SearchArchives for November 2009
24 November, 2009Auditor deals with
card investigation
An investigation into the use of Government Purchasing Cards across 25 Agencies has discovered instances on non-compliance in 22.Auditor-General, Colin Murphy audited usage of the cards as part of his fourth Public Sector Performance Audit and while finding the failures and recommending improvements, stressed that no evidence of misuse was uncovered.
Mr Murphy said Purchasing Cards were an important part of Public Service purchasing, but that there were risks if they were not managed well.
He said in 2008-09 Agencies used 14,500 cards to purchase $237 million in goods and services.
He said this was up from 6,585 cards and $42 million in 2004, reflecting the Government’s policy of increasing card use.
The Auditor-General said the audit assessed whether there were adequate controls over the management of Purchasing Cards in PS Agencies and whether they were used appropriately.
“Using Purchasing Cards helps Agencies to streamline purchasing and payment practices and to improve their cash management,” Mr Murphy said.
“In taking advantage of these opportunities, however, Agencies need to take appropriate precautions.”
He said while some recent cases of misuse of Purchasing Cards had been reported, the audit had found no evidence supporting the claims.
“Controls over the management of Purchasing Cards were generally adequate in the 25 Agencies that we examined,” Mr Murphy said.
“Although we found instances of non-compliance with required procedures and areas for improvement in controls at 22 agencies, we found no evidence of purchasing cards being misused.”
He said the most common areas of non-compliance were failing to provide evidence to support transactions, and acquitting and certifying purchases.
“Three Agencies had good policies and were managing their cards well. They were the East Perth Redevelopment Authority, the Public Trustee and the Western Australian Treasury Corporation,” the Auditor said.
He said 17 Agencies had gaps in their policies and procedures for managing purchasing cards, which mainly involved a lack of clear procedures for cancelling cards and dealing with cards during periods staff members were on leave.
Mr Murphy said 16 Agencies showed credit card transactions that lacked evidence to support purchases and/or credit card statements that had not been acquitted or payments that were not certified.
He recommended all Agencies periodically review their Purchasing Card policies and procedures to ensure they reflected good practice and Government guidelines.
The report was available from www.audit.wa.gov.au
24 November, 2009
Corrective Services
scales height to win
The Department of Corrective Services has won an award for the Australian Training Initiative of the year at the 2009 National Training Awards.The Awards are the peak national awards for vocational education and training and aim to recognise innovation and excellence in the training sector.
The Department won recognition for its Through-care Program, which helps prisoners make the transition to community-based education and employment.
The program supports prisoners as they strive to re-enter the community as job-ready and motivated individuals.
Participants in the program earn accredited training qualifications while they are in prison and develop relationships with training providers, employers and industry, which can lead to further education and employment opportunities.
In 2008 over 4,100 adult prisoners earned around 17,000 units of competency in State and nationally recognised qualifications, allowing prisoners to take the next step towards rehabilitation and developing useful skills for their future.
Minister for Training and Workforce Development, Peter Collier congratulated the Department and seven other WA organisations and individuals who made it to the national finals, with seven of the eight either winning or being named runner-up in their category.
Mr Collier said it was a fantastic result that showed the wealth of talent and excellence in training available in WA.
The WA College of Agriculture in Cunderdin won the Vocational Education and Training in Schools Excellence Award for its course that gives students time in the classroom and in the field.
Other winners included Australian Apprentice of the Year, Blake McCarthy, 19, who is employed by the Water Corporation’s engineering and construction services branch.
Mr Collier said the results were one of the State’s best in the national competition.
“We have taken on the nation’s best and have come up winners,” he said, “which is a testament to the strength of training in this State.
“Everyone who took part in these awards deserves our very warmest congratulations and we should be very proud of their achievements.”
The Australian Training Awards were presented in Canberra and are the culmination of the State and Territory Awards, with winners from each original competition competing in the national finals.
24 November, 2009
Salary survey
shows PS on top
Public sector wages have outpaced the private sector, according to the latest average weekly earnings figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.Economists said the Public Sector had experienced its fastest wage growth in five years at 4.6 per cent, while private sector wage growth was at its slowest in seven years at 3.2 per cent for the year to September.
The increases for the quarter were 3.2 per cent for the Public Service and 0.7 per cent in the private sector.
The ABS figures showed average weekly earnings for August in the Public Sector were $1,320.10 (full-time adult total earnings, which includes overtime), a 5.4 per cent increase from the same time last year.
In the private sector, average weekly earnings for the month were $1,228.30, representing a 4.4 per cent increase from the same period in 2008.
The national average full-time adult total earnings rose by 5.2 per cent for males and 4.2 per cent for females in the 12 months to August.
Economist with the Commonwealth Bank, James McIntyre was reported in the media as saying the Public Sector wage increases could be inflationary.
“It would seem surprising that in an environment of rising unemployment and deteriorating fiscal positions that Public Sector wage rises have not eased back somewhat,” Mr McIntyre told Australian Associated Press.
“This would suggest a lack of flexibility in Public Sector wage setting.”
24 November, 2009
New planning system
off drawing board
New laws to make the State’s planning system more transparent, consistent and efficient have been introduced into parliament by the Minister for Planning, John Day.Mr Day said that as the State approached another period of significant economic growth, the proposals would also cut uncertainty and delays for those wanting to invest in this State.
“These legislative reforms are some of the most comprehensive ever undertaken in Western Australia,” he said.
“We know that communities and investors are unhappy with some of the red tape and inefficiencies of the current system. The proposals will have significant benefit for all involved in planning, including local and State Governments and communities.”
Most of the proposals outlined in the Bill had been previously detailed in the Building a Better Planning System document released in April 2009, the subsequent Planning makes it happen: A blueprint for reform document, and the discussion paper on Development Assessment Panels, both released in September this year.
“Under the proposals, development assessment panels would be established, resulting in more transparent, consistent and efficient decision-making on development applications and giving local Governments the opportunity to refocus their resources on strategic planning,” Mr Day said.
“The panels will consist of elected local Government representatives and professionals who will consider development applications over certain monetary values. This will boost the level of planning and technical expertise in assessing development applications while ensuring the appropriate level of local Government representation in decision-making.”
The Bill would also allow the use of improvement plans throughout the State, not just in areas where region planning schemes existed.
“Improvement plans and corresponding improvement schemes would allow the State Government to take control of areas that have been chosen for developments of State or regional significance,” Mr Day said.
“Improvement schemes will allow planning and development controls to come under a single approval process.”
Also under the Bill, projects funded through the Nation Building and Jobs Plan stimulus package would be exempt from planning approval, helping ensure the State met Federal Government timelines and did not lose any of its funding entitlements.
24 November, 2009
Regions audit returns
right royalty result
An audit of the Royalties for Regions program that distributes funds from mining companies to projects in WA has uncovered failings in the Department of Regional Development and Lands and the Department of Local Government.The Auditor-General, Colin Murphy said the Department of Regional Development and Lands (RDL) was responsible for administering the program and had distributed funds “in accordance with the high level objectives” and eligibility criteria but was slow in attending to the associated accounting .
“The development and implementation of an appropriate accountability and governance framework for the Royalties for Regions program has lagged behind the initial disbursement of funds,” Mr Murphy said.
“Once fully implemented, the framework should provide appropriate accountability for the funds and ensure that processes are in place for the communication, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the program.”
He said RDL had made good progress in developing the framework since taking responsibility for the program in October 2008.
Under the program 25 per cent of mining and on-shore petroleum royalty revenue is distributed to regional WA through investment in projects, infrastructure and community services.
Mr Murphy said $308 million was distributed to 16 projects under the program between May and July 2009, each requiring a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or agreement.
“These define roles and responsibilities in terms of accountability and governance arrangements,” he said.
However, he said at 30 September 2009, RDL had not finalised MOUs and agreements with the delivery Agencies for half the projects, as the Agencies had concerns with the reporting and auditing requirements.
He said RDL was withholding further funds until the MOUs are signed, which is expected to be before the end of 2009.
He called for the MOUs to be signed as a “matter of priority.”
The Auditor said RDL had undertaken a number of measures to improve the accountability, governance and reporting frameworks for the Royalties for Regions program.
He said these included undertaking risk identification and assessment; contracting independent companies to evaluate the social impacts of the program and review the overall governance and risk management frameworks; and initiated reviews of the Country Age Pension Fuel Card Scheme and the Regional Grants Scheme.
Mr Murphy said he had also found errors in the recording and reporting of project expenditure within the Department of Local Government (DLG) and issues with the accounting treatment of program funds at one Regional Development Commission.
“If undetected, such errors can significantly affect the transparency and accountability of the program,” he said.
Mr Murphy said the program was valued at $644 million for 2009-10 and that he planned to follow up the audit at a later date.
DLG acknowledged the errors and RDL supported the Auditor-General’s findings.
The full text of the audit report was available at www.audit.wa.gov.au
24 November, 2009
Landholder manager
lands managing award
A program designed to improve the farming skills and land management knowledge of small landholders in Western Australia has won an officer of the Department of Agriculture and Food international recognition and a prestigious award.Neil Guise, based at Waroona, was awarded the 2009 Australasia-Pacific Extension Network (APEN) Award for Excellence in Extension by an Experienced Professional. Mr Guise leads the Department’s Small Landholder Information Service (SLIS).
“Small landholders are part of the changing rural landscape, with more than 55,000 in WA occupying about 650,000ha of agricultural land,” said Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman, in congratulating Mr Guise.
“The growing number of small landholders, whose properties range from one hectare to 100ha, could pose significant risks for agriculture if left to their own devices. SLIS was formed in 2004 with a challenge to improve the farming; land management knowledge; and skills of small landholders.”
Mr Redman said most small landholders did not come from a traditional agricultural background and consequently might not have the knowledge and skills to manage, for example, feral animals, weeds and nutrient run-off.
“As there was no ‘off-the-shelf’ extension model to address this group, Neil and his team had to create a program, implement it and continuously improve their strategies.”
Mr Redman said the SLIS team had been effective at building partnerships and local networks to stretch available resources to meet the diverse demands of the clients.
The small landholder extension model had attracted national recognition and been used as the basis for a program in Victoria.
Mr Guise said SLIS had so far delivered about 150 training workshops to more than 5000 participants.
“Winning the APEN Award is a wonderful personal honour as well as recognition for the achievements of all members of the SLIS team,” Mr Guise said.
“I would like to acknowledge Nancye Gannaway, who has worked with me on the project since 2004, Yolandee Jones and Heidi Blackburn.”
24 November, 2009
New standard built
on WA furniture
A new Australian standard has been developed to test the stability of household furniture, following the deaths of two children in WA. Standards Australia has published details of new testing methods for tall items such as freestanding bookcases, chests of drawers and wardrobes because they could potentially seriously injure or kill if they toppled over onto a person, especially climbing children.
Commissioner for Consumer Protection, Anne Driscoll hoped the development of the new standard could prevent future tragedies.
“About 200 small children end up in hospital each year as a consequence of falling furniture in Australia and in WA we had the devastation of two child deaths several years ago,” Ms Driscoll said.
“Our own product safety officers helped with the research that led to this new standard and we now want consumers to check for labels when buying furniture. Those labels should indicate whether the product complies with the standard, if it needs wall brackets etc to make it safe or if it should not be put on certain surfaces like carpet.”
The following practical tips are suggested for consumers:
- Look for furniture that complies with the Australia Standard.
- Choose storage furniture with a broad and stable base instead of legs, and make sure the drawers do not fall or roll out easily.
- Road-test furniture in the shop – when buying a chest of drawers, pull out the top drawers and apply a little pressure to see how sturdy they are.
- Secure tall furniture (over 1 metre) to a wall using braces or brackets.
- Install locking devices on drawers to prevent children opening them and using them as a step ladder.
- Select tables that will not tip if you sit on them. Glass tables should be made with thick, toughened glass.
- Choose stable chairs with non-slip legs.
- Look for tables and other furniture with rounded edges, or use corner protectors on sharp edges.
- Keep unstable furniture away from where children play.
- Supervise children at all times.
24 November, 2009
New drug sniffer dog
nothing to sneeze at
Quarantine WA’s dog detector team at the Perth Domestic Airport has welcomed its latest recruit, a three-and-a-half year old “passive response” Labrador, named Jasper.Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman said Jasper had an important responsibility in protecting Western Australia’s $13 billion agricultural and food industries from the threat of plant and animal pests and diseases.
“Jasper uses his acute sense of smell to detect a target odour on passengers and their luggage and then simply sits beside it to indicate a find,” he said.
The Minister said detector dogs played a crucial role in identifying fruit and vegetables, honey, seeds, cut flowers, bees, reptiles, birds, plants and plant material that could pose a biosecurity risk to the State’s valuable agriculture sector, environment and outdoors lifestyle.
“The Liberal-National Government is focusing its attention on pre-border and quarantine activities in order to protect our access into export markets and ensure our local produce remains unaffected by exotic pests and disease,” he said.
“For some time I’ve been saying it makes sense for the Government to focus on funding border and quarantine activities to stop pests and diseases before they enter WA.”
Some of Jasper’s finds include plant material hidden in several layers of plastic and foil inside passengers’ pockets; large amounts of honey in sealed jars; and even small amounts of honey in processed sauces and condiments. He has also discovered fine - almost microscopic - seed lodged in clothing and bags and small particles of soil embedded in footwear or baggage.
Jasper underwent two months training before starting at the domestic airport and his training continues on the job with handler Leigh Sonnemann.
“I’m told Jasper can inspect up to 3000 passengers on 18 flights per day. Since his introduction to the team he has detected more than 500 kilograms of prohibited items,” Mr Redman said.
Jasper is the first labrador to join the team, which includes five beagles.
“There has been a very positive reaction to him from passengers who are clearly interested that we are using Labradors. This is a good indication that many travellers understand they need to place material which could be a quarantine risk in the disposal bins as they depart their flights to Perth.”
24 November, 2009
Assessment standards
assessed as better
Tougher standards for assessing new universities and university colleges are to be adopted in WA to strengthen the State’s quality assurance framework and maintain its reputation for education quality.Minister for Education, Liz Constable said the new nationally recognised criteria and standards would be used to determine applications in future.
