide, Victoria Square.
Members of the Public Service who have an interest in Occupational Health Safety and Welfare and Injury Management are invited to attend.
For information on the day-long convention or to register contact Grant Dewar on (08) 8207 2287 or dewar.grant@dpc.sa.gov.au
OCBA follows up inspections
South Australia’s consumer watchdog will conduct follow up visits to traders in South Australia next week after checks conducted two months ago uncovered significant problems.
The checks are part of an ongoing regional monitoring program by the Office of Consumer and Business Affairs.
Traders found to be non-compliant in follow up checks can be subject to penalties of up to $20,000 under the Trade Measurement Act 1993.
NRM honour closing soon
Nominations for the McKell Medal for excellence and achievement in natural resource management close on 20 November.
The annual award commemorates the outstanding contribution made to the fields of soil and land conservation by Sir William McKell, Premier of NSW (1941-47) and Governor-General of Australia (1947–53).
The McKell Medal is open to individuals and partnerships and is Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council initiative.
To nominate, visit www.daff.gov.au
Water bans eased
South Australians will have more flexibility in watering their gardens after the Government announced Level 3 water restrictions would be eased.
Expert advice convinced Cabinet that lower water use over winter meant the extra watering times would not jeopardise Adelaide’s water supply.
Households can now water their gardens, using a hand-held hose with trigger nozzle or drippers, for a maximum of five hours a week – on any day of the week.
The odds and evens system will no longer apply, but the hours of watering - 6am to 9am and 6pm to 9pm - remain.
Hospital wing opened
The new south wing building at the Flinders Medical Centre has opened, providing a state-of-the-art facility for women and their families in the southern region of Adelaide.
The $29 million building is the focal point of the $163 million redevelopment project at FMC, and is home to a new Birthing and Assessment Suite and a Maternity and Gynaecology Unit.
There are 12 birthing rooms as well as assessment and recovery beds in the new Birthing and Assessment Suite, which has the capacity for 3,000 births every year.
Trams arrive
The first of six new Euro trams has arrived in Adelaide as part of the Government’s revitalisation of the public transport network.
The arrival of the six Alston Citadis trams, which were sourced from the Spanish capital, Madrid, will increase TransAdelaide’s modern tram fleet by 50 per cent.
The first tram will be trialled before commencing passenger operations over the Christmas/New Year period, with the other five trams yet to arrive.
More police on beat
After 36 weeks of intense training, 23 new police officers have graduated from Fort Largs.
Eight women and 15 men, ranging in age from 20 to 52, will shortly be posted to metropolitan and regional services areas to complete the initial phase of their probation.
There will be 47 women and 130 men, a total of 177 cadets remaining in training at the Police Academy after this graduation, 41 of whom are from the UK and interstate.
Christmas tax fact sheet
The Australian Tax Office has created a fact sheet to help organisations understand the fringe benefits tax rules for the festive season.
The ATO said while staff Christmas parties could attract fringe benefits tax (FBT) there may be exemptions depending on the venue and cost per employee.
It said the two main exemptions to FBT that could apply to Christmas parties are exempt property benefits and exempt minor benefits.
The fact sheet was available at www.ato.gov.au
Comment called on beach plans
The Department of Environment and Heritage has invited community comment on a review of the management of Long Beach near Coffin Bay.
The review is being conducted in response to ongoing environmental and safety concerns along the foreshore, particularly in relation to reckless driving.
The review includes options such as restricting vehicle access over the summer holidays and putting measures in place to minimise impact on the environment.
Feedback could be provided to Tim Hall on tim.hall@sa.gov.au by 27 November 2009.
Long Tan bursaries announced
Over 5,800 secondary students from 2,328 schools across Australia have been awarded Australian Defence Force Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Awards.
Students were selected by their schools for contributing to the local community and for their personal development and community spirit.
Students in Years 10, 11 and 12 were recognised with awards of $100, $250 and $500 respectively, along with a certificate of merit.
The Awards have been running since 2006 and were established to encourage leadership and teamwork in school aged students.
12 November, 2009
PS performance boost
is production number
A new Framework for improving the performance of Government Agencies has been launched to emphasise cross-Government collaboration and continuity.
Minister for Public Sector Management, Jay Weatherill announced the High Performance Framework, saying it would raise the bar across the Public Service.
Mr Weatherill said under the Framework, Agencies’ performances could be compared for the first time, encouraging high standards from Executives.
“For the first time, we will be able to measure the way our Agencies are being run and to fix problem areas before they affect the Agencies’ services to the community,” he said.
Mr Weatherill said an audit of Agency performance conducted earlier this year by the Public Sector Performance Commission (PSPC) found “significant inconsistency” between key aspects of organisational performance.
He said the audit found 33 State Agencies were conducting 88 different leadership development activities, only eight of which were shared by more than one Agency.
“We can’t have Agencies reinventing the wheel like this,” Mr Weatherill said.
“This consumes resources and means we’re less likely to be giving leaders the skills they need to work across Government.”
He said under the new Framework, Agencies would be required to set out clear goals relating to leadership, values, accountability and results and demonstrate how they would be measured against them.
“This is becoming standard practice for modern organisations,” Mr Weatherill said, “but to date hasn’t been applied in Government.”
According to the PSPC, no entity within Government had overall responsibility for improving Government performance.
“Because Departments tend to operate independently with few whole-of-Government tendencies, norms for Government performance in areas such as collaboration with others, leadership quality, or accountability to stakeholders do not exist,” the Commission said.
It said the Framework would “further support high performance by helping organisations align their strategies, budgets, culture, practice, leadership and accountabilities with their goals.”
The Commission said use of the Framework would be mandatory, although Agencies would retain flexibility in how they went about achieving high performance.
The Public Service Association (PSA) said it agreed with the PS-wide approach but was concerned that more authority would be given to individual Chief Executives.
“An efficient and effective Public Sector needs long-term stability and a consistent policy direction, not a climate of fear and job cuts,” the PSA said.
The Framework is expected to be implemented in all major Departments by May 2010 after being successfully trialled in the Department of Premier and Cabinet and the Department for Environment and Heritage during 2009.
More information was available from www.pspc.sa.gov.au
12 November, 2009
Performance seminar
hard act to follow
The Public Sector Performance Commission has announced that the next seminar in its ‘Challenging the Public Sector’ program will look at the “Peaks and Potholes of Performance Management.”
Staged in collaboration with the Australia and New Zealand School of Government (ANZSOG) the free seminar will feature discussion covering the challenges of instituting meaningful performance management and reporting systems, particularly in the context of South Australia’s recently announced High Performance Framework.
The seminar, which will take place at lunchtime on Monday 16 November, will be facilitated by SA Police Commissioner Mal Hyde, and feature speakers Jeff Tryens, from the Public Sector Performance Commission, and Professor Jim McDavid, from the University of Victoria, Canada.
Mr Tryens has worked with Governments on performance improvement for more than fifteen years and is currently developing a new High Performance Framework with South Australia’s Public Sector Performance Commission.
He will present the Government’s first initiative under the Public Sector Act – a new High Performance Framework designed to create a consistent, evidence-based approach to performance improvement across the public sector.
Professor McDavid has extensively studied public performance management and reporting in Canada and specialised in program evaluation and performance measurement and management
He has conducted research and evaluation focusing on Federal, State, Provincial and local Governments in the United States and Canada and was a Distinguished University Professor from 2004 through 2008.
Professor McDavid will address the fundamental paradox of performance management: The goal of effective performance management may only be possible at the expense of public accountability.
The seminar is on from noon to 1.45pm on Monday at Auditorium, RiAus, Exchange Place, Adelaide.
