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SearchArchives for April 2011
26 April, 2011
Pay vote pays off
for union members
Members of the Community & Public Sector Union/Civil Service Association (CPSU/CSA) have voted to accept the Governments’ third offer for General Agreement 5 (GA5).
According to the union, almost 7,000 members voted in the recent ballot with 93 per cent in favour.
The union says it will now submit the finalised GA5 Agreements to the West Australian Industrial Relations Commission (WAIRC) for registration within the next four weeks. It may then take a few weeks for Departments to roll out the changes.
Under the deal pay increases will be back-paid to 15 April 2011 but only members still employed in the Public Service on the date GA5 is registered in the WAIRC will receive the back-dated pay.
Under the three-year agreement a 3.75 per cent raise will be paid from 15 April 2011, four per cent from 13 April 2012 and 4.25 per cent from 12 April 2013.
Details to changes of the Employment Conditions can be found on the Union’s website for those who have a login.
Branch Secretary of CPSU/CSA, Toni Walkington said as a result of the action of Members in the GA5 campaign the Government had been forced to acknowledge the contribution the union’s members had made to productivity across the public sector.
“This enabled us to secure a wage increase without trading off any conditions of employment as proposed in the earlier offers from Government,” Ms Walkington said.
26 April, 2011
Corrections gives
recruits big tick
The Department of Corrective Services (DCS) has embarked on a recruitment drive for 30 people across the State to help manage offenders on community orders, including parole.
Deputy Commissioner at the Department, Heather Harker said the role of a Community Corrections Officer, or CCO, was a tough one, but the Department expected that people who wanted to make a significant contribution to community safety, and help change lives, would step up to the challenge.
“Adult Community Corrections is a robust, credible and contemporary service, supervising about 4,500 offenders around the State on parole or community based sentences at any one time,” Ms Harker said, “so it is important to get the right people into these roles. “The job can be challenging, given that you’re working with some difficult and high-risk offenders from a range of different backgrounds.”
She said CCOs managed offenders on community orders and on parole. They must have community safety at the forefront of their minds and ensure offenders complied with the requirements of the orders.
“CCOs must be willing to enforce the conditions of an order, such as performing community work or attending treatment programs, and can place limits on what offenders can do,” she said.
“This means that successful CCOs must have resilience, integrity and staying power.”
A combination of on and off-the-job training would be provided to successful applicants.
26 April, 2011
Feedback session is
learning experience
The Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP) has held a workshop for stakeholders inviting feedback on its performance and its approach to consultation.
Groups taking part in the feedback session included the Chamber of Minerals and Energy, the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies and the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association
Director General at the Department, Richard Sellers said the event was a great success and a valuable learning opportunity for the Department.
“I felt we got very good feedback that highlighted the Department is generally doing a very good job, but we also gained good input on areas were we could improve, which is all very important for future development,” Mr Sellers said.
“It was certainly a worthwhile exercise and a model for future workshops to ensure we keep working with industry to better understand their expectations of the State’s resources sector regulator and to continually improve the way we do things.”
He said public and industry expectations had shifted considerably in the past decade and it was only through this sort of engagement that the Department could gain better insight into what those expectations were.
Case studies discussed on the day included the Department’s pilot project for reviewing Aboriginal site buffers in collaboration with the Department of Indigenous Affairs and the review of the WA mining securities, or Environmental Bonds, system.
26 April, 2011
Heritage policy
makes history
Western Australia’s first cultural heritage policy establishes a framework to ensure a secure future for significant heritage places.
The new policy will underpin sound practice in the conservation, management and adaptation of heritage places and will raise awareness among owners of the benefits of conservation and the positive ways heritage places can be adapted.
The policy contains a range of initiatives, including a major review of the Heritage of Western Australia Act 1990.
Minister for Heritage, John Castrilli said the first major achievement under the policy was improved protection for heritage-listed properties through increased penalties for unauthorised demolition or damage, which came into effect on 3 March.
“The next significant initiative is the comprehensive review of the Heritage Act,” Mr Castrilli said.
“I have released the first consultation paper and I urge interested members of the community to have their say.
“A key objective of the policy is to ensure heritage legislation is open, transparent, and simple to operate and understand.”
He said the policy also provided a framework for the Government to work effectively across Agencies and with Local Government and the community, to recognise, maintain and capitalise on the State’s cultural heritage.
Mr Castrilli said WA had a rich historic heritage that was a significant asset and the new policy would ensure it was protected and promoted.
26 April, 2011
Governor’s house
a hit on list
The official residence of the Governor, Government House, is to be permanently entered on the State Register of Heritage Places.
Government House was the first place to be included on the State Register on an interim basis in 1992 and its permanent State heritage listing marked the start of Australian Heritage Week and the 20th anniversary of the Heritage of Western Australia Act.
Minister for Heritage, John Castrilli said the permanent listing was befitting of the heritage stature and importance that Government House was held in the community.
“Government House is symbolic of our State’s heritage and is treasured because of its links with our colonial beginnings,” Mr Castrilli said.
He said it was also closely aligned with the workings of Government and democracy as well as many grand State and royal occasions.
“It is also a place that is at the heart of our community with successive Governors ensuring that Government House is accessible to all Western Australians,” he said.
Mr Castrilli said Government House would again play centre stage for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Perth in October.
The two-storey mansion was built between 1859 and 1864 by convict labour and skilled craftsmen, and is set in 3.2 hectares of gardens.
It has been the official residence of the Governor of Western Australia for nearly 150 years.
The State Register of Heritage Places is managed by the Heritage Council of Western Australia through the Office of Heritage.
26 April, 2011
Seeds planted for
agriculture’s future
A plan to support the development of Western Australia’s agriculture and food industries over the next four years has been outlined by the Department of Agriculture and Food.
Director General of the Department, Rob Delane said the 2011-2015 strategic plan would guide the Department’s activities in line with the State Government’s vision for a progressive and profitable industry sector.
Mr Delane said the plan reflected the Department’s renewed focus on economic development.
“The Department has undergone an extensive transformation to ensure our efforts are targeted to contribute to sustainable business, economic and regional development, and are closely aligned with industry to be more responsive and innovative,” Mr Delane said.
He said the plan was focused on four key investment areas: Improving long term profitability, building a sustainable sector, building industry capacity; and improving markets and trade.
“The plan details the strategies in each of the investment areas to achieve the greatest gains along all parts of the supply chain,” he said.
“It is backed up by a comprehensive operational plan, which lists more specific projects and activities within set timeframes.”
He said the strategic plan embraced an industry-driven and market-focused whole-of-Department approach across the agriculture and food supply chains.
Mr Delane said the approach was underpinned by partnerships with businesses, industry and public and private sector stakeholders.
“The Department is building stronger links with a diverse range of partners locally, nationally and internationally.”
He said the plan would be reviewed and updated regularly to make sure it remained relevant and adapted to the changing needs of the sector.
26 April, 2011
Mobile projects run
away with awards
Two Western Australian mobile communications projects have won national and State awards.
The Community Emergency Mobile Communications Project and the Regional Mobile Communications Project have both been recognised.
Administered by the Department of Commerce, in consultation with the Department of Regional Development and Lands, the two projects won the Best Communications Initiative - Regional Award at the Australian Telecommunications Users Group National Broadband Awards in Sydney and the Regional Award at the WA Information Technology and Telecommunications Awards.
Minister for Regional Development, Brendon Grylls said the initiative demonstrated that the provision of mobile and broadband could support improved emergency service delivery and provide social benefits to regional communities in Western Australia.
“The communities of Balingup, Kukerin and Quongup are currently beneficiaries of the initiative, with more regional areas expected to benefit from the Regional Mobile Communications Project,” Mr Grylls said.
“The project has delivered enhanced safety and convenience for people living, working and holidaying in regional WA, and improved delivery of Government services and emergency services in communities which are prone to high bushfire risk and road trauma.”
The infrastructure provided under the initiative and its projects allowed for the enhanced delivery of Government and non-government emergency services in regional communities through collocation on purpose-built telecommunications infrastructure.
The awards, which raised awareness of the benefits of broadband by highlighting successful applications in the business, Government, community, agriculture, education and health sectors, recognised Australia’s best examples of broadband making a difference in the community, the Minister said.
26 April, 2011
Speed cameras click
for injury fund
All revenue from speed cameras is to go to the Road Trauma Trust Fund (RTTF) by July 2012.
Premier, Colin Barnett announced the plan saying the RTTF currently received one-third of revenue from speed and red light camera infringements.
Mr Barnett said the funding boost would help the Government deliver its 12-year road safety strategy Towards Zero and reduce road trauma in WA.
He said the share of revenue directed to reducing serious road crashes on the State’s roads would triple in the next two years, representing a boost of tens of millions of dollars each year to fighting road trauma.
Mr Barnett said the significant amount of money thrown away by speeding drivers was an excellent opportunity to make a serious effort into reducing the numbers of deaths and serious injuries on WA roads.
“This Government is serious about targeted spending to deliver quality services for all West Australians to keep them safe on our roads,” he said.
“We currently invest approximately $280 million annually towards road safety across various Agencies, including police traffic enforcement, road building and maintenance, community education campaigns issues and school-based programs.”
The extra injection into the RTTF would give it the capacity to do much more in both metropolitan and regional WA.
Mr Barnett said funding was only one aspect of combating road accidents, the public needed to show its support and drive in a responsible and safe manner.
26 April, 2011
Animal recovery
is pet project
Fauna monitoring results at Lorna Glen in the northern Goldfields show that Department of Environment and Conservation’s (DEC) efforts to boost populations of threatened native animals are proving successful.
The DEC project, Operation Rangelands Restoration, aims to restore 600,000 hectares of former pastoral lease to its natural state by 2020, in what is one of the world’s most extensive wildlife reconstruction projects.
Some of the native mammals that once lived across the arid zone - but had disappeared since European settlement - had been re-introduced to Lorna Glen in the past three years.
Minister for the Environment, Bill Marmion said more than 100 boodies and golden bandicoots were released into the 1,100 hectare predator-proof acclimatisation compound after all cats were removed, while bilbies and brushtail possums had been released outside the compound in conjunction with sustained cat baiting.
“Trapping inside the compound in March has revealed thriving populations of boodies and bandicoots, which are in good condition and expected to gain further weight following decent rainfall in the area over the last few months,” Mr Marmion said.
“Since introducing these animals, at least 33 boodies and 67 bandicoots have been born in the compound, demonstrating their consistently high breeding success.”
Bilbies and brushtail possums released in the wider landscape outside the compound were also doing well, which was a sign that the extensive cat and wild dog baiting program was working and the animals were adapting well to their new home.
26 April, 2011
Training facility
on the right track
The Central Institute of Technology’s new building in Northbridge is the final stage of the development of an extensive training precinct in the area.
Covering 11,000 square metres, the $62 million building accommodates up to 26,000 students.
It has co-located training programs from the skill shortage areas of engineering, architecture design and building, within state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities.
Premier, Colin Barnett said spending on training to create a skilled workforce was a priority.
“The WA economy is facing another period of sustained expansion, driven by more than $170 billion worth of resource and infrastructure projects in the investment pipeline over the next five years or so,” Mr Barnett said.
“Central’s new facility will deliver training across broad industry areas and play a key role in providing targeted training for industries that require specialist or technical skilled labour.”
Funded by both the State and Federal Governments, the building includes adaptable, applied research laboratories and live spaces, as well as a dedicated support unit for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
Minister for Training and Workforce Development, Peter Collier said Central was a key provider of higher level qualifications in WA, delivering 66 per cent of the State’s engineering and building qualifications at Certificate IV level and above.
“It has been well documented that there will be significant demand in the trades area, particularly for workers at the higher technical levels,” Mr Collier said.
“Central’s training focus is directly addressing this demand,” he said.
26 April, 2011
Boating study is
lifeline for Peel
The Department of Transport (DoT) has outlined options for recreational boating facilities in the Peel region.
