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SearchArchives for October 2009
29 October, 2009
PS plan has more
care for carers
A plan that sets out the key priorities for Government Agencies to support and respond to the needs of carers over the next 12 months has been launched by the Minister for Ageing, Jennifer Rankine.
Ms Rankine said the first South Australian Carers Plan built on the SA Carers Recognition Act 2005, the Carers Charter and Carers Policy that affected all Departments and Agencies and continued the Government’s commitment to carers.
She said the new Plan sets out a vision and key priorities for the Department for Families and Communities to support and respond to carers in South Australia.
“A commitment by all stakeholders to work collaboratively in the development
of strong and responsive systems will be fundamental to the success of this Plan,” Ms Rankine said.
She said annual reporting requirements included in the legislation already demanded Government Agencies highlight their achievements in progressing the Act and Charter and the new Plan introduced ‘traffic light’ reporting which all Departments would be invited to adopt.
“It is our intention to increase our role in monitoring progress of agency reporting on how they are furthering the Carers Charter in their agencies,” the new Plan says.
The Plan sets out the seven principles contained in the SA Carers Charter as carers having choices in their caring role; the need to maintain their health and well-being; recognising the critical role carers play in the fabric of society; ensuring service providers work in partnership with them; giving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carers special consideration; ensuring the rights of young carers to enjoy life and reach their potential are met ; and providing assistance to them in a timely and appropriate way.
In addition to launching the Plan, Ms Rankine also opened the forum: Carers in the Workforce – a new age? at UniSA’s Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre.
She said caring had the potential to affect anyone’s life at any time.
“In South Australia alone, there are more than 222,000 carers,” Ms Rankine said.
“These can be young people looking after older people or parents looking after children.
“The need to care does not discriminate and often people find themselves thrust into a caring role while also maintaining some form of paid work.”
She said the forum discussed recent developments in national and State legislation that supports carers in the workplace and protects them from discrimination.
Ms Rankine said that according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Profile of Carers 2008, 38 per cent of people who had left the workforce to take on or increase a carers role said they had done so because alternative care was either not available or was too expensive or that they were unable to alter their work arrangements.
29 October, 2009
Safety watchdog pins
hopes on workplaces
Constant changes in the profile of the South Australian workforce mean there is an ongoing need to highlight the importance of safety in the workplace according to the Minister for Industrial Relations, Paul Caica.
With Safe Work Week finishing this Saturday, Mr Caica said it was critical to continue to reinforce the message of safety in the work place, particularly to new members of the South Australian workforce or those changing jobs.
“We want all members of our workforce to come home from work safely,” the Minister said.
“And to that end, we want to ensure they are informed and reminded of what their rights and responsibilities are in keeping safe at work, and about practical ways to achieve that.”
Mr Caica said the Government’s SafeWork SA undertook a range of initiatives to raise awareness and educate about workplace safety from information at events, such as Safe Work Month, to the workplace visits inspectors conduct every year.
He said that throughout this week there would be more than 100 free workshops presented on a variety of workplaces safety issues across the metropolitan area, following similar work shops earlier in the month in other regions.
He said the workshops would include looking at managing shift work fatigue, a mock Industrial Court Trial, calculating the costs and benefits of workplace safety and the first annual Research Forum for Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare.
Mr Caica said more details on Safe Work Week, including the annual Work Safe Awards on Friday night, are available at www.safework.sa.gov.au
According to Chair of the Safe Work Australia Council, Tom Phillips, more than 260 Australians died as a result of work-related injuries and more than 135,000 were seriously injured every year.
He said Safe Work Week offered an opportunity for all Australians to get involved in making workplaces across the country as safe as possible to help reduce injury, death and disease.
Mr Phillips said the Week was an ideal time to become involved in the development of Australia’s new national OHS laws which were open for public comment until 9 November.
29 October, 2009
Induction course is
SAES inducement
The Public Sector Performance Commission has introduced an induction course for the South Australian Executive Service (SAES).
Developed to ensure that high performance is at the forefront of activity in the SA public sector, the first five-day induction program is planned to be run from 30 November to 4 December.
According to the SAES website, the course will give relatively new executives the essential information they need to operate effectively at the SAES 1 level.
It says the program will include guidance and information on dealing with some of the more challenging aspects of the executive levels, such as understanding the legislative framework of the public sector; financial management roles and the budget process; operating in crises; working with Ministers and their staff; and, interacting with the Commonwealth.
The course will also encourage executives to reflect on their skills, and construct a plan for further development, as well as be an opportunity to create cross-Government networks with others new to the executive level.
The website says participants will benefit from briefings and high-level discussions on key strategic issues facing South Australia.
Sessions will be presented by experienced leaders, Ministers, Chief Executives and other highly regarded experts, including Premier Mike Rann.
An overview of the program is available on the SAES website www.saes.sa.gov.au or contact the Public Sector Performance Commission on 8204 9981.
29 October, 2009
Climate change to
cloud HR practices
A researcher with the University of SA’s Centre for Human Resource Management has warned that the challenges of responding to climate change could create a ‘whole new ball game’ for the State’s Human Resource practitioners.
UniSA’s Dr Gerry Treuren said evidence of the damage resulting from climate change was accumulating and businesses were feeling the pressure to adopt environmentally friendly workplace practices, which could create four distinct types of skill shortages.
“First, there will be an enormous demand for research and development of environmentally friendly technologies,” Dr Treuren said.
“The world will need a generation of scientists, engineers, policy makers and managers trained to find better ways of doing things: processing and using coal in cleaner ways, harvesting solar and geothermal energy, and developing sustainable agriculture.”
Secondly, he said, organisations and businesses will start the process of dismantling old, inefficient technologies and replacing them with new, environmentally-friendly approaches, meaning business will need people with the right knowledge to implement and maintain these new practices.
“Third, Australia’s expertise in some areas of climate-change management, such as renewable energy research and water management will be in great demand globally.
“This will increase international competition for our climate change-savvy Australian workers – a workforce already too few in number to meet local needs.”
Dr Treuren said these three shortages needed to be faced by the Government, business and education sectors working together to develop knowledge and skills needed for the future.
He said the fourth type of skill shortage would be in HR expertise in the management of organisational change and workforce retention.
Dr Treuren said he would discuss the HR challenges of climate change at the Australian Human Resource Institute’s Young Professionals Forum on 4 November.
More information was available from www.unisa.edu.au/chrm
29 October, 2009
Innovation award
is fresh approach
An international awards program has been launched for Public Service innovation.
The Commonwealth Association for Public Administration and Management (CAPAM) said the 2010 CAPAM International Innovations Awards would recognise innovation, programs and initiatives that worked towards making the PS more effective and responsive.
The theme of the 2010 Awards is ‘cultivating innovation for the Public Service of the future’.
The Awards include four categories:
- Innovations in Public Service Management and Accountability;
- Innovations in Government Services and Programs;
- Innovations in Citizen Engagement and Dialogue; and
- Innovative Use of Technology in the Public Service.
In addition, one gold medal will be awarded to the innovation that best encapsulates and demonstrates excellence under the overall awards theme.
“Progress of any kind begins with innovators who challenge the status quo and continuously seek to change reality for the better,” CAPAM said in a statement.
“Establishing change, especially in large organisations like the Public Service, requires tact to overcome the inertia of complacency, tenacity to learn from inevitable setbacks, and commitment to sustain the task of bringing new concepts into reality.”
CAPAM said the Awards celebrated the spirit of innovation in the Public Service by recognising those who have made significant contributions to improving governance and services.
“In so doing, the Award hopes to inspire and encourage innovators to improve Public Service governance, and the quality of life of citizens, communities and nations.”
The Awards will be judged by an international panel of Public Service professionals representing at least 10 different Commonwealth countries, including Chief Information Officer of Australia’s Centrelink, John Wadeson.
Submissions close on 31 March 2010 and further information, guidelines and application forms were available from www.capam.org.au
29 October, 2009
Temporary school
staff to be kept in
Almost 450 temporary School Services Officers and Early Childhood Workers have been offered permanent positions in the State’s education system as part of a plan to retain skilled workers.
Minister for Education Jane Lomax-Smith said the move recognised the skills and contributions of the 446 officers and workers who would be made permanent.
“We recognise the enormous value our SSOs and ECWs offer to schools and preschools and this initiative benefits these employees and their school or preschool communities,” Dr Lomax-Smith said. “It also provides continuity for school and preschool communities.”
Dr Lomax-Smith said work would continue to find more opportunities for permanency, adding to the 2,800 South Australians working in schools and preschools who had won permanent jobs.
She said the latest round of permanent appointments included 12 Aboriginal SSOs and ECWs, which was part of the Government’s commitment to the recruitment of Indigenous people to the public sector.
Minister for Early Childhood Development and Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, Jay Weatherill, said the announcement recognised the important role of early childhood workers.
“Permanency makes jobs in our schools a more secure career choice and brings greater stability to school communities,” Mr Weatherill said.
“The State Government also places strong emphasis on providing job opportunities for Aboriginal people, which is supported by this initiative.”
29 October, 2009
Bushfire Minister
in heated warning
Worrying figures that reveal up to two thirds of homeowners in high-risk bushfire areas have yet to prepare their properties for the bushfire season has prompted the Minister for Emergency Services to issue an angry warning.
The Minister, Michael Wright, said by not doing the right thing and preparing for the hot months ahead, the homeowners could be threatening the lives of 15,000 Country Fire Service volunteers.
Mr Wright said it was “inconceivable” that many people had yet to clear vegetation from around their homes and create a defendable space.
He urged South Australians to act now and take the time to prepare prior to the start of the fire danger season.
“The idea behind Bushfire Awareness Week is to remind people of the dangers of a bushfire and to arm them with the knowledge and motivation to prepare, take action and survive a bushfire,” Mr Wright said.
Chief Officer of the Country Fire Service, Euan Ferguson, said there were five key elements to domestic bushfire safety people should consider and plan for.
“The first is to have a bushfire survival plan and to rehearse it with your family,” Mr Ferguson said.
“The second is a defendable space – it is important to remember that fires burn fuel and you need to have at least a 20m defendable space around your property where fine fuel is removed.”
He said people also needed to ensure their home was properly constructed and prepared and those planning to stay needed to be able to physically and mentally cope when a bushfire approached, as well as have adequate fire fighting equipment and protective clothing.
“Lastly, people should be prepared with adequate fire fighting equipment and protective clothing.”
President of the CFS Volunteers, Ken Schutz, said while the CFS was well trained and well equipped, many volunteers were frustrated when they came across properties that were potential death traps.
“If owners don’t take some responsibility to try and prepare their property then why should we put ourselves at risk to try and defend it?” Mr Schutz said.
He said more information on being bush fire ready could be found www.cfs.sa.gov.au
29 October, 2009
Ambulance fleet is
fleetest in country
A report from the peak body of ambulance service providers in the South Pacific Region has found South Australia’s paramedics and ambulance officers to be the quickest in responding to emergency calls.
SA Ambulance Service attended 90 per cent of life-threatening cases in 14.2 minutes, or under in urban areas, after a call was received, according to the report by the Council of Ambulance Authorities.
Minister for Health John Hill said the Service was the only one in the country to meet the national response time guidelines set by the Council, which was to reach 90 per cent of life-threatening emergencies in 15 minutes or under.
“In a medical emergency every second counts, so our ambos deserve our praise and gratitude for their dedication to the community 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,” Mr Hill said.
He said when comparing response times from the moment the ambulance crew actually starts their journey to an emergency, SA ambos were also the best in the country.
The report showed that in urban areas, SAAS ambulance staff responded within 6.5 minutes 50 per cent of the time, and 10.7 minutes 90 per cent of the time.
According to the Chief Executive Officer of SA Ambulance Service, Ray Creen, the Service answers an emergency call every four minutes.
“Demand for ambulance services increases every year, but our staff always rise to the challenge,” he said.
SA Ambulance Service won seven out of 16 national awards, including recognition for new ambulance programs, such as extended care paramedics and bicycle paramedics.
29 October, 2009
Consumers warned on
bunker bunkum
Home and property owners considering buying a bushfire bunker have been warned to examine the claims made about their effectiveness very carefully.
Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gail Gago, said the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission was investigating web-based claims by three traders that their fire bunkers meet an Australian Standard for the product.
“This type of claim is misleading because there is no formal Australian Standard in place when it comes to fire bunkers,” Ms Gago said.
“While the Australian Building Codes Board is currently working on a national standard for the design and construction of bushfire bunkers for domestic use, there is not yet any recognised standard in place.”
She said the SA Government’s Office of Consumer and Business Affairs had not, to date, received complaints about these sorts of claims being made to South Australian consumers.
However, she said, a Cautionary Note had been prepared by the Government to encourage people to consider a number of complex issues and to seek professional advice.
According to Ms Gago the Cautionary Note – Bunkers and Shelters can be accessed from the Department of Planning and Local Government website on www.dplg.sa.gov.au and hard copies would soon be available from local Council offices.
Chief Officer of the Country Fire Service, Euan Ferguson, shared the Minister’s concerns, saying some people may rush into buying bushfire bunkers without thoroughly exploring their options.
“People really need to seek out their own expert advice and make sure that when it comes to bushfire management they don’t put all their eggs in one basket,” Mr Ferguson said.
“There’s no substitute for other preventative measures, such as vegetation management, clean gutters and water storage.”
Ms Gago said any consumer queries about representations being made about bunkers should be directed to the Office of Business and Consumer Affairs on 8204 9777 or 131 882 for country callers.
29 October, 2009
Nature in frame for
photo competition
The Department for Environment and Heritage has launched its inaugural ‘Art of Nature’ photographic competition.
Chief executive of the Department, Allan Holmes, said it was a great opportunity for the community to capture South Australia’s natural beauty as well as win themselves some fantastic prizes.
“South Australians are lucky to have a rich and diverse natural environment in their very own backyard,” he said.
“Everything from our rugged coastlines and sweeping landscapes to our unique plants and animals form the basis of the lifestyle we love so much.
“We’re looking for photos that celebrate these natural landscapes, seascapes and native plants and animals.”
Mr Holmes said entrants did not have to be professional photographers and that all entries would be displayed on an online gallery at www.artofnature.sa.gov.au where the public could vote for their favourite.
He said that the 12 highest-ranking photos would feature in a 2010 Art of Nature calendar, with the photo that received the highest votes winning a prize package worth $2,026, including a Digital SLR camera, and the 11 runner-ups would win prizes to the value of $245.
The Minister said entries close 13 November and voting was open until 15 November, and that just by voting people could win a prize.
“If you’re not comfortable behind the lens, you can still go into the running for a prize,” Mr Holmes said.
“Just by voting for your favourite photo, you could win a two-course dinner for two people at celebrity chef Simon Bryant’s restaurant The Brasserie, plus a copy of the 2010 Art of Nature calendar.”
29 October, 2009
Bushfire hotline
lives up to name
A special half-day bushfire hotline was pressed into action last week to assist residents in bushfire-prone areas obtain the best advice and guidance on how to prepare for and protect themselves against a bushfire in the coming season.
Minister for Emergency Services, Michael Wright, said the Bushfire Information Hotline was made available so people could have all their questions answered about preparing for this year’s bushfire season.
“We wanted to have a dedicated day when people, no matter how major or minor their query might be, can find out what they need to do to protect their family and property this summer,” Mr Wright said.
“The hotline [enabled] those who live, work or travel through bushfire-prone areas to quiz CFS experts about such things as what the appropriate actions are for the revised fire danger ratings of catastrophic (code red), extreme and severe; changes to the rules about managing native vegetation for bushfire prevention purposes; and other preparations they can make around the home.”
He said bushfires strike indiscriminately and sometimes in areas where there has not been a fire for many years or ever before, so it was important that people were armed with the right information.
Mr Wright said for more information on how to Prepare. Act. Survive the fire danger season, including preparing a Bushfire Survival Plan, people could visit the SA CFS website www.cfs.sa.gov.au
29 October, 2009
Police scanner to
smoke out arsonists
High-tech surveillance patrols that can scan vehicle number plates and record their location and time are to be used in Operation Nomad this bushfire season to ‘zoom-in’ on potential arsonists.
Minister for Police and Emergency Service, Michael Wright, said four vehicles would each be equipped with three Automatic Number plate Recognition cameras, two facing forward and one with the ability to scan registration plates of parked vehicles.
“ANPR cameras detect and record the location of a vehicle at an exact time, can scan a high volume of registration plates, and work in all weather conditions day or night,” Mr Wright said.
“We’ve all witnessed the overwhelming success of Operation Nomad,” Mr Wright said, “which has been running for the past 19 years, but in recent times has been ramped up in the Adelaide Hills.”
He said last fire season in South Australia, officers reported or arrested 166 people, capturing the attention of interstate counterparts and law enforcement authorities overseas, which expressed a keen interest in the scheme.
“With such technology at the disposal of these dedicated patrols, the success of this anti-arsonist taskforce will be bolstered and the net will only tighten for these would-be firebugs,” he said.
According to the Minister, details of people who are known arsonists or suspected arsonists are uploaded to the car’s computer and, as a license plate is read, the image is displayed on an LCD screen visible to police officers and an audible tone alerts officers if a number plate matches a vehicle of interest.