More information and registration details are available through the ANZOG website, on 8344 1981 or pspc-anzsogseminars@anzsog.edu.au
12 November, 2009
Equal pay case
on the money
The Australian Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick, has welcomed widespread support for the first Federal test case on equal pay under the new Fair Work industrial relations system
Ms Broderick said the case, being brought by the Australian Services Union on behalf of workers in the social and community services sector, promised to be a major step forward for low-income women.
“The caring and community industries are traditionally low paid occupations and they are also highly feminised, so this action is to be loudly applauded,” Commissioner Broderick said.
“If it succeeds, it will be a major step forward for the women who carry out this incredibly important work, which provides such critical support to our society as a whole.”
She said about 200,000 women working in homeless and domestic violence shelters, aged care and other community services stood to win a 30 per cent pay rise under the gender equity test case.
“This is an issue of pay equity between the sexes,” Commissioner Broderick said, “of paying men and women equally for work of comparable value.
“It is also about ending the penalty of low pay that women have always suffered simply because they choose to work in providing care.”
She said that pay equity issues faced by people, largely women, who worked in the provision of care had been one of her focal points in discussing and addressing sex discrimination issues since she was appointed Commissioner.
“Caring work, whether paid or unpaid, is something that is vastly undervalued in our society,” she said. “So a positive outcome here would not only be a triumph for pay equity, but would also provide valuable reinforcement to care workers by trumpeting the value of the work they do for the community as a whole.”
12 November, 2009
Fire plans flare
up for risk zones
The Department for Environment and Heritage has released a series of new fire management plans for parks and reserves at high risk of fire.
Chief Executive of the Department, Allan Holmes, said the plans detailed a number of coordinated activities, including prescribed burning, which would reduce the impact of a bushfire on life, property and the environment.
“It has become increasingly evident how important it is for both the Government and the community to prepare for a major bushfire,” Mr Holmes said.
“These plans identify areas within the State which are deemed to be most at risk and provide a strategic and coordinated effort to guide fire management activities.”
He said the plans would underpin all fire management activities undertaken in reserves by the Department.
Mr Holmes said the new fire management plans provided opportunity for landowners in these areas to partner with the Department when preparing private conservation areas, which are held under Heritage Agreements, for the bushfire season.
“Bushfires don’t stop at park boundaries, so partnering with private landowners is crucial in taking a whole of landscape approach to fire management,” he said.
Mr Holmes said although the Department had had a comprehensive prescribed burn program in place for a number of years and many other activities had commenced, the finalised plans would set a clear direction for the future.
“While these measures will not necessarily stop the spread of bushfires, they will help to reduce the impact on life, property and the environment,” he said.
“Although the Government is doing everything it can to reduce the risks, private landholders also have a responsibility to reduce their properties’ vulnerability to bushfires.”
Mr Homes said the 10 new fire management plans covered reserves in the Hills Face Zone, Southern Foothills, South-western Fleurieu Peninsula, Southern Flinders Ranges, Billiatt District, Ngarkat District, Bookmark Mallee Region, Southern Eyre Peninsula, Flinders Chase and Cape Forbin.
12 November, 2009
SafeWork sweats on
effects of heat stress
SafeWork SA has issued a warning to employers and workers to ensure they have appropriate measures in place to avoid the effects of heat stress.
Responding to recent hot conditions and in recognition of more to come, the Acting Executive Director of SafeWork SA, Bryan Russell, said employers were legally obliged to provide a safe working environment, and managing such a foreseeable hazard as hot weather was part of that duty of care.
“Temperatures in workplaces such as industrial sheds can sometimes exceed 50 degrees, and the risk is especially present in open air or outdoor workplaces such as construction sites, storage yards, outdoor utility installations, tarmacs, roads and farms,” Mr Russell said.
“Working on through the symptoms of heat stress, can lead to serious illness and in extreme cases, death.”
He said the symptoms of heat stress included headaches; fatigue; dizziness or fainting; increased sweating; mood changes, such as irritability; and possibly an upset stomach.
“Working in a hot environment can also impair workers’ concentration and that’s when harmful incidents are more likely to occur,” Mr Russell said.
SafeWork SA recommended the following measures:
- Alternative job planning - such as starting earlier in the day
- Rotate workers who have to work in direct sunlight – doing so can help reduce the length of sun exposure for each person
- Keep well hydrated – SA workplace safety laws require fresh drinking water be provided at all workplaces
- Adequate ventilation – wherever possible there should be ventilation by the use of fans or other means
- UV protection - sunblock and wide-brimmed hats should be supplied as part of personal protective equipment
Mr Russell said while many workplaces may have hot weather policies in place, should work be called off, pay arrangements were dependent on the prevailing award or agreement conditions in the businesses concerned.
12 November, 2009
Wildlife park
tames tourists
Cleland Wildlife Park in the Adelaide Hills has been recognised once again as the most outstanding entry in the ‘Tourist Attractions’ category of the South Australian Tourism (SATC) Awards.
It is the third time the Park has been honoured and means it will now be entered into Tourism’s Hall of Fame.
Chief Executive of the Department for Environment and Heritage, Allan Holmes, said the win was a credit to the dedicated staff who managed the site, as well as the many volunteers who provided invaluable support.
“Cleland Wildlife Park has become well known, both nationally and internationally, as an iconic nature-based tourism experience,” Mr Holmes said.
“Since it opened in April 1967, the park has continued to enhance its exhibits, which are located in a stunning bushland setting, and provide locals and tourists alike with a unique opportunity to interact with many of South Australia’s most admired wildlife including kangaroos and koalas.”
He said more than 110,000 people visited the park last year, making it one of Adelaide’s most popular tourist destinations.
Mr Holmes said Cleland Wildlife Park also recently won the SA Great Regional Tourism Award 2009, Adelaide Hills Region in the Tourism Attraction Category.
According to the Minister, Cleland Wildlife Park, located in the Adelaide Hills just 20 minutes from the city centre, offers interactive and truly rewarding visitor experiences, featuring more than 130 different species of Australian wildlife in an open range environment.
Mr Holmes said Cleland Wildlife Park was one of only two places in South Australia where visitors could handle a koala.
He said for more information about Cleland Wildlife Park, call 8339 2444 or go to www.clelandwildlifepark.sa.gov.au
12 November, 2009
Fingerprint service
nailed at Post Office
Australia Post has revealed plans to introduce new technology to allow Post Office staff to take fingerprints, biometric scans and digital signatures from customers applying for services such as bank accounts and passports.
The new Identification Services Program Project is expected to be adopted at all 4,443 retail Post outlets, but is currently being tested at 25 Australia Post-owned outlets across NSW and Western Australia.
If approved by State and Federal Governments, Australia Post would become the first non-law-enforcement organisation to take digital fingerprints for commercial purposes.
The power is currently limited to law enforcement Agencies, the Courts, spy Agencies and the Defence Force.
Spokesperson for Australia Post, Alex Twomey was reported in the press as confirming fingerprinting capabilities would be introduced over the next two years and that staff would be trained in protocols for storing and transmitting customer information.
“Fingerprint information will be stored for six hours at the outlet and then transferred for storage at a central Australia Post database,” Mr Twomey said.
“Under Agency agreements, we would then be required to wipe the information after it was sent to Government Departments or other corporate clients.”
According to reports, Australia Post plans to install the data capture equipment at 375 of its own outlets by the end of June 2010, followed by another 400 in 2011 and then 2,000 privately managed post offices nationwide.
Funding for the Identification Services Program project trial was approved in March 2009.
Chairman of the Australian Privacy Foundation, Dr Roger Clarke said he was concerned over the lack of public discussion surrounding the new system.
“These types of initiatives are just too important to introduce without public discussion,” Dr Clarke said.
He said securing fingerprints and other data across such a large retail network was a major concern as it would be difficult to design a system to protect all information.