The Peel Regional Recreational Boating Facilities Study covers Mandurah and the surrounding region, an exceptionally high growth area for recreational vessels.
New Coastal Assets Manager at the Department, Martin Baird said by 2031 it was estimated there would be almost 18,500 recreational vessels in the Peel region, up from 8,700 in 2009.
Importantly, Mr Baird said, 85 per cent of these craft would be trailer based and dependent on boat launching facilities.
“The study found that existing facilities would meet demand over the next five years and identified improvements to increase performance and capacity to meet longer term needs of the boating community in the region,” Mr Baird said.
“The recommendations include potential sites for new infrastructure to further increase capacity and meet the needs of the boating population in the area.”
He said the study was a comprehensive document that would serve as a blueprint for the provision of future recreational boating facilities in the Peel region.
“The majority of the initiatives outlined in the recommendations are eligible for funding under DoT’s Recreational Boating Facilities Scheme and facility managers will be urged to apply for grants to expand and improve facilities,” Mr Baird said.
26 April, 2011
City wins State
heritage honour
The Heritage Council of Western Australia has named the City of Perth’s Heritage Program as the best in the State.
The City took the honours in the Council’s Awards in the category of Outstanding Heritage Practices by a Local Government.
Lord Mayor of Perth, Lisa Scaffidi said the award was extremely significant as it recognised the Council’s strong, holistic approach to heritage and the practical programs it had put in place to assist the owners of heritage sites.
The judges’ citation said: “A leading light in Local Government heritage practices, the City of Perth has shown an outstanding commitment to heritage illustrated through its heritage initiatives and management of an effective incentive scheme.”
Ms Scaffidi said the City of Perth did not just talk about heritage. It took an active role by working with property owners and other stakeholders to ensure heritage sites were maintained, improved and protected.
“The City’s contribution to heritage includes heritage grants, plot ratio benefits, research and advisory services,” Ms Scaffidi said
“We also established Heritage Perth which has been very active and successful in promoting heritage within the WA community.
“As well as assisting property owners, the City promotes and markets heritage through popular walking trails and exhibitions and implementing conservation plans for its own heritage sites.”
She said research indicated that visitors who engaged in some form of heritage tourism contributed more than $350 million annually to the City of Perth economy.
“For property owners this translates into higher property values, with King Street being a prime example,” she said.
26 April, 2011
Biosecurity award
goes with the grain
A research team led by Department of Agriculture and Food scientist YongLin Ren has received national recognition for a breakthrough in post harvest technology to rid stored grain of insects.
The team has won the Cooperative Research Centre for National Plant Biosecurity (CRCNPB) Science Exchange Award for Impact on Industry.
Associate Professor Ren said the team had developed the low oxygen technology as a practical, cost-effective commercial alternative to phosphine fumigation for the treatment of grain and as a replacement to phosphine for management of insect resistance.
The project, undertaken in collaboration with farmers and grain companies, is part of a CRCNPB project on low oxygen technology for alternatives to phosphine.
“The low oxygen technology is achieved by purging the stored grains with a high concentration of pure nitrogen,” Associate Professor Ren said.
“This nitrogen is readily sourced from the air as nitrogen constitutes 78 per cent of air.
“What is most exciting is that the process provides the grains industry with a viable chemical-free treatment and is a low-cost alternative to the use of phosphine.”
Associate Professor Ren, who is currently seconded to Murdoch University where he leads the team, said field trials were complete, and the team was now working on systematic laboratory studies and on generating protocols for end users.
“A Lake Grace farmer who assisted with field trials is now attracting better prices for his grain after it underwent long-term safe storage of wheat and canola with the chemical free process,” he said.
26 April, 2011
Petroleum explorers
get the good oil
Work program bids have been received for all five releases of onshore petroleum exploration acreages, the first time all areas on offer attracted interest.
Minister for Mines and Petroleum, Norman Moore said WA and the Federal Governments encouraged investment in petroleum exploration through the annual release of offshore and onshore petroleum exploration acreage.
“The growing interest in WA’s industry is increasingly evident through the sharp rise in bids on acreage releases,” Mr Moore said.
“The number of bids has steadily risen for the past three to four years but it spiked even higher on the most recent release.”
He said the latest round of acreage releases closed last month and saw multiple bids on the offshore Northern Carnarvon Basin release.
On-shore exploration, historically less attractive to investors than offshore, had become more popular.
Mr Moore said rising interest in unconventional gas had fuelled the expansion and several companies focused on unconventional gas targets in the Canning Basin had generated much interest recently.
“The Canning Basin is one of the world’s last frontier onshore provinces and has the potential for major shale gas reserves,” Mr Moore said.
“Investors aware of the gas revolution in the United States due to unconventional gas developments believe the same thing could happen in WA.”
He said important market drivers for this development included increasing demand, increasing price and the presence of markets.
26 April, 2011
Discussion ranges on
rangelands reforms
A discussion paper on tenure options for the rangelands under the Department of Regional Development and Lands’ Rangelands Reform Program has been released.
The $2.25 million program aims at developing alternative forms of land tenure and provide current and future leaseholders with greater flexibility, security and incentives to invest.
The paper discusses how the existing pastoral lease system works under the Land Administration Act 1997 and tables new options being proposed, such as rangelands lease, perpetual pastoral lease and new diversification permit provisions.
Minister for Regional Development and Lands, Brendon Grylls said that while the paper proposed alternative tenure options to be considered, existing pastoral tenure would not be replaced.
“The option for pastoralists to roll over an existing pastoral lease under the existing system will continue to be available,” Mr Grylls said.
“The Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development and Lands, Wendy Duncan, is taking a lead role in consulting with stakeholders to establish and deliver the program and I would strongly encourage rangelands stakeholders to read the discussion paper and provide feedback,” he said.
The discussion paper can be downloaded from this PS News link and feedback provided to the Department of Regional Development and Lands via email at rangelandsreform@rdl.wa.gov.au or telephone on 9217 1463. Comments must be received by 11 May.
26 April, 2011
Band takes a bow
at exhibition
The Western Australian Museum is staging the AC/DC: Australia’s Family Jewels exhibition, tracing the history of the band that formed just under four decades ago.
The exhibition was expected to draw strong interest from fans across the State, as well as overseas and interstate visitors.
Acting Minister for Culture and the Arts, Troy Buswell said the exhibition had been endorsed by the band and was packed with more than 400 exhibits, including photographs, instruments, gig posters, programs, lyrics, personal memorabilia and costumes, as well as hours of concert footage and video clips.
“It is an outstanding collaboration between the Melbourne Arts Centre, the WA Museum, Albert Music and Sony Music and will have a special meaning for the legion of WA fans that are proud to call the band’s lead singer, the late Bon Scott, one of their own,” Mr Buswell said.
“He was a Fremantle boy and his family remain a Fremantle family to this day.”
The AC/DC: Australia’s Family Jewels followed the hugely successful A Day in Pompeii, which last year drew an audience of more than 113,000 people when it was on show at the WA Museum.
“These two exhibitions couldn’t be more diverse, which serves to highlight the museum’s capacity to reach a broad audience with a wide range of interests,” Mr Buswell said.
The free exhibition will run until 7 August.
26 April, 2011
Positive image for PS staff
At 69 per cent, the positive image of police is up seven per cent and at its highest rating in more than 35 years according to the Roy Morgan Annual Image of Professions survey.
Nurses rated as the most ethical and honest profession at 90 per cent – the 17th year in a row since nurses were first included on the survey in 1994.
Doctors were rated at 87 per cent, dentists at 76 per cent, High Court judges and State Supreme Court judges rated at 75 per cent.
School teachers were at 76 per cent, engineers at 71 per cent and university lecturers at 61 per cent.
Full tables and details from this PS News link.
More campers at Karijini
The Department of Environment and Conservation has opened a new overflow campground in the Karijini National Park.
The two-year project involves new camping bays at Warlu Loop connected by paths to the popular campsite at Dales Recreation Area, where facilities include toilets, picnic areas and barbeques.
The Warlu Loop site provides 44 new camping bays, increasing the park’s capacity to almost 150 bays.
Lifeline for Lifeline
Lifeline WA has received a $500,000 Government grant to establish suicide telephone crisis support.
Channelled through Western Australia’s first Mental Health Commission, the funding is aimed at increasing the amount of telephone counsellors by at least 50 per cent in the next 12 months.
The Mental Health Commission is also actively involved in helping Lifeline WA in its search for new accommodation.
Geraldton amalgamates
The amalgamation of the City of Geraldton-Greenough and the Shire of Mullewa has created the new city of Greater Geraldton.
The merger will enable Local Governments to deliver a higher level and more diverse range of services.
The Department of Local Government will now undertake statutory processes to give effect to the amalgamation and a commissioner will be appointed to oversee the practical steps necessary in bringing together the operations of the Local Governments.
New rock lookouts
Castle Rock has been provided with two new lookouts offering spectacular views of Porongurup National Park.
The lookouts are part of a $1 million revamp of visitor facilities in the area.
They were designed by landscape architects with the Department of Environment and Conservation.
Murray in the swim
New aquatic facilities costing $7.253 million have been opened in the Shire of Murray, one of the State’s fastest growing regions.
The State Government has provided $2.92 million towards the project, with the Federal Government contributing $1.22 million.
The Shire of Murray provided $2 million and the local community raised a further $94,000. Alcoa made a $1 million contribution.
19 April, 2011
DTF Shared Services
takes out award
The 14th annual Australasian Shared Services and Outsourcing Network Conference in Melbourne has named DTF Shared Services the winner in the ‘Excellence in People and Communication’ Category.
Business Executive Director of Shared Services, Brian Roche said winning the award was a significant achievement.
“Given that some of our competition in these awards includes major players like Rio Tinto, NAB and Qantas, along with shared service providers in the public sector, we have done exceptionally well to be chosen as the winner in this category.”
The award comes after Premier, Colin Barnett announced an independent review of the Office of Shared Services (OSS) in January to “consider what had been achieved, the challenges encountered, what could be done better and whether the project offered value for money”.
Further roll-in to the project has been suspended until the review is completed.
The Community and Public Sector Union/Civil Service Association of WA (CPSU/CSA) said at the time that its members had a “large amount of concerns” about the OSS.
Mr Roche said DTF Shared Services staff “strive every day to provide the very best possible service to our client Agencies.”
Its submission in the category related to the strategies employed by the business in endeavouring to retain staff as it moved from the major part of the project phase to the development of an operational shared services centre.
“This award is industry recognition that we are on the right path,” Mr Roche said.
19 April, 2011
Burning program
warming up
The autumn prescribed burning program has begun in south-west forests and across the south coast, the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) has announced.
The program has made a late start because of prolonged summer weather and follows one of the driest winter-spring periods in the region.
Minister for the Environment, Bill Marmion said the proposed autumn burning program had been developed through collaboration between DEC’s fire officers and the Department’s divisions of Nature Conservation; Parks and Visitor Services; Science and Sustainable Forest Management; and the Forest Products Commission.
“Although the program has identified 200 ‘candidate’ burns, the program is intentionally bigger than can be achieved in order to give DEC the flexibility to take advantage of prevailing weather and adjust the burn program accordingly,” Mr Marmion said.
“Normally DEC would aim to reduce fuel loads by prescribed burning on about 60,000 hectares in autumn but, given the very dry conditions, we think even that level may not be achieved.”
DEC uses prescribed burning to reduce the build-up of ‘fine fuels’ - leaves and twigs up to six millimetres in diameter’ - to under eight tonnes a hectare in jarrah forest and under 11 tonnes a hectare in karri forest.
“Research and hands-on experience over decades have shown that once fuels build up above these levels, summer bushfires can be extremely difficult to control,” the Minister said.
“Lessening fuel loads through prescribed burning also has a significant impact on reducing the chances of ‘spotting’ where embers are thrown up to five kilometres ahead of the main fire front, causing spot fires,” he said.
19 April, 2011
Single safety law
the safest way
The Chair of Safe Work Australia, Tom Phillips has defended the national harmonisation of work health and safety (WHS) laws saying the process was not designed to reduce the size of WHS regulation but to ensure uniform safety standards were in place across the country.