In previous bushfire seasons, Mr Wright said SAPOL had only had the use of two tripod-mounted ANPR cameras to monitor vehicle activity in and around high-risk bushfire areas during days of extreme fire danger.
He said the police force was now working with the retail sector to provide the buyers of power tools or associated hardware with information at the point-of-sale about possible fire risks, and on days of Total Fire Bans, up to 90 Operation Nomad patrols would be out in force to help prevent deliberately lit fires.
29 October, 2009
Rebuilding deal puts
old house in order
The former Governor’s residence at Marble Hill is to be restored and opened to the public in a multi-million dollar agreement between the Government and the property’s new owners which was finalised last week.
Minister for Environment and Conservation, Jay Weatherill, said the deal would ensure the site’s heritage values were protected.
“[New owners] Patricia Bishop and Edwin Michell have enormous passion for heritage and their restoration plans include a museum featuring the history of the property and its part in the State’s history,” Mr Weatherill said.
“They have committed to a reconstruction that will ensure the site is restored as close as possible to its original condition.
“This is a great example of private owners working with the State Government to protect and conserve our State’s heritage.”
Marble Hill was the summer residence of South Australian Governors from 1879 until it was largely destroyed by bushfires in 1955, and since then has remained a ruin.
The Minister said it was entered on the South Australian Heritage Register in 1980 and protected by the Heritage Places Act 1993.
He said a Heads of Agreement was signed last year, which authorised the sale of the property and summarised future management and development of the area, and that a key condition of the sale was that future public access to the site was guaranteed.
Mr Weatherill said the sale of Marble Hill was at market value determined by an independent valuer and reconstruction would start once the new owners had gained development approval from Adelaide Hills Council.
He said the first of two open days under the new ownership was last week, with the second to take place on 28 November, when there would be about 30 stalls highlighting the food and wines of the Adelaide Hills.
The Minister said information about the open days was available by contacting the East Torrens Historical Society on 83903390 or www.eths.ws
29 October, 2009
Asbestos law change
a breath of fresh air
Amendments to the Dust Diseases Regulations are to be made to give the sufferers of asbestos-related diseases a better chance of claiming damages.
Premier, Mike Rann, said the amendments would move the date of claim back, from 1971 to 1960, meaning workers employed by a business that had more than 20 employees and who were involved in asbestos-related work in the 1960s would not have to prove that their employee had an awareness of the dangers of asbestos.
“We will also move to amend the relevant date of occupier’s liability - those who operated industrial premises at which any asbestos procedures were carried out - from 1990 to 1976,” Mr Rann said.
“These changes underscore the Government’s commitment to doing what’s right.
“We are doing this to put the public interest ahead of sectional concerns.”
Attorney-General, Michael Atkinson said he expected changes to the regulations of the Dust Diseases Act 2005 to be made in the coming week.
He said the original date of 1 January 1979 was settled on because it was in 1978 that James Hardie began to put health warnings on all its commercial asbestos products.
Mr Atkinson said that in March last year when the State Government had settled on 1 July 1971 as a more appropriate date, he released a Discussion Paper canvassing further amendments to the legislation by fixing earlier dates for the Regulations.
“As a result of submissions to the paper and further investigation by my office, the Government believes 1 January 1960 is the more appropriate date,” Mr Atkinson said.
He said the change of date affects the design of objects or products containing asbestos; sale or supply of effected products by a person other than the manufacturer; installation of such products; and, use of products containing asbestos by a person other than the manufacturer.
29 October, 2009
Students line up for
trade school places
The Trade Schools for the Future program has passed an important milestone this year with the number of school students signing up to take on a trade school apprenticeship hitting 500.
Minister for Education, Jane Lomax-Smith, said more than 1,140 high school students were currently undertaking a high-level apprenticeship through one of the State’s 10 Trade Schools for the Future.
Dr Lomax-Smith recently opened new facilities for the Northern Adelaide Trade School for the Future at Parafield Gardens High School.
She said a $618,000 investment had created new facilities to support the trade school’s focus on engineering, electro technology electronics and electrical industries, and that the Federal Government was investing a further $500,000 to redevelop facilities that support the trade school’s additional focus on advanced manufacturing and metals industries.
“Our $29.8 million trade schools initiative has been an amazing success and is helping to give high school students the skills needed for jobs in growth industries, such as defence and mining,” the Minister said.
“Trade school students get the best of both worlds. They learn practical works skills while completing the South Australian Certificate of Education.”
Dr Lomax-Smith said Trade Schools for the Future across the State were undergoing a series of upgrades as part of an $11.5 million investment, building even stronger links between students, schools and industry.
“The refurbishment at Parafield Gardens High School will give students in the region access to high-tech facilities and equipment,” she said.
“Students will learn skills in engineering, electro-technology, electronics and electrical industries including robotics, milling and CAD (computer aided design.)
She said they would also have access to video conferencing facilities to link with lectures, online TAFE courses and share their work electronically.
29 October, 2009
Community cashes in
on funding plan
Community groups and individuals affected by the State’s largest redevelopment at Playford in Adelaide’s northern suburbs are being encouraged to contribute ideas to the million-dollar Playford Alive Community Development Fund.
Minister for Northern Suburbs, Jennifer Rankine, said submissions were now open for the Playford Alive Initiatives Fund, which would receive 1 per cent of the price of sales from land sold in the greenfields and urban renewal area over the 15-year life of the project.
“The aim of the fund is to encourage community groups and not-for-profit organisations to apply for grants or sponsorship to help sustain or develop local community projects and activities,” Ms Rankine said.
“What we know about the people in this area is they have a deep commitment to their suburbs and I’m thrilled this money is available to make the regeneration project even better.”
Ms Rankine said applications were particularly encouraged for initiatives, projects, events or activities that supported and strengthened community groups; supported and encouraged volunteers; promoted participation in community life, arts or culture; promoted healthy lifestyles; encouraged partnerships to build safe communities; and supported learning opportunities that met local community needs.
She also encouraged applications for initiatives that promoted a positive image of the Playford Alive project or supported the creation of local employment opportunities.
The Minister said a key principle of the fund was that each applicant was required to provide some form of matching funding towards their submitted project, whether as in-kind support, such as a volunteer contribution, financial contribution or professional services.
She said the first round of submissions would be accepted until 20 November 2009 with a further call for submissions in mid-2010.
Ms Rankine said application packs could be obtained from the Executive Officer – Playford Alive Initiatives Fund, Ian Lamb, at the Playford Operations Centre, 12 Bishopstone Road, Davoren Park, SA 5113, by phone on 8256 0419; or email ilamb@playford.sa.gov.au
29 October, 2009
Portraits face up
to online gallery
The National Portrait Gallery in Canberra has launched a new exhibition in the online virtual world, Second Life.
The Gallery’s Online Manager and curator of the exhibition, Gillian Raymond said the exhibition entitled doppelgänger would run until 23 March 2010 on the purpose-built Portrait Island within Second Life.
Ms Raymond said the exhibition explored portraiture through the use of digital representations of identity.
“doppelgänger is a radical move away from traditional concepts of portraiture,” she said.
“The National Portrait Gallery is committed to exploring concepts of identity and portraiture that are not limited to the physical realm and doppelgänger is an extension of this philosophy.”
The exhibition features the work of a number of artists: Gazira Babeli (Italy), Andrew Burrell (Sydney), Cao Fei (China), Patrick Lichty (USA) and Adam Nash, Christopher Dodds and Justin Clemens (Melbourne).
“At the heart of the exhibition is the sometimes fearful, societal fascination with the concepts of cloning, avatars and alter egos,” Ms Raymond said.
“Exploring the unique qualities presented by Second Life, the participating artists in doppelgänger have analysed notions of portraiture and identity in their digital artworks.”
Second Life is a downloadable 3D environment on the Internet and allows users to create an avatar, a 3D digital version of themselves.
“Once you have built your avatar you can visit the National Portrait Gallery’s Portrait Island to view the artworks and communicate with other ‘residents’ (real people from all over the world) who are online at any given time,” Ms Raymond said.
“Multimedia interpretations of these works are also available for viewing in exhibition spaces at the National Portrait Gallery, Canberra.”
It is the second exhibition staged by the National Portrait Gallery in an online environment, the first being Animated in 2007.
The exhibition could be visited at www.portrait.gov.au
29 October, 2009
Hospitals bring holidays into line
Holiday breaks over Christmas and New Year will be longer this year and the Royal Adelaide Hospital, the Women’s and Children’s Hospital and the Lyell McEwin will be brought into line with other States in Australia.
Minister for Health, John Hill, said non-urgent surgery and some outpatient clinics would be reduced, while staff who’d like to take a longer break would be allowed to do so. He said all emergency surgery and outpatient services would still be offered across all hospitals during this period.
Street numbers for bush
A joint State and local Government initiative is aimed to provide all occupied rural properties with a nationally consistent numbered address.
Rural Property Addressing, which will provide a distance-based road number, will assist emergency services and other service providers to find homes and businesses.
A rural property address consists of the distance based road number, road name and locality and postcode. In a staged roll-out until 2011, about 55,000 properties will be issued with an address and information on roadside signage.
Crime rate topples
Official Police figures have revealed a drop in crime in the 2008-09 compared to the year before.
Premier, Mike Rann, said police statistics showed an 8 per cent reduction in crime rates which meant there were 12,000 fewer offences against a person or property during the reporting period.
He said the numbers per 100,000 of population saw violent crime down 32.2 per cent and property crime down 43.4 per cent since 2002.
He said recruiting an extra 500 police officers was paying dividends.
Glenside on stream earlier
A new mental health and substance abuse hospital in Glenside will open in July 2012, 18 months earlier than planned.
Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Jane Lomax-Smith, said building would start next year on the $130 million, 129-bed hospital.
Dr Lomax-Smith said the hospital, originally due to open in January 2014, would have bedrooms arranged around a private landscaped courtyard; a central shared hospital garden and 9ha of publicly accessible open space.
New wharf opens
HMAS Parramatta was the first naval vessel to dock at SA Government’s new wharf at Techport Australia.
The 213m-long wharf is a key part of the Government’s new state-of-the-art facilities being built at Outer Harbor to help build a new defence shipbuilding and maintenance industry.
Premier Mike Rann said the Government made the decision to invest more than $300 million in Techport Australia to assist the construction of the $8 billion Air Warfare Destroyer contract – the largest contract ever let by the Australian Government.
22 October, 2009
Red letter day for
fire rating scheme
A new fire danger rating system is to be introduced into South Australia in readiness for the coming bushfire season.
Minister for Emergency Services, Michael Wright said the six-tier system, which will be introduced nationally for the 2009-10 bushfire season, would provide people in bushfire prone areas with clear direction on the safest options for surviving a bushfire.
The advice will be given in advance depending on the fire danger rating for a particular day.
“People who live, work or travel through bushfire prone areas need to make a plan for what they’ll do for each category,” Mr Wright said.
He said t he highest fire danger ratings are severe, extreme and catastrophic and c onditions, such as those that occurred during the Wangary Bushfires near Port Lincoln in 2005, would attract the highest rating of catastrophic (code red).
“With this fire danger rating, the call for action will be for people to leave, either on the previous night or as early as possible in the morning,” Mr Wright said.
“If a fire starts on a day of catastrophic conditions, there is a very high likelihood that people in the path of a fire will die or be injured, thousands of homes and business will be destroyed and well constructed and prepared homes may not be safe.”
He said t he new fire danger rating system would be provided by South Australia’s Country Fire Service but the Service’s Chief Officer Euan Ferguson said the fire danger index, which the Bureau of Meteorology issued, would remain crucial.
During the fire season, the Bureau will release the fire danger index daily after considering the predicted weather, including the temperature, relative humidity and wind speed, and the dryness of the vegetation.
Mr Wright said m ore information on fire danger ratings was available on the CFS website www.cfs.sa.gov.au
22 October, 2009
Fire campaign puts
heat on safety
An advertising and education campaign aimed at motivating South Australians to prepare for the coming bushfire season has been announced by the Minister for Emergency Services, Michael Wright.
Mr Wright said the Prepare. Act. Survive campaign would be one of a range of measures the Government will introduce to boost community awareness about bushfires and encourage people to prepare adequately.
“The advertising campaign is aimed at raising general awareness,” Mr Wright said, “ and additional resources will be dedicated to face-to-face education and helping shape the behavioural change we need to see if people are to survive major bushfires.”
“With the additional resources, we also aim to increase the number of community fire safe groups by 20 per cent by the end of this coming fire season.”
He said p eople should be under no illusions that the potential for a dangerous and life threatening bushfire was very real and the extra funding would be vital in helping to get the message across.
Mr Wright said t he Prepare.Act.Survive campaign was part of a $5.2 million program being run by the Government to help South Australians prepare for the coming bushfire season.
He said the m ajor initiatives of the program were:
- $2.2 million for the television, radio and print campaign
- E ight more community educators
- A bushfire ready DVD for residents in bushfire prone areas
- U pdating the bushfire survival plan and other bushfire safety publications, including translating some materials into other languages
Mr Wright said funding would also be available to enhance the exposure of the CFS on the internet and for community projects such as planning the development of community fire refuges and introducing programs with key groups, such as schools, to promote neighbourhood readiness.
22 October, 2009
Uni taskforce to
steer new course
A taskforce of university and educational leaders has been set up to ensure South Australian schools have adequate numbers of high quality teachers into the future.
Minister for Education , Jane Lomax-Smith said the teacher education taskforce would be a key element in a longer term teacher workforce strategy now under development and would look at the preparation of new teachers, supply and demand of teachers and attracting skilled professionals to the industry.
“The average age of the teaching workforce is increasing and we need to ensure there is a longer term strategy in place to ensure we can continue to fill jobs in public and private schools,” Dr Lomax-Smith said.
“We also need to look at new ways to ensure we have enough teachers for specialist subjects such as languages, mathematics, science and physical education.”
She said attracting a high quality teaching workforce was also a priority and would be achieved by giving student teachers the best prospects of success through their formal university training and mentoring from experienced teachers.
She said t he taskforce would identify factors that help students choose a career in teaching; develop strategies for the sectors to work together to attract and retain high quality people to the teaching profession; and develop and improve the preparation of new teachers for classroom practice.
Chief Executive of the Department of Education and Children’s Services, Chris Robinson will chair the taskforce, which comprises senior representatives from the Catholic and Independent education sectors, as well as the Deans of Education from University of Adelaide, Flinders University and the University of South Australia.
Dr Lomax-Smith said t he taskforce will provide regular recommendations to university vice-chancellors and education sector heads.
She said it was the latest initiative introduced to attract and retain teachers in South Australian schools.
Others included country teaching scholarships, the C-Change program aimed at attracting science and maths teachers to rural and remote schools, and targeted graduate recruitment schemes.
22 October, 2009
Referendum loss is
union vote winner
The Public Service Association is claiming victory in its campaign to save the Legislative Council in its present form.
The Government has announced that a planned referendum on the future role of the Council had been shelved following its rejection by the Council.
In a statement on its website, the PSA said its campaign against the change, including the DVD It’s Your House, Don’t Let Anyone Take it Away, had played a major part in saving the Council from reform.
“The PSA does not oppose reform of Parliament or its processes,” the statement said, “but it must be done for the right reasons.”
“The proposal, as tabled by the Government in State Parliament recently, was an attempt to disguise party political advantage as reform.”
It said both Houses of Parliament had important, but different roles to play and if change is to occur it must follow genuine informed debate about all relevant issues.
It said its DVD was “instrumental in educating the community on the important role that the Legislative Council plays in our democracy. It is the House of Review.”
The PSA said the importance of the Legislative Council was made clear during recent moves to reform the Public Service.
“The Legislative Council demonstrated its independence and effectiveness during the Public Sector Bill debate,” the PSA said.
“Without the Upper House, the Bill would have become law without any amendments, to PSA members’ detriment.”
It said it was “imperative” that the Upper House continuesto remain a genuine House of Review.
Attorney-General, Michael Atkinson, said the members of the Legislative Council who defeated the Government’s plan had voted for their own interests ahead of the community’s.
“Those who voted against this Bill thought about their own necks,” he said.
The PSA said defeat of the Referendum had saved taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars which could now be used to provide improved services to South Australian families.
22 October, 2009
Workplace watchdog
unleashes report
The first annual report of the State’s independent O mbudsman for I njured W orkers and their E mployers has been tabled in Parliament, the Minister for Industrial Relations saying it showed the O ffice was playing a “highly valuable role in the workers’ compensation system.”
The Minister, Paul Caica, said the Office, which was created in July last year as part of a major package of legislative reforms to the State’s workers’ compensation scheme, not only provided injured workers and their employers with an impartial source of information but played a crucial role in reviewing certain WorkCover scheme decision.
The annual report revealed that a number of decisions by case managers could have been improved.
It said t he Ombudsman decided to formally review 137 of the decisions to cease weekly compensation payments to workers, out of a total of 1,300 such decisions made over the year.
Of those, 53 were suspended on the basis that the decision was not in a reasonably open manner, with payments then being reinstated; and an additional 31 matters were withdrawn because the compensating authority reversed its decision prior to being formally considered.
Mr Caica said t he WorkCover Ombudsman also made several recommendations for scheme change, of which a number will be considered as part of a review of WorkCover regulations.