12 November, 2009
Way ahead cleared
for transport regulator
The Australian Transport Council has agreed to set up a new national railway safety regulator in South Australia.
As part of sweeping reforms to harmonise Australia’s transport sector regulation the nation’s Transport Ministers have proposed single national regulators in rail, maritime and heavy vehicles.
Minister for Transport, Patrick Conlon, said it was a great result for South Australia, which would become the host jurisdiction for the national rail safety regulator, including the regulation of local urban systems and interstate freight operations.
“Our bid was also strongly supported by the rail industry including the Australian Rail Track Corporation, Genessee and Wyoming and Great Southern Rail,” Mr Conlan said.
“The establishment of the office of the national rail regulator in Adelaide would have many direct and indirect benefits to the State and was an important step in a goal to grow the rail sector in South Australia.”
He said the State Government, through the Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure would establish a project team to work collaboratively with all jurisdictions and industry in achieving the ATC outcome.
Mr Conlan said the Australian Maritime Safety Authority - which is based in Canberra - had been agreed as the national regulator for maritime safety, while the Ministers would recommend to the Council of Australian Governments that a host jurisdiction for the national regulator be agreed, noting that New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland have expressed an interest.
The Minister said the ATC had also endorsed core National Taxi Driver Competency Units and agreed to their implementation along with that of a National Minimum English Standard from 1 July 2010.
He said South Australia’s taxi driver training requirements, including minimum English standards, are already consistent with, or more rigorous than, the new proposed national training standards.
Mr Conlan said the ATC announced at the meeting the appointment of seven top safety experts to the recently established National Road Safety Council. The Council’s immediate task would be to advise Governments on the development of the next 10-year National Road Safety Strategy, a long-term vision for road safety improvements.
The Minister said the Council would be chaired by the current chair of the South Australian Motor Accident Commission Mr Roger Cook.
The recommendations of the ATC would now be considered by COAG.
12 November, 2009
Plastic bag ban
bags a winner
The changeover from plastic bags to bring-your-own appears to have succeeded without a hitch, according to research released by the Premier and Minister for the Environment.
Marking six months since the ban on plastic bags was introduced, Premier Mike Rann and Minister Jay Weatherill said an estimated 200 million checkout style bags had so far been stopped from entering land fill and shoppers had been quick to embrace the changes for the sake of the environment.
“Remembering to bring your own shopping bags is now a normal part of South Australians’ daily lives – the change has generally gone without a hitch,” Mr Rann said.
“Research shows more than nine in 10 shoppers take reusable bags to do their shopping, compared to about six in 10 before the ban took effect.”
He said the vast majority of shoppers believed the bag ban showed SA was a leader on environmental issues.
“I congratulate South Australia’s shoppers for embracing our bag ban. They’ve shown they are happy to change old habits for the sake of our environment,” Mr Rann said.
The Ehrenberg-Bass Institute for Marketing Science at UniSA spoke to shoppers before and after the ban taking effect and found that since the ban:
- More than nine in 10 shoppers are using reusable bags
- 82 per cent believed the ban is having an impact, especially on landfill and litter
- More than half gave the ban a 10 out of 10, with the average support level 8.4 out of 10
Mr Weatherill said prior to the ban, hundreds of millions of non-compostable plastic bags had been entering South Australia’s waste and litter streams every year.
He said legislation to ban checkout-style plastic shopping bags was passed in November 2008 and they were phased out from 1 January 2009 with the ban taking effect on 4 May this year.
12 November, 2009
Consumer advice
a hit on new CD
The Office of Consumer and Business Affairs and Service SA have combined to produce a new CD to assist Aboriginal people from the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunyjatjara Lands to know and exercise their rights as consumers.
Minister for Consumer, Gail Gago, said the Talk About Shopping CD discussed consumer issues as well as English and provided Aboriginal people without English skills access to information about shopping and the law in their mother tongue, making the messages clearer and more relevant.
“The CD covers many topics, ranging from understanding credit and what you need to think of when buying a buying a car to refund rights and how to make a complaint when things go wrong or when a trader is being unfair,” Ms Gago said.
“For Aboriginal people living in remote South Australia, where consumers can be much more vulnerable, I believe this will be an incredibly important and useful tool.”
She said the CD was the result of collaboration and input from Aboriginal people and featured the voices of Aboriginal women and a cover design and music and lyrics by artists from the APY Lands.
The Minister said the launch of the CD follows a book version of Talk About Shopping which was released earlier this year to a strong reception from consumers and Government agencies distributing the publication.
Ms Gago said the Talk About Shopping CD and booklets would be distributed through Service SA, Families SA and other Government agencies through the Lands and at other locations in the north of SA with Aboriginal populations.
OCBA and Service SA were also liaising with several regional and Aboriginal radio stations with the intention of securing air play for the CD.
The Minister said more information on the Talk About Shopping resources or assistance was available on 1800 656 279 or www.ocba.sa.gov.au
12 November, 2009
Students’ rights win
national pass mark
The Human Rights Commissions of all States and Territories in Australia and New Zealand have spoken out on the rights of international students.
Meeting at their annual Roundtable in Sydney, the Commissioners said they viewed recent instances of racial harassment, abuse and violence directed at international students as symptoms of a whole range of human rights issues that needed to be addressed, including their rights to non-discrimination, equality of treatment, security of the person, access to justice, housing, information, freedom of religion and culture, and labour rights.
The Commissioners heard directly from international student representatives, researchers, education providers and Government Agencies.
They were told that while student safety had received the most attention, it was a symptom of other issues including racism and discrimination, the lack of accessible and affordable accommodation, poor employment conditions, transport costs, lack of student support services, variable quality of education, and social isolation and exclusion.
At the end of their Roundtable, the Commissioners resolved to:
- Highlight the treatment of international students as a major current human rights and race relations issue and stress the importance in any response of addressing it from a human rights perspective
- Note that the harassment and abuse of international students could not be adequately addressed if the existence of racism as a significant factor was denied
- Call for more research into the actual experience of discrimination and harassment of international students in specific communities and contexts, including regular surveys of students by education providers to provide a better evidence base for policy decisions
- Call on the police to record complaints and incidences of racially motivated crime, and for education providers, local Government and other stakeholders to provide accessible reporting systems for racial harassment and discrimination, including web-based systems
- Encourage the provision of reliable and accessible web-based information to prospective international students, including about their human rights and support available
- Monitor progress in addressing the human rights of international students and support students’ organisations in their advocacy and support for an improved experience for international students in Australia and New Zealand
- Increase public awareness of the rights of international students, their contribution to the Australian and New Zealand economies and societies, and the importance of speaking out when they witness instances of harassment, discrimination and abuse
- Continue to engage with stakeholders on the rights of international students’ networks and forums
12 November, 2009
TV recycle plan gets
good reception
A national scheme to recycle televisions and computers has been welcomed by the SA Minister for Environment and Conservation, Jay Weatherill.
State and Federal Environment Ministers have agreed to establish a product stewardship scheme that will ensure manufacturers and importers collect and recycle old TVs and computers.
Mr Weatherill said South Australia had been pushing for action on e-waste and the issue was discussed at the last ministers’ meeting in May.
“Nationally, in 2007-08 only 10 per cent of old TVs, computers and computer products were recycled. Under the new product stewardship scheme, 80 per cent of all TVs and computers are expected to be recycled by 2021,” Mr Weatherill said.
“We welcome today’s decision to set up a national scheme to deal with the growing numbers of old televisions and computers that are ending up in our waste stream.”
The Minister said under the proposed scheme, manufacturers and importers would be required to be part of a recycling scheme, and products would increase by a small amount to cover the cost of the recycling scheme.
He said a survey of consumers was conducted that found people would be happy to pay a little more to ensure products were kept out of landfill and recycled.