Mr Phillips said the initiative was consistent with the requirements of the Inter-Governmental Agreement for Regulatory and Operational Reform in Occupational Health and Safety.
“This exercise is about harmonisation and putting everyone on the same page, it is not rationalisation or reform,” Mr Phillips said.
He said the content of the draft WHS Regulations was based on existing Work Health and Safety Regulations in each of the nine Australian jurisdictions, all of which were varied in length and content.
He said chapters of the draft WHS Regulations addressed hazards such as noise, confined spaces and falls, or specific industries such as construction, major hazard facilities or driving.
Mr Phillips said for national businesses, familiarity with only one set of work health and safety regulations would be easier than needing to know the nine sets that currently existed.
For these businesses, thousands of pages of regulations and rules would be replaced by the draft WHS Regulations which were about 580 pages.
“The model WHS Regulations needed to ensure effective safety standards and protections for all Australian workers without being overly prescriptive,” he said.
“It is not the number of pages or size that is important, but whether the model WHS Regulations will contain sufficient guidance to duty holders to ensure the health and safety of Australian workers.”
During a recent public comment process, submissions were made regarding concerns about the length and level of prescription in the draft regulations.
Mr Phillips said however that Safe Work Australia had already identified a number of ways the draft WHS Regulations could be reduced in size without compromising important policy objectives.
19 April, 2011
Consumer Protection
hits the Wheatbelt
Consumer Protection staff have made a three-day visit to the Wheatbelt.
Officers from the Retail, Building and Tenancy, Associations and Charities, Business Names and Community Education Branches went to Moora, New Norcia, Dalwallinu, Wongan Hills and Bindoon.
The aim of the visit was to provide information to businesses, property managers and local groups including the Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club.
Commissioner of Consumer Protection, Anne Driscoll said this was the latest part of a regional WA outreach program.
“We don’t want Consumer Protection work to just centre on the locations of our offices in Perth and the regions,” Ms Driscoll said. “It’s our goal to be seen and heard in the wider WA community.
“This sort of visit is particularly important in light of the introduction of the new Australian Consumer Law at the start of this year.”
She said Consumer Protection’s job was to try to prevent problems in the marketplace by raising awareness about the rights and responsibilities of both consumers and business operators.
“Prosecution is an option if fair trading legislation is breached but we try not to let it come to that.”
She said during the visit, Consumer Protection staff checked that business names were registered; carried out scanning audits to compare prices charged against those displayed; looked out for illegal ‘no refund’ signs; checked product lines which were covered by mandatory safety standards; offered information to property managers and visited libraries and community groups to disseminate information and publications.
19 April, 2011
Verdict reached
on jury service
The WA jury system “has been brought into the 21st century” with legislation passed by State Parliament.
Attorney General, Christian Porter said the changes to the 1950s-era Juries Act would make serving on a jury a fairer and more flexible experience.
“I am pleased this legislation has been passed by State Parliament with few changes from our original proposals,” Mr Porter said, “as both Houses acknowledged the need for modernising jury service.”
He said the legislation underwent only minor amendments, with lawyers and some categories of Parliamentary officers maintaining their current exemption from jury service.
“The changes to become law include allowing prospective jurors to defer jury service for a set period,” the Attorney General said.
“This recognises that for a jury to be representative of the community, people with a wide range of backgrounds and life experiences will now be given a little flexibility in the system to accommodate their work and other significant commitments.”
“There would also be the introduction of the flat $800 fine for people who did not turn up for jury duty when summonsed, and tougher action against employers who did not allow an employee to carry out this duty.
“Individual employers will face a fine up to $10,000 and companies $50,000,” he said.
The categories of people who were previously automatically exempt from jury duty have been slashed and the age limit for jurors raised from 65 to 75 years.
19 April, 2011
Tongues wagging over
language scam
A group of nine people charged with 59 bribery offences by the Corruption and Crime Commission (CCC) includes a former employee of Curtin University.
The charges relate to the manipulation of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) conducted at Curtin’s English Language Centre over a 12-month period to June 2010.
Spokesman for CCC, Trevor Wynn said it will be alleged that the former Curtin employee generally dealt with intermediaries who then shared the bribes paid by the candidates.
The Commission will allege that candidates paid amounts varying between $1,500 and $11,000 to have their test scores altered.
Further, in many cases, the false test reports were submitted to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship in support of an application for a visa or permanent residency in Australia.
“The charges arose from a broader Commission investigation focussed on the policies, practices and operating environment of the Curtin English Language Centre conducted in cooperation with Curtin University, IELTS Australia and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship,” Mr Wynn said.
The Commission’s investigation, including whether English language testing had been compromised at testing centres operated by other public authorities, is continuing.
IELTS scores are required by many applicants in order to study in Australia, for permanent residence, or to hold many jobs here.
19 April, 2011
Parks open gates
to Easter safety
The Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) wants Easter visitors to the South Coast’s national parks and nature reserves to consider their safety.
The warning comes weeks after a teenager died after being swept from rocks near Salmon Holes in Torndirrup National Park while fishing.
District Manager at Albany for DEC, Mike Shephard said the stunning natural surroundings and views, as well as the top fishing on offer in many South Coast national parks and nature reserves, were a major drawcard for tourists, but he warned the Southern Ocean could be unpredictable and dangerous.
“At this time of year there is an influx of visitors to the areas DEC manages and people tend to take more risks when competing for the best spots to fish,” Mr Shephard said.
“We urge everyone to take extra precautions when fishing off rocks and to stay away from the black rocks.
“Sea spray and rain, even a light shower, can make coastal rocks extremely slippery.”
He said the weather on the South Coast could change quickly and large waves or swells commonly occurred, even on calm days.
People should take note of DEC’s warning signs, placed at prominent locations.
“Nearly every year lives have been lost when people fall or are washed off the coastline in this region and we can’t stress enough the importance of taking extra care,” Mr Shephard said.
“We are all responsible for our own safety and need to be alert to the dangers that our coastline presents and adjust our activities to avoid placing ourselves in dangerous situations.”
He said DEC had been working to improve coastal safety in cooperation with the Nathan Drew Memorial Trust and had installed five Silent Sentry devices in Torndirrup National Park over the past few years.
19 April, 2011
Sky high praise for
aerial firefighters
The aerial firefighting fleet has been commended for its work with ground-based firefighters during the 2010-11 bushfire season.
The Fire and Emergency Services Authority’s (FESA) aerial firefighters had been activated 348 times during the southern summer bushfire season and flown more than 530 hours.
Minister for Emergency Services, Rob Johnson said the driest winter on record produced, as predicted, one of the worst fire seasons that the State had ever experienced.
“If it wasn’t for the incredible job by FESA’s aerial fleet, working in conjunction with our dedicated career and volunteer firefighters, then lives could have been lost,” Mr Johnson said.
“Major bushfires at Roleystone, Red Hill and Lake Clifton tested the skills and resilience of the fleet’s pilots and crews, but they came through with flying colours and provided much-needed support and protection to the ground crews.”
The Minister said FESA’s aerial fleet included four Helitacs, two Type 1 helicopters and an intelligence gathering helicopter.
The Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) also operated fixed-wing aircraft, including eight water bombers.
He said the Government had spent nearly $9 million this season on WA’s helicopter fleet, which included bringing additional aircraft into the State.
During the bushfire season the helicopters had dropped nearly four million litres of water and foam on bushfires.
Overall, aircraft had made more than 2,800 drops and saved approximately 300 properties.
19 April, 2011
Results on tap for
groundwater trial
The Groundwater Replenishment Trial at Beenyup, overseen by the Departments of Health, Water, and Environment and Conservation, has shown positive results.
All water samples met health and environmental guidelines.
Two hundred and sixty-five samples were taken from the site after the first three months of the trial, which began in November 2010.
Welcoming the results, the Minister for Water, Bill Marmion said if successful, groundwater replenishment could provide both a new major water source option and result in substantially increased water recycling.
“Put simply, what we are trialling could best be described as an innovative water recycling option where already highly-treated wastewater is treated through desalination technology to an even higher level, recharged into the ground, ‘banked’ and taken out at a later date as drinking water,” Mr Marmion said.
“It is possible groundwater replenishment could contribute up to 28 billion litres of water per year to the Integrated Water Supply Scheme - enough to supply 140,000 homes - as a major new water source before the end of this decade.”
He said over the next two years, the trial itself would add approximately 3.4 billion litres of water to groundwater supplies.
“While we are confident that technically this trial will prove groundwater replenishment is a viable option for the future, it is crucial we have the support of the community,” he said.
“Much effort is being put into ensuring that the community is fully aware of all the details and results of the trial as it unfolds.”
Mr Marmion said all results were being made publicly available via the Water Corporation’s website and on request.
19 April, 2011
Achievers achieve
achievement awards
A total of 17 young West Australians have been presented with Ida Curtois Achiever Awards.
The awards assist young West Australians who have been, or are still, in the care of the Department for Child Protection, with further education and training.
Minister for Child Protection, Robyn McSweeney said that not only did the Achiever Awards provide financial assistance of up to $4,000, they also offered encouragement and recognition of the courage and commitment the young people had displayed to get to where they were in life.
“Despite the significant adversity they may have faced, they have all made important decisions to further their educational experiences,” Mrs McSweeney said.
“Their drive, determination and strength of character are truly remarkable.”
The 17 young people were nominated in three categories, including four in the University Achiever Award; 12 in the Technical and Further Education Achiever Award; and one in the Apprenticeship or Traineeship Achiever Award.
“Due to the exceptionally high standard of nominations this year, every finalist has been selected as an award recipient,” the Minister said.
“Additionally, four outstanding Achiever Award winners have also been selected to receive Inspiration Awards, which recognise leadership in the community.”
With many award recipients paying tribute to the supportive role foster carers play in their lives, Mrs McSweeney called for more West Australians to consider fostering.
19 April, 2011
Bold plan for
Bold Park
Public submissions on the Draft Bold Park Management Plan 2011-2016 will now be accepted by the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority.
Bold Park is classified an A-Class Reserve for its outstanding conservation, landscape and passive recreational opportunities.
According to the gardens, it is one of the largest bushland remnants in the urban area of the Swan Coastal Plain, covering 437 hectares, and has been managed by the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority since August 1998.
The Draft Bold Park Management Plan 2011-2016 identifies directions, strategies and priorities for management for the next five years and summarises the past five years of management.
The process includes the Authority’s review of achievements under the existing plan, evaluation of the effectiveness of existing strategies, and incorporation of community feedback from consultation via a survey of stakeholders and a public workshop held in October 2010.
The draft plan continues to build upon the endorsed objectives and strategies in previous plans, including the inaugural Bold Park Environmental Management Plan 2000-2005. This approach ensures that management can be adapted to incorporate leading-edge research outcomes and changing conditions on the site over time to deliver appropriate management for Bold Park.
The draft plan provides a high level, strategic overview for the planning, management and restoration of Bold Park under seven broad management categories as follows: Biodiversity Conservation, Ecological Restoration, Risk Management, Visitation and Passive Recreation, Community Liaison and Planning, Information, Interpretation and Education and, Cultural Heritage.
The draft plan can be downloaded from this PS News link and the submission form from this PS News link.
19 April, 2011
Cyber safety to
net kids’ ideas
The Commissioner for Children and Young People, Michelle Scott is urging WA’s children and young people to share their views on cyber-safety as part of a Federal Government inquiry into the subject
The Commonwealth’s Joint Select Committee on Cyber-Safety had asked for the survey and had developed separate questions for children under 12 years and young people 13 and over.
The surveys are completely anonymous and hosted on a secure website.
Ms Scott had previously made a submission and provided additional information to the Inquiry, highlighting children and young people’s concerns about cyber bullying and explaining the importance of hearing from children and young people on the issue.
“Everywhere I go children and young people tell me they want to contribute,” Ms Scott said in her submission.