He said that in terms of recommendations made by the Ombudsma n in relation to the investigation of complaints “ WorkCover has been ‘very responsive’ to his feedback and has implemented the recommended changes.”
“I am also pleased to note that the Ombudsman reports that he has made over 50 recommendations relating to the delivery of claims and rehabilitation services to stakeholders, and that these non-enforceable recommendations have already been adopted in all but two instances” Mr Caica said.
22 October, 2009
Timetable website
clocks up the hits
The Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure reported more than 1.4 million hits on Adelaide Metro’s website in the week following the recent release of new timetables.
Acting Executive Director of Public Transport at DTEI, Kevin O’Callaghan said the new timetables were designed to ensure Adelaide Metro services were where they were needed most at a time they were needed most, and it was great to see so many passengers accessing the website for information.
“It’s really important to familiarise yourself with the new timetables so you’re armed and ready for any changes to your journey,” Mr O’Callaghan said.
“I would strongly urge everyone to check if their timetable has changed by either logging on to the Adelaide Metro website, calling the info line or visiting the info centre as soon as they can.”
He said t he service changes were launched at the end of September in a bid to provide better peak services, greater frequency and extended routes.
More than 724,000 timetables were distributed along with 3,500 signs at bus stops and 8,000 timetables signs on display.
Mr O’Callaghan said t he service changes were the latest initiative in the Government’s strategy to revitalise the public transport network in Adelaide
He said i nformation on service changes is available on the Adelaide Metro website at www.adelaidemetro.com.au or by calling the InfoLine on 8210 1000.
22 October, 2009
Salinity vessel
is worth its salt
The Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation has launched a new vessel to monitor salinity levels along the South Australian reach of the River Murray.
Officially commissioned by the Minister for the River Murray, Karlene Maywald, the MVS Rosco will conduct scientific surveys in the river, the Lower Lakes and freshwater environments and will be expected to cover up to 200km a day.
“It’s wonderful to have the new MVS Rosco on the water, which is specifically designed and equipped to collect data while providing a high degree of safety, particularly in adverse weather conditions,” Ms Maywald said.
“This 6m aluminium vessel has been custom-built in South Australia, and features high-tech sensors, water sampling systems, and a fully-enclosed cabin for staff and equipment storage.
She said rather than refurbish the old boat, the Government had decided to invest in a state-of-the-art vessel to help staff who regularly conduct salinity surveys along the River Murray and adjoining lakes.
“MVS Rosco will not only enable salinity surveys to be undertaken, but provide an improved platform for other types of surveys such as compliance, bank erosion, nutrients, sediment sampling, and algal bloom monitoring.”
The boat was named in memory of well-known DWLBC Berri staff member Ross ‘Rosco’ Stockdale, who passed away last year.
“Ross had served in the water resources area in many capacities for 40 years and was known across the Riverland for his expertise and friendly nature,” Ms Maywald said.
“ He was a great bloke. ” .
“It’s fitting to have the MVS Rosco honouring a Riverland local who has been such a valuable member of our staff and his community, ” She said.
22 October, 2009
Foreign students call
Adelaide home
A survey of more than 6,000 international students has ranked Adelaide among their most preferred locations for study.
Minister for Employment, Training and Further Education, Michael O’Brien, said education was the S tate’s fourth largest export worth more than $805 million to the economy and that initiatives had been introduced to ensure South Australia was the top choice for international students.
“South Australia has a hard-won reputation as a safe and supportive place to gain a world-class quality education and as a place that welcomes international students,” he said.
“This year more than 14,800 new international students have begun their studies here lifting the total number to more than 30,500.”
He said the Government had initiated a number of initiatives to support international students studying in South Australia, including establishing a Taskforce to examine how to provide them with the best education and lifestyle.
He said the Premier had written to all Indian students in South Australia highlighting both his personal support and the extra support networks available to them and they were
offered concessions on public transport, free student events and welcome ‘backpacks’.
Ongoing updates are also provided on the StudyAdelaide website highlighting advice and support for all international students.
“These initiatives complement national measures including a Commonwealth-led delegation to India earlier this month for talks on student safety; the national Taskforce on Crimes against International Students; the Prime Minister’s announcement of an International Student Roundtable held in Canberra last month; and agreement at COAG to develop a comprehensive International Student Strategy for 2010,” Mr O’Brien said.
“A senior official working group has been established to advance the national International Student Strategy, chaired by Chris Eccles, the Chief Executive of the SA Department of Premier and Cabinet.”
22 October, 2009
Early teaching plan
wins high marks
More opportunities for students to study early childhood teaching at university have been announced, with 780 new university places released across Australia.
Minister for Education, Julia Gillard and the Minister for Early Childhood Education, Child Care and Youth, Kate Ellis said 500 new places would be available in 2010, with an initial allocation of 280 places in 2011.
Five-hundred places were provided this year.
MS Gillard and Ms Ellis said the total number of additional places would be 1,500 by 2011, with additional places to be made available at a later stage.
The Ministers said the Government was the first in history to prioritise and invest in early childhood education and care.
“Obviously, increasing the number of degree qualified early childhood educators is a key element of that reform agenda,” they said.
“The first five years of a child’s life are when they do their most important learning. Providing access to high quality affordable early education programs is one of the best ways to ensure positive outcomes for children, particularly children from disadvantaged backgrounds.”
In 2010, NSW will receive 185 places, Victoria 155, Queensland 60, South Australia 40, the Northern Territory 50 and the ACT 10.
The following year, NSW is expected to receive 55 places, Victoria 50, Queensland 60, Western Australia 65 and South Australia 50.
Ms Gillard and Ms Ellis said 780 new places would go towards delivering the future workforce needed to achieve other reforms in the Government’s early childhood education and care agenda.
They said following the introduction of a student-centred funding system for higher education places in 2012, there would be no limit to the number of new Commonwealth supported undergraduate early childhood education places that could be offered by public universities.
22 October, 2009
Racecourse rezoning
is brought to book
Public comment has been invited on the proposed rezoning of the upgraded Gawler Racecourse, estimated to cost $12 million.
Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing, Michael Wright said the Government had committed $6 million towards the upgrade and the balance of the funds for the redevelopment would come from the sale of 4.3ha of surplus land at the southern end of the racecourse.
Mr Wright said t he reconfiguration of the track and the sale of the land prompted a request to rezone a section of the old racecourse.
Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Paul Holloway said members of the public can have their say on what should happen to the land bordered by Main North Road and Barnet Street in Gawler.
“The Ministerial Development Plan Amendment proposes to rezone a portion of the surplus land for development of a Neighbourhood Centre, to include residential development, retail and service businesses and community facilities,” Mr Holloway said.
“The remainder of the surplus land is intended for the proposed expansion of Gawler High School.”
He said the Amendment also created an opportunity to realign the local road network to improve traffic management and to more appropriately rezone the racecourse and associated facilities, including a new Recreation Zone to support the core use of the racecourse for training and racing purposes.
Submissions would be be received until 5pm on 9 December 2009 and will be considered by the independent Development Policy Advisory Committee, which will provide a report to the Minister.
People will have the chance to speak about their submissions at a public meeting on 17 December.
Mr Holloway said that a ll submissions lodged during the community consultation period would be available for viewing online at the Department of Planning and Local Government’s website from 9 December until 17 December.
For more information about the plan or the submission process visit www.planning.sa.gov. au
22 October, 2009
Uni teachers enjoy
degree of success
Staff of UniSA have been prominent at the recent Australian Awards for University Teaching, taking out two highly competitive awards.
Associate Professor Mahfuz Aziz won an award in the Physical Sciences and Related Studies category and a team from the Division of Business was a winner in the category of Law, Economics, Business and Related Studies.
The awards from the Australian Learning and Teaching Council, of which there were only 24 across Australia, are worth $25,000 each and recognise the nation’s top university teachers and programs and services aimed at improving student learning.
Professor Aziz, who leads first-year engineering programs, was recognised for his contributions in teaching and learning, locally and internationally, over the past decade.
“As an academic in engineering I have always realised how important it is for our future engineers to develop lifelong learning skills in the context of rapidly advancing technologies,” he said.
“I feel overwhelmed and very pleased indeed to win this award. The culture within the University that promotes scholarship of teaching has greatly contributed and a lot of the credit goes to everyone who I have worked with.”
The Division of Business team of Martin Shanahan, Ken Adams, Paul Kershaw and Erik Meyer has been working on its “learning to learn’’ program for economic students for more than 12 years.
Dr Shanahan said the team’s motivation was to try to help students learn better.
“Students often find the combination of learning tasks, an isolated learning environment, and limited learning experiences, daunting,” he said.
“ They often try to learn by attempting to memorise rather than by understanding.
“Seeing the frustration of students, we help them to understand their individual approach to learning and assist them in taking control of their learning.”
He said this improved their approach to study, equipped them for life-long learning and lowered their stress levels.
Vice Chancellor of the University of South Australia, Professor Peter Høj said it was a great achievement to receive two awards within the one year.
22 October, 2009
Australia Post staff
get stamp of approval
Australia Post is paying tribute to its employees by issuing a stamp series featuring 10 staff members.
In a statement, Australia Post said its employees played a vital role in serving customers and their local communities.
“This is the first time Australia Post has honoured its staff, contractors, licensees and agents on a stamp,” it said.
“The 10 people featured on these stamps are representative of all Australia Post employees, who, everyday, make important contributions to the wider community and the success of the business.”
The employees come from a wide range of roles and were selected from the 256 recipients of the Bicentenary Medal which is awarded to employees who have made an outstanding contribution to Australia Post’s businesses, community and customers.
“Representing every State and Territory*, they reflect Australia Post’s role in servicing all geographic areas of Australia,” the statement said.
“They are also the faces of their communities. Outside work hours they are to be found championing community causes and building a better future for all Australians.”
Those celebrated in the stamp series are:
- Patricia Crabb, Postal Manager, Virginia, Queensland;
- Shirley Freeman, Agent, Avoca, Tasmania;
- Vinko Romanik, Parcel Contractor, Netley, South Australia;
- Valda Knott, Licensed Post Office Manager, Trayning, Western Australia;
- Gordon Morgan, Postal Delivery Coordinator, Thornleigh DC, New South Wales;
- Vongpradith Phongsavan, Logistics Officer, Melbourne Parcels Facility, West Sunshine, Victoria;
- Norma Thomas, Mail contractor, Coraki Post Office, New South Wales;
- John Marsh, Manager M&ND, Northern Territory;
- Anne Brun, Marketing Manager, Financial and Agency Services Group, HQ, Melbourne, Victoria; and
- Russell Price, Delivery Operations, Perth airport, Western Australia.
22 October, 2009
South Road design
gets green light
Design concepts for the $930 million South Road Superway have been unveiled by the Premier, Mike Rann and Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd.
The project, which will support about 2,750 jobs, will connect the Port River Expressway to Regency Road and is expected to be the backbone of a north-south transport corridor for Adelaide.
The Premier and Prime Minister said i t was predicted the Superway would reduce travel times by up to seven minutes and improve
productivity for the 17 per cent of the 45,000 vehicles using the road that carry freight, including b-doubles and road trains, by linking to Adelaide’s industrial precinct, airport, Islington Rail Terminal, Port Adelaide and Outer Harbor.
They said t he project would include a 2.8km road bridge elevated 10m above the existing road between Wing St and Taminga St; grade separation over four signalised intersections and one rail crossing; and modification to the 1.7km section of South Road between Taminga Street and Regency Road.
There will also be upgrades to the local road system, including Naweena Road and Hanson Road between Grand Junction Road and Cormack Road.
Planning is expected to be completed in mid-2010 and construction on local roads expected to commence in March 2010. The South Road Superway is expected to be open to traffic in late 2013.
The Federal Government has committed $500 million to South Road and the South Australian Government has committed $430 million to the upgrading
The Premier and Prime Minister said the concept for the Superway was developed following engineering and environmental investigations along with input from business operators and landowners.
A Project Impact Report addressing the economic, social and environmental effects of the project was now underway.
M ore information, including concept images and vision of the South Road Superway, is available at www.infrastructure.sa.gov.au
22 October, 2009
Violent offenders
hit with parole ban
The right to automatic parole for violent offenders is to be abolished in a tough new law announced by the Minister for Correctional Services, Tom Koutsantonis.
According to Mr Koutsantonis , any prisoner currently serving a sentence of less than five years (with the exception of sex offenders) is entitled to be released from prison without the approval of the Parole Board.
The new law would target offenders who have been convicted of offences such as assault, stalking, leaving the scene of an accident, kidnapping, unlawful threats, home invasion and aggravated robbery.
Mr Koutsantonis said that i n 2005, the South Australian Government excluded all sex offenders from receiving automatic parole, regardless of the length of their sentence.
He said this amendment would target serious repeat and violent offenders.
“Now any prisoner who is convicted of a violent offence will have to make their case to the Parole Board before their release is approved,” he said.
“We expected that an additional 375 prisoners per year will be targeted, but we make no apologies for our tough stance on law and order.
“Prisoners will have to demonstrate that they have changed their ways in prison and they are fit to rejoin society.”
Presiding Member of the Parole Board, Frances Nelson, has called publicly for automatic parole to be decreased from five years to three years, but Mr Koutsantonis said this reform goes one step further and denies automatic parole for all violent offenders, regardless of the length of their sentence.
22 October, 2009
Asthma study is
breath of fresh air
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has issued a study revealing breastfeeding children in the first year of life may protect them against asthma and wheezing.
The two year study found almost 17 per cent of infants experienced asthma or wheezing in their first three years but that breastfeeding within the first 12 months of life might offer some protection against the symptoms in infancy.
The report, Asthma in Australian Children: Findings from Growing up in Australia, the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children, also found that infants whose mothers had asthma, were relatively young or smoked during pregnancy were more likely to have asthma or wheeze.
Author of the report, Professor Guy Marks of the Australian Centre for Asthma Monitoring, said it was also more common among boys, those who had older siblings, those who were born at an earlier gestational age, or who were admitted to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit after birth.
“There are important differences between wheezing illness in infancy and kindergarten-aged children, both in the nature of the disease and in its risk factors,” Professor Marks said.
“By the age of five, 21 per cent of Australian children have been diagnosed with asthma and among those who did not have asthma by age five, 4 per cent per year were diagnosed over the next two years.”
He said boys were more likely than girls to first develop asthma or wheezing illness in infancy but, from age five years, new cases occurred equally in both genders.
In other key findings, kindergarten-aged children in remote areas and with food or other allergies were more at risk of asthma like symptoms.
Professor Marks said children who had asthma or wheezed in their fifth year were more likely than other children to be hospitalised, to attend an emergency department, and to visit a general practitioner more frequently over the next two years.
They were also more likely to be overweight or obese two years later.
The report found that parents of children with wheeze or asthma were more likely to report their child had poorer health or disturbed sleeping patterns.
22 October, 2009
Science panel to
beat water woes
A new expert scientific panel has been appointed to advise the Commonwealth Government on the long-term management of the Coorong and Lower Lakes.
Federal Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong announced the new panel saying it would play a key role in the Government’s $330 million commitment to helping South Australia develop a solution to the environmental problems facing this “icon site”.
“The panel will provide expert advice to inform the Commonwealth’s contribution to South Australia’s long-term planning process - helping to ensure that the final plan is well grounded in science, and strives for the best and most practical outcomes,” Senator Wong said.
She said f inding a way to avoid acidification will be a top priority for the panel, which consists of people with hydrological and ecological expertise.
She announced the m embers of the panel as former Chief Executive of the Murray-Darling Basin Commission, Don Blackmore; Member of the CSIRO Land and Water Hydrology Research Program, Dr Andrew Herzceg; Chief Executive of the eWater CRC, Professor Gary Jones; Professor Richard Kingsford from the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales; Head of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Adelaide, Associate Professor David Paton; and Adjunct Associate Professor Keith Walker from the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Adelaide.
Senator Wong said t he $330 million provided to support South Australia in meeting the challenges faced in the Lower Lakes area included $200 million towards a long-term plan for the Lower Lakes and Coorong; up to $120 million towards the cost of irrigation and drinking water pipelines for communities dependent on the Lower Lakes; and up to $10 million for bioremediation and revegetation to help address the risk of acidification.
22 October, 2009
Challenging seminar
The public Sector Performance Commission is to host a third seminar in its “Challenging the Public Sector” program in collaboration with the Australia and New Zealand school of Government.
The free seminar entitled The Buck Stops Here: Accountability in Government will feature guest speakers Dr Thomas Schillemans, Assistant Professor of Public Administration at Utrecht University, Netherlands, and Jim Hallion, Chief Executive of the Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure.
All public sector staff are invited to attend but it is on today (Wednesday 22 October) at Brookman Hall at the University of South Australia.
SAES seminar
Members of the South Australian Executive Service have been invited to a workshop on accountability in Government with Dr Thomas Schillemans from Utrecht University in the Netherlands .
The workshop follows the seminar mentioned above, and offers an opportunity to examine accountability in Government in further detail.
It is also on today (22 October) from 2.15pm.
Media report rejected
The Chief Executive of WorkCoverSA, Julia Davison, has rejected a media report claiming the Corporation’s unfunded liabilities were $40 million higher than a figure tabled by the Auditor General in Parliament.