“Adelaide is home to the southern hemisphere’s first and only television and computer monitor glass recycling plant, which was supported by $290,000 in State Government funding,” Mr Weatherill said.
“We will be working with industry to ensure SA is at the forefront of establishing this scheme.”
Meanwhile, the South Australian Government has received an award for environmental leadership from the Boomerang Alliance.
Mr Weatherill said the award recognised the State Government for initiatives such as its container deposit scheme and plastic bag ban.
12 November, 2009
Youngsters kick up
in activity challenge
The number of young South Australians signing up for the Premier’s be active Challenge was up 12 per cent this year, taking participation rates to almost 28,000 and winning valuable prizes for 50 schools.
Minister for Education, Jane Lomax-Smith congratulated the 50 high achieving schools and said each school would receive $1,000 to buy sports equipment.
“The purpose of this Challenge is to get young South Australians to be more physically active every day,” Dr Lomax-Smith said.
“Good habits learned early in life give young people the best chance of leading healthy and active lifestyles into adolescence and adulthood.”
She said being active could help reduce the chances of cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes and some forms of cancer.
“Just like the Olympics, students who take part in the Premier’s be active Challenge can be eligible for bronze, silver and gold medals,” Dr Lomax-Smith said.
She said this year, more than 2000 students received gold medals, which were awarded for the first time, about 10,000 received silver and more than 15,000 bronze.
“I would like to make special mention of Murray Bridge Special School and Cavan Education Centre, which had 96 per cent of students complete the Challenge,” Dr Lomax-Smith said.
She said the Premier’s be active Challenge recognised students from Reception to Year 9 who could stay active for at least 60 minutes a day, five days a week for at least four weeks.
Dr Lomax-Smith said participation had grown from 7450 in 2007 to nearly 28,000 in 2009, and that the initiative was backed with a junk food ban in school canteens, physical activity programs in schools, sports facilities grants and initiatives to encourage healthy living.
12 November, 2009
Report puts argument
for dispute reforms
A report into Alternative Dispute Resolution opportunities in Australia has found that many people don’t consider it ahead of traditional services in the civil justice system because they don’t know what it is.
The report The Resolve to Resolve: Embracing ADR to Improve Access to Justice in the Federal Jurisdiction, has been released by the National Alternative Dispute Resolution Advisory Council (NADRAC).
In June last year, Federal Attorney-General, Robert McClelland asked NADRAC to enquire into and identify strategies to remove barriers and provide incentives to promote the greater use of appropriate dispute resolution options as an alternative to formal litigation.
The report found that alternative dispute resolution remained significantly underutilised and that a key barrier was a lack of knowledge and understanding among the profession, litigants and the general public.
The report contained 39 recommendations aimed at improving the ADR system and encouraged its greater use. Recommendations included:
- Imposing a legislative obligation on prospective litigants to seek to resolve disputes before they go to court
- Developing a National ADR Protocol to promote the consistent application of ADR principles and processes
- Requiring lawyers and the courts to provide appropriate information or advice to consumers in relation to ADR processes
- Developing a standards framework to improve the quality of ADR services
- Developing judicial case management courses focussing on ways in which judges can identify matters suitable for ADR techniques and processes
- Supporting the development of strong community and private ADR services
- Providing a model dispute resolution clause as a template that may be voluntarily adopted in contractual documents
- Requiring Commonwealth Government agencies to include dispute resolution clauses in contracts
- Improving data collection, evaluation and research to inform an evidence-based policy approach
NADRAC undertook an extensive consultation process and evaluated submissions from Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments, dispute resolution providers, courts, tribunals and the public.
The Federal Government is now closely examining the report’s recommendations and copies of the report can be downloaded from www.nadrac.gov.au
12 November, 2009
Net widens on
cyber bullying
The Minister for Education has unveiled the State’s latest measures in the ongoing fight against cyber-bullying and e-crime among young South Australians.
Minister Jane Lomax-Smith said 45 schools would share in $100,000 worth of cyber safety grants and a series of regional safety forums would be held to continue the State’s work against the online crimes.
“We have been nation-leading in our work to address cyber bullying and e-crime, first putting the spotlight on these issues back in 2004,” Dr Lomax-Smith said.
“Since that time, we’ve been working with all school sectors and SA Police through our Coalition to Reduce Bullying, Violence and Harassment in SA schools.”
She said the Federal Government had recognised the State’s work, providing $130,000 to evaluate the Keeping Safe child protection curriculum with a view to expanding it beyond South Australia.
“In August, we held a major cyber safety forum in Adelaide to help South Australian parents to learn how they can help keep their children safe in the cyber world,” Dr Lomax-Smith said.
“We require all State school students and their parents to sign Cyber Safety Use Agreements that commit to a shared responsibility with schools to keep children safe.
“And we’ve also issued our schools and pre-schools with a new cyber safety guide called Keeping Children Safe in a Connected World.
She said schools were supporting the new program and mobile phones could be confiscated and handed to police as evidence and students can be suspended or excluded from school, even if the incident occurs outside school hours.
Dr Lomax-Smith said a series of regional cyber safety forums were being staged, and parents were being invited to attend.
“These forums will help parents to understand the capabilities of technology and how they can help to keep their child safe and also understand the consequences of their actions,” the Minister said.
The next cyber safety forum is on at Mount Gambier on 18 November, followed by another at Murray Bridge on 3 December.
12 November, 2009
Semaphore restoration
a positive signal
Almost $2 million is being spent on restoration work on the heritage-listed Semaphore Jetty.
Minister for Infrastructure, Patrick Conlon, said the project was part of the Government’s $10 million contribution towards upgrading jetties and would ensure the jetty’s long-term structural integrity and safety.
“The Semaphore Jetty has been a focal point of the historical Semaphore foreshore since the mid-1800’s,” Mr Conlon said.
“However, the structure has gradually degraded over the years due to the harsh marine environment. Several storms in the last few years have caused serious damage and weakened components even further.
“Ongoing sand build-up through the dune areas has partly engulfed the jetty and caused rot and increased termite activity and damage to its inshore sections.”
He said the restoration work included replacement of defective timber piles, girders, crossheads and decking; and, new handrails and lighting would also be installed.
Mr Conlon said the Government had committed $10.6 million since March 2006 to rebuilding the State’s jetties including the recently completed Rapid Bay Jetty; and Largs and Beachport Jetties which have undergone major reconstruction works.
The Minister said along with significant upgrades to Semaphore Jetty, rehabilitation works are also underway on the Streaky Bay Jetty and works on the Kingscote Jetty and the Granite Island Causeway scheduled to commence next year after the summer peak.
According to Mr Conlon, a contract to upgrade the Semaphore Jetty has been awarded to Maritime Constructions with work to be undertaken seven days a week between 7am and 5pm. The project was expected to be complete in June 2010.
He said although the jetty would be closed in the interest of public safety during construction, work will cease for the Christmas and New Year holiday period from 20 December 2009 to 17 January 2010. DTEI would endeavour to open the jetty for public use during this period but it would be subject to the progress of the restoration work.
12 November, 2009
Glenside plans on show
Plans for the redevelopment of the Glenside campus will be on display on Saturday, 14 November, giving people a chance to have their say about the 9 hectares of open space on the site.
The site will include a new 129-bed hospital, but the Government wants public feedback on whether they would like community gardens, a village green, sports grounds or something else on the rest of the site.
The concept plans will be on display at Glenside from 9am to 5pm, and are also available on www.health.sa.gov.au or call 1800 643 854.
Sniffer dogs in ecstasy
Passive Alert Drug Detection Dogs have sniffed out a cocktail of illicit drugs and paraphernalia during their first year on the beat in South Australia.
Since new legislation was introduced in October last year the PADD dogs have been deployed on 193 occasions, sniffing out more than 1000 Ecstasy tablets among other drugs and drug paraphernalia.