“It is also my experience that children and young people often have a good understanding of what is best for their wellbeing, have unique insights into issues and can offer creative solutions to the problems under discussion.
“Directly involving children and young people in decisions that impact on them and taking their views into account in the development of laws, policies and programs results in better outcomes for children and young people.”
She said this was true for all areas that impact on children and young people but was especially the case when considering their engagement with technology and the online environment.
“No one knows more about the ways they are engaged, the issues they face and, therefore it follows, solutions that are most likely to work for them,” she said.
19 April, 2011
Park patrols are
branching out
More than 2.3 million visitors are now visiting the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park every year, the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) has reported.
Parks and Visitor Services Coordinator for the Blackwood District at DEC, Brian O’Hehir said in the last 12 months DEC rangers had stepped up their patrols throughout the national park to keep visitors safe.
“We have simple rules in place to protect visitors and the national park itself, which stretches 120 kilometres along the coastline from Bunker Bay in the north, to Augusta in the south,” Mr O’Hehir said.
“Protecting the park’s natural assets is essential and while most visitors to the park are overwhelmingly doing the right thing, there are some who choose to ignore the rules. “Regrettably we’ve had to issue 442 on-the-spot fines for offences such as lighting illegal fires, bringing dogs into the national park or damaging vegetation.”
He said visitors were the lifeblood of the national park but there were times when DEC rangers needed to use their powers under the Conservation and Land Management Act to deal with anti-social activities like the riding of unlicensed motorbikes or itinerant campers who had set up outside designated campsites.
“These selfish actions not only cause tensions with other visitors but also impact on the national park’s vegetation, leading to erosion and site degradation,” he said.
Mr O’Hehir said a draft management plan for the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Capes area had recently been prepared by DEC in consultation with the Capes Parks Community Advisory Committee, on behalf of the Conservation Commission of Western Australia.
Public submissions on the draft management plan are currently being analysed.
19 April, 2011
Taxis in for
rough ride
Reforms to the State’s taxi system are to see more licences and demerit points issued, probation periods introduced and better training for taxi drivers.
Under the demerit system, the Department of Transport will be able to identify, discipline and weed out drivers who cannot meet acceptable standards.
Each taxi driver will accrue points for unacceptable behaviour, which will be categorised according to severity, leading to a suspension of their Taxi Driver ID card for a period of time if 12 points are accrued.
New drivers will be disciplined if they accrue six points, ensuring those new to the industry are focused on meeting the standards they are expected to maintain over the course of their taxi-driving career.
Minister for Transport, Troy Buswell said industry would be engaged on the details of the new demerit system and its implementation.
The proposed changes might require new legislation.
“This new system provides the framework we need to improve the standards of the taxi industry,” Mr Buswell said, “and now we will talk to the industry about what type of behaviour may constitute mild, moderate and severe offences and the number of points allocated for each type of offence.”
He said while the new National Minimum English Standard and National Taxi Driver Qualifications were implemented in mid-2010 and applied to all new taxi industry entrants, there would be further strengthening of entry and training requirements.
“Currently we have a situation where some people repeatedly sit the Taxi Driver Registration Test, at no charge, until they pass, which makes a mockery of the importance of this test,” he said.
“We will be changing regulations to allow a charge to be imposed for each time a person sits this test.”
In a related development, Mr Buswell said the Government would immediately release an extra 30 full-time taxi plates.
It would also change industry regulations to allow the additional release of up to 300 plates to meet demand.
19 April, 2011
Speed & alcohol drive
road safety failures
A new report on road safety from the Federal Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics (BITRE) reveals that speed, alcohol and drugs remain the major causes of fatalities on Australia’s roads.
Entitled Fatal Road crashes in Australia 1990s and 2000s: Crash types and major factors, the BITRE report was officially launched by the Commonwealth’s Parliamentary Secretary for Infrastructure and Transport, Catherine King.
Ms King said the report reinforced the intent of the draft National Road Safety Strategy 2011–2020.
“These statistics are alarming,” Ms King said.
“While we have been successful in reducing the road toll in the past 10 to 20 years, some realities have not changed at all and we really need to continue to drive home the messages.”
She said that as well as highlighting ongoing problems, the report identified new trends including an increase in motorcycle road deaths, an increase in fatal road crashes involving vehicles with one occupant and an increase in fatal crashes involving vehicles running off the road.
Ms King said drivers needed to recognise that many aspects of road use had changed over time and those changes must be accounted for.
“We have been working closely with the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) to record any changes in patterns in serious injury and death from road crashes,” Ms King said.
“Its latest report shows significant increases in life-threatening injury in the 2000s.
“As we move to finalise the strategy I urge all road users to take responsibility for their actions and their lives, and the lives of others.”
The BITRE report can be accessed at this PS News link and the AIHW report Trends in serious injury due to land transport accidents, Australia 2000-01 to 2007-08 is available from this PS News link.
19 April, 2011
Forums turn heat on
energy comments
West Australians are being encouraged to have their say about the State’s future energy needs at forums to be held in Perth.
The forums are part of a consultation process for the Government’s Strategic Energy Initiative, Energy2031, which is seeking feedback on proposed strategies outlined in the recently released directions paper.
The strategies, resulting from previous consultation with industry, aim to guide WA towards a future with secure, reliable, competitive and cleaner energy.
The directions paper proposes a series of strategies structured on six major themes:
* promoting security and diversity in energy supply and fuels;
* ensuring efficient provision and utilisation of energy infrastructure;
* improving the energy efficiency of the WA economy;
* maintaining continuity of downstream energy supply;
* ensuring effective and efficient downstream energy markets; and
* ensuring universal access to essential energy supplies.
Minister for Energy, Peter Collier said the forums were a great opportunity for people to have their say on a range of energy-related issues, including clean energy, reliability, affordability and efficient consumption.
“Comments will be considered as part of the Government’s work to develop a long-term energy vision for the State,” Mr Collier said.
“Those people who can’t attend these forums can still put forward their opinions by sending in written submissions.”
The public forums will be held on 20 April at Curtin University (Bentley) and 3 May at Parmelia Hilton Hotel, Mill Street, Perth.
Alternatively, comments can be made at by sending a written submission by 6 May.
19 April, 2011
PS News Easter
Readers are advised that next week's edition of PS News will be published on Wednesday 27 April to take account of the Easter and Anzac Day holidays.
We hope all our readers enjoy a safe and rewarding holiday break.
Cockatoo website at DEC
The Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) has produced a new webpage dedicated to Carnaby’s black cockatoo.
The endangered bird’s page contains a variety of documents and information that were previously located on numerous pages on the DEC website.
It contains the latest reports, the recovery plan, information on the design and use of artificial hollows, as well as links to other relevant websites and can be viewed at this PS News link.
GESB cuts fee
The fee for GESB’s Retirement Income Allocated Pension has been reduced by 0.2 per cent a year effective from 1 April.
GESB said efficiencies and scale had enabled it to reduce the costs of administering the scheme and managing investments.
The move equates to an annual saving of $20 for every $10,000 a member has in their account.
Tourism handover complete
The symbolic handover of the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) from NSW to Western Australia has taken place.
WA will host ATE in 2012 at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.
ATE is Australia’s premier tourism trade event and the largest international travel trade show of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.
Aboriginal boost
The partnership between the Department of Health and the Aboriginal Health Council of Western Australia (AHCWA) will benefit from an additional $500,000 over three years
AHCWA is a key organisation in improving access to effective and appropriate health services to Aboriginal people.
Established in 2005, it is the peak body for 19 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services in WA.
Mum’s day at park
A Mother’s Day event is planned for Beelu National Park at Mundaring.
Part of the Department of Environment and Conservation Nearer to Nature program, the event focuses on mothers and daughters.
It will be held on 8 May from 1-3.30pm at the Perth Hills Centre, Mundaring and will cater for ages four and upwards at a cost of $25 per person.
To reserve a place call (08) 9295 2244, visit this PS News link or email n2n@dec.wa.gov.au
Heritage awards presented
Retired teacher Barrie Baker was among individuals, organisations and projects to be recognised at the 2011 Western Australian Heritage Awards.
Mr Baker was the winner of the individual contribution to heritage, category, having shown extraordinary dedication in the past three decades to promoting heritage conservation.
Brian Shepherd, who has been a driving force in educating heritage professionals, was named as the outstanding heritage professional.
Fremantle Prison received top honours for outstanding contribution to heritage by a public organisation. Fremantle Prison also received best heritage tourism product.
The City of Perth and the Shire of Toodyay were honoured for best heritage practices by Local Governments and the City of Joondalup’s Yellagonga Interpretive Signage Project received the best interpretation project.
Overpass removes crash threat
The opening of the Reid Highway overpass of Alexander Drive has eliminated the worst crash site in the Perth metropolitan area.
The $40.6 million involves two newly-constructed bridges carrying Reid Highway traffic over Alexander Drive.
More than 86,000 people use the intersection each day and in the 10 years to the end of 2010 it was the site of 719 crashes. Twelve people were seriously injured and another 121 people received medical attention.
Training scheme open
Nominations have been called for the One Sky, Many Paths leadership Indigenous training scheme.
Currently in the second year of a three-year trial, the program sees young Indigenous people from across the State take part in two weeks’ leadership training in Perth and 10 weeks in their own communities.
Nominations seeking Indigenous people aged between 18 and 24, close on 2 May.
New bus service
Changes to bus operations in the south-east quadrant of the Perth metropolitan area include a new service between the Murdoch and Armadale stations.
Beginning on 9 May, the service will replace route 529 between Armadale and Cockburn Central Station, which was given a six-month trial.
To allow enough time for changes to be implemented, 529 will finish on 6 May, with the new service starting on 9 May.
Ticketing website launched
BOCS Ticketing and Marketing, which serves the Perth Theatre Trust, has launched its new website.
General Manager of the Trust, Alan Ferris said the new website offered many new features and an enhanced look and feel.
“Perth Theatre Trust is committed to building the BOCS business,” Mr Ferris said.
12 April, 2011
Nolan to head up new
Finance Department
A new Department of Finance is to be created on 1 July 2011.
To be headed by the current Director General of State Development, Anne Nolan, the Department will concentrate on revenue, the management of Government building projects, the Office of Shared Services and works and administration.
It will also play a role in analysing the performance and capital expenditure budgets of Government Trading Enterprises (GTE).
Announcing Ms Nolan’s appointment, Premier Colin Barnett said she was one of the State’s leading Public Servants and brought strong economic credentials to the role.
“Ms Nolan’s extensive understanding of the resource and infrastructure needs of the State will also be important in relation to oversight of GTE capital programs given the enormous demand for Government expenditure,” Mr Barnett said.
“Her experience holds her in good stead for the complex financial issues likely to be facing the State in the next few years and I congratulate her on this new role.”
Minister for Finance, Simon O’Brien said Ms Nolan’s new role was important to Government and her background and successful management of the Department for State Development showed she had the skills and expertise to undertake this challenge.
“I am confident Anne will provide the right leadership to drive the new Department of Finance and I look forward to working with her,” Mr O’Brien said.
Tim Marney will continue in his existing role as Under Treasurer in the Department of Treasury.
The Public Sector Commissioner will conduct an expression of interest process to fill the role of Director General of the Department of State Development on an acting basis.
12 April, 2011
Annual awards for
Annual Reports
The Western Australian Branch of the Institute of Public Administration Australia has presented its latest awards for Annual Reports.
Governor of Western Australia, Ken Michael was the special guest at the Institute’s 26th W.S. Lonnie Awards which were presented at the Hyatt Regency Hotel last week.
The Awards, which promote excellence in annual reporting, attracted Chief Executives, Directors General and Commissioners from many State Government Agencies and statutory bodies, all hoping to take out the prestigious WS Lonnie Memorial Trophy.
President of the Institute, David Gilchrist said that receiving a W.S. Lonnie Award was a high accolade for any Agency and demonstrated its commitment to transparency, authenticity and integrity when it came to producing its annual report.