“It is critical that we strengthen our quality assurance framework to maintain our education industry’s reputation for quality,” Dr Constable said.
“This legislation will implement national protocols for higher education approval processes that had been developed after extensive consultation with the Commonwealth, States, Territories and education providers.”
She said there had been a rapid expansion in the number of Australian institutions offering higher education and the national protocols would provide the framework for the:
- Establishment and recognition of Australian universities or university colleges;
- Operation of overseas universities;
- Approval of non-university higher education providers to operate and to offer accredited courses in WA.
“Higher education is a significant export earner, bringing in $15 billion nationally and approximately $1billion into this State,” Dr Constable said.
The final decision to grant university or university college status is made by the Western Australian Parliament.
The Minister said the amendments would also provide extra protection for students against fraudulent or negligent providers.
24 November, 2009
Energy paper makes
effort for discussion
Public comment has been invited on a discussion paper proposing long-term vision for energy use and production in Western Australia.Energy Minister Peter Collier said The Strategic Energy Initiative 2030 would address key areas of security and reliability, a cleaner energy future, infrastructure, energy supply and demand, regional and remote energy, and markets and regulation.
He said it would set out clear goals to provide guidance for policy makers and investors, while maintaining flexibility for the State to adapt quickly to take advantage of new opportunities and address emerging issues.
“Securing the energy future for WA is a priority of the State Government,” he said.
“There was no clear energy direction for WA when we came into office last year - there was no direction for the State’s energy sector, which is something the industry has been constantly calling for.”
He said he would lead the development of the Strategic Energy Initiative, which would incorporate the knowledge and experience of energy experts from Government Agencies, industry and the community at large.
The Government had already undertaken major steps to fix the fundamentals of reliability and energy security in WA, and it was now time to plan for the future, he said.
“This will include delivering a cleaner energy future through the development of renewable energy supplies, while meeting our commitment to the national target of 20 per cent renewable energy by 2020,” he said.
Mr Collier said while the Government was increasing the use of renewable energy for power generation, effective planning was needed to increase the State’s fuel mix.
“There are unique circumstances in WA due to the expanse of the State and that needs to be taken into consideration as we develop a strategic energy direction and work towards the 2020 target,” he said.
He said the Karratha Gas Plant shutdown in January 2008 and the Varanus Island explosion in June 2008 provided valuable lessons on the need to protect energy security and prepare for the unexpected.
“It is essential that we take a holistic approach to the development of a long-term energy strategy,” he said.
“This includes making best use of existing technologies, while also ensuring the State is ready to take advantage of the technical advances that are already emerging.”
He said the Government was committed to a secure, reliable, competitive and cleaner energy future.
A copy of the Strategic Energy Initiative was available on the Office of Energy website www.energy.wa.gov.au or by contacting 9420 5600.
24 November, 2009
Dolphin study put
to good porpoise
The Department of Environment and Conservation and the Swan River Trust are to monitor the health of dolphins living in the Swan Canning Riverpark following a recent spate of deaths.Collaborating with the Murdoch and Curtin universities and the Departments of Water and Fisheries, DEC and the Trust have advised the Minister for the Environment, Donna Faragher that there was no direct risk to the public from swimming in, or consuming fish caught in either the Swan or Canning rivers.
Following a meeting of researchers and Government Agencies, which discussed the findings of six dolphins reported dead between June and October, the Minister reiterated the importance of Government programs designed at continually improving the eco-system of the rivers.
“I am concerned by the number of dolphin deaths and determined to find out exactly why they are dying, which is why the Swan River Trust is coordinating further investigations in conjunction with Murdoch and Curtin universities, and Government Agencies including the Departments of Environment and Conservation, Water and Fisheries,” Mrs Faragher said.
She said evidence indicated factors such as seasonal changes in water quality and the long-term exposure to contaminants, including high levels of dieldrin, as possible attributes in the deaths.
“Through the Liberal-National Government’s Natural Resource Management program, a number of projects which tackle water quality improvement and waterways restoration have been funded including $3.19million for the Swan and Canning rivers,” she said.
“These projects, which are designed to address pollution issues and our water quality, will have a positive outcome for the entire Swan Canning river system.”
Mrs Faragher and Water Minister Graham Jacobs have also met with Murdoch University researchers and Departmental officials regarding the release of an initial research report into the deaths of eight dolphins in the Bunbury inner waters during the past two years.
Murdoch researchers Dr Lars Bejder and Dr Hugh Finn have begun re-investigating the deaths of the dolphins, either found or presumed dead. The Ministers were advised the report found no trend in the timing or cause of the deaths and gathered tissue samples had been sent for further analysis.
Mrs Faragher said this information was important given advice she had received of some similarities with the six dolphin deaths in the Swan River this year.
“While the exact cause of the deaths in the Swan Canning Riverpark and the Bunbury inner waters are still not clear, we know through this research that a number of factors need to be investigated and we need to analyse the data from similar research programs conducted throughout Australia and internationally,” the Minister said.
24 November, 2009
Corrections award
finds right answer
Top prize in the 2009 Corrective Services Awards has been awarded to a service designed to divert young people from the justice system in Kalgoorlie and Geraldton.The Goldfields Youth Justice Services (GYJS), which has seen a significant drop in local young people being remanded to Perth since opening in December 2008, was presented with the overall Minister’s Award after also winning the Aboriginal Justice Achievement Award category.
The annual awards are held by the Department of Corrective Services to recognise staff and business areas that have performed above and beyond over the past year.
The Goldfields Youth Justice Services, along with its counterpart in Geraldton, was recognised for its work in diverting young people away from the formal justice system.
As a result of the services on offer, both centres had seen a significant reduction in the number of young people charged, remanded into custody, appearing in court and sent to detention in Perth.
GYJS Manager Mike West said the award was great recognition for staff who were passionate about improving justice outcomes for local children.
“A few years back a large number of young people from this region were being held in custody in Perth,” Mr West said.
“There were multiple reasons for this, including the difficulty in locating responsible adults for young people who were otherwise eligible for bail.”
He said the GYJS now had the resources to find family to bail young people or place them in emergency accommodation until someone could be found to take responsibility for them.
“We are also now delivering many more services to families and young people who are beginning to offend,” he said.
“This means we can intervene at the early stages of offending and prevent more serious offences being committed, which is a great outcome for everyone in the region.”
The GYJS also won the Aboriginal Justice Achievement Award in recognition of its focus on improving service delivery to Aboriginal young people and their families.
“Aboriginal young people from the Goldfields region were over-represented in detention several years ago,” Mr West said.
“But I am really pleased that since we opened for business 11 months ago that we have successfully diverted many young people from custody, including 48 young people placed in the local youth bail facility instead of being sent to Rangeview Remand Centre in Perth.”
24 November, 2009
School’s image
to be positive
High schools across Western Australia have been invited to nominate entries in the 2010 Positive Image Award.Youth Minister Donna Faragher said the program had been revitalised to recognise groups of high school students, who were working to make a difference in their communities.
“So many young people work quietly and without fanfare on a range of significant projects that make a real difference to many people’s lives,” she said.
“But too often society concentrates on the activities of just a few young people and negative perceptions are created that can unfortunately become widespread.”
She said one of her priorities as Youth Minister was to help promote the many positive activities of young people and to celebrate and reward them for their community participation.
The Minister said high schools were invited to submit an entry for the Award where students had created a “positive image” of young people by:
- Improving young people’s mental and emotional wellbeing;
- Increasing awareness among young people of the negative impacts of drug and alcohol abuse;
- Enhancing positive community perceptions of young people;
- Enhancing the lives of young people with disabilities;
- Recognising and supporting young carers; and
- Addressing youth homelessness.
Applications close on March 12, 2010 and winners will be announced during National Youth Week in April 2010.
24 November, 2009
Violence partnership
billed to be a hit
A new partnership between the Department of Child Protection and WA Police has been formed to crack down on the incidence of family and domestic violence in Western Australia.Child Protection Minister Robyn McSweeney said from early 2010, senior field workers from the Department of Child Protection (DCP) and staff from the family protection unit of WA Police would co-locate at the DCP’s district office.
“This co-location provides a specialised and integrated response in situations of family and domestic violence in Kununurra and other regional centres,” she said.
“Both Agencies have different mandates in terms of their roles and functions, but there is a strong need to integrate policing and child protection responses given the link between family and domestic violence and the abuse of children.”
The Minister said the aim of the collaborative approach was to prevent child abuse in the context of family and domestic violence.
“This is achievable through improved information-sharing and resource-sharing to develop effective risk and safety management plans for situations and individuals,” she said.
This announcement follows the successful implementation of the co-location programs in metropolitan Perth. The new sites identified for expansion include: Kununurra, Albany, Bunbury, Northam, Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Geraldton, Mandurah, South Hedland and Broome.
“We hope the co-location model will encourage families and individuals to access services to prevent further family and domestic violence,” Mrs McSweeney said.
24 November, 2009
Boundary writers
go to the limits
The boundaries of the Perth Tourism Precinct have been expanded.Commerce Minister Troy Buswell said the Precinct would now include significant areas of Subiaco, Mt Lawley, East Perth, West Perth, North Perth, South Perth and Victoria Park.
“These areas reflect a concentration of retail, dining, sporting and entertainment attractions enjoyed as much by tourists as Perth’s general public,” he said.
“The expansion of the Tourism Precinct into these surrounding areas will only serve to further enhance their status as drawcards for visitors from near and far.”
The Minister also announced he would amend the trading hours of all general retail shops in the Perth and Fremantle tourism precincts, effective from January 1, 2010.
“The new orders will allow people to trade until 9pm on weeknights if they so choose - Saturdays and Sundays will retain their current 5pm closing time,” he said.
The move comes after consultation with local councils on behalf of business and is a further step in the State Government’s campaign to reform shopping hours.
Businesses on either side of a boundary road of the Perth tourism precinct would be able to trade as part of the area however no business within the precinct would be forced to open under the new hours.
The boundaries of the precinct would include Kings Park and Heirrison Island because of their significance as tourism areas.
Mr Buswell also announced that Joondalup would also become a Special Trading Precinct, in addition to the Perth and Fremantle precincts.
24 November, 2009
Infrastructure list
is big ticket item
A new round of proposals for major infrastructure projects in WA has been submitted to the national Infrastructure Australia Council.Unveiled in Parliament by the Premier, Colin Barnett, the seven projects have been chosen to have a strong focus on strengthening regions.
“The submissions have a strong focus on strengthening our regions and include transport upgrades, cities in the Pilbara, common use infrastructure to encourage private enterprise and improving the capacity of existing infrastructure,” Mr Barnett said.
“While indicative total project costings have been provided, the Government sees each project funded through a combination of Infrastructure Australia, State Government and private industry funding.”
Mr Barnett said the seven priorities identified are:
Gateway WA:
The consolidation of the Domestic and International Terminals would require an upgrade to the roads around the airport and would also provide an opportunity to create a more efficient and attractive entry to Perth city. The airport has been given top priority at an estimated cost of $600 million.
Pilbara Cities:
The strategic importance of the Pilbara area warrants investment to create vibrant, sustainable regional cities that could support and deliver a skilled workforce, while offering a high standard of living to local communities. The Government has committed $300 million to a Pilbara Revitalisation Plan and was seeking Infrastructure Australia funding towards a total $471 million for urgent works.
Kimberley Supply Base:
Inpex Corporation was conducting feasibility studies on the construction of a supply base at Port Torment near Derby. It would include an appropriate port, port-related infrastructure and industry land. The construction phase of the project has an estimated total cost of $550 million.
Mid-West Energy:
The Government has announced it would build a 330kv power line from Pinjar to Eneabba. Infrastructure Australia funding was being sought for the second stage to Moonyoonooka. This project has an estimated cost of $280 million.
Grain Freight Network:
The Western Australian grain industry is a major exporter, with more than half of the grain traditionally moved by rail. Infrastructure Australia funding has been requested for two key components of the network: Re-sleepering of the Avon to Albany rail; and Upgrading Chester Pass road.
Brunswick to Bunbury Port:
With increased growth in industry, the single track South West rail line and port land side infrastructure was approaching capacity. This project looks to expanding the capacity of rail to facilitate the export of increased volumes through Bunbury Port by removing an existing bottleneck between Brunswick Junction and Bunbury. The cost of this project was estimated at $63 million.
Port Hedland Inner Harbour:
the port at Port Hedland requires enhancements to cater for the increased capacity required by existing and new projects. The estimated cost of this work is from $500 million to $1 billion much of which would be met by private port users over time.
Mr Barnett said the Infrastructure Australia Council would now review submissions and an updated list of national priority projects would be identified and further discussions entered into with proponents.
24 November, 2009
Audit reports on grants
The Auditor-General, Colin Murphy has assessed whether Healthway, the Department of Sport and Recreation and the former Department of Education and Training have been administering grants appropriately.
In his fourth Public Sector Performance Audit the Auditor also looked at 15 non-government organisations to assess whether they were using public money properly.
Mr Murphy found Healthway and DSR “generally administered their grants appropriately” but that DET did not have “appropriate accountability arrangements” in place but had since adopted new procedures.
He said recipient organisations had spent their grants for the intended purpose and could “adequately account for their grant expenditure and performance.”
Commissioners converge
Police Commissioners from across Australia and New Zealand will unite on 11-12 December for a blitz aimed at tackling alcohol-fuelled crime and antisocial behaviour. The crackdown - codenamed Operation Unite - will be a first-of-kind, comprehensive and coordinated action by police forces in all states and jurisdictions.
Police Commissioner Karl O’Callaghan said that enforcement could only ever be a part of the solution, and that further actions were needed from a range of stakeholders to successfully confront the causes and problems associated with alcohol misuse.
Ski ban for safety reasons
Marine authorities continue to enforce a temporary ban on skiing at Koombana Bay and the Power House in Bunbury due to safety issues.
Regional Manager of the Department of Transport, Peter Kiely said the level of floating debris in the water from the Bunbury Timber Jetty made it unsafe for people skiing and travelling through the area at high speed.