Along with these detections, 31 people were arrested, 310 reported and 189 referred to drug diversions with two arrested for hindering police.
Mushroom talks at Gardens
The Botanic Gardens of Adelaide are hosting the Coroner’s Tales and Market Treasures, providing visitors with the chance to discover the hidden treasures of wild mushrooms.
Dr Teresa Lebel, Senior Mycologist from the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne will give a public talk on Wednesday, 18 November, from 6pm til 7pm, in the Goodman Building at the Gardens, as well as a Curator’s Tour of the garden’s Hidden in Plain View – the Forgotten Flora exhibition on Thursday, 19 November, 11am-noon at the Santos Museum of Economic Botany.
The exhibition runs until 6 December 2009.
Exhibition on tour
A touring exhibition entitled KP11: producing communities is on display in the Adelaide Festival Centre Artspace Gallery until 6 December, highlighting the role arts plays in developing stronger communities.
Among the 11 companies involved in the tour is South Australia’s Tutti Ensemble, which focuses on enabling disabled and disadvantaged people to become involved in the community through arts programs.
The exhibition is free to enter. For further information visit: www.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au
Safe Work Week a success
The Chair of Safe Work Australia, Tom Phillips, proclaimed Safe Work Australia Week 2009, very successful in raising awareness of safety in the workplace.
Mr Phillips said throughout the Week, Safe Work Australia led the way in promoting safety in the workplace by running a series of inter-office events.
He said for one of these events a guest from St John Ambulance Australia, Christine Barber delivered a presentation to Safe Work Australia staff on an initiative to reduce sudden cardiac arrest.
This project involves the deployment of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in workplaces around Australia.
5 November, 2009
Civilian army to
wage war on disasters
A new rapid-response force of civilian experts willing and available to fly into overseas disaster or conflict zones is to be set up by the Commonwealth.
Announced by Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd and expected to cost $52 million, the force would draw on a register of up to 500 specialists able to be deployed overseas at short notice.
The new initiative is expected to have an interim capability by mid-2010, and to be fully operational by early 2011.
Mr Rudd said the civilian specialists would be used across a wide range of roles and could help restore essential services and infrastructure such as health services, electricity and water and help rebuild core Government institutions to support economic and social stability.
He said the civilian specialists would help with early recovery and reconstruction efforts after initial emergency response operations had concluded.
The specialists are to be chosen for their technical expertise and their ability to work in challenging environments.
Mr Rudd said they would come from public and private sectors and complement, rather than replace, existing humanitarian response mechanisms and longer-term development assistance.
He said the civilians could work alongside the Australian military and police, foreign military, United Nations peacekeepers, police and civilian experts from other countries or in a stand-alone capability.
A new Office of the Deployable Civilian Capability is to be established within the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) to implement the initiative.
The Office of the Deployable Civilian Capability will also build strategic partnerships with civilian organisations overseas, including the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada.
5 November, 2009
Shared Services SA
shares news on review
Shared Services SA has released the results of a review of its payroll management structure.
According to the Public Service Association, the Executive Director of Shared Services SA, Damien Bourke, said the purpose of the changes was to develop more effective reporting arrangements and improve the overall operational management capability of the organisation.
Mr Bourke was reported as saying the changes would not lead directly to staff being declared excess or substantive classification levels being reduced.
Under the changes, five new positions of Manager would be created, reporting directly to Shared Services SA’s Service Delivery Director;
This was expected to cut from 20 to five the number of direct reports being made.
Four of the new positions are to be Payroll Managers and the fifth the HRMS Manager.
“All operational Payroll employees will report through the four Payroll Managers and all HRMS Systems Administration staff will report through the HRMS Manager,” the PSA said on its website.
New positions of Operational Team Leader (OTL), Quality Assurance Leader (QAL) and Technical Development Leader (TDL) would also be created and appointed.
“The OTL, QAL, and TDL positions will have a ‘symbiotic’ relationship and will, by necessity, work closely with each other and with Payroll Managers,” the PSA said.
Only the internal staff of Shared Services SA will be eligible to apply for the new positions, some of which will be filled temporarily for 12 months to “enable the selection processes to be restricted to internal applicants only.”
Provision will be made for former SA Health employees accessing FBT arrangements who wish to retain them.
The PSA said when an employee receiving FBT provisions is confirmed in a position he or she will be able to access the benefit for the remainder of the transitional period.
“Where an employee in receipt FBT provisions elects to apply for a position of their own volition, the obligation to continue with the FBT transitional arrangements ceases,” it said.
More information is available on the PSA website at www.cpsu.asn.au
5 November, 2009
Unis on course for
research contracts
South Australian universities have signed an agreement with the Government to target important research and development projects for the State.
Premier Mike Rann said the agreement would build leading undergraduate and postgraduate educational programs that focus on energy efficiency, renewable energy and adaptation.
Mr Rann, who is also the Minister for Sustainability and Climate Change, said the agreement would target important Commonwealth research and development funds provided for by the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme for the State’s university sector.
“This agreement is about the State Government working with the universities to establish South Australia as both a leader in climate change policy and university research,” Mr Rann said.
“It will facilitate climate change research in the South Australian university sector and create opportunities for postgraduate students to undertake related projects within State Government agencies”.
The Premier said the agreement included the University of Adelaide, Flinders University, University of South Australia as well as the Adelaide campuses of Carnegie Mellon University and University College London.
“I’m delighted that all five South Australian universities are on board. The State Government is committed to working with them to track their greenhouse gas emissions and to develop carbon footprint reduction targets for each institution,” Mr Rann said.
Chair of the South Australian Vice-Chancellor’s Committee and Vice Chancellor and President of Flinders University, Professor Michael Barber, welcomed the finalisation of the sector agreement, saying he looked forward to working with the Government to implement the agreement over the next two years.
Mr Rann said this was the sixth sector agreement signed under the Climate Change and Greenhouse Emissions Reductions Act 2007, which were designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote energy efficiency, integrate greenhouse issues into business decision-making and provide more consistent reporting of greenhouse gas emissions levels.
He said more information on sector agreements was available at www.climatechange.sa.gov.au
5 November, 2009
Watchdog moves in on
tenancy database
The Office of Consumer and Business Affairs has released a draft Bill for public comment on a national proposal to deal with Residential Tenancy Databases, also known as the ‘tenant blacklists’.
Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gail Gago, said OCBA had been working with its interstate counterparts to come up with nationally consistent regulations governing how real estate agents used records about a tenant’s rental history.
“Commercial databases listing people’s rental histories have come under scrutiny in several States because, in many instances, there’s no transparent reason for blacklisting a tenant or the rules surrounding when a person should be blacklisted are hazy,” Ms Gago said.
“The regulation of Residential Tenancy Databases is important as landlords should be entitled to know if they’re about to take on a high-risk tenant and, at the same time, tenants need to be protected from false reporting.”
She said South Australia didn’t have specific legislation covering these databases but the Government believed it was time there were strong regulations in place.
Ms Gago said under the national proposal being considered:
- Tenancy applicants would need to be given timely information about the database process;
- Certain kinds of listings that could be misread as negative would be disallowed;
- Events that constituted a breach justifying listing on such databases would have to be clearly identified;
- Tenancy breaches could only be listed once a tenancy agreement was over and tenants would be given the chance to review, correct or dispute a proposed listing;
- Tenants would be able to access and correct listings; and
- A finite, maximum period of display on a database would be defined for certain listings.
Ms Gago said a draft bill, along with a consultation package, had been released for public discussion and could be found on OCBA’s website at www.ocba.sa.gov.au.
She said submissions close on 11 December and anyone with queries about the proposals and submission process should contact OCBA on rtd@agd.sa.gov.au or on 8204 9816.