“Judging is very thorough as every Agency’s annual report is scrutinised and judged on very stringent selection criteria. It’s important to note that an organisation cannot nominate for the award, every organisation’s annual report is automatically included,” Professor Gilchrist said.
Chair of the Judging Panel, Christopher Doepel said the 2011 Award winners demonstrated the following characteristics at a level of excellence:
They were crisp and clear in what they did and for whom; they integrated visual images and statistical information in a complementary and balanced way; they were transparent in the presentation of their financial information; at least one Agency used visual humour.
Those awarded the top accolades for Annual Reporting were:
The W.S. Lonnie Memorial Trophy, Office of the Auditor General;
The Margaret Nadebaum Trophy, Insurance Commission of Western Australia;
Margaret McAleer Special Commendation, Public Transport Authority;
The Allan Skinner Trophy, Office of the Auditor General.
General Awards:
Category 1 (Agencies with up to 100 full time equivalent employees (FTE)):
Gold, Economic Regulation Authority.
Category 2 (Agencies with 101 – 1,000 FTEs):
Gold, Office of the Auditor General.
Category 3 (Agencies with up to 1,000 FTEs):
Gold, Public Transport Authority.
Category 4 (Government Trading Enterprises):
Gold, Insurance Commission of Western Australia.
Specialist Awards:
Office of the Auditor General Award for Transparency & Accountability,
Disability Services Commission.
Ombudsman Western Australia Award for Complaints Handling,
Disability Services Commission.
Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia Award for Chief Financial Officer of 2010:
Sandy Kerr (Department of Regional Development & Lands).
Finalists: Raymond Willis (CFO at the Dept of Education Services),
Peter Parolo, CFO at the Department of Water.
Department of Treasury & Finance Award for Performance Reporting:
WorkCover Western Australia
Joint Award led by the Department of Commerce for Occupational Safety, Health and Injury Management:
Main Roads Western Australia.
The Public Sector Commission Award for Good Governance:
Ombudsman Western Australia.
Award for Excellence in Compliance Reporting:
WA Police.
12 April, 2011
City banks on 5-year
financial plan
A Strategic Financial Plan that will guide Perth’s budgeting process through to 2016 has been approved by the City Council.
The plan recommends strategies to ensure the City maintains its strong financial position while delivering major capital works projects.
Lord Mayor, Lisa Scaffidi said the plan showed that the Council was committed to the continuing funding of bold, major projects that would improve the city for current and future generations.
“We are changing our city for the better and accompanying the delivery of these major projects are sound financial management principles,” Ms Scaffidi said.
“A number of these projects now have the green light from State and Federal Governments which, with a robust strategic financial plan, is going to enable our vision to be realised.”
The Strategic Financial Plan includes
Funding to be available for the Perth City Link, a new City Library, further upgrade of Forrest Place and more streetscaping as well as an affordable housing project for inner city workers.
West Perth Town Square and Concert Hall upgrade to have funding reserves in place for future starts.
The proportion of rates to total income to increase over the next five years from 38 per cent to 48.6 per cent.
An initial rates increase of 2.12 per cent above CPI in 2012, with the increase reducing to 1.12 per cent above CPI in the following year.
The Strategic Financial Plan is available from this PS News link.
12 April, 2011
One Movement
out of sync
There will be no One Movement for Music festival in Perth this year, pending a review of its structure.
Executive Director of Eventscorp, David van Ooran said the goal was to have it back in a revamped format in 2012.
“Eventscorp views One Movement as an evolving event that will take several years to develop and reach its full potential,” Mr van Ooran said.
“Many of the leading music industry festivals around the world took a while to establish.”
One Movement is part of a longer term strategy for Tourism WA to foster international events that are anchored in, and owned, by the State. It provides diversity to WA’s events calendar and creates community vibrancy.
“However, what has become clear after two years is that, despite modifications being made in the second year, the festival component of One Movement held on The Esplanade isn’t working,” Mr van Ooran said.
The music industry conference, fringe and showcase elements are achieving positive outcomes, but the festival is incurring losses for the event organisers that cannot be sustained.”
Directors of One Movement Pty Ltd projected the event would run at a loss in the first few years as it was being established, but not of the scale that had occurred.
“We discussed holding a smaller event in 2011, without a festival component, and a reduced number of acts and showcases, but decided it was better for One Movement’s long term future to concentrate on getting the new model right and aim for a successful 2012 event,” Mr van Ooran said.
12 April, 2011
Northbridge planners
land planning award
The East Perth Redevelopment Authority (EPRA) has been honoured with a major award by the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA).
EPRA’s project to transform Northbridge into a cosmopolitan residential and business community has won the Award for Excellence in Urban Renewal, beating strong competition from across Australia.
The project also received the UDIA President’s Award, selected from the winners of the 14 award categories, recognising best practice in urban renewal.
Minister for Planning, John Day said the judges praised New Northbridge for transforming a dilapidated urban environment into a vibrant, cosmopolitan community.
“Receiving these accolades from UDIA provides an opportunity for many business owners, developers and more importantly, the community, which has supported the project, to share in its success,” Mr Day said.
“EPRA’s project has not only become a case study for urban renewal, but an economic and social success that West Australians can be proud of.”
The New Northbridge project began in 2000 and revitalised a 27 hectare land corridor that was left vacant or neglected following the construction of the Northbridge Tunnel.
The area now reflects the rich history and culture of Northbridge and provides a modern, safe and enjoyable place for Perth’s growing inner-city community.
“Award-winning projects like New Northbridge will complement the Perth City Link and Perth Waterfront developments which will change the way many West Australians interact with our city,” Mr Day said.
12 April, 2011
WA blood program a
cut above the rest
A program to help reduce the need for blood transfusions and improve results for patients has been introduced by WA Health.
Chief Medical Officer, Simon Towler said the Patient Blood Management (PBM) program would benefit patients undergoing surgery or medical treatments which risked significant blood loss.
“It involves comprehensive pre-surgery assessment, advanced surgery techniques, and close collaboration with healthcare providers to safely minimise the need for blood transfusions,” Dr Towler said.
Its introduction follows the success of a pilot program at Fremantle Hospital.
Dr Towler said that recent medical research showed that PBM strategies resulted in fewer complications for patients, faster recoveries and shorter stays in hospital.
He stressed that Australia had one of the safest blood supplies in the world and that donated blood was a life saving resource which was still very much needed in the community.
“In WA, the use of transfused blood products is increasing as the population ages and the range of medical treatments expands,” he said.
Dr Towler said WA Health would introduce the PBM program at major hospitals.
“Education and training programs will be provided to doctors, nurses, scientists and other allied health professionals as the program is rolled out,” he said.
The move would make WA Health among the first to introduce a comprehensive PBM program.
Dr Towler said PBM was endorsed by growing international and national evidence which supported the use of blood management techniques.
12 April, 2011
Housing in serve on
tenants’ racket
Public housing tenants face a tougher ‘three strikes’ policy under a series of amendments and initiatives in response to anti-social behaviour.
The changes follow an urgent review into the Department of Housing’s implementation of the Government’s Disruptive Behaviour Management Strategy, which came into effect in December 2009.
Minister for Housing, Troy Buswell said some specific cases over the past month highlighted two key areas of concern: The fact that there was too much scope for discretion in the three strikes policy, and that the implementation of the policy had been inconsistent.
“We have strengthened and streamlined the policy and put a number of additional measures in place to ensure it is used to effectively manage anti-social behaviour by public housing tenants, in order to protect the community,” Mr Buswell said.
“We have clarified the guidelines used to assess the severity of disruptive behaviour, removed unnecessary and problematic discretion and ensured that action taken against tenants is stronger.”
Under the improved policy, sanctions against tenants will be applied based on the severity and frequency of proven disturbances. These are:
Dangerous behaviour: The Department of Housing will initiate immediate legal action to seek eviction.
Serious behaviour: A subsequent incident within 12 months will trigger legal action to evict the tenant.
Minor behaviour: Three strikes within a 12-month period will trigger legal action to evict the tenant.
“We will trial a framework based on a 12-month period. Previously we used a six-month period. A tenant who receives three strikes will face eviction, even when disruptions fall within the minor category,” Mr Buswell said.
12 April, 2011
Parents toast guide
on youth drinking
The Drug and Alcohol Office has issued a guide for parents on youth drinking.
It recommends no alcohol consumption before 15 years of age and delaying initial consumption for as long as possible.
The joint launch of the Young People and Alcohol booklet between the Drug and Alcohol Office and the Department for Communities’ Office for Youth, outlines the latest research into the effects of alcohol on young people.
A 2008 Western Australian survey found that 40 per cent of young people got their first alcoholic drink from their parents
Minister for Mental Health, Helen Morton said alcohol-drinking environments and the broader drinking culture were harmful to young people, even when a child was not drinking.
“Parents need to be aware that they can have a strong influence over whether a young person drinks or not.” Mrs Morton said.
Minister for Youth, Robyn McSweeney said community attitudes to drunkenness had an impact on the drinking choices young people made.
“For safe and healthy development of young people we should do whatever we can to discourage young people from starting to drink, and drinking harmfully, for as long as we can,” Mrs McSweeney said.
The National Health and Medical Research Council’s guidelines found delayed drinking meant young people were less likely to develop long-term drinking problems.
“This publication gives parents tips on understanding the impacts of alcohol on young people, as well as on communicating with their children when it comes to issues like drinking,” Mrs Morton said.
12 April, 2011
Victims of crime
wanted for group
Past crime victims are being sought to join a reference group that advocates on their behalf.
Six victim representatives will be appointed as members of the Victims of Crime Reference Group for a term of up to two years.
The group is an advisory committee to the Attorney General and meets on a regular basis to address victim-related issues and improve the delivery of justice services to victims of crime in Western Australia.
Attorney General, Christian Porter said the Government was committed to improving services to crime victims in Western Australia, and ensuring they have a voice in the delivery of practical, positive and appropriately-targeted justice outcomes.
“The Victims of Crime Reference Group has been instrumental in providing advice and input into a number of Government reforms and improvements for victims of crime,” Mr Porter said.
One of the key reforms achieved by the reference group was the establishment in 2009 of a dedicated website for WA crime victims.
Since its launch more than 37,000 people have accessed the website at www.victimsofcrime.wa.gov.au.
The key responsibilities of the group are to advise the Attorney General on policies as to how victims are to be treated, support services for victims and entitlements of victims; consult victims, community victim groups and Government Agencies on issues and policies concerning victims and promote legislative, administrative or other reforms to meet the needs of victims.
Appointed members will be required to attend up to five meetings per year and be committed to the key responsibilities of the group.
12 April, 2011
City age program
coming of age
The City of Perth is conducting on online survey to find out how to make itself more “age-friendly.”
It has secured funding from the Department of Communities as part of its Age Friendly Communities Local Government Grants Program 2010.
The Age-Friendly Communities (AFC) project is concerned with getting people’s views and aspirations on what needs to be improved to make the City more accessible to older citizens.
The emphasis is on grass roots consultations, including the survey, but also though a number of focus groups, to identify priority areas for action.
It lists eight ‘quality of life’ areas to be considered: Outdoor spaces and buildings, transport, housing, social participation, respect and social inclusion, civic participation and employment, communication and information, and community support and health services.
Views are being sought from citizens in their 50s 60s, 70s, 80s and beyond.
This online survey has been especially designed to be user friendly to older people. It is not long and is made up of three parts.
The first focuses on the age-friendliness of the city, the second asks about the person’s future plans and priorities and finally the survey respondents are asked to give a few personal details.
The City will include all respondent surveys in a draw from which one survey respondent will be chosen at random to receive the offer of a meal for two at The Royal on the Waterfront – East Perth, plus taxi fares.
The closing date for the survey is 2 May.
12 April, 2011
Babies earmarked
for hearing tests
A total of 97 per cent of babies born in public metropolitan hospitals and 96 per cent born in country hospitals have been screened under the WA Newborn Hearing Screening Program.
This exceeds the 95 per cent screening target for babies across the State.
The figures bring WA in line with national standards being developed as advised by the Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council.