Garden upgraded
An upgraded and more spacious memorial garden has been opened at King Edward Memorial Hospital for bereaved families.
The memorial garden was originally opened in 1989 as a site to inter the ashes of babies stillborn before 28 weeks gestation, and as a special place for bereaved families to visit and remember their loved ones.
Glass prize open
The Art Gallery of Western Australia is calling for nominations for the Tom Malone Prize, one of Australia’s leading prizes for glass artists.
Now in its eighth year, the prize was initiated in 2003 by Benefactor of the Foundation of the Art Gallery of Western Australia, Elizabeth Malone, and is intended to promote the creation, appreciation and enjoyment of glass made in Australia.
Pay-to-bet introduced
Betting agencies and wagering operators across Australia and overseas now have to pay a fee for betting on Western Australian racing.
Racing and Gaming Minister Terry Waldron said the Western Australian TAB was currently paying fees to interstate racing industries for the right to bet on their racing product and that these fees amounted to about $18 million per year.
Mr Waldron said introduction of the race fields legislation was in line with similar moves in the Eastern States.
Observation tower reopens
The Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority has announced that the iconic DNA Observation Tower has been refurbished and was now open to visitors once more. Located on the Broadwalk Vista off Forrest Drive, the double helix staircase tower was built in 1966 and was originally inspired by the famous double spiral staircase in a chateau in Blois (France).
The DNA Observation Tower offers visitors panoramic views across the park and Perth City east to the Darling Scarp and west to Rottnest.
17 November, 2009
OPSSC does job on
senior PS recruiting
The Commissioner for Public Sector Standards has called for urgent action to improve recruitment processes for senior PS staff.After an audit of 96 recruitment processes for positions paying more than $97,000, the Commissioner, Dr Ruth Shean, said there was room for improvement in many of the elements her Office investigated.
Part of the audit looked at whether those responsible for making high level appointments complied with the key principles of human resource management set out in the Public Sector Management Act 1994.
“Managing interests, referee checking and verification of qualifications are areas of recruitment where Agencies continue to struggle,” Dr Shean said.
The report found that while good recruitment practices could be found in many Agencies, there was room for improvement in external verification of candidates’ claims and the documentation which accompanied the process, as well as management of interests during recruitment.
“External verification of recommended candidates’ claims through referee checks and verification of formal qualifications form an essential component of a recruitment process,” Dr Shean said.
“Yet even the most fundamental of quality controls, the referee check, is not routinely completed for senior appointments.”
Of the senior appointments reviewed by OPSSC, 46 per cent were made without referee checks.
The audit also found that in 22 of the 96 processes reviewed, Agencies claimed that qualifications were an essential criterion. Of these 22 processes, only two panels verified the candidates’ qualifications.
“Government employs Public Servants using taxpayers’ money. It is therefore essential that we get value for money when recruiting Public Sector employees, especially those who are employed in the upper echelons of the sector,” Dr Shean said.
“One key factor in determining value for money is with checking qualifications, and yet most employers who insist on qualifications for senior positions do not check to see that candidates are appropriately qualified.”
Of the 96 recruitment process audited by OPSSC there was a potential or perceived conflict of interest in 30 processes. Interests were not appropriately managed in 53 per cent of these processes. This was of particular concern given the more senior positions audited and, by their nature, the integrity and responsibility vested in such roles.
“For Western Australian taxpayers to have confidence in the firm of Government, they must be assured that Public Sector employees are appointed through fair and equitable processes,” Dr Shean said.
“Correct handling of interests during recruitment is essential for all to have confidence in the integrity of the process.”
“We have already drawn attention to these issues in previous Parliamentary Series Reports. I now call on all Public Sector chief executive officers to take a leadership role in recruitment, and to champion proper process.”
Parliamentary Series Report Six: Audit of Senior Recruitment Processes in the Western Australian Public Sector is available at www.opssc.wa.gov.au
17 November, 2009
Hospital service
survives enquiry
An independent enquiry into the St John Ambulance Service WA has endorsed the provision of emergency ambulance services by a non-Government provider but has identified a number of areas in which improvements must be made. The investigation examined systems and processes within the ambulance service and the report’s 13 recommendations were intended to strengthen SJA’s capacity and improve safety and quality for patients.
The recommendations cover issues related to the communication centre, clinical governance, staffing and continuing education.
Health Minister Kim Hames said the Department of Health would immediately begin developing a business case evaluating the funds required to address the report’s other recommendations relating to additional expenditure.
“It is absolutely essential that we get our response to this inquiry right,” he said.
“The State Budget process will allow the Government to make a measured assessment of how we can deliver maximum improvements in the ambulance service in the context of our broader long-term health funding decisions.”
The Minister said the report was commissioned in July to investigate the root causes of the tragic death of four patients highlighted by the ABC’s Four Corners program.
“On behalf of the State Government, I would like to express my sincere thanks to the families of the deceased patients for their cooperation with the inquiry,” he said.
“I would also like to thank the review chairman, Greg Joyce, and all those who have contributed to this independent review.”
The Government would provide an immediate funding injection of $1.028 million to the Service in response to the recommendations.
“Western Australians can be assured they have a strong, high-quality ambulance service in place,” Dr Hames said.
“This additional money will allow SJA to employ 10 more call centre operators, 26 patient transport officers and a paramedic in Karratha during the remainder of the current financial year.”
The St John Ambulance Service WA provided emergency ambulance services to 180,000 patients last year and the inquiry found that it performed very well in comparison to services in other States.
The need for additional ambulance services in country areas would be the subject of further assessment, as would the feasibility of introducing structured call taking in the SJA communication centre.
The report was available online at: http://www.health.wa.gov.au/ambulance_inquiry/ or by calling 9222 2086.
17 November, 2009
Uni course to tame
‘wicked problems’
The University of Western Australia is offering courses in a new field – Integrated Human Studies – which will have particular relevance to public service.Professor Neville Bruce from the University developed the courses due to his dissatisfaction with the way tertiary institutions were responding to the world’s problems.
Professor Bruce said Integrated Human Studies directly addressed 21st century challenges.
He said he believed science and technology had contributed rapidly to human development in the 20th century, but that their effects had ruinous consequences.
“Massive, complex problems like resource depletion, climate change, poverty and inequity threaten the very survival of humans and the planet – and many universities continue to deliver the same old discipline-based or vocationally focused education,” Professor Bruce said.
Professor Graeme Martin, also of UWA, said Integrated Human Studies delivered a transdisciplinary perspective and methodologies that drew on science, the arts, humanities, law and economics.
“We get some of the brightest minds in the country, and they come in wanting to change the world – and we teach them maths,” Professor Martin said.
“Of course the world needs mathematicians, but if you want to change the world and address complex problems, you need broad understandings, and a sense of how your disciplinary specialty fits in with others.”
He said the new course drew on a range of subject areas to consider local and global issues and “wicked problems” that defied narrow analysis.
Professor Bruce said the course’s starting point was the idea that in order to consider human futures, it was necessary to understand human nature and culture, evolutionary and historical origins and value and belief systems.
He said it was also imperative to understand the current status of humans on
Earth.
“Australia needs to formulate policies relating to immigration, welfare, housing, land management and more,” he said.
“Policy makers need to understand the global issues and pressures, and leaders and voters all need to make informed decisions.”
Professor Bruce pointed to the Australian Public Service Commission (APSC), which recognised the need for a different approach to solving complex policy problems known as “wicked problems.”
He said former Australian Public Service Commissioner Lynelle Briggs said wicked problems “require thinking that is capable of grasping the big picture, including the interrelationships among the full range of causal factors underlying them.”
Ms Briggs said they often required broader, more collaborative and innovative approaches.
Professor Bruce said the curriculum design team at UWA’s Centre for Integrated Human Studies had built these skills into their course content and delivery.
More information about the course could be accessed at www.ihs.uwa.edu.au
17 November, 2009
Energy overhaul for
office buildings
A national scheme to boost the energy efficiency of commercial and Government-owned office buildings has been announced by the Federal Minister for the Environment, Peter Garrett.Mr Garrett said from the second half of 2010 building owners would be required to provide up-to-date energy efficiency information when selling or leasing space covering over 2,000 square metres.
“This means all parties - the building owner and potential buyers or tenants - will have access to consistent, credible and meaningful information about a building’s energy efficiency and make informed decisions when they buy or rent office space,” he said.
“Greener offices are not only more comfortable to work in, they can also boost productivity, bring down sick leave, support green building industry jobs and have the potential to deliver savings of 20 to 40 percent on energy bills.”
Mr Garrett said the disclosure scheme would encourage building owners to invest in energy efficient upgrades.
He said the scheme would require owners to disclose a valid Building Energy Efficiency Certificate, including a National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) Energy base building star rating.
He said an assessment of the lighting energy efficiency of tenancies and some suggestions on how to improve the building’s energy efficiency would also be included.
He said owners who did not comply would risk a fine or prosecution.
“If you are planning on selling or leasing office space, the first NABERS Energy base building star rating can take time,” Mr Garrett said.
“I encourage building owners to start now to prepare for the introduction of this measure.”
Ministers for Energy at the Federal, State and Territory levels recently approved the parameters of the new scheme and Commonwealth legislation was currently being developed.
Mr Garrett said businesses would be informed about the new rules through upcoming seminars to be hosted by the Department of the Environment and the Property Council of Australia.
More information was available from www.environment.gov.au
17 November, 2009
High density plans
in code of their own
Separate planning controls for higher density housing developments have been proposed by the Minister for Planning, John Day,Mr Day released his proposed Multi Unit Housing Code for public comment saying it would better regulate the development of higher density projects in urban areas.
The Minister said the proposed changes, based on extensive consultation with the industry and local Governments, would expand the current provisions of the Residential Design Codes into a separate and simplified section for multiple dwelling developments (multiple dwellings over multiple floors).
“The R-Codes have worked well in guiding the development of single houses and grouped dwellings, but in their present form, they do not recognise the need to provide different types of appropriate housing forms, nor do they encourage multiple dwelling developments in medium density areas,” he said.
“We’re proposing two separate parts to the Residential Design Codes, one which applies to single houses and grouped dwellings and one which applies to multiple dwellings and the residential component of mixed use developments.”
He said the major elements were: new maximums plot ratios; new maximum site covers; new height controls and parking requirements based on proximity to public transport.
“Other significant changes include the removal of minimum lot size requirements; introduction of minimum and maximum dwelling size requirements; and the introduction of activity centre zones,” he said.
“These changes will help accommodate population growth through urban infill, a main objective specified in the Directions 2031 draft framework which I released earlier this year.”
He said by expanding the permissible range of housing in individual residential codings, the new code would more effectively meet the housing needs of the community.
“It will enable developers to deliver diversity and choice in housing, particularly in relation to the quality of design of multi unit developments. It will also facilitate the development and redevelopment of existing sites,” he said.
“The changes also help support the State Government’s intention to increase activity centres and mixed use developments in urban areas.”
The proposed Multi Unit Housing Code and the accompanying explanatory guidelines are available from the Planning WA website at http://www.planning.wa.gov.au/comment
Public submissions would be accepted until January 22, 2010.
17 November, 2009
Commissioner blows in
with cyclone warning
The Commissioner for WorkSafe WA, Nina Lyhne, has reminded employers and workers in the North-West of the State that they need to ensure contingency plans were in place to deal with cyclones.Mr Lyhne said the cyclone season had officially begun and it was “crucial” everyone on sea and on land knew what to do if a cyclone was in their area.
“The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast a lower than normal risk of a coastal impact before Christmas, and an average to below-average number of cyclones in the waters off the North-West coast this season,” Mr Lyhne said.
“Even so, the Bureau has forecast a significant risk of at least one severe cyclone impact during the season, and the tragic circumstances surrounding Cyclone George in 2007 demonstrated that it only takes one cyclone to cause significant damage and suffering.”
He said WorkSafe has issued reminders for many years to the fishing industry to ensure contingency plans were in place, but the Cyclone George experience prompted the reminder to be extended to land areas as well.
“The North-West of WA continues to experience a high level of activity and there are a huge number of workers in the area, including workplaces with employees of several companies all working on the same site,” he said.
“It is particularly important that emergency evacuation plans are coordinated so every worker – regardless of their employer – knows exactly what he or she needs to do in the event of a cyclone threat.”
Fishing vessels need to keep a list of sheltered anchorages and have information on how to use them, along with a specific action plan for each vessel depending on the distance from the cyclone and safe havens.
For the fishing, charter and recreational sectors, the Department of Transport has cyclone contingency plans for regional boat harbours at Point Sampson (Johns Creek), Onslow (Beadon Creek), Shark Bay (Denham), Exmouth, Carnarvon and Coral Bay.
Further information on cyclone contingency plans could be obtained by telephoning WorkSafe on 9327 8777 or on the website at www.worksafe.wa.gov.au
Information on Department of Transport plans could be obtained by telephoning the department on 9216 8859 or on the website at www.transport.wa.gov.au
17 November, 2009
Health warns tomatoes
are source of disease
The Department of Health has issued a warning against eating loose semi-dried tomatoes unless they are thoroughly cooked.Director of the Communicable Disease Control Directorate Dr Paul Armstrong said the Department was investigating possible links between the semi-dried tomatoes and hepatitis A following a recent outbreak of hepatitis A in Victoria.
“Six Western Australians have been diagnosed with hepatitis A since September,” he said.
“Four of the cases acquired the disease in Western Australia and three of these reported eating semi-dried tomatoes before becoming ill, so it is possible there is a link to the Victorian outbreak.”
He said the majority of cases in this outbreak had been recorded in Victoria, with a small number being reported in other states and that health authorities Australia-wide were working to identify the possible source of the contamination.
Symptoms of hepatitis A include fever, nausea, poor appetite, abdominal discomfort, dark urine and jaundice (yellowing of a person’s skin and eyes) and could develop between two and seven weeks after exposure. The illness may last several weeks.
Dr Armstrong said that anyone with symptoms of hepatitis should see their usual medical practitioner as soon as possible.