5 November, 2009
Schools learn lesson
from bushfires
New bushfire procedures for State schools and preschools in high risk fire areas have been unveiled, requiring threatened schools to close in days when the danger is highest.
Minister for Education Jane Lomax-Smith said the Government had been working with the Country Fire Service over the past three years to improve the bushfire safety of schools and preschools, including the provision of fire-fighting water and fire-hardened buildings.
She said all schools and preschools in bushfire-prone areas were required to have a Bushfire Survival Action Plan and to audit their bushfire preparedness ahead of the Fire Danger Season each year.
“However, the destruction of six schools and preschools in the 2009 Victorian bushfires has led to a re-think of the way we protect students and staff during catastrophic weather conditions,” Dr Lomax-Smith said.
“National work by the Australian Emergency Management Committee after the Victorian bushfires was followed in the development of these procedures.”
She said the CFS advised that fires that start on a catastrophic day, the highest category under the new fire-rating system, are highly likely to be fast moving and uncontrollable and therefore the Education Department had developed a policy that would see selected schools and preschools close on forecast catastrophic days.
Dr Lomax-Smith said school bus services travelling through the affected Fire Ban District would also be cancelled and that non-Government education authorities, and child care and family day care providers, would be advised to activate their Prepare. Act. Survive. procedures.
She said parents would be advised of school closures the day before forecast catastrophic weather conditions in particular Fire Ban Districts and would need to make alternative arrangements for their children.
The Minister said the new procedures for schools and preschools would apply from the start of the Fire Danger Season, which ranged from 1 November to 1 December 2009 (visit www.cfs.sa.gov.au).
She said the procedures would be reviewed at the end of the fire danger season and parents would have an opportunity to provide feedback.
For further information call the Education Department on 1800 088 158 or visit www.decs.sa.gov.au
5 November, 2009
Top class teachers in
excellence awards
Awards for teaching excellence have been presented by the Minister for Education, Julia Gillard, including one to a staff support worker at the Australian Technical College, Spencer Gulf & Outback .
On the eve of World Teachers Day, Ms Gillard presented 64 Australian teachers, Principals and school support staff with awards.
“Teacher quality is the single greatest in-school influence on student engagement and achievement,” she said.
“The Australian Awards for Teaching Excellence showcases the pivotal role teachers and school leaders play in delivering quality education to Australia’s young people.”
The honoured support worker with ATC, Lisa Brock, was recognised with a National Achievement Award for her commitment to better outcomes for young people.
In her role as Industry Officer, Ms Brock designed and implemented a highly successful strategy to attract unemployed youths back to school to complete their senior school certificate and move on into apprenticeships.
She worked with Government Agencies and training organisations to bring achieve her aims and won the support of multinational companies with hard work and passion.
According to the citation which accompanied her award, Mr Brock created rewarding employment outcomes for participants and made a significant contribution to the community.
Ms Gillard said the Government was investing $550 million in quality teaching and school leadership as part of the Education Revolution.
“The Smarter Schools National Partnership on Quality Teaching targets the critical points in the teacher lifecycle to ensure that we attract, train, place, develop and retain quality teachers and school leaders,” she said.
Other National Achievement awards went to:
- Melissa Gould-Drakeley of the Macarthur Anglican School in NSW (Teacher Leadership);
- Jane Dobson, Claremont College, Tasmania (Beginning Teacher);
- Andrew Syme, Scotch College, WA (Principal);
- Helen Brown, Majella Catholic Primary School, WA (School and its Community); and
- Tracey Anthony, Aranmore Catholic College, WA (Teacher).
The full list of winners and citations was available from www.teachingaustralia.edu.au
5 November, 2009
SA all set to weather
climate change storm
The Department for Environment and Heritage has confirmed that South Australia was leading the nation in planning for the impacts of climate change, particularly as it could face flooding and erosion caused by rising sea levels.
Acting Director of Coast, Marine and Heritage at DEH, Rob Tucker, said SA had had a comprehensive system in place since 1994 to ensure the predicted impacts of rising waters were taken into account before new developments could be built along the coast.
He said the strength of South Australia’s coastal governance model – through which the policies of the Coast Protection Board were integrated with each component of the State’s planning framework – was acknowledged in the Federal Government’s inquiry into climate change and environmental impacts on coastal communities.
“South Australia was the first Australian state to incorporate allowances for climate change into its planning and development assessment system,” Mr Tucker said.
He said DEH provided input into regional planning strategies and council development plans so the most current information about these climate change impacts was taken into account in the early stages of any development.
In addition, he said, most applications for development on coastal land must be referred to the Coast Protection Board for advice or direction before being approved by the relevant planning authority.
“It requires all new coastal developments to include sufficient protection to withstand 0.3m of sea level rise to the year 2050, and a further 0.7m of sea level rise to the year 2100, plus any local land subsidence, such as that taking place on the Le Fevre Peninsula in Adelaide,” Mr Tucker said.
He said DEH was continuously seeking to make improvements to the system and that one area they believed the process could be improved was by making more developments subject to the direction, rather than just the advice, of the Coast Protection Board.
Mr Tucker said the Department was also implementing the Adelaide Living Beaches strategy, which involved constructing a series of pipelines to recycle sand more effectively.
“Extra sand will be added to Adelaide’s beaches from external sources to counter the impacts of existing and future sea level rise along the metropolitan coast,” he said.
“Across the rest of the state, regional planning strategies, council development plans and coastal zones are being reviewed, mapping is taking place to identify hazard areas, and conservation assessments and action plans are being developed for various coastal regions.”
Mr Tucker said for more information about coastal management go to www.coasts.sa.gov.au
5 November, 2009
Violence program
tamed by award
A program being led by the Department of Correctional Services aimed at reducing violence in remote Aboriginal communities has received national recognition at the Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards.
The Remote Areas Program, led by the SA Department of Correctional Services, received a High Commendation at the Awards, which are sponsored by the heads of Australian Governments and the Ministerial Council for Police and Emergency Services.
Minister for Correctional Services, Tom Koutsantonis, said it was one of 140 entries this year and the recognition was well deserved for officers who worked hard to make a difference in the NPY Lands.
“I’m sure nothing could be as satisfying as seeing these participants turn their lives around,” Mr Koutsantonis said.
“And I am proud the program has been formally recognised.”
He said the Remote Areas Program was an initiative of the South Australian, West Australian and Northern Territory Governments, and was jointly funded by the Federal Government.
Mr Koutsantonis said staff employed by the SA Government travelled 95,000km a year to reach some of the most remote communities in central Australia.
He said participants receive 54 hours of counselling over a four-week period and that 136 men had successfully completed the Program since it began in early 2007.
“This is an intensive program which can produce dramatic results,” Mr Koutsantonis said.
“It teaches appropriate ways to avoid violence and helps to build self esteem.
“While many participants are ordered to attend by the courts, an increasing number of men are actually volunteering to take part.”
5 November, 2009
Tourist campaign
says stay at home
A new tourist campaign urging South Australians to holiday in their own State has been unveiled with television, radio, print, online and direct mail advertising including editorial support.
Minister for Tourism, Jane Lomax-Smith, said the Recharge Getaways campaign was part of the Government’s $7.8 million Australia-wide tourism marketing campaign.
“Thanks to strategic media and trade partnerships, that investment is delivering an innovative, attention-grabbing campaign worth $14.2 million,” Dr Lomax-Smith said.
“Our aggressive marketing push in the interstate markets is delivering excellent results, with research showing that for every dollar we have spent on marketing, interstate travellers have injected $8 in expenditure into the South Australian economy.”
She said the focus was now on getting locals to discover their own state.
“Our research has shown we need to provide South Australians with the inspiration to take a break in their own State by attracting their attention, reminding them they need to get away, and providing them with great offers, events and news about new tourism products,” she said.