Minister for Health, Kim Hames said the State Government’s expansion of the service from five to 29 public maternity hospitals had seen a dramatic improvement in screening rates.
The program, run by the Child and Adolescent Health Service with support from the WA Country Health Service in rural and remote areas, is now rolled out State-wide.
More than 139,000 newborn babies have been screened through the program to determine whether they have any hearing abnormalities so they can be identified and managed as soon as possible.
A non-invasive device, which delivers a soft clicking sound through ear-phones and picks up the baby’s response through sensors on their skin, is used to screen newborn babies from 12-hours-old.
“Hearing loss can be a debilitating disability so identifying and managing these babies early significantly improves their chances of meeting positive language and speech outcomes,” Dr Hames said.
“In Western Australia, one in 1,000 babies tested have some type of hearing impairment. By managing issues early with support such as sign language, hearing aids or cochlear implants, we can help these children to reach their full potential in speech, language and cognitive ability.”
12 April, 2011
DEC intent on
camping blitz
A crackdown on illegal camping on Midwest Coast conservation reserves over Easter will be conducted by the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC).
Jurien Bay Parks and Visitor Services Coordinator at DEC, George Watson said the coastline between Lancelin and Dongara was becoming increasingly popular as a camping destination.
“Cervantes, Jurien Bay, Green Head and Leeman all have popular campsites, but many people seeking isolated locations are illegally camping in fragile coastal environments,” Mr Watson said.
“The opening of Indian Ocean Drive last year has improved access to much of the Midwest coast for holidaymakers and the sheer number of visitors to coastal communities in this region is increasing the pressure on the coastal environment.”
Holiday shack communities of Wedge and Grey were of particular concern.
“Until last year these communities were isolated by a rough four-wheel drive track and a low level of responsible camping around Wedge was acceptable. However, camping in these environmentally sensitive areas is now prohibited,” he said.
Visitors should adhere to the numerous signs in the region, or risk receiving infringement notices and being moved on.
“It is unfortunate, but this coastal environment just cannot sustain the level of illegal camping occurring at the moment,” Mr Watson said.
“Until new infrastructure can be built for camping and caravanning, campers are asked to use the camp sites and Shire facilities provided in towns along the coast.”
12 April, 2011
The eyes have it for
reading challenge
A major expansion of the annual Premier’s Summer Reading Challenge has been announced.
The Multiple Sclerosis Society’s MS Readathon program will join with the Premier’s Challenge to form a bigger and broader reading challenge over the annual summer school holiday period.
Minister for Education, Liz Constable said literacy was fundamental to success in school, the workplace and the broader community.
“Tens of thousands of Western Australian children have taken part in the annual Premier’s Summer Reading Challenge since it began in 2003 and many children also complete the MS Readathon each year,” Dr Constable said.
“It makes sense to combine these two successful and similar programs to maximise the literacy impact.”
Dr Constable made the announcement while congratulating the winner of the major prize for the Premier’s Summer Reading Challenge 2010-2011, Karrinyup Primary School student Jonah Scriven.
Jonah (10) won a family trip to Broome thanks to sponsorship from QBE Insurance for his efforts over the six-week holidays.
The MS Readathon has been an Australian institution in schools for more than 30 years and Chief Executive of the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Marcus Stafford said children taking part in the new Premier’s Summer Reading Challenge would have the option to also raise funds for the MS Society of WA.
12 April, 2011
Mental illness group
to make headway
Expressions of interest have been called to form a consumer peak body to represent people with an experience of mental illness in Western Australia.
The Mental Health Commission is seeking interested parties to develop the WA Association of Mental Health Consumers.
The commission has allocated up to $250,000 per year to fund the body, the first of its kind in WA. Its aim will be to provide an informed and assertive collective voice, designed to protect the rights and promote the wellbeing of people with a mental illness.
Minister for Mental Health, Helen Morton said consumers had described the initiative as a watershed in mental health reform. The voice of mental health consumers would be heard through the peak body.
“This new association will give them a strong voice to advocate on behalf of each consumer and to support and empower them,” Mrs Morton said.
She said the association would focus on mental health law reform and the recognition of, and respect for, the rights of people living with a mental illness.
It would also be the advocate for an expanded role for consumer consultants, peer support workers and consumer representatives, as well as working to deliver better information and referral services for people living with mental illness.
Applications from interested organisations close on 20 May and the successful organisation will be announced in June.
Meanwhile the Western Australian Association for Mental Health will receive $1,695 million over the next two years to distribute to more than 75 non-government not-for-profit Agencies.
Mrs Morton said the funding would empower more than 11,000 West Australians with a mental illness to greater levels of care through self-directed support.
A database of existing services within the non-government sector will also be designed as a practical, user friendly directory for consumers.
12 April, 2011
Drilling program
making a point
Resource companies are showing considerable interest in the latest round of the Co-funded Drilling Program in greenfields or underexplored areas.
The first application round for 2011 closed on 25 March and attracted 60 applications, including eight from prospectors.
Minister for Mines and Petroleum, Norman Moore said the Co-funded Drilling Program was a competitive industry-targeted program.
“Gold and base metals exploration targets featured in many of the applications, with iron ore, nickel and the platinum group elements the next most popular commodities,” Mr Moore said.
“The 60 applications, which sought a total of $5.75 million in co-funding from the State Government, were competing for an available pool of $4 million.”
The Minister said the program was the centrepiece of the $80 million Exploration Incentive Scheme (EIS) which is funded through the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program.
The program has supported several new discoveries over the past two years including iron ore, uranium, copper and new gold discoveries near Warbuton and in the Tropicana belt.
“The successful applicants in the latest round will undergo an exhaustive evaluation of the criteria addressed in the online application system. This evaluation is undertaken by an independent panel of exploration geologists with significant industry experience,” he said.
The program refunds up to 50 per cent of direct drilling costs to successful applicants with refunds capped at $30,000 for prospectors and $150,000 for general projects. This amount can increase to $200,000 for a single, deep hole project.
Mr Moore said the latest round of grants would cover drilling undertaken between July 2011 and June 2012.
12 April, 2011
Training awards to
recognise class
The 2011 WA Training Awards program is open for nominations.
Individuals, employers and training organisations have been invited to nominate for the Awards that recognise outstanding achievements in the Vocational Education and Training sector.
Winners will share in more than $100,000 in cash and prizes, and will have the opportunity to compete against the best in the nation at the Australian Training Awards in Brisbane later this year.
Last year’s awards attracted 232 entries across 13 categories. This year, there are 14 categories, with the addition of the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Training Award.
Minister for Training and Workforce Development, Peter Collier said the growing job market in WA resulted in strong demand for people undertaking traineeships, apprenticeships or professional courses through private and State-funded training institutions.
“The relationship between the growth of jobs and training is undeniable,” Mr Collier said.
“We are developing the State’s reputation by creating a highly-skilled workforce, which is reflected in the quality of trainees and apprentices who are working in all sectors of industry.”
Employers were constantly looking for the best and the quality of entrants at the more than 400 institutions around the State was second-to-none.
Nominations for this year’s awards can be lodged until 5pm on Friday, 13 May. Winners will be announced at a presentation evening hosted by Mr Collier at the Perth Convention Exhibition Centre in September.
12 April, 2011
Waterwise hits 500
The Water Corporation has recognised Maylands Peninsula Primary School as its 500th Waterwise School.
The program educates students, their families and the wider community about the need to value, protect and conserve Western Australia’s water resources.
It was introduced to schools in 1995. Since then it has played a prominent role in promoting a sustainable future by educating students across the State on a range of water issues.
Heritage awards hit record
The 2011 Western Australian Heritage Awards has received a record number of 73 nominations. Last year, 45 nominations were received.
Now in their 19th year, the awards will be presented in 11 categories.
The winners will be announced on April 14 during a week of activities to celebrate Australian Heritage Week.
Weeds at lowest levels
Skeleton weed infestation is at its lowest level in 12 years a meeting of Department of Agriculture and Food staff and Local Action Group coordinators has been told.
The area infested stands at 880 hectares, down from 1,702 hectares in 2009-10 and is the lowest since 1998-1999.
Dry conditions have provided an opportunity to have an impact on known skeleton weed plant populations.
Crossbows crossed out
Crossbows have been reclassified from a controlled weapon to a prohibited weapon in amendments to the Weapons Act 1999. The change came into effect on Saturday.
The decision has followed an agreement by the Australasian Police Minister’s Council that crossbows should be prohibited across Australia.
Genuine collectors of crossbows will be exempt as will people belonging to an archery club or needing them for dramatic productions.
Retailers will still be able to sell and supply crossbows but only to those who qualify for one of the exemptions.
Roundabout rounded up
Upgrading of the Eelup traffic roundabout in Bunbury - the site with the highest number of crashes in Western Australia – has begun.
A total of 650 crashes have been recorded in the past five years - at an estimated cost of $11 million.
The $16 million upgrade includes the installation of traffic signals and a left slip lane for southbound traffic.
Coast awards open
The 2011 Western Australian Coastal Awards for Excellence are open for nominations.
The awards take place every two years and are part of the Coastwest program co-ordinated by the Department of Planning and the Western Australian Planning Commission.
They recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of individuals, community groups, schools, businesses and Governments in the protection of WA’s coastal and marine environments.
Laurel is No. 1 senior
Laurel Cheverton (94) has been presented with a No 1 WA Seniors Card in recognition of her being the State’s first and longest seniors card holder.
She initially received the card in April 1988.
Seniors card holders can access up to $1,400 in benefits annually.
New dog at Kimberley
A ‘passive response’ Labrador detector dog will help Quarantine WA search for items which may pose a risk to the State’s agricultural industries in the East Kimberley.
The dog will stay in the area for two weeks to coincide with the beginning of the tourist season.
During the season checkpoint inspectors can inspect up to 400 vehicles each day.
5 April, 2011
Information probe
uncovers concerns
The Western Australian Ombudsman’s review of the management of citizens’ personal information in the Public Service has found there are opportunities for improvement.
Ombudsman Chris Field said allegations of inaccuracy and inappropriate use of personal information were sources of complaints to the Ombudsman’s office which he used to launch an own-motion investigation of the management of personal information at three State Government agencies.
“State Government Agencies properly require individuals to provide a range of personal information about themselves in order to deliver services, carry out law enforcement, administer regulations and perform other statutory functions,” Mr Field said.
He said inappropriate use of that personal information was wrong.
“Practically, it can compromise an individual’s privacy leading to undesirable outcomes,” he said.
Mr Field said the objective of the investigation was to determine whether Agencies were effectively managing personal information; to assist Agencies to improve their management of personal information and identify good practice, lessons learnt and opportunities for improvement that might be useful to other Agencies.
He said rather than investigate all Agencies, he decided to look at a sample and sought information about the volume and type of personal information collected and processes for collecting, processing, storing, using, disclosing and destroying personal information.
He said the Ombudsman’s report set out good practices, together with observations about opportunities for improvement.
Mr Field said some of the good practices observed were the understanding of the importance of managing personal information effectively; maintaining the privacy of personal information; clear, comprehensive and easily accessible privacy statements; steps taken to ensure that people from non-English speaking backgrounds understood the purpose and implications of providing their personal information and effective quality controls.
He said opportunities for improvement included informing individuals why their personal information was being collected; not collecting information that was not necessary at the time it was collected; and ensuring ICT systems allowed the effective disposal of personal information.
He said he also found instances where personal information recorded in paper form was not kept secure; safeguards over personal information held in electronic form were at times not used in practice; measures to prevent inappropriate use and disclosure of personal information were at times not in place; and there was uncertainty about how to apply the good practice principles to the personal information of children.
Mr Field said the participating Agencies all received the Ombudsman’s observations positively.
The full report is available at this PS News link.
5 April, 2011
Agencies train eyes
on business trainees
Departments and Agencies have been invited by the Public Service Commission to consider recruiting a Business Trainee.
The PSC said more than 300 young people were ready to start a 12-month Business Traineeship in the WA Public Sector where they would learn a range of office, business and administrative skills.