“Most people make a complete recovery although some people develop severe illness and may require hospitalisation,” he said.
The warning applies only to loose semi-dried tomatoes, as sold in delicatessens or used in the catering industry, and not pre-packaged jars which undergo additional treatment steps.
17 November, 2009
Wooroloo Prison gets
cooler reception
The Inspector of Custodial Services, Professor Neil Morgan, has found that overcrowding, staff shortages and a lack of leadership have combined to impact negatively on the performance of the Wooroloo Prison Farm.The Inspector found many positive aspects of operations at the prison, but concluded that it had slipped from its previously high ranking as one of the best operating prisons in the State.
“The system has become increasingly overcrowded and gridlocked during 2009,” Professor Morgan said.
“Much of the increase in numbers was entirely foreseeable and should have been planned for and funded by Governments, dating back many years. The recent parole changes have exacerbated and not created the problem.”
He said it was not only a problem of increased numbers, it was also a problem of gridlock: when prisoners were not granted parole from minimum security prisons such as Wooroloo, other prisoners who had been assessed as minimum security, were unable to move from the higher security prisons.
Director of Prison Farms Vicki Bell said Wooroloo was not alone in feeling the constraints the rising prisoner numbers were placing on the system.
“Wooroloo staff are to be congratulated for their efforts in ensuring the prison runs efficiently and effectively,” she said.
“The Inspector raised concerns about overall conditions for prisoners and the general impact on service delivery areas as a direct result of overcrowding. The Department acknowledges these concerns and staff are working extremely hard to make the best of what is a difficult situation at this point in time.”
She said overcrowding had flow-on effects into every aspect of prison life for both staff and prisoners so it was important to minimise the impact and continue to deliver a high standard of correctional care.
Ms Bell said the Department would work to ensure Wooroloo continued to run effectively and meet the challenges associated with overcrowding.
“The aim is to ensure Wooroloo’s facilities, services and programs result in the increased safety and security of the community and that it remains focused as a re-entry prison for minimum-security prisoners.”
Professor Morgan said, “Everyone should sit up and take notice of this sobering assessment: the State acknowledged that prisoners are not being held in appropriate accommodation. Unfortunately, it is quite possible that demand will continue to outstrip supply even with the current Government’s program for building new prisons and adding new accommodation into existing facilities.”
17 November, 2009
DEC comes down
on illegal dumpers
The Department of Environment and Conservation has declared illegal dumping in the Walpole, Denmark and Mount Barker areas a “significant issue”.National park ranger Chris Goodsell said the Department had been working closely with landowners in the areas to keep national parks and nature reserves free of unsightly rubbish but the illegal activity often led to costly clean-ups.
“Illegal dumping not only threatens the environment and wildlife, but it also poses a risk to public health and safety,” Mr Goodsell said.
“For example dropped cigarette butts can spark wildfires and dumped chemical drums can cause serious pollution concerns.”
He said individuals could face fines of up to $5000, increasing to $25,000 for companies, if found guilty of an unauthorised discharge.
“We are appealing to primary producers to dispose of deceased livestock and unwanted farm materials in a responsible manner, either on their own properties or at a licensed waste disposal station,” he said.
“We encourage landholders to utilise their local shire waste disposal station and free disposal is also available for green waste and recyclables.”
Anyone who witnesses illegal dumping or littering in protected bushland areas should call the Keep Australia Beautiful Hotline on 1300 766 541 or the DEC Walpole office on 9840 0400, he said.
“Our priority is to get things cleaned up as quickly as possible and deter those responsible from polluting our environment. If you do see a suspicious vehicle in the area please note down the registration number as this information can assist us with our investigations,” he said.
For more information about reporting pollution and illegal dumping visit www.dec.wa.gov.au
17 November, 2009
Strong response to
violence issues
A joint initiative of the Department for Child Protection and the Women’s Council for Domestic and Family Violence Services has seen more than 90 representatives of the State’s domestic violence and outreach services gather to discuss new responses to Western Australian domestic and family violence issues.“Often women leave their homes to escape domestic violence and find themselves in unstable housing, dislocated from support networks and employment, and have their children’s education disrupted,” said Child Protection Minister Robyn McSweeney who opened the Safe at Home forum.
“The Safe at Home model provides another option for women and children, based on an individual assessment of risk and safety.”
The program provides specialist workers to assess the safety and support needs of women and children to stay in their own home, and brokerage funds to stabilise housing and increase security.
“Important aspects of the Safe at Home program include safety planning; security upgrades to victim’s homes; court support; liaison with police and other services; referrals to legal advice and counselling; and casework to address financial and other issues.”
She said the Domestic Violence Outreach Program would provide five workers in rural and remote locations including Peel, Pilbara, Murchison, Great Southern and Goldfields.
The Safe at Home forum also featured an address by visiting keynote speaker Ludo McFerran, who provided an update on a range of Safe at Home programs in other jurisdictions.
17 November, 2009
Workplace watchdog
warns new starters
The Commonwealth’s Fair Work Ombudsman has encouraged school-leavers to be aware of their workplace rights if they decide to take jobs over the summer holidays.The Ombudsman, Nicholas Wilson, said knowledge was the best defence to ensure young workers were not ripped off.
“When you’ve just left school, every dollar counts,” Mr Wilson said.
“Often the excitement of the first pay packet and a lack of understanding of the laws that protect them can leave young workers vulnerable to unacceptable workplace practices.”
He said there were several facts young workers should be aware of, for instance that every worker should receive a payslip and unpaid trial work was generally against the law.
He said having money deducted from wages if the cash register was short was also against the law.
“Entering the workforce should be a positive experience, and we’re here to help empower young people to ensure that is the case,” Mr Wilson said.
“It’s as simple as picking up the phone and calling our national Infoline on 13 13 94 to speak with one of our Fair Work advisers.”
He suggested keeping a work diary to record shifts and pay, noting the start and finishing time, meal breaks and the names of supervisors.
“A record of events such as this can be extremely helpful in resolving issues that may arise down the track,” Mr Wilson said.
He said over the next month his office would distribute tens of thousands of post-cards to areas populated by young people, including cafés, cinemas and shopping centres, alerting students to their workplace rights.
Last year the Fair Work Ombudsman audited 400 businesses primarily employing young workers and recouped $634,000 for 1,700 underpaid young employees.
Further information for school-leavers was available from www.fairwork.gov.au
17 November, 2009
Transport Authority
to roll with the times
The Public Transport Authority has assured the community that there will be no change to transport arrangements for community events such as Skyshow and the Christmas Pageant.Chief Executive of the PTA Reece Waldock said people travelling to the city to attend the popular events would still pay their normal fare.
He said the bulk of the cost of the big number of extra buses and trains – given that public transport is about 70-75 per cent subsidised – would continue to be met by the taxpayer through the PTA.
He said there would also be no change to arrangements for joint-ticketed events (where travel was included in the ticket cost) such as the football or the Britney Spears concert, or WACA cricket and the Johnny Walker Golf Classic, which pay a fee to have extra pay-as-you-use services.
“Most promoters and venues – including the AFL, soccer, rugby, Burswood and Members Equity – already have joint-ticketing or flat-fee deals,” Mr Waldock said.
“It need not even alter the price of a ticket and when it does, it’s negligible … we’re talking about $1-$1.50 on tickets which cost up to $150 each.”
He said the Government was simply trying to make it fair – “fair for the concert-goers, some of whom pay their train fares while others don’t; fair for the promoters, most of whom already contribute to the cost of public transport while a few refuse; and fair for WA taxpayers, whose money is better spent on more and better timetabled services.”
He said if the number of people going to and from an event on public transport was reasonably modest, the normal services were sufficient – depending on the day and time – but in recent years, events coming to Perth had increased in size (as well as number), requiring extra, event-specific services, for which the Government was not funded.
“What we are talking about is providing enough of those extra services to meet the extra demand.”
Mr Waldock said that, after being forced to fund extra public transport from the same finite operating budget that provided normal timetabled services, the PTA began to seek a contribution from promoters about 10 years ago.
Most now contributed to the cost of extra public transport, even including charity events such as the City to Surf and the Freeway Bike Hike.
The Government has contacted 24 councils, seeking to establish [memorandums of understanding] under which council could require promoters to have an approved transport plan.
17 November, 2009
WorkSafe to nail
construction sites
WorkSafe WA has embarked on a program of construction site inspections in the South-West aiming to improve construction safety standards.Director of Construction, Regional and Primary Industries with WorkSafe Chris Kirwin said the inspections would be carried out at Margaret River, Busselton, Dunsborough, Augusta and Yallingup all this week.
“Campaigns like these aim to raise awareness of hazards in the targeted industries, and also to remind those involved of their responsibilities in minimising the risk of injury,” Mr Kirwin said.
“We have conducted similar inspection campaigns in this region over the last couple of years and found some concerns with electricity and falls from height, but standards of safety on construction sites in the South-West have generally been quite high.”
He said inspectors would be taking a general look at construction sites, but there would be some specific areas on which they would concentrate.
“They will be checking that workers on construction sites have undergone the compulsory Construction Safety Awareness Training and hold current and valid cards, and that Safe Work Method Statements are in place for high risk construction work,” he said.
“Inspectors will also be taking a close look at scaffolding – edge protection in particular - and paying close attention to WorkSafe priority areas including electrical safety and safe work at heights.”
He said the inspectors would also take the opportunity to encourage small construction businesses to take advantage of the ThinkSafe Small Business Assistance Program, which offered businesses with less than 20 employees a free three-hour assessment by an independent safety and health consultant.
“The program of regional inspection campaigns is all about increasing awareness of workplace safety in the regions, but inspectors will not hesitate to issue notices where they discover breaches of the laws.”
Further information on construction safety can be obtained by telephoning WorkSafe on 9327 8777 or on the website at www.worksafe.wa.gov.au
17 November, 2009
Bushfire scientist
hot stuff at awards
Principal Research Scientist with the Department of Environment and Conservation, Dr Lachie McCaw has been honoured at the inaugural Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) Awards for Excellence taking out the top award.DEC Director General, Keiran McNamara said Dr McCaw had been selected for the prestigious award by his peers for his tireless work since the Bushfire CRC’s inception in 2003.
“Dr McCaw’s work in the State’s south-west has vastly improved our understanding of fire behaviour in forests and shrublands throughout the region,” Mr McNamara said.
“His research into the ecological impact of fire on the landscape has had positive implications for the way bushfires are managed by DEC and by similar agencies throughout Australia.”
Mr McNamara said Dr McCaw had taken on a national role in evidence-based decision making in the areas of prescribed burning and land management and was a mentor to the next generation of emerging researchers specialising in these areas.
“He is a role model for current and future fire behaviour researchers and this is a fantastic and well deserved achievement.”
Dr McCaw said the Bushfire CRC had been effective in building partnerships between scientists and fire managers that had led to improved management of bushfires throughout Australia.
“The nature and scale of bushfires is changing and it is essential that innovative research continues into managing bushfires for the protection of the community and the benefit of the environment,” Dr McCaw said.
CRC’s bring together researchers from universities, the CSIRO and other Government organisations, as well as private industry, in long-term collaborative arrangements.
Dr McCaw was the fire behaviour leader on the Bushfire CRC’s Research Response Taskforce to the 2009 Victorian bushfires and he has also played a key role in incident management during fires across WA and in the United States.
17 November, 2009
National standards
hailed for taxis
A meeting of Federal and State Transport Ministers has endorsed a plan to introduce National Taxi Driver Competency Units and a National Minimum English Standard.The move was welcomed by WA Transport Minister, Simon O’Brien.
Mr O’Brien said the scheme would involve taxi drivers across Australia being required to pass a nationally-consistent testing regime.
“Currently, interstate drivers are taking advantage of a national protocol allowing them to transfer their taxi accreditation to our jurisdiction,” he said.
“This enables these drivers to work in Western Australia without passing this State’s testing standard.”
He said he was concerned these drivers were getting their WA taxi licence and hitting the streets without having to undergo the rigorous assessment applied to WA-based cab drivers.
“A nationally consistent testing regime will mean all taxi drivers have to attain a minimum required standard and this should be welcomed by their customers,” he said.
The Minister said he was acutely aware of community attitudes towards some lacking standards in the industry and was confident the national approach would eradicate any excuses for these low standards.
“Everyone has a horror story about a driver who did not know where they were going or who had sub-standard English speaking skills,” he said.
“The new measures will create a level playing field and taxi drivers new to WA will be required to meet the national standards - despite whether their accreditation is gained here or interstate.”
The scheme is scheduled to start on July 1, 2010.
17 November, 2009
Transport Officer
makes his mark
The Department of Transport’s Regional Transport Officer at Esperance, Garry Wilson, has been chosen to take part in a study group exchange in Norway in 2010.Mr Wilson is one of only four people selected from the south metropolitan, South West and Great Southern regions to participate in the Rotary Foundation Group Study Exchange in 2010. He will study oil spill response techniques and marine safety education.
The program provides travel grants for four to six week exchanges where participants observe similar vocations in the host country, have an opportunity to develop relationships and exchange ideas.
Mr Wilson said his five-week exchange would be a great opportunity to add to his knowledge and expertise - especially in relation to oil spill response.
“The Department of Transport is responsible for coordinating the State response to marine oil pollution within two nautical miles of the WA coastline and I am the Agency’s representative for the Goldfields/ Esperance region, as well as being a member of the National Response Team for marine oil spills,” Mr Wilson said.
“Norway is one of the top 10 oil exporters in the world and I am looking forward to learning more about the laws relating to marine oil pollution and the incident response mechanisms from my Norwegian counterparts.”
He said similarly to Western Australia, Norway’s extensive coastline presented challenges for marine safety authorities and he was keen to learn about their systems for monitoring compliance and safety education initiatives.
Mr Wilson said he would be delivering a number of presentations to Government and business groups in Norway.
“This is an invaluable opportunity to share knowledge and experience and establish links with professionals who face similar issues on an ongoing basis in different parts of the world,” Mr Wilson said.
17 November, 2009
PSC upgrades website
The Public Sector Commission has updated its website to improve the information available and make navigation of the site easier.