“The Recharge Getaways campaign does all these things with a characteristic twist of South Australian humour, and its logo of an empty battery waiting to be recharged by holidaying in SA is going to be seen by South Australians many times across many different media during the next 12 months.”
The Minister said all elements of the campaign would push the message that it was time for South Australians to do themselves a favour and recharge in regional South Australia, which would boost local economies across the State.
“While South Australia acknowledges that the global economic climate is having an impact on tourism in Australia, we aren’t going to just accept it,” Dr Lomax-Smith said.
She said instead, the Government was seizing the opportunity presented by the trend all such economic circumstances encourage: “consumers looking to save money by travelling closer to home.”
5 November, 2009
Police line up for
Adelaide boost
A significant increase in policing resources in the Adelaide Central Business District has been announced by the Minister for Police, Michael Wright.
Mr Wright said the Police Commissioner had approved the changes following a thorough review into the way resources were allocated in the CBD by the SA Police and that the CBD would now be recognised as a separate policing district with an increased level of staff.
He said officers based at Grenfell Street Patrol Base and Hindley Street would now focus solely on the CBD and that the inner suburbs, such as North Adelaide, Kent Town, College Park and Hackney, would now be covered by patrols from Norwood.
“I am advised by the Police Commissioner, that next month, an additional 14 positions will be deployed to the CBD from the Government’s Recruit 400 strategy. Efforts are already underway to identify and secure senior patrol officers to take up these positions,” Mr Wright said.
“The extra officers along with roster changes and declaring the CBD as a separate policing precinct, means that police numbers will essentially double in the CBD on Friday and Saturday nights.”
The Minister said changes to rosters would see extra police on the beat during peak periods, such as Friday and Saturday night between midnight and 7.30am, and that a CIB response patrol would also be rostered to work a later shift, from 7.30pm to 4am, on those nights.
He said a patrol from Eastern Adelaide Traffic Section would work from 11pm to 7.30am on Friday and Saturday nights to focus on traffic related taskings within the CBD, while Eastern Adelaide LSA Tactical Teams, Bicycle patrols and other Southern Operation and Tactical resources would provide additional support.
Mr Wright said when the six-month trial was complete it would be evaluated and the optimum model would then be implemented.
5 November, 2009
Stormwater funding
no drop in the ocean
Plans to more than triple Adelaide’s stormwater capture have received a major boost with the Federal Government agreeing to allocate $65 million from its Water for the Future fund.
New projects to be funded by the scheme will see Adelaide’s stormwater harvest surge from 6 billion litres a year to 20 billion.
Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong, said the new investment would give South Australia the ability to further diversify its source of water through new and expanded aquifer storage and recovery schemes.
“In this era of extended drought and the emerging effects of climate change, we need to invest in alternative water supplies and make better use of the water we have available for our cities and towns,” Senator Wong said.
She said the call for stormwater recycling and reuse projects was part of the Federal Government’s $1 billion National Urban Water and Desalination Plan to help secure the water supplies of Australian cities.
“The response from South Australian communities to the special call for stormwater projects was stronger than in any other State, with nearly half the total number of applications coming from South Australia,” Senator Wong said.
“This demonstrates the admirable support of South Australians for new and innovative ways to secure our water supplies.”
Premier Mike Rann said South Australia’s State-wide water security plan, Water for Good, supported by stormwater research and sound business cases had been key to securing funding for eight stormwater projects across the metropolitan area.
“Successful stormwater harvesting is also about partnerships between Local Government, State Government, Commonwealth Government and the private sector,” Mr Rann said.
“The State Government has committed about $45 million to these projects and the cities of Charles Sturt, Onkaparinga, Salisbury and Playford, along with other partners have also committed substantial funding.”
The City of Unley was also successful in winning $2.558 million in funding for its 98 million litre Stormwater Harvesting and Reuse project, which was submitted to the Commonwealth separate from the State Government’s bid.
5 November, 2009
Worker training plan
is skiller of a deal
Up to 8,700 working South Australians will have the chance to improve their skills and qualifications this year under a program that provides training places for existing workers.
Minister for Employment, Training and Further Education, Michael O’Brien, said the Productivity Places Program for Existing Workers was being delivered this year through a $20 million Federal and State Government investment in partnership with industry.
He said it would provide 39,000 training places for existing workers across the State by mid-2012.
“The main beneficiaries of the industry-led program this year, which is administered by the State Government, include the building and construction, mining, engineering, defence, health, and business and finance sectors,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Only proposals demonstrating a strong partnership between training providers and employers have been recommended for funding.”
He said the new training places would lead to nationally-endorsed qualifications, including 2634 at Certificate III, 2326 at Certificate IV, 3057 for Diplomas and 729 for Advanced Diploma level.
“We’ve allocated funding allocations to target higher level and technical skills in industry sectors where skills shortages have been identified,” Mr O’Brien said.
“This also supports the aims of the Training and Skills Commission’s Five Year Plan for Skills and Workforce Development.”
He said 65 per cent of the allocated training places this year would be to up-skill existing workers to Certificate IV level and above, including 43 per cent at Diploma level and above.
Mr O’Brien said the 2009 program follows a successful pilot project in November last year when more than $14 million was allocated to South Australia to upgrade the skills and qualifications of workers through more than 6000 new training enrolments.
The Productivity Places Program is part of the Australian Government’s Skilling Australia for the Future initiative.
5 November, 2009
School leavers kitted
out with safety kit
Teachers preparing secondary school students to make the transition from school to work now have a new kit to assist in the process.
Presiding Member of the SafeWork SA Advisory Committee, Tom Phillips, said statistics show that young people were more likely to be injured at work and were often unfamiliar with workplace hazards and safety procedures, including their rights regarding working conditions.
“Inexperience and sometimes anxiety about job security often puts young workers at greater risk of harm in the workplace,” Mr Phillips said.
“Inexperience means they can’t identify a hazard, while insecurity leaves them afraid to speak up if they see a hazard.”
He said the Teachers Toolbox was aimed at addressing these issues, by helping teachers fill that knowledge gap before young people started work experience or part-time jobs.
Mr Phillips said the kit could be used either as a stand-alone resource or in conjunction with other planned lessons, and featured a range of materials to ensure young people are properly informed about their rights and responsibilities regarding their safety at work.
He said it was developed by SafeWork SA with the assistance of the Department of Education and Children’s Services’ Futures Connect Programme, and several experienced teachers were also consulted.
“This is a good example of a resource developed for teachers by teachers with tried and tested materials,” Mr Phillips said.
“Sections of the Toolbox have already been trialled in schools with good responses from the teachers and students involved in those sessions.”
He said the kit featured teaching notes, case studies, student activities and videos. He encouraged people wanting advice on workplace health and safety to call SafeWork SA’s Help Centre on 1300 365 255.
5 November, 2009
New taxation board
right on the money
A new national Tax Practitioners Board has been launched to replace the six State-based Tax Agents’ Boards.
The body will regulate the provision of tax agent services across Australia, including the new Business Activity Statement (BAS) agent services, from 2010.
Assistant Federal Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry said the Board was the next step towards implementing a national streamlined system to oversee all tax agents’ services.
“The tax agents’ services regime is a major piece of red-tape reducing national reform – it will see one, clear, straight-forward national regime put in place for the first time,” Senator Sherry said.
The chair of the Tax Practitioners Board will be former Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Government Solicitor’s Office and former partner and general counsel at Minter Ellison Lawyers, Dale Boucher.
The remaining members will be Matthew Addison, Cynthia Coleman, Professor Gordon Cooper, Roger Cotton, Chris Doogan, Michael Evans, George Fox, Miriam Holmes, Professor Dale Pinto and Russell Smith.
“This team of individuals brings with them a broad range of experience and qualifications,” Senator Sherry said.