It said on successful completion of the traineeship, the Business Trainee would earn a nationally recognised qualification.
The Commission said that more and more school leavers were opting to undertake further study and training rather than looking for full-time employment.
“In today’s labour market, it makes sense to employ a trainee that you can develop in line with your business needs,” the Commission said.
The PSC said it will coordinate the Business Traineeship Program which is made up of candidates, under 25, interested in and available for metropolitan-based Business Traineeships that arise in the WA Public Sector.
It said it recruits candidates on a regular basis, maintains a database of candidates and their resumes and refers candidates to State Government Agencies for assessment.
It said any Public Sector Agency can recruit a Business Trainee from the program, at any time during the year, by simply submitting a trainee request.
The Commission said trainee wages started from $256 per week up to $587.20.
For more information on Public Sector Trainee Wages, the Commission directed enquirers to the Department of Commerce’s, Labour Relations Circular to Departments and Authorities No.11 of 2010.
For more information on Traineeships in the WA public sector it directed them to this PS News link.
5 April, 2011
Career guidance
has busy year
The first year of the Department of Training and Workforce Development’s Workforce Development Centres has seen over 17,000 West Australians receive valuable career guidance.
Minister for Training and Workforce Development, Peter Collier said this figure includes almost 1,800 people who have received assistance through specialised career development services.
Mr Collier said the centres were established to provide comprehensive career development services and were a key component of Skilling WA, a strategy aimed at addressing the State’s looming skills shortages.
He said the services were critical in enabling West Australians to reach their full potential, participate effectively in the workforce and tap into the many career opportunities that were available.
“Workforce Development Centres assist individuals of any age and at any point throughout their lives to make more informed educational, training and occupational choices,” Mr Collier said.
“The centres play an important role in helping the State Government to achieve increased participation in the workforce.”
He said the network of 14 metropolitan and regional centres operate from 35 locations and have provided more than 95,000 career development activities including individual career guidance, training and employment information, local job market information, referrals to training providers and other services, career development resources and tools.
He said the centres are part of a broader, co-ordinated approach the Government is taking to develop WA’s workforce to meet an increased demand for skilled labour.
5 April, 2011
Boat comes in for
marine education
The Department of Fisheries and Woodside Energy have cooperated in the production of a new website to provide marine education resources to primary school teachers.
Minister for Fisheries, Norman Moore said the website was an exciting development for marine education in WA and gave teachers extensive and up-to-date content to help students understand and value the diversity, complexity and beauty of the marine environment.
“There are five themed modules on the website, with resources to meet the demands of WA’s curriculum framework and the new Australian curriculum,” Mr Moore said.
“While the initial target is primary schools, new resources will be uploaded regularly, including content currently under development for secondary schools. A full suite of secondary school resources is expected to go online by next year.”
The Minister said MarineWATERs would also tap into social media activity.
“Having a presence on Facebook will give MarineWATERs a chance to recruit supporters and spread the Fish for the Future message which is so important in educating about protecting the State’s important marine environment,” he said.
“The website will support teachers through lesson plans, fact sheets and information on current and emerging issues as well as provide links to credible and relevant sources.”
He said Woodside Energy’s sponsorship of $300,000 had helped make the new website project possible.
The new website, MarineWATERs is accessible to the public by registering at this PS News link.
5 April, 2011
Regional phone scheme
makes call for tender
Tenders have been called for the $39.2 million Regional Mobile Communications Project (RMCP).
Minister for Regional Development and Lands, Brendon Grylls said a State Telecommunications Needs Assessment and community consultations had indicated only a low level of mobile coverage and broadband internet was available in regional Western Australia.
Mr Grylls said the tender proposals must outline how the telecommunications carriers would deliver mobile voice communications to the greatest possible number of coverage locations.
“The shortcomings of mobile telephone coverage on the State’s major regional highways need to be improved not only for mobile telephone but also for radio communications coverage, which is essential for our police and emergency services, business and recreational purposes,” Mr Grylls said.
“The selection of tower locations will need to integrate with existing mobile communications network infrastructure.”
Minister for Science and Innovation, John Day said the Regional Mobile Communications Project would have many benefits for regional WA including improved road safety for travellers in remote and other communications black-spot locations throughout the State.
“This regional communications project...will ensure coverage of major roads, highways and communities, located in regional, rural and remote WA,” Mr Day said.
The RMCP was being administered by the Department of Commerce in consultation with the Department of Regional Development and Lands.
Telecommunications carriers will have until 5 May to propose a solution.
5 April, 2011
Tax review to add
value to GST
The Federal Government’s announcement of a review of the Goods and Services Tax has been welcomed by Premier, Colin Barnett.
The review, to be completed in time for the 2014-15 Budget year, also has scope to examine the Premier’s idea of a ‘floor’ in the GST of 75c in every dollar.
“I am convinced the current arrangements for distributing the GST are unsustainable and the Prime Minister is aware of my views,” Mr Barnett said.
“West Australians are willing to assist other weaker States through the GST carve up but we are not prepared to cop a return of just 68c for every GST dollar we pay, let alone the scenario we face in 2014-15 when we are forecast to receive less than 40c back for every dollar.”
Mr Barnett said a 75c floor would give WA more certainty over revenue and allow it to make the long term investment decisions it needs.
“If we had a 75c floor, the State would retain an additional $5.6 billion in GST revenue over the next four years and would allow us to get on with the business of powering Australia’s economy,” he said.
Prime Minister, Julia Gillard said she had appointed Nick Greiner, John Brumby and Bruce Carter to conduct the review.
“The review will lead to a simpler, fairer, more predictable and more efficient distribution of the GST to States and Territories,” Ms Gillard said.
“Instead of States facing penalties for economic growth and rewards for economic underperformance, the GST distribution process should encourage economic reform and better delivery of services, and provide States with certainty.”
Prime Minister Gillard said she recognised growth in the mining sector was increasing the discrepancy in the revenue raised by States and Territories, as well as making it more difficult to anticipate GST distribution from one year to the next.
The review will not affect the distribution of the GST revenue in 2011-12 or 2012-13.
5 April, 2011
Mines Dept digs in
on restoration
A Preferred Option Paper, outlining its preferred option for Western Australia’s future mining securities system, has been released by the Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP).
Director of Environment for DMP, Phil Gorey said the Preferred Option Paper suggested that a fidelity fund model - the Mine Rehabilitation Fund - had the potential to provide a suitable alternative to the current environmental bonds system.
“It is important that the community can be assured that it will not bear the cost of rehabilitation and mine closure,” Mr Gorey said.
He said it would be a requirement that a mine security system would meet the cost of rehabilitation after a mine closed.
Mr Gorey said the paper built on submissions received on the Preliminary Discussion Paper on Policy Options for Mining Securities that was released by the Department for public comment in December 2010.
“The State’s current mining securities system, based on environmental bonds, has not kept pace with the rising costs of rehabilitation over recent years, resulting in a situation where bond levels are now generally well below the actual cost of rehabilitation and mine closure,” he said.
“To address the State’s financial exposure in relation to companies being unable to fulfill their rehabilitation and mine closure obligations, the Government is committed to establishing a system which will ensure mining securities adequately cover rehabilitation costs.”
He said the Department considers that such a fund could be established to address the State’s financial risk while providing a more cost effective alternative for industry.
Mr Gorey said the fidelity fund model was identified as the most preferred suitable alternative based on stakeholder submissions received by the Department on the earlier discussion paper.
“The Preferred Option Paper provides a unique opportunity for stakeholders to continue to be actively involved in the development of the State’s future mining securities system, and I strongly encourage all interested parties to consider the proposed model and provide feedback,” he said.
Submissions close on 4 May.
5 April, 2011
Campers canvas
new website
Another popular campground has been added to the Department of Environment and Conservation’s campgrounds website, allowing campers to book their accommodation at the click of a button.
Parks and Visitor Services Officer at DEC, Elisa Skillen said the new website would allow visitors to Lane Poole Reserve, 100 kilometres south of Perth, to easily secure a camping spot during peak times.
She said it was a convenient way for people to organise their visits throughout the year.
“The new online booking system enables people to plan their holiday in advance and will help ease the pressure of high seasonal demand at popular camp sites,” Ms Skillen said.
She said the booking system only applied to camp sites at Stringers, Yarragil, Tony’s Bend, Charlie’s Flat and Chuditch.
She said the other sites in Lane Poole Reserve were still operating on a first-come basis but there were plans to add other camp sites to the system.
Ms Skillen said she was confident that the online booking system would help reduce the frustration which was often expressed by visitors who drove long distances and found they were unable to secure a camp site for the night at Lane Poole Reserve.
“Over the past few months, Lane Poole Reserve rangers have been handing out brochures to visitors to advise them of the new system,” she said.
“This has proved very effective as all camp sites available through the online booking system have already been snapped up for Easter.”
Ms Skillen said online bookings were also available for campgrounds at Cape Range National Park, Purnululu National Park and Beelu National Park.
Information and bookings can be accessed at this PS News link.
5 April, 2011
City precinct
at crossroads
Components of a draft urban design study for Hamilton Precinct in the City of Perth have been accepted by the Council.
Lord Mayor, Lisa Scaffidi said the 7.4-hectare area, which was bounded by Mitchell Freeway, Railway Street and Loftus Street in West Perth, included the City West retail complex, Plaistowe Mews and a diverse range of commercial businesses.
Councillor Scaffidi said the precinct, which was mixed-use, was important as it was the north-western gateway to the city.
“There is great scope to enhance this area as an entry to the city and to introduce more life into the area by realising its residential possibilities,” Councillor Scaffidi said.
“With a total area of only 8.1 square kilometres in the City of Perth Local Government area, the use of pockets such as this is very important.”
She said the Council saw great opportunity for medium-density residential development along with well-planned commercial and mixed-use space.
“The precinct is strategically very well positioned as it is in close proximity to the freeway, the City West railway station and the central business district,” she said.
“That is an ideal location for both residential and commercial expansion.”
She said the precinct’s name derived from Sir Ian Hamilton, a British military general best known for commanding the ill-fated Mediterranean Expeditionary Force at the Battle of Gallipoli.
5 April, 2011
Nurses trained for
sex case victims
The first nurses in Western Australia have graduated from a forensic training course.
Minister for Police, Rob Johnson said their new qualifications meant the 11 nurses and midwives from Bunbury could collect valuable samples from sex assault victims.
Mr Johnson said the course was developed following the successful passage of amendments to the Criminal Investigation Act 2006.
He said the previous situation meant that only doctors were authorised to conduct the majority of forensic procedures in cases of sexual assault, such as the ability to search the intimate areas of a victim’s body and remove, or take a sample of, any evidence.
“However, victims of sexual assault in regional areas were disadvantaged if a doctor was unavailable and often meant they had to travel excessive distances in order to undergo a forensic examination to collect vital evidence,” Mr Johnson said.
“This situation led to significant shortfalls in the quality of forensic evidence due to the long delays in transportation, which is vital for any successful prosecution of offenders in court.”
He said having trained nurses available to carry out the internal forensic procedures would mean a better outcome for victims in country WA and would, in many instances, eliminate the potential loss of forensic evidence.
The Minister said WA Police had been working on a proposal to develop Regional Sex Assault Advisory Groups in major centres across the State, based on the metropolitan Sexual Assault Services Advisory Group (SASAG) model.
He said two regional SASAGs had been formed in Kalgoorlie-Boulder and Bunbury, with plans to open a further two in Geraldton and Albany.
He said discussions had also occurred in the Pilbara and Kimberley districts.
5 April, 2011
Health campaign
puts STI to bed
The Department of Health has launched a new advertising campaign encouraging young people to have themselves tested for Chlamydia.
The campaign is part of a push to curb the increase in Chlamydia notification rates.
Sexual Health and Blood-borne Virus Program Manager at the Department of Health, Lisa Bastian said this year’s campaign would encourage young people and their partners to get tested if they have had unprotected sex.