Ms Davison said the Auditor had confirmed the accounts were correct and unqualified and the Advertiser’s claim was incorrect.
“There is absolutely no discrepancy between the unfunded liability as reported by WorkCover and the Auditor General,” Ms Davison said.
She said the unfunded liability of $1.059 billion had been rounded up to $1.1 billion in some places in the Auditor’s report.
Feds fund cycling plans
The Commonwealth Government is to invest more than $3 million in 35 cycling infrastructure projects in South Australia as part of a $40 million National Bike Paths Projects fund.
The funding will deliver projects worth $5.7 million to SA with the remainder provided by the South Australian Government and local Councils.
The projects are expected to support 248 jobs and traineeships delivering an economic boost in local communities.
They will be located across Adelaide, Port Augusta, Port Lincoln, the Barossa and the Lower Lakes will encourage healthier lifestyles among residents and create more sustainable communities.
Bioscience conference for Adelaide
Adelaide has won the right to host a prestigious international bioscience conference in 2011. Minister for Science and Information Economy, Michael O’Brien said the annual AusBiotech conference was expected to attract more than 1,500 delegates from Asia, Europe and the United States.
“The conference will give South Australia’s bioscience community the opportunity to showcase their research capabilities, products and services on an international stage,” he said.
The conference will run from 16 October to 19 October 2011 at the Adelaide Convention Centre, returning to Adelaide for the second time since it began in 2002.
Manuals awash with emergency advice
Emergency management manuals have been launched to help people prepare for floods and emergencies.
The manuals aim to help Australian communities build their resilience to flooding by providing them with information and expert advice.
Developed by the Australian Council of State Emergency Services, the publications form part of the Australian Emergency Manual series, which provide information on nationally consistent best practice in emergency management.
The manuals were available at www.ema.gov.au
Scholarships for Indigenous scholars
A new scholarship will help one Indigenous student from every State and Territory to study education at university.
The Governor-General’s Indigenous Student Teacher Scholarship is to provide $25,000 each year to recipients for the life of their teaching degree.
Governor-General, Quentin Bryce said the scholarships recognised the importance of closing the gap in education outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
Further information on applying was available from www.deewr.gov.au
Forum is place for debate
A new forum for intellectual debate on Australia’s economic, social, cultural and environmental drivers has been established.
The Australian Catholic University’s Public Policy Institute was launched last week to inform public policy based upon ethics, faith, human rights, the dignity of human life and community engagement in the face of increased Government intervention in society.
15 October, 2009
PS women high on
Roll of Honour
A hundred inspirational South Australian women have been honoured by inclusion on the South Australian Women’s Honour Roll, including a number of present and past Public Servants.
Minister for the Status of Women, Gail Gago joined the Governor, Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce to acknowledge the women at a special reception at Government House.
Among those added to the roll were the first woman to be elected full-time General Secretary of the Public Service Association, Jan McMahon; former Director of the Office for Women, Carmel O’Loughlin; the first woman Commissioner and Deputy President of the South Australian Industrial Relations Commission, Karen Bartel; the first female Assistant Police Commissioner, Madeleine Glynn; and one of the first women trainee gardeners at the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide, Thekla Anna Maud Reichstein.
Ms Gago paid tribute to all the new entrants on the Roll of Honour, thanking them for their tireless efforts and congratulating them on what they had achieved.
“I’m sure South Australians will join with me in encouraging them to continue their great work inspiring others throughout our State and nationally,” Ms Gago said.
“The diversity of the women nominated provides an amazing snapshot of women in our community.”
Among the 100 new names added to the Roll, Ms Gago said 10 were highlighted for their outstanding efforts and extraordinary contribution to the community.
Among the 10 was Eleanor Scholz who played an active role in the Wudinna community and in establishing a TAFESA campus in the area.
Ms Gago said the Women’s Honour Roll paid tribute to the outstanding contribution and achievements of South Australian women in championing diversity, leading the community towards greater respect and responsibility and exploring new directions.
She said details of all the women acknowledged on the South Australian Women’s Honour Roll could be found at www.officeforwomen.sa.gov.au
15 October, 2009
Waste study to be
no waste of time
The first comprehensive study into food waste in South Australian homes is to be conducted by the Zero Waste SA Centre for Excellence.
The Centre for Excellence, a $2 million partnership between the University of South Australia and the State Government, will engage environmental researchers to survey the contents of people’s shopping trolleys to find out what is served up on their dinner plates.
According to the Minister for Environment and Conservation, Jay Weatherill, 50 families and 50 restaurants will be surveyed from the time they purchase their food, prepare it, recycling it or dispose of it, to find out why 40 to 50 per cent of all food purchases were wasted.
“The first comprehensive study of the factors underlying food waste in South Australian homes and restaurants is being undertaken by an expert team of anthropologists, nutritionists, psychologists and environmental economists,” Mr Weatherill said.
“Professor Drew Dawson is leading the study team which includes Drs John Coveny and Kirrilly Thompson.”
He said the team was currently deciding on the mix of participants to take part in the study but expected to begin the project by the end of the year.
“The study findings will be used to design and pilot an education program that aims to reduce food waste and reduce costs to families,” Mr Weatherill said.
He said the project, Zero-ing in on food waste: Measuring, understanding and reducing food waste in South Australia from production to consumption in households and restaurants would cost $400,000 from Zero Waste SA and the Australian Research Council plus $75,000 in kind from Flinders University and UniSA.
He said the Centre was involved with a number of innovative research projects, including bringing together experts to look at everything from consumer behaviour and consumption to improving resource use, recycling and ‘green’ procurement, building design and construction.
“This is an exciting collaboration between several academic disciplines and the South Australian Government,” Mr Weatherill said.
The Centre for Excellence is located at UniSA’s Louis Laybourne-Smith School of Architecture and Design.
15 October, 2009
Smooth new ride for
ambulance trial
An innovative health care service that’s already proven a success in the southern suburbs of Adelaide is to be expanded to other parts of the city.
Minister for Health, John Hill said the SA Ambulance Service Extended Care Paramedic (ECP) program, would be expanded by six more ECPs from 14 December, taking the total number to 17.
Chief Executive of the Ambulance Service, Ray Creen, welcomed the move saying the ECPs were the Service’s most highly trained and experienced paramedics. “Expanding the program means more of our patients will have access to their skills and this tailored ambulance service,” Mr Creen said..
He said not every patient attended by an ambulance needed to be taken to hospital.
“Sometimes they need a different sort of care – and that’s the service that ECPs provide.”
Mr Creen thanked the first group of ECPs who he said worked tirelessly to make the pilot a success.
“They all deserve a pat on the back,” he said.
Mr Hill said the main attraction of the ECP service was that it assessed and treated patients in their own homes or residential care facilities.
“The ECPs are skilled to provide advanced treatments including wound care, changing catheters and administering a wide range of drugs,” Mr Hill said.
“Patients who don’t need to be taken to hospital can be treated safely and comfortably in their own home or directed to another health professional, if that’s appropriate.
“The benefits for patients are obvious.”
He said a seven-month pilot, run from December 2008 to June 2009 in collaboration with the GP Network South, had proven the benefits of the scheme.
“There are also real benefits for the health system as a whole because the ECP service is helping reduce emergency department presentations and hospital admissions,” Mr Hill said.
He said ECPs attended over 1,100 cases during the trial with around half avoiding a visit to an emergency department and a further five per cent rendering a hospital admission unnecessary.
“Feedback from patients and their treating GPs has also been overwhelmingly positive,” he said.
15 October, 2009
Sustainable village
gets green light
The Land Management Corporation has opened a ‘green village’ in Adelaide’s north-eastern suburbs demonstrating how residents of the future could be living sustainably by lowering greenhouse gas emissions and using less energy and water.
The Lochiel Park Sustainability Centre at Campbelltown’s Lochiel Park showcases the latest in cutting edge building techniques and sustainable living ideas and is a working demonstration of housing of the future.
Officially opening the Centre, Premier Mike Rann said it was a groundbreaking educational initiative setting a new benchmark for sustainable living.
“When we first announced our ambitious vision for a green village to be built in Adelaide, I wanted the State to become a world leader in a new, green approach to the way we live,” Mr Rann said.
“The Lochiel Park ‘green village’ has now become a reality with the first residents already living here in homes that incorporate sustainable development techniques.” He said all homes in Lochiel Park featured solar cells, 7.5 star energy efficient designs and stormwater harvesting systems for toilet flushing, washing and garden use.
“When compared to the average Adelaide household, Lochiel Park homes aim to reduce water demand by 78 per cent, greenhouse gas emissions by 74 per cent and energy use by 66 per cent,” the Premier said.
“About one third of the 15 hectare Lochiel Park site is urban forest made up of 160,000 trees and plants to help offset greenhouse gas emissions and wetlands for stormwater recycling.
He said the Sustainability Centre would demonstrate how these environmentally sustainable solutions could be used in other world leading developments such as Bowden Village gave people the chance to discuss issues such as urban design, waste reduction and water conservation.
Mr Rann said Lochiel Park was the only development in South Australia to meet all six sustainability criteria for accreditation as an ‘EnviroDevelopment’ with the Urban Development Institute of Australia.
He said the Centre would be open Tuesday to Friday between 9.30am and 4.30pm for industry, community and council workshops, conference tours, and tertiary and school groups and available by appointment after hours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 7pm and 8.30pm and on weekends between 1pm and 4.30pm, depending on demand and staff availability.
It will be operated and maintained by the LMC.
More information about the Centre can be obtained from www.lochielpark.com.au
15 October, 2009
Emergency test
saves the day
The State’s Police and Emergency Services have put themselves to the test by staging a mock incident reflecting the bushfire crisis that struck Victoria on Black Saturday.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Michael Wright said Exercise Team Spirit 09 provided the SES with a valuable experience and helped it increase its understanding of how to deal with volatile situations.
Mr Wright said the one-day drill was an ideal way for the emergency services to practice responding to major incidents.
“Conducting such an extensive joint exercise, which tests the State’s capacity to deal with a major emergency incident, similar to what Victoria experienced, will assist our emergency service workers gain real-time chance to test their responses,” he said.
Mr Wright said the test drill included significant fires in each of the six State Country Fire Service Regions and weather similar to that experienced on Black Saturday.
Minister Wright said the test had allowed emergency services leaders to identify areas of response and preparedness that required fine-tuning.
“Emergency preparedness is something the State Government takes very seriously,” he said.
“Conducting these exercises is extremely important. While we were fortunate last year to escape similar fires to what occurred in Victoria, we must remember that the 2009 bushfire season is only weeks away and we must be as best prepared as possible.”
Mr Wright urged individuals in high risk areas to ensure they were prepared to take protective actions should a bushfire strike.
“We all need to work together to ensure our State is as prepared as possible, and is as safe as possible so that lives can be protected this bushfire season,” he said.
15 October, 2009
Injection of life for
health rego scheme
Plans to create a national registration and accreditation scheme for health professionals have taken an important step forward, with the Queensland Government setting up a framework.
Federal Minister for Health, Nicola Roxon said the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Bill 2009 would soon be passed in all States and Territories.
“The scheme will cover registration and accreditation, complaints, privacy and information sharing, and transitional arrangements,” Ms Roxon said.
She said the scheme would only require health practitioners to register once, with the registration being recognised in all Australian jurisdictions.
“No longer will a health practitioner wanting to work interstate be required to hold additional or multiple registrations,” she said.
“This will be of particular benefit in responding to national emergencies where a workforce can be mobilised quickly from across the country.”
Ms Roxon said the scheme would also help improve patient safety, as the register would identify whether a health practitioner was registered and highlight any conditions imposed on their registration.
“Professional standards will continue to be developed by the individual professions and will ensure that Australia continues to have a world class health system where patient safety is paramount,” she said.
The Bill was drafted in accordance with the Intergovernmental Agreement and signed by the Council of Australian Governments’ in March 2008 following consultation with consumers, practitioners and regulatory bodies.
Following its passage through the Queensland Parliament, the draft legislation will be progressively introduced in all Parliaments across Australia to adopt and apply the new national law.
“All Health Ministers have agreed that this legislation will form the basis for a national scheme to begin on 1 July 2010,” Ms Roxon said.
15 October, 2009
New schools to be in
class of their own
Work has begun on six new State schools in metropolitan Adelaide.
Minister for Education, Jane Lomax-Smith said building sites were being cleared for the schools which would be constructed under a Public Private Partnership.
Dr Lomax-Smith said the State would invest $323 million over the next 30 years to build, manage and maintain the schools which would be operated and staffed by the Government.
She said 20 existing schools and preschools would be replaced with the six new schools that could cater for up to 4,435 students and would include 290 childcare places.
“This is the most significant rebuild of our public schools in more than three decades,” Dr Lomax-Smith said.
“Each school and preschool community voluntarily opted to join the project, which is designed to give children in these communities the best possible State-funded education.”
She said the schools would offer a wide range of academic and vocational subjects and would provide staff and students with high quality classrooms and equipment.
Dr Lomax-Smith said the schools would be “one-stop-shops” for educational and child care services.
“It’s almost three years to the day since we first mooted this initiative as part of a broader plan to reshape the face of public education in South Australia,” she said.
“I am pleased that we are delivering the new schools according to our original time schedule to benefit children in the north, inner north and north-western suburbs of Adelaide.”
Dr Lomax-Smith said the concept of rebuilding the schools reflected the changing demographics within the local communities.
“We have schools with unused buildings because student numbers have declined over the years and we have schools with insufficient student numbers to offer broad curriculum choice,” she said.
“By bringing together these schools, we can offer children in these communities an even better education in modern buildings built for the 21st Century.”
Dr Lomax-Smith said construction would be underway on all schools by the end of 2009, with the first two scheduled to be open in October 2010.
She said the Government’s private partner was Pinnacle Education, a consortium of Hansen Yuncken, Spotless, Lend Lease and the Commonwealth Bank of Australia.
The new schools are:
- Birth to Year 7 school at Blair Athol for up to 440 students and 45 child care places.
- Regency Park School being relocated to Ocean View College at Taperoo to provide special education for up to 80 students.
- Year 8 to 12 multi-campus school at State Sports Park, Gepps Cross for up to 1,300 students and 30 child care places.
- Birth to Year 12 school at Munno Para West for up to 1,375 students and 45 child care places.
- Birth to Year 7 school at Playford North for up to 575 students and 45 child care places.
- Birth to Year 7 school at Woodville Gardens for up to 665 students and 45 child care places.
15 October, 2009
Garden competition
sows seeds of change
A new competition to find South Australia’s best native plant garden has been launched by the Minister for Environment and Conservation, Jay Weatherill.
Mr Weatherill said the competition was open to all Government, home, school and commercial native gardens across the State.
He said the contest aimed to raise awareness of plants that were suited to the State’s climate and was supported by the Department for Environment and Heritage, the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide, the Urban Biodiversity Unit, Local Government and the horticultural industry.
He said the competition was part of the Government’s native garden initiative, which also includes planting a new native garden at the Botanic Gardens to be opened later this year.
“Under the program, we are launching a new section of the Botanic Gardens where alongside the native plants there will be educational resources to help people design their own native gardens,” he said.
“Australia has many beautiful plants ideally suited to our environment, whether they are indigenous to South Australia or originate from other parts of our country where conditions are similar.”
Mr Weatherill said the competition was an opportunity for South Australian gardeners to show off their drought tolerant gardens and plants.
“Our native plants are colourful and fragrant, water-efficient, make low demands on our fragile soils and are adapted to heat and sunlight,” he said.
“A well-designed native plant garden not only looks good, but can provide excellent food and shelter for our native birds and animals.”
Mr Weatherill said participants could enter under best home native garden, best school native garden and best commercial or Government native garden until 11 January 2010.
Guidelines and entry forms were available from the www.environment.sa.gov.au or by phoning (03) 8222 9311.
15 October, 2009
Electoral Commission
votes for change
The Australian Electoral Commission has improved its online enrolment form, making it quicker and easier for voters to update their information.
The new form uses intelligent navigation to reduce the chance of unintended errors, although people enrolling to vote or updating their address details will still need to print, hand-sign and send the form to the Agency.
Electoral Commissioner, Ed Killesteyn said the revamped form was a “step forward” for the AEC.
“The AEC is committed to doing as much as it can to take advantage of new technologies and e-business methods in working with Australians and meeting their expectations,” Commissioner Killesteyn said.
“We know that in the lead-up to the last Federal Election around 2.6 million hits were received on our online verification facility that enables you to check your enrolment status on the AEC website.”
He said the AEC aimed to harness the online interest and encourage electors to make transactions with the Commission over the internet whenever possible.
Commissioner Killesteyn said a recent report on the 2007 Federal Election by the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters (JSCEM) recommended applicants complete and sign an enrolment paper form once only, with all subsequent address changes made over the internet through a secure AEC portal.
He said such an innovation would help people maintain their enrolment, especially after changing their address.
“While you still need to print out and sign the form, it is a first step towards modernising the enrolment process to meet growing expectations among the public to complete business online,” Commissioner Killesteyn said.
In a bid to reach the estimated 1.2 million Australians missing from the electoral roll, the AEC is also preparing a mass mail out of enrolment forms.
Over the coming weeks, the AEC plans to send over 843,000 letters and forms to where they believe missing eligible voters might be living.