The Commission is calling on public feedback to help continuously improve the website which can be viewed at www.publicsector.wa.gov.au
City bike charge lamented
The City of Perth is to charge motorcyclists to park in the CBD despite an earlier State Government decision to scrap the parking levy.
Transport Minister Simon O’Brien said the move was a cynical revenue-raising activity.
Until recently the City of Perth was obliged to pay the Government $91 per motorcycle bay per year but the Government removed the levy in recognition of the role that motorcycles play in reducing traffic congestion.
Christmas tax fact sheet
The Australian Tax Office has created a fact sheet to help organisations understand the fringe benefits tax rules for the festive season.
The ATO said while staff Christmas parties could attract fringe benefits tax (FBT) there may be exemptions depending on the venue and cost per employee.
It said the two main exemptions to FBT that could apply to Christmas parties are exempt property benefits and exempt minor benefits.
The fact sheet was available at www.ato.gov.au
NRM honour closing soon
Nominations for the McKell Medal for excellence and achievement in natural resource management close on 20 November.
The annual award commemorates the outstanding contribution made to the fields of soil and land conservation by Sir William McKell, Premier of NSW (1941-47) and Governor-General of Australia (1947–53).
The McKell Medal is open to individuals and partnerships and is Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council initiative.
To nominate, visit www.daff.gov.au
Treasures at Library
Our Stories, Our Treasures in the Gallery is on display at the State Library of WA.
Included in the exhibit are the world’s smallest dictionary, measuring 27mm x 18mm, a bible from 1549, and the original 1835 Plan of Alpha Cottage on Adelaide Street, one of the few early documented gardens of WA.
The exhibit will run until the end of December. Details at http://slwa.wa.gov.au
Bridge turns 50
Perth’s Narrows Bridge has celebrated its 50th birthday.
It was opened in 1959 by then Western Australian Governor, Sir Charles Gairdner. Initially, the original six-lane structure was intended to carry about 6,000 vehicles per hour in each direction. The latest figures show the bridge carries almost 180,000 vehicles every day.
Travelling art opens
McCubbin: Last Impressions 1907-17, a National Gallery of Australia Travelling Exhibition, is to be on display at the Art Gallery of Western Australia until 29 March 2010.
The exhibition is a fresh look at McCubbin’s late work and concentrates on the last 11 years of his life when he produced his most vibrant works.
There will be a full program of events associated with the exhibit and full details are available at artgallery.wa.gov.au
10 November, 2009
Purchase warning
comes with hard sell
The Department of Treasury and Finance has reminded purchasing officers of their obligations to purchase goods and services under State Supply Commission policies.General Manager, Strategic Procurement Services with DTF, John Crowe, has issued a Buyer Alert making clear that where a Common Use Arrangement exists, public authorities must purchase under it in accordance with the relevant Buyers’ Guide.
According to Mr Crowe, an investigation by the Corruption and Crime Commission discovered that some PS officers had accepted promotional benefits connected to consumables for business machines which were subsequently purchased outside the relevant CUA 302F.
“The investigation highlighted that some purchasing officers have not been buying these consumables in accordance with the Common Use Arrangement for business machines and consumables,” Mr Crowe said.
“Specifically, purchasing officers have been buying toner cartridges from suppliers not listed as a supplier to government on this CUA.”
He said suppliers of the unauthorised toner had used high-pressure marketing techniques to secure the sales, which included offering gifts, rewards and gratuities as well as persistent phone calls and “bullying.”
Mr Crowe said where a CUA existed, purchasing officers were required to use it.
“CUAs are mandatory in the Perth metropolitan area,” he said.
“Where a CUA exists for a particular good or service, purchasing officers in the metropolitan area must buy from that CUA.”
He said CUAs were not mandatory in regional areas but purchasing officers were still required to ensure value for money was obtained and the Buy Local policy followed.
“In addition,” Mr Crowe said, “all government procurement must be conducted in accordance with the State Supply Commission Probity and Accountability policy and the Western Australian Public Sector Code of Ethics.”
He said PS officers who failed to observe high standards of integrity, ethics and probity could be found guilty of misconduct under the Public Sector Management Act 1994.
He urged anyone concerned about the behaviour of suppliers to notify the CCC on (08) 9215 4888 or by email to info@ccc.wa.gov.au.
The Alert says that further information about State Supply Commission policies could be obtained from Angela Corbett on (08) 9222 5153 and details of other CUAs from the relevant contract manager identified in the Buyers Guide.
The Buyer Alert could be accessed at www.dtf.wa.gov.au
10 November, 2009
Super fund takes
interest in review
The GESB superannuation fund has called for the regulatory and tax environment to be reformed to make it simpler for superannuation providers to engage their members and drive efficiencies that would benefit them.In a submission to the national Superannuation System Review, (the Cooper Review) GESB said the restrictive, complex and changing nature of the super regulatory framework needed to be changed.
GESB said many of its members had difficulty understanding the basics of super, such as salary sacrifice, concessional caps, preservation age and transition to retirement, and found the frequent changes to super and tax hard to navigate.
Chief Executive Officer at GESB, Michele Dolin, said the current framework was more complex and costly than it needed to be and curbed the capacity of trustees to provide members access to information that helped them build and manage their retirement savings in a cost-effective way.
“We need to strip away unnecessary and inconsistent legislation and ensure that regulatory changes are adopted for the long term,” Ms Dolin said.
She said other key recommendations in GESB’s submission to the Cooper Review included:
- Consistent industry guidance on liquidity management to help mitigate inequitable treatment of fund members in Australia.
- Consistent approach amongst regulators when introducing administrative requirements.
- Consideration by APRA of raising the minimum requirements for the Fit and Proper standards for trustees.
The Chair of the Review is former Deputy Chairman of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, Jeremy Cooper. He is supported by a panel of seven part-time members.
10 November, 2009
Legal loophole
stitched up
A loophole in the law that allows some people with criminal histories to work with children is to be closed.Minister for Child Protection, Robyn McSweeney, said amendments to the Working with Children (Criminal Record Checking) Act 2004 would help exclude people from starting or continuing child-related work if they had criminal histories that indicated they may harm a child.
“I made a commitment prior to and during the 2008 election campaign that amendments were necessary to the Act as they would address key issues that have arisen since the Working with Children (Criminal Record Checking) Act came into effect on 1 January 2006,” Mrs McSweeney said.
She said there would be additional sexual offences added to current Class 1 Schedule offences, including: sexual penetration without consent, aggravated sexual penetration without consent, sexual coercion and aggravated sexual coercion, committed when a child was under the age of 13 and the offender was an adult.
“The amendments to the Act will be before State Parliament this month and will bring the child into central focus,” Mrs McSweeney said.
“Where people who have committed offences of risk that target children, they will be denied access to a Working with Children Card.”
She said additional improvements would also see the capacity to receive and act on notifications by the Police Commissioner of non-scheduled offences, where persons have a change in criminal record and can no longer be undertaking child-related work.
Mrs McSweeney said the new amendment would seek to cancel the card and create penalties if not returned.
The Minister said the director of the Working with Children Unit would require a person who was due to be issued a negative notice to advise why they should not be issued one.
She said the submission would then be taken into account by the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) if the applicant appealed the negative notice.
10 November, 2009
Transport Authority
has tickets on award
The Public Transport Authority of WA is one of six winners of the 2009 Work Safety Awards Western Australia.Commissioner for WorkSafe WA, Nina Lyhne, said the Authority earned top honours for best safety and health management system in the public sector.
The Authority is responsible for all public transport in metropolitan and regional areas of the State, and for designing, building and maintaining the public transport infrastructure.
Ms Lyhne said it was recognised because it had an excellent and practical safety and health management system in place, and safety was incorporated into all key result areas for the organisation.
The University of WA’s Rob Greenhalgh was also recognised, taking out the award for best individual contribution to safety and health by a person with no formal responsibility for occupational safety and health.
Ms Lyhne said Mr Greenhalgh was a Senior Administrative Officer at UWA’s School of Mechanical Engineering, and has been the voluntary safety officer for 15 years.
Other winners were the Perth Clinic, which won the best safety and health management system in the private sector; Joondalup Lotteries House Inc for best workplace safety and health practice in a small business; PPC Linley Valley Fresh won the best solution to an identified workplace safety and health issue category; and, the award for best individual contribution to safety and health by a person with responsibility for occupational safety and health was won by Gerard Overdijk from Badge Constructions (WA) Pty Ltd.
Ms Lyhne said the six winners, who would be entered into the national Work Safety Awards, were terrific examples of the many excellent workplace innovations and occupational safety and health systems being developed in WA.
“These awards provide the opportunity for innovative Western Australians to gain national recognition for their achievements,” Ms Lyhne said.
“They recognise outstanding occupational safety and health management, solutions and innovation in both public and private sector workplaces in WA that reduce the risk of work-related injury and disease.”
10 November, 2009
Trade school saved
from unemployment
The Government has assumed responsibility for Pilbara’s Australian Technical College which was threatened with closure at the end of the year.Minister for Training, Peter Collier, said the move would allow the college to remain open, meaning current students would be able to complete their studies and prospective students could enrol for next year.
“The Government has made this decision in the interests of the local community and industry,” Mr Collier said.
“This situation has occurred because the Federal Government Act covering the operation of the Pilbara ATC will cease at the end of the year, which means the college could not receive more funding.
“We have a strong interest in the ongoing operations of the Pilbara ATC and the State Government encourages training and education models which have positive results for Aboriginal people.”
The Minister said the college’s operation would be reviewed in the broader context of providing sustainable training and employment opportunities for the Pilbara’s Aboriginal people.
He said the College catered for Year 11 or Year 12 students who wanted to begin a trade apprenticeship while completing their Western Australian Certificate of Education at the Pilbara TAFE’s Pundulmurra Campus.
Mr Collier said the Government wanted to ensure all Western Australians had access to first-class training opportunities wherever they lived.
10 November, 2009
Warts and all for
cane toad detector
Australia’s first detector dog for cane toads is to spend three months in Queensland honing her detection skills.Nifty, a five-year old Belgian Malinois, has been working closely with Department of Environment and Conservation State Cane Toad Initiative technical officer, Sandy Fleisher for the past three years.
Ms Fleisher, who will accompany Nifty on the trip, said they would meet with the owner of Queensland dog training company Multi-National K9, Gary Jackson, who would provide guidance and training to further develop Nifty’s skills as a detector dog.
“The company initially trained Nifty to detect cane toads on the move as well as the presence of cane toad hideouts, days after the toads had moved on,” Ms Fleisher said.
She said Nifty would also be checking freight coming to Moreton Island as there were currently no cane toads on the island.
“This training is essential to develop Nifty’s proficiency and to give her an opportunity to gain experience in different terrain,” Ms Fleisher said.
She said the training would take place well ahead of the next dry season in Kununurra, when Nifty would be assessing high-risk freight consignments entering the Kimberley region.
“However, while we are away during the wet season, the Kununurra-based Regional Cane Toad Team will continue with surveillance work to monitor and map cane toad populations at the front line,” Ms Fleisher said.
“We will also work with community groups to develop and implement action plans for priority areas and continue with cane toad education awareness in local communities.”
10 November, 2009
City of Perth joins
waste watchers
A comprehensive plan to minimise the amount of domestic and commercial waste generated in Perth has been announced by the Lord Mayor of Perth, Lisa Scaffidi.She said the Draft City of Perth Strategic Waste Minimisation Plan contained initiatives ranging from more efficient sorting of collected waste to increasing the use of recycled building materials in private and public projects.
“Increased recycling, more efficient resource use and reducing greenhouse emissions feature prominently in the Council’s strategic planning and adoption of a specific waste management plan is important if we are to achieve our aims,” Ms Scaffidi said.
“The Council wants feedback from the public on our draft waste minimisation actions and they will have the chance to do this over the next month.”
Ms Scaffidi said in the 2008/09 financial year the City collected 2013.8 tonnes of recyclables, which consisted of 1003.6 tonnes of commercial paper and cardboard and 1010.2 tonnes of residential comingled material.
Ms Scaffidi said the City of Perth was a member of the Mindarie Regional Council which managed the treatment and disposal of the city’s waste and the minimisation plan was consistent with the Council’s overall waste minimisation plan and tailored to local conditions.
She said significant actions for the City of Perth were to:
- Investigate the separate collection of organic rich food wastes from commercial premises.
- Work closely with charities in investigating options for re-using and recycling bulky hard waste.
- Identify and adopt best practice waste management and minimisation for major events.
- Develop a communication program to improve waste minimisation and recycling within the residential and business community.
10 November, 2009
Expansion catches on
for prison system
The WA prison system is to be expanded by 640 beds by the middle of next year.Minister for Corrective Services, Christian Porter, said the beds would be added as part of additional accommodation units at Casuarina, Albany and Greenough.
“The Government is already well on track to completing the 600 beds promised in the Budget, with 353 (as at October 20) currently in operation,” Mr Porter said.
“What this means is that by mid next year, the Liberal-National Government will have added more than 1,200 additional beds to Western Australia’s prison system.”
The Minister said the additional accommodation units were an innovative and immediate solution to help ease overcrowding in WA in the short term.
“The temporary units will consist of 320 cells, double-bunked and have a lifespan of about 10 years,” he said.
“Importantly, the construction of the units will not require additional Government funding.”
Mr Porter said the Government was able to find a $60 million saving in the cost of expanding Acacia prison and those funds could now be used to significantly and efficiently expand the prison system throughout metropolitan and regional WA.
He said the savings would be used for the accommodation units, including all necessary amenities, power, water, waste and security; to recruit and train additional prison officers; and, to expand capacity at the Corrective Services Training Academy.
Mr Porter said the accommodation units would complement the Government’s $655 million allocation in the May State Budget to create 1,657 beds in the prison system by 2014.
“This includes the 150-bed West Kimberley Prison; the 80-bed Young Adults Prison; the 350-bed Eastern Goldfields Prison; the 387-bed expansion at Acacia; and two new work camps in the Wheatbelt and Warburton region,” he said.