“(They represent) all corners of the tax and BAS agent community, including current tax practitioners, representatives of the book-keeping industry and members of existing State-based boards.
“In addition, the Board is further enhanced by the inclusion of tax academics and legal professionals with extensive experience in management and in administrative law.”
He said the Board was launched following public consultation on the new tax agent services regime, including the release of the final Tax Agent Services Regulations.
“After 66 years of the current system, a new regime, more suited to Australia’s dynamic, modern commercial environment, is long overdue,” Senator Sherry said.
“With this new system, consumers can be sure tax agent services meet the appropriate professional and ethical standards.”
He said as a part of the new regime, tax and BAS agent customers would, for the first time, be protected by landmark safe-harbour provisions.
“This means a taxpayer will not be hit with a penalty for lodging late or misleading returns caused by the negligence of the tax agent – eliminating the need to take the agent to court for compensation,” Senator Sherry said.
Mr Boucher was appointed as chair in a full-time capacity and all other members were appointed in part-time capacities. All appointments are for renewable three year terms.
5 November, 2009
New action plan has
sights on Defence
A new action plan has been launched by the Minister for Employment, Training and Further Education, Michael O’Brien to assist Defence industry suppliers in South Australia secure a viable and productive workforce to support their future expansion plans.
Mr O’Brien said a key objective of the Defence Industry Workforce Action Plan was to establish a clear future direction for the industry.
He said the Government had secured around $44 billion worth of Defence projects over the past five years, and were committed to increasing the number of Defence jobs in South Australia to 28,000 by 2014.
“Significant new defence projects are driving industry growth, including the $8 billion Air Warfare Destroyer contract and the multi-billion dollar Collins class submarine assembly contract,” Mr O’Brien said.
He said it was critical to build a high-skill, high-tech and adaptable workforce to continue to build a reputation as the nation’s ‘Defence State’.
“Of course, this future growth also presents a number of challenges for the defence industry. Recent forecasts indicate increasing demand for workers with professional and technical skills and emerging demand for trade and high-level qualifications,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Ensuring the defence industry has sufficient numbers of highly skilled workers is critical to achieve the State Government’s target to double the defence industry’s economic contribution to $2 billion per annum by 2013,” Mr O’Brien said.
The Minister said the plan had four key strategies:
- Develop and sustain industry leadership and engagement in workforce planning and skills development
- Improve the industry’s ability to attract a highly skilled workforce
- Assist the defence industry to retain an adaptable and diverse workforce
- Develop and promote industry-led school to VET to higher education pathways
He said the Defence Teaming Centre would drive the plan’s implementation, which would be monitored by a reference group comprising Industry and Government representatives.
Mr O’Brien said the plan would be available on the Workforce Information Service website at www.workforceinfoservice.sa.gov.au
5 November, 2009
Restoring tuna ship
history is fin idea
A grant from the Australian National Maritime Museum has been announced to fund the digitisation of historic material associated with Port Lincoln’s iconic Tacomatuna clipper.
Museum curator David Payne said Tacoma was significant because it established the South Australian tuna fishing industry, but also because it reflected the ingenuity and perseverance of boat builders during that time.
Mr Payne said the grant of $3500, funded by the Maritime Museums of Australia Project Support Scheme (MMAPPS), would go towards the digitisation and archiving of 63 years of Tacoma’s written and photographic history.
He said the material currently sat in filing cabinets and plastic storage bins.
Mr Payne said the Tacoma started out as a purse seine (net) fishing boat in 1952, and it was its transformation to tuna pole fishing that facilitated catch sizes large enough to support an onshore cannery and the beginning of a viable industry in Port Lincoln.
However, he said, a decline in tuna fishing numbers around 1967 prompted the owners to convert the vessel to prawn fishing. Several more refits followed and in 1975 Tacoma became the first vessel in South Australia to undertake processing on board.
Mr Payne said to overcome local obstacles such as a lack of materials, the brothers Bill, Alan and Hugh Haldane built the 26.5m clipper from blue gum logs felled in the Otway forest of south-western Victoria. On the underside, they used Australian Jarrah.
He said after its retirement in 2003, the clipper was taken over by the Tacoma Preservation Society where it was currently being restored for charter work.
Mr Payne said more information was available on (02) 9298 3777 or at www.anmm.gov.au
5 November, 2009
Payrise for trainees
Government trainees were due to receive a pay rise and many allowances for Public Service Association members were to be increased by 2.297 per cent from the first full pay period on or after 1 October 2009.
The pay increases were the result of the State Wage decision, which also meant an increase award rate of pay for adults by $14 per week.
The Association said it was a successful outcome, advocated by the unions when compared with the Federal decision by the Fair Work Commission which maintained the minimum wage.
New job designs at DEH
The Department for Environment and Heritage is planning to implement new job designs based on outcome and competencies.
According to the Public Service Association the plan is to focus on supervisors and managers initially and then extend the scheme to other staff.
The PSA intends raising the proposal in discussion with DEH Human Resources and then report back to interested members.
School Principals sought
Applications are being called for two Principal positions at the Education Works schools being built in Blair Athol and Woodville Gardens.
Opening in Term 1, 2011, the new Birth to Year 7 School at Blair Athol will cater for up to 440 students and 45 childcare places, while the Birth to Year 7 School at Woodville Gardens will cater for 665 students and 45 childcare places.
Both the schools will incorporate a Children’s Centre offering health and family services.
To apply go to www.teachinginsa.sa.edu.au/jobsearch
Applications close 19 November and appointments commence in April 2010.
Fire fines higher
Tougher penalties will be handed out to anyone engaging in irresponsible behaviour that increases the risk or causes an outbreak of fire this Fire Danger Season.
The Government has nearly doubled the cost of fines in two categories for infringements relating to fires.
Previously these fines were determined by the nature of the offence, with the fee set at either $160 or $210 but now there will be a penalty of $315 for all categories, reinforcing the message of shared community responsibility in the prevention of bushfires.
Students learn to be rangers
DEH An education day hosted by the Department of Environment and Heritage has given local students the chance to see what it is like to be a park ranger.
Primary school students from Burra, Robertstown and Farrell Flat Schools were inducted as rangers and exposed to the work carried out by DEH rangers to protect parks and reserves, and were asked for ideas on how to resolve a range of environmental issues.
Guest speakers from the community provided knowledge on a range of environmental issues including mega fauna, vegetation, park management, birds and reptiles.
Kids’ program wins award
The Time For Kids Placement Program, which assists disadvantaged children and families, has won national recognition at the 2009 Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards.
The program provides respite care for children from disadvantaged homes by placing them with volunteer carers on a part-time basis, providing a break for their regular carers and strengthening the children’s support networks.
It aims to give children positive experiences and help them avoid falling into a life of crime, homelessness and dropping out of school.
Ombudsman advises on tax complaints
The Commonwealth Ombudsman has advised taxpayers not to despair if they run into problems with the Tax Office at tax time.
Commonwealth Ombudsman and Taxation Ombudsman, Professor John McMillan said the ATO would inevitably make some mistakes - especially given that it would have to process millions of tax returns.
Professor McMillan said complaints that could not be resolved with the ATO could be passed on to his office, with further information available from www.ombudsman.gov.au
Christmas stamps of approval
With only weeks until Christmas, Australia Post has released its traditional Christmas stamp series.
This year’s Christmas stamps will feature three themes: iconic figures from the Nativity, familiar symbols of the Christmas season and creatures from Christmas Island. Designed by Mike Heine, the Nativity issue features the Virgin Mary cradling her newborn son and the the three Wise Men offering gifts to the baby Jesus.
Other stamps feature Christmas candles, a Christmas tree, presents, Christmas baubles and bell, candy canes and the endemic Christmas Island Frigatebird.
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