“While this is a significant mail out it won’t reach everyone who is missing, or everybody who has recently turned 18 or moved address, so I urge any Australian who needs to act on their enrolment to do it now, so you don’t miss out on having your say on election day,” Commissioner Killesteyn said.
Figures released by the AEC show people aged between 18 and 34, and those who have moved house in the past three years, have the greatest likelihood of not being on the electoral roll.
15 October, 2009
Fallen firefighters
raised up in honour
Brave firefighters who died in the line of duty were remembered on National Firefighters’ Remembrance Day last weekend.
Minister for Emergency Services, Michael Wright led the commemoration, inviting all South Australians to reflect and honour the firemen and women who had died keeping their communities safe.
“Our firefighters provide a valuable service to the South Australian community,” Mr Wright said. “They are on call every day and put their lives at risk to help others.”
He said the risk that lives could be lost fighting fires was always there and National Firefighters’ Remembrance Day was an opportunity to reflect and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Chief Officer of the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service, Grant Lupton, said the MFS had a proud history dating back to the 1860s.
“Since then, South Australians have been served by thousands of MFS firefighters who have strived to keep our community safe,” Mr Upton said.
He said the MFS has been fortunate in not losing any firefighters in the line of duty since 1977 but a total of seven had died on duty since 1886.
He said 13 Country Fire Service volunteer firefighters had been killed on duty since 1979.
Chief Officer of the Country Fire Service, Euan Ferguson said this year’s Remembrance Day was particularly moving given the tragedy of Victoria’s bushfires earlier in the year.
Mr Ferguson said a firefighter died and many sustained serious injuries in the line of duty on that day.
“Many firefighters lost their own homes, and in some cases, members of their own families lost their lives while they selflessly worked to protect the lives and property of others,” he said.
“On National Firefighters’ Remembrance Day we honour the history of mateship and family.”
All MFS stations flew their flags at half-mast from sunrise to noon to mark the day.
15 October, 2009
Transport thinker
makes tracks to SA
The next ‘Thinker in Residence’ in South Australia is public transport guru, Fred Hansen from the United States.
Mr Hansen is General Manager of the public transport authority in Portland, Oregon, and was a Deputy Administrator of the US Environmental Protection Agency under former US President, Bill Clinton.
Premier Mike Rann welcomed Mr Hansen to Adelaide saying he was a world leader in transport and integrated land use and was renowned for innovation.
“Portland is internationally recognised as one of the finest exponents of a sustainable and integrated public transport system,” Mr Rann said.
“Fred believes that land use and transportation must be fully integrated if we are to provide for the mobility needs of our citizens as well as address global climate change.
He said Portland’s tram and light rail system had transformed the city over the past 25 years.
“I am sure that Adelaide has the potential to transform itself in the same way over the next few decades,” he said.
Mr Rann said Mr Hansen’s residency would challenge traditional development patterns through debate, critical thinking and innovative action on integrated transport, urban form and planning.
He said Mr Hansen would focus on three key objectives while he was in Adelaide, each of which would be underpinned by principles in the Draft 30-year Plan for Greater Adelaide.
He would:
- Encourage community debate and demonstrate the benefits of well-planned higher density development along transport corridors and at key transit-oriented developments;
- Develop practical principles and processes for the design of quality, character, and higher density developments; and.
- Provide advice and/or recommend delivery and implementation strategies for key transit-oriented developments along transport corridors.
Mr Rann said Mr Hansen served on numerous boards and task forces and had lectured and participated on panels around the world. He also chaired sustainability work on behalf of the American Public Transportation Association.
Mr Hansen’s residency began on 2 October with a three-week visit and he would be back next year.
15 October, 2009
Burns unit judged
to be hot stuff
The Burns Unit at the Royal Adelaide Hospital has become the first unit outside of the United States to be accredited by the American Burn Association.
Minister for Health, John Hill said the international recognition reflected the staff’s commitment to providing world-class health care.
Mr Hill said gaining the accreditation was a “remarkable achievement” and congratulated all staff.
“This sort of international accolade helps to ensure that South Australia will continue to attract the very best burns specialists, nurses and allied health staff,” he said.
“There are many examples of the wonderful work done by the team, including caring for people who have suffered burns as a result of car accidents, accidents at home or in the workplace and also caring for burns victims from tragedies overseas.”
Mr Hill said the American Burn Association (ABA) undertook an extensive review of the Unit before awarding it with the accreditation.
“This accreditation is a symbol of the ongoing commitment by our health professionals right across the health system who continue to provide the best possible health care,” he said.
Burns Unit Director at the Hospital, Dr John Greenwood said the review was an exacting process and he was delighted to receive the accreditation on behalf of the unit.
“The Verification Committee from the US went through all aspects of our work with a fine toothed comb,” Dr Greenwood said.
“We are proud to receive this recognition and I would like to acknowledge the efforts of our staff who all do a wonderful job in caring for our patients.”
He said SA Ambulance, MedSTAR Retrieval Services and the Royal Adelaide Hospital Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit, operating theatres, anaesthetics, infectious disease medicine and acute and chronic pain services were all involved in providing care.
“We are confident that with this distinctive tag, we will be able to promote our service more widely as we continue to provide world-leading treatment and care,” Dr Greenwood said.
15 October, 2009
Mental health awards
are good thinking
South Australians working to raise awareness about mental health issues in the community have been honoured in the 2009 Dr Margaret Tobin Awards.
Minister for Mental Health, Jane Lomax-Smith announced the award winners to kick-start Mental Health Week, saying mental illness was more common than most people realised, with one in five South Australians experiencing it at some stage of their lives.
“The aim of Mental Health Week this year is to ask people to ‘open their minds’ to help overcome stigma and discrimination in our community, and to be open to talk about how it has affected them and their families,” Dr Lomax-Smith said.
“Each of the winners has played their part in supporting and promoting positive mental health right across the State.”
She said the winners of the Awards were:
- David Arnold from the Kangaroo Island Health Service who was honoured for excellence in leadership and commitment to mental health reform;
- Country Health SA’s Drought Response Team’s ‘Men in Communities’ program for excellence in promoting an understanding of mental health in the community;
- Ngurnawi Nguldun Pulgi in the Murraylands for excellence in providing services to people with a mental illness who were most at risk;
- Jane Wilson, the photographer and editorial writer, for excellence in promoting positive mental health by reporting mental illness and mental health in a balanced and respectful way;
- The NPY Women’s Council’s Ngangkari Project and Rachel Greenrod from the Exceptional Needs/Management Assessment Panel Program (joint winners) for excellence in providing mental health services to those most in need or at risk; and
- Sarah Alliston from the headspace Youth National Reference Group (The consumer/carer/volunteer award) for making an outstanding contribution to improvements for people with, or at risk of developing a mental illness.
Dr Lomax-Smith said she was particularly pleased to see winners from rural and regional South Australia, where communities had been hit hard by the drought.
“On behalf of the State Government and SA Health, I would like to congratulate the winners and all the entrants for this year’s Awards,” she said.
She said the awards were established in memory of Dr Margaret Tobin’s contribution to South Australia’s continuing mental health reforms.
More information could be found at www.health.sa.gov.au/mentalhealth
15 October, 2009
Prisoners outsourced
for training scheme
Low security prisoners at Port Augusta Prison are gaining valuable work experience through a new partnership between the prison and BHP Billiton.
Minister for Correctional Services, Tom Koutsantonis said the prisoners were picking up nationally accredited skills and training on Mobile Outback Work Camps and could have employment waiting for them at Olympic Dam when they were released.
Mr Koutsantonis said it was the first time a private company had linked with the outback work camps to provide work and training for prisoners under the Prisoner Reintegration Employment Opportunity (PREO) Program.
“The program will deliver tangible outcomes for Indigenous and non-Indigenous prisoners as they prepare for life beyond prison,” Mr Koutsantonis said.
“Work camps have been operating out of Port Augusta Prison since 1996 and the work they have done in remote areas for the Department of Environment and Heritage equates to millions of dollars and tens of thousands of hours work.”
He hoped the program would spur other private sector companies to consider similar partnerships which lead to improved prisoner reintegration, reduced re-offending and ultimately help create a safer, stronger community.
The program was endorsed by BHP Billiton whose spokesman, Barry Mitchell, said was committed to supporting training and employment for Aboriginal people.
Mr Koutsantonis congratulated Port Augusta Prison, BHP Billiton, and all involved in the Prisoner Reintegration Employment Opportunity Program for bringing it to reality.
“Participants in the program will re-enter society equipped with nationally accredited training, new skills and importantly, a number of them will have a job to go to and the support in place to ensure they keep that job,” he said.
“They can hold their head up high and be proud that they have taken steps to actively change their life and become productive members of their community.”
15 October, 2009
Fraud warning
is real thing
The Federal Minister for Human Services, Chris Bowen has used National Identity Fraud Awareness Week to warn the public that the Commonwealth has tightened measures against fraud.
Mr Bowen said sophisticated technology was being used to target people defrauding the Government by claiming payments and benefits they were not entitled to.
He said Centrelink and Medicare had specialist teams using data matching technology to detect identity fraud.
“These Agencies work closely with other Agencies such as the Child Support Agency and Australian Taxation Office, as well as various State Departments, to regularly match information to detect inconsistencies,” Mr Bowen said.
“The message is clear: if you commit fraud against the Commonwealth, the sophisticated data matching detection system will catch up with you.”
He said recent fraud detection successes included a Sydney man who had been sentenced to 18 months in prison for receiving two separate Centrelink payments while using an alias to undertake full-time employment.
He said a Disability Support Pensioner who assumed his dead brother's identity in order to obtain Centrelink benefits he wasn't entitled to had also been caught out.
According to Mr Bowen, Centrelink undertook almost 4,000 investigations into identity related fraud during 2008-09, resulting in 166 cases being referred to the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.
The investigations identified debts worth $13 million.
He said cooperation between the Commonwealth Fraud teams, the Australian Federal Police and the Director of Public Prosecutions meant anyone who committed identity fraud would face hefty fines and long prison sentences.
“Identity fraud is a growing trend throughout the world, but the Australian Government will continue to update its techniques to detect those who try and defraud the Australian taxpayer,” Mr Bowen said.
He said the public could report suspected cases of fraud by phoning the Australian Government Services Fraud Tip-off Line on 13 15 24.
15 October, 2009
Rooms are the key
to tourism success
South Australia’s tourism accommodation operators have been outperforming the national average in a number of key measures that the Minister for Tourism said showed the industry was holding its own in a tough economic climate.
The Minister, Jane Lomax-Smith said figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics revealed SA’s tourism accommodation sector was ahead of the national average in room demand, occupancy rates and takings per room.
“These are very good figures,” Dr Lomax-Smith said.
“(They show) South Australia remains a desired destination for holidaymakers and other travellers despite trying times in the tourism industry worldwide.”
She said the Government had anticipated a trend towards people holidaying closer to home as the economy tightened and had structured the State’s tourism marketing campaigns accordingly.
“Our major domestic marketing campaign is part of a multi-year effort to sell SA as a tourism destination in the key markets most likely to deliver people who will visit, stay and spend,” she said, “and it is already delivering results including increased expenditure in the accommodation sector.”
She said income from accommodation in the June quarter 2009 rose 0.9% in SA over the same quarter in 2008, compared with a 5.4% decrease nationally.
“In addition, the average takings per occupied room rose 1.2% for SA and declined 2.2% nationally in the June quarter 2009, compared with the same period in 2008.”
Dr Lomax-Smith said ABS figures for other accommodation sectors also revealed positive results with short-term caravan parks reporting site nights occupied, average occupancy rate and takings all up; holiday flats, units and houses showing unit nights occupied, occupancy rate and takings all up; and visitor hostels experiencing guest nights occupied, the bed occupancy rate and takings all up.
“While some of these very positive results are due to Easter falling in the June quarter in 2009, they also reflect the efforts of SA’s tourism industry to withstand the impact of the global economic situation,” Dr Lomax-Smith said.
15 October, 2009
Sports stamps
take a licking
Australia Post has released a series of stamps to encourage children to be more active and try new sports.
Six sports are featured in the ‘Let’s Get Active!’ stamp series: basketball, netball, Australian Rules football, soccer, cricket and tennis.
Philatelic Group Manager for Australia Post, Noel Leahy said the stamps featured some of Australia’s most popular ball sports and aimed to inspire children to lead a more active life.
“The launch of these stamps kicks off Stamp Collecting Month and the energetic stamps capture perfectly the enjoyment that playing your favourite sport can bring,” Mr Leahy said.
“Over the years Stamp Collecting Month has provided a great opportunity for Australia Post to play an active role in nurturing and educating primary school children through stamps.
“This year we’re thrilled to feature six stamps that highlight the ‘Let’s Get Active!’ message of participation and having fun.”
Mr Leahy said the ‘Let’s Get Active!’ message would also be promoted throughout 7,000 schools, with Australia Post staff visiting thousands of school children to present the new stamps and encourage sport through a fun quiz and a ‘Let’s Get Active!’ DVD.
Minister for Sport, Kate Ellis launched the stamps, saying sport was important not only for its role in helping kids stay fit and healthy, but also in boosting confidence and encouraging friendships.
“No matter which sport you choose, getting outdoors and staying active leads to a happier, healthier life and it’s a lot of fun too,” Ms Ellis said.
15 October, 2009
Payrises pegged
The South Australian Government has warned Public Service Unions that the payrises being negotiated for the new agreement needed to be limited to 2.5 per cent a year.
Treasurer, Kevin Foley said that level of increase would provide real wage increases to Public Servants, prevent further job losses and be affordable for the State Government.
Already about 1,200 PS staff had been offered targeted separation package.
Moran for Dunstan Oration
he Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Terry Moran is to deliver the 2009 Don Dunstan Oration on 6 November in Adelaide Town Hall.
Mr Moran is expected to talk on the challenges of Public Service reform and outline the need to respond quickly to Government demands by working collaboratively across Departments and Agencies and the importance of focussing on outcomes, not process.
More information can be obtained from the Institute of Public Administration on 8212 7555 or at www.sa.ipaa.org.au
Indigenous radio paper
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has called for comment on a discussion paper that aims to simplify licensing procedures for remote Indigenous broadcasting services (RIBS).
The simplifications aim to reduce the administrative burden on the broadcasters by proposing an open narrowcasting class licence regime under which no service licence application or renewal would be necessary.
RIBS radio providers would instead apply for an apparatus licence from the ACMA once every five years.
The discussion paper was available at www.acma.gov.au and consultations close on 20 November 2009.
Tour is tops
The 2009 Tour Down Under has been named the Best Tourism Event in Australia at the inaugural Australian Event Awards held in Sydney.
Minister for Tourism, Jane Lomax-Smith welcomed the award saying the Tour was the biggest cycling race in the Southern Hemisphere and a major tourism attraction.
Dr Lomax-Smith said the Tour Down Under was owned and managed by the South Australian Government through Events South Australia, a division of the South Australian Tourism Commission.
The Tour was also a finalist in the best Event of the Year which was won by the Sydney Biennale.
Exhibition highlights goals
A travelling exhibition highlighting the importance of the Millennium Development Goals has opened in Adelaide.
Blueprint for a Better World: the Millennium Development Goals and You is a joint initiative of AusAID and Caritas Australia and is expected to visit 35 regions in Australia throughout its tour.
The exhibition looks at the ways individuals and communities can reduce the number of vulnerable and poor people in the world and highlights the role the Government and NGOs play in achieving the Millennium Development Goals.
ABS opens up in NT
The Australian Bureau of Statistics’ new Northern Territory office has opened.
The move is the first for the NT office in 36 years, with its new home, the Civitas building, reflecting contemporary Darwin architecture.
Australian Statistician, Brian Pink said The NT office makes a significant contribution to the Census when it is held every five years.
Gamblers get online help
Gamblers and their families can now access support and advice from a new online counselling service.
The free 24-hour service provides gamblers with access to qualified gambling counsellors online seven days a week.
The website, www.gamblinghelponline.org.au is an initiative of the Ministerial Council on Gambling, funded through an agreement between the Australian and State and Territory Governments, and is operated by Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre.
8 October, 2009
Bushfire website a
hot spot for advice
The Minister for Emergency Services has urged all South Australians to visit the Country Fire Service website to learn how to prepare for the coming bushfire season.
The Minister, Michael Wright, made the call while noting the official bushfire season was now less than a month away.
“People simply won’t survive unless they are prepared and take the appropriate action,” Mr Wright said.
“Individuals and households have a major role in the fire preparation effort.”
He said all South Australians should begin work immediately to prepare.act.survive, and he said visiting the CFS website at www.cfs.sa.gov.au would help.
He said people living in high risk areas should already have started preparing their properties for bushfire attack.
“During a bushfire, firefighting resources are often stretched to the limit,” Mr Wright said.
“It is not possible to have a CFS fire truck in every street protecting every home, so it is vital everyone takes measures to protect their homes.”
He said among the measures to be taken before the fire season were:
- Reviewing and updating a household’s Bushfire Survival Plan;
- Gathering appropriate firefighting equipment to put out small "spot" fires;
- Reducing the amount of fuel on a property; and
- Checking and servicing equipment and fire extinguishers.
“People who do not have a Bushfire Survival Plan are placing themselves and their family at risk,” Mr Wright said.