10 November, 2009
New Agriculture boss
toasted on arrival
Newly appointed Director General of the Department of Agriculture and Food, Rob Delane has been welcomed to his new job by the Minister for Agriculture and Food, Terry Redman.Mr Redman said Mr Delane would lead a major revitalisation of the Department to support the development of Western Australia’s agriculture and food industries.
He said the DG rejoined the Department after a year-long absence, during which he undertook the joint roles of Deputy Secretary of Biosecurity Services Group and Executive Director of the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service with the Federal Government’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
“(Mr Delane) has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to agriculture, with 30 years in the industry in WA, including 13 years in senior executive roles at the Department of Agriculture and Food,” Mr Redman said.
“Mr Delane brings to the position extensive experience in organisational leadership and a broad knowledge of the agrifood sector that will enable him to carry out the pivotal role of leading the department to help the sector progress.”
The Minister thanked acting Director General Malcolm Goff for his leadership of the Department during the five-month recruitment phase, saying he had made important adjustments to implement the Government’s new priority plan for agriculture and food.
“This plan redefines the role of Government in helping build the agriculture and food sector’s critical contribution to the State’s economy,” Mr Redman said.
“As the new Director General, Mr Delane will oversee the implementation of the Government’s plans to support industry development.”
Mr Delane said the challenges faced by a sector competing in international markets and the new directions being charted for agriculture and food provided exciting opportunities and he was pleased to be leading the Department through this important phase of the sector’s development.
The Director General was awarded a Public Service Medal in 2007 for outstanding service to the agricultural industries and the WA community.
10 November, 2009
Walkers put best feet
forward for Walk Week
Thousands of students from more than 220 schools have taken part in Walk Week 2009, joining community organisations, businesses and other workplaces who staged events and activities across the State.The Week was sponsored by the Departments of Transport, Education and Training and Sport and Recreation in partnership with the Heart Foundation.
Acting Director of Transport Programs at the Department of Transport, Luke O’Donoghue, said it was pleasing to see so many community organisations and workplaces take part in Walk Week.
“Regular walking improves health and wellbeing, helps reduce traffic congestion and pollution, and is a great way for children and adults to get to know their local community,” Mr O’Donoghue said.
He said among the events throughout the week was Walk to School Wednesday, which saw schools from Esperance to the Cocos Keeling Islands encourage their students to take a simpler, healthier way to get to school.
The Minister said the week promoted not only the environmental benefits of walking, but also the health advantages.
“Regular walking also provides a range of health benefits for adults such as reducing the risk of heart disease and diabetes, improving flexibility, reducing stress levels, and it can be a rewarding social activity,” Mr O’Donoghue said.
“Trying out a local trail or joining in a local walking group is an excellent way to meet fellow walkers in the community and walking with others can strengthen relationships with friends, family neighbours and colleagues.”
The Minister said other events during the week included guided historic walks, free breakfast events and educational nature walks through local parks and reserves.
10 November, 2009
Corrections breaks
out prison bus
The Department of Corrective Services has unveiled its first Department-owned bus to be used to transport prisoners around the State.Corrective Services Commissioner Ian Johnson said the 20-seater bus, equipped with air conditioning, individual seat belts and private toilet facilities, was currently being used for metro inter-prison services to carry out operational testing, with the intention of using the bus for longer distances in the future.
He said security systems including digital recording equipment, GPS tracking and anti-hijack mechanisms have been fitted and it is expected this will be the first of several similar buses for the future prisoner transport fleet.
“We have made some significant changes both in the vehicles used in the fleet, including the use of leased charter buses, and in the operating standards which apply to all prisoner transport, but this is a journey of continuous improvement,” Mr Johnson said.
“Each new prisoner transport vehicle takes us a step closer to a fleet of safe, humane and reliable vehicles.”
The Commissioner said the Department was committed to finding ways to reduce the need to transport prisoners around the State in the first place, but in the meantime would do whatever it took to minimise the risks associated with long-distance travel.
He said the cost of the bus to build was $280,000, including security systems - less than the cost of conventional prisoner transport vehicles.
Mr Johnson said the replacement prisoner transport fleet continued on-schedule and 40 vehicles were expected to be complete by December 2010.
He said the bus was a supplementary vehicle, and it was expected to be the first of two or three similar buses, meanwhile the use of leased charter buses for northern and regional routes would continue until at least January 2010.
10 November, 2009
Waste strategy a
national treasure
A new national policy for dealing with waste has been endorsed by State and Territory environment Ministers.The first national framework charts a 10-year vision for resource recovery and waste management and includes a free scheme for recycling computers and televisions.
According to the Federal Minister for the Environment, Peter Garrett, the new scheme would see 80 per cent of all TVs and computers recycled by 2021.
He said Australia produced 43,777,000 tonnes of waste in 2006-07 - a 31 per cent increase in five years - and with waste levels projected to continue to grow, national leadership in this critical issue was overdue.
“It has been 17 years since these issues were looked at in a national context and we now have a clear path for future action and a huge step up on existing efforts,” Mr Garrett said.
He said the National Waste Policy sets out a comprehensive agenda for national coordinated action on waste across six key areas: taking responsibility; improving the market; pursuing sustainability; reducing hazard and risk; tailoring solutions; and providing the evidence.
“This is a fundamental shift in our approach to waste complementing broader action on climate change and sustainability,” Mr Garrett said.
“It will lead to less waste and better management of waste as a resource, to deliver economic, environmental and social benefits, while ensuring that we continue to manage waste in a safe and environmentally sound manner.”
The Minister said the new approach had been developed in consultation and with the support of industry as well as key non-Government organisations and he acknowledged their involvement and support in negotiating these crucial breakthroughs.
10 November, 2009
Workforce issues
paper put to work
An issues paper has been released on the State’s future workforce needs and how to deliver them.To be coordinated by the new Department of Training and Workforce Development, the plan, A Skilled Workforce for the Future, offers Western Australian businesses the chance to take part in shaping the State’s workforce of the future.
Minister for Training, Peter Collier, said the issues paper would guide workforce development policy and training delivery in line with the needs of the growing economy.
“With the unprecedented scale of resources projects planned for Western Australia, there will be a significant increase in the demand for skills and labour in all industries and regions,” Mr Collier said.
“It is imperative we build the supply of skilled workers to increase our long-term productivity and capitalise on opportunities as they emerge.”
The Minister said the plan would encourage construction industry employers to take on apprentices by giving them up to an additional $2,000 for apprentices completing their training from the beginning of 2010.
He said the Building and Construction Industry Training Board decided to raise the maximum subsidy to $9,000 as an incentive to increase apprentice intakes, following a 40 per cent drop in commencements in 2009.
“The board believes many employers in the construction sector are still concerned about the economy and the bonuses are aimed at easing uncertainty,” Mr Collier said.
The Minister said the eligibility criteria for employers employing mature-aged apprentices had changed from 30 to 21 years of age and the mature-aged subsidy was a bonus payment of up to $3,000 in addition to the existing subsidies for employers.
He said the plan would address key areas such as labour market demand and supply on an industry and regional basis; attracting and retaining skilled workers; targeted use of migration; and, enhancing the training and workforce development culture of organisations.
Mr Collier said the development of the plan would be a consultative process, with submissions to be invited and a series of stakeholder forums and workshops arranged.
He said a copy of the issues paper was available on the Training WA website www.trainingwa.wa.gov.au or on 9238 2460.
10 November, 2009
Waste transport is
runaway issue
The Department of Environment and Conservation has invited comment from industry and the public on proposed new Regulations for the controlled waste transportation industry.The Environmental Protection (Controlled Waste) Regulations 2004 were developed to reduce the potential for unauthorised discharge of controlled wastes into the environment by ensuring safe transportation from the generators of the waste to approved disposal sites.
Project Manager of the Department’s Controlled Waste Tracking and Permitting, Samantha West, said the review aimed to provide more effective management of the industry to enable better environmental outcomes.
“In recent years there have been several important initiatives in the industry regarding resource recovery and treatment of controlled waste and DEC has identified a number of areas requiring amendments to the regulations to support these initiatives,” Ms West said.
“These include administrative and licensing processes, enforcement, consistency with other legislation and jurisdictions, and recognising the changing waste industry.”
She said controlled waste comprised a range of material, including sewage, tyres, grease trap and chemical waste.
According to Ms West, during the 2008-09 financial year, 1,755 carrier, driver and vehicle licenses were processed under the regulations, 682,950KL of controlled waste was transported and 74,812 controlled waste tracking forms were issued for loads of controlled waste moved on Western Australian roads.
She said companies licensed to collect, transport and dispose of or treat controlled waste, related industry associations, State Government agencies and local Governments were encouraged to comment on the proposed amendments.
The public consultation period commenced will end on 29 January 2010. For more details visit www.dec.wa.gov.au
10 November, 2009
South-West corners
tourism accolade
The South-West of WA has been recognised internationally as one of the most desirable holiday destinations in the world.Minister for Tourism, Liz Constable, said leading travel guide company Lonely Planet had chosen the South-West as one of the world’s top-10 regions to visit in 2010, in its Best in Travel publication.
“This recognition elevates the South-West on to the world’s stage, alongside some internationally recognised destinations such as Bali, Alsace in France, the Lake District in England and Southern Africa,” Dr Constable said.
“I’m thrilled a Western Australian destination has been chosen as it’s the only Australian region on the list and only the second time an Australian destination has featured.”
She said the inclusion of the South-West was testament to the region’s reputation as an exceptional destination and highlighted the outstanding tourism experiences provided by its tourism operators.
“The region has the best nature can offer - hectares of tall timber forest and kilometres of pristine coastline with some of the world’s best beaches and surf breaks,” Dr Constable said.
“Combine this with wineries, restaurants, breweries, day spas, family attractions and a range of accommodation from camping to luxury retreats, it’s no wonder the region has received this accolade.”
The Minister said Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel, was a collection of the world’s best journeys, destinations and experiences for the year ahead.
Among the book’s recommendations were walking at sunrise on the Bibbulmun Track, canoeing under the forest canopy at Nannup, swimming with the dolphins at Bunbury, sampling local produce and climbing Pemberton’s magnificent trees.
Dr Constable said the South-West’s inclusion on the list would provide extraordinary exposure for the region and the rest of the State.
10 November, 2009
Glass recyclers see
window of opportunity
A new glass recycling facility is to be built in Perth with a significant injection of funds from the State Government.Minister for Environment, Donna Faraghar, said the Government would contribute $1.95 million through the WA Waste Authority to the $5.4 million project, which would also be supported by industry through the National Packaging Covenant.
She said Colmax Glass, the NSW-based company approved to construct and operate the plant would contribute the balance.
The Minister said Colmax Glass expected to process about 20,000 tonnes of waste glass per year building up to 40,000 tonnes as demand increases.
“This will be the first plant of its kind in Western Australia that can crush and clean waste glass before distributing it for a range of practical uses including bottle manufacture, insulation batts, surface coatings for road markings and swimming pools, blasting abrasives, filtration and cement additives,” Mrs Faragher said.
“There are export markets available both interstate and overseas for the sand-like material produced through the recycling process.”
She said the company proposed to begin construction of the facility towards the end of this year with the first recycled production beginning in the first half of 2010.
“Approximately 80,000 tonnes of glass packaging is distributed throughout WA each year as packaging for food and beverage products,” Mrs Faragher said.
“About 15,000 tonnes per year of used glass collected in WA is recycled, with the majority of it being sent to South Australia for the production of bottles, but due to the contamination of waste this can be a costly process for local government and private companies in charge of collecting waste glass.”
Mrs Faragher said some sorting facilities in WA had stopped recycling glass due to the problems with rejected shipments of waste glass, but the new plant could accept contaminated glass.
10 November, 2009
Fund appoints managers
Superannuation provider GESB has appointed Fidelity, Edinburgh Partners and Sarasin & Partners to help manage its $2.5 billion international equities portfolio.
GESB made the appointments following a review of its external managers and is focused on ensuring that a diversified mix of styles and processes are used to manage the portfolio, which constitutes one quarter of the $9.5 billion investment portfolio it manages on behalf of 310,000 members.
The appointments bring the total number of international equities managers to eight.
Hospital recovers
Royal Perth Hospital’s Emergency Department has been modernised after a two-year rebuild.
The $5 million expansion has resulted in nearly double the floor space and added more work space to the department, taking the total number of assessment areas to 52.
The refurbishment included the addition of a dedicated ophthalmology assessment and diagnostic area, allowing any eye injury to be dealt with immediately.
A $450,000 voice-activated electronic communication system has also been installed allowing staff to communicate hands-free, improving efficiency for clinical staff by up to 20 per cent.
OK for airport
The Federal Government has approved Perth Airport’s 2009 Master Plan which sets out its strategic direction for the next 20 years.
Minister for Transport, Anthony Albanese approved the plan on condition the airport operators improve their interaction with nearby communities by responding to their concerns, particularly relating to aircraft noise.
The Airport has 50 business days to make its Master Plan public.
Upgrades for bridges
Fifteen bridges in the South-West region are to be refurbished with repairs to their decks, guardrails and structures.
Bunbury-based company, Jonor Construction Pty Ltd has been awarded both contracts which total $2.2million.
Minister for Transport, Simon O’Brien said the maintenance and upgrade work would prolong the lifespan of the bridges, and improve road user safety
The works are scheduled to commence next month and be completed by June 2010 and will be managed by Main Roads Western Australia South West Region.
Underground power for Canning
More than 900 households in Wilson are to benefit from underground power and new street lighting after the Minister for Energy, Peter Collier co-signed a partnership agreement to provide funding for the project.
Construction on the $9 million project will start immediately and is expected to be completed in December 2010.
The Minister said the program’s costs would be shared between local Government and the State Government, which would contribute 25 per cent.
Information regarding applications is available on the Office of Energy website at www.energy.wa.gov.au
Record fines for port
Esperance Port has incurred Western Australia’s biggest penalty for pollution, a total of $525,000 plus $4771.70 costs, after it was convicted on five charges relating to lead contamination in Esperance and one charge of emitting a nickel odour.
The charges against the Port were laid by the Department of Environment and Conservation after an investigation into lead contamination between December 2006 and March 2007. The Port pleaded guilty to six charges.