“Chlamydia is a serious sexually transmissible infection that can lead to serious long term health effects,” Ms Bastian said.
“If left untreated it can affect men and women’s reproductive health, leading to difficulties in falling pregnant, ectopic pregnancies and pelvic inflammatory disease in women, as well as infertility in both sexes.”
Ms Bastian said the number of Chlamydia cases was on the rise in Western Australia, reflecting a trend seen across Australia and the world.
“Between 1998 and 2010 the number of Chlamydia infections reported to the Department of Health increased from 2,067 notifications in 1998, to 10,227 in 2010,” she said.
Ms Bastian said the campaign has received support from the Youth Affairs Council of Western Australia (YACWA) – Youth Educating Peers Project, who will team up with WA Health to promote it during the current Youth Week.
She said as part of the campaign, GPs will be sent a Partner Notification Resource to urge patients with Chlamydia to encourage their partners to be tested.
She said testing for Chlamydia involves a simple urine test and it can be treated by a single dose of antibiotics.
The 2011 Chlamydia campaign will run to 30 June.
5 April, 2011
Guidelines show way
for Indigenous jobs
A practical set of guidelines to encourage and promote Aboriginal participation in the civil construction and landscaping industries in Western Australia has been established.
Minister for Lands, Brendon Grylls said the guidelines were the product of a collaborative effort by LandCorp, the Government’s Land Development Agency and the Civil Contractor’s Federation (CCF).
Mr Grylls said a working group was formed, with key Indigenous groups also taking part, to develop the guidelines.
“This shows what can be achieved when you have a strong, practical commitment on the part of everyone in the employment chain, from the person seeking work to the training and support organisations, public and/or private developers and employers,” Mr Grylls said.
He said the CCF would continue to be assisted by other Government Agencies, most notably the Department of Training and Workforce Development and the Department of Indigenous Affairs.
Minister for Training and Workforce Development, Peter Collier said individual contractors would work with LandCorp and the CCF to continuously improve the guidelines and manage their practical implementation across the industry.
“But they are just a starting point and, over time, the guidelines will evolve as the partners consider and develop new and better ways to help achieve long-term improvements in the lives of indigenous Australians,” Mr Collier said.
He said he did not want to see a piece of paper full of nice words but which was, in reality, impractical and doomed to remain at the bottom of in-trays.
5 April, 2011
Resources making
big noise in boom
Figures recently compiled by the Department of Mines and Petroleum show the State’s resources industry reached a record $91.6 billion in 2010.
Minister for Mines and Petroleum, Norman Moore said Iron ore remained Western Australia’s most valuable resource, accounting for $48.5 billion or 53 per cent of all mineral and petroleum sales in 2010.
Mr Moore said strong demand, especially from China, underpinned the sector’s continued record levels of iron ore shipments.
He said recently completed iron ore projects and expansions to existing mines helped boost the State’s iron ore output by 10 per cent to 391 million tonnes.
“The petroleum sector, which includes crude oil, condensate, LNG, natural gas, LPG butane and propane, also performed strongly throughout last year,” Mr Moore said.
“As WA’s second biggest resource sector, petroleum accounted for 25 per cent or $22.9 billion of total sales, representing a 36 per cent increase in value compared to 2009.”
He said the gold sector had also demonstrated an impressive increase of 35 per cent over the previous year, reaching $7.8 billion.
The Minister said in response to higher prices, the output of gold increased by 25 per cent to 5.9 million ounces.
“Iron ore, petroleum, and gold continue to drive strong economic growth in WA and together account for 87 per cent or $79 billion of all mineral and petroleum sales in 2010,” Mr Moore said.
“Continued growth in demand from major trading partners including China, Japan and the Republic of Korea pushed export earnings from the State’s resources sector to record levels despite a strong appreciation in the Australian dollar.”
He said as a result of increased volumes and higher commodity prices, 2010 mineral and petroleum exports accounted for 91 per cent of the State’s total merchandise export earnings.
5 April, 2011
Students’ units
pass the test
Funding of 1,000 new units is set to benefit University of Western Australia (UWA) students.
Minister for Housing, Troy Buswell said the units were being paid for out of round three of the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS).
Mr Buswell said the units would provide students from a low socio-economic background, Indigenous students, relocating from rural and remote areas, those who had a disability or are women enrolled in non-traditional disciplines with a place to call home while studying.
He said NRAS provided rental accommodation for low to middle income earners, and conditions had been placed on UWA’s application to ensure those most in need would benefit.
“Students often experience financial stress during their years of study, so the provision of 1,000 new units will significantly increase the low-cost accommodation available to them,” Mr Buswell said.
“The housing will also be made available to tenants other than students.”
The Minister said 3,100 NRAS incentives had been supported in WA, with more expected in the future.
“NRAS has been very successful in this State, demonstrated by the fact we have 17,000 applications vying for the remaining 1,900 places,” he said.
“Due to this success, I have written to the Federal Minister to request an additional 5,000 NRAS incentives for WA.”
Federal Minister for Sustainability and Communities, Tony Burke said the units, in five locations, would also ease pressure on the region’s rental market.
5 April, 2011
Curtin home a
window on past
Comprehensive conservation and interpretation works on the Cottesloe home of wartime Prime Minister John Curtin, has resulted in it being opened to the public.
Premier Colin Barnett, speaking with Prime Minister Julia Gillard at the Curtin Family Home, said it was a place of great cultural significance for Australia.
“It has been home to four generations of the Curtin extended family who have lived there for more than 75 years and is one of only three former Prime Minister’s homes in Australia accessible to the community,” Mr Barnett said.
“The home is now available as short-term accommodation to ensure the future of this important feature of Australia’s political history.”
The home was built specifically for Australia’s 14th Prime Minister, John Curtin and his wife Elsie in 1923 when he worked as a journalist before entering Parliament.
Mr Curtin was Prime Minister from October 1941 until his death in 1945, leading the country through the most critical years of World War II.
He is the only Australian Prime Minister to represent a WA electorate.
Mr Barnett said the home was an example of a commitment from both the Federal and State Governments to ensure a significant aspect of Australia’s national heritage was conserved for future generations.
The cultural significance was officially recognised when it was entered on the (WA) Register of Heritage Places in 2000.
The house was initially purchased by the State Government in 1999 from Elsie Curtin Junior for $550,000. Half of the cost was met by the Federal Government.
5 April, 2011
Parks gate left open
for comment
The Conservation Commission is seeking community comment on a draft management plan for parks and reserves in the Perup area.
Minister for the Environment, Bill Marmion said the draft plan would cover the Greater Kingston and Lake Muir National Parks and 17 nature reserves including Lake Muir and Tone-Perup Nature Reserves - an area of 106,900 hectares.
Mr Marmion said the area had immense flora and fauna conservation importance as it was one of the last remaining strongholds of the threatened woylie, numbat, tammar wallaby, Muir’s corella, Australasian bittern and Balston’s pygmy perch.
“The site contains the biggest natural sedgelands in WA and is one of only a few wetlands in the State that is in almost pristine condition,” Mr Marmion said.
“The wetlands are also a significant refuge for 35 migratory bird species.”
He said several reserves also lay within the Lake Muir/Unicup Natural Diversity Recovery Catchment, which the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) managed under the State Salinity Strategy to help recover and protect the wetlands from salinity.
The Minister said the planning area contained important visitor facilities including the Perup Nature’s Guest House and the Lake Muir Observatory, with the majority of visitor use being low impact recreation such as day trips for bushwalking, eco-education, bird watching and nature photography.
“Also of great importance are the Aboriginal sites of mythological, ceremonial, cultural and spiritual significance, and non-Indigenous sites associated with early settlement, agriculture and forestry,” he said.
Mr Marmion said the draft plan was prepared by DEC on behalf of the Conservation Commission of WA, following extensive community consultation during the past two years, including eight community workshops, two of which were with native title claimants.
The public comment period closes on 3 June.
5 April, 2011
Rats rated rotten by
protection agency
Warnings have been issued over the possibility of the Pacific Rat becoming established on mainland Australia.
The Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia said the rat would be an extreme threat if it moved out of its natural habitat on islands surrounding Australia.
Spokesperson at the Department, Win Kirkpatrick said it was vital the rat did not spread to the mainland where it would be a major threat to Australian agriculture.
She said the Pacific Rat was well established in Asia, and has had a major impact in New Zealand where it has contributed to the extinction of the Greater Short-tailed Bat and the decline of ground-nesting birds, reptiles and large flightless invertebrates on some offshore islands.
“In Australia, Pacific Rats could impact agricultural crops including cereals, flowers, fruit (such as grapes, pineapples and passion fruit), legumes, nuts, oil seeds, sugarcane and vegetables,” Ms Kirkpatrick said.
She said the Pacific Rat often lives in close association with humans so it could spread diseases such as leptospirosis, which could cause serious illness.
Ms Kirkpatrick said the Department was also concerned about hares and communities in the Great Southern have been asked to report any sightings.
Departmental spokeswoman, Marion Massam said a photograph was handed to the Department late last year of a hare shot at Lake Norring near Wagin withn other general reports of hares near Williams, Narrogin and Kojonup.
“Hares are declared pests in Western Australia, and currently there are no known wild populations in this State,” Ms Massam said.
“It is important for the Department to know of any sightings quickly, if we are to continue to protect our agricultural industries and native wildlife from this exotic pest.”
5 April, 2011
Mosquito warning strengthened
Extra care to avoid mosquito bites should be taken when living or visiting northern and central Western Australia, the Department of Health has warned.
This has followed widespread detection of the mosquito-borne Murray Valley encephalitis and Kunjin viruses and an increase in reports of people with Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus diseases.
Recent rainfall and flooding in the northern half of the State had resulted in large numbers of mosquitoes that could be carrying these viruses.
More comment on mine closures
A second version the Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP) and the Environmental Protection Authority’s (EPA) joint Guidelines for Preparing Mine Closure Plans has been issued.
It will mean the mining industry will have another chance to comment.
The new version of the guidelines follows extensive consultation with key stakeholders and incorporates submissions received on the first draft, released for public comment in October 2010.
School gets prison furniture
PrisonNorth Cottesloe Primary School has been supplied with benches and seating built by the prisoners from Casuarina Prison.
The project, overseen by the Department of Corrective Services, was supervised by Cabinet Workshop Supervisor, Tony Gilmour and Metal Trades Supervisor, Kevin Bellis.
Principle at North Cottesloe Primary, Wayne Press said the benches and seating were well made and fitted in with the new courtyard.
Rail capacity up
Peak travel capacity on the Joondalup rail line will be increased by about 2,000 with the addition of four three-carriage sets of rail cars.
The rail cars had been reserved for the completion of the Butler extension in 2014.
Assurances have been given that the $240 million rail extension to Butler would still be adequately resourced when completed.
New library and art centre
A new library and art centre will serve the Shires of Carnarvon, Exmouth, Upper Gascoyne and Shark Bay.
The Carnarvon Library and Art Centre replaces the George Gooch Memorial Library.
The art centre will feature a gallery, presenting opportunities for artists across the region to exhibit their work.
Trade training opened
The new John Forrest Trade Training Centre in Perth has been officially opened.
The Centre, located at John Forrest Secondary College in Perth, received more than $2.5 million as part of the Federal Trade Training Centres in Schools Program.
It will be shared with Mount Lawley Senior High School and will have the capacity to train 60 pre-apprentices and 1,500 Try a Trade students each year.
Collie school reopens
Wilson Park Primary School at Collie, which lost 80 per cent of its buildings in a 2009 fire, has been officially reopened.
The school reopened its doors to students at the start of this school year.
Since the fire, students have been taught in transportable classrooms at Amaroo Primary School.
Agriculture award
The Young Professionals in Agriculture Forum’s top award has gone to Alana Shedley.
The forum was hosted by the Department of Agriculture and Food and the Australian Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology.
The award recognises the work of tertiary agriculture and natural resource management students who have completed an undergraduate degree.
Ms Shedley is currently working as a sustainable agriculture project officer with the South West Catchments Council.
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