“Whilst SA fire and emergency services can provide advice and warnings to communities, ultimately each individual living in a high risk area must be prepared to take protective action should a bushfire strike.”
He said the official commencement dates for the fire danger season were subject to change because they depended on seasonal conditions.
8 October, 2009
State Records sets
records straight
State Records of South Australia has published advice on how to access Cabinet documents under the recently adopted Ten Year Rule.
The Rule came into effect on 1 October and allows the release of Cabinet documents between 10 and 20 years old to the public. The scheme is administered by the Department of Premier and Cabinet
According to State Records, all Cabinet submissions, Cabinet notes, Cabinet agendas and briefings prepared for Ministers are subject to the rule and can be applied for on special forms created under revised Freedom of Information laws.
“To assist you identify the documents you wish to see, DPC has provided lists of Cabinet submissions that were made to Cabinet between 10 and 20 years ago,” the State Records advice says.
“Personal information has been removed from the lists in order to protect individual privacy.”
It says the lists are available on the Government's website sa.gov.au, or can be viewed online at one of the State Records Research Centres.
For efficiency reasons, it says, applicants can seek only one Cabinet submission per application but they are not limited in the number of applications they can make.
“Exemptions under the Freedom of Information Act will still apply to ensure sensitive information is not released that could put at risk a person’s privacy, national security, trade secrets or law enforcement,” the advice says.
“This may result in only part of a document being released or, where appropriate, access being denied.”
It says all FOI requests must be dealt with as soon as practicable, or within 30 calendar days of receipt.
“Applications made under the Ten Year Rule may be processed quicker than other applications.”
If, however, a delay is likely, an extension of time to produce the documents may be required and the applicant will be advised.
“If the timeframe has not been extended and you do not receive a determination within 30 calendar days, the legislation deems that your application has been refused,” it says.
‘If access has been refused you will be informed of the reasons why and advised of your appeal rights.”
State records said that all applications under the Ten Year Rule are handled by accredited FoI officers in DPC and there is no charge for the service. .
Applications for Cabinet documents older than 20 years can be made direct to the Department concerned.
The State Records advice can be downloaded from www.archives.sa.gov.au
8 October, 2009
Access competition
to open 2.0 gates
The Federal Government’s Gov 2.0 Taskforce has launched a contest to find innovative uses of Public Service information and ways to improve public access to it.
The contest, MashupAustralia, challenges members of the public to combine Government and other datasets in innovative, economical and socially beneficial ways, while a ‘mash-up camp’ will allow Web 2.0 enthusiasts to collaborate and share ideas.
Commonwealth Minister for Finance and Deregulation, Lindsay Tanner said the contest would allow the Federal Government to take advantage of the ideas and experience of Australia’s online community.
“At the same time it provides an opportunity for innovators to showcase their ideas and potentially be rewarded for their efforts,” Mr Tanner said.
The best mashups across a range of categories including people’s favourite and student acknowledgement will receive prizes of up to $10,000.”
He said Government Departments had already released some information of interest to the public in datasets available for download at data.australia.gov.au
Over 15 Federal Agencies and State and Territory Governments have released datasets on the website, which is similar to the data directory released by American President, Barak Obama earlier this year.
Mr Tanner said the Government 2.0 Taskforce was established in June 2009 to examine ways to expand the uses of Public Service information, drive innovation and improve Government engagement with citizens.
The Taskforce has commissioned various projects related to its six key areas of interest which include enhancing the discoverability and accessibility of government information; addressing barriers within Agencies to adopting Government 2.0; Government Web 2.0 practices; copyright and intellectual property barriers to open data sharing; semantic web-tagging datasets to enable sharing and re-use of data; and open access to public sector information held in cultural institutions.
The MashupAustralia contest is open from 7 October to 6 November 2009 and more information is available at www.mashupaustralia.org
8 October, 2009
Swine flu vaccines
fly across State
The rollout of human swine flu vaccine has seen 1.4 million doses distributed to more than 1,600 health providers across South Australia.
Premier Mike Rann has encouraged people – particularly those from vulnerable groups – to become immunised against H1N1 human swine flu as it was the safest response to the outbreak.
Mr Rann said most providers already had the vaccine and the Federal Government had bought enough doses to vaccinate everybody.
“Vaccination is still the safest response for the community, particularly as people continue to be infected, and some are suffering serious health complications,” Mr Rann said.
“By getting vaccinated, people can protect themselves and help stop this flu spreading.”
He said the SA Government had contributed $1.6 million to the costs of the rollout program.
Chief Medical Officer, Paddy Phillips said overseas experience had shown that swine flu was not just a winter flu, it could come back during spring and summer.
“There are some people who face higher risks from the virus, and we strongly recommend they get a shot as soon as possible,” Professor Phillips said.
He said those people were pregnant women; people with underlying chronic medical conditions such as asthma, cancers, HIV, heart disease, diabetes, and chronic kidney failure; obese people with a Body Mass Index over 35; Aboriginal people and children over 10 years old in special schools.
He said front line health care and community care workers who have direct contact with patients were also targeted as were the parents and guardians of babies under six months.
Professor Phillips urged people who were fit and well to also be vaccinated because they could still be at risk of complications from the disease and could spread it to other, more vulnerable people.
“Getting immunised is safer than getting swine flu and I would encourage all South Australians to protect themselves and their families,” he said.
The vaccine is free – although the medical appointment might not be - and more information is available through the Swine Flu Hotline on 180 2007.
8 October, 2009
DEH has bite at
snake warning
The Department for Environment and Heritage has issued a warning to the public to watch out for snakes as the weather becomes warmer.
Manager of Animal Welfare at DEH, Deb Kelly, said people should take special care when spring cleaning or gardening.
“Remember that now it is getting warmer snakes will start to appear,” Dr Kelly said.
“When cleaning or gardening, never put your hands in objects you can’t see inside or anywhere that a snake may be hiding.”
She said this included old paint tins, gumboots, woodheaps and rubbish at the back of the garden – “even tidying up the workshop.”
“Snakes may also be inside homes, as they seek food, water and shelter,” she said.
“If doors and windows have been left open, snakes may have come inside during the recent cool snap to find a warm spot to shelter.”
Dr Kelly said rats and mice were a source of food for snakes so homemakers should keep their properties clean and tidy and free of rodents.
“A dog’s water bowl near the back door also encourages snakes to stay in the area,” she said.
Dr Kelly suggested residents take the following precautions to minimise the risk of snake bites:
- Clean up rubbish around your home – but do it carefully;
- Keep your garden tidy;
- Take steps to reduce mice and rats, keep clean aviaries and don’t leave seed lying around;
- Wear sturdy shoes and thick trousers when bushwalking or gardening;
- Make plenty of noise so snakes know you are coming;
- Check your boots for snakes before putting them on; and
- Never put your hand somewhere you cannot see.
Importantly, Dr Kelly said, do not try to handle the snake.
She said most people bitten by a snake were trying to catch or kill it at the time of the bite.
She extended her warning to residents in the Adelaide metropolitan area because snakes lived in all areas of suburban Adelaide.
“If a person finds a snake in a potentially dangerous spot they should contact a professional snake removal agency, which can be found under ‘snake’ in the White Pages,” she said.
For more information visit: www.environment.sa.gov.au
8 October, 2009
Online licences to
rev up drivers
South Australia’s 1.1 million drivers are now able to renew their driver’s licences online.
Minister for Government Enterprises, Gail Gago said the new service became available because drivers only needed to have their photograph taken every 10 years.
She described it as a “fantastic’ option for drivers.
“This new initiative will reduce the need for drivers to visit special photo point locations if they choose to renew their licence more frequently,” Ms Gago said.
She said drivers who were eligible to renew their licence on-line need only visit www.ezyreg.sa.gov.au and follow the prompts.
“We expect this new initiative will reduce the need for drivers to attend customer service centres for a photo when renewing or replacing their licence.”
Ms Gago said drivers whose licences were due to expire would receive a notice explaining all their renewal options
“Drivers will still have the option to renew their licences by visiting a Service SA customer service centre or Australia Post,” she said. “The online service is about increasing options and accessibility.”
She said drivers could currently choose to renew their licence for any period up to 10 years and 35 per cent were doing so for less than a year.
“Sixty-five per cent of renewals are for five years or less,” she said.
Ms Gago said driver’s licence and learner’s permit renewals were already being offered online in Western Australia, Northern Territory, Queensland and Victoria.
She said South Australia conducted around 276,000 licence renewal transactions last year.
8 October, 2009
30-year city plan
attracts a crowd
The draft 30-Year Plan for Greater Adelaide attracted over 350 submissions and the Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Paul Holloway has thanked those who lodged them.
He said each submission would be catalogued, reviewed and assessed by the Department of Planning and Local Government.
“I am delighted so many individuals, community groups and organisations have taken the time to contribute to this blueprint for tackling the economic and environmental challenges that face our generation,” Mr Holloway said.
He said all submissions would be used, along with feedback from regional meetings over the past three months, to determine the final shape of the 30-Year Plan.
“Local government and industry have also played a key role in reviewing the plan and its contents and holding specific events to discuss the targets and strategies,” he said.
“The final version of this document will give South Australia one of the most competitive planning systems in Australia, while ensuring it remains one of the most liveable, competitive and sustainable cities in the world.”
Mr Holloway said the Plan brought together policies and objectives that would address population growth, the ageing population, climate change, technological change, environmental preservation, economic growth and growing global interdependence.
“The 30-Year Plan is a recognition of the absolute necessity to forward plan as an important tool in guiding the Government’s policy decisions in key areas of public interest such as infrastructure, housing, health, education, transport and water security,” he said.
Mr Holloway said a date for the release of the final 30-Year Plan for Greater Adelaide had yet to be determined.
He said he expected the final number of submissions to reach around 400 as further contributions “trickled” in.
8 October, 2009
Police nab
more recruits
More police have graduated from the Fort Largs Police Academy
Police Minister, Michael Wright welcomed the additional group of 15 recruits which included four women and 11 men, all from South Australia and aged between 20 and 40.
The group has completed 36 weeks of intense training and will be posted to metropolitan and regional local service areas to enter the initial phase of their probation.
Mr Wright wished each of them good luck in their new careers.
“These officers will have an important role in helping to make SA better and safer place to live,” Mr Wright said, “and on behalf of the community, I thank them for stepping forward to take on this challenging role.’
He said recruiting new police officers meant more would be available for frontline duties, which would in turn help to deter crime and safeguard the community.
“Our police continue to do an excellent job,” he said.
“More police lead to safer streets and neighbourhoods.”
He said South Australia led the nation with the highest per capita rate of sworn police officers of any Australian State with 89.5 per cent of SAPOL staff assigned to operational duties, could also boast the highest frontline ratio, well above the national average of 82.7 per cent.
“Thanks to the efforts of our dedicated police force, SA is now a much safer place than ever before,” Mr Wright said.
He said there were 179 cadets, including 48 females, still in training at the Academy.
8 October, 2009
Safety in numbers
at workplace week
Safe Work Australia has called on all businesses and organisations across Australia to participate in Safe Work Australia Week.
Chair of SWA, Tom Phillips said all Australians should involve themselves in the event from 25 to 31 October in an effort to reduce injury, death and disease.
Mr Phillips said over 135,000 Australians were seriously injured at work and more than 260 died as a result of work-related injuries every year, and that did not include the many more who died from work-related disease.
“By participating in Safe Work Australia Week, businesses and organisations across Australia can learn more about how to keep their workplace safe and raise awareness of the importance of safety among their workforce,” he said.
“This year Safe Work Australia Week will focus on the harmonisation of occupational health and safety (OHS) legislation and workplace safety issues around Australia.”
Mr Phillips said work-related injury, illness and death could be prevented by adopting safer work practices.
“The simple philosophy of there being no excuse for any accident can only be upheld if everyone demonstrates a strong commitment to workplace safety,” he said.
Workplaces were being encouraged to hold activities and events that would help workers to consider workplace safety. Suggested activities were available on the Safe Work Australia website, www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au
Mr Phillips also encouraged individuals, organisations and businesses to submit their comments on the new draft national Occupational Health and Safety laws.
“The Week is an ideal time to get involved in the development of the new national model OHS laws,” he said.
Safe Work Australia is the national Agency responsible for improving occupational health and safety and workers’ compensation arrangements.
8 October, 2009
Drugs campaign
gets high marks
A new road safety campaign targeting driving while on drugs has been developed for the Motor Accident Commission.
Launched by the Minister for Road safety, Michael O’Brien, the mass media campaign aimed to dispel the myths around driving on drugs and was part of MAC’s ongoing strategy to educate drivers on the issue of drug driving.
“The statistics are telling us that the drug driving detection rate is more than double that of drink driving,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Last year, 20 per cent of all drivers killed on our roads tested positive to detectable quantities of prohibited drugs in their system.”
Chief executive of the Motor Accident Commission, Andrew Daniels said MAC’s previous drug driving campaign succeeded in dramatically improving awareness that police were able to randomly test for drugs at any time.
“Our challenge now is to educate SA motorists on the effects of drug driving with a focus on the most common offenders, young men,” Mr Daniels said.
“Disturbingly, many drug takers believe that driving on drugs can make them more cautious or more alert.
“The shocking crashes we see almost daily involving drugs tell a very different story.”
He said the new campaign challenges the view that it’s safe to put your trust in people who have potentially been on drugs.
“You wouldn’t trust the people in the campaign if they’d been on drugs – so why would you trust yourself?” Mr Daniels said.
Mr O’Brien said the story being told by the statistics was one of the reasons the Government increased the penalties for drug driving offences in 2008 and why SAPOL expanded its roadside drug testing regime to allow for 40,000 tests a year.
“We are determined to reduce road deaths and education is a key element in achieving that aim,” Mr O’Brien said.
“We hope the new television campaign gets the message across that drugs significantly impair judgement and driving with drugs in your system could result in serious injuries or death,” he said.
The campaign will involve radio, pubs, clubs street press and online.
8 October, 2009
Imitation guns shot
down by new law
New laws have been introduced to make carrying an unregistered imitation firearm an offence.
Minister for Police, Michael Wright, said the new laws required imitation firearms to be subject to the same licensing and registration conditions as the firearms they imitate.
He said the maximum penalty for breaking the new law was 15 years jail or a $75,000 fine.
“Imitation firearms pose a significant threat to the community,” Mr Wright said.
“Their role in violent crimes can have an impact that’s equally as serious and terrifying as being confronted with a real firearm.”
He said because they were almost impossible to distinguish from the real thing, police and members of the public could only assume they were being threatened with a deadly weapon.
“We are determined to crack down on this disturbing behaviour.”
He said the imitation firearms had improved in quality and complexity and their ability to be converted into real firearms had improved.
“I am told that SA Police have recently seized a number of imitation firearms that have been converted to fire live ammunition.”
Mr Wright joined the Commissioner of Police to announce a three-month gun amnesty.
In his role as Registrar of Firearms, the Commissioner said the amnesty would run until midnight on 31 December 2009.
He said that during the amnesty, people who owned or possessed firearms (imitation or real), ammunition, a receiver or a firearm part, fitting or mechanism that was not registered or was no longer wanted, were encouraged to surrender them at any police station without fear of prosecution.
There would be no compensation for the firearms, imitation or real, that were surrendered however.
The Commissioner said a 3-month amnesty held early this year had led to 1,144 firearms being handed into police.
8 October, 2009
Electoral roll roll-up
not on a roll
The Australian Electoral Commission has released a breakdown of eligible electors not on the electoral roll.
Electoral Commissioner, Ed Killesteyn said there were 1.2 million Australians missing from the roll with the most likely being those between 18 and 34 who had moved house in the past three years.
“The fact is the younger you are the less likely you are to be on the electoral roll,” Mr Killesteyn said.
He said people aged 18-24 accounted for nearly a third of the missing million and released a break-up of age groups risking their votes in the next election.
The break-up showed over 370,000 in the 18-24 age group; 318,000 in the 25-34 group; 250,000 35-44; 170,000 45-54; 86,000 55-64 and 55,000 over 65.
Mr Killesteyn said failing to register a change of address could mean a voter is removed from the roll and he believed a substantial numbers of Australians between 25-44 years could be in that category.
He said the AEC would be undertaking a mailout this year, sending over 843,000 letters with enrolment forms to where it believed many of the eligible but unenrolled people could be living.
“While this is a significant mailout it won’t reach everyone who is missing, or everybody who has recently turned 18 or moved address,” Mr Killesteyn said.
“I urge any Australian who needs to act on their enrolment to do it now, so you don’t miss out on having your say on election day.”
He said an online enrolment form was available on the AEC website and australia.gov.au
“While you still need to print out and sign the form, it is a first step towards modernising the enrolment process to meet growing expectations among the public to complete business online,” Mr Killesteyn said.
8 October, 2009
Industry action plan
gets in on the act
The first of six industry workforce action plans has been launched by the Minister for Employment, Training and Further Education, Michael O’Brien.
Mr O’Brien launched the Construction Industry Workforce Action Plan at a graduation ceremony for the Construction Industry Training Board’s ‘Wise Guys’ program.
The program enlists experienced workers in the construction industry to continue their careers by passing on skills as trainers.