Pollution can be reported on the Pollution Incident Reporting Line 1300 784 782.
Perth follows sun
Perth is to be Australia’s seventh and final demonstration Solar City after the launch of a $73.5 million program.
The Perth Solar City program will include the installation of smart meters, solar hot water systems and photovoltaics and be delivered to more than 106,000 homes within the six-member councils of the Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council.
These include the town of Bassendean; cities of Bayswater, Belmont and Swan; and the shires of Kalamunda and Mundaring.
Landcare heroes announced
The 2009 Western Australian Landcare Heroes have been announced in 12 State and national categories.
The award-winning work ranged from the development of a recovery plan for the Avon River to an innovative on-farm enterprise involving wildflower seed production.
Winners of the nine national categories will compete at next year’s National Landcare awards.
The Department of Agriculture and Food was the major sponsor of the State Landcare Award and WA’s inaugural ‘People’s Choice Award’ would be awarded later this month at a special awards ceremony in Perth.
Voting is currently taking place on the Landcare Heroes website http://wa.landcareheroes.com
3 November, 2009
Tourism the ticket
for PS award
The Premier’s Award for Excellence in Public Sector Management has been won by the Eventscorp division of Tourism Western Australia.The division won the award for its Busselton Ironman campaign fending off 21 rivals to take out the coveted 14th annual honour.
According to Premier Colin Barnett, Eventscorp’s entry highlighted the role it has played in building the Busselton Ironman Triathlon into one of the State’s premier regional events through financial support, research, marketing and promotion of the event.
He said in addition to the overall winner, one special award for innovation was presented to Horizon Power for its ‘Essential Services Officer’ project.
The winner in each of the five categories, which seek to reflect the goals and aims of the State Government, were also presented with their certificates by Mr Barnett.
The winners were:
- Developing the Economy Category: Swan TAFE for Transforming Trade Training - A Training Revolution
- Improving Government Category: Horizon Power for Essential Services Officer - Aboriginal Communities Training
- Managing the Environment Category: Edith Cowan University for Sustainable Communities
- Revitalising the Regions Category: Eventscorp, a division of Tourism Western Australia for Busselton Ironman
- Strengthening Families and Communities Category: Department of Sport and Recreation, City of Stirling and Office of Multicultural Interests for ‘The Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) Youth Sport, Recreation and Leisure Project’.
He said 64 entries were received this year from the public sector and private agencies, including public sector departments, statutory authorities, local governments, hospitals and regional offices.
He said details of the finalist and winner projects can be found at www.premiersawards.dpc.wa.gov.au or on 9219 6204.
3 November, 2009
Procurement websites
get purchase on prize
New websites set up for Government Procurement have received recognition in the 3rd annual Procurement Professional Awards Dinner held by the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Australia.Tenders WA and Contracts WA received a commendation in the awards which honours the best in the procurement profession.
The new Contracts WA website, www.contractswa.dtf.wa.gov.au, which was introduced in February this year, provides a central online access point for all information on Common Use Arrangements (CUAs), related contract documents, product catalogues and eDecision aids.
The Contracts WA portal lists the Arrangements alphabetically rather than by category and includes new search functionality.
The website is aimed at making it easier for Government buyers to find out what products and services are available, identify the relevant CUAs and suppliers, and purchase in accordance with the Buyers’ Guide.
The Tenders WA website, www.tenders.wa.gov.au, began in March 2009 and replaced Gem Tendering as the central online source of information on the State’s public sector tenders and awarded contracts.
The new system includes automatic email notification of new tenders; increased capacity for electronic tender lodgement and greater ability to administer your organisation’s details.
It also has improved tender and contract search functionality; automatic email notification alerting recorded document recipients of an addendum; increase in document file upload and download size; and, new system-based communications channels, Ask a Question and Forum.
3 November, 2009
PS houses reach
century at Wagin
The 100th home for Government employees in regional areas has begun being built in Wagin. The new brick and tile three-bedroom home is part of the State Government’s Royalties for the Regions program, which aims to provide 400 new dwellings for teachers, police officers and other staff in regional locations.
Minister for Housing and Works, Troy Buswell, said the latest home was one of two to be built in Wagin by local builder Trevor Parsons and should be ready to house either a police officer or teacher by May 2010.
He said the construction of the 100th home was an indication that the scheme was on target to build the 400 homes over two years.
“The start of building on the 100th home is excellent progress and means that we are well on the way to providing additional housing to crucial workers such as police and teachers in regional areas,” Mr Buswell said.
“The community is getting much-needed new housing for key workers, taxpayers are getting value for money and we’re able to keep jobs in the building industry.”
The Minister said work on construction of the homes started in 2008 and, as at 1 September 2009, a total of $51.4 million had been committed from the $200 million allocated to the program’s ‘House Our Workforce’ fund.
Mr Buswell said homes were either pre-fabricated in Perth and shipped to the regions or built through a tender or expression-of-interest process.
Minister for Regional Development, Brendon Grylls, said the new housing showed the Royalties for the Regions program was delivering direct benefits to country people.
“Key government workers such as teachers, police and child protection officers play an essential role in country communities and good housing is critical to attract and retain the best people,” Mr Grylls said.
He said other regions to benefit from the program were Kimberley, Pilbara and Great Southern.
3 November, 2009
Wildlife warning
alerts to dangers
The Department of Environment and Conservation has issued warnings to the public to be careful of magpies and snakes as the weather warms up.Department wildlife officer Peter Lambert said their Nature Protection branch had received 67 reports from people who had encountered swooping magpies since August, slightly more than during the corresponding period last year.
“Magpies are only doing what comes naturally to them when they are defending their nest and offspring from people who may unknowingly get too close,” Mr Lambert said.
He said people should remain tolerant of magpies and take some simple precautions to protect themselves against swooping.
“It’s best to stay alert when being confronted by swooping magpies, and we also advise that people wear eye and head protection, or take a different route for a few weeks,” Mr Lambert said.
“If swooping persists, or if small children are affected and the area cannot be avoided, people should call the Wildcare Helpline on 9474 9055.”
Mr Lambert said snake encounters around Perth suburbs during warm spring days and into summer were also common.
“Members of the public are asked to stay on pathways and clear ground when out walking, particularly around wetlands and bushland, both inland and coastal,” he said.
“If snakes and other reptiles are encountered in or around homes or businesses and people feel threatened and would like advice or removal by an accredited reptile remover, please call the Wildcare Helpline.”
Mr Lambert said more information was available at www.dec.wa.gov.au
3 November, 2009
CCC raps tap story
The Corruption and Crime Commission has acted to correct media reporting of a newtelecommunications intercept system which it said drew inaccurate conclusions from publicly advertised technical specifications.
Executive Director of the Commission, Mike Silverstone, said the replacement system would only be able to intercept the same amount of material as the current system, and would not be available to 150 Commission officers as reported.
“It is also bound by the same warrant application process before an external judicial officer to enable the interception of telecommunications,” Mr Silverstone said.
“However, due to the highly technical nature of the information in the tender document, specifications can easily be misinterpreted by those without technical knowledge.
“The future system will have the same capacity to intercept telecommunications as the system it is replacing. That is to intercept up to 30 telephone conversations at a time.”
He said the licensing agreement would allow up to 40 people in the Commission to access the information which is the same as the existing capacity.
“The tender document asked for the cost of expanding the system through various levels up to 100 users should unforseen circumstances make that necessary,” Mr Silverstone said.
“This does not mean 100 officers will be accessing the system rather it is to ensure the Commission doesn’t face large costs should the system have to be expanded over its estimated five-year life span.”
He also said intercepted information could only be accessed by officers who have been specifically authorised under federal legislation.
Mr Silverstone said the article also says the system would be available to Commission offices around the State, but the Commission doesn’t have offices around the State and would be accessed by Commission officers remotely.
3 November, 2009
New lease on life for
housing tenant scheme
A pilot intervention scheme designed to combat antisocial behaviour in Government housing is to be extended for three months after its early signs proved positive.Minister for Housing and Works, Troy Buswell, said the pilot scheme, which began in June 2009, provided specialised support to highly disruptive or antisocial social tenants to end cycles of poor behaviour.
“We’ve seen remarkable turnaround from the majority of people involved in this pilot, including tenants who were almost facing eviction and neighbours who were at their wits end in having to deal with them,” Mr Buswell said.
“Protecting the safety and welfare of all social housing tenants while trying to ensure that disruptive tenants don’t end up on the street is a major challenge.”
The Minister said if the positive results continued he would consider expanding it further next year.
He said the Antisocial Behaviour Intervention Team identified 16 social housing tenants in metropolitan Perth who had been at the centre of ongoing or escalating disruptive behaviour to participate in the pilot program.
Mr Buswell said individual case workers were allocated to each case and met with the tenants, their families and neighbours to identify underlying issues contributing to the poor behaviour and outline the consequences if it continued.
He said tenants were referred to support services and visited by the same case workers at least once a week for about six weeks. Fourteen tenants finished the program while two failed to engage and were evicted.
According to the Minister, only two tenants have generated complaints since finishing the pilot and neighbours have reported being ‘generally satisfied’ since the intervention team’s involvement.
3 November, 2009
TAFE digs deep to
build mining tunnel
A new mining tunnel has been built at Northbridge to give Central TAFE students the feel of working underground without leaving the campus.Minister for Training, Peter Collier, said the new $98,000 simulated underground mine was the first of its kind in Western Australia and meant students no longer had to travel 500km to get a taste of life underground.
“This project demonstrates the Liberal-National Government’s vision to create a contemporary apprenticeship and traineeship system that is responsive to industry needs,” Mr Collier said.
According to the Minister the CUT Mine was a former service tunnel under the college’s Aberdeen Street campus, which was converted with the support of industry.
He said a set designing company converted the tunnel, lining the cement walls with material to simulate rock faces containing copper, gold and nickel, and also included a refuge chamber, donated by MineARC, which was identical to those used in industry.
Mr Collier said the facility, backed by industry support, would help Western Australians gain skills and qualifications to be a part of the State’s economic future.
“Students who are undertaking the Certificate III in Mining Exploration will use the tunnel to learn face mapping techniques and basic mine safety,” he said.
“Graduates of the six-month course will go on to be employed as exploration field assistants, pit technicians and underground geo-technicians.”
Mr Collier said working underground was not for everyone and the new mine gave students a realistic taste of spending long hours underground with the only lighting from a lamp on their helmet.
The opening of the facility also marked the start of a new era for Central TAFE, according to the Minister, who unveiled the college’s new name - Central Institute of Technology.
Mr Collier said the name change was in response to the Government’s call to provide colleges with greater autonomy, giving them the opportunity to become more flexible, innovative and effective in a competitive marketplace.
3 November, 2009
Youth welding program
is metal as anything
A program that uses training in metal work as a way of reducing youth crime and another that restricts liquor in a small town in the Kimberley have been honoured nationally in the 2009 Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards.A joint initiative of the State, Commonwealth and Territory Governments to reward community-based projects that reduce crime and violence, the awards recognised eight initiatives, two of which were from WA.
The Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, presented both awards to representatives from the Western Australian Police who play critical parts in the Weld To Life Program and the Fitzroy Crossing Liquor Restriction – ‘Kartiya Future, Brighter Future’ program.
Senior Constable for the WA Police and Manager of the Weld To Life, Tim Ellis, said the program, which was established in March 2007 by the Rockingham Police and Community Youth Centre (PCYC), engaged teenage boys who were committing offences in an intensive work-ready training program to reduce offending behaviour.
He said it taught valuable skills through hands-on activity, mentoring and structured education, and gave at-risk youth from the Rockingham and Kwinana areas experience in the metal trades.
“The program gives these repeat offenders an interesting and constructive focus and has resulted in a five-fold reduction in absenteeism and 83 per cent reduction in offences committed by students,” Senior Constable Ellis said.
“Weld To Life has seen 80 per cent of its graduates go into further training, gain employment or return to school. Young people go into the program as ‘law breakers’ and come out with skills to make a tangible contribution to their local community.”
Meanwhile, WA Police Commissioner, Karl O’Callaghan, accepted the award for the Fitzroy Crossing Liquor Restriction, which he said advised locals and visitors through signage and other means that Fitzroy Crossing was a restricted alcohol town, with licensed premises limiting their sales of full-strength alcoholic drinks until after 5pm.
Mr O’Callaghan said Fitzroy Crossing was home to 3,500 people, 80 per cent of whom were Indigenous, and had a significant crime and Indigenous suicide problem.
He said an evaluation report showed there had been an 11 per cent reduction in drink driving offences and a 28 per cent reduction in the total number of domestic violence reports in the first six months of the program.
“Liquor restriction enforcement has provided a better way of life in Fitzroy Crossing, whose residents are now developing their community because, for the first time, they can visualise a future for themselves and their children,” Commissioner O’Callaghan said.
3 November, 2009
Artists in schools
program canvassed
A new program that will see artists visit more schools more often has been unveiled by the Minister for Culture and the Arts and the Minister for Education.The ArtsEdge Artists in Residence (AIR) program would provide funds for short- and long-term residencies of artists who will provide access to arts practices such as art, dance, puppetry, pottery, installation art and music.
The Ministers said students and teachers from schools as far-reaching as Bidyadanga in the Kimberley to Balcatta and Wanneroo senior high schools in Perth would be the first to benefit from the scheme.
Minister for Culture and the Arts, John Day, said more than $270,000 in funding would be provided by the Federal Government as part of the inaugural AIR Grants Program.
He said Stream One, or short-term residencies, would span a minimum of 30 days; and Stream Two were longer-term collaborations between public schools and arts organisations that have a track record in delivering arts education to schools.
“Students and teachers benefiting from the $175,000 funding delivered in Stream One will gain access to arts practices including dance, puppetry, sustainable arts, pottery, installation art, and music,” Mr Day said.
“This initiative will provide opportunities for professional development for teachers, valuable lessons for students as well as skills sharing and greater exposure for artists.”
Minister for Education, Liz Constable, said the artists would provide new artistic inspiration for schools and the projects would provide practical lessons as well as encourage students to be creative.