Mr O’Brien said the construction industry’s plan would be followed by plans for the Agri-food, Defence, Advanced Manufacturing, Resources and Health and Community Services industries and built on other skills and workforce development measures already in place in schools, vocational education, training institutions and universities.
He said the construction industry was South Australia’s fifth largest industry employing around 65,000 people, and was critical to the State’s economic and social fabric.
“Key industries in our economy, such as education, housing and health, rely on products from the construction industry to achieve their business goals through annual building programs for schools, homes and hospitals,” Mr O’Brien said.
“The construction industry is facing its own challenges in meeting those demands because of the impact of its cyclical nature on the availability of skilled labour.”
He said the Construction Industry Workforce Action Plan had established that skills development alone would not be enough to address the challenges the industry faced.
“Employers need to take action to ensure that skills are used appropriately and further developed in a constantly changing environment,” he said.
“This is particularly relevant to the construction industry as it responds to new clean technology requirements.”
Mr O’Brien said the Plan was a bold step forward for the industry because it provided a strategy to attract, develop and retain an appropriately skilled workforce, now and into the future.
He said the information gathered to develop all the Action Plans was also being used by the Training and Skills Commission to develop its Five Year Plan which would be released later this year.
Mr O’Brien said that Plan would outline the Government’s training and workforce development priorities.
A copy of the Construction Industry Workforce Action Plan could be accessed at www.workforceinfoservice.sa.gov.au
8 October, 2009
Discrimination law
makes special case
New laws that strengthen protections against discrimination have come into force in South Australia.
Attorney-General, Michael Atkinson said the new laws would particularly benefit carers, mentally-ill people, breastfeeding mothers, contract workers and people wearing religious dress.
He said the old laws were out of date and weren’t working properly.
“These changes were well overdue and are a big step forward in achieving equality and fair treatment in South Australia,” Mr Atkinson said.
“(They) also send a strong message to migrants and people from a range of cultural and religious backgrounds that diversity is valued in this State.”
He said it was now unlawful in South Australia for employers or educational institutions to force workers or students to stop wearing religious dress, unless it prevents them from doing their job or creates a danger.
He said it was now also unlawful to discriminate against voluntary carers, people with disabilities, mental illness, learning difficulties or infections such as HIV and Hepatitis C or to refuse to sell goods or services to a breastfeeding mother or refuse nursing mothers access to educational services.
The new laws were welcomed by the Equal Opportunity Commissioner, Linda Matthews, who said they were an important step forward in the protection of human rights.
“The new laws expand the coverage of SA’s disability-discrimination provisions to protect people suffering with mental illnesses or with learning disabilities, people who have non-symptomatic infections and people who are at risk of developing a particular disability in future,” Ms Matthews said.
“Previously, these people had to take their complaints up at the Federal level but, in future, they will have a local remedy.”
She said that in addition to strengthening the anti-discrimination laws, a number of outdated laws had been repealed.
“South Australians today no longer support laws excluding homosexual people from clubs or from business partnerships,” Ms Matthews said. “It’s good to see these outdated laws repealed”
She said the changes brought South Australia into line with other States and the Commonwealth and gave South Australians better options to solve problems.
8 October, 2009
Defence bomb website
launched with a bang
The Department of Defence has revised its website that provides information and advice on unexploded bombs and other military weapons.
According to the Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, Mike Kelly the website enhancements would provide a “one-stop shop” for members of the public seeking more information on Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) which is ammunition that has malfunctioned and is potentially dangerous.
“UXO is never too old to be dangerous, as such any item found that is suspected of being a UXO must not be disturbed; simply leave it alone and report it to local police who will arrange for Defence experts to attend and deal with it,” Dr Kelly said.
“This is a free service provided by Defence.
“Public safety is of paramount importance to Defence and all reasonable measures are taken to prevent unauthorised access to land which Defence controls and which it knows or suspects to be contaminated with UXO.”
Dr Kelly said if UXO were found on land not owned by the Government, Defence would consult with the appropriate controlling authority.
“Defence provides advice to land management authorities and landowners on the management of UXO sites and makes available specialist Defence personnel to render safe any items of UXO as they are discovered and notified to Defence,” he said.
Dr Kelly said an ongoing public information campaign on UXO was conducted by Defence, including the annual distribution of over 380,000 notices directed at the public, and in particular, child safety.
The updated site was available from www.defence.gov.au/uxo
8 October, 2009
Agriculture Minister
plants career seeds
The Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Tony Burke has visited South Australia to encourage young people to pursue careers in agriculture
Mr Burke visited the Roseworthy Campus of the University of Adelaide to discuss the challenges of attracting youths to the industry with University staff, students and local rural leaders.
The call for young people to take up careers as farmers, scientists, agronomists or environmental leaders comes following news that the average Australian farmer is over 50 years old.
“Roseworthy graduates are highly employable and these young people will help to maintain and advance Australia's place as a major food exporting nation,” Mr Burke said.
He said the NextGen Farmers initiative had been established to provide grants to support the next generation of rural leaders.
As well as visiting the University, Mr Burke met with farmers in Riverton to launch a project aimed at helping them adapt to climate change.
He said the Gilbert Agribusiness Group Inc forum project gave farmers access to Federal funding to measure the effects of different farming systems on emissions and to establish the best management techniques.
“This South Australian project is looking at the potential of soil carbon, while recognising the current challenges in measurement,” Mr Burke said.
He said the Commonwealth was helping farmers across Australia continue their “innovative work to adapt to climate change and boost productivity and profit.”
“Given the scale of Australia's land mass, there is significant potential to help reduce our national emissions through soil carbon storage but more work is needed on measurement techniques,” Mr Burke said.
Mr Burke was invited to the region by MP for Wakefield, Nick Champion.
8 October, 2009
New FoI pamphlet issued
State Records of South Australia has updated its Freedom of Information pamphlet to reflect the latest in policy development.
Entitled Your Right to Know - How to use Freedom of Information in South Australia the revised pamphlet explains how the freedom of Information Act operates, the documents it covers, exemptions, costs and the steps involved in making an FoI application.
The two-page document can be accessed at www.archives.sa.gov.au
Police station closed
Hindley Street Police Station in Adelaide is to be closed for a week from Monday 19 October for major building renovations. It will reopen the following Saturday.
During the closure, patrols will operate as normal but people needing police services should go to either the Transit Services Branch office (Concourse, Adelaide Railway Station, 136 North Terrace, Adelaide) or the Adelaide Police Station (60 Wakefield Street).
If police attendance is required the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 or 000 should be contacted.
Locals helps tsunami effort
A team of surgeons, doctors, nurses and support staff from South Australia were sent to Samoa to help out following the recent tsunami.
The team was led by the Director of Trauma Services at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, Bill Griggs who has an international reputation for his work in disaster situations.
New plan for Ewens Ponds
The Department for Environment and Heritage has announced that diving and snorkelling can continue at Ewens Ponds under a revised Park Management Plan but boating and l swimming will be banned.
DEH’s Steve Bourne said the plan was revised to balance the conservation of the unique aquatic environment at Ewens Ponds while allowing water activities to continue.
He said the changes had been open for public consultation.
Work starts on Harbor TAFE
Work has begun on the site of the new Victor Harbor Campus for TAFE SA.
Minister for Training and Further Education, Michael O’Brien, said the campus was located near the Victor Harbor High School and the Council Library so young people could move straight from school into training in the same surrounds.
He said community services would be a main focus of teaching at TAFE SA Victor Harbor and it was expected to undergo rapid growth due to demographic shifts in the South Coast population.
1 October, 2009
PS week to be a
public service
Public Sector Week 09 is to be celebrated in South Australia from 21 to 27 November.
Over 100 free events will take place across the week, with the aim of educating the public on the functions of the Public Service and challenging people’s perceptions of what Public Servants do.
Community members have been encouraged to participate in the events to discover the wide range of work being done by the State’s PS employees.
Free events include tours of PS workplaces, open days, forums and displays.
Public Sector Week 09 will also give the public the opportunity to learn more about PS careers through discussions with fire fighters, art curators, park rangers, marine scientists and other Public Servants.
The Premier’s Awards 2009, which aim to showcase excellence in Public Service Innovation, coincide with Public Sector Week this year.
The Awards ceremony is to be held on 26 November 2009.
The South Australian Public Sector is the largest employer in the State and employs around 97,000 South Australians.
Further information on events during Public Sector Week 09 was available from the Office for Ethical Standards and Professional Integrity website: www.espi.sa.gov.au
1 October, 2009
Investigators warned
on PS objectivity
Public Service Investigators have been warned to take a “step back” when making professional decisions.
This was the message given by John Clarke, the corruption commissioner who conducted the investigation into the case of Dr Mohamed Haneef.
Speaking at the Commonwealth Ombudsman’s national Good > Better > Best – Changes in public integrity conference in Canberra, Mr Clarke emphasised the importance of objectivity in the Public Service.
“Decision makers need to step back for some moments and reflect on what they’re going to do and consider if it’s right,” Mr Clarke said.
“Too many decision makers don’t do that and that’s why we get such a proliferation of mistakes.
“In the Haneef case, the person making the decision got too close to the action and got suspicions which, frankly, weren’t justifiable. I know that he thought Haneef was guilty but that, in my view, is because he lost his objectivity.”
Speaking for the first time about his inquiry into the Dr Haneef case, Mr Clarke said conducting a public inquiry into a matter relating to national security had been challenging.
“I recognise that lawyers, judges, everyone who was involved in considering the Haneef case thought hearings in public are the Holy Grail, and I wanted to have a hearing in public, but I only got anywhere when I went to ground and did it privately,” he said.
“Also matters of national security should not be investigated by an investigator with no powers.
“It’s sheer luck if the investigator gets there, and they’re put under enormous pressures. I am concerned that anyone else be as foolhardy as I was to undertake a national security investigation without any power.”
Commonwealth Ombudsman, Professor John McMillan said problems could arise when multiple Agencies were required to cooperate.
Professor McMillan pointed to the Access to Justice report, which was published by the Attorney-General and recommended an Ombudsman role in developing a Charter of Good Administration, a project he said was already underway.
“The report favours a new approach to resolving disputes – one that I strongly support – that places less emphasis on formal justice processes, and more emphasis on prevention and affordable, informal mechanisms for people to resolve disputes,” he said.
1 October, 2009
Police rise for
fallen colleagues
Police Officers who died in the line of duty have been honoured at a memorial service held on National Police Remembrance Day.
The 61 police officers who have died while serving South Australia over the past 170 years were commemorated on the day which is held each year on 29 September.
Minister for Police, Michael Wright said the community should not mourn for the officers, but rather reflect and remember them and the ultimate sacrifice they made for their State.
“We are privileged to have police officers who go above and beyond the call of duty to help and serve others, but sadly and regrettably, there is a risk that lives can be lost,” Mr Wright said.
“We cannot bring our fallen officers back but we can ensure their sacrifice is recognised by honouring their memory.”
National Police Remembrance Day is recognised annually by the wearing of traditional blue and white chequered ribbons which are generally available from police local service areas and at all Police Credit Union branches for a gold coin donation.
Mr Wright South Australia was fortunate that no officers had been killed in the line of duty since 2002.
“Everyday police officers face extreme danger in the pursuit of creating a safer community,” he said.
The last officer to die on duty is South Australia was Bogdan (Bob) Josef Sobczak, who was killed on 26 May 2002 after his police motorcycle collided head-on with another vehicle.
Since National Police Remembrance Day last year, 11 police officers across Australia and New Zealand had been killed.
1 October, 2009
Weigh-in way out
for frozen fish
An examination of frozen seafood products by the Office of Consumer and Business Affairs has found almost half the packages inspected were underweight.
Trade Management Inspectors found 46 of 102 pre-packed prawns, squid, fish cakes, fish fingers and fillets they inspected at metropolitan supermarkets and fish mongers underweight.
Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gail Gago said uniform test procedures were followed to ensure the actual seafood content was measured rather than the surface ice.
Ms Gago said of the underweight packets, one contained Atlantic salmon and the remainder contained prawns.
“Seafood lovers have every right to be disappointed with these results,” she said.
“Consumers think they’re paying for a certain quantity of seafood, but in actual fact they’re getting less for their money.”
Ms Gago said all pre-packed prawns checked came from local fishmongers who had sourced the packs from the same interstate wholesaler.
“Nearly all of them failed weight tests, which simply isn’t good enough,” she said.
Ms Gago said the average weight deficiency was less than two per cent, but that there had been a one-kilo packet of prawns that had weighed just over 900 grams.
“It is important that these problems are addressed now as seafood sales will likely increase as we get closer to Christmas,” she said.
Retailers caught selling under-weight items were issued with warning notices and were required to stop selling the whole packs to the public.
“As this is the first time that frozen seafood has been tested by Trade Measurement inspectors in SA, the retailers have been cautioned, but the same leniency won’t be shown if any problems are found during follow up visits,” Ms Gago said.
She said her office was working with its interstate counterparts to deal with the seafood suppliers.
Traders caught selling inaccurate quantities risk a maximum penalty of $20,000 under the Trade Measurement Act 1993.
Consumers could report their concerns about short measure of goods on (08) 8234 2036 or by visiting www.ocba.sa.gov.au
1 October, 2009
Schools learning
bushfire lesson
Sixteen schools in bushfire-prone areas are to have their safety upgraded before the beginning of the next fire season.
Minister for Education, Jane Lomax-Smith said the schools would share in $1.4 million of funding.
Dr Lomax-Smith said the bushfire protection grants would provide fire-fighting water to schools in the highest risk category.
“The bushfire protection grants allow schools to install up to 72,000 litres of water storage to supplement water supplies in the event of a bushfire,” she said.
“Some schools will also install fire hydrants and boosters that increase water pressure for fire fighting purposes.”
Dr Lomax-Smith said the grants ranged from $33,000 to $170,000.
“We have taken the advice of representatives from the Country Fire Service and expert engineers to determine the fire risk of Government schools and their particular needs,” she said.
“Schools being targeted are considered by the CFS to be extreme risk sites and these grants will ensure there is sufficient water to fight a fire.”
Dr Lomax-Smith said all schools in identified bushfire zones were required to have a bushfire management plan that was checked and revised annually.
“All schools have a preventative maintenance schedule which includes making sure gutters are cleaned regularly and checking fire hydrants every three years,” she said.
“The Education Department is currently looking at arrangements for the upcoming fire danger season in light of the recent Victorian bushfire findings.”
Dr Lomax-Smith said the funds had been allocated under the State’s $36 million School Pride Asset Program Grants.
The schools receiving the grants are:
Aldgate Primary School
Banksia Park High School
Bridgewater Primary School
Crafers Primary School
Heathfield Primary School
Norton Summit Primary School
Arbury Park Outdoor School
Basket Range Primary School
Millbrook Primary School
Upper Sturt Primary School
Bridgewater Kindergarten
Scott Creek Primary School (two grants)
Melrose Primary School
Moonta Area School
Kangaroo Inn Area School
Rendelsham Primary School
1 October, 2009
Teachers hit back
with bully report
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has released a new teaching resource to help fight cyberbullying.
The new DVD and booklet resource, Let’s Fight it Together is available to all Australian schools for free and aims to teach teenagers about ways to avoid cyberbullying. Chairman of the ACMA, Chris Chapman said cyberbullying was the “use of social networking sites, mobile text messages, instant messaging, email and other websites to bully others.”
Mr Chapman said cyberbullying could be very damaging and was becoming a significant issue for children and schools.
“Cyberbullying can be more pernicious than traditional forms of bullying: hostile messages can be sent at any time from any place; they can be sent anonymously and distributed more rapidly to wider audiences,” he said.
“For the target of the cyberbullying, there can be nowhere to run—places previously considered safe and personal are safe no longer.”
Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy said educational resources such as Let’s Fight It Together could empower young people.
“This new resource will help raise awareness while providing important advice and support for young Australians, teachers and parents,” Senator Conroy said.
Let’s fight It Together features a short video which presents a cyberbullying scenario derived from real experiences of teenagers who have been cyberbullied.
It includes interviews with the characters in the story - teachers, parents and young people - about their perspective on the cyberbullying scenario.
An accompanying booklet has lesson plans and activities for the classroom.
The ACMA said it already had orders from over 200 schools for Let’s Fight It Together.
Schools can order a free copy of the resource by contacting the Cybersafety Contact Centre on 1800 880 176.
1 October, 2009
Board to be plank
in health platform
The board of South Australia’s new Health and Medical Research Institute is to be created by expatriate businessman Raymond Spencer, who the Minister for Health expects will also be the Institute’s first Chairman.
The Minister, John Hill, has asked Mr Spencer to set up the Board and establish the Institute as a world-class health and medical research centre.
Mr Hill said Mr Spencer had extensive international business experience and was an “outstanding” candidate for the role.
“Raymond has a proven talent for developing large, complex projects, which makes him the ideal person to lead the new SA Health and Medical Research Institute,” Mr Hill said.
“Working with the Board of Directors and the Executive Director, Raymond will provide the drive and direction needed to establish a world-class research facility.”
Mr Spencer, who was born in Adelaide, is to return to South Australia after working in India, Europe and the United States for the past 35 years.
He said establishing the medical research centre would be a unique opportunity.
“The institute will provide a focused, unified approach to medical research in SA and build upon the phenomenal resources that already exist within the State,” Mr Spencer said.
He said by maximising the State’s resources and establishing a prestigious facility, South Australia would be in an excellent position to attract leading researchers from across Australia and overseas.
The establishment of the Institute follows recommendations from the Review of Health and Medical Research in South Australia, conducted by Professor John Shine and Alan Young.
Construction of the new facility, which received $200 million in Federal funding, is expected to begin in 2010 and be completed in 2012.
It will be located next to the new Royal Adelaide Hospital.
1 October, 2009
Miners move mountains
in Indigenous course
Engineering and geosciences scholarships are being offered to Indigenous Australians under a joint initiative between TAFE SA, the State Government, BHP Billiton and the mining industry.
Minister for Employment, Training and Further Education, Michael O’Brien said the scholarships would be available for up to 12 Aboriginal people to study a Diploma of Mechanical Engineering, Diploma of Geoscience or Diploma of Civil Drafting at TAFE SA.
“TAFE SA is responding to the needs of the mining industry through this program, as well as creating opportunities for Aboriginal people to further their studies, which may lead to jobs in the mining sector,” Mr O’Brien said.
“The scholarships will cover TAFE SA fees and study costs up to a maximum of $2,500 per student.”
The scholarships, worth a total of $30,000, are part of BHP Billiton’s Indigenous Participation Program (IPP) which has been designed to increase participation by the Indigenous workforce at the Olympic Dam mine.
Scholarships are being offered in conjunction with TAFE SA and the Resources and Engineering Skills Alliance.
Senior Advisor for Aboriginal Liaison with BHP Billiton, Jamie Love said IPP was based on an agreement with three Aboriginal groups claiming an interest in the Olympic Dam region.
Mr Love said the program embodied the company’s charter aim of ensuring communities in which it was present benefited from its operations.
“The vocational scholarships are designed to support more Indigenous students to undertake courses in engineering and geosciences with the aim of increasing the pool of Indigenous students moving to tertiary education in mining-related fields,” he said.
TAFE SA will provide additional support to the scholarship winners through Student Services and Indigenous Support Agencies.
Applications for the scholarships close 3 October 2009, with further information available by contacting TAFE SA on (08) 8207 2939.
1 October, 2009
Car stealing trend is
joy ride for police
South Australia has recorded its lowest level of motor vehicle theft in over 30 years according to figures from the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council.
The Council is a joint initiative of all Australian Governments and the insurance industry.
Minister for Police, Michael Wright said the statistics showed there were 5,341 motor vehicle thefts in SA in 2008-09, the lowest since 1967-77 when 4,496 were stolen.
“Taking into account the increase in SA’s population and the number of registered cars during the same period, those figures are outstanding and police should be recognised for their contribution to this reduction,” Mr Wright said.
He said the Council’s figures showed there were 6,293 (121 per week) fewer vehicles stolen in SA than in 2001-02 when 11,634 vehicles were stolen (223 per week).
Mr Wright said 981 fewer vehicles were stolen in SA in 2008-09, a decrease of 15.5 per cent compared with 2007-08.
He said this was the largest percentage reduction in thefts of any State or Territory during this time.
Mr Wright said South Australia had recovered 77.8 per cent of stolen vehicles, ranking it third in Australia and above the national average of 69.9 per cent.
He said while immobilisers had played a role in reducing theft however cars with immobilisers were still being stolen.
“That’s why it is important to have other strategies in place to deliver substantial long-term reductions.
“Initiatives such as the ‘Stop Car Theft Program’, targeted patrols, targeting repeat offenders, covert operations, monitoring bail conditions and awareness campaigns are also vital in tackling motor vehicle theft.”
He said the new mobile Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), which is to be trialled by Police, is also expected to play an important role in catching criminals and recovering stolen vehicles.
“ANPR allows vehicle number plates to be read by cameras installed in patrol vehicles,” Mr Wright said.
“The cameras draw information from SAPOL systems alerting police if the car has been stolen.”
He said while the levels of car theft might be at a record low, it was still important that all South Australians remain vigilant.
He suggested residents park wisely, lock their doors and close their windows, remove navigation devices and install an engine immobiliser to help prevent the chance of their car being stolen.
1 October, 2009
Poison prods
cattle book
A joint initiative involving Australian primary industries experts has produced a new weapon in the fight to save cattle from being poisoned by the Pimelea plant.
The weapon comes in the form of a booklet, Understanding Pimelea Poisoning of Cattle, which outlines strategies for dealing with poisoning by the plants, which predominantly grow across the drier regions of South Australia, Queensland and NSW.
Animal Health Officer at Primary Industries and Resources SA (PIRSA), Trent Scholz said the booklet would be distributed to producers across Australia.
“This guide will help landowners identify the risk factors, particularly when weather conditions may be more favourable for Pimelea growth, and how to proactively reduce the risk for stock,” Mr Scholz said.
“We also included a number of trials and case studies, detailing the personal experiences of producers, the symptoms of Pimelea poisoning, treatments and their management strategies.”
He said Pimelea can be quite toxic to cattle and can cause constriction of the pulmonary blood vessels, fluid leakage into the chest, anaemia, diarrhoea and death.
The booklet was written by scientists from PIRSA, Queensland’s Primary Industries and Fisheries, the University of Queensland, NSW Department of Primary Industries and AgForce with funding from the Natural Heritage Trust.
Queensland Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries, Tim Mulherin said that in a bad year, Pimelea could cost producers up to $50 million in lost production.
“These plants cause serious economic consequences for the cattle industry through loss of production, stock deaths and the costs of supplementary feeding,” Mr Mulherin said.
Cattle President for AgForce, Grant Maudsley said the initiative included herbicide trials to identify the most cost effective chemicals for controlling Pimelea.
1 October, 2009
New prescription for
dodgy doctors
The Minister for Health has announced a crackdown on bogus health practitioners and others who exploit ailing and vulnerable South Australians.
The Minister, John Hill, said the offenders will be banned from practising, and could be jailed under the new rules.
He said changes to the law would be made to ensure they were penalised if they continued to treat patients after they were barred.
“There are people in our community who claim to be able to help sick people but who are really frauds,’’ Mr Hill said.
“They exploit people when they are at their most vulnerable and make promises which are not based on proper medical practice.
“These people will no longer be tolerated.”
He said the new laws would empower existing authorities to stop the quacks who posed a risk to public health.
He said publicly naming known bogus practitioners would help warn potential victims.
Mr Hill said the changes were decided after Parliament’s Social Development Committee heard tragic stories unregistered practitioners exploiting people, including evidence that one claimed to cure cancer by “vaginal blowing” and enemas; another “natural healer” who advised a cancer patient to stop taking medication and another who claimed to cure cancer through organic coffee enemas.
Mr Hill said a Code of Practice would also be introduced for genuine practitioners not required to be registered by law, to establish ethical and safe standards for their treatments and premises.
1 October, 2009
Pension centenary
sparks old-age coin
A commemorative coin to mark the centenary of the Age Pension is being circulated by the Royal Australian Mint.
More than five million of the $1 coins have been circulated to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the introduction of the pension.
Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry said the coin was a way of honouring the many pensioners who had made a significant contribution to Australian society.
“The coin symbolises the spirit of the age pension – a commitment to the welfare of older Australians and the recognition of the role they have had in building our country,” Senator Sherry said.
“More than five million coins going into circulation will provide the community with more than five million reminders of just how important and valued our pensioner community is.”
The Minister for Community Services, Jenny Macklin said the launch coincided with the first day of the administration of new pension payments under the Federal Government's Secure and Sustainable Pension Reforms.
Ms Macklin said the reforms would improve the pension's adequacy for the 3.3 million age pensioners, disability support pensioners, carers, wife and widow pensioners and veteran income support recipients in Australia.
“In the 100th year of the Age Pension, the Australian Government has delivered the most significant reforms to the pension since its introduction.”
The coin was designed by Wojciech Pietranik.
1 October, 2009
Gulf prawn fishery
trawls for success
The Spencer Gulf prawn fishery has received international recognition from the United Nations for its excellent management practices.
Minister for Fisheries, Paul Caica said the recognition backed up the significant and sustainable growth seen in the prawn industry in South Australia over the past five years.
“Our Spencer Gulf prawn fishery has now been recognised by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation, based in Rome, as one of the best managed fisheries in the world,” Mr Caica said.
“Continual growth in the South Australian prawn industry has seen the fishery reach its strongest position in recent years.”
In its report, A Global Study of Shrimp Fisheries, the UN organisation praised the Spencer Gulf prawn fishery as a global model of fair, flexible and accountable management.
Mr Caica said data collected by the research arm of the Primary Industries and Resources SA, the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), showed the total catch for the Spencer Gulf fishery during 2007-08 was over 100 tonnes higher than its long term average.
SARDI’s data also showed a 41 per cent increase in total catch for the Gulf St Vincent prawn fishery between 2003-04 and 2007-08.
Mr Caica said catch rates had increased at time when constant controls had been placed on the amount of effort that occurred in the fishery.
“The number of fishing nights and the amount of fishing gear being used by the industry has been tightly controlled at constant or decreasing levels to ensure sustainability,” he said.
“These improvements in catches are a reflection of increased prawn stock abundance and not simply an increase in fishing effort, which is very positive for the future sustainability of these fisheries.”
Mr Caica said the “tremendously pleasing” results showed the positive results of strong collaboration between Government, industry and stakeholders.
“I’m very pleased to report that over the past five years, we’ve seen continuing growth in catch rates and prawn sizes across the three local prawn fisheries,” he said.
1 October, 2009
Brakes put on
P-plate hoons
P-plate drivers under 25 are to be banned from driving high-powered cars.
Minister for Road Safety, Michael O’Brien has announced that legislation would be introduced into Parliament next month to place the restriction on P1 and P2 platers as well as introduce other measures to strengthen the Graduated Licensing Scheme.
Mr O’Brien said the aim of the new laws, and the Scheme, was to have better-prepared drivers when they proceed to full licences.
“Too many young people are being killed on our roads,” Mr O’Brien said.
“On average 27 per cent of all fatalities in SA each year are aged between 16 and 24.”
He said the new laws would ban provisional drivers under 25 from driving vehicles with eight or more cylinders, or with turbocharged or supercharged engines, or which had been modified to increase performance.
“There are more than 76,000 P platers on our roads and these new drivers, particularly those aged between 16 and 20 years of age, are up to three times more likely to be involved in a serious road crash,” Mr O’Brien said.
“There’s also increasing community concern about these young inexperienced drivers getting behind the wheel of high powered vehicles.”
He said the new laws were based on existing legislation in Queensland, NSW and Victoria.
According to Mr O’Brien, the bans will come with a range of exemptions to avoid hardship to families or workers, particularly in rural areas.
“Exemptions may be granted if a high powered vehicle is the only one available to the driver, if they already own one before the ban comes into effect, or if the vehicle is required for the driver’s employment,” he said.
Mr O’Brien said five other key measures being introduced would increase the amount of supervised driving time for Learner drivers from 50 to 75 hours; increase the minimum time for a Learner’s permit from 6 to 12 months; impose tougher curfew conditions on new drivers returning from disqualification; impose a two demerit point penalty instead of licence disqualification for failing to display their P-plates; and offering offenders a Good Behaviour Option to cut Court time.
Mr O’Brien said the Government had set a target in the South Australian Strategic Plan of less than 90 fatalities, and fewer than 1,000 serious injuries, by the end of 2010.
1 October, 2009
Riverside warning
you can bank on
The Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation has called on residents and visitors to the River Murray to report any riverbank collapses.
DWLBC has warned that sections of the bank between Lock 1 and Wellington were at risk of collapse due to low water levels.
The Department said there had already been several riverbank collapses between Lock 1 and Wellington in the past 12 months which involved soil, and in some cases trees and vehicles, sliding into the river without warning.
It said considerable work and investigation had been done in the area but it expected that water levels would remain low over summer and exacerbate the environmental damage.
It said it had fenced off, or erected signs, at some public areas of the riverbank to prevent vehicle and pedestrian access.
DWLBC has recommended that 14 shacks at Sturt Reserve and 6 at Caloote be vacated while further investigative work is done.
“There is also a risk to boats (including houseboats) moored to trees on the riverbank that could collapse, submerging the vessel,” The Department said.
It said the warning signs that the bank might be about to collapse included:
- Longitudinal cracking, sometimes well away from the river’s edge;
- Fallen or leaning trees or vegetation tilting or slipping towards the river;
- Other nearby collapses; and
- Bubbling in the water near the riverbank.
It said the work it had done to reduce the risks included the removal of trees and the grading of banks.
The Department said incidents of collapse or major cracking should be reported to the MurrayWatch Hotline on (08) 8531 0710 or to its officers on (08) 8204 8258 or (08) 8204 8576. More information could be obtained from its website at www.dwlbc.sa.gov.au
1 October, 2009
Agriculture Minister
plants career seeds
The Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Tony Burke has visited South Australia to encourage young people to pursue careers in agriculture
Mr Burke visited the Roseworthy Campus of the University of Adelaide to discuss the challenges of attracting youths to the industry with University staff, students and local rural leaders.
The call for young people to take up careers as farmers, scientists, agronomists or environmental leaders comes following news that the average Australian farmer is over 50 years old.
“Roseworthy graduates are highly employable and these young people will help to maintain and advance Australia's place as a major food exporting nation,” Mr Burke said.
He said the NextGen Farmers initiative had been established to provide grants to support the next generation of rural leaders.
As well as visiting the University, Mr Burke met with farmers in Riverton to launch a project aimed at helping them adapt to climate change.
He said the Gilbert Agribusiness Group Inc forum project gave farmers access to Federal funding to measure the effects of different farming systems on emissions and to establish the best management techniques.
“This South Australian project is looking at the potential of soil carbon, while recognising the current challenges in measurement,” Mr Burke said.
He said the Commonwealth was helping farmers across Australia continue their “innovative work to adapt to climate change and boost productivity and profit.”
“Given the scale of Australia's land mass, there is significant potential to help reduce our national emissions through soil carbon storage but more work is needed on measurement techniques,” Mr Burke said.
Mr Burke was invited to the region by MP for Wakefield, Nick Champion.
1 October, 2009
Daylight saving begins
Daylight saving starts this weekend with the Minister for Industrial Relations Minister, Paul Caica reminding everyone to turn their clocks forward one before going to bed Saturday night.
Mr Caica said SA would join enter daylight saving at the same time NSW, Victoria, the ACT and Tasmania does and would end it at the same time they did, on 4 April 2010.
He said the arrangement of running the new time zone from the first Sunday in October each year to the first Sunday in April of the following year would be the norm from now on.
Records courses open
State Records of South Australia is accepting enrolments for its Certificates III and IV in Recordkeeping for 2010.
It says the courses will provide participants with the skills and knowledge to work in an increasingly dynamic and evolving industry.
Enquiries can be made to www.archives.sa.gov.au and intending students are advised to act early as course numbers are limited and filled on a first-in basis.
Watering changes
Householders have been reminded that watering times under the Enhanced Level 3 Water Restrictions will change in line with daylight saving.
Acting Minister for Water Security, Jay Weatherill said the new watering times were Tuesday and Saturday from 6 to 9 morning and night for even numbered houses and Wednesday and Sunday at thee same times for odd numbered houses.
The three hour maximums for dripper systems and hand-held hoses with a trigger nozzle remained and watering cans and buckets could still be used anytime any day.
“The change to watering hours will allow people to continue watering during daylight hours, but at the same time avoid watering during the warmer parts of the day when evaporation is most likely to occur,” Mr Weatherill said.
Murraylands burning starts
The prescribed burning season has begun in the Murraylands region.
The Department for Environment and Heritage has announced that over the coming weeks it
will conduct burns in Ngarkat Conservation Park, Billiatt Conservation Park, Peebinga Conservation Park and Danggali Conservation Park.
DEH’s Fire Management Officer in the region, Brett Stephens, said appropriate back-up resources and fall-back positions would be available, as usual, in the event a prescribed burn crossed containment lines.
Flu tests faster
The Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science is to receive Federal Government funds to buy automated influenza testing equipment.
Federal Minister for Health, Nicola Roxon said the equipment would help the Institute deal with the increased demand for tests resulting from the swine flu (H1N1) pandemic.
The Commonwealth is providing $1.4 million for laboratories in every State and Territory to get extra high-throughput testing equipment to cope with possible future pandemic threats or heightened seasonal influenza activity.
Marine safety improved
A new VHF marine radio repeater has been installed at The Bluff, north-west of Mt Gambier and is expected to improve the safety of mariners in the South East.
Minister for Transport, Patrick Conlon said the repeater would operate on VHF marine channel 22 and would be monitored by Volunteer Marine Rescue radio bases.
Mr Conlon said it was part of the Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure’s fiver-year program of improving marine safety.
Pressure down in ERs
Hospital emergency departments in Adelaide have received $12 million from the Commonwealth for new facilities that will help relieve the pressure they are under.
The Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Mark Butler, and MP for Adelaide, Kate Ellis, visited the Royal Adelaide Hospital and Adelaide's Women's and Children's Hospital which were recipients of the funding
Lock opened
The Goolwa lock is to be reopened this weekend to allow boat operators to move from Goolwa to the Coorong.
Operators have been reminded however that there are extensive areas of shallow water in the channel and have been warned to take care.
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