“Professional artists will not only foster creativity, they will demonstrate the technical skills and discipline required to bring an artwork to completion,” Dr Constable said.
She said leading youth dance and theatre company Buzz Dance Theatre would be the first to take part in the long-term residency program, receiving $98,000 to place leading dancers into Balcatta, Balga, Greenwood and Wanneroo Senior High Schools.
Dr Constable said full details on the AIR Grants Program were available from the ArtsEdge website, www.artsedge.dca.wa.gov.au
3 November, 2009
Kleenmaid washup
welcomed in WA
The Commissioner for Consumer Protection, Anne Driscoll, has welcomed a decision of the Victorian consumer tribunal that upheld consumers’ rights following the collapse of the Kleenmaid kitchen appliance company.The tribunal found in favour of the consumers who were being pursued by a finance company for goods that were never delivered.
Ms Driscoll said the outcome of the case would be important to many Western Australian consumers who were also disputing the validity of loan contracts relating to unfulfilled Kleenmaid purchases.
The customers, Kerrie Edmonds and Nathan Evans, took action in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) against Lombard Finance Pty Ltd, a linked credit provider who financed their purchase of the kitchen goods that were never delivered.
Ms Driscoll said the Tribunal found the loan contract had been lawfully terminated and ordered Lombard Finance to repay the $9,153 it had received in loan repayments from the two customers.
The Tribunal was told that the finance company extended $6.5 million to almost 700 Kleenmaid customers between July 2007 and June 2008.
Ms Driscoll said the outcome of the case was important to the many Western Australian consumers who are disputing the validity of their loan contracts relating to their Kleenmaid purchases after the company went into liquidation in May this year.
“This is great news for some Kleenmaid customers in WA who were offered finance by lenders linked to the failed company,” she said.
“The Tribunal’s decision mirrors our view and supports our position that these finance contracts should be rescinded considering the goods were never received.”
Ms Driscoll said Consumer Protection was currently reviewing complaints from a number of WA consumers who are in a similar position and are questioning the validity of contracts totalling more than $90,000.
She encouraged any other consumers who may have taken out a loan for Kleenmaid products but never received the goods to call 1300 30 40 54 or email consumer@commerce.wa.gov.au
3 November, 2009
Water teachers
rise to the top
The 20th anniversary of the environmental education program Ribbons of Blue has seen nine teachers receive special awards for outstanding work.Coordinated by the Department of Environment and Conservation, the program is designed to involve the community with the environment and since 1989 has seen 160,000 students across the State investigate water quality and explore other activities to promote the health of local creeks, rivers, wetlands and catchments.
State coordinator, Richard Olive, said the award-winning teachers came from Perth, Kwinana, Northam, Geraldton and Bunbury.
He said the program was an initiative aimed at involving the community with the environment.
“Professor Peter Newman of Murdoch University developed a colleague’s idea of involving students in monitoring water quality and Coogee Primary School teacher Keith Brown was appointed as coordinator of Ribbons of Blue,” Mr Olive said.
He said the program became part of the Water and Rivers Commission for many years and a key factor in its success were the partnerships that underpinned its delivery across the State.
“Long-term partners, including the Department of Education, Department of Water, Swan River Trust, the South West Catchments Council and WA Plantation Resources, have enabled the program to develop,” Mr Olive said.
The teachers recognised at the awards were:
- Charlie Ballard, Calista Primary School, Kwinana. Mr Ballard has involved students in the long-term monitoring of several sites over many years.
- Tonia Ranford, St Hilda’s School for Girls, Mosman Park. Ms Ranford has started implementing many innovative ideas to connect her students with the Swan River, which is at the school’s doorstep.
- Cheryl O’Meara, St Joseph’s Primary School, Northam. Ms O’Meara has for many years involved her students in the stewardship of Eadine Springs, including research and the development of an interpretive walk trail.
- Wendy Sekulov, Geraldton Secondary College. Ms Sekulov has involved her students in river restoration and tree planting projects.
3 November, 2009
Café society moves
on Cultural centre
Changes to the Perth Cultural Centre have been announced which will see the precinct housing the State Library, WA Art Gallery and WA Museum transformed with new cafes, entertainment, improved security, an orchard and free wireless internet. Minister for Planning and Culture, John Day, said the changes for the Centre were a key part of the Government’s $11 million commitment to revitalising the area and improve safety in Northbridge.
“The Perth Cultural Centre is one of the largest and most strategically-located public landholdings and cultural assets in Australia and the State Government has a real opportunity to create an international drawcard for Perth,” Mr Day said.
“By improving the area’s amenity, increasing security and bringing more entertainment and recreational activities to the centre, the Government is making a significant move towards improving the vibrancy and appeal of Northbridge.”
The Minister said short-term improvements due to be completed by the end of the year include:
- better landscaping and more seating and shade, and access to free wifi
- new signage, way finding and banners
- the first lighting upgrades and projection of art on the library walls
- two new cafe pods in the central space providing food and beverage
- a website for all the latest news on events
- new performance spaces and a co-ordinated events program for the central area
- security guards.
Mr Day said a lack of co-ordinated management and maintenance has led to the Cultural Centre becoming run down and that the EPRA would formally take over day-to-day management of the centre and introduce immediate and longer term improvements.
He said some of the improvements to be made within the next 12 months include: a giant LED screen where people can enjoy films or screenings from the cultural institutions; an urban orchard; a native wetland in the Art Gallery ponds; and, security upgrades, including CCTV cameras and emergency phones.
In the longer term, the Minister said, changes being considered include utility upgrades, recreational equipment, retail opportunities and better pedestrian access.
Mr Day said more information could be found at www.epra.wa.gov.au
3 November, 2009
Tariff scheme plugs
into solar power
Public comment has been invited on a proposed energy feed-in tariff for homes generating excess solar energy and injecting their surpluses into the power grid.Minister for Energy, Peter Collier, has released a discussion paper on the issue and said gaining public feedback was the latest step in the Government’s commitment to introduce a feed-in tariff from July 2010.
“Earlier this year, I announced the $13.5million Household Renewable Energy Scheme to support owners of household renewable energy systems, installed between September 6, 2008 and June 2, 2009, while at the same time committing to the introduction of a feed-in tariff,” Mr Collier said.
“Due to an unprecedented uptake of systems, the original $13.5 million allocated for a gross feed-in tariff scheme was not sufficient to meet the demand for systems installed since the State Election.
“As many householders would have missed out under the original scheme it was important to work on an alternative design that would provide an on-going benefit to households and the solar industry in WA.”
The Minister said the State Government intended to introduce a feed-in tariff that was paid on a net generation and applied to photovoltaic, wind and micro-hydro technologies.
“The discussion paper presents an opportunity for the public and key stakeholders to provide input into the development of the preferred scheme design,” Mr Collier said.
“A net feed-in tariff will allow the scheme to better align with systems in other jurisdictions across Australia and provide a more nationally consistent incentive to the industry.”
While comment is being sought on a residential proposal, the Minister said a feasibility study would be conducted on the potential for a feed-in tariff scheme for small business and commercial premises.
He said a copy of the discussion paper is available on the Office of Energy website at www.energy.wa.gov.au or by phoning 9420 5600, and that the closing date for submissions was November 20.
3 November, 2009
Educational success
breaks out at prison
Nine prisoners at Acacia Prison have completed a Certificate IV in Small Business Management.Minister for Training, Peter Collier, congratulated the graduates who were the first to benefit from a partnership between CY O’Connor College of TAFE in Northam and the Prison’s registered training organisation, ASPAC Training.
“This is the first time that the Prison’s education centre has teamed up with a TAFE college in Western Australia to provide added expertise in the classroom,” Mr Collier said.
“It was an opportunity to further broaden the range of study and vocational training options available to prisoners.”
The Minister said the course was delivered by lecturing staff from the college, with 63 prisoners taking part and nine completing the full Certificate IV program.
He said a further 26 prisoners received a Statement of Attainment in recognition of the work they have completed to date, while another 10 received special awards to recognise their efforts.
“Education and training is a critical building block to ensure access and employability for people in the world of work, especially after they leave prison,” Mr Collier said.
“The partnership with CY O’Connor has been very encouraging and will continue to be a feature at Acacia.”
The Minister said training delivered at Acacia Prison was aligned with the Government’s vision set out in Training WA - a blueprint unveiled in May to transform the State’s training system.
“It is important that all Western Australians don’t miss out on broader training and employment opportunities that are starting to unfold in our State,” he said.
“WA is leading the reform of the training system nationally to make it more responsive and flexible, with industry an important partner in achieving this reform.”
3 November, 2009
Plan to shift cables
is Council power play
Local Councils have been invited to lodge proposals to move overhead powerlines underground.Minister for Energy, Peter Collier, issued the invitation saying the move improved electricity supply to customers, enhanced streetscapes and increased property values.
“These benefits flow through to residents, local governments and the broader community,” Mr Collier said.
“About 60 projects have been completed State-wide since the program was introduced in 1996, providing a more reliable electricity supply to at least 70,000 properties.”
The Minister said the Underground Power Program’s costs would be shared between local Government and the State Government, contributing 25 per cent through the Office of Energy (OOE) and 25 per cent through Western Power.
“The program will be introduced in areas where there is a clear majority of support from landowners, who will be surveyed by local councils as evidence of support,” he said.
Mr Collier said the OOE would carry out a major public review of the program.
He said the review would investigate costs for future rounds of the program, identify priorities for undergrounding of power with respect to extreme weather events, and improve the equity and affordability of the program.
“The office is preparing detailed draft terms of reference for the full public review,” the Minister said.
Mr Collier said guidelines, an application template and additional information for the round five proposals were available on the Office of Energy website, www.energy.wa.gov.au, with applications to be submitted by 5pm on 19 February 2010.
He said the shortlisted projects would be announced in July and the first successful projects are expected to start in mid-2011.
All local Government enquiries should be directed to the Underground Power Program executive officer on 9420 5679.
3 November, 2009
New Food Act
passes taste test
Implementation of the State’s new Food Act 2008 delivers the most comprehensive food safety regulations in Australia to the WA community according to the Department of Health’s Director of Environmental Health, Jim Dodds.Mr Dodds said the Act would be the principal piece of legislation regulating the sale of food in Western Australia and would cover every step in the food supply chain – “from paddock to plate.”
He said it would ensure that consumers could be confident about the safety of the food they were buying and eating.
“It will provide the food industry with the opportunity to take ownership over food safety and encourage food safety innovations as a result,” Mr Dodds said.
“The Act adopts the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code which covers cleanliness, sanitation, hygiene, food serving practices and a whole range of other aspects that go into the preparation and provision of food.
“Local government will be responsible for the administration of the Act relating to food businesses operating within their district.”
Mr Dodds also said the new legislation would make it clearer and simpler for food vendors to understand what was required of them when it came to food safety.
“Previously we had a number of different pieces of legislation that related to various aspects of food safety,” he said.
“Now we have this one piece of legislation which replaces them all, making it clearer for business owners, employees and Government organisations alike.”
Mr Dodds said the Act can be found at www.public.health.wa.gov.au and for more information or advice on food safety issues people should contact their local council or the Department of Health’s Food Unit on 9388 4999 or by email to foodunit@health.wa.gov.au
3 November, 2009
GESB performs
GESB has achieved well above market median performance for the majority of its members in the year to 30 September.
According to reports from the fund, the GESB Super Balanced Growth plan 1-year investment return was ranked in the top quartile, rated 29th out of 120 balanced plans. The value of the plan has increased by 11.47 per cent since 30 June 2009.
The West State Super Balanced plan 1-year investment return was ranked in the top quartile, rated 12th in Australia out of 120 balanced plans. The value of the plan has increased by 10.69 per cent since 30 June 2009.
Over five years, the West State Super Balanced plan investment return ranked 26th, returning 5.94 per cent.
To find out more, members can log on to www.gesb.com.au
4-hour rule expands
The Four Hour Rule Program has been introduced into the next round of hospitals.
The rule is aimed at ensuring 98 per cent of Emergency Department patients are seen and admitted, discharged or transferred within a four-hour time frame. The program also helps identify ways to improve the delivery of in-hospital care.
Bunbury Regional Hospital, Joondalup Health Campus, Rockingham General Hospital, Swan District Hospital and Armadale-Kelmscott Memorial Hospital have all started the program and have until late 2011 to reach the target.
School construction continues
Construction is underway at nearly 20 schools across the Swan Education District as part of the Building the Education Revolution’s Primary Schools for the 21st Century.
The BER infrastructure program is the largest undertaken in WA public schools will include new libraries, classrooms, early childhood education centres, undercover areas, music rooms and art rooms.
In addition to the program, the WA Government will spend an additional $300 million to build 14 new public schools over the next six years and an extra $50 million on a four-year public school capital improvements program.
Rail parking up
Work to increase the number of parking spaces at Greenwood and Whitfords stations will start this week as part of the Government’s commitment to add another 3,000 parking spaces on the Mandurah and Joondalup lines.
Minister for Transport, Simon O’Brien, said the new bays – approximately 170 at Greenwood and 200 at Whitfords – would be completed in the first half of next year.
He said the designs include an underpass link to the existing car park, lighting and 24-hour CCTV.
SW benefits from stimulus
The Federal Government’s Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan will fund 283 new affordable dwellings in the South-West region.
These include 32 seniors units in East Bunbury funded with $8.5 million from the Commonwealth’s Social Housing National Partnerships Agreement, and eight family homes in Glen Iris, funded with $1.4million from the State Government Stimulus Package.
Across the South-West region there are currently 251 homes planned for completion by early 2011, including 49 which are already under way.
More police graduate
Twenty one transitional police officers have been welcomed into the WA Police after undertaking 12 weeks preparation in the Academy’s Transitional Training Program.
The officers join more than 600 other officers who have either joined or re-entered the WA Police since the program was introduced in 2006.
The new recruits come from the United Kingdom, Singapore, South Africa, and Western Australia and include 18 men and three women – with 10 having received tertiary qualifications, eight having served in the defence forces and two renewing their careers as WA Police officers.
